THE DRUM. 423 



The Sheep's-head is becoming scarce in the harbour of New 

 York, and those brought into tlie city come mostly from the 

 south bays of Long Island. 



No fish is better on the table, or more valued. 



He is the highest prize of the salt-water angler, and the idol 

 of the epicure's adoration. 



Let him enjoy his reputation, he deserves it; perhaps the 

 knowledge of his posthumous honours may be a consolation to 

 him in his death-pang. 



THE DRUM. 



Neither to catch nor to cook the Drum, will I teach you, 

 gentle reader mine, for he is not worth the hook which he will 

 probably carry away, if you strike him, nor the salt which you 

 might waste in seasoning him. 



Unless in his vast size and great power, he has no merit, and 

 in these he is surpassed by the Shark, the Porpoise, and the 

 Whale, for which I should about as soon think of angling. 



