, THE FISH OF DORSET. 



rods with a bait at the end to attract small fish, which are engulfed 

 in its enormous mouth. They are taken occasionally in Studland 

 Bay. One was caught off Poole about 1895. Couch If., p. 204. 

 PI. CX. Day I., p. 73, PI. XXIX. 



ATHERINA PRESBYTER. 



ATHERINE OR SAND SMELT. 



These bright little fish are found in great numbers in all our 

 harbours and sandy bays. They take a bait readily, the best being 

 a small piece of rag worm. They make good bait for other fish, 

 but are poor eating, and not to be compared with the true smelt, 

 being full of bones, and the scales are difficult to remove. They 

 seldom exceed six inches in length. Couch III., p. L, PI. CXXI. 

 Day I., p. 225, PI. LXV., fig. I. 



MUGIL CAPITO. 



GREY MULLET. 



These fish frequent our harbours and backwaters at times in 

 great numbers and sometimes run to as much as lOlbs. in weight. 

 I have seen them quite as large in Weymouth Harbour feeding on 

 the green silk weed on the bottoms of boats. They are very shy 

 and difficult to catch, especially the large ones, but will sometimes 

 take rag worm, boiled cabbage, or even macaroni (vide Badminton 

 Library on sea fishing, p. 327). They will now and then take a 

 fly in brackish water when feeding on the surface. When sur- 

 rounded by a net they will hunt the whole length for a hole, 

 which, if found, they will all pass through. A friend of mine had 

 a net made on purpose with pieces cut out here and there and 

 filled in again with fine green silk and was very successful in 

 taking grey mullet. They will also jump the cork line, and if one 

 docs so the rest follow like sheep. They are good eating when 

 about 1 to 21bs. Couch III., p. 6, PI. CXXII. Day I, p. 230, 

 PI. XLVI. 



