176 MALACOPTKKYGII. 



The preserved specimens are similar in this respect, being 4^ inches 

 in length. 



1st specimen.--D. 18; P. 17 ; V. 9 ; A. 16; C. 20. 

 2nd specimen.— D. 18; P. 17; V. 9 ; A. 17; C. 20. 



In the number of fin-rays these agree with C. LeacJiii (Yarr.), hut differ 

 in being serrated on the belly. 



On comparing these two with two sprats of similar size, I find the fol- 

 lowing difference : — In the former, the D. fin originates midway between 

 the snout and the first quarter of the longest caudal ray. In the sprats 

 the D. fin commences midway between the snout and the last third (|) of 

 the longest caudal ray. In yoimg herrings the D. originates as far before 

 the V. as the V. do before the D. in the sprats (/. e. about ^ of the length 

 of the v.). 



In the form of the posterior margin of operculum there is a strongly 

 marked diff"erence, that of the sprats being somewhat rounded, whilst in 

 the herrings the corresponding parts become broader towards the base. 



I undertook the above comparison on account of these specimens being 

 sen-ated on the abdomen, which Jcnyns (p. 434) and Yarrell state the C 

 Harengus is not ; but the diff'crences pointed out by Mr. Jenyns between 

 the C. Harenr/us and C. Sprattvs, under the head of the latter, ajjply ex- 

 actly to those existing between the specimens compared above. On this 

 comparison Mr. Jenyns (p. 435) observes of the C. Sprattus, " Keel of the 

 abdomen more sharply serrated than in that species (C*. Harengus),^^ thus 

 admitting that the abdomen of C. Ilarenf/iis is serrated. 



A number of small herrings, in Dr. P. Ball's possession, were also 

 taken at the Dublin quays, below the Custom House, on unbaited hooks. 

 The line was swept quickly through the water, and three fish brought up 

 almost invariably, one to each hook ; the hooks were black, and the fish 

 all taken by the mouth. 



In Belfast Bay the herring is generally taken from May to November ; 

 but I have notes of occasional captures in January and February. 



The late Mr. Ximmo and Mr. M'Calla informed me that on the Galway 

 coast there are two distinct seasons for the herring fisheries, viz. one in 

 autumn, when the " Harvest Herring " is obtained, and the other in the 

 latter end of January and in February. * 



In August, 1845, I obtained two herrings brought from Drontheim to 

 Belfast, and could see no difi'erence between them and herrings (examined 

 when fresh) taken in Belfast Bay : they are 1 1 inches in length. 



The Sprat, CJiqwa Sprattus, Bloch, 



Is taken around the coast. 



Localities noted : — Donegal ; Tory Island (Mr. G. C. Hyndman) ; Bel- 

 fast Bay ; Newcastle (County Down) ; Dublin and Youghal (Dr. P. Ball) :' 

 Island of Achill ; Galway (Mr. M'Calla). 



Authors referred to: — M'Skimmin ; Templeton; Ruttv and Smith 

 (Cork). 



There is no fishery for sprats on the coasts of Antrim or Down, but 

 they are taken in great abundance in the South. 



From the stomach of a large Holibut {Hippoglossus vulgaris) brought 

 from Carrickfergus to Belfast market, on 10th Feb., 1837, I obtained ten 

 full-grown sprats, the two largest 5| inches long. Excepting the loss of 

 scales, they were in excellent preservation. The fin-rays of one which I 

 examined Avere — D. 17; A. 18; P. 17 ; V. 7 ; C. 19. In a specimen 

 received from You2:hal thev Avere — D. 17 ; A. 19 ; P. 16 ; Y. 7 ; C. 19. 



