LAMPREY

an eel with some of the characteristics of the finned fishes, which reaches a length of one and a half to two and a half feet. It is in season during April and May, leaving the sea at that time to ascend the rivers to spawn. Its flesh is soft, glutinous and delicate, but most people find it very difficult to digest--hence the popular credence in the legend of the death of King Henry I from eating too many lampreys. In England, it is popular in the form of Lamprey Pie and Potted Lamprey.