NATURAL HISTORY. 331 



" Before that, a plump vintner 



Kneeling 1 , and offering incense to his deitie, 

 "Which shall be only this, red sprats and pilcbers." 



BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER. 



105G. What is the difference between tlw pilchard and tht 

 herring ? 



The pilchard is a different species, thicker and smaller than the 

 herring ; the scales large, while those of the herring are small. The 

 posterior edge of the dorsal fin is nearly over the centre of gravity, 

 so that when a pilchard is held by this fin, the head rises, and the 

 tail droops down, which is the reverse of what happens with 

 the herring. 



The pilchard is a more southerly and more local fish than the 

 herring, being found chiefly on the Cornish coasts ; and it is rare 

 that one is found beyond Dover, or even in the narrow part of 

 the Channel. 



1057. What are sprats? 



Sprats are a distinct species offish, though of the herring family, 

 of which those usually sold are full grown. 



1058. Why do sprats usually appear soon after herrings 

 have spawned ? 



Because sprats approach the shore for the like purpose of 

 spawning, their season being a little later than the herrings. Tbe 

 resemblance of the sprat to the herring, and their becoming 

 abundant soon after the herring season, has led to the erroneous 

 supposition that sprats are young herrings. 



1059. What are whitebait? 



They are a distinct species* and not, as generally supposed, 

 the fry of a larger kind. 



1060. About the end of March, or early in April, whitebait begin to make their 

 appearance in the Thames, and are then small, apparently but just changed from 

 the albuminous state of very young fry. In September, specimens of whitebait, 

 tae young fish of the year, may be taken as long as four or five inches but *hey 



* Clapea alba. Yarrel. 



