CARPS. 
207 
I in the middle of the back ; and the ventrals are 
1 placed just beneath it; the caudal is large and 
rounded, or truncate. The air-bladder is two- 
; lobed, and is curiously inclosed in a case of bone, 
I attached to the spine. There are twenty-two 
i species known as Loaches, which are found in the 
j fresh waters of the Old World, and chiefly in the 
i rivers of India. Two, however, are British ; and 
!, are among the most minute of our fishes, the one 
:: attaining the length of three inches, the other 
j that of four. Though so minute, the flesh of the 
f Loach is accounted excellent ; and in some parts 
j of Europe, so great is the estimation in which it 
is held for its exquisite delicacy and flavour, 
i that it is often transported with considerable 
I trouble and expense from its native streams, to 
I such as flow through the estates of the opulent. 
Frederic I., of Sweden, imported our common 
species {Cobitis barbatula^ Linn.), from Germany 
I into his own dominions, where they were readily 
i naturalized. 
I 3. Cyprinina, In this Sub-family, which com- 
I prises an immense majority of the species, the 
small mouth, the jaws absolutely destitute of 
teeth, and the three flat gill-rays, are obvious 
I distinctions, to which are added the palatal 
cushion, and the grinding apparatus in the 
pharynx. . The tongue is smooth ; the scales are 
usually large ; the air-bladder is divided into 
two compartments by a narrow neck. There is 
but one dorsal, generally near the middle of the 
back. No fewer than six hundred and fifty species 
are enumerated in this group, which are prin- 
cipally inhabitants of the fresh waters of the Old 
I World; a few are found in America ; but only. 
