THE CAEP FAMILY. 



93 



abundance and of heavy weight : of these, the Wey, in 

 Surrey, contains probably the finest specimens, though I 

 believe they are rarely caught. 



Of all fish, the Carp family generally are perhaps the 

 least carnivorous; and, indeed, their teeth, which are placed 

 in the throat, are entirely unsuited for purposes of seizing 

 or retaining prey. Their food consists of soft vegetable 

 substances, insects, and occasionally of worms or grubs. 

 Mud is often found in their stomachs, having been swal- 

 lowed, it may be, on account of the minute worms or other 

 animal matters it contains ; and I have met with instances 

 in which small fish have been disgorged by them. This is, 

 however, an occurrence by no means common. 



The engraviag represents one-half of the teeth in the 

 throat of the Carp, Tench, Roach, and Barbel, with the 



Carp. 



Tench. 



Roach. 



Barbel. 



bone on which they are placed, both of the natural size, 

 as exhibited in specimens of about half a pound weight 

 each. It will be seen that the crowns, or upper surfaces, of 

 the teeth of the Carp are furrowed, and altogether present 

 a very similar appearance to those of ruminating animals. 

 These teeth masticate the food by worliing against a gristly 



