140 NOTES ON REPTILES, AMPHIBIA, AND FISH. 



5. Gohio fluviati.lis, the Grudgeon. This species is common 

 in the Avon and its tributaries, sometimes being caught in 

 immense numbers. 



6. Tinea vulgaris, the Tcncli. Occurs in ponds in the 

 district ; in most cases it has, however, been introduced. It 

 occurs also in the Avon above T3ath, but is very rare in its 

 lower reaches. It is a common fisli in Holland, and is said 

 to have been first introduced into England in 1514, and was 

 kept in largo quantities by the monks. 



It is extraordinarily tenacious of life, and will survive 

 most extensive injuries. 



7. Leuciscus vulgaris, the Dace. Common in the Avon and 

 its tributaries; it is a very bright and graceful fish, and a 

 great addition to an aquarium. Its movements are as quick 

 and lively as those of a trout, and its bright and silvery 

 scales make it an especially attractive object. One I had, 

 though extremely shy and wild at first, soon became very 

 tame, and would take any number of flies from the fingers 

 of those it knew. 



About the beginning of April they ascend the Chew in 

 great numbers. They spawn in May and Juno. 



8. Leuciscus rutilus, the lloach. Very common in the 

 Avon and the Froome and Chew; some are sometimes 

 caught of large size in the Avon. 



9. Leuciscus cephalus, the Chubb. Occurs in the Avon, but 

 more common above Kelston than below; sometimes of 

 good size, six to seven pounds. 



10. Leuciscus alhurneus, the Bleak. Fairly abundant in 

 the AvoTi ; a bright, hvely little fish, seldom exceeding six 

 inches in length. It is rarely molested except for bait ; the 

 silvery pigment underneath the scales used to be used in 

 commerce for making artificial pearls, and vast numbers 

 were caught for this purpose. Tortunatoly for this little (ish 



