HERRINGS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 13, 22 April 1871, Page 2

HERRINGS.

[Otago Dahy Times, April B.] The important discovery has lately been made at Green Island that the Herring—the real home herring (clupea harerigus)— frequents our shores. A few specimens have occasionally been obtained on the shores of Green Island and Saddle Hill, which were believed to be the teal herring; and recently a settler walking along the beach picked up three fishes so much resembling herrings that he kept them as curiosities, without proving them by taste. Last week, however, the matter was placed beyond the shadow of a doubt. Between the Boat harbor and the Kuri, an immense shoal of fish, pursued by large numbers of sea fowl, were seen extending for several miles seaward, and along the shore. From the peculiar movements of the fish,- and the evolutions and clamor of the sea gulls, the practised eyes of the Macleods, three brothers experienced fishermen, came to the conclusion, before a specimen was

obtained, that the fish were neither more nor less than the real home herring. Hotly pursued by their natural enemies, a small portion of the shoal, consisting of upwards of twenty dray loads, along with eight barracouta, was cast on tbe beach. Joyfully did the Macleod's recognise; the Highlandman's best friend, the herring; and they and the surrounding settlers secured a goodly "number before next tide. Macleods and others assert that in flavor and Quality the fish were equal to Lochfyne herrings. The fish, however, were young, being from four inches to four and a half in length ; but a full grown one was observed occasionally. On examination the fins and teeth exactly corresponded with the British species, the latter being small and numerous, and •ituated not only on the jaws, but in the other parts of the mouth, as the vomer and the tongue. In reference to the British herring Chambers states :—" The opinion once entertained that its proper home is within the arctic circle, and that its vast shoals issue thence at certain seasons, is now discarded as* having no foundation, and herring is believed to be an inhabitant of deep water, from which at certain seasons it approaches the shores, probably not migrating to any great distance." On the West of Scotland the opinion entertained was that its home was within the latitude of 60deg., then following up the coast entering its numerous bays and lochs. They were followed on the surface by the solan goose, the gull and other sea birds; beneath the water by whales, porpoises, dogfishes, snakes, &c. Here, it appears, a shoal is followed by the gull, mutton bird, and barracouta (closely resembling in size,-shape, and taste the hake) and probably the whales, which occasionally approach the coast are in pursuit of it. To promote and industry which could not fail/ if fairly started, to become an important one, it is recommended that a bonus should be given by Government, to be used in equipping a boat, of from forty to fifty tons burden, with the ne? cessary apparatus for fishing. There are in Port Chalmers numerous experienced fishermen who would readily enter upon such an undertaking, provided the necessary funds were forthcoming. If a regular herring fishery were established, not only could a ready market be found in the Australian colonies, but California might be expected to absorb considerable quantities of the dried herrings. There is, moreover, every reason to believe that numerous species of other edible fish not yet known live near these shores. At no great distance, banks are supposed to be teeming with cod. An experienced fisherman informed me that he caught ood-fish the exact counterpart in size and flavor to that obtained on the west coast of Scotland.