182 MALACOPTERYGII. 



in the 3rd D. fin, tlie third, fourth, and fifth rays are longest, and of about equal 

 length; in the 1st A. fin the rays gradually increase in length posteriorly to the 

 seventh, which, with the eighth and ninth, are of about equal length. Tail 

 slightly forked, just as represented in both editions of Peiuiant's British Zoology. 



" Feb. 19th, lb36. In Belfast market 1 obtained a G. minutxts which was taken 

 along with a quantity of atherines [A. Fresbyter) in Strangford Lough, lis length 

 is 6 inches ; the exact number of finrays are, D. 13, 24, 2L) ; A. 27, 22 ; P. 14 ; 

 V. 6 ; C. 20 (with many side rays). 



" Lateral line curved anteriorly for very nearly half its length, remainder 

 straight. Colour just as described by Bloch ; above the lateral line pale yellow- 

 ish brown, marked with extremely minute black dots, below it silvery minutely 

 dotted with black, which latter marking prevails in the pectoral and anal fins; 

 irides silvery, tinged with black above. 



" In the same jar with the last-mentioned Gachis Callarias were three specimens 

 of G. minutus, which I learned from Mr. Marshall were taken at the same time 

 and place with it, and with the same bait. The largest is 8| inches long, dia- 

 meter of its eye 8^ lines. Jan. 12th, 1838, 1 received a G. minutus 8 inches in 

 length from Killough, on the coast of Down. Among fishes from Youghal, 

 submitted to my examination by Dr. li. Ball, in July, 1837, were two indivi- 

 duals of this species, one 8| the other ]U| inches in length. 



" The figures of G. Callarias and G. miinitus hi Mr. Yarrell's British Fishes 

 are very characteristic ; the curve of the lateral line, however, approaches the 

 tail more nearly in my specimens of the latter than is represented in the figure 

 — in all of them about one half of this line is curved." 



This species is permanently resident on the shores of Ireland, evinced 

 by my obtaining them at all seasons of the year. 



On the coast of Doavu and Antrim they are chiefly taken in our shel- 

 tered bays, where I have no doubt they breed. 



The fishermen distinguish them from all the other Gnrli, by their gold- 

 coloured backs, the silvery aspect of the lower portion of their sides, and 

 the deciduousness of their scales. The largest example which I have 

 seen (with the exception of that already mentioned as measuring 10^ 

 inches) was taken at Killough, County Down; it was 10 inches long 

 and 2^ inches deep. 



In the stomachs of those examined Crustacea chiefly are found ; in one 

 W'as a full-grown Pagurus Bemliardus, which must have been dragged 

 from its shell and eaten. 



Fragments of the marine plants Zoster a marina and Aspcrococcus Jistu- 

 losus have also occurred. 



The observation of Mr. Couch, as quoted by Mr. Yarrell (p. 242, vol. 

 ii. 2nd ed.), that this fish frequents the edges of rocks, although doubtless 

 correct, induces me to remark, that most of the examples which have come 

 rmder my observation were taken on a soft oozy bottom, and some of these 

 in the middle and deepest portion of Belfast Bay. 



The Whiting, llerhnu/us vulgaris, Cuv., 



Is taken commonly around the coast. In the North it is not held in much 

 estimation, and it is consequently sold at a low rate. At Killough (County 

 Down), where this species is abundant, examples Aveighing 5 lbs. are said 

 to be occasionally taken.* 



The whiting is considered best in spring, 



* Mr. B. Meenan. 



