PLATE CXX. 
The great resort of the Mackarel is within the polar regions* 
where it is found in immense shoals, and of a larger size than in any 
other part of the world. 
Besides the polar regions, this highly elegant and splendid fish is 
an inhabitant of the European, Atlantic, American, and Mediterra- 
nean seas, in all of which it appears at particular seasons of the 
year in vast shoals, bending their course, it is commonly supposed, 
from the frozen seas of the arctic circle in search of climates more 
favourable to the fulfilment of the great ordinance of nature, — the 
deposition of their spawn, and providing in an efficient manner fot 
the security of the future brood. 
This was the popular opinion long entertained, not only relative- 
to the Mackarel, but also the Herring, and various other fishes which 
are known to inhabit high northern latitudes, and appear at stated 
seasons annually in the European seas. A contrary idea is at present 
maintained. Bloch, Lacepede, and some other late Ichthyologists* 
believe that those fish never leave the respective seas in which they 
appear at those regular intervals, but merely quit the vicinity of the 
shores at the approach of winter, and retire to the deep recesses of 
the sea, at some short distance. At those times it is imagined they 
conceal themselves in the mud and sand, and remain in a quiescent 
state till the warmth of the returning spring revives them to their 
Wonted activity, when they again seek the shore to deposit theit 
Spawn, and after the breeding season is over, return as before to 
their hiding-places at the bottom of the sea. 
The general size of the Mackarel Is from twelve to fifteen or 
-eighteen Inches in length ; it is reported to attain sometimes to th<^ 
