74 MALACOP. ABDOM. CARP FAMILY. 



and ears into a cauldron linn. In confirmation of 

 this view we have the express testimony of Dr. 

 Parnell, that in the Sol way Firth he has seen, in 

 the month of June, five examples of this fish taken 

 in salmon-nets ; and he was moreover informed by 

 the fishermen, that in the early parts of the season, 

 these fish were frequently captured after the flood. 

 Upon the whole, we fear that upon this point we 

 may still repeat what was written by the Father of 

 Experimental Philosophy about two hundred and 

 fifty years ago, " I doubt there hath not been suffi- 

 cient experiment made of putting sea-fish into fresh- 

 water ponds and pools. It is a thing of great use 

 and pleasure ; for so you may have them new at 

 some good distance from the sea: and besides, it 

 may be, the fish will eat the pleasanter, and may 

 fall to breed/' (Sylva Sylvarum, century 8, 703.) 

 (Sp. 108.) L. vulgaris. The Dace bears a 

 strong resemblance, both in appearance and habits 

 to the Roach : it is not, however, generally so large, 

 seldom exceeding eight or ten inches; it is also 

 more elongated. The colour of the upper parts is 

 dusky blue, pale on the sides, white on the belly ; 

 the iris is straw-coloured ; with the pectoral, ventral, 

 and anal fins almost white, but tinged with pale red. 

 This fish, we believe, has never been observed in 

 Scotland ; but it is common in England, and on 

 the Continent; though scarcely so much as the 

 Roach. It prefers the deep waters of quiet streams, 

 where it is lively and frolicksome : it is gregarious, 

 and spawns, according to Mr. Yarrell, in June. Its 



