SOME BRITISH FRESH-WATER FISHES 195 



day's outing in a punt, usually journey to Moulsey 

 and Hampton Court. There, close to the station, 

 they find the professional fisherman with his punt, 

 fishing-rods, bait, and (by no means the least 

 important) stone jar of sound ale — a good ac- 

 companiment to the contents of the luncheon- 

 basket brought down from town. Comfortably 

 ensconced in Windsor chairs at each end of the 

 punt, they place themselves entirely in charge of 

 the boatman, who has previously selected and 

 baited a pitch in the rapid water beneath Ted- 

 dington weir, and, with a minimum of exertion 

 on their part, the fishing begins. 



First, for barbel. If the stream below the weir 

 could be almost drawn off there would be seen at 

 the bottom amidst the plants that cover the stones 

 many dark fish-forms with barbels, or barbules, 

 on their jaws, all heading one way, and routing 

 about like pigs in search of the insects that live 

 on the plants. These are barbels, rather hand- 

 some fish with pale gold scales edged with black, 

 and provide capital sport when on the feed. 

 They are eaten by Jews on certain religious 

 festivals, but are not very palatable. 



With an old friend I found myself one beautiful 

 day in a punt such as I have described. Our 

 tackle was strong, and needed to be, for we were 



