140 BRITISH FRESH-WATER FISHES 
success, for the dace is exceedingly nimble on the rise, and 
must be struck on the instant. Most of the fish taken will 
run from one-third to half a pound; but occasionally one 
of a pound weight appears, which may be reckoned the 
maximum size of this lively carp. 
The Minnow (Leuciscus phoxinus) 
Fins. | TEETH. 
Dorsal: 9 or 10 rays. | All pharyngeal, hooked, 
Anal: g or to rays. in two series, 4 OF 5 
Ventral ; 8 to 10 rays. | and 2. 
Pectoral : 16 or 17 rays. 
Caudal : 19 rays. 
The smallest of all British cyprinoid fish is the minnow, 
seldom exceeding three inches in length, although Dr. 
Ginther states that it grows to a “a length of seven inches 
in favourable localities.” It rejoices in a larger choice of 
English names than any fish except the chub, and the etymology 
of that in most general use—the literary name, in short— 
is rather complex. There is no doubt, however, that the 
root is min, small. In Scotland the popular name remains 
‘“‘minnin,” the same as it was in the fourteenth century. We 
read in Barbour’s famousypoem, The Brus (c. 1375), that Lord 
James Douglas acted as caterer to the King of Scots during 
his wandering in the Highland hills after the battle of 
Methven. 
Bot worthy James of Douglas 
Ay travaland and besy was 
For to purchas the ladyis met,* 
And it on mony wis} wald get. 
For quhilet he yenesoun tham brocht, 
And with his handis quhilet he wrocht 
Gynnis § to tak geddis || and salmounis, 
Troutis, elis,4{ and als menounis.** 
* Meat, food. +In many wise, ways. +Sometimes. § Snares. || Geds, 
pike. Eels, ** Minnows. 
| 
