VENDACE. 91 



" In general habits the Vendace nearly resemble the 

 Gwyniad, and indeed most of the allied species of the genus. 

 They swim in large shoals ; and during warm and clear wea- 

 ther retire to the depth of the lakes, apparently sensible of 

 the increased temperature. They are only taken with nets, 

 a proper bait not being yet discovered ; and the fact that 

 little excrement is found in their intestines has given rise to 

 another tradition, that they are able to subsist without food. 

 They are most successfully taken during a dull day and 

 sharp breeze, approaching near to the edges of the loch, and 

 swimming in a direction contrary to the wind. They spawn 

 about the commencement of November, and at this time 

 congregate in large shoals, frequently rising to the surface of 

 the water, in the manner of the common Herring, and 

 making a similar noise by their rise and fall to and from the 

 surface. The sound may be distinctly heard, and the direc- 

 tion of the shoal perceived, during a calm and clear evening. 

 They are very productive. The lochs abound with Pike, 

 of which they are a favourite food ; but their quantity seems 

 in no degree to be diminished, notwithstanding that immense 

 numbers must be destroyed. They are considered a great 

 delicacy, resembling the Smelt a good deal in flavour ; and 

 though certainly very palatable, the relish may be somewhat 

 heightened by the difficulty of always procuring a supply. 

 During the summer, fishing-parties are frequent, introducing 

 some stranger friend to this Lochmaben whitebait ; and a 

 club, consisting of between twenty and thirty of the neigh- 

 bouring gentry, possessing a private net, &c. meet annually 

 in July, to enjoy the sport of fishing, and feasting upon this 

 luxury." 



The circumstance that this fish is never caught by anglers 

 made a knowledge of its food a matter of interest in several 

 points of view. Dr. Knox ascertained that this consists 



H 2 



