230 MUGILIDJE. 



" The Atherine is as plentiful on some parts of the 

 southern coast of England as the Smelt is on the eastern 

 coast, and each appears to have its limits, so as not to intrude 

 upon the other ; at least, as far as our observation has gone, 

 where one is, the other is not. We have traced the Smelt 

 along the coast of Lincolnshire, and southward into Kent, 

 where the Atherine appears to be unknown ; but in Hamp- 

 shire the Atherine is extremely plentiful, especially about 

 Southampton, where, for want of knowing the true Smelt, 

 this is sold under that denomination. On the south coast of 

 Devon they are caught in great abundance in the creeks and 

 estuaries, but never in rivers above the flow of the tide ; and 

 they appear to continue near shore through the months from 

 autumn to spring, being caught for the table more or less 

 during the whole of that time; but are greatly superior in the 

 spring, when the males are as full of milt as the females are 

 of roe. The Atherine is a well-flavoured fish ; but, in our 

 opinion, not so good as the Smelt : it is more dry ; but when 

 in season, and fried without being embowelled, the liver and 

 roe make it a delicious fish." 



The Atherine is a handsome small fish, from five to six 

 inches in length ; and though common in most of the sandy 

 bays along the extended line of our southern coast, is but rarely 

 brought to the London market. 



Mr. Couch says it is found in Cornwall at all seasons, and 

 sometimes in such numbers that three small boat-loads have 

 been enclosed in a scan at once. From Cornwall its range 

 extends to the first bay east of Beachy-head, and probably 

 comes as far as Rye Bay or Dungeness ; but keeping close 

 in shore in the smooth water, it perhaps very seldom ventures 

 into the increased rapidity of the Channel tide, in its rush 

 through the Straits of Dover. 



The Atherine is a common fish at Brighton, where it is 

 called Sandsmelt. Large quantities are eaten by the inhabi- 



