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Pilchard

The pilchard is rarely found on the British shores except on the coasts of Cornwall and Devon, particularly the former, where it is captured in great numbers from the middle of July to the end of November, or even the middle of December. Cornish fishermen say that the pilchard is the least fish in the sea for size, the most in number, and the greatest for gain taken from the sea. Pilchards are little used in England, except in Devon and Cornwall. They are principally exported, and are largely consumed in some parts of the Continent during the season of Lent. The taste of the pilchard is very like that of the herring, but it is more oily. Even after much of the oil has been removed by pressure it is still as rich as could be wished.