HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN MENHADEN. Gl 



never has beeu observed to cover tbe whole vya. Until ilic lact has 

 been established that "a skin forms over the eye in winter'' it is quite 

 unnecessary to ijropose the theory that such a skin "is i)robably de- 

 signed to protect that organ from the attacks of the numerous parasiti- 

 cal crustaceans and leeches which infest the external portions of the 

 bodies of fishes, aud are also found internally, as in the gills of cod- 

 fish"* 



Cnticism of the argument based upon the presence of mackerel in northern 

 waters late in the season. 



A number of instances are cited to prove that the mackerel schools 

 remain on the coast of the Dominion throughout the winter season. If 

 this can be well established it is a very strong argument in favor of hi- 

 bernation. Let us analyze the testimony. 



Dr. Gilpin is quoted to the effect that during some seasons they 

 linger on the Nova Scotian coast until December, and allusion is made 

 to a mackerel obtained by him at Halifax, October 27, 1875. t 



Mr. John liice remembers that his father used often to speak of mack> 

 erel " coming on shore like squid with scales on their eyes and blind 

 about Christmas," about 40 years ago. J 



Mr. Jabez Tilley states that they have been taken in November in 

 Trinity Bay. 



Professor Hind also states that they are to be found on the whole 

 coast from Quirpon to Cape Spear during November and December. 

 He gives no authority for this statement, and it is to be inferred that it 

 is founded upon personal observation. 



Then there is the vague statement of Mr. Ambrose, already quoted, 

 that mackerel have beeu speared on muddy bottoms under the ice. 



Now this testimony does not, by any means, tend to prove that the 

 mackerel remain near the coast in winter. 



In the first place there is no satisfactory proof of their occurrence 

 later than October 25, since that is the only evidence fortified by a 

 memorandum of date, and the memories of fishermen are not more cer- 

 tain than those of other men. 



In the second place it is not impossible that mackerel linger in these 

 waters until November or even December in the case of a very warm 

 autumn. The temperature necessary for the menhaden cannot be many 

 degrees below 50°, while the mackerel appears to endure a temperature 

 of 41° or less. Menhaden linger in Maine waters till November and in 

 Massachusetts Bay and the Vineyard Sound till December. 



Finally, the undoubted capture of many individuals in winter on the 

 coast of Newfoundland would by no means prove that the great schools 

 were there throughout the season. Disabled, blind, or diseased individ- 



' Hind, op. cit., Part II, p. 11. 

 t Part I, p. 79. 

 t Part I, p. 78. 



