74 JOHAN HJORT. M.-N. Kl. 



therefore according to individual differences. The same is the case in 

 respect to 4 and »5 stregs« herrings. 



The first three samples mentioned must, therefore, be presumed to 

 be identical with the smallest size of herrings from the Spring Herring 

 Fishery, and it appears as if we may assume that, of the small sized 

 herrings there are but three yearly classes, namely 

 «Mussen« (young herring) (half a year old in the Summer). 

 »Bladsilden« (Herring of the second year (one and a half years old in 



the Summer). 

 »Fem stregs sild« (Five Points Herring) (two and a half years old in 

 the Summer). 



The smallest group of Spring Herrings are thus, according to what 

 has been mentioned, the 3 year old herrings. In respect to these three 

 groups there does not appear to me to be any doubt, as they exhibit 

 vast differences from each other, and the names »Mussen«, »Bladsild« and 

 »5 stregs sild« are thoroughly recognised by all fishermen. I am in 

 doubt, however, as to whether there does not still exist a class between 

 the youngest yearly class of the Spring Herring (size 250 mm.), and 

 the »5 stregs sild« (size 185 to 160 mm.). Amongst those examined 

 there were several specimens of a size of 200, 210 up to 220 mm. As 

 to whether these are individual yearly classes, or are to be regarded as 

 large specimens I dare not give an opinion, as my measurements were 

 not sufficiently numerous to enable me to judge. I therefore cannot 

 determine whether the youngest Spring Herring must be regarded as 

 being 3 or 4 years old, but add as a result of my investigations, 



1. The Spring Herring riThe Ocean Herringy», is of two sizes, and 

 thus represents, at least, two yearly classes. o. 



2. Three yearly classes of the Ocean Herring live in the Fjords, 

 namely 



Mussen, Bladsild and 5 Stregs Sild. 



3. The youngest Spring Herring is thus either 3 or 4 years, old as it 

 is somewhat uncertain whether a yearly class exists between the 

 Spring Herring and the »5 stregs« Herring. 



The Fat Herring {the Nordland Herring, East Coast Herring) re- 

 presents both the Ocean Herring and the Fjord Herring, which vary at 

 the various periods. It often happens that the herrings of various sizes 

 kept apart, while it often happens that the shoals consist of herrings 

 of all sizes. 



Of these, therefore, the youngest j years classes belong to the Fjords, 

 the older have moved in from the sea. 



