PECULIAR ODOUR. 123 



case he, in some parts of Sweden, is called Nors-Kung, or 

 Nors-King. 



The smelt is said to be of a dull disposition, and slow 

 in its movements ; and to prefer large lakes with sandy 

 bottoms. For the greater part of the year this fish confines 

 itself to the deeps, and it is only during the spawning season, 

 which occurs in the spring, that it approaches the strand. 

 It is seldom found singly, but almost wholly in large shoals. 



The Scandinavian smelt has the same cucumber-like smell 

 as ours ; the larger kind, or Slom, in a less degree than the 

 smaller, or Nors. We in England have no dislike to 

 this peculiar odour, but the Northmen in general speak 

 of it as the reverse of fragrant. Some, indeed, imagine 

 the fish is thereby rendered unwholesome as food ; and in 

 places, the fishermen go so far as to assert, that it drives 

 away other fish from the fishing-grounds. Faith tells us, 

 moreover, that in still water, the odour is so penetrating, that 

 whatever is dipped in the water where this fish resorts in 

 great numbers, becomes impregnated. 



The smelt is very voracious, feeding chiefly on insects, 

 worms, and the roe of other fish ; also, it is believed, on 

 smaller fishes. 



In Sweden the smelt is not held in general estimation for 

 the table. Some, indeed, pronounce it insipid, and allege 

 that it has a disagreeable flavour. But its ill repute is 

 probably owing to the antipathy people in general entertain 

 to its odour. In the localities where it is captured in large 

 quantities, it is dried in the sun, or salted down, and in 

 this state forms an important article of food for the poorer 

 classes. 



But though people may not agree as to the eatable 





