The Herring.'] OF ORKNEY. . 22? 



later, the east coasts of Caithness, in August, the Hebrides, 

 latter end of the year, and the more southerly parts of Bri- 

 tain, as they proceed in their expedition. Now, notwithstand- 

 ing of their acknowledged capriciousness in their annual mi- 

 grations, it would be folly to think they do not take our isles 

 in their way, while they pass in such great numbers on each 

 side of us. 



Another proof that they are with us is, that at certain times 

 our sounds swarm with their fry ; and these sometimes run 

 so far into the bays, that I have caught great numbers of 

 these in June, about six, seven, or eight inches long, in the 

 fresh water at the mouth of the loch of Stenness ; and have 

 seen in the same place several barrels taken by the country 

 people, who have nets for the purpose. 



Within these few years past, our vessels have gone to a 

 place called Staxigo, on the coast of Caithness, where they 

 have had good success in fishing herrings, which makes me 

 hope, as they see they are to be got so near home, they will 

 at length attempt them in their own bays, where I should ima- 

 gine there was just as great a probability of succeeding as any- 

 where else, provided they are once acquainted with the time 

 of their setting into the bays of the Orkneys ; for it is well 

 known the herring is a fish which makes no long stay in one 

 place, and if not attended to while to be found, all is over for 

 the season. But till these, and many other precautions, be 

 used, we can only say with Martin, Wallace, &c. " They are 

 " here, but, alas, they are neglected !" 



Whether any other of this genus appear here, I am alto- 

 gether uncertain. 



