CHAP. 10.—WHEN SEA-FISH WERE FIRST EATEN BY THE PEOPLE OF ROME. THE ORDINANCE OF KING NUMA AS TO FISH.
Cassius Hemina informs us that sea-fish have been in use
at Rome from the time of its foundation. I will give his own
words, however, upon the subject:—"Numa ordained that fish
without [Note] scales should not be served up at the Festivals of
the Gods; a piece of frugality, the intention of which was,
that the banquets, both public and private, as well as the
repasts laid before the couches [Note] of the gods, might be provided
at a smaller expense than formerly: it being also his
wish to preclude the risk that the caterers for the sacred
banquets would spare no expense in buying provisions, and so
forestall the market."
