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MALACOPTERYGII. CLUPEAD^. 
in the stomach of a large old one ; a sufficient 
proof of piscine voracity. 
We shall illustrate the genus by this, its most 
valuable species, the common Herring [Clupea 
harengus, Linn.), so largely used, both in its fresh 
and salted condition, as the food of the poorer 
HERRING. 
classes of society. In form it is much compressed, 
its depth greatly exceeding its thickness. The 
lower jaw projects considerably beyond the upper; 
there are a few small teeth on both jaws and the 
tongue ; the eye is large ; the line of the belly is 
sharp, but not notched. The colours when fresh 
are a fine greenish blue on the upper parts, and 
on the sides and belly silvery white. 
The immense hosts in which this fish assembles 
