270 FISHES OF THE FIRTH OF FORTH. 



half inches in length. The Minnow abounds in great num- 

 bers in some of the rivers in England, particularly in those 

 in the county of Devon, where it is not an uncommon oc- 

 currence, by making small bays, and by the aid of a net, 

 to procure from a peck to a peck and a half of these beauti- 

 ful little fish in the space of an hour. After the month of 

 June when most of them have finished spawning, the males 

 ascend the shallows in large shoals, occupying sometimes 

 the space of several feet in circumference, and giving the 

 water an appearance, with their little white spotted heads, 

 of a bed of Ranunculus aquatilis before the buds have fully 

 expanded. 



These fish are considered good, being sweet and well 

 flavoured, equalling any of the fresh-water fish as food. 

 When a sufficient number can be obtained for a fry, they 

 are in general cooked without being scraped or embowelled, 

 which adds greatly to their richness. Worms and aquatic 

 insects appear to be their principal food, although they are 

 sometimes observed to feed on dead animal matter. 



Genus COBITIS. — Dorsal and anal fins short ; nose 

 with cirri ; tail even. 



COBITIS BAB.BATULA.* The LoACH. 



Specific Characters. — Snout with six cirri ; nose without spines. 



Description. — From a specimen three inches in length. Body 

 elongated ; dorsal and ventral outline similar ; head one-sixth of the 

 whole length, caudal included ; depth less than the length'of the head. 

 Colour of the back and sides, yellowish-white, beautifully mottled 

 with dark brown ; dorsal, caudal, and pectorals of the same appear- 

 ance ; ventrals and anal nearly plain. First ray of the dorsal fin com- 

 mencing exactly midway between the point of the nose and base of 



* Cobitis barbatuht) Linn., Yarr., Jen., Penn. Loach, Beardie. 





