396 REPORT OF THE 



his figure of the fish represents a row of large dark spots, giving the fish the appear- 

 ance of the Hickory Shad or Green Back of Great South Bay. In Gravesend Bay 

 this fish is known as Shad Herring. On Nov^ember 30, 1897, two individuals, evi- 

 dently fish of the year, measuring about 7 inches, were obtained from that bay. At 

 Woods Hole the fish is common. It arrives later than the Branch Herring and 

 spawns in adjacent ponds. It is sometimes called Black Back in that locality. 



53. Shad {Aiosa sapidissinia Wilson). 



The Shad is found along our coast from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Lawrence 

 River, and has been introduced upon the west coast. It ascends streams for the 

 purpose of spawning and unless prevented by obstructions pushes its way up, some- 

 times to the headwaters. 



At Woods Hole, Mass., the Shad comes about May and is taken in traps. It is 

 less numerous than formerly. Thirty years ago probably a hundred times as many 

 were caught as in recent years. In 1897 the average number taken in a trap was not 

 over 3 to 5. 



Young shad are frequently seen in large numbers in the fall of the year in nets 

 set off shore in Gravesend Bay. This occurs during the migration seaward. The 

 fish are promptly released. They are usually from 6 to 8 inches long. It frequently 

 happens that shad measuring from 9 to 13^ inches are taken in October. These 

 are probably not fish of the year, and their capture indicates that not all of the shad 

 remain at sea after their first migr-ation until they are sexually mature. The late 

 John B. De Nyse stated that of the first spring run of small shad fully ninety per 

 cent are males. 



54. Scaled Sardine {Harengula sp.). 



The only individual of this genus so far known in New York waters was taken 

 at Gravesend Bay in 1895. The fish was about 9 inches long, but unfortunately 

 the specimen was not preserved and the species cannot now be stated with 

 certainty. 



55. Thread Herring {Opisthonenia oglinum Le Sueur). 



The Thread Herring is known as Sprat Herring in Gravesend Bay where it 

 appears in July and August and sometimes fills the nets. This great run lasts two 

 weeks, beginning toward the last of July. 



At Woods Hole, Mass., it is very rare. A number were taken there in the fall 

 of 1871. In 1885, it was quite common in Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound in 

 July. It remained about a month and specimens were taken in traps at almost 



