CHAPTER IV. 



THE HERRING. 



j]T is almost unnecessary to describe a fish whicli 

 is so widely known and so generally popular 

 as the HERRING ; which is a welcome dainty 

 on the tables of the rich, and a common 

 article of daily food among the poor. We may note, 

 however, two or three peculiarities. Its belly is carin- 

 ated, or keeled, and protected by strong scales, whence we 

 may conclude that it is " a ground -feeder." Its air-bag 

 is of unusual size, and its pectoral fin is also very large, 

 whence we may conclude that it can swim with ease and 

 rapidity. There is reason to believe that it preys upon its 

 own young, or upon the roe of its kind, when other nutri- 

 ment is scarce; but, as a rule, it feeds upon acalephce and 

 minute crustaceans, as well as upon small fishes. Its lobes 

 of roe or milt are larger in proportion to its body than 

 those of any other fish, and its fecundity is remarkable. 

 It deposits its ova in comparatively shallow water ; always 

 selecting, with admirable instinct, a locality where they 

 will adhere with facility, and where the young, when 

 hatched, will find an abundance of nourishment. 



The herring (Clupea harengus) belongs to the mala- 

 copterous family of the Clupeidce. When alive, its 



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