68 J. D. Marsuaru on the Statistics and 
frequenting the mainland ; and although nearly agreeing with the ‘ brachycentrus,”’ 
had the appearance of the lateral plates extending towards the tail. Mr. Thompson 
examined those specimens which I procured on the island, and came to the conclusion, 
that although exhibiting an apparent difference, they belonged to the same species. I 
found them in all the ponds and small streams in Rathlin. 
FirreEN-SPINED STICKLEBACK. (Gasterosteus spinachia.) ‘This species does not, 
like the other, frequent lakes or rivers, but prefers the rocky pools of salt water which 
occur round the coasts. I found it in such situations in Rathlin. 
Grey Gurnarp. (Trigla gurnardus.) During the months of June, July, and 
August, this fish is very abundant round the shores, and is caught in great numbers 
by the natives, who hang and dry what they do not want for immediate 
use. The gurnard is easily captured ; by a bit of fish-skin, or similar substance, tied 
firmly on the hook, many hundreds may be caught without ever changing the bait. 
In Larne, and other places on the coast of the County of Antrim, this fish occasion- 
ally furnishes a rich harvest to the industrious fisherman, When the shoals of gur- 
nard make their appearance on the coast, the gulls congregate in innumerable flocks 
near the fishing stations, by which means the boatmen are directed to their prey. 
They leave the shore for these fishing grounds about four in the morning, so as to 
reach their destination about six. From this till nine or ten they continue fishing ; 
and a boat will frequently take, in a morning’s fishing, from four hundred to seven 
hundred gurnards. It is affirmed by some, that, when brought into the boat, the gur 
nard utters a croaking noise ; but the accuracy of this I have never had attested. 
Herrinc. (Clupea heringus.) ‘This valuable fish is seldom met with between 
Lough Swilly and the Point of Tor, on the Coast of Antrim ; and in the vicinity of 
Rathlin it rarely appears. This may, perhaps, be occasioned by the very powerful 
currents which sweep round the shores of the island; and to avoid contending with 
these streams, the herring may keep more towards the middle of the channel, between 
Rathlin and Scotland. 
Satmon. (Salmo salar.) In the immediate vicinity of the island it is seldom seen, 
but, on the opposite coast, at Ballycastle and Carrick-a-rede, it occurs in great 
numbers. 
Wuirte-Trout or Sea-rrout. (Salmo trutta.) Occasionally caught. 
Among the Insgcra, I may briefly allude to the following : 
Common Cras or Partin. (Cancer pagurus.) These are very abundant round 
all the shores, and are sought after by the boys for bait to the wrasse or murran. 
Lozsster. (Cancer gammarus.) Around many parts of the coast, these are 
caught in considerable numbers in summer. A large fishing smack anchors at some 
favourable situation, as off Stroanadergan point, on the western side of the island. 
The men are provided with lobster baskets, made of a conical shape, with a hole at 
