40 
WHITE BEEAM, 
BEEAMFLAT. 
Ahramis BUcca, 
Cyprinus BUcca, 
Cyprinus Latus, 
« 
BUcca, 
Tueton’s Linnaeus. 
Blooh; pi. 10. 
OnviBR. 
Jentns; Manual, p. 407. 
Tabeell; Br. Pishes, vol. i, p. 387 
It was long doubted whether what was supposed to he a 
second species of Bream in our lakes was truly distinct; and 
after a close examination of what was alleged to be such on 
the continent of Europe, it remained the opinion of the learned 
naturalist Gesner, that only one spiecies could be recognised. 
And the oijinion thus expressed was not without some plausible 
grounds, so far as regarded the fishes we hare called the Lake 
and White Breams ; since whatever may be the assigned marks 
of distinction at the fullest stage of growth, when the Lake 
Bream is of a bright yellow colour, and it is of much larger 
size than the White Bream is ever known to attain; yet at an 
earlier stage, when the Lake Bream is only half grown, the 
colour of both these fishes is so much alike, and the other 
differences between them require such close examination that 
we need not feel surprised if the real points of distinction are 
not always detected. Yet that they were believed to be distinct 
fishes in very early times appears from the Book of St. Albans, 
where Breniettis are mentioned separately, as to be fished for 
with some difference of baits; and that they are distinct fishes 
is now generally admitted; but although whatever difference 
may exist in their habits is not well known, in tliis respect 
also some distinction must exist since there are places where 
'the White Bream is common, and the Lake Bream is not met 
with. Mr. Jenyns points to some districts of the River Cam 
