232 
NATURAL HISTORY 
MINNOW. 
The Minnow, which is a species of fresh 
water fish, generally make their first appear- 
ance about the latter end of March, and 
continue till the end of September, or the 
beginning of October, when they retire into 
deep places, among weeds, &c., during the 
winter. Its body is smooth and slender; 
the back is of an olive colour ; the belly and 
sides vary, being sometimes blue, or white, 
at other times red ; the tail, which is forked, 
is marked with a dusky spot near the base. 
It seldom exceeds three inenes in length, and 
is considered excellent eating. They are 
called by some fresh water Sprats. 
