FISHES OF THE BRITISH ISLANDS. 



ATHERTNA. 



The body moderately lengthened, and along each side a silvery band 

 from the gill-covers to the tail. Mouth a little protractile. Dorsal fins 

 widely separated, both with rays. Ventral fins behind the pectorals, 

 (abdominal.) 



Linnaeus confounded all the species together under the name of A. 

 hepsetus, which, as now defined, is a species not known in Britain. 



ATHERINE. 



SMELT. SAND SMELT. Ill tlie west of Cornwall, guid, 

 which signifies white. 



Atherina, Jonston; p. 79, table 17, f. 15. 



WiLLOuGHBY; p. 209, table N. 12, f. 2. 

 Atherina preshyter, Cuvieb,. 



" hepsetus, Doxovax; pi. 87. 



'• " Fleming; Br. Animals, p. 217. 



" presbyter, Jexyns; Manual, p. 377. 



Takkell; Br. Fishes, vol. i, p. 229. 

 GuNTHEK; Cat. Br. M., vol. iii, p. 392, 



This little fish is commonly found in small scattered com- 

 panies in harbours and bays where a sandy bottom is mingled 

 with rough ground, and especially "svhere there are streams of 

 fresh water flowing into the salt; but we believe there is no 

 instance of its entering fresh water for any continued length of 

 VOL. III. B 



