THE GUDGEON. 211 



who have eaten of its flesh. In the " Boke of St. Albans " 

 it says : " The barbyll is a sweet fysshe, but it is quasy 

 meete and perrylous for manny body." 



Barbel-fishing is a favourite pastime of some Thames 

 anglers, and fish of from 6 Ibs. to 8 Ibs., to even 10 Ibs., 

 are at times taken, and give very fine sport : 



" How pleasant in a dog-day sun, 

 When all on land looks dry and dun, 

 To spend the day upon the river, 

 On whose banks the osiers quiver ; 

 In a punt for barbel fishing 

 (Or anything not worth dishing), 

 With ' merrie companie ' ! " 



Salter states that in 1816 he knew of a barbel in 

 Hampton Court deeps that had several times broken away 

 from the hooks, and was supposed to weigh about 30 Ibs. 

 From his bold and piratical practices he was nick-named 

 Paul Jones. 



Barbel are omnivorous. The name is derived from 

 barba, a beard. They are prolific breeders, and after 

 spawning frequent the swiftest piece of water they can 

 find. 



THE GUDGEON. 



The GUDGEON (Gobio fluviatilis, Cyprinus gobio). 

 Izaak Walton says : "The gudgeon is reputed a fish of 

 excellent taste, and to be very wholesome. He is of fine 



THE GUDGEON. 



shape, of a silver-colour, and beautified with black spots 

 on his body and tail." There is a small barbel at the 



