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CYPRINIDiE. 



MINNOWS. 



Hydrargyra — A uctoru m . 



American Minnows. 



The Minnow Proper of Europe {Cyprinus, Leuciscus, Phoxinus), 

 is unknown to the waters of North America, but as their equi- 

 valents, and analogous to them, we have innumerable species of 

 the Hydrargyra, or American Minnow ; which, in general ap- 

 pearance, habits, and haunts, are very nearly assimilated to the 

 European fish. 



Its food consists of aquatic plants, small worms, and minute 

 portions of any animal substances. It bites boldly and readily 

 at small red worms, gentles, or the larvae of any of the Phry- 

 ganea, known as caddis-baits, stick-baits, and the like, on the 

 least Limerick hooks, number twelve ; and is constantly taken 

 by boys Avith a worm alone tied to a fine string, which the little 

 fish swallows so greedily that he is pulled out before he has 

 time to disgorge it. 



