THF. BLEAK. 



3^3 



however, are all found in other ftreams, while the white 

 bait is peculiar to the river 'l.hames. 



The white bait has a greater limilarity to the bleak 

 than any other fifli ; the number and difpolition of the 

 fins are the fame ; and the body is comprefled on the 

 fides, in the fame manner. The vx<ual length of this 

 fmall fpecies is two inches ; the dorfal lin is placed be- 

 fore the equilibrium ; fo that, when fufpended by it, the 

 tail finks down. The tail ig forked, and black on the 

 tips. Thefe fmall fry are ulually caught for the purpofe 

 of bait for other fifli ; when fried with flour, they are 

 reckcned a delicious viand by the lower order of epicures, 

 who frequent the taverns contiguous to the places where 

 ihey are taken *. 



* Brit. Zool. Species 176, 



