BARBEL. 



25 



are good in April or May, although in the highest per- 

 fection from September till the latter end of February. 



SECT. IX. THE BARBEL. 

 Cyprinus Bar bus. 



THIS fish belongs to the carp species, and though a 

 coarse and dry description of food, it is highly prized 

 by the angler, for the sport it affords. Its shape is 

 very fine, and, taken altogether, is a handsome fish. 

 The body is long, thick, arid full, the head oblong, and 

 the snout sharp. The back is of an olive-brownish 

 colour, and the belly silvery, the back and sides being 

 covered with small black spots. The mouth is under- 

 hung, and from the lower jaw depend four fleshy barbs 

 or wattels, whence the fish derives its name barb -el. 

 The back or dorsal fin has a sharp, strong ray, 

 apparently for the purposes of defence, as has also the 

 upper part of the tail. The fins are of a pale red 

 colour. In size, the barbel varies from nine or ten 



inches to a foot and a half in length; and in weight, 

 from one pound to seven or eight. It is said that some 

 have been taken weighing from 181bs. to 201bs. 



