212 NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



Two species The hepsetus and menidea. 



for eels,) is taken with a small red worm, the bait 

 touching the ground. 



THE SMELT. 



THERE are two species of this soft-finned, 

 abdominal fish ; which derives its name from 

 having, in the opinion of some, the scent of a 

 violet, of others, that of a cucumber; and so 

 strange is the disagreement respecting the smell 

 of this fish, that the Germans bestowed upon it 

 the name of stinck-fish. In Wales and the north 

 of England, it bears the name of sparling, derived 

 from the French eperlan. 



The first species, called the hepsetus, has about 

 twelve rays in the fin next the anus. It is found 

 in the northern seas, and is very plentiful in the 

 sea near Southampton, as well as on other coasts 

 of our island. The length is about five inches, 

 and the tail is much forked. It is a beautiful 

 little fish, semi-pellucid, covered with scales ; the 

 color silvery, tinged with yellow; beneath the side 

 line is a row of small black spots, and the under 

 jaws rather prominent; in the front of the upper 

 are four large teeth ; the tail is forked ; the flesh 

 is tender, and of a delicate taste. 



The other species, called the menidea, has 

 twenty-four rays in the fin next the anus. This 

 is a very small pellucid fish, with many black 



