26^ THE ATHERINE, 



Genus LI— 'I he j^tljcnne*. 



A HIS tribe Linna-Jis lias divided into two fpecles ; botli 

 diflinguiflied by the flutnefs of the upper jaw, bj a fil- 

 very ilripe along the fides, and by having fix branchio- 

 ilegous rays. The atlierine bed known on our coafts, is 

 very conrsmon near Southampton^ wliere it is called a 

 fmelt. It is in feafon from March to the beginning of 

 June, at which period it begins to fpawn. It never de- 

 ferts the place ; but may be taken there at every feafon, 

 excepting in hard fi'oll. 



The alherine is from three to four inches in length ; 

 and the body is femi-tranfparent, except where the fpine, 

 or the vifcera intercept the raj'^s of light. The fhape of 

 the body is oblong, and llender ; the back ilraight ; and the 

 belly a little prominent. The belly is filvery ; the back 

 variegated with blackifli coloured fpots, which become 

 more difcernable after the fcales are ftripped olT. The 

 mouth is large ; and its aperture, when the jaws are fhut, 

 feems to look upwards. The lips hang down : both jaws, 

 as well as the palate, are befet with fmall teeth j and up- 

 on the back are two dorfal fins. 



* Atherina Hefpetus, Lin. Syft. Pifciculus Anguella Venetils didtus^ 

 Will. ■ ■ • 



