Miscellanies. 151 
ness solely; without the least advancement by speculation. His ac- 
count of the fish im this river, may aid the naturalist more or less; 
and he may rely upon Mr. A. as one of those who have the most 
scrupulous regard for truth—Mr. A.’s statement. 
Sixty years ago, the sturgeon, (Acipencer sturio,) and the common 
herring, (Clupea pseudo-haringus,) were the principal fish which 
came up as high as this place, (one hundred and fifty seven miles 
north of New York Bay, and one hundred and seventy seven from 
the Atlantic ocean.) Here the lock and dam were built between six 
and seven years ago, to improve the navigation. As the rapid was 
always an obstruction to sloops, when the water was low; it may be 
considered as the natural head of navigation. But boats could run 
up thirty three miles higher, to Fort Miller Fall. After passing that 
fall, boats could ascend to the Great Fall at Fort Edward, called 
Baker’s Fall, ten miles higher. 
Mr. Adams says, that herring fishery was worth but little when he 
commenced fishing ; because they were so plenty, that in many pla-~ 
Ces, particularly along the shores and in the little creeks above Still- 
Water, farmers could drive their waggons into shoal water, and fill 
them in a short time, with a common scoop-net. But almost imme- 
diately after Gen. Schuyler erected a dam across the Saratoga Creek, 
about fifty six years ago, the herring began to diminish, and have 
Continued to diminish yearly. Mr. A. supposed that their grand de- 
Posit for spawn, up the Saratoga Creek, was then broken up. 
Sturgeons were in great abundance here half a century ago. I saw 
forty eight lie on the shore two years ago, at one time, (the shortest 
five feet, the longest nine feet,) which were caught in the space of 
three hours; and Mr. A. told me, that this would have been con~ 
sidered but an ordinary case, even thirty years ago, and that they 
had been diminishing yearly, for more than fifty years. 
Bass (Perca labrax) were much more plenty half a century ago, 
how ; and pike were not uncommon, though now very rare. 
tt appears then, that herring, sturgeon and bass, have greatly di- 
Minished ; and he s, that suckers, chubs, eels, sun-fish, and other 
fresh water fishy tdlincither increased nor diminished, materially. 
The principal object of this article remains. It is the history of 
the shad, (Clupea sapidissima.) This fish is from thirteen to nine- 
teen inches long, and weighs, before dressing, on an average, about 
five pounds, Seventy will generally fill a barrel, when dressed. 
When fresh, it is of a most delicious flavor ; when pickled, it is not 
