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. 



Dorsal : 9 or 10 rays. 

 Anal ; 9 or 10 rays. 

 Ventral : 8 to 10 rays. 

 Pectoral : 16 or 17 rays. 

 Caudal : 19 rays. 



TEETH. 



All pharyngeal, hooked, 

 in two series, 4 or 5 

 and 2. 



The smallest of all British cyprinoid fish is the minnow,, 

 seldom exceeding three inches in length, although Dr. 

 Giinther 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 famous poem, 'The Erus (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 f wald get. 



For quhilej he venesoun tham brocht, 



And with his handis quhilet he wrocht 



Gynnis to tak geddis || and salmounis, 



Troutis, elis,^[ and als menounis.** 



* Meat, food, f In many wise, ways. J Sometimes. Snares, 

 pike. 1f Eels. ** Minnows. 



I Geds, 



