THE SALMON FAMILY. 



267 



CAPBLIN. 

 Mallotus villosus 1 Cuviee. 



This, with the exception of the genus Scopulua, is the 

 smallest species of Salmonidse found in American waters. 

 Dr. Eichardson says it is nearly allied to the Osmerus (Smelt). 

 It is of small size, seldom exceeding six inches in length. 

 They are said to be a delicious little pan-fish, not excelled by 

 the Smelt itself, and that they resemble that fish in the 

 peculiar smell for which it is noted when taken from the 

 water. 



Capelin are found in immense numbers on the coast of 

 Labrador, and in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where they are 

 used as bait for the Codfish. One sweep of the net at night 

 as they come in shore, is said to secure as many as will serve 

 a fishing-smack for the next day. They are only mentioned 

 here for their value as pertaining to the Cod-fishery of the 

 northern coast. The following notice of the taking of these 

 little fish is from the April number (1861) of Harper's Maga- 

 zine ; the article is entitled " Three Months in Labrador" ; — 



" At early evening, after the labors of the day, the seine- 

 boats go in quest of Capelin (bait), carefully searching the 

 little coves and inlets, and creeping along the shores ; three 

 men pulling in the usual way, an oarsman in the stern 

 standing up and pushing, while he scans the surface of the 

 water for the ripple of passing schools, and a lookout in the 

 bows, motionless as a figure-head, resting upon his elbows, 

 and peering into the depths before him. Now one gives 



