P1LCHAIID, SHAD, SPRAT. 167 



they look like a eld of the most brilliant gems. They 

 divide into two branches, as they pass the Shetland Isles ; 

 one coming down the German Sea, the other advancing 

 towards Ireland, which again divides itself; their course is 

 is not to be traced much farther. It is now supposed that 

 they do not common from a great distance, but rise from 

 the bottom of the sea, where they have lain during the 

 winter. The herring-fishery is very valuable. Numbers 

 of the fish are eaten fresh, and more still pickled or 

 salted ; forming, in this state, an important article of com- 

 merce. The Herring is from ten to thirteen inches in 

 length, of a silvery hue ; greenish on its back. The 

 Herrings yield a great deal of useful oil. 



THE PILCHARD, 



Which abounds on the coast of Cornwall, very nearly 

 resembles the Herring ; but its length rarely exceeds eight 

 inches. 



THE SHAD 



Is much larger than the Pilchard. It is found in the 

 Mediterranean and Northern seas ; and ascends the rivers 

 to spawn, in the manner of the Salmon. 



THE SPRAT 



Is so much like the Herring that it was formerly thought 

 to be its young; but there is a real difference besides that 

 of size. The Sprat visits the Mediterranean and Northern 

 seas, in immense shoals, and is eaten pickled and salted as 

 well as fresh. 



THE ANCHOVY 



Is found in the Mediterranean, Northern, and Atlantic 

 seas, but disappears at spawning time. The principal 

 fishery of Anchovies is on a small island near Leghorn. 



