282 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER. 
STONE LOACH. 
The Stone Loach, or “ Beardie,” though a somewhat 
slenderer fish, closely resembles the Gudgeon both in 
shape, size, and colouring, haunting similar waters, and 
biting at the same bait—a small red worm, The normal 
position of the Loach is under stones; and here, of 
course, it is difficult for him either “to take’ or be 
taken by the bait. Consequently, he is of no interest 
to the angler as a sporting fish. He makes an excellent 
spinning-bait, however, especially for Lake Trout, in 
bright weather; and under that head will be found 
directions for catching him otherwise than by hook and 
line. For purposes of live-baiting the Loach is useless, 
being too delicate to survive the slightest exposure either 
to heat or air. 
MILLER’S THUMB, 
So named from the fancied resemblance of the head 
of the fish to the proverbial ‘Thumb of the Miller,” is 
in his habits, baits, &c., as nearly as may be similar to 
the last-named species. It is, however, of no use to the 
angler either for purposes of sport or bait. 
MINNOWS AND STICKLEBACKS, 
Are distributed so widely over most parts of the 
United Kingdom, and are so well known, as to render 
description superfluous. A small bit of the tail of any 
