I40 BRITISH FRESH-WATER FISHES 



success, for the dace is exceedingly nimble on the rise, and 

 must be struck on the instant. Most of the fish taken will 

 run from one-third to half a pound ; but occasionally one 

 of a pound weight appears, which may be reckoned the 

 maximum size of this lively carp. 



The Minnow {Leuciscus phoxinus) 



Fins. 

 Dorsal : 9 or lo rays. 

 Anal : 9 or 10 rays. 

 Ventral : 8 to 10 rays. 

 Pectoral : 1 6 or 1 7 rays. 

 Caudal .-19 rays. 



Teeth. 

 All pharyngeal, hooked, 

 in two series, 4 or 5 

 and 2. 



The smallest of all British cyprinoid fish is the minnow^ 



seldom exceeding three inches in length, although Dr. 



Giinther states that it grows to a " a length of seven inches 



in favourable localities." It rejoices in a larger choice of 



English names than any fish except the chub, and the etymology 



of that in most general use — the literary name, in short — 



is rather complex. There is no doubt, however, that the 



root is min, small. In Scotland the popular name remains 



*' minnin," the same as it was in the fourteenth century. We 



read in Barbour's famous poem, The Brus (c. 1375), that Lord 



James Douglas acted as caterer to the King of Scots during 



his wandering in the Highland hills after the battle of 



Methven. 



Bot worthy James of Douglas 

 Ay travaland and besy was 

 For to purchas the ladyis met,* 

 And it on mony wis f wald get. 

 For quhilei he venesoun tham brocht, 

 And with his handis quhilet he wrocht 

 Gynnis § to tak geddis || and salmounis, 

 Troutis, elis,5[ and als menounis.** 



* Meat, food, f In many wise, ways. + Sometimes. § Snares. Il Geds^ 



pike. H Eels. ** Minnows. 



