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Whitebait

This favourite fish, so highly esteemed by epicures, belongs especially to London, being found in the estuary of the Thames. Great differences of opinion exist as to its parentage, many supposing that it is the fry either of the shad, the sprat, or the smelt, and others declaring that it is a distinct species of fish. It is a small, silvery-looking fish, from about an inch in length. It first makes its appearance in March, and is to be had in perfection in May, June, and July. It should be procured perfectly fresh and in an unbroken condition. If not to be used immediately, it should be put into iced water as soon as it is brought in. It is served either fried or devilled with cayenne, lemons cut into quarters, and brown bread and butter. It requires no sauce. The fry of various species of fish are treated as whitebait, and if not too large are passable.