MINNOW 



Those were thrice-happy days when, with rod and line, 

 I stole out of the old home at daybreak, and was by the 

 water's edge before the sun had dispelled the dew from 

 the lush meadows across which I expectantly meandered. 

 The Minnow occurs in a great many of our rivers and 

 streams, but it must have clear-running water and a 

 good current for it to thrive to advantage. It is only 

 a small species, rarely attaining a length of more than a 

 few inches. What it lacks in stature, however, it makes 



linnou> 



amends for by its pretty colouration. This shows 

 considerable variation, though, as a rule, it is silver-grey, 

 with a green or darker back, and a band of golden colour 

 along the upper part of the side. In some specimens a 

 number of dark vertical bars occur from the back down- 

 wards, and other markings may also be present. It 

 spawns in early Summer when the male, as in the still 

 more familiar Stickleback, puts on a red waistcoat, and 

 there are little white tubercles on the head. The 

 Minnow leads a follow-my-leader life, as it seems to be 

 agreed that its movements are well-regulated, loyal 



response being made by the shoal to the directions given 



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