OF FlSllf.S. 
223 
SMELT. 
This fish appears to have derived its name 
from having a peculiar scent, something like 
that of a cucumber, and is supposed to be a 
contraction of the words “ smell it.” The 
Smelt is considered a delicious fish, and held 
in great . esteem for the table. It is about 
eight or nine inches in length, and one in 
breadth, and seldom exceeds half a pound 
in weight, and in general are much smaller. 
The back is of a dusky colour; the belly and 
sides a resplendent white, or silver colour. 
The head and back, to a curious observer, 
appear to be sprinkled with black snots. 
They arc caught in abundance in England 
and America. 
