OREYLINGK 39 



grey, with numerous longitudinal dark stripes ; the 

 scales are large, and the lower edges dusky, forming 

 straight rows from the head to the tail, which is 

 much forked; the large dorsal fin is spotted, the 

 other fins are plain, and of a brownish cast. 



The largest Greyling ever caught in England 

 was taken at Ludlow ; it measured above half-a-yard 

 in length, and weighed four pounds and a half. 



The Greyling is a very swift swimmer, disap- 

 pearing like the transient passage of a shadow, from 

 whence is derived its ancient name of Umbra, or 

 Umber. It spawns in April and May, and is then 

 to be found in gentle gliding streams ; it is a vora- 

 cious fish, rising freely at the fly, and will very 

 eagerly take both worms and maggots ; it naturally 

 feeds upon all kinds of water insects, and the roe of 

 other fish. It is much esteemed for the delicacy of 

 its flesh, which is white, firm, and of a fine flavour ; 

 and is considered in the highest season in the 

 depth of winter. When first taken out of the 

 water it has a very peculiar smell, which is said to 

 be occasioned by its feeding upon water thyme. 



This fish, generally speaking, inhabits the same 

 streams as the Trout, and it frequently happens 

 that, in fly-fishing, the angler will take both at the 

 same stand ; and sometimes, when two or three flies 

 are fished with, one of each may be taken at the 



