DEE OAC r 
(Nenachilus barbatulus) 
Tue loach is common to the rivers of the United Kingdom, inhabit- 
ing those of a slow-running nature. They invariably seek shelter 

Fic. 239.—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. 
Printed by R. & R. CLARK, LIMITED, Edinburgh 
