140 THE PRACTICAL FISHERMAN. 



repute for the table where plentiful, and Linnseus asserts that Frederick 

 I. of Sweden had it imported into that country from Germany for his 

 own particular eating. Gesser is credited by Walton with asserting that 

 it is " very grateful both to the palate and stomach of sick persons." 

 The loach is a bold biter, and may be taken with a red worm and small 

 hook just before dusk in summer. The most primitive tackle suffices. 



The spined or ribbon loach (Cobitis tcenia) is another and the only other 

 species of loach found in England. I have met with it in Warwickshire, 

 and it is said to be occasionally found in Wiltshire, Nottingham, and 

 some tributaries of the Cam. It is, however, extremely rare. 



The size of the spined loach rarely exceeds three inches, and has its 

 head defended by two forked spines below the nostril, whence its name. 

 The slender shape of the fish gives rise to the appellation "ribbon" 

 loach. It is said to emit a guttural sound on being touched, but I cannot 

 ratify this. The only specimens I have seen did nothing of the kind. 

 The general colouring of this species is precisely similar to its congener, 

 viz., head, body, and sides clouded with brown on a yellowish ground ; 

 belly and under parts white or yellowish ; all fins spotted with brown ; 

 the irides of the eyes are of a beautiful pale blue. 



