350 



CYPRINID.E. 



British Zoology is that of a Rudd or Red-eye, and not that 

 of a Roach, as stated ; which the position of the dorsal fin, 

 and comparison with the figure of the Rudd, plate 83, page 

 479, will sufficiently testify. 



Roach are gregarious, swimming constantly in large shoals, 

 and feeding on worms and herbs. Pennant refers to a 

 Roach of five pounds 1 weight. Mr. Jesse says the largest 

 he has known to be caught in the Thames weighed three 

 pounds ; and Walton considered a Roach of two pounds 

 worthy of particular mention. Mr. Jesse says of the Roach 

 detained in his vivarium, that he has seen a Carp swim 

 among a shoal of them without producing the least disturb- 

 ance ; but if a Pike went near them, they made off rapidly 

 in all directions. The Roach spawns at the end of May or 

 the beginning of June, and the scales are then rough to the 

 touch. It is in little estimation generally for table, but is 

 best as food, as well as finest in colour, in October, a state 

 produced, probably, by the variety as well as quantity of 

 nutriment obtained during a long summer ; it is in this 

 month that it is most sought after by the Thames anglers. 



" As sound as a Roach," is a proverb that does not carry with 

 it the degree of conviction that usually attaches to a popular 

 apophthegm. It must, however, be remembered, that in the 

 older ichthyological works this fish was called Roche a term 

 probably derived from the French. The meaning stands 

 confessed, if we admit the pun upon the word ; and we ought 

 then to read, " as sound as a rock." 



The French connect the same idea of haleness with the 

 Ide, a fish previously described, which is known to them by 

 the name of Gar don. The English 'say also, " as sound as 

 a Trout ;" and the Italians connect the idea of health with 

 fish generally, e sano como il pesce. The Roach was first 

 described hv Rondelctius. 



