DESCRIPTION OF THE CARP. 308 



at a very great size, having been taken up to eighteen pounds, 

 at which ultimum they are nearly as broad as they are long, 

 measuring thirty inches in length by twenty-two or three in 

 depth. 



'' They are in season for the table," says Yarrell, once more, 

 " from October to April, and are greatly indebted to cooks for 

 the estimation in which they are held. 



" The mouth is small ; no apparent teeth ; a barbule or cirrus 

 at the upper part of each corner of the mouth, with a second 

 smaller one above it on each side ; the nostrils are large, pierced 

 at the second-third of the distance between the lip and the eye. 

 The eye is small ; the operculum marked with striae radiating 

 from the anterior edge ; nape and back rising suddenly. The 

 dorsal fin-rays are twenty-two in number ; the pectorals, seven- 

 teen; ventrals, nine; caudals, nineteen. The first dorsal fin-ray 

 is short and bony, the second also bony and strongly serrated 

 posteriorly. The first anal fin-ray is also bony and serrated 

 posteriorly. The tail forked, the longest rays as long again as 

 those of the centre. The caudal rays of the two halves of the 

 tail always unequal in number in the Cyprinidce. The body 

 covered with large scales, about twelve rows between the ventral 

 and dorsal fins ; the general colour golden olive brown, head 

 darkest; irides golden; belly yellowish white; lateral line 

 interrupted, straight. Fins, dark brown." 



This fish is very well adapted for keeping iu muddy stew-ponds, 

 where he will become very fat, and can be used with advantage, 

 when no other fish is to be procured. 



