The Mackerel.-] OF ORKNEY. 219 



capture, our people never trouble themselves about them, ex- 

 cept they happen (and this is but seldom), to fall in with 

 them by chance. 



This is a most beautiful fish, whether we consider the ele- 

 gance of its make or the excellence of its colours. 



The nose is sharp ; the lips equal ; the body is full, taper- 

 ing much to the tail, where it is ridged. 



The back-fin consists of a few stiff rays, the second of soft 

 ones ; between it and the tail are five spurious fins ; and be- 

 tween the anal fin and the tail as many. 



This is one of the finest fishes for the table we have, while 

 fresh, but soon loses both its outward beauty and its flavour 

 if kept but for a short time. It is sometimes fried, but in this 

 manner it is but ordinary. 



