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SCALE-FINNED SHAD. 
Alosa Squamojpinnata, 
JNobis. 
Two species only of tlie family of Shads have been supposed 
to be found on the coasts of England and of Europe; but the 
fish I now introduce to the notice of British naturalists will be 
found different from the preceding species in so many particulars, 
that I am compelled to believe it a distinct species. The skin 
of it, with a figure, was sent to me from Bristol, by E. T. Higgins, 
Esq., where his attention was directed to it as it lay in the 
market; and our representation is taken from this only known 
example. But as when it came into my ijossession the colour 
had much faded, it has been judged best to give it in the 
plate with only so much of its native hue as then remained on it. 
Its length was one foot four inches; the depth a little more 
than three inches, the proportionate length therefore exceeding 
that of the Allis and Twait Shads. The scales also were much 
larger; but the more remarkable particulars are the peculiar 
distribution of the scales on the pectoral and caudal fins, in 
the former of which a larger series lies on its root, and extends 
over about half its length. On the tail the surface is generally 
covered with small scales, except the outermost ray above and 
below; and on the middle rays the scales are much larger 
than on either side. The pointed scales along the lower line 
of the body were not easily counted because of the large scales 
which overlapped them, but with some care we have represented 
them. These prominent points between the ventral fins and 
vent were fourteen, and there was the same number of ribs 
between the throat and ventral fins. On the back also the large 
scales conceal the roots of the rays of the dorsal fin. A large 
portion of the scales of the body had been lost; but enough 
