THE SALMON FAMILY. 371 



given rise to another tradition, that they are ahle to subsist 

 without food. They are most successfully taken during 

 a dull day and in a sharp breeze, as they then approach 

 near to the edges of the loch, and swim in a direction con- 

 trary to the wind. They spawn about the commencement 

 of November, and at this time congregate in large shoals, 

 frequently rising to the surface of the water, in the manner 

 of the common Herring, and making a similar noise by 

 their rise and fall to and from the surface. The sound 

 may be distinctly heard, and the direction of the shoal 

 perceived, during a calm and clear evening. They are very 

 productive. The Lochmaben lochs abound with Pike, of 

 which they are a favourite food ; but their quantity seems 

 in no degree to be diminished, notwithstanding that im- 

 mense numbers must be destroyed. They are considered 

 a great delicacy, resembling the Smelt a good deal in 

 flavour; and though certainly very palatable, the relish 

 may be somewhat heightened by the difficulty of always 

 procuring a supply. During the summer, fishing-parties 

 are frequent, introducing some stranger-friend to this 

 Lochmaben Whitebait ; and a club, consisting of between 

 twenty and thirty of the neighbouring gentry, possessing a 

 private net, &c., meet annually in July, to enjoy the sport 

 of fishing, and feasting upon this luxury." 



The females of the Vendace are more numerous, as well 

 as larger, than the males, and not uncommonly exceed 

 8 inches in length, — the males not measuring more than 

 7 inches, which was the length of the specimen here de- 



