LOACH. 99 



the end of October, at which, period it secrets itself 

 beneath the mud; it usually assembles, in bright 

 weather, in small shoals in shallow places, being 

 particularly fond of warmth. 



The Minnow spawns in June, and is often 

 observed to be found in spawn during the greater 

 part of summer; from its small size it is not 

 much regarded in the list of eatable fish, though it 

 is said to be extremely delicate, and where found in 

 great plenty, is occasionally used for the table. It 

 is much more frequently the victim of anglers, who 

 procure it for the purpose of a bait for various 

 fishes, particularly the Trout. It is to be angled 

 for with a single hair line, having two or three of 

 the very smallest hooks attached, which are to be 

 baited with small red worms or maggots. 



LOACH. 



THE Loach is an inhabitant of clear rivulets, 

 and commonly resides at the bottom among stones 

 and gravel, and is on that account sometimes called 

 by the name of Groundling ; it is generally about 

 three inches long; is of a dirty yellow colour on 

 the back, and somewhat spotted, and white on the 

 belly. In point of delicacy is said to be equal, if 

 not superior, to most other fishes, and is cultivated 

 H 



