234 



Of the Roach. 



This is perhaps the most common fish' hi the English 

 waters, and in consequence, is not so much valued as those 

 that are more rare, yet do not exceed in point of flavour. 

 The roach, when in season, which it is chiefly during the 

 winter, is both firm and well tasted. They are tolerably 

 good in the early part of the spring, and until they have 

 spawned, which generally happens in May -, though I 

 have caught diem full of roe so kite as the end of July. 



They are fond of weedy situations during the summer j 

 when they associate with die dace, and sun themselves in 

 shallow water; generally preferring sandy, gravelly, or 

 chalky bottoms : where there is either yellow or blue 

 marl, they thrive prodigiously. 



Such as are found in rivers are far brighter coloured, 

 stronger, and less muddy, than those bred in ponds. 

 They grow to a good size in some waters, averaging from 

 about six ounces to a pound j though they occasionally 

 reach to two pounds weight; but such are very rare. 

 Those of a middling size are the best flavoured, but are 

 troublesome eating, on account of their numerous small 

 bones. 



The roach bites freely before it spawns, and will do so 

 shortly after having cast her roe : the winter is the best 

 time for angling for this fish, when diey lay down at die 

 bottom, under the deep slow currents, and take a fine 

 worm very well : die best bait for diem, especially at 

 such times, is the salmons roe $ though they will bite 

 passably at its substitute j they likewise take the gentle, 

 the cadi ate, and most grubs ; nor do they refuse 



