420 
AMERICAN FISHES. 
bait fishermen, and we have “artificial minnows” of multifarious forms 
for salt-water as well as for inland angling. 
One of the most beautiful of our species is the “ Black-striped Minnow,” 
Rhinichthys atronasus , also abundant in clear brooks and mountain streams 
from Ohio and Virginia to New England, and one of the choicest of 
aquarium pets. 
The Minnow is artificially propagated in France for the benefit of car¬ 
nivorous fishes in ponds. Since it is an exceedingly prolific species, it is 
possible that its introduction into America might be beneficial. 
“ The Gudgeon,” said Piscator, “ is reputed a fish of excellent taste, and 
to be very wholesome ; he is of a fine shape, of a silver color, and beauti¬ 
fied with black spots both on his body and tail. He breeds two or three 
times in the year, and always in summer. He is commended for a fish of 
excellent nourishment; the Germans call him Groundling, by reason of 
his feeding on the ground, and he there feasts himself in sharp streams and 
on the gravel. He is a most excellent fish to enter a young angler, being 
easy to be taken with a small red worm, on or near to the ground. He is 
