SALMONID^. 647 



The " Smelt " {0. eperlanus) is common on many places of 

 the coasts of ISTorthern Europe and America. In the sea it 

 grows to a length of eight inches ; but, singularly, it frequently 

 migrates from the sea into rivers and lakes, where its growth 

 is very much retarded. That this habit is one of very old 

 date, is evident from the fact that this small freshwater form 

 occurs, and is fully acclimatised, in lakes which have. now no 

 open communication with the sea. And stUl more singularly, 

 this same habit, with the same result, has been observed in 

 the Smelt of New Zealand (Betropinna richardsonii). The 

 Smelt is considered a delicacy in Europe, as well as in 

 America, where the same species occurs. Two other allied 

 genera, Hypomesus and Thaleichthys, are found on the Pacific 

 coast of North America, the latter being caught in immense 

 numbers,and known bythe name "Eulachon" and "Oulachan;" 

 it is so fat, that it is equally used as food and as candle. 



Mallotus. — Body covered with minute scales, which are 

 somewhat larger along the lateral line and along each side of the 

 belly ; in mature males these scales become elongate, lanceolate, 

 densely tiled, with free projecting points, forming villous bands. 

 Cleft of the mouth wide ; maxillary very thin, lamelliform, ex- 

 tending to below the middle of the eye. Lower jaw the longer, 

 partly received between the maxillaries. Dentition very feeble ; 

 the teeth forming single series ; only the teeth on the tongue are 

 somewhat larger and disposed in an elliptical patch. Pectoral 

 fins large, horizontal, with broad base. Pyloric appendages very 

 short, in small number ; ova small. 



The " Capelin " {M. villosus) is found on the Arctic coasts 

 of America and of Kamtschatka. It is caught in immense 

 numbers by the natives, who consume it fresh, or dry it for 

 use in the winter. Its length does not exceed nine inches. 



CoREGONUS. — Body covered with scales of moderate size. 

 Cleft of the mouth small ; maxillary broad, short or of moderate 

 length, not extending behind the orbit. Teeth, if present. 



