32 NATURAL HISTORY. 



flesh is readily eaten, although less esteemed than that 

 of the carp. 



The Red Bream (cyprinus rutilus) is rather broad ; 

 very scaly ; dark green above, silver white on the sides ; 

 eyes and fins cinnibar red ; its length seldom exceeds a 

 foot. It is a timid and cunning fish, darting deep into 

 the water on the approach of any one ; its food consists 

 of aquatic plants, worms, etc. It is mostly taken by a 

 hook baited with a dragon-fly ; the flesh is altogether 

 inferior, and very bony. 



The Common or Pale Bream (cyprinus brama). 

 Over one foot and a half in length ; body large, conical, 

 and covered with scales; sharp on the back: grayish- 

 blue above, yellow- white below ; keeps in deep waters, 

 and is so shy that it disappears at the slightest noise ; its 

 flesh is white, and much esteemed. 



The Roach (cyprinus leuciscus) is from four to six 

 inches long ; olive-green above, silvery, with a yellowish 

 tint on the sides, the ventral fins red. It is a common 

 fish, the flesh very white and tender, but so full of bones 

 that it is little valued, and therefore sold very cheap. 



The Bleak or Blay (cyprinus alburnus), only five 

 inches long, is thin, and covered with loosely placed sil- 

 very scales ; bluish-green on the back ; found every- 

 where in Europe, and more used as bait than an article 

 of diet. The nacreous substance winch gives brilliancy 

 to the scales, is employed for the manufacture of false 

 pearls. For this purpose the scales, which are easily 

 detached, are taken from the fish, placed in water, and 

 rubbed until the silvery substance which gives them their 

 metallic luster is removed ; it is then introduced as a lin- 

 ing to clear glass beads, and gives them the appearance 

 of the finest mother of pearl. 



