44 SEA FISH; 



The White Bait. 

 FAM., Clupeidce. 



This fisli was long considered fry, or the young of 

 other fish, but the researches of Mr. Yarrell and 

 other eminent ichthyologists have proved beyond all 

 question, that it occupies a position amongst fish 

 quite as distinct as that of either the herring or 

 pilchard. The capture of white bait will scarcely, I 

 apprehend, be attempted by any of my amateur 

 readers ; still, for the sake of old Greenwich and 

 Blackwall reminiscences, a short description of the 

 mode by which it is captured may not prove 

 unacceptable. The Thames furnishes the whole 

 supply required by the London market ; no fishery, 

 that I am aware of, having been established on any 

 other river. From April to September may be con- 

 sidered the white bait season, although scattering 

 detachments are frequently taken with other fish off 

 the southern coast during the winter months. The 

 coming of the young flood tide is the time chosen, 

 and a net of funnel-shape and very fine mesh used. 

 It is placed with its mouth towards the run of the tide, 

 which serves, by its passage through the meshes, to 

 keep the net distended. The fish in ascending the 

 stream keep near the surface, and about three or four 

 feet will be found a good depth to sink it to. "When 

 a sufficient quantity of fish is supposed to be taken 

 to warrant an overhaul, the tail end of the net is 



