22 SALMONID.E. 



were found several species of Entomostraca, larva of insects, a 

 few Coleoptera, a number of small tougli red worms, little 

 more than half an inch in length, and about the thickness 

 of a coarse thread, besides a quantity of gravel, which the 

 fish had probably accumulated when in search of the larva." 



" These fish are found in Loch Lomond in great numbers, 

 where they are called Powans or Freshwater Herrings. 

 They are caught from the month of March until September 

 Avith large drag-nets, and occasional instances have occurred 

 in which a few have been taken with a small artificial fly : a 

 minnow or bait they have never been known to touch. Early 

 in the morning and late in the evening large shoals of them 

 are observed approaching the shores in search of food, and 

 rippling the surface of the water with their fins as they pro- 

 ceed. In this respect they resemble in their habits the Ven- 

 dace of Lochmaben and the saltwater herring. They are 

 never seen under any circumstances in the middle of the day. 

 From the estimation these fish are held in by the neighbour- 

 ing inhabitants, they are seldom sent far before they meet 

 with a ready sale, and are entirely unknown in the markets 

 of Glasgow. In the months of August and September they 

 are in best condition for the table, when they are con- 

 sidered well flavoured, Avholesome and delicate food. They 

 shed their spawn in October to December, and remain out of 

 condition until March." 



Although agreeing in the number of fin-rays w^ith the 

 Pollan of Ireland, this Loch Lomond fish is at once dis- 

 tinguislied from it by the peculiar form of its mouth, a repre- 

 sentation of which, in two points of view, inserted as a vig- 

 nette, and contrasted with the same parts in the Pollan, both 

 of the natural size, will, better than description, convey the 

 appearance in proof of distinction. The Loch Lomond fish 

 being remarkable for the depth of the upper lip, and the 

 large size of the lateral free portions of the superior-maxillary 

 bones. 



