482 
Fishes. 
THE BARBEL. (Cyprinus Barhus.) 
The Barbel is readily distinguished from the other carps 
by the four barbs or wattels attached to its mouth. Its 
upper jaw is very considerably extended beyond the 
lower jaw. The Lea, the Thames, and various other 
rivers in the neighbourhood of London, abound in this 
fish, which affords excellent sport to the angler. " During 
summer," says Mr. Gorrell, "this fish, in shoals, fre- 
quents the weedy parts of the river ; but as soon as 
the weeds begin to decay in autumn it seeks the deeper 
water, and shelters itself near piles, locks, and bridges, 
which it frequents till the following spring." It is 
sometimes found to weigh from fifteen to eighteen pounds, 
and to measure three feet in length, but its usual length 
is from twelve to eighteen inches. The flesh is coarse 
and unsavory, and held in no estimation. 
THE DACE, (Cyprinus leuciscus,) 
Resembles the chub in its form, but is smaller, and of a 
lighter colour ; it is gregarious and remarkably prolific. 
It is seldom more than ten inches in length ; the back is 
of a dusky colour, tinged with yellow and green, and the 
sides have a silvery cast. 
