GUDGEON. 91 



the scales are of a middle size ; the fins of a pale 

 yellowish brown, and the tail of a similar colour, 

 spotted with black; the upper jaw rather longer 

 than the lower, and furnished on each side with a 

 shortish beard. 



The Gudgeon is observed to reside principally 

 at the bottom of the streams which it frequents, 

 and it is usual with anglers to rake the bottom at 

 intervals, by which means these fish are assembled 

 in small shoals, expecting on the rising of the mud, 

 a supply of their favourite food, such as small 

 worms and water insects. 



It generally spawns in May, and is observed 

 not to deposit all its eggs at once, but at distant 

 periods, so that the spawning time lasts near a 

 month ; it is a very prolific species. As a table 

 fish it is in high estimation, being of a delicate 

 flavour, and considered as not greatly inferior to 

 the Smelt. 



The Gudgeon, in the summer months, is to be 

 found in light gliding streams ; but from Michaelmas 

 to April it frequents the deepest parts of the river. 

 It will bite any time of the day, particularly in warm 

 gloomy weather; small red worms or maggots are 

 the principal baits ; the line should be very fine, the 

 hook No. 8 or 9, letting the bait lie upon the 

 bottom. Gudgeons are excellent fish to entertain 

 young anglers. 



