CHAPTER XI. 



^bbommal^s — continued. 



rriHE Canadian Shad {Alosa prcestabilis) diflfers mate- 

 rially from our fish of the same name, and is much 

 larger. In shape and appearance it resembles both the 

 bream and the herring, being of a somewhat oval form 

 and having large silvery scales. Its average weight is 

 from 2 to 4 lbs., and though rather bony it is an excellent 

 and delicately flavoured fish, especially when freshly taken. 

 It is cured in large quantities, and the roe is preserved as 

 a bait for other fish, for which purpose it is in high repute. 



The Shad is said to take readily almost any bright 

 fly in the months of April and May, but I think this is 

 an error; they are seldom taken with the rod, and can 

 barely be classed among the game fish of the country, 

 for they are chiefly taken in " brush fisheries." 



They leave the salt water and ascend the rivers in 

 spring for the purpose of spawning, and at that time are 

 abundant in the lower St. Lawrence, though not found 

 higher up than the mouth of the Ottawa, and even at 

 that point only in small numbers. 



