86 Mr. Covcn on the Natural History 
principal fishery in Cornwall is carried on between October 
and Christmas. 
Pilchard. C. Pilchardus.—This fish, so much the object of hope 
and expectation in Cornwall, does not retire to a great di- 
stance at any season, but makes its principal visit towards 
the end of summer, when it is taken in vast numbers. The 
fishing begins towards the end of July, and terminates 
about the time of the autumnal equinox; but in the me- 
mory of persons now living, it commenced at the period at 
which it now ceases, and continued until Christmas. Al- 
though Pilchards abound in immense multitudes, and are 
usually extremely fat, fishermen are unable to determine 
what it is on which they feed. They have no teeth to hold 
their prey, and never take a bait; but from frequent exa- 
mination of the stomach, which is of a fine texture, I am in- 
clined to believe that they principally subsist on the seeds of 
Fuci. : 5 
Shad. C. Alosa.—'This is denominated the Alewife in the 
West. 
Sprat. C. Sprattus.—Cornish fishermen do not appear to be 
aware of any difference between this fish and the young of 
the Herring and Pilchard. In this respect their sentiments 
are the same as those in Ray's Synopsis Piscium under this 
fish. 
CYPRINUS. 
Dace. C. Leuciscus.—l have some doubt whether this fish can 
. be considered an original native of Cornwall, as I have 
not heard of its being found in any other river than that 
which runs by Launceston, where it may have been placed 
by some former possessor of Werrington Park, at which 
place it is chiefly found. 
BRANCHI- 
