BARBEL. CARP. 31 



they seek deep slow-running streams, near the bottom 

 of which they lie. A cold climate does not appear 

 to suit the barbel. In more southern latitudes, as in 

 the Danube and the Rhine, it is said to occasionally 

 reach 50 or even 60 Ibs. In Scotland this fish does 

 not appear at all. With the advent of frosty weather 

 in the fall, they leave the still deeps and holes, and 

 may be found at the bends of rivers, near bridges, 

 flood-gates, locks, and weirs, which form their haunts 

 during the winter season. Here they are often taken, 

 in favourable circumstances, in heavy quantities by 

 practical adepts. The mouth of the barbel is situate 

 much lower than is the case with most fish. It is a 

 flat-stomached fish, with a hog- shaped head and 

 snout. The fore-barbs, or wattles, attached to the 

 end of the latter, and appended to the corners of the 

 mouth, are plentifully encompassed by nerves, which 

 serve as feelers to the fish whilst foraging amongst 

 gravel, etc., in the bed of the water. It belongs to 

 the carp family, and is noted for its subtlety and 

 wiliness. Barbel are in the best condition in August 

 and September. 



'CARP (Cyprinus Carpio] do not thrive in northern 

 latitudes. Like the barbel, they attain much greater 

 dimensions in temperate and southern climes. It is 

 supposed by some that the whole carp family are not 

 indigenous to this country, which may be very 

 probable ; but nothing is certainly known of the 

 period or source of their original introduction. The 

 naturalist Linnaeus affirms that carp were first brought 

 to England about the year 1600, but this assuredly 



