240 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE HERRING-FISHERY. 



In a previous part of tins work we have stated that the 

 herring shoals sometimes present a bright kiminous effect 

 in the water and in the atmosphere ; but such appearances 

 do not seem to be so frequent as to teach the fishermen 

 that they are near the shoals. For instance, in a letter 

 from the keeper of the lighthouse on Sumburgh Head, 

 Shetland, dated 19th September 1836, published in the 

 " Edinburgh Philosophical Journal," January 1836, No. 

 43, p. 192, after describing a severe storm from N.E,, 

 which drove the fishermen from the fishing ground, to the 

 great loss of their nets and endangering their lives, it is 



