86 Mr. Couch on the Natural History 



principal fishery in Cornwall is carried on between October 

 and Christmas. » 



Pilchard. C. Pilcliardus. — 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. 



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 Sytiopsis Piscium under this 

 fish. 



Cyprinus. 



Dace. C. Leuciscus. — I 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- 



