44 THE FISHES OP PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND. 



it ascends the brooks, and may be caught in vast quantities by a scoop- 

 net. 



4. The Capelin resembles the Smelt, but is more slender. It seldom 

 strikes our shores, preferring the colder waters around the coast of 

 Newfoundland. Occasionally it is found on the north coast. It is 

 superior to the smelt, and when salted and dried has a fine flavour. The 

 salmon, trout,"" smelt, and capelin, are classed under one genus — the 

 Salmonidce. 



5. The Mackarel is a member belonging to the albecore or horse 

 mackarel, the Sword-fish and others. The mackarel is a finely-shaped 

 fish, and when just taken out of the water has a bright and beautiful 

 appearance. This valuable and much prized fish ranges round our island, 

 lying off and on its shores according to the prevailing winds from July 

 to November. — Occasionally it enters the harbours. Large quanties are 

 annually caught off the north and east coasts by Yankee fishermen fitted 

 out for the purpose. 



6. The Albecore is occasionally seen on the north coast. It pursues 

 the herring on which it preys. It resembles a monster mackarel, and is 

 seen from five to eight feet in length. Its flesh is much superior to that 

 of the sturgeon. The family is called the Scombridae. 



7. The Herring. Vast shoals of herring swarm on all the shores of 

 the Gulf in the early part of summer. About the first of May they 

 strike the shores of the Island, and are often caught in great quantities. 

 They are, however, lean at that season. Those caught in autumn are 

 much superior. 



8. The Gasperaux resemble herring, but are "generally shorter and 

 stifter. They are later in their arrival than the herring. The first taken 

 are the best. When salted they are inferior to the herring. They force 

 their way with great perseverance into the ponds and brooks, and are 

 easily caught. 



9. The Shad is a very valuable fish, and occasionally ascends some of 

 our large rivers, though not in abundance. It is greatly larger than the 

 gasperaux — and its flesh is almost equal to Mackarel. The herring 

 gasjjeraux and shad belong to one family called the Clupeidae. 



10. The Cod is too well known to need any description, and is found in 

 all parts of the Gulf. They are most abundant on the north shore of 

 the Island. When dried, they are generally prized as an article of food. 

 — A valuable oil is obtained from their livers. 



11. The Hake differs slightly from the cod. It is generally three feet 

 in length, prefers muddy bottoms, and is often caught at night. Its 

 mouth is armed with teeth which will soon cut off a hook, if the line is 

 not protected. It sometimes receives the name of " Ling." 



12. The Torsk much resembles the cod, but its tail-fin is rounded, 

 with a blue and white edge. It has a barbule on the chin. The back- 



