CLUPEA. 153 



the air-bladder. Their very form, viz. sharp 

 body, flat head, broad fins, and large air-sack, 

 shows most clearly that they were designed to run 

 near the surface, and to be always in mo- 

 tion. 



We have therefore, much more confidence in 

 the relations of the old writers, on this subject, 

 than in modern upstart theorists. 



Herring are supposed to feed on sea-worms, 

 and the young fry of such fishes as come in their 

 way. When taken from the water, they die in- 

 stantly, hence the vulgar proverb " dead as a 

 herring." 



The herring fishery, as a source of industry and 

 wealth, has long since, in various kingdoms of Eu- 

 rope, been considered of national importance. 

 From the last of June till late in November, they 

 contain roe ; but after that period, begin to deposit 

 their spawn, and are then considered less whole- 

 some, and less valuable. 



This fish, variously prepared, has been esteem- 

 ed, as an article of food, from the remotest anti- 

 quity. Holland, particularly, was the country in 

 which they most excelled in this fishery. Many 

 years since, it was supposed that rising of 150,000 

 persons, were devoted solely to the trade of tak- 

 ing and curing of herring. 



One Guillaume Beuchel, a native of Brabant, in 



