188 BRITISH FISH AND FISHERIES. 



shillings per thousand. At present, the lampem 

 is far less plentiful in the Thames than for- 

 merly. In the Severn, the Dee, the Mersey, 

 etc., it still abounds. 



This species breeds in May, and is in the 

 best condition from October to March, during 

 which period only its fishing is permitted. 

 Cuvier states, that it is common in the fresh 

 waters of the continent. Like the sea-lamprey, 

 the lampern is in repute as a delicacy. 



A distinct species of lampern, called the 

 fringe- lipped lampern, {Petromyzon planeri,) is 

 occasionally to be met with in our rivers, and 

 more frequently in those of the continent. It 

 is as thick, but shorter than the preceding 

 species, and has its sucking lip peculiarly broad 

 and fringed. 



In the Thames^ and various other rivers, and 

 in the streams of the continent, is found a 

 species of lamprey, of very small size, being 

 only five or six inches long, and as thick as a 

 goose-quill. It is called the pride, or sand-pride, 

 or mud-lamprey, and in French, Imnprillon, 

 civelle, and chatonille, (Ammoccetes branchialis ;) 

 its lip is not circular, but presents the form of 

 a horse-shoe, and does not appear to act as a 

 sucker ; its mouth is destitute of true teeth. 

 This little lamprey lives in the mud, and so 



