WHITEBAIT.

Kumara Times, Issue 1621, 7 December 1881, Page 3

WHITEBAIT.

The old controversy whether white,bait are a distinct species, or are only the younger of a larger fish, has been often renewed. Mr Yarrell maintained Hiat whitebait was a distinct species, and not, as had been supposed, the young of some one of the well-known species of the herring family. It was also believed that it did not exist elsewhere than in the Thames, where a fishery was carried on to supply an extensive demand from the people of London. In point of fact, the whitebait required to meet the large demand during the London season does include all manner of small fish, the true species of which is of little consequence to the consumer, as they are seen cooked and disguised at the table. But the following fact is worth the consideration of naturalists. Three years ago or more a quantity of the so-called whitebait was caught at Brighton, where, as it bad been year after year, it now is, very plentiful. To make sure it was the same kind caught every year in the Thames, and formerly believed to be there only found, a quantity was specially forwarded to Mr G. Groves, of Charing Cross, the celebrated fishmonger and proprietor of whitebait smacks. He may be supposed to be a good judge pf the whitebait, and he pronounced the Brighton specimens to be without 'doubt the same fish. Some of these were placed in tank 32 at Aqnarium, and are now swimming about as unmistakable full-grown herring. In company are a shoal of young ones caught this summer.—Leisure Hour.”