184 ON THE ECONOMICAL USES OF FISHES. 



however, one exception. It is a small fish, the 

 smelt or spirling, Osmerus esperlanus^ found abun- 

 dantly on the British coasts, and much esteemed as 

 a delicacy. It is generally taken in greatest plenty 

 at the mouths of large rivers, or in estuaries, as well 

 as on sandy shores, in small nets, and always com- 

 mands a ready sale. 



We shall now proceed to give an account of the 

 fishery for the mackarel. Scomber^ scomber. 



This beautiful fish annually visits our coasts in 

 immense shoals, and its fishery gives ample employ- 

 ment to thousands in the spring and summer months. 

 It is said to be in best condition in May and June, 

 and should be eaten when very iresh, as it can be 

 kept in a fit state for food only a few hours. 



Mackarel are caught either with the hook and 

 line, or by the drift-net, the latter being generally 

 preferred, as by it larger numbers may be taken. 

 The net in question is 20 feet deep by 120 feet in 

 length, and the size of the mesh is usually about 

 two and a half inches. As many of these nets as 

 are at hand are joined together by a strong rope, 

 and thrown out when the fishing vessel is in full 

 sail. The whole extent of netting, which not un- 

 frequently exceeds a mile in length, properly sus- 

 pended by corks, but without any lead to sink it, 

 being shot out, the boat is fastened to one end of 

 the drift-rope, and rides as it were at anchor, the 

 strain of the vessel keeping the net in a state of 

 extension. In the morning the whole of the nets 



