SHAD. 

 Alosa Prcsstabilis. 



Are rarely angled for in Northern wa- 

 ters, but taken in large numbers with gill- 

 nets, as they ascend rivers from the sea. 



These they enter and descend for the 

 purpose of spawning, and after annual 

 ocean visitations the Shad return, in separ- 

 ate divisions, to their native streams. 



" Up-river " Shad are marketable ; 

 " down-rivers " out of condition and not 

 captured. They enter the Hudson in 

 March or April, and descend in May and 

 June. 



Epicures prize the unctuous females and 

 their roe. Male Shad are smaller fish ; 

 but their flesh is firmest and finest grained. 

 Connecticut River Shad have a predomi- 

 nant reputation for flavor. Usual weight 

 from three to five pounds. 



