NOTES OX NEW JERSEY FISHES. 359 



thirty to fifty individuals during the season of 1908, most all were 

 bucks, but one or two roes having been taken, in the Rancocas Creek, 

 at Centerton. The largest seldom were over eight pounds. 



Mr. J. B. Vanderveer, of Trenton, says that this well-known food- 

 iish, the most important in this respect of all our river fishes, our 

 fishermen believe to be far less common than formerly, when the ex- 

 tensive fisheries netted unusual catches. Unlike the herrings, the 

 shad is said to produce no disturbance at the surface of the water 

 when taking air. It ascends the river in the spring, as soon as the 

 water warms sufficiently, and is at that time vigorous, and seemingly 

 in its upward course seldom or never ascends to the surface of the 

 water for air. Shad select such places as the alewife use, and spawn 

 in a similar manner. They differ from both of our herrings, how- 

 ever, in that during their descent or return to the sea they never make 

 any disturbance when rising to the surface for air. Fishermen think 

 this is due to the shape of the nose being more produced. As the fry 

 develop they soon reach a half-grown size, when they will devour most 

 all kinds of insects and small aquatic animals, and at this season 

 may be taken on a fty. When ascending the river, as on one occa- 

 sion at the Delaware River bridge, at Trenton, the shadow of this 

 seemed to form an impassable barrier. To one looking down from 

 above large schools could all be seen herded all along the edge of the 

 dark shadow, but not a single individual for an instant passing into 

 it. Finally a leader among the fish appeared, and after swimming 

 along the shadow several times finally determined on a point to pass 

 through, when the whole multitude placidly followed in a narrow 

 stream. The young are capable of caring for themselves after about 

 three moons, and are eagerly devoured by chub, rock, perch, cat fish, 

 etc. 



Dr. R. J. Phillips has seen it at Gloucester. 



Reported to have been taken in the Delaware at Burlington Island. 



At jSTewbold's island, Burlington county, many bright, silvery 

 young were found on August 13th, 1908. They were about two inches 

 long. After being in alcohol a short time their backs were brilliant 

 emerald-green in some lights, with a bright violet streak back from 

 upper eye edge to caudal base above. They were associated mostly in 

 schools of moderate size, though were often taken with the other small 

 fishes. 



