Pilchard, a fish, which greatly resembles the common her-ring ; and though its body is somewhat shorter, yet it is considerably thicker ; and contains a larger proportion of oil.

Pilchards are fish of passage, appearing towards the middle of July, in extensive shoals, on the coasts of Cornwall and Devonshire; whence they depart at the commencement of winter; a few only returning after Christmas. This fishery proves highly advantageous to the inhabitants engaged in it: for, independently of the numerous persons employed in manufacturing ropes, nets, etc. the offals of the captures are consumed by the poor, and the refuse affords an excellent manure.

On taking pilchards, they are first conveyed to a warehouse-; where they are covered with bay-salt for three weeks or a month, to discharge the blood, etc. after which period, they are washed in sea-water, to remove all impurities; and, as soon as they are dry, the fish are pressed closely into barrels, to extract the oil, that drains through a hole made in the bottom of the cask. Thus treated, they become fit for use; and, when properly dressed, are preferable to herrings ; as their flesh is of a better flavour, and has a milder taste.