THE LOACH 

 (Nemachilus barbaiulus) 



THE loach is common to the rivers of the United Kingdom, inhabit- 

 ing those of a slow-running nature. They invariably seek shelter 



FIG. 271. The Loach. 



under some flat stone, only to fall a prey at the hands of some youth 

 expert in the art of "guddling." It is said to be good eating, but I 

 have never known it to be eaten by Scotch people. Loach take 

 worm freely, but are of no sporting value, as they are so small, being 

 on an average from 3 to at most 5 inches in length. The colour 

 is usually olive with dark blotches ; the tail and dorsal fins are 

 mottled much like the markings on a feather. In Ireland they 

 are frequently used as a spinning bait for salmon and trout, as they are 

 much tougher and stand more knocking about than the much-used 



minnow. 



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