In May Oysters go out of season, and Cod becomes not so good; excepting these, all the fish that was in season at Christmas, is in perfection in this month.
In June Salmon, Turbot, Brill, Skate, Halibut, Lobsters, Crabs, Prawns, Soles, Eels and Whiting are plentiful and cheap. Middling sized Lobsters are best, and must weigh heavy to be good. The best Crabs measure about eight inches across the shoulders. The silver eel is the best, and, next to that, the copper-brown backed eel. A humane method of putting this fish to death is to run a sharp-pointed skewer or fine knitting needle into the spinal marrow, through the back part of the skin, and life will instantly cease.
In July fish of all sorts plentiful, except Oysters, and about at the cheapest. Cod not in much estimation.
In the months of August and September, particularly the former, fish is considered more decidedly unwholesome than at any other time of the year, and more especially in London. Oysters come in, and Turbot and Salmon go out of season. In choosing Oysters, natives are best; they should be eaten as soon after they are opened as possible. There are various ways of keeping and feeding oysters, for which see Index.
In October Cod comes in good season, also Haddocks, Brill, Tench, and every sort of shell fish.
In November most sorts of fish are to be got, but all are dear. Oysters are excellent in this month.
Fresh Herrings from November to January.
River Eels all the year.
Red Mullet come in May.
Flounders and Plaice in June.