BRITISH FRESH-WATER FISHES 



species is contained in Dame Juliana Berner's " Boke 

 of St. Albans," which was first published in 1496, 

 and dealt with the subjects of Hawking, Hunting, and 

 Fishing. She was an Abbess of the Nunnery in ques- 

 tion. As will be noticed, the present species belongs to 

 a different genus to the other two, as it has two barbels 

 on each side of the mouth, and may be at once identified 

 by this means. 



It is an inhabitant of lakes, ponds, and rivers that are 

 not too fast-flowing. The largest fish I am acquainted 

 with have resided for many years in a deep pool of 

 the River Lea near Hatfield. They delight in a muddy 

 bottom, and even a wayside pond is likely to contain a 

 good many specimens. These, however, will be found 

 to be small in size owing, apparently, to the meagre food- 

 supply. They are very hardy fish, and do well in an 

 aquarium. The diet is made up for the most part of 

 water-weeds, but animal food is also taken, such as insects, 

 shrimps, worms, and the like. 



As with Eels, Carp resort to the bottom during Winter, 

 and will pass the time huddled together with their 

 heads just protruding from the mud. They do not 

 feed when in this torpid condition. The adult fish are 

 difficult to catch with rod and line, as an old Carp is a 

 wary creature, and is not readily caught napping. Young 

 Crucian Carp are much more easily lured. 



It spawns in the early days of Summer in secluded 



retreats, depositing a large number of small eggs where 



the water is shallow, and there is a good supply of weeds. 

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