44 THE CHUB. 



twenty-five fish, weighing eighty-four pounds, and 

 but for the intrusion of a stranger, who coolly 

 stationed himself at the tail of my swim, and 

 whose fisherman caught a good many fish which 

 he hauled out, I should, no doubt, have killed 

 many more. 



The barbel is known as the largest of the family 

 of Cyprinida (" Cyprinus barbus"\ sometimes at- 

 taining the weight of twelve or fourteen pounds. 

 It spawns early in the summer. As an article of 

 food it is utterly worthless, at least to man, Pike 

 appreciate it when young, and its shape, like that 

 of the dace, peculiarly adapts it for a spinning 

 bait. I recommend its being used as such when- 

 ever taken. I cannot doubt but that this fish 

 operates beneficially in the humble capacity of 

 scavenger in the localities he affects. His large 

 size, voracious and indiscriminate appetite, and 

 habit of feeding at the bottom, justify the assump- 

 tion. Mr Frank Buckland should take him under 

 his especial protection. 



THE CHUB. 



The last of the " Cyprinida " to which I shall 

 refer (for though both the tench and the carp 



