291 GUDGEON. BREAM. RO ACH. 



The tench is thick, and short in proportion to its breadth. 

 The colour of the back is dusky; but the head, sides, and 

 belly are of a greenish cast, charmingly blended with a 

 golden hue, particularly when the fish is in its highest 

 perfection. 



THE GUDGEON. 



The gudgeon is generally found in gentle streams ; and 

 seldom reaches half a pound in weight, or measures more 

 than six inches in length. The body is round, the scales 

 are small, the back is brown or olive-coloured, and the 

 belly is whitish. Its flesh is highly esteemed; and, as it 

 bites very eagerly, (from which circumstance its name has 

 long been used as a term expressive of stupidity,) it may 

 be caught with a variety of baits. It is usual to rake the 

 bed of a river to raise the mud, by which means the gud- 

 geons may be drawn to any particular spot. 



THE BREAM. 



This fish is found in lakes, and the deepest parts of still 

 rivers. The body is deep, and thin in proportion to its 

 length ; the back is much elevated ; and during spring, the 

 animal is scmetimes covered with abundance of minute 

 whitish tubercles. The back and fins are of a dusky hue, 

 the sides yellowish, and the tail represents a crescent. Its 

 flesh is little valued. 



THE ROACH. 



In some parts of the world the roach is found only in 

 stagnant waters ; but in Britain it thrives equally in ponds, 

 and still deep rivers. It is a gregarious fish ; and is re- 

 markably prolific, as well ah vivacious and active; and 

 hence the proverb, " As sound as a roach." 



This fish is deep, but thin ; the back is much elevated, 

 and sharply ridged; the scales are large and deciduous; 

 and the lateral line is considerably incurvated. It seldom 

 reaches any considerable size, though some have been 

 found weighing two pounds. 



