THE CHUB. 287 



of nondescript appearance (as I have remarked of the 

 grayling), which may almost be called a mixture of 

 roach and dace with a dash of carp. But perhaps this 

 again is a mere fancy. The worst that can be said 

 of a chub is that he is a somewhat coarse and vulgar- 

 looking fish, and has an ugly mouth when you look at 

 him straight in the face. Chub spawn generally early in 

 May, after which they betake themselves to the most 

 rapid parts of the river. Towards the middle of June 

 they move into deeper and quieter waters, preferring 

 those overhung by trees and bushes. The almost black 

 tint of the back and tail fin specially distinguish the 

 chub from his cousins the roach and dace. 



Chub are found in most rivers in England ; seldom in 

 lakes or ponds, unless a small stream finds its way through 

 them. A moderately swift stream seems to suit them 

 best; but they abound also in many rapid trout and 

 salmon rivers throughout the kingdom, much to the 

 annoyance of anglers when intent on higher game ; for 

 what is a chub, be he a very monster of his kind, when 

 compared with Salmo solar or Salmo fario ? The parts 

 of rivers they affect are deep quiet holes, overhanging 

 banks, especially where there are old piles, brickwork, 

 and planking, or a gentle run beneath the boughs of 

 trees ; but it should be noted that they like a gravelly 

 bottom, and eschew mud. At times, however, it pleases 

 them to frequent swift shallows, mill-races, and the rush- 

 ing waters of the Weirs, particularly when cleaning them- 

 selves after spawning in the month of June, as Thames 

 anglers are aware. It is in July and August that they 

 especially frequent the water beneath boughs, but later 

 on they are more or less in the barbel swims and 



