SMELT. 277 



of Spirling, is also significant of its pearly appearance when 

 first caught. 



The species which we term the true Smelt is held in con- 

 siderable reputation for the table; and in consequence of this 

 in places which it frequents a fishery is carried on for taking 

 it. Such is the case in the Severn, and also near the outlets 

 of the larger rivers of our more eastward and northern coasts, 

 where a particular size of the mesh for this purpose is rendered 

 legal by a law of the time of Elizabeth; and four or five 

 thousand of these fish have been brought to market from a 

 single fishery in a week of the season, although a less number 

 than this is now said to furnish the supply. In proportion to 

 the size of the fish fashion has fixed the price at a high rate; 

 and where it is recorded that formerly they might be bought 

 at a penny each, or even from threepence to sixpence a 

 score, they have since reached to three shillings, and above, 

 for a dozen. 



The Smelt is migratory, but the season of entering rivers 

 has been variously stated. Thus it has been said that they 

 come up the rivers about the end of August, and continue 

 until about the middle of April, when they are accounted in 

 their best condition; which is when they are about to shed 

 their spawn, and that immediately after performing this 

 function they return to the ocean. But it is remarked by 

 Dr. Parnell, who observed the motions of these fish with much 

 attention, that such as are about to shed their spawn do not 

 enter rivers until about January, and "in the month of INIarch 

 they ascend the Forth in large shoals to deposit their spawn 

 in fresh water; this they shed in immense quantity about two 

 miles below Stirling Bridge, when at that time every stone, 

 plank, and post appears to be covered with their yellowish 

 ova." Unlike, therefore, the larger members of the Salmon 

 family, these fish do not go far up the river to perform this 

 duty; nor do they, like them, cover over the deposit, but, 

 without concerning themselves further with what shall befal it, 

 they hasten back to the sea, where they are soon lost sight 

 of; for we believe they are not often taken ' far in the salt 

 water either by nets or in the stomachs of fishes. But it is 

 not long before the young are hatched, and their growth is 

 speedy, so that by the declhie of summer they have reached 



