ROACH AND RUDD. 73 



obvious structural difference, however, and one 

 which never varies, is to be found in the relative 

 position of the dorsal or back fin ; this in the 

 Roach commences or originates as nearly as pos- 

 sible over the ventral fins ; whilst in the Rudd it 

 originates considerably further back. 



By bearing these points in mind the angler need 

 never be in doubt as to which spepies he has in his 

 creel. 



When first caught I should unhesitatingly award 

 to the Rudd the palm for mere brilliancy of 

 colouring over all other British freshwater fish. 

 The reddish-gold, which is the prevailing body- 

 colour, varies in the varying shades of light ; the 

 eyes and fins are tinted different shades of crimson 

 and orange-scarlet, whilst the gill-covers and sides 

 are of a rich golden yellow. From these pecu- 

 liarities of colouring it is unnecessary to say that 

 it derives its name. Its specific appellation, ery- 

 thropthalmus (from the Greek, erythros, red, and 

 ophthalmos, the eye), has a similar origin. 



I was so fortunate, a few years ago, as to dis- 

 cover in some ponds near Romford, Essex, a 

 lemon or yellow-coloured variety of the Rudd. In 



