72 MALACOP. ABDOM. CARP FAMILY. 



observed to leave Loch Lomond, to ascend the 

 different tributary streams for the purpose of depo- 

 siting their spawn. During this period, whicb^ 

 seldom lasts more than three days, the rivers are 

 literally swarming with their numbers, giving a fine 

 green appearance to the whole surface of the water. 

 On this occasion every basket and net in the neigh- 

 bouring villages are immediately put into requisi- 

 tion, and the thousands thus taken afford food for 

 the villagers for a short period. It is remarked by 

 anglers, that during the time these fish are in the 

 streams, and for a week after their departure, no 

 trout can be taken either with minnow, worm, or 

 fly, in consequence of the favourite food at that 

 time being the roe of the Roach. 



This fish, which is stated to be in the best con- 

 dition in October, is not much sought for the table. 

 It is often, however, used, as appears above, in 

 Scotland ; and also in London : it is very bony, and 

 is most prized for making excellent soup. 



The Roach seems eminently a fresh- water fish ; 

 and yet several facts have been collected which ap- 

 pear to show that, like many others of its class, its 

 habits, in this point, may undergo many decided 

 changes. Mr. Donovan, in his History op Bri- 

 tish Fishes, informs us that in the river Thames 

 one was caught about the middle of May, or early 

 in June, when these fish come up in shoals from the 

 sea to deposit their spawn in the higher parts of the 

 river. But, remarks Mr. Yarrell, the Roach, in 

 this instance, came only from the direction of the 



