THE DACE — ROACH. 



453 



shaded by trees or weeds. These fish often float on the surface, and 

 are sometimes found in deep waters, where the currents are strong. 

 In ponds fed by rivulets they grow to a great size. They seldom, 

 however, exceed the weight of four or five pounds. 



When the Chub seizes a bait, he bites so eagerly that his jaws are 

 often heard to chop like those of a Dog. He, however, seldom breakg 

 ius hold, and, when once he is struck, is soon tired. 



TKE DACE. 



The Dace is a gregarious and lively fish ; and during siimmez m 

 fond of playing near the 

 surface of the water. It 

 is generally found where 

 the water is deep, and 

 the stream is gentle, 

 near the piles of bridges. „.^, 



It also frequents deep 



holes that are shaded by the leaves of the water-lily ; and under the 

 foam on the shallows of streams. 



These fish seldom weigh more than a pound and a half; but they 

 are exceedingly prolific. 



THE ROACH. 



This fish is found chiefly in deep, still rivers, where it is oftea 

 seen in large shoals. In summer it fre- 

 quents shallows near the tails of fords; 

 or lies under banks among weeds, and 

 shaded by trees or herbage, especially 

 where the water is thick. As the winter 

 fipproaches, these haunt? are changed foi 

 <leep and still waters. 



The Roach is so silly a fish, that it has acquired the name of the 

 Water-sheep^ in contradistinction to the Carp, which from its subtlety 

 is termed the River-fox. Sound as a Boaeh, is a proverb that appears 

 imt indifferently founded. 



This is a handsome fish, either in the water or when immediately 

 taken out of it. The flesh, although reckoned wholesome, is in little 

 esteem, on account of the great quantity of bones. When Roach are 

 in season, their scales are very smooth ; but when they are out of sea- 

 son, these feel like the rough side of an oyster-shell. Their fins also 

 are geneially red when the animals are in perfection. These fish 

 differ much in quality, according to the rivers in which they ara 

 caught. None are good that are kept in ponds. 



Roach feed on aquatic plants and vermes. Their usual weight ia 

 from half a pound to two pounds. Some, however, have been known 

 to weigt as much as five pounds. 



