Dr. Mac Culloch on the Herring. 221 



which it is taken. Independent of this, the herring is always in a 

 much higher state of feeding on the west than the east coast, and 

 is also much superior in size, flavour, and quality. In point of 

 flavour, indeed, it is scarcely the same fish ; being as much su- 

 perior as a salmon is to the worst sea trout. This difference, in 

 itself, would be enough to prove that no migration took place from 

 the west to the east coast. I may add to the confusion which 

 belongs to this subject, what I do not pretend to solve; namely, 

 the various conditions as to fulness in which the herring is taken 

 in the same place and at the same time. We might perhaps con- 

 clude from this, as from the other facts stated, that the season of 

 spawning is very uncertain, and that, in this case, different tribes 

 of fishes, or different fish, had been intermixed. 



It appears to be a further proof against any migration of her- 

 rings in a body, even from the deep seas to the shores, that when 

 they first arrive, and for the apparent purpose of spawning, they 

 are not in shoals. They cannot then be taken by nets, from their 

 dispersion. But the Highlanders then fish for them with a feather 

 or a My, and a rod, and, by this very amusing fishery, they take 

 them in sufficient quantity to render it a profitable occupation ; as 

 one man has been thus known to take a barrel and a half, or about 

 1200 fish, during the few days this fishery lasts. It is thought 

 that they again disperse after spawning before they collect into 

 shoals, so as to give cause for a second fishery of the same nature. 

 Such are the principal facts which I have been able to collect, 

 respecting the natural history of the heiring, and the physical 

 history of the fishery on the coasts of Scotland. Having had but 

 slender opportunities of observation or inquiry, no other apology 

 is needed for not having done more. I believe there is much 

 more knowledge dispersed among the fishermen, for him who 

 might have opportunity and dexterity to extract it. The people 

 observe ; but having neither system, nor interest to record, 

 their knowledge is forgotten or neglected, even by themselves. 

 He who should bestow his attention on this subject, for a few sum- 

 mers, might probably attain a knowledge of the most important 

 facts yet remaining, and complete what I have only sketched. 



