BRITISH FRESH-WATER FISHES 
species is contained in Dame Juliana Berner’s “ Boke 
of St. Albans,” which was first published in 1496, 
and dealt with the subjects of Hawking, Hunting, and 
Fishing. She was an Abbess of the Nunnery in ques- 
tion. As will be noticed, the present species belongs to 
a different genus to the other two, as it has two barbels 
on each side of the mouth, and may be at once identified 
by this means. 
It is an inhabitant of lakes, ponds, and rivers that are 
not too fast-flowing. ‘The largest fish I am acquainted 
with have resided for many years in a deep pool of 
the River Lea near Hatfield. ‘They delight in a muddy 
bottom, and even a wayside pond is likely to contain a 
good many specimens. ‘These, however, will be found 
to be small in size owing, apparently, to the meagre food- 
supply. ‘They are very hardy fish, and do well in an 
aquarium. ‘The diet is made up for the most part of 
water-weeds, but animal food is also taken, such as insects, 
shrimps, worms, and the like. 
As with Eels, Carp resort to the bottom during Winter, 
and will pass the time huddled together with their 
heads just protruding from the mud. They do not 
feed when in this torpid condition. The adult fish are 
difficult to catch with rod and line, as an old Carp is a 
wary creature, and is not readily caught napping. Young 
Crucian Carp are much more easily lured. 
It spawns in the early days of Summer in secluded 
retreats, depositing a large number of small eggs where 
the water is shallow, and there is a good supply of weeds. 
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