TJie Chub. 



481 



THE CHUB, (Cyprinus cephalus,) 



Is of a coarse nature, and full of bones ; it seldom ex- 

 ceeds the weight of five pounds. The body is of an 

 oblong shape, nearly round ; the head, which is large, 

 and the back, are of a deep dusky green; the sides 

 silvery, and the abdomen white ; the pectoral fins are of 

 a pale yellow, the ventral and anal ones red ; and the 

 tail brown, tinged with blue at its extremity, and 

 slightly forked. This fish frequents the deep holes of 

 rivers, but in the summer, when the sun shines, it rises 

 to the surface, and lies quiet under the shade of the 

 trees, that spread their foliage on the verdant banks; 

 but yet, though it seems to indulge itself in slumber, it 

 is easily awakened, and at the least alarm dives rapidly 

 to the bottom. Although a leather-mouthed fish, it takes 

 every species of food, including small fish, the same as a 

 trout, though it is not so voracious. In March and April 

 this fish may be caught with large red worms ; in June 

 and July, with flies, snails, and cherries ; in August and 

 September, with cheese pounded in a mortar, mixed with 

 saffron and butter. When the Chub seizes a bait, it 

 bites so eagerly that its jaws are often heard to chop 

 like those of a dog. It, however, seldom breaks its hold, 

 and, when once struck, is soon tired. 



2t 



