MINNOW 
eae 
Those were thrice-happy days when, with rod and line, 
I stole out of the old home at daybreak, and was by the 
water’s edge before the sun had dispelled the dew from 
the lush meadows across which I expectantly meandered. 
The Minnow occurs in a great many of our rivers and 
streams, but it must have clear-running water and a 
good current for it to thrive to advantage. It is only 
a small species, rarely attaining a length of more than a 
few inches. What it lacks in stature, however, it makes 
AWN, WY 
af 
any, 
Minnow 
amends for by its pretty colouration. This shows 
considerable variation, though, as a rule, it is silver-grey, 
with a green or darker back, and a band of golden colour 
along the upper part of the side. In some specimens a 
number of dark vertical bars occur from the back down- 
wards, and other markings may also be present. It 
spawns in early Summer when the male, as in the still 
more familiar Stickleback, puts on a red waistcoat, and 
there are little white tubercles on the head. The 
Minnow leads a follow-my-leader life, as it seems to be 
agreed that its movements are well-regulated, loyal 
response being made by the shoal to the directions given 
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