64 CATECHISM OF 



small quantities of bread soaked in milk, on this 

 the creature will live and thrive. 



Q. What is the Barbus ? 



A. Cyprinus Barbus, or Barbel, is one of the 

 coarsest and most insipid of our fresh water fish ; 

 and so tame as to suffer itself to be taken by the 

 hand ; it grows to the length of three feet, and 

 sometimes weighs eighteen pounds. The dorsal fin 

 is armed with a strong spine, with which it can, 

 when provoked, inflict a severe wound. 



Q. What is the Tinea ? 



A. Cyprinus Tinea, or the Tench, was formerly 

 in no great repute, but is now esteemed a very ex- 

 cellent Fish ; it is of a dusky colour on the back, 

 the sides and belly of a greenish golden hue, and 

 its shape is short and thick. This fish is fond of 

 still waters, and is, therefore, seldom found in 

 running streams. 



Q. What is the Gobio ? 



A. Cyprinuus Gobio, or Gudgeon, is a small 

 fish, usually found in gentle streams ; it will bite 

 eagerly, and may be assembled by raking the bed 

 of the river, whither whole shoals instantly repair 

 in hope of food. 



Q. What is the Brama > 



A. Cyprinus Brama, or the Bream, is an inha- 

 bitant of lakes or the deep parts of still rivers. It 

 is an insipid fish and in little esteem. 



Q. Describe the Rutilus ? 



