22 



TINCA. 



CuTiER forms a separate genus for the Tench, the character of which 

 is, that in addition to other particulars of the genus Cyprinus the 

 dorsal and anal fins are short, without firm spines to the fins; a single 

 pair of small barbs at the angle of the mouth; scales on the body- 

 very small. 



TENCH. 



Tinea, Jonston ; pi. 29, fig. 7. 



" WiLLOUGHBY; p. 251, Table Q. 5. 



Cyprinus Tinea, Linn^us. Bloch; pi. 14. Donovan; pi. 113. 



" " Jenyms; Manual, p, 405. 



Tinea vulgaris, Fleming; Br. Animals, p. 186. 



" " Yakkell; Br. Fishes, vol. i, p. 375. 



There can be little doubt tliat tlie Tencb was known to 

 the ancients, since Willougliby informs ns that it is occasionally 

 found in the Tiber; and that it bore the name of Tinea, wliich. 

 is the origin of tlie English designation, ajjpears from Ausonius, 

 who is the only writer of his country that is known to mention 

 it, at least with any particular reference to its nature or habits. 

 And the reason of this omission appears to be that it was not 

 in esteem with them for the table; which was the principal 

 criterion by which the people of that day were accustomed to 

 measure the value of any object that could be eaten. But 

 we are referred to the writings of Cicero, from which we learn 

 that in consequence of some appearance or property in this 

 fish he chose to apply its name to an orator who was known 

 for some amusing peculiarity that could find some analogy 

 in the Tinea or Tench. In addition to this it may also be 

 suspected that the species termed the Black Cyprinus by ^lian, 

 an inhabitant of the Danube,- and which has been referred 

 to when we spake of the Carp, may rather be the Tench, as 



