BARBEL. 



BARBEL. 



THE Barbel, which is to be found in some 

 parts of England, by the lengthened form of its 

 body, somewhat resembles the Pike ; the upper 

 lip, which extends considerably beyond the low- 

 er, is furnished with two long unequal barbs, or 

 beards ; its colour is a silvery grey, with a darker 

 cast on the upper parts ; the scales are round, 

 and of a middle size. 



The Barbel is usually found in deep and rapid 

 rivers ; it is a fish of considerable strength, 

 swimming with rapidity, and living not only on 

 worms and water insects, but occasionally prey- 

 ing on the smaller fishes. Its general length is 

 from eighteen inches to two feet ; it is said to be 

 of quick growth and to arrive at a great age. 

 It is a very coarse fish, and never admitted at 

 superior tables, having even the reputation of 

 being in soaie degree noxious ; the roe in par- 



