MULLET. 53 



health, as well as of the period of time the salmon has been 

 resident in a river. When the fish leaves the sea, and of 

 course is in its best condition, insects (the Lernsese Salmoneae 

 of Linnaeus) will be perceived firmly adhering to the skin. 

 Immediately on entering the fresh water, these insects begin to 

 detach themselves from the salmon, and after a short time they 

 gradually drop off and disappear. 



CHAPTER XL 



Mullet Preparations for mullet-fishing Seals Anecdotes The Red 

 Dwarf His mode of killing seals Catching a tartar Pitching mullet 

 nets Excursion on the island A wild guide Coursing Comparison 

 between English and Irish greyhounds Take of mullet Return 

 Anecdotes of mullet fishing The homicide. 



EARLY this morning we received intelligence that a school* 

 of mulletf had been seen on the preceding evening, working 

 in a sandy bay some six miles distant from the Lodge and as 

 we determined to devote the day to fishing, the household 

 were soon upon the alert, and a galley and row-boat were 

 laden with nets, poles, and spars; half-a-dozen rifles and 

 muskets put on board, and a stout and numerous crew, we 

 started for the scene of action. 



It was a bright and cheerful day ; the sun sparkled on the 

 blue water, which, unruffled by a breeze, rose and fell in the 

 long and gentle undulations which roll in from the westward 

 when the Atlantic is at rest. While pulling to the cove, we 

 amused ourselves in shooting puffins as they passed us, or 

 trying our rifles at a distant seal, while my kinsman's anec- 

 dotes whiled away the tedium of the voyage. 



* Shoal. 



f Although the grey mullet is common in the Mediterranean, it is in 

 such indifferent repute that none but the lower classes use it. The red 

 mullet is, however, held in the highest estimation, and from its scarcity 

 and peculiar flavour is much sought after as a delicacy. It seldom exceeds 

 a pound or two in weight, and it is dressed with the inside entire, as the 

 woodcock is sent to table with his trail. 



On our coasts it is rarely seen. At particular seasons the grey mullet 

 visits us abundantly, and nothing can be more delicate, when uninjured by 

 keeping or carriage. 



