258 UMBER. 



Smelt. The name of these fish has been derived from 

 their very peculiar scent, somewhat resembling cucum- 

 ber, and is evidently a contraction of the words " smell 

 it." They inhabit the seas of the northern parts of Eu- 

 rope, but do not at all emigrate into hot climates. Pre- 

 viously to the season of their spawning, they enter the ; 

 rivers ; and in the Thames and the Dee are caught in \ 

 great abundance, from the beginning of November until ! 

 the end of January. There are few fish more delicious 

 or in greater esteem for the table than these. 



Smelts vary considerably in size. They are seldom 

 known to exceed the weight of half a pound, and are 

 generally much smaller. The head is blunt at the ex- j 

 tremity, and transparent. The dorsal and anal fins are 

 opposite, and the latter contains seventeen rays. The 

 skin of the Smelt is so thin, that, with a good micro- 

 scope, the circulation of the blood may be observed. The 

 under jaw is the longest, and in front of the upper jaw 

 there are four large teeth. The scales are small, and 

 easily drop off. The back is whitish, with a cast of green : 

 below this the sides are varied with blue; and the belly is 

 silvery. 



Umber or Grayling. The rapidity with which these 

 fish shoot along through the water is such, as to have 

 given them the name of Umber, (or Umbra,) implying 

 a shadow. They delight in clear and rapid streams, 

 feed principally on insects and worms, and rise eagerly; 

 at the angler's bait. In some places they are in great; 

 esteem as food : their flesh is white, and they are eatable, 

 at all times of the year, but are considered best in season) 

 from September to January. During the winter they are] 

 seldom seen ; but they begin to be active about the month ! 

 of April. Soon after this the females deposit their ova 



