FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 395 



It is common in Gravesend Bay in September, October and November, but not 

 in such numbers as were found some years ago. Larger Hickory Shad weighing 

 from y2 to 2^ pounds arrived in Fulton Market from nearby waters October 30, 

 1896, one of which had in its stomach from 15 to 20 sand launces from 3^ to 5 

 inches long. A few individuals were seen at Blue Point Cove August 16, 1898, and 

 Howell's Point August 31, \\ 



51. Branch Herring ; Alewife {Pomolobus pseitdoharengtis Wilson). 



This fish makes its appearance in Gravesend Bay with the shad. On November 

 30, 1897, examples 6 and 7 inches long and believed to be young of the year were 

 brought from that bay. 



The young of the Branch Alewife were collected in Peconic Bay, Mecox Bay 

 Shinnecock Bay, and in various parts of Great South Bay in July and August, 1898. 

 Adults were landlocked in Mecox Bay by filling up the inlet which had been dug 

 from the Atlantic early in the year. 



Young individuals are abundant in summer in Swan River and other fresh waters 

 tributary to Great South Bay. Examples taken August 8 varied in length from 2^ 

 to 3^ inches. On August 9 individuals seined at Whale House Hole measured 

 from 3j/j^ to jyi^ inches, the larger ones probably being fish of the previous year. At 

 Smith's Point, August 23, the specimens ranged from 23/ to 4 inches. Half-grown 

 fish were obtained as early as July 16. 



This Alewife is a very common fish in the fresh water of Swan River. Individu- 

 als 2 inches long were taken there September 9, 1901. Alewives of the year taken 

 during September varied from 2 inches to 4^ inches in length. Examples measur- 

 ing 8 inches were found September 9, but these were probably not fish of the year. 

 A large Alewife, 12 inches long, found in the fresh water of Swan River September 

 19, was the largest one seen. 



The Branch Herring ascends rivers along the coast from Florida to Canada, 

 usually making its appearance with the shad. At Woods Hole, Mass., it arrives in 

 March and April. By May most of the fish have entered the streams and ponds to 

 spawn ; early in May it begins to return to salt water. It is very useful for bait as 

 well as for food. 



52. Glut Herring {Pomolobus cestivalis Mitchill). 



The Glut Herring is known in Great South Bay as the Herring. Mitchill 

 refers to it as the Summer Herring of New York. The very brief description calls 

 for a row of seven or eight spots extending in the direction of the lateral line, and 



