290 VENDACE. 



twenty-four examples two only were males. They are said to 

 shed their spawn in November, but it is certain that this is 

 not always accomplished until the end of the year, for Dr, 

 Knox discovered in several which he took in December, that 

 while in the larger number the ovaries were small, and, as 

 we may suppose, had lately discharged their contents, there 

 were tAvo in which the graiiis were of large size, as if ready 

 to be shed. At some seasons it is certain that the sexes 

 associate together in one company, for on another occasion, 

 in the month of October, of fifteen that were examined nine 

 only were females. ("Zoologist," June, 1855.) 



It appears that the Vendace is so far of a delicate consti- 

 tution that it can exist only in a cold or cool temperature, 

 and Nilsson says that it inhabits most of the rivers and lakes 

 in the middle and north of Sweden. In our own country it 

 is noticed that however active, and even sportive, at other 

 times, in the heat of summer they seek shelter in the deeper 

 water. The food of this fish was long a matter of uncertainty, 

 and in its own neighbourhood it was even supposed to be 

 supported by no solid material. It has never been taken 

 with a hook; but we owe it to Dr. Knox and Mr. Yarrell 

 that we are now informed of the nature of their food, which 

 is the several species of Entomostraca which abound in these 

 waters. The usual method of taking this fish is with a 

 sweep-net, which is for the most part used about July, 

 although, as we have seen, these fish may be taken late in 

 the season; and the occasion of employing this net is often 

 formed into a festive assembling of the neighbouring gentlemen. 

 An example of this fish which I have the pleasure to 

 possess, was supplied by the kind attention of the Earl of 

 Enniskillen, and I have reason to believe that it is the same 

 which is referred to by Mr. Thompson, in his "Nat. Hist, of 

 Ireland," as having been obtained from Sir W. Jardine, Bart. 

 It is in length to the fork of the tail five inches and three 

 fourths, which is about the usual size; but Dr. Knox has 

 seen it nine inches long. 



Besides a skin of this fish with which I was favoured from 

 the Earl of Enniskillen, and which was once in the possession 

 of Mr. Thompson, I have also been supplied with examples 

 \)'^ the kindness of Robeit Embleton, Esq., from which our 



