106 THE SPORTING FISH 



at each corner, whilst in the mouth of the Prussian 

 Carp no beards whatever exist. 



There are a good many other minor points of 

 difference which will be observed on a careful 

 comparison of the fish, but the above marks are 

 easily verified, and are amply sufficient for all pur- 

 poses of distinction. 



Some ichthyologists, including Yarrell, make a 

 third species of British Carp, which they name the 

 Crucian Carp (cyprinus carassius) ; but as this dis- 

 tinction is founded on one or two specimens only, 

 said to have been caught in the Thames, I am of 

 opinion that there is not sufficient ground for the 

 distinction, which adds a needless complication in 

 the way of the fisherman and student of ichthy- 

 ology. 



The Prussian Carp usually spawns about April 

 or May, or occasionally later, and in habits, food, 

 &c., has many points in common with the ordinary 

 Carp, from which it differs, however, in that it 

 rarely exceeds a couple of pounds in weight. 



The Prussian Carp is found in several counties 

 of England, and probably exists in many others 

 where it has not hitherto been noticed. It is par- 

 ticularly common in the neighbourhood of the 

 Thames. It seldom bites freely, and consequently 

 but little success attends the angler. In habits and" 

 food the Prussian Carp closely resembles the pre- 

 ceding species ; and it is so tenacious of life, that it 



