GEN. GOBIO. THE COMMON GUDGEON. 59 



colours, however, vary considerably according to 

 their age, nutriment, and locality. This pretty little 

 fish is much used as bait for larger ones ; it affords 

 great sport to young anglers, taking the hook 

 greedily, even to a proverb, and is esteemed as 

 pleasant and light food ; hence it is frequently used 

 by invalids. Its usual size is from five to six 

 inches ; but Mr. Pennant states that those which 

 are caught in the Kennet and Cole are three times 

 the weight of those taken elsewhere ; the largest 

 he ever heard of was taken near Uxbridge, and 

 weighed half a pound. The operation of spawning 

 takes place in spring, and occupies a considerable 

 period, being as it were postponed and renewed 

 from time to time. The fry measures about one 

 inch in the beginning of August. The Thames, 

 Mersey, and Avon are famed for their fine Gudgeons, 

 and they thrive well in ponds abundantly supplied 

 with fresh water. They are frequently assembled 

 by raking the bed of the river, as to this spot they 

 immediately crowd, expecting food from the dis- 

 turbance. They swim in shoals, feed on worms and 

 acquatic insects, and so abound in some countries 

 that they are given to the hogs. The Thames 

 fishermen, as stated by Mr. Yarrell, take them in 

 shallow water, with the casting net, keeping them 

 in their well-boats till wanted. The London fish- 

 mongers are also able to keep Gudgeons alive for 

 several weeks in tanks, which are constantly sup- 

 plied with fresh water. Col. Montague informs us 

 that of the quantities of these fish, caught by the 



