2U 



MALACOPTERYGII. CLUPEAD^. 



in the stomach of a large old one ; a sufficient 

 proof of piscine voracity. 



We shall illustrate the genus by this, its most 

 valuable species, the common Herring {Clupea 

 liarengus, Linn.), so largely used, both in its fresh 

 and salted condition, as the food of the poorer 



tej'^^ 



classes of society. In form it is much compressed, 

 its depth greatly exceeding its thickness. The 

 lower jaw projects considerably beyond the upper; 

 there are a few small teeth on both jaws and the 

 tongue ; the eye is large ; the line of the belly is 

 sharp, but not notched. The colours when fresh 

 are a fine greenish blue on the upper parts, and 

 on the sides and belly silvery white. 



The immense hosts in which this fish assembles 



