Loach. 



The loach is an inhabitant of clear rivulets, and 

 commonly resides at the bottom among stones and 

 gravel, and is on that account sometimes called by 

 the name of groundling; it is generally about three 

 inches long; is of a dirty yellow colour on the 

 back, and white and somewhat spotted on the belly. 

 In point of delicacy it is said to be equal, if not 

 superior, to most other fishes, and is cultivated 

 with much care in some places as an article of diet. 

 The loach is observed to spawn in March, and is 

 very prolific. It is frequently taken when angling 

 for minnows. 



Bullhead. 



The bullhead, or miller's-thumb, is to be found 

 in almost all rivers ; it rarely exceeds the length of 

 three inches ; its general colour is yellowish olive, 

 much deeper on the head, and upper parts of the 

 back ; and the whole body is more or less clouded 

 with small dusky specks ; the fins are large and 

 yellowish, and likewise speckled; the head is large 

 and flat, and broader than any part of the body. 

 This fish occasionally swims with great strength 

 and rapidity, when in pursuit of its prey; though 

 its general habit is that of lying on the gravel, or 

 tinder stones, in an apparently inert state. Not- 

 withstanding its disagreeable appearance, it is 'con- 

 sidered as an eatable fish, and is even regarded as 

 delicate ; the flesh turns of a red or salmon-colour 

 on boiling. The bullhead usually spawns in 

 March and April. This fish also is frequently 

 caiurht when angling 1 for minnows. 



D O O 



