THE LOACH 



{N^emachilus barbatiilus) 



The loach is common to the rivers of the United Kinedom, inhabit- 

 ing those of a slow-running nature. They invariably seek shelter 



Fli;. 239. — The Loach. 



under some flat stone, only to fall a prey at the hands ot some youth 

 expert in the art of "guddling." It is said to be good eating, but I 

 have never known it to be eaten by Scotch people. Loach take 

 worm freely, but are ot no sporting value, as they are so small, being 

 on an average from 3 to at most 5 inches in length. The colour 

 is usually olive with dark blotches ; the tail and dorsal fins are 

 mottled much like the markings on a feather. In Ireland they are 

 frequently used as a spinning bait for salmon and trout, as they are much 

 tougher and stand more knocking about than the much-used minnow. 



Printed by R. & R. Cl,\kk, Limited, Edinbui-gh 



