736 A Study of the Popular Names of the Menhaden. [Novembér, 
Among the manufacturers in Port Monmouth, N. J., who pre- 
pare the menhaden as an article of food, a number of trade names 
are in use, such as “ American sardine” (in distinction from the 
European fish which is prepared in a similar manner), “ American 
club-fish,’ “ shadine,’”’ and “ ocean trout.” 
These names are not separated in their distribution by sharply 
defined boundaries. Still, as a glance at the table will show, the 
habitat, if that term may be legitimately used, of each local appel- 
lation appears to be clearly marked. Where there is a discrep- 
ancy it can usually be explained. For instance, the general use 
of the name “menhaden” in the vicinity of Boothbay, Me., is 
due to the presence of a large number of fishermen and laborers 
from Rhode Island who carry on the oil-factories in that region. 
In the same way the name “bony-fish” has been naturalized at 
Montauk point and Napeague, N. Y. The factories in that 
neighborhood are owned by firms in Eastern Connecticut, and 
the Connecticut “ bony-fish fleet” has a favorite cruising ground 
in the waters of Eastern Long Island. The names “ menhaden,” 
“bony-fish” and ‘“moss-bunker” have been introduced into 
Florida by northern fishermen, who prosecute the winter shad 
fisheries on the St. John’s, and these same names are more or less 
familiar all along the coast wherever the northern coasters and 
fishing vessels are known. 
The adoption of some one suitable name for popular use is 
eminently desirable. “ Menhaden ” is the name most generally 
known, as well as the most distinctive. It has the additional 
recommendation of having been derived from an aboriginal 
language. It has been used in the titles of the two manufactu- 
rers’ associations, and it is hoped that this usage will soon be 
conformed to by all. z 
A few words concerning the origin of the ahoy mentioned 
names may not be out of place. “ Pogy” and “menhaden” are 
derived somewhat remotely from the Indian dialects of New 
England, the latter apparently from that in use in Massachusetts. 
and Rhode Island, the former from a more northern source. 
For the explanation of the derivation of these names I am in- 
— debted to Prof. J. Hammond Trumbull, who writes, “ Munnawhat- 
 teaûg corrupted to Menhaden, means, literally, ‘ fertilizer’ (‘that 
which manures’). This name was applied to the herring and ale- 
wife as well as the ‘ menhaden ” proper—all these species being 
i ` dians for eine their cornfields. : o 
