224 
NATURAL HISTORY 
GUDGEON. 
The Gudgeon in length seldom exceeds 
eight or ten inches ; its body is round, and 
its head large. It has a short beard at each 
corner of the mouth; the fin covering the 
gills has six spines; and the ventral fins 
are joined together. The back is of an 
olive colour, with black spots; the belly 
white, and the sides silvery; the tail is 
forked. Tke flesh of the Gudgeon is white, 
and is considered excellent eating. In the 
summer they spawn two or three times, and 
are very fruitful. They subsist chiefly upon 
flies and wasps which venture too near the 
water. They are caught with the greatest 
ease, as they eagerly seize any bait. They 
arc frequently to be seen in clear streams, 
swimming in shoals. 
