BRITISH SPORTING FISH. t4S 



in this particular show a striking contrast to the 

 Bleak, which is almost sprat-like in appearance. 



The term Bleak, having reference to its shining 

 white scales, is taken from a northern word signi- 

 fying to bleach or whiten, blik (Danish), blick, 

 (Swedish and German), " glance," " glimmer." 

 Indeed, this brilliant scalure appeared, some years 

 ago, not unlikely to lead to its total destruc- 

 tion. A silvery pigment is found on the under 

 surface of the scales, from which they derive their 

 metallic lustre ; and this colouring matter was 

 universally used in the bead trade for imparting a 

 pearly tint to their wares. 



So great was at one time the demand, when the 

 fashion of wearing imitation pearls was at its 

 height, that the price of a quart measure of scales 

 varied from one guinea to five. At one factory 

 alone, in Paris, 10,000 pearls were issued per 

 week ; and when it is considered that each pound 

 of scales cost the lives of 4,000 fish, and that this 

 pound only produced four ounces of pigment, some 

 estimate of the destruction effected amongst the 

 Bleak may be formed. Roach and Dace, and 

 some other fishes also furnished a colouring" sub- 

 stance, though of inferior quality, the best of all 

 being procured from the Whitebait. 



The Bleak swims usually in large sculls or 

 shoals, and spawns in May. In length it seldom 

 exceeds six or seven inches, and is exclusively, so 

 far as my experience goes, a river fish. 



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