ROACH. 



deep, still, and clear rivers, and fi^equently appear- 

 ing in large shoals. . Dr. Bloch informs us that on 

 draining the marshes about the Oder, so great a 

 'Quantity were taken that they were used about all 

 the neighbouring villages for the purpose of fatten- 

 ing swine. 



In Walton's well-known work the Complete 

 Angler, mention is made of a Roach weighing two 

 pounds ; and Mr. Pennant speaks, on the authority 

 of an intelligent fishmonger, of one which weighed 

 five pounds ; but the general weight of the fish is 

 •scarQcly more than a pound or a pound and half. 

 It is considered in many parts of Europe as an 

 excellent fish for the table, having a white, firm, 

 and well-tasted flesh. In our own country however 

 it is not held in any great ^pute, being rather 

 regarded as a coarse fish. It generally spawns 

 about the middle of May, and is a very prolific 

 species. It is also said to have the habit of hiding 

 itself in the bottom the instant it perceives any 

 one near the water. The shoals are observed tp be 

 generally preceded by one, or more, apparently 

 stationed as a kind of guard, in order to warn the 

 JUain body of the approach of any danger. 



