194 RUFF. 



with the same baits. The usual time of spawning is the 

 spring, at which time the roe is shed in large quantity at a 

 good depth in the water, on sandy ground. By some this fish 

 is esteemed for the table. 



It rarely exceeds three or four inches in length. The out- 

 line of its shape rises from the snout to the beginning of the 

 dorsal fin, and the body becomes more slender as it approaches 

 the tail, which organ is large and forked. The eyes are 

 large, and placed high in the cheeks; front of the head 

 round and blunt; under jaw a little the shortest; teeth nu- 

 merous and fine. Cheeks with pits; border of the anterior 

 gill-cover with spines, and a longer spine on the hinder gill- 

 cover. The body covered with scales, which are rough to the 

 touch from the nature of the edge of each of them; hence 

 the name of the fish. Lateral line nearer the back. Dorsal 

 fin waved, but undivided, the fourth ray the longest, the 

 breadth growing narrower at the end of the spinous portion, 

 and again expanding as it approaches its termination. Anal 

 fin rather small, ending opposite the termination of the dorsal. 

 Pectoral round; ventrals large, thoracic. The colours vary 

 according to the nature of the river, from a greenish tint on 

 the back to a rich yellowish brown, lighter or whitish below, 

 and varied with scattered spots; fins spotted or with bars of 

 brown; tints of yellow on the sides. 



