252 SCAD. 



spawn, and during this season they are esteemed un- 

 wholesome. The rapidity with which these fish are able 

 to swim, is fully proved by a shoal of them having been 

 known to follow a vessel all the way from the Brasils to 

 the Straits of Gibraltar, during a voyage of only eight 

 days. The flesh of the Thunny, when cut into pieces, 

 has much the appearance of raw beef; but, when boiled, 

 it turns pale, and has somewhat the flavour of salmon. 

 By the ancient Romans these fish were held in great 

 esteem, and constituted an important branch of com- 

 merce. 



The body of the Thunny is round and thick, tapering 

 nearly to a point both at the head and tail. There are 

 about eight spurious fins above and below the body, near 

 the tail, which is crescent-shaped. The upper parts are 

 black ; and the sides and belly silvery, tinged with light 

 blue and pale purple. 

 . * 



Scad. In several parts of Devonshire and Cornwall 

 this beautiful fish has the name of Horse Mackerel. It is 

 a predacious and migratory species, appearing in nume- 

 rous shoals on the sea-coasts of different countries of 

 Europe, as well as those of the East Indies and America. 

 When properly cured its flavour is said to be so excellent, 

 that, in some countries, it is called the Mother of Jln- 

 chovy. 



In these fish, which measure from eight inches to two 

 feet in length, the spurious fins are united ; on the back 

 there is a recumbent spine; and the lateral line is broad 

 and prickly. The head and upper parts of the body 

 are varied with green and blue, and the belly is sil- 

 very. 



