BARBEL. 



79 



BABBEL. 



THE Barbel, which is found in some parts of 

 England, by the lengthened form of its body, some- 

 what resembles the Pike ; the upper lip, which 

 extends considerably beyond the lower, 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, swim- 

 ming with rapidity, and living not only on worms 

 and water insects, but occasionally preying 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 some degree 



