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LIBRARY

OF THE

MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY

Library of
SAMUEL GARMAN

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SEP 1 1928

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HISTORY

OF THE

FISHES

OF THE

BEITISH ISLANDS.

BY JONATHAj^ couch, F.L.S.

VOL. III.

CONTAIXING riFTY-NIjSTE COLOURED PLATES,
FBOM DEAWINGS BY THE AUTHOE.

The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have
pleasure therein. — Psalm cxi, v. 2.

L O X D O N :
GKOOMBEIDGE AISTD SO^N'S, 5, PATEEXOSTEE EOW

M DCCC LXVI.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

Atlierine ........... 1

Boier's Atherine ......... 4

Grey Mullet 6

Lesser Grey Mullet ........ 15

Trumpet-fish 21

Ballaa Wrass .......... 24

Green Wrass 30

Comber Wrass . . ** 32

Cook 34

Three- spotted Wrass ........ 36

Scale-rayed Wrass 38

Kock Cook 41

Corkwing ........... 43

Baillon's Wrass 45

Jago's Goldsinny ......... 47

Rainbow Wrass 49

Cod 53

Haddock 62

Dorse ........... 66

Bib ........... 70

Power ........... 72

Whiting 74

Poutassou ........... 77

PoUack 80

Coalfish 84

Green Pollack 87

Ling 89

Burbolt 93

Torsk 96

Hake 99

Three-bearded Ilockling 105

Five-bearded Ilockling 108

IV

CONTENTS.

Four-bearded Eockling

PAGE

Ill

Mackarel Midge 113

Thompson's Midge =. . . .118

Lesser Forkbeard ......... 122

Greater Forkbeard . . . . . . . . .125

Blennoid Forkbeard . . . . . . . . 128

Bearded Ophidium . . . ... . . . . 131

Drummond's Echiodon ........ 133

Lesser Launce .......... 137

Larger Launce ......... 140

Short-snouted Launce ........ 144

Holibut 149

Long Rough Dab ......... 153

Turbot ........... 155

Brill 161

Sail Fluke 163

Carter 167

Muller's Topknot 170

Bloch's Topknot ' . . . .173

Ekstrom's Topknot . . . . . . . . 175

Megrim 177

Plaice 181

Dab

185

Smear Dab 187

Pole 190

Long Flounder 193

Flounder 195

Sole 200

Yariegated Sole 203

Lemon Sole .......... 205

Solenette 207

FISHES OF THE BRITISH ISLANDS.

ATHERTNA.

The body moderately lengthened, and along each side a silvery band
from the gill-covers to the tail. Mouth a little protractile. Dorsal fins
widely separated, both with rays. Ventral fins behind the pectorals,
(abdominal.)

Linnaeus confounded all the species together under the name of A.
hepsetus, which, as now defined, is a species not known in Britain.

ATHERINE.

SMELT. SAND SMELT. Ill tlie west of Cornwall, guid,
which signifies white.

Atherina, Jonston; p. 79, table 17, f. 15.

WiLLOuGHBY; p. 209, table N. 12, f. 2.
Atherina preshyter, Cuvieb,.

" hepsetus, Doxovax; pi. 87.

'• " Fleming; Br. Animals, p. 217.

" presbyter, Jexyns; Manual, p. 377.

Takkell; Br. Fishes, vol. i, p. 229.
GuNTHEK; Cat. Br. M., vol. iii, p. 392,

This little fish is commonly found in small scattered com-
panies in harbours and bays where a sandy bottom is mingled
with rough ground, and especially "svhere there are streams of
fresh water flowing into the salt; but we believe there is no
instance of its entering fresh water for any continued length of
VOL. III. B

2 ATHERINE.

time, and it appears never to go to a considerable distance
from the shore.

It inhabits the temperate regions of Europe, its most southern
limits beinsr the Island of Madeira. In the Mediterranean it
is common, and is perhaps the species mentioned in a cursory
manner by Oppian. It is also more abundant on the west
and south of England than in the north or in Scotland, where,
however, in the Firth of Forth, it was discovered by Dr.
Parnell; so that we conclude its not being met Avith on the
east coast of England, northward of Dover, is rather caused by
the nature of the ground than the coldness of the climate.
Yet there is reason to believe that this fish is in a high degree
susceptible of the influences of cold; for besides that it goes
into deeper water or more sheltered places in winter, I have
been informed of instances where, in the shallow waters of a
harbour, numbers have been surprised by sudden frost, so as
to be left dead on the shore. Atherines sometimes assemble
about the ends of piers, where they take a bait readily; but
this would be tedious work for a fisherman who labours for
profit, and they are usually sought after with a net formed of
fine tAvine, by which large quantities are sometimes caught.
Three small boat loads have been taken at a single haul.

The pretty look of this fish, and its resemblance at first sight
to the true Smelt, Osmerus eperlanus, although of a different
family, has secured for it a ready sale at our fashionable
watering-places; but among writers on natural history there is
much diversity of opinion as regards its excellency for the
table. By some it has been highly prized, especially when
large with roe, and fried without removing the entrails, and
we have ISTontagu's authority for its excellency in this condition;
but it has been so decidedly rejected by others as to have
afforded cause for supposing that even its name of Atherine
has been given it on account of its worthlessness. It seems
certain that Avhen out of season the multitude of its small-pointed
bones are a material drawback from the pleasure of eating it.

I have found the roe enlarged into the full size from the
middle of JSTarch to the end of August; and the spawn is
contained in a single lobe, which is enclosed in a black covering
of peritoneum, and has its origin near the backbone, from which
it passes forward across the intestine, a little before the vent.

ATHERINE. 3

The air-bladder is not situated far forward, but is rather hirge,
and passes beyond the vent towards the tail. In collecting them
for observation I have found many more females than males.
Mr. Thompson gives the greatest length of an Irish example
as seven inches and three fourths, and a Cornish specimen
has measured but a little short of this, but a usual size is five
or six inches. The form of the body moderately lengthened
and slender; round over the back, so as to be only in a
moderate degree compressed on the sides; the body covered
with large scales; lateral line scarcely to be distinguished, but
passing along the middle of the characteristic silvery stripe,
which, in a fish of the larger dimensions given above, was
one fifth of an inch wide, the body being an inch in depth,
and this stripe runs straight from the origin of the pectoral
fin to the tail. There is an appearance of transparency in the
body, but this is an optical deception, and no inward part can
be discerned from without. The head is flat above, but com-
pressed at the sides; eyes large and lateral, the snout short
before them; upper jaw arched; under jaw, seen from below,
shaped like a horse shoe; angle of the mouth depressed; teeth
small and numerous. Vent about the middle of the body, as
measured from the snout to the fork of the tail. Dorsal fins
two, separate, the first beginning a little behind the end of the
pectoral, having eight rays, the first of which is at the centre
of gravity of the fish. Second dorsal and anal opposite each
other, the first with thirteen and the second with seventeen
rays; anterior portion of these fins elevated, and the posterior
margin narrow. Pectoral fin high on the side, superior rays
longest, fourteen in number. Ventral fins with six rays. Tail
divided, with eighteen rays. Colour a greenish transparent
grey above, sometimes tinged with pink near the silvery stripe;
transverse bands or lines across the scales on the back. I have
seen the second dorsal, anal, and caudal fins dotted over with
small round spots.

BOIER'S ATIIERINE.

Atherina Boieri,

Risso. CuviER.

Report of Penzance Society of

Natural History, for tlie year 1849.
GuNTHER ; Cat. Br. M., vol. iii, p. 394.

In the autumn of the year 1846, in the midst of turbulent
weather, there was discovered in the harbour of Polperro, on
the south-east coast of Cornwall, a large number of small fishes,
which manifested actions that attracted attention as being
unlike those of species commonly known. Their first appearance
was traced to the 21st. of October, and as the roughness of
the sea became calmed down it was ascertained that they were
a species of Atherine; but to obtain an example became a
matter of no little difficulty.

The larger sort of Atherine, already described, (A. presbyter,
or Smelt,) usually swims at a considerable depth in the water,
but in the present instance they were all near the surface, not
more than three or four within a foot or two of each other, but
the whole scattered loosely over the water, to the number of
several thousands. Their heads were in one direction, as if
passing inward, and they were constantly rising dimples on the
surface, like scattered drops of rain, by apparently examining
or seizing some floating object; but, however earnestly engaged,
their vigilance was never remitted, and it became scarcely
possible to approach them, as in an instant they were oflf in
another direction at the sight of a moving object. As it was
found that their mouths were small — as indeed might be expected
in fishes which did not exceed three inches in length — it was
difficult to find a hook which they could take; and when a

BOIER S ATHERINE.

bait was oiFered, it was seen that they would not notice it
until it was made to assume some of the actions of moving
life; and it was by doing this that a few examples were secured.
Seating myself on a projecting rock, near Avhich they were
passing, it was found that not one would come near it as
before, and it was only by close concealment and a fortunate
dip of a net that a few others were obtained. They continued
thus for a week, at the end of which they had disappeared,
and, although carefully looked for, they have not since been
seen.

The examples then obtained were conveyed to London, and,
by examination of Cuvier's "History of Fishes," in the library
of Mr. Yarrell, no doubt existed that they answered to Boier's
Atherine of that work, and consequently of Risso, who first
gave it that distinctive name. The specimens, preserved in
spirit, were presented to Mr. Yarrell, but they are not found
in the collection of that gentleman now in the British Musemu.

As the whole of those Avliich came under observation appeared
of one size, and those which were caught measured in length
about three inches, we may suppose this to be their usual
size; but it differs from the more common Atherine in the
proportionally larger eye, more projecting lower jaw, with the
dorsal fins nearer together. The colour in each was much
alike. According to Dr. Gunther the roe is in a single lobe,
as we have noticed in the last species.

(3

MrGIL.

The body stout, compressed at the sides, covered witli large firm
scales. Head arched across; the mouth wide, with a narrow gape; the
lips fleshy; teeth exceedingly fine; middle of the lower jaw bent up
and received into a recess of the upper. Dorsal fins two, separate,
the first with a few spinous rays. Ventral fins abdominal.

As the close inquiries of Dr. Gunther into the several species of this
family of Mullets appear to shew that there is a larger number of
sorts on our coasts than naturalists have hitherto supposed, it will
require on the part of an observer no small amount of discrimination
to come to a conclusion concerning the examples which may come in
his way; and any inquiry on the subject, to be satisfactory, will demand
that anj' doubtful example shall be fresh from the water, or, if that be
impossible, the specimens must have been preserved in a better manner
than is usual with fishes. Our history and description of these Mullets
will comprise, in the first place, those kinds with which we are
acquainted, and after this we shall have recourse to that information
with which the kindness of Dr. Gunther has supplied us, in assigning
those distinguishing marks by which these little-known species may be
recognised. The habits of these obscurer kinds, so far as they may
diff'er from the others, are still unknown.

These fishes are frequently called by the name of Grey Mullets, to
distinguish them from the Eed or Surmullets, from which they diff'er
in almost every characteristic of form, colour, and habits.

GREY MULLET.

GREAT MULLET. MULLET.

Mugil, JoxsTON ; pi. 23.

WiLLOUGHBY; p. 274, table R. 3.

Mugil cephalus, Donovan; pi. 15.

ccqnto,' CuviEK.

ce2>halus, Fleming; Br. Animals, p. 217.

cajiito, Jenyns ; Manual, p. 374.

" Yarrell; Br. Fishes, vol. i, p. 234.

" Gunther; Cat. Br. M., vol. iii, p. 430.

en

-I

H

^Y

J A

GRE\- MULLET. 7

The Grey Mullet is familiarly known round the coasts of
the United Kingdom, althovigli perhaps it exists in greater
numbers in the south and west than in the north. It appears
indeed to be more widely distributed than others of its genus,
for Avhile it is met with in the north of Scotland, Ireland, and
Scandinavia, it is more abundant than even with us through the
Mediterranean, even to the mouth of the Nile; and southward
it is known at the Cape of Good Hope.

Its choice of residence is in the neighbourhood of the shore,
where it is most frequently seen in harbours, especially where
the larger rivers empty themselves into the ocean ; and this
fish is even known to leave the salt water altogether for an
occasional change, although by choice it soon returns to the
waters of the sea. From a study of the younger individuals
there is reason to conclude that this interchange between the
waters of the sea and river is of importance to their health
and growth, but as regards the fish of full growth the change
may be especially beneficial by affording some supply of
favourable food, as it has grown into a proverb that an
Arundel Mullet is of particularly delicious quality. When
living in a muddy bottom or foul water, as is the case in
some parts of the Mediterranean, as food it is said to lose
much of its admired flavour. We are told that a gentleman
who kept Mullets confined in a pond of fresh water, where
no doubt they were sufficiently supplied with food, was per-
suaded that by this treatment they were much improved in
quality as well as growth ; but how long this exclusive confine-
ment was persevered in does not appear.

From Columella we learn that they were among the fishes
preserved in ponds by the ancient Homans, but these we
suppose to have contained the water of the sea. We are left
by this author to suppose that these fishes did not suffer by
the confinement, and from the number he mentions it seems
probable that they even increased in their captivity. This
Koman author, whose observations probably were drawn from
Mullets thus confined in ponds, applies to them the epithet of
sluggish, finers mugil,) but this can only be appropriate to the
deliberate manner in which the structure of their mouth com-
pels them to proceed in taking their food; in which it must be
allowed they are much more slow than the Bass or Lupus,

8 GREY MULLET.

which he mentions immediately after them, and against which they
were believed to feel a perpetual antipathy. The charge of
imbecility brought against this fish by Pliny, as shewn by the
fact that it hides its head for concealment when alarmed, and
then acts as if persuaded that its whole body was concealed,
is, as Cuvier has remarked the opposite to what we know of
the character of these fishes; of which the vigilance, when
exposed to observation, is very great, although this is accom-
panied with little appearance that might lead us to suspect its
existence.

In the desire for food, which is a predominant appetite in
the generalitv of fishes, the Mullet appears to shew itself
fastidious; but this appearance arises from the fact that from
natural causes its range of choice is limited, and of no other
kind of fish can it be so safely affirmed that it rarely selects
anything for subsistence that is endued with life. Such also
was the opinion of Oppian: —

"iliillets, unlike the rest, are just and mild,
ISTo fish they harm, by them no seas are spoil'd;
jSTot on their own nor diiferent kinds they prey,
But equal laws of common right obey.
Undreaded they with guiltless pleasure feed
On fattening slime, or bite the sea-grown weed.
Each licks his mate "

It must be confessed, indeed, that this last particular is not
literallv true, for the ^Mullet will devour a worm when presented
to it, and it is even fished for successfully with a fly; but
from Mr. Thompson's account of the habits of the Mullet, as
he described them in his "Natural History of Ireland," vol. iv,
some doubts may be felt whether he speaks of the same species.
He savs! — "The contents of the stomachs I have examined at
various seasons, presented (from the minute size of the objects,)
many hundred-fold greater destruction of animal life than I have
ever witnessed on a similar inspection of the food of any bird
or fish. From a single stomach I have obtained what would fill
a large-sized breakfast- cup, of the following species of bivalve
and univalve mollusca, which had been taken alive, — Mytilus
edulis, Modiola ^;«/;z/«wa, fof these very small individuals,)
Kellia rubra, Skonea dej^ressa, LiUorina retusa, Hissoa lahiosa.

GREY MULLET. 9

and R. parva, serjnda, and miliolce. Of these mollusca, specimens
of Rissoa labiosa three lines in length were the largest, and the
KeUia rubra, from the smallest size to its maximum of little
more than a line in diameter, the most abundant. In the
profusion of specimens it affords the stomach of one of these
Mullets is quite a storehouse to a conchologist. In addition to
these there were various species of minute Crustacea. The only
inanimate matter that appeared were fragments of Zoster a
marina and conferva;, -which were probably taken into the
stomach on account of the adhering mollusca. To this nutritious
food may perhaps be attributed the great size this fish attains
in Belfast Bay." ^Ir. Thompson adds, that in the "Animal
Kingdom" of Cuvicr, Pennant's figure of the Grey Mullet in
his "British Zoology," is referred to as M. capita, but in the
"History of Fishes," by Cuvier and Valenciennes, it is believed
to represent M. chelo. In this last work Donovan's figure of
the Mullet, pi. 15, is considered a very good representation of
M. chelo, although Yarrell and Jenyns refer to both figures as
M. cajnto.

I -will here add that in the references I have made, as in
the history given, my opinion respecting the species is the same
as that of Yarrell and Jenyns, and that our history applies only
to the identical species we have described and represented. It
has been remarked by different observers that this fish is
sometimes, and perhaps often, seen to grope in the soft flooring
of the bottom, with the help of its very sensitive lips and
curiously-formed mouth, by which every particle is closely
examined, and to swallow a mixture of decaying vegetable and
animal substances, with sand, of the latter of which alone I
have obtained from a single stomach so much as would fill a
tablespoon ; but no one will suppose that the sand so swallowed
■was a principal object of search. The very minute mollusks
mentioned by Mr. Thompson would at least be as acceptable
as the sand, and without doubt much more so; but that this
Mullet can live and thrive where such food is beyond its
reach is out of the question.

No shell or substance beyond the size given by Mr. Thompson

can pass into the stomach of the Mullet, for, after the close

sensitive examination it has undergone at the entrance of the

mouth, it has to be strained through a sifting apparatus in the

VOL III. C

10 GREY MULLET.

throat, by which all that is stout or rough becomes rejected,
and then blown out of the mouth; after which what forms the
food is received into the firm and muscular stomach, that for
substance resembles the gizzard of a fowl. By the action of
this organ what is capable of affording nourishment becomes
digested, and the remainder is passed on through a thinner
portion of the stomach to be finally expelled at the vent.

Oppian'has taken notice of a delicate trait in the character
of this fish, in an action which however is sometimes noticed
of other species when not very eager for food, and which action
is also mentioned by Ovid: —

"The scenting Mullet creeps with slow advance,
And views the bait with coy-retorted glance.
First with his tail he feels the bait, and tries
If vital warmth the beating pulse supplies,
For Mullets always spare the living prize;
Then slightly nibbles, but perceives too late
The doubted fraud, and feels the pungent fate."

The form of the mouth and narrowness of the gullet form
a hindrance which prevents this fish from swallowing a hook
of even small size; and generally the close examination which
is made of the texture of what is to be admitted might apjaear
a sufficient guard against the reception of anything that might
endanger its safety; yet the Mullet is not unfrequently caught
with a line, and the misfortune itself is the result of those
very actions which seem best fitted to ensure its safety. The
close pressure of the lips on the bait will cause the point of
the hook to pierce the flesh, and in this way the fish falls a
victim of mischance, when, however, no slight skill and patience
are required to bring the prize safely to land. The baits
employed are a small soft worm, some fatty substance, or
cabbage boiled in animal broth; and Oppian mentions, as an
ordinary bait in his day, a mixture of curds of milk with flour
and an infusion of mint, fastened on an ordinary hook.

But the Mullet is more frequently sought for with the net,
and it is in its encounter with this that the large amount of
its watchful intelligence and activity are displayed. As we are
informed that this fish is an inhabitant of the Mediterranean
through its whole length, and, according to Mr. Frazer, "Travels

I

GREY MULLET. 11

in the Persian Provinces," even in the Caspian Sea, we feel
justified in believing that it is the identical species, in common
perhaps with the M. cepliahis, a kindred fish not yet discovered
in Britain, of which Oppian has described the proceedings
when beset with dangers; and it is with pleasure we are able
to adduce instances of the accuracy of the representations that
are given of these by the poet, who has referred to this fish
more frequently perhaps than to any other, and always with
much discrimination of character. The net, of course, is shot
near the shore, where its leaded bottom may reach the ground;
and the intention of the fisherman is, either to let it remain
moored until the tide has ebbed away, or at his convenience
to draw it to land. But the watchful eye of the fish will often
discover the snare even before the barrier of restraint is
altogether closed. Instead, however, of rushing to the only
but yet distant opening, which it might not be able to reach
in time, it boldly essays to spring, or rather tumble over the
head-line, and when one succeeds all the rest will be sure to
follow.

'The Mullet, when encircling seans enclose,
The fatal threads and treacherous bosom knows.
Instant he rallies all his vigorous powers,
And iaithful aid of every nerve implores ;
O'er battlements of cork updarting flies.
And finds from air th' escape that sea denies.
But should the first attempt his hopes deceive.
And fatal space the imprison'd fall receive,
Exhausted strength no second leap supplies;
Self-doomed to death the prostrate victim lies.
Resigned with partial exjiectation waits
Till thinner element completes his fates."

This last particular is also emphatically true as regards another
method in which escape is attempted; and I have seen where
all its companions have gone over the corks, and the head-rope
of the net has been raised high above the water, a solitary
prisoner has examined all the meshes through the length and
breadth of the net, and finding no opening through which it
could readily pass, it has retired to the greatest distance the
space admitted, and thence with a rapid dash has sought to
thrust itself through. This last desperate eflfort has been in
vain, and from that moment the fish resigns itself to its fate.

12 GREY MULLET.

So strong also is this impulse of watchfulness against restraint,
that to avoid it the Mullet will encounter danger, even when
the space enclosed is of considerable extent. In the port of
Looe, in Cornwall, there is a salt-water mill-pool of thirteen
acres that is enclosed on the side of the river by an embank-
ment, and into which the tide flows through flood-gates that
afford a ready passage for fish to the space within. When the
tide begins to ebb the gates close of themselves, but even
before this has happened the Mullets which have entered have
been known to pass along the enclosed circuit within the bank,
as if seeking the means of deliverance, and, finding no outlet,
they have thrown themselves on the bank at the side to their
own destruction. Even Mullets of exceedingly small size have
been seen to throw themselves, head or tail foremost, over the
head-line of a net, where it would have seemed much easier
for them to have passed through a mesh; and so strong is
this propensity to pass over an obstacle rather than through it,
that examples of less than an inch in length have repeatedly
thrown themselves over the side of a cup where the water was
an inch below the brim. Fishermen, however, are acquainted
with a simple method, which, by deceiving the fish, is sufficient
to prevent their taking a successful leap over the net. A thin
layer of straw is scattered over the surface to the breadth of
a few feet within the head-line; and mistaking this for the
obstacle itself, the fish exhausts its efforts on the wrong
object, and remains a prisoner stilh

Risso describes another mode of taking this fish, by attracting
it with a light, and then darting at it a spear or trident, — ■
perhaps the crossed trident, or such as by sailors in England
is termed the grains; but it scarcely appears successful with
us, although ingeniously conti^ived for the purpose.

But a more remarkable and singular method of taking Mullets
is mentioned by ancient writers, although Avith some variation
as regards the particular species of Mullet. Pliny (B. 9, C. 25)
refers to it as simply the Mugil, the salacious properties of
which render them so unguarded, that in Phoenicia, and also
in the province of Gallia Narbonensis, at the time of coupling,
which is about midsummer, and near the influence of fresh
water, an individual of either sex, Avhich was taken out of
the preserved pond, was fastened to a long line that was

I

GREY MULLET. 13

passed through the mouth and gills, and then the fish was
left to wander to the end of the line in the sea; after which
it was drawn back again, when it was found to be followed
to the water's edge by some one or more of the opposite sex.
^Elian relates this more at large, and says the decoy fish must
be selected as the most excellent and beautiful of its kind;
but in the title to his account of it he refers this habit to a
species he terms Oxyrhjnchus kejjJialus, or Sharp-nosed Mullet,
which he appears to distinguish from the simple Kephalus, as
also from the Kestreus, which is another kind of Grey Mullet.
Oppian also makes a distinction between the Kejihalus and
Kestreus, but refers to the same practice of attracting the
Kephalus near the shore, where a casting-net was thrown to
secure the prize. And strange as this story is, it is borne
witness to by Gesner, who is quoted by Willoughby as having
seen it practised, at Tarentum. A male fish Avas observed to
follow a female that had been sent out as a decoy, and,
although severely wounded with a spear, it would not be made
to quit its lure, until at last it fell a victim to its love.

All writers agree in ascribing to this fish great quickness
of hearing, and it has even been supposed that it is capable
of the perception of particular sounds. The Cornish historian
Carew had formed a pond on a branch of the Tamar, in
which Mullets were fed at regular periods, and they were
drawn together to the appointed spot at the sound made by
the chopping of their food. We are not to conclude it certain
that the sacred fishes mentioned by Martial, as being preserved
in the Roman emperor's pond at Baise were Mullets, although
it is probable they were so; and it may have been with some
exaggeration that he says they each one knew their name, but,
where the sound was simple the general observation of the
fact is not without probability.

From all accounts, ancient and modern, it is certain that
this fish has ever been in esteem for the table, although in
some places more than in others; and Ausonius says that to
be eaten in perfection it should be cooked within six hours
after it is caught. But there is a favourite preparation made
from it in Italy that is scarcely known in England. It is
called botargo, and is formed of the roe; which is carefully
removed from the fish, and sprinkled with salt for four or

14 GREY MULLET.

five liours, after which it is pressed between two boards and
dried in the sun by day for thirty or forty days, or by some
it is dried ia smoke. It is supposed to sharpen the appetite,
excite thirst, and heighten the relish of wine.

This fish grows to the length of eighteen or twenty inches,
and will sometimes weigh from twelve to fifteen pounds. The
body thick and solid, but compressed at the sides, the head
wide and flat on the top, compressed on the cheek. In one
that measured eighteen inches in length the greatest depth was
four inches. Eye moderate, lateral, round, in a line with the
angle of the mouth. The gape narrow; jaws equal, the lower
bent up at the middle to form a keel, which is received into
a cavity in the upper jaw; both jaws are capable of some
degree of extension; the teeth so fine that they are not always
to be discovered, hair-like, closely set, with their points set in
a crenated line. Lips membranous or fleshy, with raised fleshy
lines in two rows, except at the symphysis of the upper lip;
a slight roughness on the tongue and a small portion of the
vomer. The mystache or maxillary bone separate from the
fleshy lip, turned back near the eye. The body covered with
firm scales, which extend over the cheeks. First dorsal fin
begins at about midway between the upper lip and root of
the tail, with four firm rays; second dorsal removed from the
first by more than the length of the former, with nine rays,
the first simple and slight. Anal fin opposite the second dorsal,
and rather longer, with eleven rays, of Avhich the third is the
longest. Pectoral fin broad and high, with sixteen rays. Six
rays in the ventral fin, the first simple. Caudal incurved, with
fourteen rays, besides two or three false rays.

The colour on the back is a dark bottle green, which, when
out of the water soon fades into grey; lighter on the sides
and belly, with broad lines of a deeper coloiu* running towards
the tail, varying, but about seven in number; cheeks and
border of the pectoral fin tinged with yellow; iris of the eye
dark brown. Large well-marked facial nerves pass forward
near the angle of the mouth, to be distributed and afford
special sensation to the upper lip and its raised lines.

■T—-yr

J

J
D

pa Ixj
^ X

o o

M
CO

15

LESSER GREY MULLET.

Mugil chelo, Jexyxs ; Manual, p. 375.

Tarrell; Br. Pislies, vol. i, p. 241,
but Dr. Gunther represents the lateral view of the head alone to be a just
representation of the fish described. Dr. Gunther, Catalogue of British
Museum, vol. iii, p. 455, and Annals and Magazine of Natural History for
May, 1861, p. 5, also, confines the name 21. chelo to another species not
hitherto recognised as British, the fish we have been accustomed to know
by that name being his M. septentrionalis, the principal marks of difference
between them being the decidedly shorter pectoral fin of the latter. In
M. chelo this fin extends almost to the origin of the first dorsal fin. The
upper lip is described as much thinner in the M. septejitrionalis, the pre-
orbital bones of a different form, and the tail more extended. It is certain,
however, that these preorbital bones in our own fish, in their marginal
teeth, as we represent them, are closely like those of M. chelo of Gunther,
p. 454, and do not at all resemble those of M. sejgtentrioncdis, p. 455.

This species is less frequently seen than the last named, but
when it appears, it is in far larger numbers and more huddled
together. I have been informed of five thousand, and in
another instance almost eight thousand that were taken at one
haul of a scan. The usual season of success is in the winter
or spring, when 'they enter harbours and appear busily engaged
in searching the crevices of rocks and clumps of sea-weeds
for their appropriate food. Their habits in other respects are
but little known, except that they are disposed to seek their
escape from confinement by leaping over an obstacle in the
same manner as the Greater Grev Mullet. Although this
species has only been distinguished from the other of late
years, it is known, and even in considerable numbers, as far
as to the extreme north of the United Kingdom.

I have not seen it larger than from ten inches to a foot

16 LESSER GREY MULLET.

in length, and when many hundreds are taken together they
usually appear to be of one size. Compared with the larger
Mullet the body is less deep, the head of more uniform pro-
portions, and the eye slightly higher on the cheek. First
dorsal having four spinous rays, nearer to the second than its
own breadth; second dorsal with nine rays; pectoral placed
high on the side, with fifteen rays; anal ten, the last two
from one root; ventral six, the first simple; caudal fin fifteen
rays. The colour is much as in the larger Mullet.

Besides the species of Grey Mullets of which we have given
figures and descriptions, there remain two or three others
which are supposed to be natives of our coasts, and which
therefore require attention; but I am compelled to acknowledge
that I know nothing of them beyond what is related by Mr.
Yarrell, and especially by Dr. Gunther, the notes of whom I
shall content myself with transcribing for the use of such
observers as may have the fortune to meet with specimens.

17

SHOET GREY MULLET.

Mugil curtus, Yarrell; Br. Fishes, vol. i, p. 244.

This supposed species is named and described by Mr.
Yarrell from a single example obtained by himself while fishing
at Poole, in Dorsetshire. The specimen scarcely exceeded two
inches in length, and its principal distinction consisted in the
extreme shortness of the body, which led to the adoption of
the specific name.

The number of the fin rays was — of the first dorsal four,
of the second one firm ray and eight others, pectoral eleven,
ventral one firm and five others, of the anal three firm and
eight others, of the tail fourteen rays. "The length of the
head as compared with that of the body and tail, is as one to
three, the proportion in the Common Grey Mullet being as
one to four; the body is also deeper in proportion than in
M. capita, being equal to the length of the head; the head is
wider, the form of it more triangular, and also more pointed
anteriorly; the eye larger in proportion; the fin rays longer,
particularly those of the tail ; the ventral fins placed nearer
the pectorals, and a difference exists in the number of some
of the fin rays. The colour of the two species are nearly
alike; and in other respects, except those named, they do not
differ materiallv."

Since the publication of the first notice of this species, the
eleventh volume of the 'Histoire Naturelle des Poissons' con-
tains a reference to this fish, of which an example was sent
to Paris, and which M. Valenciennes considered to be identical
with Mr. Yarrell's fish. It is to be regretted, however, that
the specimen thus referred to by Mr. Yarrell is not to be
VOL. III. D

18 SHORT GREY MULLET.

found in the collection of that gentleman, the other portions
of which generally were transferred to the collection of the
British Museum. A fish must be exceedingly rare of which
only two examples have been seen; but in the case of the
Mullets the rarity becomes suspicious from the fact that it is
the habit of all the species to keep near the shores. On the
other hand a curtailment of proportions is far from being
unusual in fishes, and when this takes place it commonly
interferes with either the number or arrangement of other
parts. On these accounts the Short Grey Mullet must remain
for the present a doubtful species.

10

LONG-FINNED GREY MULLET.

GOLDEN MULLET.
Mugil auratas, Risso. Guntheu; Cat. Br. M., vol. iii, p. 442.

The last-cited writer says that in the British Museum there
are five specimens of this species obtained in England. Risso
speaks of it familiarly as existing in the jMcditerranean, and it
is found in the Canary Islands; but with us it must be scarce,
as the gorgeous colours ascribed to it by Risso would otherwise
prevent it from being overlooked; and yet no observer on the
coast has recognised it.

According to Dr. Gunther the height of the body is contained
five times and one fourth to five times and three fourths in
the total length, the length of the head five times; snout broad
and depressed; cleft of the mouth more than twice as broad
as deep; eyes with the rudiments of an adipose membrane; a
short lanceolate portion of the chin not covered by the
mandibular bones, (represented as much like that of our Lesser
Grey Mullet.) Twenty-five scales between the snout and the
spinous dorsal. No pointed scale in the axil of the pectoral
fin. Risso says that the first dorsal fin has four rays, the second
nine, pectorals seventeen, ventrals ten (of which the first is
spinous,) caudal fin eighteen. On the gill-covers are some
beautiful golden spots; the back bluish; on the sides seven
well-marked lines; the belly of a brilliant silver; ventral fin
reddish, anal white, tail light blue.

20

EIGHT-RAYED MULLET.

Magil oduradlaiva, GuNTHEE; Cat. Br. M., vol. iii, p. 437,

and Annals and Magazine of Natural
History, May, 1861, p. 3.

The proportions of the body of this species are much like
those of the last named. It has eight soft rays in the anal
fin; the eyelid not adipose; upper lip thin, but in the void
space on the throat it differs from the Long-finned Mullet in
having it lengthened out to a space between the interopercula,
but it agrees with that fish in having twenty-five scales between
the snout and the spinous dorsal. It differs from it again in
the form of the lower jaw. The colour of the back greenish;
sides and belly silvery, with darker stripes along the sides.
Two examples only have been noticed, one of which was in
Mr. Yarr ell's collection, who mistook it for M. capito. It does
not appear to have been known in any other country, or to
have been noticed by any other observer.

p'

f''^C7 lj=!pflf^Y

(- 1-1

H X!

^ O

P

33

21

CENTPJSCUS.

FoEir of the body compressed, oblong, or elevated; the anterior bones
of the skull brought forward into a long tube, at the end of which is
a small mouth having no teeth. Body with a cuirass, or separate bony
plates. Two dorsal fins, the first with a very strong spine; ventral
fins small, on the belly.

TRUMPET-EISH.

BELLOWS-P^ISH.

Scolopax,

BaUst&s scolo'pax,
Centriscus scolopax,
Centrisqim hecasse,
Solenostemus scolopa.v,
Centriscus scolopiuv.

JoNSTON; Table 1, f. 9, but this name is
not derived from the same Greek word
which signifies a woodcock, but from
Scolops, a long and slender instrument,
from which also the bird itself obtained
its designation.

WiLLorGHBY; p. 160, table 25, f 2,
representing a dry specimen.

Artedi and Lixx^eus.

CuviER. Bloch: pi. 123, f. 1, a poor figure.

Lacepede.

Risso.

Fleming; Br. Animals, p. 220.

Donovan; pi. 63,

Jenyns; Manual, p. -iOO.

Yareell; Br. Fishes, vol. i, p. 346.

Gunther; Cat, Br. M., vol. iii, p. 518.

This curious fish can scarcely be said to be common in
any part of the Mediterranean, and it is scarce everywhere
else. Willoughby met with some examples in the fish-market
at Rome, whither they had been brought for sale as food; but
at best, and in a country where very little birds and fishes
furnish a supply for the table, these can add but little for

22 TRUMPET-FISH.

that purpose, although it is admitted that what there is is of
excellent quality. Risso speaks of it as not common about
Nice; and Rafinesque, at Palermo, and Dr. Gulia, in his "Fauna
of Malta," make no mention of it; which omissions may in
part be explained by the information we obtain, that usually
it is only procured after stormy weather.

The occurrence of the Trumpet-fish in Britain has only been
in a few instances, of which two at least were in Cornwall.
The first of these was thrown on shore in St. Austle Bay in
the year 1804, and came into the hands of William Rashleigh,
Esq., of the neighbouring mansion of Menabilly, who caused
a drawing to be taken of it of the size of nature, and from
which our own is a copy. It appears that Donovan had pos-
sessed two other British examples, from which he derived his
figure, as above referred to; and the fragment of another was
found on the beach in Mount's Bay in the year 1853, but it
was too imperfect for preservation.

From the small mouth of this fish, with the absence of
teeth, we may conclude that its food is the entromostraca, or
minute animals of a variety of shapes that people the ocean
as insects do the land; while its little aptitude for extensive
motion will account for its limited wanderings, and consequently
for its rare appearance in unaccustomed places.

The ordinary size of this fish is from four to five inches in
length; and the following notes of other particulars are derived
from a description made from the example taken in St. Austle
Bay, as before referred to, at the time of its capture, "It
was five inches long, and from back to the belly one inch
and two eighths, in thickness three eighths of an inch; it
weighed six drachms. It was red on the back, the colour
becoming more faint on the sides, and the belly was silvery.
The proboscis, which to the eye measured an inch and five
eighths, was formed of a bony substance, which was continued
along the back, where it terminated in a sharp point, spreading
in the middle, where it makes an obtuse angle, just above a
small fin behind the gills. The mouth, which is at the end
of the proboscis, is covered with a valve that is fastened to
the under part. The pectoral fin is small; it has two small
dorsal fins, the former one having a very long spine, under
which spine (and joined to it) are small projections like the

TRUMPET-FISH, 23

teeth of a saw; there are three or four projections, very small,
under the belly, which are hard, round, and transparent; the
fins are whitish; the tail divided."

This description, imperfect as it is, might serve as sufficient
to distinsriiish this fish from others, if it were not that we
perceive from published figures that it is subject to some
variety, and that a species much resembling it, but supposed
to be distinct, has been discovered in the Mediterranean. The
denticulations which we represent on the abdominal ridge — ■
perhaps a little too strongly, if we may judge from the des-
cription given above — and of which Donovan and Mr. Yarrell
take no notice, are a remarkable instance of this variation, as
is also the form of the tail, which these two last-named
observers represent as round, but which in our figure and the
original description is described as divided. The other species
that we have referred to, (C. gracilis of Lowe and Gunther,)
and which has not only been found in the Mediterranean and
Madeira, but even in Japan, is only different from C. scolopax
in being somewhat longer in proportion to its depth, in having
a much shorter dorsal spine, and conspicuously smaller scales.

For a fuller description of our own Trumpet-fish than is
given above, we select the following notes from Willoughby,
p. 160: — The body is covered with rough scales; snout very
long, straight, narrow, growing wider towards the head; the
mouth narrow and covered, in fact, by the small under jaw,
the angle of which is depressed. Eyes large; belly with a
sharp ridge; without ventral fins, which however are marked
by two bones resembling teeth. A little behind this, on the
middle of the belly, is a ridge having some small elevated
teeth. Anal fin with eighteen rays. Dorsal fins two, placed
far behind, the first being formed principally of one long and
stout spine, which is capable of some motion upward and
downward, but cannot be raised upright. On its under side
is a channel, on each side of which is a row of teeth. In
front of this larger spine is a very small one, and behind it
three others. The second dorsal has twelve rays; the tail
forked.

24

LABRUS.

The body oblong, and, with the gill-covers, covered with scales; lips
fleshy; teeth prominent; a single dorsal fin, having two orders of rays,
the first portion spinous, of which each one is tipped with a free
membranous appendage. Ventral fins thoracic; the tail round or straight.
The evenness of the border of the first gill- cover distinguishes this
genus from Cremlabnis.

The name ancientlj'- applied to this class or family of fishes was
Tardus, but, as a generic terra this is now appropriated to the thrushes
among birds; and in both instances, as well as in the English name
of the latter, it holds the same meaning, the best known amongst
them in each instance being mottled over with light-coloured spots.
A disease of the mouth is also called thrush for the same reason.
But the name of Lahrus was also in use at a remote date, and is
characteristic of their prominent and fleshj^ lips, which are the prin-
cipal organs of acute sensation; but in English these fish bear the
general name of Wrass, which is pronounced Wrath or Rath by
fishermen of the West of England. The Rev. Mr. Johns, in his
description of the Lizard Point in Cornwall, informs us that by the
fishermen there they are called Raagh;' which may be the ancient
British term, as in pronunciation it approaches very near to the Welsh
name Gwrach, which signifies an old woman; the Latin form of
which, in the word vetula, we find to have been applied to more than
one fish of a kindred shape. According to Rondeletius and Gesner, a
name of the same signification, Vielle and Yieille, is applied to some
of the same sorts of fishes in different parts of Erance.

BALLAN WKASS.

RATH. RAAGH. BERGLE, in the Orkneys. Pre-eminently

the WRASS.

Turdus, JoNSTON. Willoughby; p. 320, X. 1, but it is not

easy to assign the proper synonyms of this species
as of some others, because both these writers
speak more of the colours of these fishes, which
vary greatly in different examples, than of their
distinguishing forms; as is the case also with Risso.

73

01

>

X
X

o

B A I, I, AX WllASS. 25

Lahrna tinea, Doxovax; pi. 88.

" maculatus, Bloch. Gunther; Cat. Br. M., vol. iv. Dr. Gunther

believes that the L. pusillus of Jenyns and
Yarrell is the younger condition of this species.

" " Jexyns; Manual, p. 391.

" " Yarrell; British Fishes, vol. i, p. 311.

The Wrasses form a numerous family, of wliicli several
species are found on the British coasts; and of these there are
some portions of character which are common to all, however
they may vary in other particulars. Their residence is among
rocks which are clothed Avith the larger kinds of sea-weeds,
and not at a great depth of water. If alarmed, or after
wandering for a time in search of food, they retvirn to their
accustomed shelter; and as they appear to enjoy the waving
of this herbage above their heads — among which they are seen
passing to and fro, as if rejoicing in the pleasantness of the
situation — thev also find in the concealment it affords a shelter
from their enemies, of which they have some formidable ones.
The cormorant and shag can only prey upon the young; but
the porpoise and dolphin, with the seal in more solitary places,
will hunt them in the gullies of rocks^ as I have seen the
former do like hounds scenting out a hare, and from them
there is small chance of escape.

The ancients entertained the singular opinion that the male
Wrass was the master, keeper, or husband of several females,
which he compelled to shut themselves up within some rocky
prison, before which his occupation was to maintain over them
a jealous watch lest any stranger should break in upon them
to invade his rights. It Avas only in the evening that this care
was intermitted, and only then for a short time, that he might
seek a supply of food; the females, on the other hand, being
supposed to find sufficient for their need in what their rocky
cavern afforded. In no other way than by enticing this
guardian of his flock to take the hook could a fisherman hope
to ensnare the females within; but if successful in his first
intention, his ultimate wishes were certain to be accomplished.
It was then

"The females range unguarded by their mate.
Embrace the fraud, and share the common fate."

Oppiax.

VOL. III. E

20 p. ALL AX WRASS,

Observatiuus such as these can only be supposed the sport
of a lively imagination, but it is certain that in ancient times
the fishes of this family were more observed, and held in
higher estimation than now they are, and, iiideed, as food they
deserve to be. Pliny even calls Wrasses "Turdi nohiles inter
sexatiles" — noble among fishes that frequent rocks; and Columella
appears to give countenance to the same opinion by informing
us that they were among the principal which the Romans
kept in their salt-water stagna or ponds, and ''quarem pretia
vigent" — which sold for a good price; to which Oppian adds
his suffrage by calling them delicate Wrasses. With iis they
are scarcely thought Avorthy of the trouble of conveying them
to market, their flesh being considered soft and pulpy, without
any distinguishing taste; but it is proper we should add, that
although the Wrass is generally as little valued in Ireland as
in England, we learn from Mr. Thompson, in his natural history
of that country, it is otherwise in Galway; where a regular
fishery for taking it is carried on, and it is preferred to most
other sorts of fish. The truth, indeed, appears to lie between
the two extremes, for when skilfully cooked it may maintain
competition with some kinds that are held in better estimation.

Perhaps we may gather from Rondeletius some help that
may assist us in explaining this variety of opinion in regard
to the estimation in which this and some other fishes have
been held as food at one time, and the dislike or neglect
shewn to them at another. He remarks that the ancient
Romans never ate their fish but Avith an artificial taste; so that
their cooks were accustomed to shew their skill by dressing
them with spices, a variety of herbs, and such strange sauces
as we have already described. What would have tasted salt
was rendered sweet with honey or sugar, and the insipid was
highlv seasoned. That Avhich was tasteless was seasoned with
onions, leeks, garlic, or omphacium, (a kind of oil or rob from
the unripe olive, or the grape,) and vinegar; and these ingre-
dients were perhaps necessary to render palatable what may
have been long out of water in a warm climate. It is a
remark sometimes made by our own fishermen that they could
not eat what of this sort often finds access to a gentleman's
table.

The Wrass is fished for from rocks overhanging the coast, or

BALL AX ^VKASS. . 27

from boats near sunken rocks and gullies which they are knoA\Ti
to frequent, the bait being a Avorm of the beach, or, what is
to be preferred, a portion of some sort of crab, of Avhich an
example that has lately thrown off its covering or crust is the
best. It is on such matters, together with several sorts of
shell-fish and green sea-weeds, that they commonly feed, I
have taken the limpet-shell (Patella) from the stomach. The
bait is swallowed eagerly, but when hooked they struggle with
much violence.

The beds of pharyngeal teeth, which are situated low down
in the gullet, form a remarkable character in this fish, and
require to be mentioned as being intimately connected with
the nature of its food and its digestion. They are formed of
two smaller triai;igular beds of blunt teeth above, Avith round
tops, and planted on a bed of bone, and of a larger trian-
gular bed opposed to them on the under side. And to render
these teeth more firm for the Avork they have to perform,
contrary to the example of teeth in the jaAvs of fishes, they
are implanted in the substance of the bone itself, from Avhich
they appear to be renewed AA^hen their usefulness is destroyed.
It is a question Avhether their employment is to act upon the
food as it passes into the stomach, or rather that the grinding
action is brought to bear upon it Avhen it becomes regurgitated,
in a manner Avhich bears an analogy to the action of rumi-
nation in the ox and sheep. It is a confirmation of this last-
named opinion that the sea-weeds and other matters usually
existing in the stomach are found to be in a short time ground
into a pulp. It might be supposed that the arrangement of
these gvittural teeth Avould lend assistance in the discrimination
of doubtful species in this family; but obserA'ation shcAvs that
this is liable to some A'ariation, and consequently must not be
relied upon.

Fishermen have informed me that Avhen they resort to a ucav
station, it is usual at first to catch a AVrass — one or more —
of the larger size, and aftcrAvards, on going to the same spot,
they find more in number, but of less Avcight; and from this
theA^ haA'e draAvn the conclusion that the older fishes had kept
the young ones at a distance as long as they Avere able to
retain the dominion. It may have been some incidents like
this Avhich led ancient observers to construct the storv Ave

28 BALLAN WRASS.

have noticed abo\^c, of a tyrant male, from "svliich the imprisoned
females had been delivered by his death.

As the AVrass is not much sought after by professional
fishei'men, and for the most is only used as bait for other
fish, or for lobsters and crabs, it sometimes lives long enough
to shew signs of advanced age, the chief of which is partial
or utter blindness; and in this condition they occasionally
wander until their ill-chance leads them to the dangers of the
shore. This defect of sight is sometimes produced by an
opaque cloud, which covers the usual transparent cornea of
the eye; and at other times it has its seat in the substance
of the crystalline lens within, in which case it is the same
with what in man is termed the cataract.

The Ballan Wrass is common on all the coasts of Britain,
where the rocky bottom is such as to afford it food and
shelter; and it is also found along the western shores of
Sweden and Norway. It appears to be less common in the
Mediterranean, and Risso says it is caught at Xice in July, as
if it were subject to some periodical movement, which is not
the case with us.

The spawn is shed in spring, and the young, of small size,
are seen about the borders of rocks, at the ebb of tide, through
the summer.

The Ballan AVrass is usually from fourteen to sixteen inches
in length, with a weight of seven or eight pounds, and it has
been known to reach the length of nearly two feet. The body
solid, compressed, moderately deep, the shape sloping gradually
from the nape to the point of the upper jaw, which protrudes
a little beyond the lower. The lips fleshy and prominent,
the upper more so than the lower, both having raised striated
lines. Teeth firm, stout, slightly incurved, regular in the jaw;
a double pair, more concealed, separate from each other, in
front of the palate; a membranous veil forward in the mouth
above and below, the latter occupying the place of the
tongue. Jaws extensile. Nostrils above the line of the eye;
a deep depression in front between the eyes. Eyes lateral,
prominent. Body covered Avith oblong scales, the free portion
of each clothed with a fine membrane in which the colour
resides; the gill-covers also have scales, but none on the top
of the head or before the eyes. Lateral line gently bent

BALLAN WKASS. 21)

down opposite the termination of the dorsal fin. This fin
begins a little behind the origin of the pectoral, with twenty
fi.rm rays, each one tipped with a soft process, the hindmost
portion more expanded, having eleven soft rays; pectoral M^ith
fifteen; anal having two firm and tij^ped rays, and ten soft,
the two last from one root; ventrals six rays, the first firm;
caudal fin thirteen.

Colour lively, but very various in difierent individuals, the
highest brilliancy very soon declining. Iris of the eye crimson,
with a dark or purple border. The body yellowish, orange,
or golden; back and top of the head brown; whitish or yellow,
or mottled with orange on the belly; in some examples a
general tendency to green, which is even to be discerned
through the flesh. In the younger specimens there is often a
beautiful and varied stripe of lighter colour, with touches of blue
and pink, from behind the eye to the tail; sometimes blue
spots on the tail fin. In the old individuals almost every scale
is marked with a round spot of lighter colour, with a border
of red, brown, or orange.

It is probable that in all the Wrasses the teeth are shed
with regularity. They are hollow at the root, and, in the
Corkwing especially, each one rises through its own membra-
nous sheath to supply the place of another that is about to
be thrown off. The depression referred to between the eyes
forms a cavity that accommodates the retracted action of the
complicated apparatus which is connected Avith the motions of
the upper jaw, and which are guided by muscles that act
through the means of tendons. A large muscle acts upon
the angles of both jaws, to enable them to crush its food,
while the curtains which lie across the mouth above and below
are supplied with large nerves of sensation, derived from what
may be called the flicial nerve, and the lowest of the two
branches being the largest. The whole structure of these parts
points out the existence of a union of much strength with
high sensibility of taste and feeling.

There is reason to believe that the Corkling of Jenyns and
Yarrell, Lahrus liusillus, is only a younger condition of the
Ballan Wrass.

:}0

GREEN WRASS.

GREEN STREAKED ^VKASS.

Lahrus Uneatus, Dosovas; pi. 74.

Je-\yn-s; Mamial, p. 392.
" " Yarrell; Britisli Fishes, vol. i, p. ol-5.

We have seen, when speaking of the Ballan Wrass, that it
is common to thi.s whole faiuily to be characterized by the
possession of lively colours, which in each species are liable
to considerable variation, and of which the intensity will be
modified according to the nature of the ground they live in,
or depth of water. But notwithstanding this tendency to vary,
each species is found to possess a prevailing cast of colour,
beyond a certain limit of which the variation does not proceed.
These colours appear to have their seat in the epidermis or
skin which clothes the body, and especially covers that
elongated portion of each scale which remains free and not
overlapped, and which serves to keep the scales in their place.
Although the colour diffused over the body is intimately
associated with their health and life, and even with their
passions, so as to vary with these conditions in a very short
time, — and the Ballan Wrass has been seen to change decidedly
under the impulse of the fear of captu.re, — yet the prevailing
bias of these tints appears to be under the dominion of chemical
materials which are constituent portions of the blood, in the
same manner as are the leaves of trees under similar conditions.
Thus, in the Ballan Wrass, where the colours will be red,
orange, or yellow, brown, blue, or green in different individuals,
or on different parts of the same surface, yet gradually after
death these colours will fade or change, and settle down into

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OKEEN ^VRASS. 31

permanent green or red, as ^ve believe according to the pre-
dominancy of their acid or alkaline affinities.

But there are species mentioned by foreign naturalists, which
in life arc said to be constantly marked with a preponderancy
of living green; and as a fish similarly adorned is sometimes
met with on our coast, observers have generally agreed to
consider it a distinct species, with the name of the Green
Wrass, or Lahrits Uneatus, the last-mentioned denomination
bcinsr derived from some streaks of another colour that is seen
upon it when of full size. But that the British Green Wrass
is truly a separate species is fiir from certain, and our placing
it under a separate name from the last species is rather in
deference to the opinion of other writers than from our own
judgment. That the situation to which they resort has much
influence in producing the colour appears from the fact that
those AVrasses which are found along that range of rocks on
which the Eddystone lifts its light, and which consequently
are several miles from land, are uniformly of a pale green,
with some shades or lines of brown; but in other particulars,
and especially of form, they are not to be distinguished from
the common species. The younger fish are of the brighter
green; and I am indebted for a figure of an example in
this condition, of the natural size, as represented in the
engraving, to William P. Cocks, Esq., of Falmouth, in which
harbour it was caught by angling from the rocks. In this
example the fin rays enumerated were, — in the dorsal twenty
firm and ten soft, anal three firm and eight soft, pectoral
fourteen, ventral eight, of which three were firm, in the caudal
fifteen ravs.

32

COMBER WPtASS.

Jago, in Ray's Synopsis Piscium, pi. 2, f. 5.

This fish must be distinguished from another Comber,
Serranus cahrilla, in our "History of British Fishes/' voh i,
p. 195. The only author besides Jago to which we can refer
with confidence concerning it is Pennant, who has given a
figure of an example he had obtained from Cornwall, and of
which he says: — "It was of a slender form, the back, fins, and
tail red, the belly yellow; the sides marked beneath the side
line with a smooth even stripe, from the gills to the tail, of a
silvery colour; the tail rounded at the end. The dorsal fin
had twenty spiny and eleven soft rays, pectoral fourteen, ventral
five, anal three spiny and soft, the caudal fourteen.

Dr. Gunther supposes that this fish may be the Lahrus
Donovani of Cuvier, which is described as having "the height
of the body equal to the length of the head, and contained
thrice and three fourths in the total; length of the snout one
third of that of the head. Dorsal fin with twenty firm rays,
and ten or eleven soft; anal twelve rays, of which three are
firm." The colours are said by Valenciennes to be on the
upper parts and fins green, a silvery band along the sides;
head with some irregular blue lines.

This description scarcely leaves the subject more clear than
before, but I will here introduce a fish to the naturalist, that
if not the Comber Wrass, at least must be regarded as different
from any other we have to describe as British. It was caught
in a crab-pot, and measured in length five inches and a half.
Head before the eyes lengthened and pointed, longer in pro-
portion than in the Ballan Wrass; gape wide; lips very fleshy;
upper jaw a little beyond the lower; teeth as in the Common
Wrass; eye large; back rising to the dorsal fin; body compressed.

COMBER WRASS, 33

moderately deep, Rays of the dorsal fin thirty, of which the
soft portion has only four, which are suddenly lengthened, the
first of these soft rays the longest; pectoral fin fourteen rays;
anal three firm and nine soft; ventral six; caudal fourteen. The
colour was beautiful, and with all the variety to which they
are liable, such as I have never witnessed in the Ballan Wrass.
The groundwork a rich deep mahogany red; on the cheeks a
broad pale defined straight line backward from the border of
the eye; between this and the angle of the mouth a broken
pale line; all the lines bordered with a darker margin of the
ground-colour; a similar narrow line, almost like a ridge, along
the upper portion of the hindmost gill-cover. A more obscure
wide interrupted line running back from the border of the
gill-cover along the side of the body. Belly a little paler than
the sides, approaching to reddish. Tail having broad transpa-
rent patches, six in all, somewhat regularly arranged, with dots
of very dark brown at the base of the rays, and one larger
and darker, but not exceeding the size of a large pin's head,
at the end of the fin. Iris of the eye bright crimson ; pectoral
and ventral fins of the colour of the body. A few hours after
death these spots generally vanished, and the colour became
uniform. The drawing of this fish was made when it was
alive in water, when it displayed marks of much activity.
Another example with similar colours, but of considerably
larger size, was afterwards caught.

In a communication with which I have been favoured from
the west of Cornwall, the Comber Wrass is described as known
to the fishermen of Mount's Bay, and as being '^the most
slender and most graceful of the Wrasses; the head smaller,
lips thinner, jaws more lengthened and pointed:" but of this I
have not examined a specimen.

VOL. III.

.34

COOK.

CUCKOO WRASS.

Blue-strijjed Wiriss^
Striped Wrass,

C'oquus, Cook,

Labrus variegatus,
<( «

" coquus,
Lahre tnele,
Lahrus nivxtus.

W. Thompson's Ireland, vol. iv, p. 124.

Pennant. The Latin trivial names imposed
on this fish are more in number than we
shall refer to, but we know no reason why
the original term applied to it by Jago,
who first described it, should not be
maintained.

Jago; Ray's Synopsis Piscium, p. 163, f. 4.

Donovan; pi. 21, but too stout.

Jenyns; Manual, p. 394.

Yakrell; Br. Fishes, vol. i, p. 317.

Risso.

LiNN.i:us. GuNTHER; Catalogue Br. M.,
vol. iv.

The Cook is one of the commonest of the Wrasses on the
west coasts of the kingdom, and in its colours much the most
brilliant; but it becomes more rare as we proceed northward,
and is scarcely to be met with at the further extremity of the
British Islands. I am indebted to the kindness of Mr. Iverach,
of Kirkwall, in Orkney, for the information that he has known
it caught once at that place, for I suppose this to be the
species which he has mentioned in the belief that it was the
Lahrus ixivo of Risso, a kind not yet known in the British
Islands. According to Nilsson it is not uncommon on the
coast of Sweden.

Its habits in the south and west of England are to perform
a partial migration; or, rather, there is a change of quarters
according to the season, as being found near the land when
the weather grows warm, and through the summer and autumn
it is not unfrequently caught by fishing from the shore. It

X

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COOK. oo

also enters crab-pots to feed on the bait, but it confines itself
less to a limited range than the Ballan AVrass, and occasionally
wanders about over level ground, from one tuft of sea-"weed
to another; and, in passing along, it sometimes meets with and
swallows the baits of those who are fishing for pollacks in the
manner termed whiffing. Its food is much the same as in
others of this family, and I have taken fragments of a large
galathcea from its stomach. It is rarely used as food.

It is seldom that this fish reaches to the length of a foot;
the shape more lengthened than in the Ballan AVrass, and
rounder; the snout protruded, conical, and fleshy; lips tumid
and striated towards the mouth, with a fleshy overlapping;
upper jaw a little the longest; gape moderate; teeth in a
regular row, slightly hooked, none in front of the palate; veil
in the mouth, above and below. Scales on the body and srill-
covers, with only a slight border free; none on the head or
before the eyes. Lateral line descending much more obliquely
than in the Ballan Wrass. Eye lateral, rather large. The
single dorsal fin begins above the root of the pectoral, with
eighteen firm rays, tipped, and thirteen soft; the two last from
one root; pectoral fifteen; anal fourteen, of which three are
firm, and the two last from one root; ventral six, of which the
first is firm; caudal fourteen.

The colours differ in different examples, but rather in
distribution than tint, and they are always brilliant. In the
specimen described, the eye was crimson with a purple border.
Ochre yellow on the head, with pale purple stripes. Half
the back brownish yellow, softening into orange red posteriorlv,
the belly pale red; all the fins more or less bright red; base
of the dorsal anteriorly fine blue; border of the anal blue;
high on the body broad purple lines running backward, and
softening into pale blue; lines below more interwoven and
broken; a broad dash of colour on the border of the tail
above and below. In all the variations of colour, bright red,
orange and yellow, with brilliant blue and purple prevail.
The only spots are three or four of the size of shots, rarely
seen on the membrane of the dorsal fin. The pharyngeal
bones do not differ considerably, except in size, from those of
the Ballan Wrass.

36

THREE-SPOTTED WE ASS.

Trimaculated Wrass, Donovan; pi. 49.

Lalrus trhmculatus, Turton's Linnseus. Cuviek.

" carneiis, Bloch.

Labre iripletache, Risso.

Lahrus trimaculatus, Jenyns; Manual, p. 396,

" " Yabkell; Br. Fishes, vol. i, p. 320.

" " GuNTHER; Cat. Br. M., vol. iv.

This is also a common fish, as Avell in the Mediterranean
as on the west and south coasts of England and Ireland; it
is also mentioned by Nilsson as met with in Sweden; but it
is rare in Scotland, and is only of casual occurrence in the
Orkney Islands.

Its habits and food resemble those of the Cook; and indeed
it is the opinion of Nilsson and Dr. Gunther that it is the
female of the last-named species; a fact which future observation
must decide. It spawns in April or May, and on the second
day of the last-mentioned month an individual was examined
that proved to be a sharer of both sexes. The mature roe
passed from it on slight pressure, but, on cutting the body
open, while one lobe was found nearly empty, the other was
far short of perfection, and a lobe of milt, in the same con-
dition, lay with them.

This fish reaches the length of eight or nine inches; the
shape rather lengthened, plump, moderately compressed, not so
robust as in the Cook, which in outline it generally resembles.
Head lengthened before the eyes; jaws equal; lips fleshy; teeth
in the upper jaw numerous, those in the front large, separate,
curved, projecting; in the lower jaw the two corner teeth in
front like the upper front teeth, the others small. Body
covered with scales as in the others of this family; lateral line
descending gradually opposite the termination of the dorsal fin.

03

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THREE-SPOTTED WRASS. SEAWIFE. 37

The dorsal fin begins above the base of the pectoral, with
thirty rays, of which sixteen are firm; anal fin has two firm
and twelve soft rays: both these fins expanded posteriorly, and
end opposite each other. Tail round, nineteen rays; ventrals
six. There is some variety in the colour, but chiefly as regards
the depth or intensity, those examples which live in the deeper
water and most rocky ground being generally of a lively
vermilion, paler on the belly.

This fish obtains its name from some remarkable very dark
spots on the back and dorsal fin, in many cases amounting to
five, and I have not known them less than three. One is at
the origin of the dorsal fin, and is sometimes wanting; the
others are at the hindward part of the back, extending up on
the dorsal fin, except the last, which is on the back behind
the termination of that fin; and alternate with these mentioned
spots are an equal number of pale or flesh-coloured spots,
ending with the latter. I have known an example where the
red colour was more dull, with the absence of the spot at the
origin of the dorsal fin, and of all the light-coloured spots.
The tail also had a slight border of blue.

SEAWIFE.

Acantholahrus YarrelUi, Yakrell ; Britisli Fishes, vol. i, p. 339.

The only example on record of this supposed species was
not preserved, and Professor Nilsson believes that it was an
irregularly-formed individual of the Cook; to which opinion
Dr. Gunther agrees — "Catalogue of British Museum," vol. iv.

38

ACANTHOLABRUS.

The body oblong, moderately compressed; dorsal spines many, as of
twenty or more; anal spines more than three.

The last particular in this generic definition is the only one in which
it differs from the other sections of the family of Wrasses; and,
however convenient it may be for naturalists to constitute distinctions
for the arrangement of a rather numerous family, it must be remem-
bered, that so apparently unimportant a matter, in itself also liable
to variation, is not sufficient to constitute a natural separation of
species into genera.

SCALE-RAYED WE ASS.

Labrus luscus, Loudox's Magazine of Natural History,

vol. v.
" " Jentns; Manual, p. 400.

Acantholahrus Couchii, Cuvier.

Yakrell; Br. Fishes, vol. i, p. 3-36.
" " GuxTHER ; Cat. Br. Museum, vol. iv, p. 92.

The earliest account of this species, (after the short note,
with a sketch, in Loudon's Magazine, as above referred to,)
is in Mr. Yarrell's "History of British Fishes;" and the scarcity
of this fish may be supposed, when no other had been met
with for a very long time. It happened, however, that as a
fisherman lay at anchor ofi' the Deadman Point, on the south
coast of Cornwall, where the depth of -water was above fifty
fathoms, an individual of this kind of AVrass took his hook. He
was about to cut it in pieces, as is the common fate of the
Wrasses when made bait for other fishes, and had already cut
off a slice from the side, when it appeared to him that it
was of a sort he had not seen before: it was accordingly
preserved for my use. A drawing in consequence, as well as
a description, was taken from it; and after being preserved.

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SCALE-RAYED WRASS. 39

as well as it could be done under the circumstances, by Mr.
William Laughrin, A.L.S., of Polperro, the specimen was handed
over to the collection of the British Museum.

The habits of this species are of course but little known;
but although probably local, it may, within its range, be as
common as others of its family. It appears, however, that
their resort is in deeper water than such as most species of
"Wrasses prefer; and if the Scale-rayed Wrass has been caught
by fishermen who often seek their livelihood in its favourite
districts, it is not likely that in general they would otherwise
notice it than as something fitted to their individual use. On
many occasions has the information reached me of the capture
of fishes which, from the attention they excited, were evidently
of uncommon occurrence, but which have afterwards been
thrown aside, although at the same time a little reflection
would have called to the remembrance of these poor men
that the presentation of a rarity was certain to meet its
reward.

As some doubt has been thrown on the svnonvms of this
species, I regard it of importance to copy the notes which
were made from the first specimen at the time of its capture,
to which I will add the further notes that were obtained from
an inspection of the second example above referred to. Of the
first it is said, "The specimen was twenty-two inches long,
the greatest depth, exclusive of the fins, two inches and a
fourth; the body plump and rounded. Head lengthened; lips
membranous; teeth numerous, in several rows, those in front
larger and more prominent, slightly incurved. Eye moderately
large. Anterior plate of the gill-cover serrated; body and
gill-covers with large scales. Lateral line nearer the back,
descending with a sweep opposite the termination of the
dorsal fin, and thence backward straight. Dorsal fin with
twenty-one firm and eight soft rays; the hindmost portion of
the fin expanded; pectorals round, fourteen rays; ventrals six,
one of them simple, stout and firm: between these fins a large
scale. Anal fin six firm and eight soft rays, the soft portion
expanded; tail round, fifteeii rays. Between each of the rays
of the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins is a process formed of
firm elongated imbricated scales. Colour uniform light brown,
lighter on the belly; upper eyelid black; at the edge of the

40 SCALE-RAYED WRASS.

base of tlie caudal fin a dark spot; pectorals yellow; dorsal
bordered with yellow."

"I have never seen more than one specimen of this species,
which was taken with a line in February, 1830, at the con-
clusion of a very cold season. It differs from the Common
Wrass and Corkwing in its more elongated form and rounder
make; from the former also in having a serrated gill-cover.
From the Rock Cook it may be readily distinguished, besides
its greater size by its longer form, larger mouth, rounder tail,
and by the spot at the root of the tail being further back.
The eye is larger than in the Cook, and nearer the angle of
the mouth. It may also be distinguished by the serrated gill-
I cover, form of the lateral line, by the more numerous tipped
dorsal and anal spines, and less rounded tail, as well as by
the colours, which are sober, whereas those of the Cook are
always splendid, and are little subject to variety, except of
distribution. From all the species with which I am acquainted
it may readily be known by the singular imbricated process
of scales between the rays of the fins as above described."

Of the second example, (the lower figure on the plate,) I
remarked at the time of receivinsr it that it had much the
appearance of a Serranus. It was ten inches long, and more
compressed than the former; flat on the head, and rising from
behind the eyes to the root of the dorsal fin. But in colour
it was paler than the former example, and without its finer
marks; dusky pink over the body, a dash of dark over the
eye; the eye itself silvery, with a blue border. A black spot
on the dorsal fin where the dififerent kinds of rays join, but
not colouring the rays themselves. A broad spot on the upper
margin of the root of the tail, and another fainter and more
scattered on the lower border. The dorsal fin twenty-nine
rays, of which twenty-one were firm; anal twelve, of which
five were firm, being one firm ray less than in the former
specimen; pectoral fifteen; ventral six, of which the first is
firm; the caudal fin had the stems of the rays so covered
with scales that they were not counted. I could not discover
a nostrih

Dr. Gunthcr considers this last specimen as an example of
Acantholahrus Palloni of Cuvier, Lufjanus Palloni of Risso, a
species not otherwise known in British natural history.

M

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41

ROCK COOK.

SMALL-MOUTHED WRASS.

Lahrus exoletns, LinnjEUS.

Crenilahras microdomn, Couch and Tuo.mpson; a paper by the

latter, with a coloured plate, in the

second volume of the Magazine of

Zoology.
Ac((i(fJi<jh(hriis cculetus, Cuvier. Yarkell; Br. Fishes, vol. i,

p. 341.
Centvulahrus cxulvtiis, GuxTUER; Cat. Br. Museum, vol. iv, p. 92.

This little fish is not rare on the western coasts of the
kingdom, and in Ireland; and if it appears to be so it proceeds
from its habit.s, which again are influenced by the small size
of its month, that prevents it from taking the hooks usually
employed in fishing at the stations where it is commonly
found; for it seems ready to devour its food, and it is some-
times found in crab-pots, which it has entered to feed on the
baits suspended there. As the crab fishery is not carried on
in the stormy season of the year, this fish is for the most part
only met with in the months of summer. Nor does it wander
into such shallow water as some others of the smaller species
of this family; yet it seems to be widely spread, at least
towards the north, for Nilsson mentions it as inhabiting the
coast of Sweden, where, however, it is not of frequent occurrence.

It does not exceed four or five inches in length, and one of
the former dimensions was in depth one inch and four tenths,
with a plump appearance, although moderately compressed at
the sides. The gape is small; lips fleshy; teeth regular and
blunt; a veil or membrane at the palate, as in the other
species; but in this it forms an arch on each side. Eyes rather
large; head flat above, and in many examples it is elevated
VOL IIL G

42 ROCK COOK.

prominently on the top of the head; first plate of the gill-
covers minutely serrated; a row of prominent mucous orifices
round the posterior half of the eye. Cheeks and body covered
Avith large scales. The lateral line first rises, and near the tail
drojDS again. Dorsal fin with seventeen firm and eight soft
rays, the last double, with a slight sulcus under it ; anal fin
with five firm and seven soft rays, the last also double;
ventrals six rays, of which one is firm, the fin partly fastened
down with a membrane. Pectoral fin round, thirteen rays;
tail nearly straight. Scales on the roots of all the fins except
the pectorals. Colour of the back dusky red, brighter on the
head and lips; hindmost gill-covers red; a slight gold-coloured
line from the eye backward; pale green on the belly; near
the upper margin of the tail, between it and the termination
of the dorsal fin a broad and conspicuous dark mark. Fins
inclined to red, the three first rays of the dorsal bluish black.
Eye crimson.

As in the other species of this family, there is in this a
disposition to vary in the distribution and intensity of the
colours, and even in the form, the elevation of the top of the
head being much more considerable in some than in others.
In rare instances the broad spot near the tail is wanting.
Again there are in some examples longitudinal bands of
colour on the dorsal fin, and curved lines of bluish purple on
the cheek.

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43

CORKWING.

Gohlfinny, Pknnant; pi. 97, o. Doxnv.w; pi. 72.

Lahrus cornubiensls, Turton's LiniiaDus.

Crenilahrtis cornubicus, Yarrell; British Fishes, vol. i, p. 328.

Jenyns; Manual, p. 398.
" melops, GuNTHER; Cat. Br. M., vol. iv, p. 80.

This is the most abundant of the Wrasses which are found
on the west coasts of the kingdom, so that a boy has been
known to catch sixty with a line at one time. It is perhaps
less numerous as we proceed northward, but it is met Avith
on the coasts of Sweden and Norway. It keeps in shallower
water than the generality of this family, and is often seen in
the gullies of rocks half uncovered by the ebbing tide, where
it feeds on crustaceous animals, and is always ready to take a
bait. In search of food it also wanders in various directions;
and an observer sitting on a rock as the tide is flowing may
perceive considerable numbers passing hastily in companies of
two or three from one clump of oreAveed to another, along
the beach, for it is in such situations they expect to supply
their wants, and they do not remain long at a distance from
concealment or shelter.

In common with other Wrasses, the roe of the CorkAvinsr is
shed in spring; and the young, of a pale green colour, and
perhaps less than an inch in length, are seen baskino- or
loitering in shallow water on the borders of rocks through the
summer. The full-grown fishes will also remain in pools of
the rocks, where thoy are not unfrequently caught in the
shrimp-net. Xo use is made of this fish as food.

The Corkwing seldom exceeds five or six inches in length;
deep in the body, and compressed, so that in many instances
the depth will be one third of the length. The head slopes
in more or less of a waved line from the origin of the dorsal

4-1: CORKWlXfi.

tin to the snout; jaws almost equal; gape narrow; teeth in
regular order, but often in irregular stages of development;
first plate of the gill-covers serrated. Large scales on the
cheeks and body. Lateral line nearer the back, bending down
suddenly opposite the termination of the dorsal fin. This fin
is furnished with sixteen firm and nine soft rays; pectoral
round, fourteen rays; ventrals close together, with one firm
and five soft rays; anal fin three firm and nine soft rays, the
two last from one root; tail fourteen rays.

Like others of this family, the Corkwing varies in its colour.
Upper part of the head and back usually brownish, with
stripes of red and green on the gill-covers; sides a faint green,
with numerous lightish red stripes, yellow or greenish below.
The fins are similarly varied, but the colours are commonly
fainter than in others of the Wrasses. Near the tail, close to
or on the termination of the lateral line, is a conspicuous
black spot, which is seen in the earliest stage of growth of
this fish, and its absence forms the only distinguishing mark
of the supposed species, called the Gibbous Wrass by Pennant.
This last-mentioned fish received its name on account of a
considerable elevation of its back, and consequent greater
depth than exists in others of this family, Avith a greater
sweep downwards to the mouth; but the almost unanimous
opinion of observers has concluded that it constitutes only
an older and perhaps better fed stage of the Common Corkwing,
from which the lateral spot near the tail has disappeared. It
has been met with of the length of nine inches, with a deeper
profile than is usual with the Corkwing; but I have never
seen the back so high as is represented in Pennant's figure.
Those also that have fallen under my notice have come from
a greater depth of water than is usual with the Corkwing.

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45

BAILLON'S WRASS.

Crenildhnis BaiUonii, Gunther; Cat. Br. Museum, vol. iv, p. SI.

This species is no^v for the first time introduced among
British fishes, and that too with some degree of hesitation ;
but a drawing of one which came a few years since into my
possession, and which then appeared to differ from the ordinary
appearance of the Corkwing, and especially from that variety
of it known as the Gibbous Wrass, conveys so near a likeness
to a species described by Dr. Gunther, in the "Catalogue of
the British Museum," above referred to, that I feel little
doubt of its being the same fish. To provide the requisite
evidence of this, and to render our account of it the more
complete, the observations of Dr. Gunther are here added to
our own description; but it is necessary to remark, that
whereas considerable stress is laid in these extracts from the
catalogue on the black marks described as existing on the
dorsal and anal fins, the further description distinctly shews
that, as well this species as the other which is said to bear a
close affinity to it, are liable to much variety in this respect,
at least as reajards their distribution.

Our example measured seven inches and a quarter in length,
and two inches in depth; covered with large scales, as well the
body as the gill-covers; a border of small scales, prominently
marked, round the posterior half of the eye. The profile
descends from the origin of the dorsal fin to the mouth; jaws
equal. The proportions generally as in the Corkwing, but the
dorsal and anal fins are carried nearer to the root of the tail.
Pectoral and ventral fins dusky yellow, the former with dusky
bars; general colour of the other fins, head, and back very
dark brown : on the sides longitudinal streaks from the pectoral
fins backward, the whole, including the root of the pectoral fin.

46 BAILLOX S WRASS.

mottled with streaks and spots of very dark brown; tail with
cross bars, and, near the termination of the lateral line, an
ocellated spot.

Dr. Gunther's account of Crenilabrus Baillonii is thus given: —
"The height of the body is contained three times and a third,
or three times and a half in the total length. Cheek with
two or three series of scales; the length of the snout is one
third of that of the head. The soft dorsal and the anal with
two black or blackish spots at the base. Back with five or
six dark cross bars, more distinct in young individuals. Oper-
culum without dark spot; base of the pectoral black. The
dorsal fin with fourteen firm and ten soft rays; anal three
firm and ten soft rays."

"This sj)ecies will be easily distingviished from its nearest ally,
C. quinquemaculatus , by the larger scales on the cheek, and
by the greater number of longitudinal series of scales above
the lateral line. The characters by which the two species
have been distinguished are constant in all the specimens
examined. The anterior spot on the dorsal fin is the most
distinct, whilst the others are paler, and may entirely disappear
with age. The number of the lanal rays has been incorrectly
given by Valenciennes. This species has been found on the
coasts of Lisbon and Mogader, as also in the British Channel."

The Crenilabrus quinquemaculatus , here referred to, is a
native of the Mediterranean, but has not been recognised as an
inhabitant of our own shores. It is subject to much variety,
and sometimes has a dark spot on the middle of the base of
the caudal fin, (as in the fish we have described; but in our
example it was ocellated, or marked with a pale border, as we
have never seen in the Corkwing.)

c^

w

^^j

V

W'

iill llM

^#''%::

^^'': iP"

o

X
X

o

47

JAGG'S GGLDSINNY.

Goldsinny, Jago; in Ray's Synopsis Piscium, f. 3.

Yakrkll; British Fishes, vol. i, p. 333.
" Thompson; ISTat. Hist. Ireland, a'oI. iv, p. 129.

Gtenolahrus riqyestris, Cuviek. Gunther; Cat. Br. M., vol. iv, p. 89.

In the west of England this is a common species, and in
many districts besides it is so also, although the individuals are
not in considerable numbers. It occurs along the coasts of
Scotland, as well as in the Baltic. Nilsson reckons it among
the fishes of Sweden, and on the other hai:id it is met with
in the Mediterranean. Unlike the Corkwing, I have not
found it to frequent tidal harbours, and it appears to prefer
deeper water than the shallows of the sea afford. It takes a
bait, but is most frequently caught in the crab-pots, which it
enters for the purpose of nibbling the baits suspended within
them. It is probable it sheds its roe in ^lay, as the Kock
Cook is also known to do.

Its usual length is about five inches, with a depth of an
inch and a quarter at the ventral fins; from the front of the
dorsal fin the outline slopes gradually to the upper lip; jaws
equal; teeth prominent; eye rather large. The body covered
with large scales; gill-covers with scales of smaller size; lateral
line suddenly bent down a little behind the termination of
the dorsal fin: of this fin the rays are twenty-six, of which
seventeen are firm and tipped; anal fin with three firm rays.
The colour of this species is confessedly prone to vary, while
the spots are believed to constitute a constant character. In
the example described the upper portion was reddish brown;
cheeks red, yellowish posteriorly, and a deep pink lengthened
spot at some distance below the eye, which is likely to be
accidental; the borders of the scales tinged with pink, which
on the sides give the appearance of faint pink lines; pectoral,

48 JAGO'S GOLDSINXY,

dorsal, and caudal fins inclined to red. The front ot" the dor^^al
bears a dark mark, which extends to three or four of the rays;
at the upper border of the base of the tail is a round or
oval spot, which may rather be said to be on each side of the
edge than exactly on the top; a pink spot close to the upper
part of the base of the pectoral.

This species of Wrass remained long in a state of uncertainty,
from having been confounded with such others of the Lahridce
as had their chief marks of distinction in a spot at or near
the root of the tail. Mr. Yarrell led the way in part to the
detection of this error, by engraving, although only as a tail-
piece, a figure of the fish at p. 301, vol. i, of his first edition;
but the likeness was much distorted by the accidental pressure
of the specimen in its conveyance. Further doubt, however,
appeared to be dispelled by Mr. Selby, who published in the
first volume of the "Magazine of Zoology," etc., p. 167, with
a plate, a description of the fish from examples thrown on
shore in a storm on the coast of Xorthumberland. But the
figure given by Mr. Selby is more stout and deep than any of
the examples I have seen; and a remark to the same purport
is made by Mr. M'Calla, as quoted in Mr. Thompson's work,
already referred to. If the form of the scales in Mr. Yarrell's
plate is correctly represented, there is in these also a remarkable
difierence in these fishes; and the broad bands from the back
downward, as in Mr. Selby 's figure, have never presented
themselves in a Cornish, nor, I may add, in an Irish example.
On the contrary, I have had occasion to mention the pink-
tinted horizontal lines on the sides, which have also been
noticed in Irish specimens, but not in those of the north of
England. How far these differences may be explained by
reference to the variety of ground and climate in which the
individuals are found, is a subject for farther inquiry; and
this observation is the more appropriate, as, according to Dr.
Gunther, who quotes the Avork on Ichthyology by Cuvier,
there is a species with which it might be confounded. This
is the (Jtenolahrtis marginatus , which is a native of the Medi-
terranean, and of a more lengthened form than this C. ri/pesfris,
with the same number of fin rays, and a large black spot
anteriorly on the dorsal fin, and another on each side of the
caudal fin; the vertical fins with a narrow blackish margin.

tn

<
as

^ >

X
^ X
O X
pq O
2

49

JULIS.

Tnis genus differs from others of the family of Wrasses in having
the head entirely without scales. The lateral line forms an angle
opposite the end of the dorsal fin; to which Swainson adds, that the
first rays of the dorsal fin are higher than the succeeding, and the fin
itself is thus rendered falcate.

PtAINBO\Y WRASS.

Julis, JOXSTON ; pi. 14, f. 3.

WlLLOUGHBY ; pi. X. 4, p. 324.

Labrus julis, Li>'X.EUs. Donovan ; pi. 96.

Julis vulgaris, Cuvier. Fleming; Br. Au., p. 210.

Yarrell; Br. Fishes, vol. i. p. 344.
Coris julis, Gunther; Cat. Br. M., vol. iv, p. 195.

So far as is known this very pretty fish has only occurred
in a single instance in England, which was in Mount's Bay,
in the county of Cornwall; which district may therefore be
regarded as the furthest extent of its range northward. It
appears to have been caught by the merest accident, in the
year 1802, and fortunately was obtained for the use of Mr.
Donovan, who has given a beautiful likeness of it. But its
history is to be learnt from the ^Mediterranean, where, in some
districts, it is common, and where from ancient times some
strange stories are told of its habits. Oppian relates in verse
what ^-Elian repeats in prose. The last-named writer says that
this fish lives in rocky places, and has its mouth poisonous,
in such a manner that whoever tastes it is rendered unable to
swallow. When fishermen have caught a Prawm, f SquiUa,J
the middle portion of which has been devoured by a Julis,
they sometimes eat it; but the consequence is that they
VOL. III. H

50 RATXBOW WRASS.

experience severe pains in the bo\yels. Swimmers and divers
are much molested by this fish, in the same manner as flesh-
flies assail and bite them; and Oppian compares the effect to
the sting of a nettle. These divers are compelled to drive
the fishes away, to avoid being tormented with their bite; and
so persevering is the annoyance, that the men are obliged for
the time to give up following their occupations.

However foreign to truth this account, and especially the
first portion of it, may appear to us, we should call to mind,
in vindication of the writer, that he reports no more than the
current opinion of his day, and that the particulars themselves
were in close connection with the theories then predominant.
It was long held as a principle in natural philosophy, that the
sea contained something in every instance that bore an analogy
to what Avas in the sky above, or on the land; and the
attention of the philosopher was directed to the discovery of
such objects as were thus believed to carry out these corres-
pondences of nature. Many figures, with a little violence done
to the likeness, are in this light handed down to us by writers
of the middle ages, who had not yet escaped from the trammels
thrown around them by the ancients ; and it was w^ith these
impressions that they imposed a name upon a fish because
they supposed it to be endued with some of the ill qualities
which belonged to an insect with which they were acquainted.
The Creeping Julus was said to convey a poisonous bite; and
that the fish Jul is will annoy and bite we have the authority
of no less an observer than E,ondeletius, who describes Avhat
happened to himself, as well as on another occasion to a friend.
When on one occasion he went to bathe near Antipolis, he
saw several of these small fishes hasting towards him, and they
attacked with their bites not only his legs, but the hard
portions of his heels; and a similar circumstance was related
to him by some gentlemen, as happening to them near Nice.
No injurious effect followed to this eminent naturalist; but it
is highly probable that the terror which would arise to an
ordinary person from the prospect of danger, would confirm the
impression that the danger itself was not wholly imaginary.
There is reason to believe that these fish are usually in com-
panies. Their food and season of spawning are for the most
part the same as in other kinds of AVrasses; but they are little

RAINBOW WRASS. 51

regarded as food, those which keep in the deeper water being
considered the best.

The usual size of the Kainbow Wruss is in length from four
to six or seven inches; the shape round and slender, so that
Willoughby, from whom much of our description is derived,
compares it to a Goby or Blenny. The mouth small, pointed;
lips fleshy; teeth in one row; those in front larger and longer,
especially a pair in the uj^per jaw. Eyes small. Head without
scales; body covered with them; lateral line bent angularly
opposite the termination of the dorsal fin. The dorsal fin
high at the beginning, the first rays close to the head, more
slender in its progress, reaching near the tail, having twenty-
one rays, of which nine are firm; anal fin two firm and twelve
soft rays; pectoral fourteen; ventral six, of which one is firm;
tail round, twelve rays.

The colour is subject to some variation, but is always
beautiful; and the males are said to excel the females in this
respect. Along the back it is dark, (Risso says bluish green;)
the belly blue or whitish. From the snout a variously-coloured
line runs through the eyes to the middle of the sides; that
portion which is on. the cheeks safi'ron-coloured, passing into
black, and in its further progress blue. Along the side from the
gill-covers to the tail a wide line, with an irregular border of
a light blue, and parallel to it below, a line of bright yellow.
Eyes red or yellow. Dorsal fin with a band of yellow near
the back, followed above by red, the upper border blue; on its
front a distinct pink mark, which extends to the three first
rays, and above this a black spot, including the second and
third ray; tail yellow with a cast of red; anal fin coloured
like the dorsal.

52

GADID^.

THE CODFISH KIND.

The body moderately lengthened, compressed, with numerous
small and soft scales; none on the head; more than one fin
on the back, all with soft rays. Teeth in the jaws and front
of the palate; the tail separate from the other fins, straight
or round. Ventral fins under the pectorals. Thoracic fishes.

LinnfEus classed the whole of this family in one genus, but
the species have since been separated by Cuvier into several
genera, according to organs Avhich have an influence on their
manner of life. It is to be regretted that the original Linnean
name of Gadns has not been retained for any of these lesser
divisions of the family.

Q X!

O 'A

o X
O

Oo'

MORRHUA.

"With the characters of the family as above, there are three dorsal
and two anal fins; a barb at the point of the lower jaw.

COD.

Asellus cabelian,

Gadus morrlma,

ilorrltua vul<jarls,

Gade mortie,
Gadus morrhua.

JoNSTON; tab. 1, f. 1, and tab. 2, f. 1.
WUiLOUGHBY; p. 15.5, tab. L. m. f. 4.

LlNN.EUS. BlOCH; pi. 64.
DOXOYAN; 13l. 106.

OuviEK. Flejiing; Br. Animals, p. 191.

Tabkell; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 221.

Lacepede.

Jenyns; Manual, p. 440.

GuNTHEK; Cat. Br. M., vol. iv, p. 328.

The fishes of this family are of special importance in that
they supply an abundance of wholesome and acceptable food to
man; and so much the more valuable are they that they may be
preserved with salt without being deprived of their good qualities;
and in that condition they are conveyed to countries in Avhich
otherwise there might be a considerable deficiency. All the
species are limited to the temperate and colder regions of the
ocean, with a slight exception; and of them all the Cod is
the most abundant, as it is also, in an economical point of
view, the most valuable; so that in pursuit of it extensive
fisheries are carried on in different parts of the world.

A\'^ithin the range we have specified it is very generally
scattered about, at the variations of depth from ten or twenty
fathoms to fifty or sixty; but there are favourite districts in
which they assemble in vast multitudes, and to which they
are drawn chiefly by the abundance of acceptable food, but
partly also by the nature of the ground, their chosen haunts
being on the elevated surface of some subaqueous mountain or
plain.

54 COD.

Their food is sought for on the ground, as is the case
generally with fishes that are furnished Avith a barb below the
chin; which organ is not a mere appendage, but by dissection
is known to be supplied with a special nerve of considerable
size, by which it is rendered so sensitive that on some occasions
it appears to serve as a substitute for the absence of another
chief organ of perception. I possess the note of a Cod of
full growth which had swallowed a bait to be taken with a
line, and which bore the appearance of being well fed, but
which was altogether without eyes; and from the structure of
the skin which covered the sockets there seemed no reason
to suppose that it had ever enjoyed the benefit of possessing
these organs. This appendage must therefore have well
performed the office of a substitute, in conformity with the
observations of Sir Charles Bell, in his Bridgewater Treatise
on the Hand, (p. 48,) where he says, that by an anatomical
investigation and experiment, he had discovered that the sensi-
bility of all the head, and of its various appendages, is derived
from one nerve only of the ten which are enumerated as
arising from the brain, and are distributed within and around
the head; and puirsuing the subject by the aid of comparative
anatomy, he found that a nerve corresponding to this, which
is the fifth nerve in man, served a similar purpose in all the
lower animals. In creatures which are covered with feathers
or scales, or protected by shell, this nerve becomes almost
the sole organ of sensibility. It is the development of this
nerve that gives sensibility to the cirri which hang about the
mouths of fishes. We may add that this fifth pair of nerves
is represented in Monro's twenty-first plate of the Anatomy
and Physiology of Fishes. The nerves of smelling also are
well marked in these fishes, and derive their origin on each
side from a round ganglion which is connected with the brain
by a lengthened cord. The last-named writer also represents
the organ of hearing as being distinctly recognised; so that the
exercise of every sense is well provided for. We shall find
more to remark on this subject when we speak of the genus
Motella, an aberrant form of the Gadoid family.

The Cod, thus supplied with the organs of sensation, is one
of the most voracious of fishes, and on most occasions appears
to feed indiscriminately. Yet there is proof that it exercises
decided preference for particular objects; so that it is not only

COD. • 55

caught with some baits in greater abundance than with others,
but there are animals likely to be found in its stomach, w^hile
there are others which it is in vain to look for; which still
are of common occurrence in other fishes of the same family
which also gather their food from the ground. In addition to
several sorts of bivalve shells, and one or two species of
aphrodite, stones are fovmd, of no small size, that have been
swallowed because of the encrusting lepralia or corallines that
covered them; and when the latter have been digested, the
stones are probably rejected from the stomach. In one instance
six Picked Dogfishes, each nine inches in length, were found
in the stomach of a Cod; and the following list of crustacean
animals (crab and lobster kind,) in the stomach of these fishes,
which w^ere taken in the west portion of the British Channel,
Avill shew the strong preference which the Cod manifests for
that sort of food ; of which also, we may add, their digestion
is so powerful and speedy, that, in a short time after being
swallowed, the hard and brittle crust of the crabs is made so
soft by the action of the gastric juice, that their legs may be
twisted round the finsfer.

'O'

Crabs. — Stenorynchus phalangium, Acliseus Cranchii, Inachus Dorset-
tensis, I. dorynchus, I. leptochirus, Hjas coarctatus, Eurvnome aspera,
Xantho tubercalata, Cancer pagurus Porfcunus corrugatns, P. arcuatus, P.
marmoreus, P. pnsillus, P. longipes, Gonnplax angulatus, Atelecyclus
heterodon, Corystes cassivelaunus, Pagurus Bernhardus.

Long-tailed Crustaceans, Lobster hind. — Galathsea squamifera, G. strigosa,
G. dispersa, G. Andrewsii, Muni da Roudeletii, Gebia stellata, G. deltura,
Nika edulis, N. Coucliii, Squilla Desmarestii, Alpheus ruber, Scyllarus
arctus.

In this enumeration the notes of Mr. W. Laughrin, A.L.S.,
are united with my own; and of these species the Scyllarus
arctus offered only one example, which is noAV deposited in
the British Museum; but of the Munkla Roudeletii, which is
usually considered as not a common species, there has been
found not only numerous specimens, but these have often been
of remarkable size. The longest leg of an example described
by Mr. Bell in his beautiful Natural History of this tribe
measured six inches, but I have found the same part to
measure nine inches, with the antennae of the same length as
the leg. We find Cods which have been rioting on this
crustacean food to be in good condition for the table; but I

56 • • (;oD.

have been informed by an intelligent man who for several
years had been employed in the fishery on the banks of
Newfoundland, that such was not thought to be the case in
that part of the world; but that, when the fish there were
found to have their stomachs filled with crabs, although the
fish were numerous, large, and appeared to be well fed, it
was the usual practise for the ships to change their quarters in
search of others.

The Cod sheds its roe in December and January, and as
the grains are increasing in size the fish is in the best con-
dition for the table; but its excellence has fallen back by the
time the roe is ready to be shed, and after spawning this fish
becomes emaciated and worthless. Indeed there is no fish,
except perhaps the Salmon, that offers so great a contrast to
itself from the time of its highest perfection to the worst,
which is presently after spawning, and from which it is not
speedily restored.

The Cod is one of the most prolific of fishes, as may be
supposed when we call to mind the vast numbers which are
caught at the principal fishing stations through a long succession
of years, where one man in Newfoundland has caught five
hundred and fifty-two in a day, and upwards of fifteen thousand
in a voyage. Ten thousand Codfishes were reckoned a proper
yearly capture for a man. The fact is Avell borne out by an
examination of the multitude of grains of sj)awn which have
been counted in the mass of the ovaries. In a fish which
weighed twenty- one pounds, the roe weighed eleven pounds,
or more than half of the whole bulk; but in another which
weighed thirty pounds the roe weighed only four pounds and
a quarter; and yet in this last instance the following proportion
was fairly calculated. In repeated trials, two grains in weight
of this roe gave the number of ova four hundred and twenty-
three; so that, making a full allowance for the membrane
mingled with them, the number of living individuals which
might have been produced from this fish, in which the roe
was of less than usual proportionate weight, was little less
than seven millions. That very many of these eggs never
reach a useful size is highly probable, and yet it is to be
remarked that a young Cod is more rarely found in the
stomach of other fishes than the generality of its fellow natives
of the deep.

con. 57

I have found the young ones less than an inch in length
by the end of May, and they require at least the second year
to render them fit for the market. When about half grown
they are often caught in rough ground near the land, and
being somewhat variously coloured they have been regarded as
a separate species, with the name of Tamlin Cod, a name
which is first mentioned by Jago, and after him by Borlase.
The word tarn in a western dialect sii^nifies what is short and
stout, and is applied to this fish because it is in full condition
at the time when the full-grown fish has become thin from the
effect of spawning.

Besides that the Cod in its season is an excellent dish for
the table, an important use of it is when it is salted and
dried, the ordering of which is effected in a different manner
in different places, but into the peculiarities of which this is
not the place to enter. The tongues and sounds for air-bladders)
are also preserved in pickle, and in this condition when boiled
they form a very acceptable dish. The usefulness of this fish has
also been more widely extended of late by the employment
of the oil extracted from the liver in several diseases, in some
of Avhich it is found an important remedy. The first notice
we have of it as such, was in the medical works of Dr.
Bardsley, who mentions it as prescribed for chronic rheumatism
in the Dispensary at Manchester, at the beginning of the
present century, and since that time it has found general
acceptance in glandular diseases among medical practitioners.
But in England at least it has been found that this oil can
only be extracted from the liver when the fish is in its best
condition; for when its strength has become exhausted by the
process of spawning, and until the recovery of its flesh, which
is not soon effected, the liver is found in a like state of
emaciation with the flesh, and affords no oil. We believe that
the greater portion of what is now used is obtained from the
fishery of Newfoundland, where, however, it has been said
that the fish is scarcely equal to those caught in our own
waters.

The value Avhich has been set on the Cod is of comparatively
modern date, since it does not appear that this fish was known
at the tables of the Romans of the Empire; a circumstance
to be explained by the fact that it Avas not found in the
Mediterranean. The first regular fishery aj) pears to have been
VOL. III. I

58 COD.

carried on in the German Ocean, and that in very early times,
as appears from the fact that it was so recognised before the
year 1368, when the city of Amsterdam procured permission
from the King of Sweden to form an establishment for carrying
it on in the Isle of Schonen; and in the year 1415, Henry
the Fifth of England compelled the King of Denmark to make
satisfaction to some of his subjects for injuries received in his
dominions for something connected with it. Whatever was the
nature of the privilege thus claimed, it was afterwards lost,
until Elizabeth recovered it. This fishery was the principal
source of the supply of Cods, until the discovery of the much
larger numbers to be obtained on the banks of Newfoundland;
Avhen the attention of fishermen became directed to that more
distant but more promising -source of wealth, under the
direction and v.-ith the assistance of merchants who made it a
portion of the traffic which they were accustomed to carry on
with the Italian ports of the ^Mediterranean. On these fertile
banks the mode of fishing has varied, but it is only of late
that reports have been circulated of a decrease in the numbers
of the fishes that are found in that district; as if the long-
continued and miaihtv inroads which have been made on them
have at last effected a decided diminution of what may have
appeared an inexhaustible supply. But Cods have long been
found in large numbers nearer home, as on the Dogger Bank,
and in our Xorth-eastern Sea, where, along the borders of
Northumberland and Norfolk, the fishery engages the service
of a large number of boats and men, of which the port of
Barking in particular affords an instance. According to evidence
produced before a committee of the House of Commons, there
belong to that phice about one hundred and twenty fishing
vessels, of the burden of forty to sixty tons, with a crew of
upwards of eight hundred men; and their employment in this
fishery lasts for about three months in the year, during which
they are accustomed to make three voyages on the whole.

But within a year or two a new discovery has been made
of a situation, which for a time, is likelv to draw to itself
the attention of fishermen of the northern portion of our
island and perhaps of Ireland, in a higher degree than any
other. This is along the upper portion of a submarine elevation,
of which the situation is marked by a solitary rock that bears
the name of Rockall, and which probably was better known

COD. 59

at some distant date as the resort of fish, than more lately,
down to the time of its renewed discovery. In the meanwhile
the fish has had time to grow, as well in size as numbers, so
that wonders are told of the success of the first adventurers to
the spot; from which two boats returned after a week's
fishing, each with between thirteen and fourteen tons of fish.
The size of the individual Cods is not mentioned, but as a
single example was known to have lived in an enclosed pond
at Logan, in Scotland, to the supposed age of about fifteen
years, during which it is said to have made a gradual increase
in bulk, we may judge that those taken at Rockall, at freedom
and fully fed, had attained to the full of that which at any
time they reach. A successful fisherman on the banks of
Newfoundland informed me that out of many hundreds he once
caught there, there was a Cod which reached to a hundredv>'eiglit,
and that with a wish to show it to his friends at home, he
purchased it of his captain for the price of half-a-crown. The
largest Cod I have known weighed fifty-six pounds; but
scarcely any are in finer condition than those which abound in
the deeper water between the Sciliy Islands and the west coast
of Cornwall, and also between St. Ives on the north and the
Mount's Bay.

The fishery for Cods is conducted with hooks, and either
with a single line from the boat, (each fisherman attending to
a couple,) or with long lines, which in the west of England
are termed bulteys, or bulters, and Avhich cannot be shot in
such deep water as may admit the single line. These bulteys are
formed of a j)rincipal line, which is a stout cord or small
rope, and to which is fastened a series of short lines .about a
fathom in length, placed at such distances from one another
as that they shall not be entangled together. Sometimes many
hundreds of these hooks are thus fastened together, with a
stone or grapnel to moor them, and with a cork-line to mark
the place and draw them up. The baits are various, — as
Herrings, Pilchards, and Lamperns; and the direction is across
the course of the tide, on ground where the hooks are not
likely to get entangled amidst the rocks. The whole is drawn
up at such a time as experience has taught the fishermen to
be sufficient for their purpose. If left long after the fish are
dead they are subject to the depredations of some of the
sessile-eyed crustacean animals, termed bv- fishermen sea lice;

60 COD.

which enter their bodies by the mouth and gills, and in a time
surprisingly short devour the whole of the soft parts, so as to
leave the skin almost empty. Of this last-named method of
fishing the success must be greater than any which can arise
from the employment of a few lines that hang from a boat
which is manned by no more than two or three up to half a
dozen men; but it requires a greater outlay than many fisher-
men are able to provide, and a complaint also is sometimes
made of the want of bait for such a multitude of hooks. But
several hundreds of fishes, including the Cod and Ling, are
thus sometimes drawn up at a single haul, and that too at
times when boats which must ride at anchor with their lines
are not able to encounter the roughness of the sea.

It has been observed that the largest number of these fishes
are often caught when the sea is becoming rough with the
threatening of a gale from the direction of the deeper sea, yet
a heavier storm is said to drive them away. When not sold
fresh these fish are prepared with salt for exportation, and also
for consumption at home; for Avhich purpose the head and a
portion of the backbone, with the entrails, are removed, in
which condition they are salted and dried. In the year 1853,
according to a report of the Board of Fisheries, the quantity
of Cods, Ling, and Hakes cured in Scotland and the Isle of
Man, amounted to somewhat more than five thousand nine
hundred tons; to which are to be added iip wards of three thousand
tons which were sold fresh, the whole amounting to nine
thousand three hundred and forty-two tons and five hundred-
weight; but this was the highest that had ever been known.
Large quantities of Cods which have been thus prepared in
Newfoundland are consumed in England. On a copper coin
struck in or for the Magdalen Inlands, in the Gulf of St.
Lawrence, with a seal on the obverse, the reverse bears a
Cod split and prepared in the manner we have described.

The Cod is the stoutest species of this family in proportion
to its length. The head large, but in a fish in good condition
the outline rises from the snout to the beginning of the dorsal
fins. The upper jaw projects a little beyond the lower; teeth
in both, and a plat in the form of a horse-shoe in front of
the palate; a barb on the under jaw. Eye moderate. Body
slightly compressed at first, more so behind the vent to the
tail; vent midwav between the snout and root of the caudal

COD. <)!

fin. Scales small; lateral line conspicuous, at first nearer the
back, lower and straight behind. Dorsal fins three, the first
beginning a little behind the root of the pectorals, irregularly
rounded; anal fins two; pectorals round; ventrals short, the
first rays extended and pointed; tail slightly round. Colour
on the back dark yellow, sometimes brown; sides mottled;
belly white; all the fins soft. The Cod of the north of England
has the snout much shorter and rounder than the fish of the
west coast. We have already mentioned the great weight to
which it sometimes reaches, but from thirty to forty pounds is
a more general size.

From Griffith's translation of Cuvier's "Aiiimal Kingdom" we
learn that in the neighboui'hood of the Isle of jNIan, there is
found a variety of the Common Cod, which is named Red
Cod, or Rock Cod, the skin of which is a brightish vermilion
colour, and the flesh of it is considered superior to that of
the other. It was the opinion of Dr. Turton that there was
also another species of British Cod, which he named the
Speckled Cod, ( Morrliua punctata,) but which he himself
appears not to have met with when he published his translation
of Linna^us's "System." It has been shewn, however, in a
way not to be doubted, by Dr. Dyce, in the "Annals, etc. of
Natural History," 1860, that this supposed species was no other
than a mis-shaped example, such as is scarcely uncommon
among fish, of the Common Cod; and Dr. Dyce illustrates his
observations by some dissections which prove that the foundation
of the deformity was in the structure of the bones of the back;
as was the case also in the deformed example of the Codfish
which we have described.

A Cod came under observation, which was in good condition
and of full growth, which possessed only one pectoral fin, while
on the other side there existed merely a stump, which had
the appearance of having been originally formed in that con-
dition. It is probable that it was in consequence of this
deficiency the ventral fins had been called more particularly
into action, for the purpose of regulating the positions of the
body.

The LerncBa hranchialis, which is a large and formidable
parasite, is not unfrequently found firmly attached to the gills
of this fish.

6\l

HADDOCK.

Callarias, Joxston; Table 1, f. 2.

Asellus antrquonun, Willouguby: Table L on tlie plate, but

Onos sive asinus antuiuoruni, aud ceglefinus,
the Haddock, p. 170.
Gadus ter/JpJinus, Lixi^^us. Blocu; pi. 62.

♦' " DojiOVAN; pi. 69.

" " Jejjyns; Manual, p. 441.

Gade onrjlejin, Lacepede.

Movrliua ceglrfinus. Cuvier. Fleming; Br. Animals, p. 191.

" " Yaijiiell; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 233.

Gadus ceglefinus, Gunthek; Cat. Br. M., vol. iv, p. 332.

"With an approach to the same form and organization with
the Cod, the Haddock comes near to it also in its habits; but
akhough equally dispersed over the world, it is for the most
part in less numbers. It is observable also that this fish is
disposed to observe a partial and limited migration or change
of quarters, with a somewhat loose arrangement of the multi-
tudes that observe it. Such is the case in a remarkable
desrree on the coast of Scotland: and also on a portion of the
coast of Yorkshire, where there is a bank which extends for
about eighty miles, but in breadth scarcely exceeding three,
where in the winter they are caught in large numbers; but
on either side of these limits at the same time none are taken.
It is also found in abundance in America, on the borders of
Massachusetts; but it so little affects the society of the Cod,
that on the banks of Newfoundland, when a fisherman succeeded
in taking upwards of five hundred and fifty Cods in one day,
he took no more than two Haddocks at the same time.

In their periodical assemblings at their favourite stations on
our coasts they appear to be influenced by a common feeling,
which may be of the same nature as that which prompts

fi

W

O

v.,

CAMBRIDGE. MA USA

HADDOCK. 63

them finally to the development and shedding of the spawn,
the season of which, as is generally the case with the fishes of
this family, is in the colder months of the year; and after
continuing in numbers for about tvro months, during which
they have yielded to the fisherman an abundant harvest, they
go away into deeper water or a colder zone; and although
single examples may be caught at any time, the greater
number does not show itself again until the return of another
season.

The Haddock is in sufficient estimation for the table as to
meet with a ready sale; but neither in numbers nor as food
is it equal to the Cod, whether fresh or salted; and as regards
the last particular, there is much difference of opinion whether
it deserves the credit in which it stands; but this difference
may in a great degree depend on the nature of the district in
which the fish was caught, as Avell as in the sort of preparation
to which it has been subjected. It is admitted, however, that
the older and larger examples are inferior to such as are of
moderate size. It is chiefly in Scotland that the salted
Haddock is of sufficient importance to be the subject of trade,
and a few of the towns in that portion of the United Kingdom
have obtained some degree of celebrity from the manner in
which these preserved fish have been prepared. Such is the
case with Findhorn, which has secured a reputation on this
account, which is more than shared by some other places in
its neighbourhood, although less generally known. The prin-
cipal portion of the secret in the preparation of this esteemed
dish is said to consist in smoking the fish over a peat fire after
it has been for a short time moderately salted.

The Haddock feeds near or from the ground, and uses little
discrimination in the choice; and yet, while it rejects nothing
which the Cod might swallow, there seems to be that difference
of appetite between these fishes, that the stomach of the
Haddock will best repay the examination of the naturalist
whose interest is in the collection of shells, of which he will
thus secure some species that otherwise he might not readily
meet with. In a single stomach, among a multitude of uni-
valve and bivalve shells, I was able to select, no less than
twelve separate species.

There are at times some unknown influences in the ocean

64 HADDOCK.

which, have caused great destruction among the muhitudes of
these fish, so that large numbers have been found dead and
floating on the surface of the water. An instance of this sort
is recorded in the parliamentary inquiry into the state of the
Salmon fisheries in the year 1825; from Avhich it appears that
about thirty years before that date so great was the havoc
among these fishes, that ships had sailed through many leagues
of the North Sea where the surface was covered with dead
Haddocks, and after this for several years it "was a rare fish in
these districts. It was seen also that even when again they had
become plentiful it was long before these fishes had reached to
their former size.

It is not often that the Haddock attains the length of tAvo
feet, or exceeds the weight of eight or ten pounds, but Mr.
Thompson mentions instances of examples taken in Ireland
which were of eighteen, twenty, and twenty-five pounds; and
when this gentleman adds that these fishes in Ireland are
often valued more highly than the Cod, and obtain a price
which ice should deem enormous, Ave are driven to the con-
clusion that these Irish Haddocks are more richly fed, and in
finer condition than in most parts of England. The higher
price cannot proceed from a scarcity of the fish, for it is said
that in Dublin Bay and along the neighbouring coast they are
in great plenty.

The head is compressed, level on the top, with a ridge,
which is directed backward. Snout projecting, nostrils half
Avay to the eye, Avhich is large, elcAated, and behind the corner
of the mouth; the jaAA's are nearly . equal, but the upper jaw
is Avithin the projecting snout; teeth in both, and in the palate;
a barb at the loAver jaAV. The body compressed, rising from
the head to the first dorsal fin, more slender toAvards the tail.
Vent about midAvay betAveen the snout and root of the tail.
Lateral line nearly straight, conspicuous from its dark colour;
scales on the body slightly visible. Dorsal fins three, the first
elevated, triangular, ending in a point; second and third less
elevated, extending to near the tail. Anal fins tAvo, the first
forming the segment of a circle. Pectorals slightly pointed;
ventrals Avith the first ray lengthened; tail more or less concave.
The colour of the back and fins dusky purplish broAvn, paler on
the sides, dull yelloAv or white below; a large dark spot on the

HADDOCK. 65

side, which is lighter in the middle, stretches down from the
lateral line. The Haddock of which a figure is given (PI. Id)
in Fries and Eckstrom's "Skandinavian Fishes," is so unlike
the British species as to raise the suspicion that they may be
specifically different; and the same may be said of the Pollack.
Naturalists of former days were persuaded that the names
Onos, in Greek, and Asinus, (the ass,) were the proper desig-
nations of this fish in ancient times; and when we examine
the colour it usually bears, coupled with the distinguishing
stripe at the shoulders, we scarcely feel surprised that the
excellent naturalist. Turner, in the age of Queen Elizabeth,
and the still more eminent Ray, should countenance this opinion.
But it happens unfortunately for this idea that the Haddock
is not found in the Mediterranean, and therefore could not
have fallen under the observation of the Greeks, from whom
the aiDpellation was borrowed by the Romans, as applied to
a species with which both these , people were acquainted. To
a kindred fish therefore this name must have been first applied;
and in the Hake we shall find sufficient likeness of colour to
the terrestrial animal, to warrant the comparison by a people
of whom we are constantly reminded that with them a distant
resemblance was sufficient to constitute a likeness that would
authorize a name; but whether this Hake' of the INIediterranean
is the same with that known among ourselves remains yet to
be determined.

VOL III. K

m

DORSE.

VARIABLE COD. BALTIC COD.

Aselhis varius, WiLLOUGnBY: p. 172, table L. 1.

" Bloch; pi. 63.

Gadus callarias, Linn.eus.

Gade callarias, Lacepede.

Morrhua callarias, Cuviek. Yarrell; Br. F., vol. ii, p. 231.

The Dorse is especially a fish of the north, for it exists in
large numbers in the sea altout Greenland, and even in the
Frozen Ocean on the north of America, It is familiarly known
also on the coast of Norway and Sweden, and further in the
Baltic, where it is said to ascend rivers as far as the tide
reaches; but its appearance further south is uncommon, and it
is only as a rare straggler that it has shewn itself in the west
of England or south of Ireland. Yet I have known a few
instances in which it has been taken on the north and south
borders of Cornwall; and I feel little doubt that what has
been supposed a rare variety of the Haddock, preserved in the
museum of the Dublin University, and referred to in the
catalogue of that collection, as also mentioned in Mr. Thompson's
"Natural History of Ireland," is in fact an example of the
Dorse. The mistake here supposed, of confounding this fish
with the Haddock has occurred in at least one other instance,
and is the rather to be excused as in its general form it bears
a nearer likeness to the last-named fish than to a well-fed
ordinary Cod, although indeed in colour it differs greatly from
both.

The peculiar habits of the Dorse as distinguished from the
others of its family have not been communicated to us; but
we know it takes a bait, and as food it is said to be of
superior quality, this preference being assigned to it even after
it has been salted.

a; X
o X

Q X

O

ri

DOKSE. - 67

The comnmnication which follows is from a gentleman who
has made himself known to naturalists by the name of Piscator.

"Launceston, September 7th., 1843.

"Dear Sir, — "Whilst observing a man who was casting his
line from the rocks near Boscastle yesterday, I perceived him
draw on shore a small species of Cod, about six or seven
inches long, different from any of the Cod tribe I had before
seen, but exactly answering the description and the plate of
the Dorse, or Variable Cod, in the second volume of Mr.
Yarrell's "British Fishes," except that instead of being spotted,
as there described, it was of a dark coppery tinge we so often
see in young Whiting Pollacks when caught on rocky ground.
At a first glance indeed I thought it was a small Pollack,
till the short lower jaw and beard below instantly pointed
out a distinct species. The eyes were large, irides of a golden
hue, the pupils intensely black and sharp, and remarkably
brilliant; the nose is prominent, projecting a little beyond the
upper jaw, like that of the Haddock; the under jaw short;
the upper part above the lateral line of a deep chocolate
cast, assuming a coppery tinge along the sides, and becoming
much paler towards the belly; the lateral line very distinctly
marked and silvery, rising in a curve over the pectoral fin,
then descending and passing in a straight line to the tail.
Caudal fin square at the end, of a darker colour, assuming a
dusky tinge, as indeed were all the fins. I have been thus
particular in my description, which so far corresponds with
that of Mr. Yarrell, that I have no doubt but that it is the
same identical Dorse as described by him. The colour, we all
know, of fishes inhabiting rocky ground can never be relied
much upon, and varies exceedingly in different specimens taken
even in the same spot. I considered this communication might
not be uninteresting to you, more particulai'ly as Mr. Yarrell
mentions that the authority upon which the Dorse was originally
introduced seems now to be c|uestionable, though it is well
known in the Baltic, and frequently called the Baltic Cod.
But from the juvenile appearance of the specimen I had an
opportunity of seeing, there can be little doubt that it was a
native of our own coasts. Mr. Yarrell menfions he had never
seen a specimen. I wish I had thought of preserving mine in

68 DORSE.

spirits: now, from the heat of the weather it is spoiled by
decomposition."

Since the date of this letter I have been informed of an
example which was obtained in St. Austle Bay, on the south-
east coast of Cornwall; and tAvo specimens have been caught
by fishermen of Polperro, from which our figure and description,
with additional notes, have been taken. Added to these, Mr.
Thompson, of Weymouth, informs me that in the months of
October and November, 1855, four examples were caught at
one time, and ten at another, in trawl-vessels belonging to that
port. They were of a golden yellow colour, and of small
size, not exceeding three or four inches in length. Of this
size indeed colour may not afford a decided mark of distinction,
but the form of this fish is so different from that of the
Common Cod, that no mistake needs to be committed in con-
founding one with the other.

The example selected for description was twenty inches in
length. Compared with the Cod the snout projects considerably
anore, pointed, bent down, cavernous; flatter than the Cod
backward from the snout and between the eyes; under jaw
much shorter; the eye large, brilliant, even with the top of
the head. Behind the head on the back a deep chink, almost
like that on the nape of the Bockling, but without a ciliated
membrane, as in that fish. Body like that of a Cod for
Haddock) lateral line conspicuous bent down at half its length.
ISIost of the fins more expanded than in the Cod; the third
dorsal and second anal runiring near the tail, and liable to fold
down; tail round; the fin rays stouter in proportion than in
the Cod. The colour much varied, the grovmd-colour yellowish
or orange, with mottlings; back rich light brown; fins reddish
yellow, mottled; some green tints on the sides; belly pale white;
but all the colours disposed to fade. Barb at the lower jaw
prominent. Fin rays, — of the first dorsal fourteen, second and
third dorsal each with seventeen rays, pectoral eighteen, ventral
six, first anal nineteen, second anal seventeen, caudal thirty-four.
In its stomach was a crab, ( Zantlio Jlorida.J Schonfelt is
quoted as saying that when kept in a pond the Dorse devoured
the smaller fishes.

The other example was taken in the company of Haddocks
in jSIarch, as the former had been in December; its colour a

DORSE. 69

bright golden yellow, paler on the sides and belly. Lateral
line at first of the colour of the skin, but more golden nearer
the tail. The connecting membrane of the fins, uniting the
rays, diaphanous from the roots, so that the rays themselves
could be easily traced.

Mr. Thompson mentions TV'hat was supposed to be a Haddock,
obtained by Dr. Ball, at Dublin, of a canary colour; and
another where the upper surface — the head and back — were of
a pale golden yellow, which extended to the dorsal, caudal,
and pectoral fins, without the mark on the sides common in
the Haddock. Other examples, much like these, but more
varied are mentioned, and one of them twenty-seven inches in
length; and scarcely a doubt can remain that these fishes were
examples of the Dorse. Willoughby mentions one caught by a
fisherman which measured four feet, which, he justly observes,
was an uncommon circumstance, and the rather so as it has
hitherto remained the only authentic instance of the capture
of this species in Britain.

Dr. Gunther represents this as only a variety, or the young
condition of the Common Cod; but I have seen an example
of the Dorse, as described above, as large as an ordinary Cod,
and easily to be distinguished from it; as also I have examined
Codfishes, even of minute size, (down to the fourth of an inch
in length,) but the general shape of which was decidedly
different from the fish I have here represented.

ro

BIB.

WHITING POUT. BLENS. BLINDS.

Asellus liiscus, Willoughby ; p. 169, table L.

Gad'us luscus, Linn^us. Bloch; pi. 166.

" " Donovan; pi. 19.

Gade tacaud, Lacepede.

Morrhua lusca, Cxjvier.

" " Fleming; Br. Animals, p. 191.

" " Yarrell; Br. F., vol. ii. p. 237.

Gadiis luscus, Jenyns; Mauual, p. 442.

" " Gunthek; Cat. British Museum,

vol. iv, p. 335.

The Bib is known along the whole of the coasts of the
United Kingdom, but is scarcely common in the north of Scot-
land and Ireland. On the other hand, it is found in the south
and west of the last named country and England through the
year, and at times, especially in the autumn and winter, it is
even abundant. Its chief resort is in rocky places, where it
finds its congenial food in the multitude of crustaceous animals
and small fishes which frequent such neighbourhoods; but
sometimes they pass into gullies and recesses where the bottom
is irregular or formed into pits. In general the food is sought
for at an higher elevation than is usual with the Cod and Had-
dock, and consequently what is found in the stomach is of a
different kind.

The spawn is shed towards the end of w^inter, and, perhaps,
generally later than in several others of this family of fishes.
Considerable numbers are sometimes caught with a line, but
although good as food, they do not stand on equality with the
Cod or Whiting, and they are supposed to suffer decomposition
more speedily than these fishes. When drawn up with a line
it is common to find the transparent covering of the eye inflated

39 "^

o

BIB. 71

into a bladder, and even the dorsal fins are often distended in
the same manner. It appears to be caused from the terror of
the fish, by the agony of which the air of the swimming bladder
is driven into these membranous parts; and it is this circum-
stance, which in a less degree may be observed in other fishes,
that appears to have given occasion to some of the names by
which the Bib has been designated.

In shape this fish is the deepest of the British sj)ecies of its
family in proportion to its length, which does not often exceed
a foot, although it sometimes exceeds this measure by a few
inches. I have known it to weigh four pounds. The head and
body are compressed, snout short and blunt, gape moderate, under
jaw slightly the shortest, teeth in both, and in the palate; barb
at the lower jaw. Eye rather large, not far from the snout:
nostrils in a depression before them. The outline rises at first
in a rounded form from the snout to the origin of the first dorsal
fin, and does not begin to descend until it has reached the second
dorsal, from which it slopes gradually to the tail. The greatest
depth is at the vent, which is nearer the front than a third of
the whole length, and almost under the root of the pectoral fin.
Scales small, and easily lost: lateral line high at first, sloping
down opposite the end of the pectoral fin. The first dorsal fin
rises to a point, long enough to overlap a portion of the second.
Pectorals pointed; tail slightly concave; first ray of the ventrals
long and slender, reaching beyond the vent. Colour of the
back reddish brown or dusky yellow; sides coppery, and so
also in some instances the belly, sometimes also with irregular
dusky shades. Not unfrequently the sides are marked with bands
of a deeper colour. A black spot at the origin of the pectoral
fin. A border sometimes light coloured, sometimes dark, round
the extremity of the tail.

112

POWER.

Poioer, Jago ; in Ray's Synopsis Piscium, p. 163, and

a figure.
Gadus minutus, Linn.eus. Jenyns ; Manual, p. 444.

Morrhua minuta, Fleming; Br. Animals, p. 191.

" " Yabrell; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 241.

" " GuNTHER; Cat. Br. Museum, vol. iv, p. 335.

I AM not able to refer to Willougliby and Bloch for this
fish, since their figures of Asellus minor bear little resemblance
to the Power; and the fish called Capelan by Rondeletius, and
by subsequent writers who refer to him, is still less like the
British species.

The name by which this fish is known by us is believed to
be an ancient form of the word poor; in proof of which we
find in a document of the reign of Henry the Eighth, the Avords
powre and pore used instead of poor; but this fish is inferior
to others of this family only as being much smaller, on which
account it is chiefly employed as bait for other fish.

There is much similarity in the habits of the Bib and Power,
as there is also in shape. Both prefer rough or rocky ground,
from which they do not wander to a considerable distance; and
the last named fish maintains so close an attachment to its
favourite haunts that fishermen have informed me they only
leave the place, and that in a body, about the month of April,
when it is supposed they have sought out a proper spot for
the purpose of spawning. It is further observed that when
the Bib and Power inhabit the same ledge of rocks they do
not associate together, but the Powers keep at their stations
lower down, where the rocks rise from the level, while Bibs
prefer the higher portion. And again, while Bibs are sometimes
found in submarine gullies, the Power is very rarely caught in
the same situation. During the fishery for crabs they are not
unfrequently found in the crab-pots; and in autumn they are

o ><!

POWEK. ^3

occasionally taken with a line from a pier or rock in harbours.
Their food is the smaller crustacean animals, and they swallow
a bait freely.

The common length of the Power is from six to eight inches.
Head and body compressed, deep, but the latter less so in
proportion than the Bib, the deepest part at the vent, opposite
the termination of the first dorsal fin. In front of the eye
the head is short, the profile rounded from the upper jaw.
Eye large, a row of pores between the eye and upper maxillary
bone; jaws about equal, with teeth in both, and in the palate;
a barb at the lower jaw. Body clothed with fine scales, which
hang so loosely that the fish can scarcely be touched without
removing them. The lateral line begins high, and bends down
beyond the end of the pectoral fin, from thence straight. Vent
nearer the tail than in the Bib, opposite the termination of
the first dorsal. The first dorsal also begins further distant
from the head; the pectoral shorter; ventrals also shorter, not
reaching half way to the vent; tail slightly incurved. Colour
of the upper parts dusky or yellowish brown, sides lighter,
belly white.

VOL. III.

MERLANGTJS.

This genus differs from Morrhia only in that there is no barb below
the point of the lower jaw; but while such is the principal mark of
distinction between them, it is to be remarked further, that in the
genus Merlangus the body is more slender and better fitted for active
motion; which is the more requisite as seeking their prey in a higher
region, they have to pursue creatures Avhich are endued with greater
facility of escape than is the case with such as fall to the lot of those
of their family which obtain their food at the bottom.

WHITING.

Asellus mollis, JoxsTOX; pi. 2, f. 3.

" " major, she albus, Willoughby; pi. L. M. 1.

Gade merlan, Lacepede.

Gadus merlangns, LiNXiEus. Doxovan.

Merlangus vulgaris, FLEiiiNG; Br. Animals, p. 195.

" " Jexyxs; Manual, p. 445.

Takrell; Br.Fishes, vol. ii, p. 244.
Gadus merlangus, Gunther; Cat. British Museum,

vol. iv, p. 334.

The Whiting is common and sometimes abundant in the west
of England and south of Ireland, and in these districts it
reaches a size and perfection W'hich are scarcely seen in the
east or northern portions of the kingdom; while "in the far
north of Scotland it is rarely met with, as, on the testimony
of Dr. Barry, is also the case in the Orkney Islands. This
limited extent of w^andering seems to imply that "Whitings
are more sensible to the feeling of cold than several others of
this family; in further proof of which it was noticed that in
the month of February, when they were on the coast in large
numbers, and those of largest size were with enlarged roes and
milts, on a change of wind to the north, accompanied wath a
fall of the thermometer from 47° to 44°, although the weather
continued moderate, the whole of the lai'ger of these fishes went

M I— I

^ X!
-- O

3iTY
IDGE. MA »JS^

WHITING. 75

immediately into deep water beyond the reach of the fishermen,
and only some very small ones remained. The fact that several
sorts of fishes, although swimming at the depth of fifty fathoms,
are speedily sensible of changes in the wind and weather, and
even shew that they anticipate those changes by their motions
and appetite, is well known to fishermen, and is proved in
innumerable instances, even when such change is the opposite
of what is here mentioned.

But there are other causes which incite this fish to change
its quarters, and it appears to be rather in pursuit of prey
than from sociability of disposition that they sometimes collect
together in great numbers, which they usually do in sandy
bays, or at least on level ground at no great distance from
land; and when the young of several sorts of fishes abound,
as they do especially towards the end of summer and in autumn.
Whitings are busily eager in following them in all their
movements. It is then also that they especially become the
prey of the fisherman, whose most successful time is early in
the morning and in the evening. The common mussel, or a
slice of the cuttle (Sepia,) are temptations which cannot be
resisted, but a preference would be given to a living prey,
which is seized with indiscriminating voracity. From the
stomach of a "Whiting that weighed four pounds were taken
four full-grown Pilchards.

The A^'hiting is in its best condition when the action begins
which enlarges the roe, and which takes place between
November and the early months of spring; but it suffers less
than most others of the Gadoid family from the exhaustion
caused by this process of nature, and hence it is in a con-
dition for the table at all times. Few sea fishes are in higher
esteem as food, and especially where the stomach requires what
is easy of digestion; but it quickly sufiers change, and there-
fore when delay occurs in the sale they are salted and dried,
in which condition, when skilfully done, they are much valued.
Willonghby says that in some parts of the continent an infusion
of tumeric was employed to stain (yellow) these dried fish, in
order to give them a richer appearance, and with the pretence
also to make them more palatable. The smaller examples,
when salted and dried, have received the name of buckorn.
The abundance of Whitings has Avithin a few years become

76 WHITIXG.

considerably less than formerly from causes of which we may
speak when we have to describe the habits of some other kinds
of fishes, and especially the Pleuronectidce or flatfishes.

This fish will reach to abont sixteen inches in length, and
a usual weight may be three or four pounds, but I have been
informed of one that weighed seven pounds. Head and body
compressed, the deepest part at the vent, which is opposite
the middle of the first dorsal fin; eye moderately large; uj^per
jaw a little beyond the lower; long sharp teeth in both, and
a triangular spot of teeth on the palate. The scales small;
lateral line high at first, and becoming lower opposite the end
of the pectoral fin. Dorsal fins three, and two anal; pectoral
rounded at its termination; ventrals slender; tail even. Colour
of the back dusky yellow, the sides paler, but often with
dashes of the same; belly silver white; edge of the anal fins
whitish; a dusky or black spot on the upper side of the root
of the pectoral fin.

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77

POUTASSOU.

Toutasson gros,
Conch's Whiting,
Gadus ijoutassou,

Risso; the PoutassoiT simply being the Pollack.
Yaruell; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 247.
GuKTHER; Cat. Br. Museum, vol. iv, p. 338.

This fish was formerly mistaken for the Common "Whiting,
but Risso was led to suppose that there was a specific difference
between them, although no opportunity had offered itself to
him for comparison. In the month of May, 1840, an example
answering to Risso's description of this species, was taken with
a line by a fisherman of Polperro, and, as even to this ordinary
observer, its difference from the well-known Whiting was
apparent, it was brought to me for further inquiry. A
description and figure were taken, and the first announcement
of its discovery in Britain was made by Mr. Yarrell, in the
second edition of his "History of British Fishes," where,
however, the engraving represents it much darker than it
should be.

Risso says that its haunts are in the deepest portion of the
sea in the neighbourhood of Nice, where it is fished for at
all times of the year; that it spawns in the spring, but that
its flesh is rather soft. And this seems to have remained the
whole which was known of its history, until the summer of
1851, when, in the month of July, I received information that
immense numbers of small fishes were at a few miles from
land along our coast, and that the larger fishes were devouring
them eagerly, so that the stomachs of the latter were found
distended with them. There was little difficulty in procuring
an opportunity for examination, and I was agreeably surprised
to find that these numerous small fishes were the young of the

78 POUTASSOU.

Poutassou, which therefore must have produced them on our
coast, although the parent fish in this instance had not been
discovered. These young ones measured about five inches in
length, and closely resembled the larger example, except perhaps
that the body was more slender, and in consequence the head
appeared proportionally a little larger. They continued to
abound for about three weeks, at the end of which, between
the 21st. and 23rd. of July, they all suddenly disappeared.

The length of the example first referred to was fifteen inches;
depth two inches and a half, the greatest depth being at the
vent, which is anterior to a line drawn from the origin of
the first dorsal fin; from the mouth to the edge of the gill-
covers three inches. Under jaw a little the longest; eye large;
Tipper maxillary bone terminal, the snout receding from it
backward, contrary to the form of the "VVhiting, in which the
upper jaw is under a projection. The general shape of the
body more slender than in the Whiting, but that this did not
proceed from emaciation is shown by the roundness of the
back, which was plump. Prominent teeth in the jaws, and at
the roof of the mouth a pair of prominent, sharp, incurved
teeth. Lateral line straight, passing along near the back;
another line along the middle of the* side, formed by the
meeting of the muscles; the body ending more slender at the
caudal fin. The first dorsal begins over the posterior third of
the pectoral; second dorsal like the first in shape and elevation,
both being triangular; between them a space about equal to
their individual breadths; nearly twice this breadth between
the second and third dorsal fins; the beginning of the third
dorsal slightly anterior to the second anal fin; caudal fin shaped
as in the Whiting, but less wide; the j)ectoral ends opposite
the middle of the first dorsal; ventrals small and slender,
rather high on the side, and much like those of the Pollack;
the longest ray seven eighths of an inch in length. From the
vent to the first anal fin a quarter of an inch; first anal long,
widest in the middle; second anal longer than the third dorsal,
both ending close to the caudal fin. Colour on the back
brown, sides much lighter, belly white; eye yellow, lighter
yellow on the gill-covers. A dark spot on the upper border
of the origin of the dorsal fin; along the base of the anal
fins a broad white band, but not at the margin, and this

POUTASSOU. 79

remained unaltered after the brilliancy of all besides had
greatly faded. The distinctions between this fish and the
Common AVhiting are obvious in the more slender shape, the
jaws, teeth in the palate, lateral line, fins, and colour. The
number of rays in the fins were, — in the dorsals thirteen,
twelve, and twenty-two; and thirty-five and twenty-five;
pectoral twenty; ventral six.

80

POLLACK.

WHITING POLLACK.

Aselhis Imitingo-follacTiius,

■ a Wliiting PollacTc, "WiLLorGHBY; p. 167.

Gade pollaclc, . Lacepede. Risso.

Gadus 2)ollachius, LiNN^us. Bloch; pi. 68.

" DOXOTAN; pi. 7.

Merlangus foUaclnus, Flejiixg; Br. Animals, p. 195.

" " Jenyxs; Manual, p. 446.

" " Taurell ; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 253.

Gadus pollachius, Gunthek; Cat. Br. M., vol. iv, p. 338,

The Pollack is one of our commonest fishes, and is found
on all our coasts where the nature of the ground is
suitable to its habits; but it becomes more scarce in the
extreme north of Scotland. It is also one of the few species
of this family that is met with in the Mediterranean, but
according to Risso it is not abundant in that sea.

Its haunts are at no great distance from land, and it prefers
to keep amidst roiigh and rocky ground, where it lies in wait
on that side against which the tide happens to be flowing,
and, advancing from which, it is prepared to seize whatever
prey may come within its sight. It wanders from one station
to another, and if a considerable number are found together,
it is that they are drawn together by the attraction of prey,
the motions of which they follow with eagerness. They then
swim at a good distance from the bottom, and rise or fall as
they find occasion, by which it happens that they become
entangled in the trammel nets which are set near the ground;
and again it is common to see them in rapid action close to

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POLLACK. 81

the surface, in pursuit of the younger fishes which are frisking
in unsuspecting security near the shore, when the sea itself
appears to be asleep. It is then that schools of the smaller
Launce, and other fishes newly born, which swim near the
surface, are broken in upon by repeated plunges, which
disturb the quiet to a considerable distance; and as the
affrighted companies again collect together, again and again
there is a plunge, until the pursuers are glutted, or the
pursued have reached a place of safety.

It appears that even young Pollacks are persevering perse-
cutors of fishes which are smaller or more helpless than
themselves, of which the folloAving incident, communicated by
Mr. Peach, is an amusing instance: — A small Whiting was
observed to have taken shelter within the hollow of a medusa,
( Cijanca aurita,) a circumstance of common occurrence Avith
very young fishes of several kinds; but in doing this the
action was observed by a young Pollack of about five inches
in length, which immediately began an attack. The little
Whiting easily evaded these attacks by dodging round its
friend; but the pursuer was soon joined by another of its
own kind, and both of them united in the same work. For
a time both of them were bafiied; but an unlucky movement
drove the pursued one from its shelter, and a severe chase
immediately took place. Several additional Pollacks joined in
this chase like a pack of hounds, and in terror the Whiting
rushed to the surface. The pursuit was doubtful; but at last
the hunted one became exhausted, and lay as if dead, so as to
be drifted along with the tide. After a time, however, animation
was recovered, and the little Whiting again found refuge
within the cavity of the medusa. This movement, however,
was presently discerned - by the congregated Pollacks, which
allowed it little respite. They soon drove it into open water,
and after a short chase it fell a victim to their violence, and
this too without their proceeding to feed on the carcase. So
eager were these Pollacks in the pursuit, that when stones
were thrown to drive them away they shewed no alarm,
although at other times a single stone would have struck
them with terror.

Dr. Fleming says they are sometimes caught by employing
a white feather as a bait — we must suppose at the surface;
VOL. III. M

82 POLLACK.

but the usual method of fishing for them is in the manner
called whiffing, by using a length of line which is not weighed
down with a sinker, and is towed after a moving boat. The
bait is made, both by the setting on and action, to imitate a
living object, and the fisherman manages two of these lines
by alternate motion of his arms, while another rows the boat.
They are the half-grown fishes which are thus caught, and
the larger fall victims to the ordinary line at anchor, chiefly
in the autumn, at which time these fishes abound in considerable
numbers, and are in their highest perfection; in which for the
table they are little inferior to the most esteemed of the
fomily. Like the Whiting, however, they do not vary greatly
through the year; but the best, as well in size as quality,
are those which are caught at the West of the Land's End,
between that point and the Scilly Islands; a district in which
others of the Gadoid family are also found to reach an amount
of perfection that is not equalled elsewhere.

The Pollack spawns about the end of the year, and the
young, of small size, are seen in harbours, and on the borders
of shallow rocks, moving about with a slow motion, and ready
to take a bait as it comes in their way.

It is often salted and dried by fishermen for their own use,
but in this state they do not usually form an article of trade,
although fully equal to some that meet a ready sale.

The form is compressed, moderately lengthened. The usual
weight from twelve to fifteen pounds, and very rarely exceeding
twenty; but our description and figure were obtained from an
example that weighed twenty-four pounds. Under jaw protruding
beyond the upper; numerous small teeth in both, and strong
teeth in the palate. Eye moderately large. Scales on the
body small and well retained. The greatest depth at the vent,
which is opposite the middle of the first dorsal fin. Lateral
line with a curve, which sinks a little beyond the end of the
pectoral fin, and from thence straight to the tail. The first anal
fin narrow, and sloping in its outline, as, in a less degree, is
the second anal also. Pectoral fin narrow; ventral small and
further back than in most of this family. Tail a little incurved.
The colour of the back and fins is a dark brown or olive,
sometimes with a tinge of green; sides often obscurely mottled
with brown or yellow; belly obscurely Avhite. In the younger

POLLACK. 83

condition it is occasionally found Avitli tlie sides and belly
yellow or a bright orange, a colour they are supposed to
assume from living in the shelter of rocks clothed with oreweed.
The first dorsal fin has thirteen rays, second nineteen, and third
seventeen; first anal with thirty-one, second nineteen, as has
also the j^ectoral; ventral five; caudal perhaps thirty-four.

84

COALFISH.

RAL'NIXG POLLACK.

AspJkis niger, WiLLorGHBY; Table L., p. 168.

Gadiis carhonarius, Ltnn.^tts.

Gade colin, Lacepede. Eisso.

Gadiis carhonarius, Donovan; pi. 13. But his figure is faulty,

not only in the colour, but in placing the
dorsal and anal fins too far separate from
each other.
Merlangus carhonarius, Fleming; Br. Animals, p. 196.

Jenyns; Manual, p. 466.
Yarbell; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 250.
Gadus virens (?) Gunthep. ; Cat. Br. M , vol. iv, p. 339.

Whkx we seek for information from different sources on the
natural history of fishes, we are liable to be misled by finding
that different kinds are sometimes called by the same name,
and more frequently that one species shall bear a multiplicity
of names, even in districts not very distant from each other.
In the history of our "Fishes of the British Islands" we have
found it generally convenient to omit all reference to these
local designations, as having little meaning attached to them,
and which we should be well pleased to find discarded from
the memory. But for once we depart from our rule that we
may record an instance of these variations of denomination:
and it seems the more appropriate in this instance, as it forms
almost an integral portion of the history of the Coalfish, which
is thus more diversely characterized than any other with which
we are acquainted. In Ireland it bears a different name
according to its stage of growth: the very young being known
as Gilpins, from which they grow to be Blockan and Greylords;
and when of full size they are Glashan, or Glossan, and Glassin.
Moulrush and Black Pollack are other names, with Glassock;
Billets and Billards in Yorkshire; Sey Pollack, Podley, Sillock,
Cooth, Pittock, Sethe, Colmey, Harbin, Coalsey, Cudden, and
Green Cod. AVilloughby says it is called Rawlin Pollack in
Cornwall, Avhich is grounded in nothing more than error of

o --^

COALFISH. 85

pronunciation; but Lacepede has carried the mistake a little
further, in supposing it to bear the name of Raw Pollack,
This word, Pollack, appears to have been taken from the
northern nations, since it is the name employed by the people
of Scandinavia.

The name of Coalfish carries with it its own signification,
but it has not been always understood; and the framer of an
Act of Parliament, (loth. Charles II, C. 7,) not appearing to
know what relationship there could be between this fish and the
mineral, but supposing perhaps that the gull was a bird which
had some connection with the sea, affixed to it also the name
of Gullfish. It further becomes a question whether even
another name should not be added to this lengthened list; for
in an Act of Parliamcirt, called the Statute of Herrings, (the
31st. of Edward III, A.D. 1357,) there are the names of three
fishes associated together, the taking and sale of which were
thought worthy of being regulated by law, and that too in an
arbitrary manner. These were Lob, Ling, and Cod; of the
two latter of which there cannot be a doubt; but the former
is more obscure. In Wright's "Dictionary of Obsolete Words"
the word is said to mean unwieldy — a lump: the proper name
of the fish would appear to be Lobkeling. According to a
Cambridge manuscript,

"Lobkeling catclietli spirling —
So stroyeth more men the lesse."

Another dictionary says that lob means lazy — lumpish. It may
mean the Coalfish or Hake.

It is common and abundant on all the coasts of the British
Islands, but the numbers are much the greatest in the north,
and its range appears to extend in that direction as far as
enterprise has yet reached, if indeed, in this last instance, the
species is not different. It is known in North America, and
Eisso classes it also with the fishes of the Mediterranean, but
he says it is rare at Nice, where he wrote, and he knows it
only as taken in June.

It is eminently a ravenous fish, and its Cornish name is
characteristic of that propensity, the expression rauning being
the ancient, and in some places the present pronunciation of the
word ravenintr or ravenous. It snatches at a bait with headlong

86 COALFISH.

eagerness; and as, especially in autumn, they often swim close
to the surface in considerable numbers, when a fisherman has
the good chance to fall in with a company, he will generally
succeed in securing a large number, if not the whole; so that
I have known four men with two boats (two men in each
boat) secure twenty-four hundredweight with lines in a very
few hours. The size of each fish ran at twenty-five pounds
with great regularity. It seems uncertain what may be the
object of their thus collecting together, but they are swift in
their motions, and sport with the same energy that they devour.
At other times, besides these gatherings together, the Coalfish
associates but little with its fellows.

Although this fish is not seen at fashionable tables, it will
in its season bear some comparison with a portion of the same
family that are. It is at least valued by those who are not
fastidious in their choice; and, as it takes a preparation with
salt favourably, large quantities are cured in the north for
exportation. Mr. Edmonson, in his "View of the Zetland
Islands," informs us, that besides the quantities that are used
fresh, about fifty tons are exported every year. In the west
of England they are chiefly kept for the use of the fisherman's
family.

They spawn in the spring, and we are informed that in
the islands north of Scotland in the summer the young abound,
and are angled for from the rocks, and serve a good purpose
in the support of the poorer classes. They are much preyed
on by other fish.

The length of the Coalfish is about three feet, with the
weight perhaps of thirty pounds, and a shape well fitted for
active exertion. Head pointed, a little flattened above; imder
jaw longest, but the proportion less than in the Pollack; teeth
in both, and a few in the palate. Body plump, compressed,
more slender towards the tail; scales small; lateral line straight,
whitish, conspicuous. Vent opposite the division between the
first and second dorsal fins. Pectoral fin pointed; dorsal and
anal fins rather more angular than in the others of this genus;
tail concave. Colour black on the back and dorsal fins, lighter
below. The first dorsal fin has thirteen rays, second twenty-one
rays, third nineteen; the first anal twenty -four, second fourteen;
pectoral twenty; ventral five; caudal thirty-four.

CA

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87

GREEN POLLACK.

From a distant date a fish called tlie Green Pollack lias
occupied a place in the list of British natural history, and it
has a station in the system of Linnreus, with the name of
Gadus virens. Other references are: —

Asellus virescens, WiLLorGiiBY; p. 173, table L. M. N. 1.

But he Lad never seen the fish, and
supposes it to be the young condition of
the Pollack, which bis own figure migbt
have taught him it was not.
Gade scy, Lacepede. Risso.

3Ierlangus virens, Fleming; Br. Animals, p. 195.

" " Jenyns; Manual, p. 447.

" " Yakrell; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 256.

We believe that a notice of the Green Pollack, in the
supposition that it is a distinct species, was communicated to
Pennant by Sir John Colluni, who obtained it in Devonshire;
and if so the fish must be the same as that with which we
are acquainted, and as is represented by Mr. Yarrell, in which
case it certainly is as we have described it. But our fish
does not closely answer to the figure • given by Fries and
Eckstrom. I possess no other than the first edition of Pennant's
work, in which there is no account of the Green Pollack.

This fish is common, and at times abundant, even in con-
siderable schools, which are sometimes seen in harbours, or the
close neighbourhood of the shore. But without hesitation I
express the opinion that it is only the young form of the
Coalfish or Panning Pollack, of which the gradations may be
traced in all stages of its growth from five or six inches in

88 GREEN POLLACK.

length (whicli is the usual size of what is termed the Green
Pollack) to about a foot, at which size the undoubted marks
of the Coalfish shew themselves. If we could suppose these
fishes to be of different species, the distinctions between them
would be, that in the Green Pollack the jaws appear equal,
and the lateral line without the Avhite appearance; but when
the other characters of the Coalfish are seen the jaws still
remain with little difference of length, and the small amount
of final increase is almost imperceptibly given. The green
colour of the back, and yellow hue on the sides give place to
a darker tint when the fish has reached the length of about
ten inches, and it becomes still blacker with the increase of age.

The name of Sey Pollack, by which this fish or the Coalfish
is known in most northern districts of the British Island,
appears to be of Scandinavian origin, and, with a distinctive
adjunct, is applied by Nilsson to several species. It is to be
observed further, that something more than doubt is felt by
eminent naturalists, whether the Coalfish is to be found in
regions so close to the polar ocean as has been supposed. On
the contrary, as already intimated, it has been suggested that
this more northern fish is a distinct species.

Deformity in fish is not of rare occurrence, but in one
instance a Coalfish of large size was met with that seems to
require particular notice. The upper jaw was shortened in
such a manner as to give the head a peculiar appearance.
The body was depressed out of the regularly straight shape.
But the most remarkable deviations from what is u.sual was in
the fins, of which the first dorsal Avas more narrow, lofty, and
sharper, having its origin nearer to the head; between it and
the second dorsal was a vacant space, and a much larger space
between the second dorsal and the third, both of them
unnatural. Three anal fins; the first an irregular triangle,
second very narrow, and a considerable space in a curve
between it and the third, which also was unnatural. The vent
was much behind its usual situation. This fish appeared to be
thin and ill fed.

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89

LOTA.

"With the general characters of the Gadoid family, the body is more
lengthened; a barb at the lower jaw; two fins on the back, the second
and anal long.

LING.

TAnri, WiLLOUGHBY; p. 175, Table L. 2, N. 2.

Gadns molva, LiNXiEus, Bloch; pi. 69. Donovan; pi. 102.

Gade molve, Lacepede. Risso.

Molva vulgaris, Fleming; Br. Animals, p. 192.

Lota molva, Jenyns ; Manual, p. 448.

" Yahrell ; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 264.

n

The Ling is one of the commonest fishes in all parts of
the British Islands, and is nearly in the same estimation for
the table as the Cod, — not, indeed, when it is fresh, but salted
and dried it is preferred j and especially when caught in that
space of sea which lies between the Scilly Islands and Land's
End, where we suppose the Ling to be found of larger size
and higher perfection than in any other part of England. Its
cherished resorts are on the rocky borders of the wider valleys
of the sea, at some distance from land; but, as the time ap-
proaches for shedding the roe, they assemble in considerable
numbers somewhat nearer the land; and at this time they are
particularly sought after by the fishermen, who employ for
taking them the ordinary lines from the boat, which are
weighed down with leads proportionally heavy according to the
force of the tide. Another and more successful method is with
the long line, or bultey, which usually is formed of several
hundreds of hooks arranged along a principal line, such as has
been already described, and, when stretched out across the
VOL. 111. N

90 LIXG.

tide, extending even to a few miles in length. It is an
economical method of proceeding in some districts of the north
of Ireland, as we learn from Mr. Brabazon's account of the
fisheries of that country, that several individuals will join
together in providing the proper length of line, in which
each adventurer is the proprietor of so much of the extent of
it as he has provided, and of which he takes the produce, to
the exclusion of others; but, we suppose, with some reserve of
common interest.

The numbers thus taken, of all sorts of fish, are sometimes
very great; but where a ready sale is not obtained, the greater
portion is preserved in the usual way, and dried for exportation.
The diiferent parts of Italy receive a large proportion of these
salted fish. But the consumption of salted Ling, which even
now is considerable at home, was formerly of very large amount,
and it was even an ordinary dish at royal and noble tables.
In the Rutland Papers, printed for the Camden Society, we
are told that on the visit of the Emperor Charles the Fifth to
London, in the reign of Henry the Eighth, salted Ling was
among the principal matters provided for the entertainment of
the guests; and in the directions given to the Lord Mayor to
guide him in his preparations, he is ordered, — "Item, to assigne
two fysshemonngers for provision of lynges to be redy waterd."
Although the taste appears to have declined in the reign of
the first James, the practice seems to have maintained its ground;
for, among the pieces of merriment of this king, he is said to
have professed that if his royal brother of the lower regions
should be pleased to visit him, his dinner should consist of a
pole of Ling and mustard, with another equal favourite of his,
a pipe of tobacco for digestion.

According to Fuller, in his "Worthies of England," the
extent of the adventure was equal to the value set on the
fish. Referring to the mischief wrought by the civil war, he
says: — "We are sensible of the decay of so many towns on
our north-cast sea, Hartlepool, Whitebay, Bridlington, Scar-
borough— and gen er all all from Newcastle to Harewich, — which
formerly set out yearly, (as I am informed) two hundred ships
and upwards, imployed in the fisheries, but chiefly for the
taking of Ling, that noble fish." That it formed an ordinary
article in the provision for families in the winter appears from

LIXG. 91

the advice ■which Tusscr gives in regard to its safe keeping.
In his husbandry for winter he recommends —

"Both salt-fisli and Ling, if any ye have,
Through shifting and drying from rotting to save;
Lest ■winter ■with moistness do make it relent,
And put it to hazard before it be spent."

Oil from the liver of this is probably of the same value .as
a medicine Avith that of the Cod; and it was formerly much
ixsed, with that of several other fishes, to light the fisherman's
lamp, instead of a candle. The air-bladders also, or sounds,
are much valued as a delicate food, although they fall greatly
below those of the Cod.

The season when the best captures are made varies on
dififerent parts of the coast. In the west of England it is in
January and February; but, according to Dr. Edmonson, in
Zetland this fishery begins on the 20th. of ^Nlay, and ends on
the l~th. day of August. Mr. Brabazon says that in the north
of Ireland it is in March, and that this fish spawns there
towards the end of May. On the re-discovery of the abundant
fishing-ground at Rockall, wdiile the Cod was the principal
object, the Ling was not found to be deficient.

The Ling is an eager feeder, and yet it displays some degree
of choice in the selection of its food, among which a living
prey is preferred, although it will readily swallow a piece of
herring, pilchard, or a slice of two or three kinds of cuttle.
Pieces of the conger are used as bait in some places, but
w'hile crabs and the lobster kind find no acceptance; (for in a
large number that were examined, none of these animals were
found, although the stomachs of the Cod caught in the same
ground contained them in plenty.) Lacepede remarks that this
fish shews a decided preference for the Plaise; and, in con-
firmation of this, from one Ling seven of the last-named species,
which varied in length from six to ten inches, have been
taken. Skulpins also are sometimes found, and even a Hough
Hound of considerable size.

That even severe injury to the stomach does not deprive this
fish of its craving appetite is shewn by the fact that when a
large hook had gone down through the gullet with its shank
foremost, and thus had penetrated through the side of that

92 LING.

organ, a turn of the hook had brought the point again through
the substance to pass through the bottom in the same manner,
and again through the opposite side, so that, by drawing the
whole together, it left only a small cavity free, in which
condition the line was bitten through, yet the fish escaped
only to swallow another bait, with Avhich it was caught.

As might be supposed from the multitudes obtained this is a
prolific fish, and the roe of a lai'ge one has been known to
weigh eleven pounds. When about half developed, the lobes
of roe, as well as those of the Cod and Whiting, when fried
or roasted are thought a delicious dish.

The Ling, as its name signifies, is of a more lengthened
form than any other of this family, and the shape, which is
generally uniform, only becomes somewhat more slender and
compressed towards the tail. Head flattened on the top, slightly
compressed at the sides; upper jaw reaching a little beyond the
lower; numerous teeth in each; palate encompassed Avith teeth
of different lengths. Eye moderate; a barb at the under jaw,
and I have seen an example where there were two barbs. Vent
nearer the tail than the origin of the second dorsal fin. Scales
scarcely perceptible; lateral line descending gradually beyond
the beginning of the second dorsal, and from thence straight.
Of the two dorsal fins the first begins above the middle of the
pectoral, and rises but little above the line of the second, the
origin of which is close to the termination of the former. The
second dorsal and anal run evenly close to the tail, where they
become a little expanded. Tail round, as also is the pectoral
fin, and in some degree also the ventral. Colour of the back
light or yellowish brown, mottled Avith dull yelloAv at the sides,
belly white. Dorsal and anal fins and the tail edged with white.
A Ling five feet and a half long has weighed about seventy
pounds; but I have been informed of an example caught near
the Scilly Islands, which weighed one hundred and twenty-four
pounds. It was offered to the gentleman who informed me of
the circumstance, at the price of a shilling, but this was before
the opening of a railroad in that direction.

The first dorsal fin has fourteen rays, the second sixty-six;
anal sixty- two; pectoral tAventy; ventral fiAc.

o >

^ o

aa

93

BUKBOLT.

BURBOT. EELFOUT.

Lota galJomm, JoxsTOX; Table 29, f. 10.

Ilustela fliivudilis, Willoughby; p. 125, table H 4.

Gadus lota, LinnjEus. Block ; pi. 70.

Donovan ; pi. 92.

Garde lote, Lacepede.

Mulva lota, Flehikg; Bi*. Animals, p. 192.

Lota vulgaris, Jenyns; Manual, p. 448.

" " Yakrell; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 267.

The Burbolt is the only one of the extensive family of the
Codfishes which has its residence in fresh water, where it is
distinguished by exhibiting some of the manners of the eel, by
which it has obtained in some places the name of Eelpout; but
the habits in which these last-named fishes agree are so few
as to shew little more than a distant analogy, while the difference
of shape is a proof of the little foundation there is for Lacepede's
opinion that there is a real affinity between them.

In England at least this fish is thinly distributed; which
circumstance may arise from its finding congenial haunts only
in deep and slowly-moving streams; but it may also have been
caused by its having possibly been an imported fish; which the
excellency of its flesh, and its power of sustaining with proi^er
care long absence from its native element, render not improbable.
None are found in Scotland, although from its hardy nature
the cold of that country can offer no difficulty. But it is found
in the rivers of Yorkshire and Durham, Norfolk, Lincolnshire,
and Cambridgeshire; and also the Tarne, but not further west-
ward, nor in Ireland; to the lakes or ponds of which it might
be easily conveyed with much profit to the public. A con-

94 BURBOLT.

sidcrable degree of cold, at least in Aviutcr, appears to be natural
to it; and hence it is not only common in Sweden, and other
parts of the north of Europe, but also in Siberia and other
portions of tlie north of Asia, as well as in India.

Besides the names which we have already assigned to it, this
fish is also locally known as the Coney fish, from an opinion
formerly held that the creature called the Coney in the Sacred
Scriptures, — the Arkeeko of Bruce, is the same with our common
rabbit; and this fish so far imitates the animal of the land as
to pass mu.ch of its time, and seek its shelter in holes
and overhanging banks of the rivers it frequents. These are
its hiding places by day, and from them it proceeds to seek
its food in the evening and night; and it is at these times that
the chief success is obtained by fishing for it: the method being
by lines laid especially for the purpose. We are informed that
forty have been taken in the River Trent by one fisherman in
a single night; and indeed with a little skill in finding their
haunts, there seems to be little difficulty in securing them, for
they possess the common character of their tribe in being very
voracious; and Sir John Franklin, in his first voyage to the
far north of the American continentj where he discovered this
fish, and which there bears the name of Methy, observes of it
that it will prey on fish that are large enough to swell out its
body to almost twice its natural size. To the commendation
bestowed on the flesh of the Burbolt, the liver is also pronounced
a great delicacy; but it is added that the roe is almost poisonous.
This roe is produced in great abundance.

It is said that the Burbolt is found of larger size on the
continent, and particularly in the Lake of Geneva, than with
us; but we have a record of an example which weighed six
pounds, and Pennant mentions one which amounted to eight
pounds. Lloyd, in his Scandinavian adventures, mentions a
Burbolt that weighed twenty pounds. A more common size is
two or three pounds. The example selected for description
measured in length thirteen inches and a half. Head depressed,
wide, sloping from a'bove the gill-covers to the mouth; upper
jaw a little overlapping the lower; snout rounded; mouth rather
capacious, tongue large, teeth numerous, in a bed round the
jaws, and a wide circle round the palate. Barb on the lower
jaw slender; eye moderate; body round and stout, with a

BL'RBOLT. 95

depression at the beginning of the back; afterward tapering and
compressed to tlie tail, but not proportionally as long as the
Ling. Lateral line not well made out; scales numerous, round,
appearing as if each formed a depressed cup : thc^y run over the
cheeks, and are very small forward to the eyes. Vent very
little before the middle of the body, exclusive of the tail fin.
Pectoral fins large and round, in Avhich were imperfectly counted
twenty-four rays. The first dorsal fin begins at the hindmost
border of the pectoral, level along its border; the second begins
close to the first, and ends by being joined to the border of the
caudal; the anal runs parallel Avith it, and both are a little
spread out at their termination. Ventrals a little before the
pectorals, wide apart, with seven rays, of which the outermost
is an inch and a half long, ending in a point, the others
becoming gradually shorter; the tail almost lancet-shaped. The
general colour is a rich brown, darker on the back and
borders of the fins, with browner variegations; on the head
and cheeks mottlings of dark brown; two or three dark spots
on the second dorsal and upper part of the body behind ; base
of the pectoral yelloAV, white below.

96

BROSMIUS.

Tuis genus is marked by having only a single fin on the back, a
lengthened body, and a barb at the chin. It is therefore an aberrant
fox-m of the true gadoid fishes; but it agrees with them in all points,
except in the absence of a fij'st dorsal fin.

TOESK.

TUSK.

Gadus hrosme, Lacepede. Donovan; pi. 70.

Brosmus vulgaris, Fleming; British Animals, p. 194.

" " Jenyns ; Manual, p. 452.

" " Yahrell; British Fishes, vol. ii, p. 285.

Turton's edition of Linngeus represents Gadus hrosme and
G. scoticus to be distinct species, the former being perhaps the
Brosmiiis luh of modern writers. The fish itself was unknown
to Artedi and Linnaeus. In the Scandinavian languages the
Avord Torsk is applied to the species of Codfishes in general,
as distinguished from the Pollacks and Lings; but in the
northern portions of the British Islands it has become the
name of a fish not belonging to that section of gadoid fishes
to which the people of the north had confined it.

The fish so named in England is a native of the northern
seas, and is met Avith in abundance in the neighbourhood of
the Orkney and Zetland Islands, where it is the object of a
fishery of considerable local importance. On the newly
re-discovered ground at Rockall it exists in common with the
Cod and Ling, but it becomes more rare as we come southward;
and, although it is sometimes caught in the Moray Firth,
there is no instance on record of its being met with in

^ o

TORSK. 97

m

England. As it makes some approach to the Ling in shape,
so also its habits appear to be not greatly unlike, its resort
being near the bottom, where it is eager in searching after
food. It is also in estimation for the table, and large numbers
are salted in the northern islands for exportation. It is
classed among the fishes of Sweden, but it appears that its
distribution in the higher regions of the north is within such
moderate limits as that it is not met with at stations which
are inhabited by species which are also common on the
southern coasts of England and Ireland. It is said to be
known on the south and west of Greenland, but not on the
colder eastward coasts, although it has been doubted whether
this more northern fish be not a different but closely allied
species.

The Torsk prefers the deeper water of the ocean, and usually
the rougher ground; but it comes nearer the coast at the time
of spawning, which is in January and February; and we are
informed that when in the shallower water it becomes liable
to receive injury from the storms that then prevail, so that
great numbers of them are sometimes thrown dead on the
shore. The stomach of this fish when caught is commonly
found empty, which is to be accounted for from the like cause
by which that organ in the Cod, Ling, and several others of
the family is often seen to be everted. It appears to proceed
from the strong influence of terror, by which, in a less degree,
it also happens that the contents of the stomach in these
fishes are discharged when the fisherman is drawing them
from their depths; or, as in the case of the Hake, when
hooked high in the water, the multifarious contents are ejected
onlv after it is taken into the boat.

The example selected for description, for Avhich I am
indebted to the Rev. Walter Gregor, of !Macduft", was in length
sixteen inches; the general form much like that of the Ling,
but proportionally stouter; the body thick, more compressed
behind; head and origin of the body broad. The body
deepest opposite the origin of the dorsal fin. Snout slightly
over the upper jaw; when closed both jaws equal; gape
capacious; teeth incurved and strong; a barb at the lower
jaw. A depression runs backward from the head, in which
is placed the single dorsal fin. This fin begins opposite

VOL. III. 0

98 TORSK.

half the length of the pectoral; anal at the middle of the
body, and both pass on and end close to the origha of the
caudal fin, which is small and round; the dorsal and anal a
little expanded towards their termination. Neither the scales
nor lateral line are to be seen when the fish is fresh from
the sea; the scales very small; the line begins high behind
the head, and sinks down at half its course. Pectoral fin
oval; vcntrals rather long. Colour dull yellow, darker on the
back; pectorals yellow; dorsal and anal fins dark, with a
border of faint yellow; the tail also with a border; ventrals
dark. With some doubt the fin ravs were counted, — dorsal
ninety-seven, anal seventy, pectoral twenty-two, caudal twenty-
eiarht.

C-

PC •— I

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O

99

MERLUCIUS.

The generic character is, that there are t^vo dorsal fins and a
single anal fin; but there is no barb at the chin.

HAKE.

Asellus sive merlucms,

ti it a

Gad US merlucius,

Merlncius vulgaris,
Gade vierlus,
Merlucms vulgaris,

JoNSTON ; Table 1, f. 3.

WiLLOUGUBY; p. 174

LiNN^us; but he speaks of it as having a

barb.
Blocii; pi. 16-4. Donovan ; pi. 28.
Flejiing; British Animals, p. 195.
Lacepede.

Jenyns ; Manual, p. 447.
Takrell ; British Fishes, vol. ii, p. 258.
GuNTHER; Cat. Br. Museum, vol. iv.

The Hake is one of our commonest fishes round the coasts
of the British Islands, but it abounds in the greatest numbers
in the south and west of England and Ireland. Bellamy, in
his account of the fishes met with in the south of Devonshire,
says that sixty thousand were brought by trawlers into Plymouth
in the months of December and January; and I have been
informed that forty thousand were landed in Mount's Bay in
one day; and on another occasion eleven hundred were taken
by one boat in two nights, — the evening or night being the
most successful time of fishing for them. These large assemblies
however are not appropriate to the usual habits of this fish,
and their gathering together no more proceeds from a love
of union than does that of a cry of wolves when hunting
their prey. They watch the movements of smaller fishes, and
devour voraciously the pilchards and herrings which throng
the coasts, in feeding on which it is only when gorged to

100 HAKE.

excess that their craving is satisfied. When a school of
Pilchards is enclosed within a scan, it vrill commonly happen
that several Hakes are cooped up with them; and when the
tucking of the sean is in progress, for the purpose of taking
up the imprisoned fish, the Hakes are often found so filled
with the smaller fish as to be utterly helpless. Seventeen
Pilchards have been found in the stomach of a Hake on
this occasion. As even the fishes of the sea are conscious
of an instinctive dread of danger, fishermen affirm that the
smaller tribes display as significant a fear of the approach
of the Hake and Ling as of a Shark, and they quit the
station when these enemies appear.

On ordinary occasions Hakes swim at a considerable depth
in the water, and shew themselves ready to seize whatever
object may chance to offer itself to their notice; but, contrary
to the more usual habits of their family, they appear to lose
their appetite at the time when they are about to shed their
spawn, the season for which is the early months of the year,
although this is liable to variation, as indeed is the case with
most fishes, so that in the cold season of 1837 the spawning of
Hakes was not accomplished until August. At this time their
presence on the coast is signified only by the numbers taken
with trawls, Avhile very few fall to the lot of those who fish
with hook and line. When caught with the latter at a con-
siderable depth this fish ejects the contents of its stomach
before it reaches the surface, but when the hook has been
swallowed at a higher station in the water this ejection does
not take place until the captive is drawn on board; and
there can be little doubt that terror is the exciting cause in
every instance; but the fact itself goes far to explain how it
happens that xnany fishes which beyond doubt are eager feeders,
are generally found when caught to have their stomachs altogether
empty.

There is reason to believe that in early times the Hake
was far more highly valued for the table than we now find it
to be; but it is probable that it then filled the place now
occupied by the Cod of Newfoundland, as well as of being an
accustomed dish for the fast in Lent, and other usual days of
abstinence enforced by law. In the fifteenth century salted
Hakes formed an important part of the trade of Ireland; and

HAKE. 101

it appears from the Report of the British Association of Science
in 1847, that in the ninth and tenth centuries the Danes had
fisheries on the coast of that ishmd, from whence they were
accustomed to send Lirge exports to the south of Europe. In
the reign of the English Queen Mary, Philip the Second of
Spain paid the sum of one thousand pounds yearly for securing
to the Spaniards the right of fishing on the Irish coast; and
the Dutch purchased a similar right from Charles the Second
at the price of thirty thousand pounds. It was also granted
as a fwour to the kingdom of Sweden, in 1650, to employ
one hundred vessels in the same pursuit; but long before this,
in the reign of King John, the merchants of Bayonne, who
already rented from the English crown the right of taking
Whales in our seas, paid to the king six marks for the sole
right of the trade of drying Congers and Merluciones on the
English shores. Lysons supposes that these Merluciones were
Whitings and Haddocks; but the Merlucius, Sea Pike, or Sea
Luce of ancient authors, is represented without a barb at the
lower jaw, and with only two fins on the back; which
circumstance, coupled with our knowledge of the great fishery
carried on expressly for Hakes, is sufficient to determine the
species. Under the name of Merluce, or Sea Pike, this fish
also occupied a station in heraldry.

It may be here incidentally remarked also, as an illustration
of the violent stretches of royal prerogative, by which the in-
dustry of their native subjects was cramped for the benefit of
strangers, that a fishery for Whales on the English coasts was
the subject of a similar grant; by which King John assigned
over to the merchants of Bayonne, at the price of ten pounds
yearly, the exclusive right of taking these creatures in all the
space between St. ^Michael's Mount and Dartmouth. In the
last-mentioned case it is probable indeed that the practical
hardship was not great, and the plea may have been urged
that the objects of pursuit were by prescription a royal
possession; for the reason has been assigned, that the king
ought to claim the head of a Whale, that his lamps might be
supplied with oil, whilst the bones of the tail, (if such could
be found!) were claimed by the lawyers as necessary to the
symmetry of the queen's dress: a precursor, it seems, of the
crinoline of our own dav.

102 HAKK.

Whetiier we are to ascribe it to the superior quality of the
fish, or to a difference of taste in the people, there are even
now places where the Hake is regarded as among the most
valued of fishes, and where in consequence it bears a high price;
for whilst Avith us the Hake of perhaps a dozen pounds in
weight, will be sold for sixpence or less, we have heard of
half as many shillings as paid for it in Portugal. It seems also
to be held in estimation at the Cape of Good Hope, where,
according to Dr. Pappe, this fish was not known before the
occurrence of an earthquake in December, 1809; and where at
first it was so scarce as to be sold at the price of four shillings
and sixpence. Since that time it has increased in that neigh-
bourhood yearly, and at this time is caught in such abundance
as to afford a considerable quantity for exportation. In this
case, however, a question arises with regard to the identity of
the species with our own; but it is to be remarked that
Lacepede informs us he had discovered among the manuscripts
of the well-known naturalist Commerson, the mention of a fish
which bore all the characters of our Hake, and which he had
met wdth in the waters of the Southern Ocean. I have been
informed also that it has been found on the coast of California.

Hakes AA'hen salted and dried, without the head and a portion
of the back-bone, are among the stores laid up by fishermen
for the sustenance of their families when prevented from fol-
lowing their usual employment in stormy weather; or when in
the early months of spring the larger number of our fishes have
gone into deep water beyond the reach of their lines.

The length of a Hake may come near to four feet, and a
large one has been known to weigh twenty-two pounds. Body
and head moderately lengthened, thick; head wide between the
eyes, moderately compressed at the sides; snout projecting,
broad, bony; under jaw longest. Gape wide; teeth strong and
prominent, arranged like a horse-shoe in front of the palate.
Eyes moderate; nostrils nearer the eye than the snout. The
posterior plate of the gill-cover oval, behind the root of the
pectoral fin; the divisions of the gill-covers well marked. The
lateral line runs high at first, and in a young example passes
on to the caudal fin obliquely downward. Scales on the cheeks
and body, larger than in most of this family, and firmly fixed.
The first dorsal fin begins a little behind the root of the

HAKE. 103

pectoral; second dorsal and anal more expanded towards their
termination, their rays more plainly marked than in others of
the family, the connecting membrane thin; and although in
full-grown examples these rays are divided into branches
towards their points, it is not so in early growth, for at this
stage they are firm and simple, about half grown when they
become bifid, beginning with those nearest the tail; tail and
pectorals slightly round; of the ventral fins the fifth and sixth
are the longest. Colour generally dull brown on the back, but
when in the best condition rich brown with a tint of purple;
sides lighter, sometimes pink, dull white, or bright below;
yellowish on the cheeks; lateral line yellow or brown. Dorsal
and pectoral fins and tail dark; anal fin whitish near the vent,
darker behind. The first dorsal fin has ten rays, second
thirty-eight, pectoral thirteen, anal thirty-eight, ventral eight,
tail twenty-two.

We have shewn, when treating of the Haddock, that the
fish called Onos and Asinus by the Greeks and Romans was
the Hake, and not the former species, as many have supposed.
It remains to be seen whether Swainson's opinion is correct,
that the Hake of the Mediterranean is a different fish from
our own.

104

MOTELLA.

The defiuition of this genus by Cuvier is, — the anterior dorsal fin
so low as to bo scarcely perceptible, which, standing alone, is at least
as applicable to the very different genus Raniceps as to this. But the
organ often represented as the first dorsal fin, in this genus has no
nearer title to the name of a fin than what arises from its situation
at the anterior portion of the back, where its seat is in a chink,
from whence it projects when the fish is in the water, but it lies
almost hidden when the fish is dead. It does not possess rays, as do
all tlie true fins of these fishes; but it is formed of membrane, from
the edge of which rises a thickly placed row of threads, the foremost
of which is the stoutest and most prominent. When these fishes are
alive in their native element, and resting, as they familiarly do, on
the ground, with all their true fins at rest, this organ is in continued
and rapid action; and its intimate structure shews that while it is
destitute of any power of propulsion, or of regulating motion, it is
well furnished with nerves which render it acutely sensible to impressions.
This dorsal membrane is in fact supplied with a special nerve, which
reaches it directly from the brain, and which also passes onward to
the true dorsal fin. A bi'anch of this nerve also goes to the pectoral
and ventral fins, Avhich are thus endued with particular powers of
sensation, in addition to those of action, the last-named faculty being
influenced into energy by branches of the intex'costal nerves. The
facial nerve also divides into four branches, one of which passes to
the back of the head and upper portion of the outside of the orbit ;
a second branch passes through the lower portion of the orbit, and
also supplies the director muscles of the eye itself, whilst the other
two are distributed to what may be spoken of as the face. These
observations have been obtained from examination of the Three-bearded
Eockling, Motella vulgaris or tricirrata, but it is probable that they are
equally applicable to the other species of this familj^; and they tend
to shew the exquisite provision which is made for the supply of organic
sensibility to a family of small fishes, the lives of which are for the
most part passed in places where feeling is more important even than
sight, as well for their safety as subsistence. The essential character
of the genus Motella is, that with the other portions of structure of
the gadoid family, they possess barbs on the upper and lower jaws,
together with a ciliated membrane, which is seated in a chink between
the head and dorsal fin.

r

1

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33

105

THREE-BEARDED ROCKLING.

WHISTLER. WHISTLE -FISH.

. Mnstcla vulgaris. Whistle-fish, Willoughby; p. 121, Table H. 2.

Gade mustelle, Lacepede. Eisso. Bloch; pi. 165.

Gadus triclrratus, Donovan ; pi. 2.

" " Flejiixg; Britiali Animals, p. 193.

Mofella trlclrrata, Jexyns; Manual, p. 449.

" vulgaris, Yarrell; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 270.

" " GuNTHER ; Cat. Br. M., vol. iv, p. 365.

Until of late writers on natural history have regarded this
fish and that which possesses four barbs on its snout, and
consequently five in all, as only varieties of the same species;
and they may stand excused for so doing, in the consideration
that the examples of each, when of smaller size, and keeping
closer to the lower tide-mark, as the Five-bearded Kockling
generally does, are found to resemble each other closely, except
in the particular that the last-named is furnished with a
different number of barbs. But recent observation shews that
these two fishes are naturally distinct, as well in their habits
and distribution as in the obvious particular of a variety in
the number of the processes or barbs.

The Three-bearded Eockling is often found where sea-weeds
cover oozy ground, and there it hides itself under the shelter
of a stone when the tide has retired. Under these circumstances
the specimens are distinguished by uniformity of colour; the
back and sides being chesnut brown, which is softened into
yellow on the under parts. But those examples Avhich are met
with at perhaps the depth of ten or twenty fathoms are of
much larger size, and their colour shews considerable difference;
the ground of it being pale or reddish yellow, studded with
spots of deep brown of the same tint as that which covers the
bodv of the smaller individuals near the shore. And that
they go to even a greater depth than that we have mentioned
VOL. III.- P

106 THREE-BEARDED R0CKL1^'G.

appears from the circumstance of an example which was fonncl
in the stomach of a fish caught at the depth of forty fathoms;
but the rarity of such an instance tends to shew that so great
a distance from land is not their usual resort. It is when they
have reached their largest size that they hecon:ie of importance
to fishermen on some parts of the coast, where they are valued
for the table by gentlemen Avho have learnt to esteem them as
a delicacy. Their station is alwavs at the bottom, where their
food for the most part is the smaller crustaceans and worms;
but in the m.onth of January, after stormy weather, there were
found in some that had been throAvn on shore, entangled in
loose sea-weed, not only crustacean animals, but loose pieces of
brown sea-weed.

This species is rather widely distributed, so that it is found
as far north as Sweden, and it is set down by Mr. Lowe
amongst the fishes of Madeira. It is also common in the
Mediterranean, where it has been judged to form one of the
fishes named by the ancients Asellus, (Pliny, B. 9, C. 23.)
Cuvier says that nearly all naturalists, after the example of
Rondeletius, have applied this name (of Asellus) to the Merlus,
the Gadus merlucius of Linnaeus, or Hake; and he appears to
take credit to himself for saying that he has found only one
fish to which he might apply the character of the ancient
Asellus; and that is the present species, Motclla tricirrata, or
Three-bearded Rockling. But on the other hand Ave find
Jonston anticipating Cuvier, in c^uoting Hondeletius for the
same opinion; and yet on referring to Rondeletius, we find him
limiting his remark by saying that this Ilockling is the lesser
Asellus, or Callarias minor, and that his other kind of Asellus,
or Callarias hacchus, is the merlucius, or Hake. AVhy this last
kind of Asellus was called hacchus we leave to conjecture; but
it may have been that as it Avas mostly used in a salted state
by ordinary persons, it produced the effect of sending theui
often to the wine shop.

This fish spaAvns about the end of winter; and I have known
it large with spawn about the end of April.

The Three-bearded Ilockling in its general shape resembles
the Ling, and sometimes attains the length of fourteen inches,
head flattened on the top, a little comiDressed at the sides; under
jaw shortest, teeth in both, a triangular arrangement of them in

THREE-BEARDED ROCKLIXG. 107

the palate. Lower jaw with one barb, the upper jaAv with two,
with the nasal aperture at their base. These barbs, always
those in the five-barbed species, when the fish is alive, as also
project straight forward; and when, as in many figures of these
fishes, they are represented as limp or crooked, it becomes certain
that the drawing was made from a dead, and perhaps from a
stufied example.

The eyes are large and prominent. Dorsal and anal fins
long, both of them ending near the tail, with a small degree
of expansion at that part. A deep chink behind the head,
which is the seat of a membrane that has been described as a
first dorsal fin, furnished along its edge with numerous slender
filaments, and a separate stouter one is placed before it. This
form of membrane, characteristic of the genus, is accompanied
with a structure enclosed within the substance of the flesh,
which goes still further the difference between it and the
ordinary nature of a fin. In every case of a dorsal fin there
is between the upright spinous processes of the vertebra? and
the true rays of the fins a row of intermediate bones, on which
the latter rest, or to which they are attached, and by means
of which, with corresponding muscles, their motions are
regulated. But this vibrating membrane has no connection with
such a row of bones, but in the place of them there are very
slender perpendicular muscles, the ends of which are attached
to the processes of the vertebrae, and at the other extremity
are lost in the substance of this membrane. The use of these
muscular fibres is obvious. Vent a little before the middle of
the body. The lateral line is raised at first, and sinks a little
in its progress. Pectoral fins round; ventrals lengthened and
pointed, in some larger examples the two first rays separated
for a long space, and the second ray the longest. The colour
of the smaller and in-shore examples has been ah*eady specified.
Of those of larger size few are spotted alike, and in some on
the anterior portion of the back the deeper colour bears the
appearance of bands. The barbs and borders of all the fins
are often of a bright red.

It is to be observed that Dr. Gunther represents the Heckling
marked with "a row of brown spots along the base of the
dorsal fin," and, as he says, with teeth a little difierent, as a
separate species, under the name of Motella macidata.

108

FIVE-BEAIIDED EOCKLIKG.

Five-hearded Rochling, Willouguby; p, 121.

Gadus mustela, Likn^us. Flejiing; Br. Animals, p. 193.

Donovan; pi. 1-i.
Motella mustela, Jenyns; Manual, p. 450.

" qimiquecirrata, Yahkell; Ur. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 278.

" " GuKTHER; Cat. Br. Museum, vol. iv, p. 364.

This species bears so near a resemblance to the fish last
described, as well in shape as colour, at least in the earlier
stages of" growth of the latter, as also in its general habits,
that it appears unnecessary to enter on a detail of anything
concerning it more than the particulars in v/hich they are
found to differ; and the only exception we have to make to
this is in the account we shall give of the way in which the
spawn is deposited, of which it remains a matter of doubt
whether what has been observed belongs to one or the other
of them, or whether both of them pursue the same habit.

On our shores in the earlier condition of the Three-bearded
E-ockling, and until it reaches to about the length of six or
eight inches, they are found in the same places, in like
abundance, and bearing the same , appearance; but I have
never obtained an example from such a depth of water as
the larger individuals of the three-bearded species, or, as Dr.
Gunther describes it, the Spotted Hockling, M. maculata, is
known to inhabit; nor has it happened that larger specimens
have been met with than of the length given above. It is
enumerated among the fishes of Scandinavia by Nilsson, and
as existing in the Mediterranean by Risso, who indeed regards
it as only a slight variation of the kindred species; but it is
not mentioned among the fishes of Madeira by Mr. Lowe.

The following observations as regards the care which this fish
bestows on the safety of its spawn, were made by my now

o
2;

>— 1

>^
o
o

23

oa
I

D
O

C5

P
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O

FIVE-BEAKDED ROCKLING. 109

deceased son Mr. Eichard Quiller Couch, at the time when he
lived at Polpcrro; and wlicn he was enga<^ed in watching a
similar proceeding in the Fifteen-spined Stickleback. He says,
— The next nest shews considerably less skill, but more
perseverance and energy. It is invariably formed of the common
coralline, ( Corallina officinalis,) in large quantity, put together
without skill or arrangement, thrust into some cavity or crevice
of a rock close to the low-water mark, and the materials are
maintained there by no other bond than that of compression.
And as the coralline of which it is formed is sometimes not
to be found within the distance of one or two hundred feet
of the selected spot, it must be gradually collected, and brought
with a degree of perseverance at least equal to the intelligence
displayed in the construction. But perhaps the most extraordinary
part of the proceeding is shewn in the force exerted by the
lish when thrusting it so firmly into the crevice or hole in
the rock, and which we should have judged to be beyond the
power of any fish we are acquainted with. The grains of
spawn are small, their size being about the fifteenth of an inch
in diameter; semitransparent and yellow. They are not con-
tained in a cavity, like those of the Stickleback, but are
scattered through the mass, sometimes indeed in clumps, but
at others irregularly on the coralline.

From the compact character of the nest, and that the grains
are dispersed through all parts of its structure, it is evident
that these grains of spawn must be deposited while the nest
is in the progress of formation. Having preserved the ova in
water until the young had come to life and escaped from
their confinement, in order to be assured of the species to
which they belonged, the conclusion drawn from their sliape
and spotted appearance was that they were the progeny of a
species of Kockling; but on this point a less amount of
certainty was felt, as from the almost inaccessible situation of
the places in which the nests were placed, they could not be
strictly watched when the tide had flowed sufficiently high to
cover them. Whether any of these nests were permanently
covered with the sea on the rocky coast where they occur
remains uncertain, but with reference to the doubt here
expressed with regard to the species of fish produced from
these ova, on close observation I felt no doubt that they were

110 FIVE-BEARDED ROCKLING.

of one or other of these species of Kocklings, ahhough the
parents themselves were not seen in attendance. These
observations were made in the spring; but it must happen that
these nests are formed at different times, or that the young
ones come to life in long succession, for at the middle of July
some of them are barely an inch in length, while others are at
least three times as long. Both these Kocklings will take a
bait.

With regard to description this species is readily distinguished
by the presence of four barbs in front on the upper jaw, and
one below. Two of these barbs above proceed from the
borders of the nostrils; but in some examples from the north
of Somersetshire, with which I was favoured by E. T. Higgins,
Esq., a low membrane proceeded from each pair of the upper
barbs, and united them together, which is not the case with
these fishes as found on the south coast; yet I cannot on
this account as yet regard them as separate species. In one
instance which fell under observation the barbs on one side
were united into one, while on the other side they remained
separate. This fish is too small to be regarded as an article of
food, but it might be employed bj^ way of bait for other fish
if the numbers were more abundant, or the fishermen could
be persuaded to use them.

Ill

FOUR-BEARDED ROCKLING.

Gadus cimhrius, Turtox's LinnEeus.

Gade cimhre, Lacepede.

Motella cimhria, TARr.ELL; Br. F., vol. ii, p. 274.

" " Gu>'TiiER; Cat. Br. Museum, vol. iv, p. 367.

Tins is particularly a northern species, but although met
with on the coasts of Norway and Sweden it remained unknown
to Linnajus, at least to so late a date as the publication of the
tenth edition of his System. It was first recognised as British
by Dr. Parnell; but although in some places it is not uncommon,
its distribution, even in the north of our islands, appears to
be limited to certain districts; which circumstance may be caused
chiefly by a congenial nature in the ground; but the reason of
its remaining little knoAvn in some fishing stations while it is
common in others, may arise from a difference in the method
of fishing ; for as its favoured residence is in waters of considerable
depth, it can be taken only where long lines or bulteys are
employed, the hooks of which, although generally large, it is
able to swallow. On inquiry it has been found that there are
stations in Scotland where this fish is unknown; but on the
other hand, it is set down by Mr. Cocks as among the rarer
fishes which he has seen so far to the south and west as Falmouth.
In its proper haunts it keeps near the ground, where it feeds
on siich crustaceous animals and worms as are there common;
but it is probable that like the others of its family, its appetite
is exercised without much discrimination.

A close description of the Four-bearded Eockling seems
unnecessary, as in shape it bears a near resemblance to the
three and five-bearded species, while it is the only one of this
family we are acquainted with that is furnished with three barbs
on the upper lip, and one of them as it stands alone projects

112 FOUR-BEARDED ROCKLTNG.

exactly in front. In this respect its structure may be easily
distinguished from that irregular formation which has been
referred to, and which may not occur again in the Five-bearded
Rockling. A further distinction' is noticed in the much longer
extension of the thread, or process, Avhich stands up before
the ciliated membrane behind the head. The ventral fins are
shorter than in the other species, and the head somewhat longer.
It is probable that its colours vary in some degree, according
to the nature of the ground; but usually, while the back and
sides are dusky and reddish, there is a whitish border to the
dark brown dorsal and anal fins. It has been known to measure
fifteen inches in length.

1&2. mackarbl midge.

3&^. THOMPSOiM'S MIDGE. (3. Natural size.)

CLI

113

core III A.

Whex a notice of the most common si")ccics of the fishes comprised
in this genus was publislied in the fifth voknne of Loudon's "^Magazine
of .Natural History," tlie name assigned to it was Ciliata, as being
expressive of the membranous organ bordered with slender threads in
front of the dorsal fin, which is common to this new genus, with that
of Motella; but as this name is found to have been already appropriated
to a different object, it pleased Mr. Thompson, of Belfast, to substitute
for it the term Couchia, which has received an establishment by being
adopted by Dr. Gunther in his "Catalogue of the Fishes of the British
Museum.

The definition of this genus is, — The body compressed, moderately
elongated, covered with minute scales, and with a silvery pigment
inferiorlj-. Head compressed, with the upp r jaw longest. A separate
caudal, anterior and dorsal membrane, which is composed of a band
of numerous short fringes, concealed in a longitudinal groove, the first
fringe prolonged. One anal fin; ventrals composed of about four rays.
Minute teeth in the jaws and on the vomer. Snout with barbies. Air
bladder none. Pyloric appendages in small number. It will be
observed tliat in his definition Dr. Gunther regards the fringed membrane
on the back as a fin, which appears to be more than doubtful; but
the distinction of the genus is well made out, so as not to be
confounded with any other.

MACKAREL MIDGE.

Ciliata glauca, Coucu; in Loudon's Magazine Nat. Hist.,

vol. V.
Motella glauca, Jenyns; Manual, p. 451.

Yarrell; Br. Fishes, voL ii, p. 281.
Couchia minor, Thomfsox; Xat. Hist. Ireland, vol. iv, p. 190.

" glauca, Guxtuek; Catalogue Br. Museum, vol. iv.,

p. 363.

This is one of tlic smallest fislies of wliicli I liave any
knowledg-e, so that even compared with the usual magnitude
of the Gobies, it hides its diminished bulk; but on the other
hand, when brought into comparison with the mightv whale — that
sea beast

• "which God of all his works

Created hugest— that swim the ocean stream,"

VOL. Ill Q

114 MACKAREL MIDGE.

tlic beauty and complexity of its structure serve well to illus-
trate the creative energy of that Beixg, who is as great in the
small as in the most conspicuous, and who renders all things
perfect that proceed from His hand. Yet not such appears to
have been the opinion of some naturalists, who, from the minute
size of this spiecies, could not persuade themselves that it was
other than some early stage of existence of some unknown larger
fish. It was again a similar cast of thought that led the older
naturalists to believe that apparently these and some others of
small size, which appeared at times in vast numbers, were
produced by spontaneous generation from the froth of the sea
or the putrefaction of marine substances, and not from eggs
like the larger, and as they judged, more elaborate kinds; on
which account they bestowed on them the name of Apua.

But however small, this species is far from being the least
TTseful of the natives of the ocean; for, as the prey of other
fishes, it \\q\.^% to form a powerful attraction which draws many
of the wandering and more valuable kinds within the reach
of human effort, and by so doing afford employment and
subsistence to larg'e numbers of peojile, who know nothing
of that economy of providence by which their wants are
abundantly supplied. The Mackarel Midge is widely disjiersed
over the Atlantic Ocean, for it is recognised by Xilsson among
the fishes of the Xorthern 8ea, and through the kindness of ]\Ir.
Higgins I have received examj^les from the bay of Chesapeake
in America. On our own coasts they perform a sort of migration,
or rather change of qiiarters; which appears to be chiefly from
the deeper to the shallow water, and from the bottom to the
surface. They are not recorded as presenting themselves to
the notice of fishermen c^enerallv until about the middle of
]\Iav; after which time they often abound at all distances fi-om
land to which fishermen are accustomed to j:)roceed; and it is
only late in autumn that they cease to be seen. Through the
warmer seasons of the year they keep close to the surface
in small companies, and in stormy weather it is commoai for them
to be thrown on board a fisherman's boat from the crest of a
wave when it breaks over the gunwale, or pcrhajDS on the beach
entansfled in sea-weed. As if conscious of dan""er from every
prowling inhabitant of the deep, these fishes are ever ready to
seek the shelter of a floating object; and thev apjoear to feel

MACKAKEL MIDGE. ll-J

pleasure in rubbing themselves by passing to and fro below a
floating clump of sea-weed, or the corks of a net. They also
rejoice in the shelter afforded beneath the expanded canopy of
the larger medusae; and in keeping close to such objects they
sometimes become so entirely off their sfuard as to suffer them-
selves to be taken with the hand. Yet they usually exercise
much vigilance and activity, and dart away on a slight appearance
of danger; and when left by the tide in some large pool of the
rocks, their movements are nimble, with the appearance of being
instigated by intense feelings of delight.

Pursuing and pursued the tail has been bent to one side,
and in this position it has urged and driven the little creatui^es
in their gambols, -safe, at that time at least, from the intrusion
of voracious enemies. Kept in a glass vessel, there is shewn
the same disposition to seek the shelter of some covering object,
whether on the surface or at the bottom; and in the situation
last mentioned, the fish was so fortunate as to find a small
fragment of green oreweed, beneath which it passed a con-
siderable portion of its time.

They die immediately on being taken from the water.
There is no doubt that these fishes feed on animal substances,
and there is proof that they are even eager after it. An
individual of this species was placed m a glass globe with two
very small Grey Mullets, and a piece of brown oreweed that
was covered with cord-like convolutions of the ova of some
kind of molluscous creature of a j^i^k red colour. After a
fortnight it was found that these nudlets had devoured the
whole of the ova contained in this mucous cord, but the covering
itself was only torn to j^ieces by them ; but the Mackarel ^Midge
had had no share in this feast. His longing was for more
substantial things, and he finally attacked one of the ^lullcts,
which he laid hold of near its head, and so grasped it as to
carry it about his prison for more than a minute, without being
able to swallow the fish, which was equal to two thirds of its
own size. Both it and the survivins: Mullet were afterwards
fed on bread. ^Ir. Peach discovered this fish in abundance at
Wick, in Scotland; and he found that they took animal food
freely in captivity, making a dash at it when held to them on
a feather; and so firndy did they hold it, that they were lifted
out of the water as they retained it with their teeth, fighting

116 MACKAllEL MIDGE.

witli each other for the prize, and shaking" their heads to
prepare it for l)cing swallowed. Like the llocklings when in
the water the ciliated membrane is kept in constant and rapid
motion, and it is only when thns situated that the position of
the barbs can be well observed.

This fish must be very prolific, if we may judge by the
multitudes which sometimes appear, and of which we have reason
to belie\e that vast numbers fall a prey to the more ravenous
fishes. They have even been found in the stomach of the
apparently harmless Pilchard; but the time of shedding- the
roe has not been noticed. When they shew themselves with
us they appear to be of full growth, and they rarely exceed
the Icugth of an inch and one fourth, the general pro23ortion
of the body, as compared with the llocklings, being like that
of the A^'hiting", excluding the fins, when laid by the side of
the Common Tiug. The head obtuse, compressed, Tipper jaw
longest, with four projecting barbies; under jaw with one barbie;
teeth in both, and in the palate. Eye large and bright;
behind the head a chink holding a fringed membrane. Dorsal
and anal fins single, reaching to near the tail; jJC'ctoral and
ventral fins rather large for the size of the fish; scales easily
rubbed off. Colour on the l)ack bluish green, sometimes
blackish ; belly and fins brilliant white or silvery.

It scarcely appears necessary to give a se2)aratc notice of a
fish which was first described by ^Montagu, and termed by him
Gadus argcnteolus — the Silvery Gade, but which he seems to
have confounded with the species we have last described, since
he represents it as occasionally common on the western coast
of England, where, since the distinction has been made, it has
been again recognised. The important mark of difference
between the Mackarel Midge and ^Montagu's Silvery Gade is,
that the latter possesses only two barbs in the ui:)per jaw; but
it appears also to attain a larger size, since Montagu's sjiecimens
were two inches in length, and Dr. Gunther mentions examples
obtained from Greenland which measured three inches. The
proportions of the head and body are described as the same in
both, but the number of rays in the fins are said to be different;
those of Couch i a glanca being in tlie dorsal fortv-four, anal
thirty-eight, ventral three; but in Montagu's Silvery Gade —
Couchia argentata of Dr. Gunther's Catalogue of the British

MACKAKKL MIDGE. IIT

Museum, vol. iv, — the dorsal fin has fiftr-cight, anal fortv-four.
In the ventrals there is the same number in hoth. Xilsson
does not acknowled2;e these fishes to be distinct.

118

THOMPSON'S MIDGE.

Coryphcena.

It must have been this fish which ]Mr. Thomjison has
described in the fourth volume of his "Natural History of
Ireland," and which he supjioscd to be our Avell-known
Mackarel Midge, but on comparison with which, when authentic
specimens of the last-named species were supplied to him, he
felt himself in a state of uncertainty. We copy his lengthened
account, as it supplies us with information regarding some of
its habits and motions, which differ decidedly from those which
have been noticed in the true Mackarel Midge, as they frisk
on the surface of the ocean.

"Descrii^tions of a minute fish allied to the Ciliata glauca,
Couch, and Gaclus argenteolus, Montagu. Plate 1(3, f. 1, 2, 3,
of Annals of Nat. History, vol. ii.

""WTien dredging in Strangford Lough, County Down, on
the 2nd. of July last, at from one to three quarters of a
mile off the shore, and the water from ten to twenty fathoms
in depth, I for ujiwards of an hour remarked some very
minute fishes coming singly to the surface. They ascended in
a somewhat vertical direction, remained but momentarily there,
and again, generally in a similar manner, descended until lost
to view. Their back ajipeared to be of a dark colour, but
their sides presented the brilliancy of the brightest silver.
Their size was rather under an inch; their motion, though
somewhat wriggling, surprisingly rajjid, so much so, that although
the boat was scarcely moving, and the sea quite calm, their
continuance at the surface was so short, that the greatest
activity had to be exerted to secure them. For this purpose
a small canvas net, otherwise used in the capture of minute
medusa, was available. When brought into the boat, they at

THOMPSON S MIDGE. 119

first sight called to mind the Ciliata ylauca and Gadtis ar-
gcntcolus; but the great size of the ventral fins, which were
likewise of a j^itchy blackness for nearly the last third of their
length, seemed opposed to their identity with these sj^ecies.
The boatmen who accompanied me had not observed this fish
before, nor had they heard anything of it.

"The general form elongate; belly protuberant. On a close
examination of all the specimens, nine in number, no cirri can,
with a high power of lens or on the field of the microscojje,
be detected on either jaw. The largest individual, ten and a
half lines in length, may be characterized as having the ujiper
jaw the longer; strong and pointed teeth in both jaws; head
occupying rather more than one fourth of the entire length;
eye equal in diameter to one third the length of the head;
opercle rounded at the base, altogether forming a portion of
a circle; first dorsal fin originating just over the oj^ercle, so
sunken, and its rays (which are thick and blunt) so short, as
to be hardly distinguishable in the j^i'ofilc of the fish, not less
than twentv-five rays; second dorsal commencina: close to the
first, and before the end of the pectorals, of unequal height,
extending to the base of the caudal, not less than fifty rays;
pectoral fins rather less than one fifth of the entire length, of
moderate size and rounded; placed very high, somewhat above
the opercle, about twenty rays; ventrals 2)laced high, commencing
rather in advance of the j^ectorals, somewhat square at the end,
occupying one fourth of the entire length, reaching to the vent
and consisting of about six rays; anal fin commencino- at the
vent and extending to the base of the caudal, unequal in
height, having at least forty rays; caudal fin elongate, occupying
one fifth of the entire length — measured from the last vertebra
of the body, somewhat rounded at the end, containing about
thirty rays; branchial rays about seven; vent midway between
snout and base of the caudal fin. Colour, (when recent) back
rich green, varied with dots of gold and black; operculum,
entire sides, and under surface bright silver; j^f'ctoral, dorsal,
anal, and caudal fins uniformly of a i:>ale colour; ventrals
likewise so for two thirds from the base, remainder j)itch black;
irides silvery.

"Since the above was written I have been fiivourcd bv ^Nlr.
Yarrell with original specimens of Ciliata glauca, obtained

120 THOMP^JOX S MIDGE.

from Mr. Coucli, and from tlicsc the Strangford species differs
as follows: — ^Sly specimens, under eleven lines in length, do
not, like the Cornish fish, which is one inch five lines long,
exhibit cirri on either jaw. The ventral fins in mine are
equal to one fourth of the entire length, in the English specimens
to about one seventh; in the latter the longest rays have a
fibrous termination, whereas those fins are somewhat square
at the end in the Strangford specimens; besides, they are in
those of a pitchy blackness for the last third of their length,
although in the other of a uniform pale colour throughout. These
differences were likewise constant in Cornwall and Strangford
specimens of similar length."

This minute description by INIr. Thompson will render
unnecessary any further remarks of the same sort derived from
specimens which I have obtained, and for which I return thanks
to Mr. Thomas Edwards, of Banff, in Xorth Britain; who in
the capture of a single specimen readily discovered that it
belonged to a species not generally recognised, and who, on
mv enquiring after further particulars, readily procured for
my use eleven other examples; some considerable advantage
to science arising from this sujiply being that it not only
satisfied me on a close scrutiny that there did not exist any
barbs where Thompson could not discern them, on the uiij^er
and under lij^s, but also that the ventral fins were not situated
near the throat as that gentleman supposed, but that they
■were placed far back on the belly; and also not in near contact
with each other. On the i:)oint of situation repeated examination
has compelled me indeed to form a different conclusion fi'om
that arrived at by Mr. Thompson; but I feel persuaded that
this difference is to be regarded on his part only as a slip of
the pen, and the whole of the other particulars are too much
alike to admit of a doubt that the Scottish fish and that of
Ireland are exactly the same. Laid by the side of the true
]Mackarel [Midge, the difference between them is consi^icuous;
and the greater length of the ventral fins, with their situation
and intensely black colour of the hindmost portion were obvious
in all the specimens. Xo ciliated membrane could be discovered.

A later communication from INIr. Edwards confirms the
remark of ^Nlr. Thompson as regards the surprising agility of
these fishes; their nimbleness being such as to render it

THOMPSOX's MIDGE. I.':?!

Gxcccdmoiv difficult to catcli them with a net. He further
remarks of an example which he kept alive for a few days
that it displayed excessive restlessness and watchfulness; and
when noticed in its native element on sandy ground with a
flowing tide, although at times a wave might bear it fiuther
in, it presently made its way outward again to the distance of
about a yard from the shore; and it was only by wading into
the deeper water beyond it that it was at last secured. More
were afterwards secured; but they disappeared suddenly, as if
in periodical migration.

As it would scarcely have been safe to place this little fish
in our British Catalogue as a distinct species, without first
soliciting the opinion of Dr. John Edward Grey, of the British
Museum — to whom we have had occasion to feel greatly
obliged on other occasions — some examples weie submitted to
his inspection, and the following is a portion of his reply: —
"It seems to be the young state of the genus Coryphcena
or Dolphin. AVe have some specimens of twice the size of
those that ^Ir. Edwards sent, and others intermediate in size
between them and the adult fish. It is curious that the
voting CorijplicBna should be found on the coast of Banff in
abundance, and the adult not found there, as far as I know."
The occurrence of this fish on the coast of Scotland is
indeed remarkable, and es]3ecially as the observations of Mr.
Thompson on the coast of Ireland tend to shew that the
former is not an isolated instance. It is only provisionallv
that we have designated these examples by the name of
Thompson's Midge.

VOL. III. R

1 oo

EANICEPS.

The head large, broad, and depressed; body of moderate length,
with very small scales. A barb at the lower jaw; small teeth in
tlie jaws and middle of the palate, mingled with stronger ones in
the former. Two dorsal fins, of which the first is exceedingly small;
a single anal fin, both disjoined from the tail. Ventral fins jugular,
with two of its rays much longer than the other.

LESSER FOEKBEARD.

TADPOLE FISH.

Barhus minor. Lesser Forl-henrcl, Jago, in Ray's Synopsis.

Slennius trifarcatus, Turton's Lixn.eus.

Jjatraclioiide hlennoide, and Blennie

iridadyle, Lacepede.

Raniceps trifurcatus, and E. jago, Fleming; Br. Animals, p. 194.

Mag. of Zoology, by Sir W.
Jardine, Bart., vol. i.
• " " " Jenyns; Manual, p. 453.

'• " " Yaheell; British Fishes, vol. ii,

p. 292.
Ixaniceiis irifurcvs, Gunteer; Cat. Br. Museum,

vol. iv, p. 367.

This species was first made known to science by Jago, and
was long believed to rank among our rarest fishes; but, since
attention has been more generally directed toward the inha-
bitants of our seas, it is discovered to be not uncommon on
all the coasts of the British islands, where the water is not
shallow, and the bottom is rough or rocky.

Yet it ap2:)ears to be a wandering as well as solitary fish;
and although several have been taken in a season in the
west of Cornwall, it is only on one occasion that I have

p
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PQ

c

CO
CO

O

LE.-^SEli FOlUvr.EAKl). . l2o

known a couiilc to be canglit in one boat. It is jn-obablc
tliut it feels some inflncnce of the seasons in its chana-e of
quarters, and the impulse of spawning may also govern its
actions, as is the case with so large a proportion of other
fishes; but its coming nearer the land cannot be altogether
for this latter purpose, since I have known it caught in the
middle of August, early in September, in January, and also
in Ajjril: in the last-named instance, when two or three
examples were taken, the roe appeared to be at the beginning
of its enlargement. That the young ones are produced at no
great distance from the coast appears jn-obable, although they
are rarely met with; but Mr. Newman found several of small
size among sprats in London, and I learn from Charles H.
Gatty, Esq., F.L.S., that he obtained a small example at
Great Yarmouth. Xilsson classes this fish amonf^ those of
Scandinavia, and a rej^resentation of it, with some variation
of colour from our oAvn, is given by Fries and Ekstrom, in
their beautiful work on the fishes of that country. This fish
is not wanting in voracity; for, besides that most of the
examples which ha^e been caught, were taken with a hook,
fragments of an cchimis and the scales of a sprat have been
found in the stomach. A fisherman informed me that when
drawn up with a line it shewed itself to be a wild and
active fish. A few hours from the time of beincr cauo-ht, the
smell becomes strong and peculiar, not unlike that of the
Kocklings.

This fish seldom exceeds the length of twelve inches: the
head short, bulky, depressed, wide, rounded in front; eyes
large, prominent, forward; nostrils still nearer the snout; under
jaw shortest, with a short and thick barb. Teeth in both
jaws and the roof of the mouth, sharp and incurved. A
depression along the top of the head, separating the eyes,
which are wide asunder. Body wide, more compressed, and
becoming smaller towards the tail. First dorsal fin very small,
pointed, opposite the root of the pectorals; second dorsal
higher than the first; anal fin beginning opposite the termina-
tion of the pectoral, and, passing along parallel with the
second dorsal, both end nearly together a little short of the
tail. Pectoral fin round; ventrals with about six short rays,
and two longer; in a fish measuring ten inches the longest of

124 • LESSER FORKBEARD.

tlicse rays being two inches, and both divided for about half
their length; tail narrow, round; all the fins covered with the
common skin. The colour varies, in some exam2)les being
nearly black above; in others dark brown, lighter on the
belly; lips and mystache altogether white. Some doubts have
existed in describing this fish, from the circumstance that in
some instances it is said to have a row of prominences or
tubercles above the pectoral fins, while in others the surface
has been found entirely smooth; and on account of this
variation of description. Dr. Fleming represents them as of
two species, with the names of R. trifurcatus — the lateral line
tuberculated, and R. jogo — with the lateral line smooth. But
from examination of several examples by different naturalists,
no doubt remains that these supposed sjjecies are the same.
In some instances these sujoposed tubercles have been visible
v/hen the fish was first caught; in others they have shewed
themselves only after the lapse of a few hours, while in others
they have never become visible or to be discerned by the
touch. Fin rays, first dorsal three, second dorsal sixty-two,
anal fii\y-seven, pectoral twenty-two, ventral eight, caudal
thirty-four.

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PHYCIS.

EoDY of moderate length; jaws and palate Avith toeth; a barb at
tlio lower jaw; two dorsal lins and one anal; but the distinguishing
mark is — that the ventral fins are each formed of a single long ray
which in the course of its length is divided into two.

GREATER FORKBEARD.

Hakes Bmne, FurJccd Halce, Goat fisJi., Jago; in Ray's Synopsis, p.

16;j and f.' 7.
" " " Couch ; in Transactions of

Linna3an Society, vol. xiv.
Fhyscis farcatas, Fleming; British Animals, p.

193.
Fhycis farcatus, Jknyns ; Manual, p. 452.

" " * Yaurell; British Fishes, vol.

ii, p. 289.
Plujcis llennoides, Gunther; Catalogue Britisb

Museum, vol. iv, p. 351 ?

This species may be regarded as scarce rather than rarcj
so that examples show themselves smgly, for the most part in
the colder months, although I have obtained an example in
June; and there are not usually more than one or two caught
in a season. Tliey are taken with a hook, and in the stomach
I have found the bones of a small fish, a shrimp, and the
fragment of a large pccten-shell. From the feeble structvire
of its tail it docs not appear capable of active exertion, but
this apparent defect is probably compensated by the structure
of those long tendrils which stand in the place of the ventral
fins which belong to the others of this natural faniilv, and
which in tliis instance may be judged from their structiire
to be endued with powers of lively sensation. These tendrils
or fins have joints along their course, and are well supplied

126 GREATER FORKBEARD.

with nerves from what may be termed an axiHary plexus,
situated in the axilla of the fin, one branch of which passes
along the conrse of the firm rays and sends off a branch to
penetrate throngh it; while the other, which anastomoses
with the first branch "in the axilla, is carried along the posterior
maro'in. These nerves are the lar^'cst I have found in the
body of this fish, and their S2)ecial function is shown by their
proceeding from the spinal cord to their termination without
communicating with any other nerve.

Considerable confusion and doubt have existed with regard
to two or three sjiecies of this genus which bear a resemblance
to each other; nor has the difficulty of distinguishing them
been as yet cleared up. Rondeletius had long since given a
figure of a fish of this genus, but as he was not acquainted
with more than one species, and his plate is far from a good
representation, there is little dependence to be placed on it
as an authoritv on the question. But he gives a reason for
the Latin and Greek name it bears, and which has now
become the generic designation ; and if we may dej^end upon
the accuracy of the interpretation, which refers to the Avceds
of the sea, it will give us some information regarding its
habits, of which otherwise little is known. He informs us
that it was well known to fishermen that this Forkbeard was
in the habit of forming a nest for the hatching of its young,
among or of sea-weeds, and himself affirms that he was a
witness of the truth of the fact. It is perhaps to this that
the translator of Oppian refers when he speaks of fishes, that

"Tliey too, wlio like tlie mournful halcyons breed,

B. 1,

And form a floating nest of slimy weed."

But there is not a word of this in the original, where the
Phycis is mentioned without any additional remark. The
halcyons are excluded, and the sea-weed does not float, but
lies at the bottom. And it is not improbable also that the
observations of Rondelctius may be intended for another fish
of the same genus; for it was ]\Ir. Swainson's opinion that in
the ^Mediterranean there were perhaps several Avhich closely
resembled each other, and Dr. Ciunth'-r mentions one of thcxU

GREATER FORKBEARD. . 127

under the name of Phijcis mediterraneus. It may be made
a question i:>erhaps whether the fish we shall describe next in
order is to be regarded as a sejiarate species; but in any
case it is certain that this latter also is a native of the
Mediterranean Sea, and therefore the circumstance of forminar
a nest of sea- weeds may be true of it also; as well as its
name of Mole which it bears in the south of France, and
which is expressive of the pulpy nature of its flesh. In a
note of my own I have compared it to that of a ling-; and
looking at Jonston's representation, Table ol, of a species of
this genus which he calls Gohius hottatricB of Salvianus,
it may be asked whether it be not the long-lost Goby of
Martial, so much valued at Venice.

A specimen slightly exceeded the length of twenty-five
inches; the head flat on the top, comjDressed at the sides, and
small in proportion to the body. Eyes large, situated forward
towards the snout; nostrils in a dejDression before them; gape
wide, under jaw shortest, teeth fine in both, those in the palate
stouter. A barb at the lower jaw. Body compressed, deep
before the vent, more slender near the tail; both body and
cheeks clothed with scales. Belly protuberant. Lateral line
bent slopingly down at about half its length. Two dorsal fins;
the first elevated and pointed; the second and anal long,
expanded posteriorly, bound down towards the tail. Ventral
fins jugular, a simj^le cord, with two rays enclosed in one
case, which divide at about two thirds of their length, reaching
fully to the vent: in a fish of the length of two feet, the
longest portion measuring eight inches, and the shortest five
and a half. The tail round; all the rays of the fins soft.
Colour of the back and sides dusky brown, more or less deep;
belly whitish; fins dusky purple, except the ventrals.

128

BLENNOID FOEKBEARD.

Lesser Hahe, ■ Pennant; pi. 32, edition of 1770.

Fltycis hlenno'ides, Guntjiek's Catalogue British Museum,

vol. iv, p. 351.

It is tlic opinion of Cuvier as well as of Dr. Guntlier that
tliis and the last-named arc the same species; and with such
an authority we leave the subject as it stands; but it is
certain that the aspect of these fishes, as I am accustomed to
see them, is not a little different, as will be discerned from
the figures we have given, which are those of an example
that measured in length twenty-eight inches, and of a young
one of the length of four inches, which was drawn \\\) in
the shell of a living Pinna ingens from the depth of about
forty fathoms. It is remarkable that this young example, which
will be described in reference to the larger specimen, and
which, although injured, has been sent to the British Museum,
with another of nearly like size mentioned by Mr. Yarrell,
were taken in the same manner, although with the lapse of
several years between, are the only fishes I have ever known
to be so caught, although the Pinnce are often drawn up by the
lines of fishermen. The proportions of the body in what we
term the Blennoid Forkbeard are more slender than what we
have noticed in the Hake's Dame; the depth of the body in
the latter in front of the second dorsal fin, where it is deej^est
measuring one fourth of the length from the snout to the root
of the tail, while in the Blennoid sjDccies it is equal to five
portions and three fourths of the same length. In the first
named fish also the slojiing forward of the body begins behind
the first dorsal fin, but in the Blennoid fish it scarcely begins
to slope until over the eye; the imder jaw also appeared
decidedly shorter in projJortion, and the lateral line less bent
in its progress. It is a subject of regret that the scales were

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BLENNOID FORKBEARD.

129

not in either instance counted, as Dr. Gunther lays much stress
on their number in determining the species, and of which he
observes that five or six series of scales are bctAvecn the first
dorsal fin and the lateral line. The ventral fins did not reach
quite to the vent, and it may have been the mark of age that
the barb at the point of the jaw was reduced to a stump;
and while the tail was nearly even, a few of its npper rays
were extended into a point. Visible scales covered the checks
as well as the body, and the second dorsal and anal fins did
not approach close to the tail. Colour generally light grey.

The young specimen, with the length of four inches, Avas not
an inch in depth; snout much in front of the mouth, gape
wide, opening back behind the front of the iris of the eye.
Eye large, the two closer together than the breadth of either;
scales rather large, vent a little nearer the head than to the
root of the tail. Pectoral fin long and narrow, reaching to
the origin of the second dorsal. First dorsal fin high, triangular,
pointed, having ten rays, of which the first was single for a
third of its length beyond the membrane. Second dorsal long,
slender, pointed behind, the end of its rays reaching to the
root of the tail; anal fin beginning close to the vent, and
ending at some nearer distance from the tail than the dorsal.
Caudal fin narrow and lancet-shaped. Ventrals a slender thread,
reaching beyond the vent, and divided into two branches behind
the half of its length. Colour of the fish light grey; anterior
portion and end of the first dorsal black, its hindward border
bright white, border of the second dorsal and tail black.

It has been already hinted that the Rocklings may have
been the Asellus of ancient writers; but we shall only be doing

VOL. III. s

130 BLEXXOID FORKBEARD.

justice to tlie subject when we remark further, that it is the
opinion of Dr. Badham, in his amusing work of "Fish Tattle,"
that the kindred species Phycis mediterraneus — known by its
lower and rounded first dorsal fin, — is truly the disputed fish;
and if so, the present species will lay an equal claim to the
designation, since both of them are natives of the same Avaters,
and we are well aware of the little discrimination that was
employed by the ancients in the distinction of species. It was
their opinion that the tendrils of the Asellus were employed as
bait or lines, and we have noticed in the Hake's Dame what
organs of sensibility they are.

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OPHIDIUM.

The body lengthened, compressed; vent far behind. Gill openings
wide. Dorsal and anal fins forming one with the tail: a bifurcated
pair of tendrils hanging from the throat. Supposing these tendrils to
be fins, Linnaeus placed these fishes in his jugular order.

BEARDED OPHIDIUM.

Opkidion rondeletius, Willoughby; p. 112, pi. 97.

Ophidi/um harhatum, Linn/EUS. Cuvier.

Opliidie barbu, Lacepede. Risso.

OjjMdiurti harhatum, Blocii; pi. 159. Yakrell; British

Fishes, vol. ii, p. 415.
" " Guntiier; Catalogue British Museum,

vol. iv, p. 377.

This fish is inserted in the British Catalogue on the remote
and doubtful authority of former writers, none of whom profess
to have seen a native example, or point out a place or time in
which it has been obtained. Our figure, slightly tinted, is
derived from Rondeletius, who knew the species well, as being
frequently caught in the Mediterranean; and a description is
added, by which it may be recognized if ever it should chance
to fall into the hands of an observer. We also add a notice of
a kindred species which has only been recognized of late as
being distinct; but which is enumerated in the Catalogue of
the British IMuseum, where the example is preserved, as having
been found by Dr. Leach at Padstow, on the north coast of
Cornwall. Our knoAvlcdge of this last-mentioned fish is derived
from Dr. Gunther, whose account of it therefore, under the
name of OpMcUum hruussoneiti, we copy; and as these fishes
are described as in their form, and in the number of the rays
of their fins, closely resembling each other, the plate we give
of the one, coupled with a notice of their difljerences, will be
sufficient for every practical purpose.

132 BEARDED OPHIDIUM.

Tlie usual length of this fish is eight or nine inches, and
in shape it may bo compared with the Eel or Conger, but that
it is stouter in comparison with its length, and also more
compressed; the form becoming more slender towards the tail.
The body is clothed with small scales of an oblong form, which
do not overlap each other. The jaws are equal, and the angle
of the mouth a little depressed; gape wide; rows of fine teeth
in the jaws, and some in the palate; eye large; lateral line
straight. The single dorsal fin, with one hundred and forty
rays, or as Kisso says, one hundred and twenty, begins over
the pectoral and runs to the end of the body, where it becomes
united to the anal — forming the tail. Under the throat, and
attached to the hyoid bone, is what is strictly a pair of barbies,
which, in an example that measured eight inches, were an inch
in length; but not far from their origin they are divided into
two unequal branches; and this has led to their being often
described as four in number. The colour of this fish is variously
described, but a prevailing tint on the back is blue; silvery
on the sides and belly, sprinkled on the sides with dots. The
dorsal and anal fins are narrow and grey with a dark edge.

We have remarked that it is probable this Bearded Oj?hidium
has been confounded with another, which much resembles it,
and which stands in the Catalogue of the British Museum as
Opliidium hroussonetii, in honour of a gentleman Avho wrote a
paper on the subject, which is contained in the "Transactions
of the Royal Society" for 1781; but it differs in having "only
four gill rakers on the lower branch of the outer branchial
arch," whereas 0. harhatum is furnished with five or six. There
is also a different form of the air-bladder; an organ the form
of which offers specifically distinctive marks in this genus as
in many others; and of which, therefore, a figure is given by

Willoughby as it is found in the Bearded Ophidium. In
Broussonet's Ophidium this organ is ovate, without a contracted
part; and there is no separate bone which fits into the anterior
portion of this air bladder. This species is a native of the
Mediterranean.

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FIERASFER.

The body long and tapering; vent placed near the throat. Gill
openings wide, the gill membranes united below: particularly dis-
tinguished from Oj)hidium by the absence of barbies. An apodal
genus of fishes.

DRUMMOND'S ECfllODON.

Fierasfer dentatus, Cuvier.

Echiodon driimmondii, Tnoiirsox; Trans. Zool. Society, vol. ii.

" " Yarkell; British Fishes, vol. ii, p. 417.

Fierasfer dentatus, Gunther; Catalogue British Museum,

vol, iv, p. 383.

Almost the whole of what we know of this fish is contained
in a communication by W. Thompson, Esq., of Belfast, to the
Zoological Society, with a figure, which we have copied; and
the communication is transferred to the fourth volume of the
"Natural History of Ireland" by the same gentleman: to
which we add, that an example of the same species has
been since caught, or rather found, thrown on the shore by
a storm, in the harbour of Valencia, in Ireland; and several
others of small size were found by Mr. Edwards at Banff, of
which we shall give an account. IMr. Thompson remarks that
in external characters it is excluded from the Opliia by not
having barbies; and although it agrees with the genus Fierasfer
in being without these appendages, yet by having the dorsal
fin elevated and strongly developed, it does not range with
them; to which I add, that this character is excluded from
our definition as above, since it might seem like a contradiction
to classify under such a character the only British fish of
the genus, and which cannot be so described. The author
further says — in Cuvier's Animal Kingdom the OpJtidium

134 drummond's echiodon.

dentativm is described as having in each jaw "deux dents en
crochets," but no further details are given: in this only-
character, however, he judges that the 0. dentatuin differs
from the present species, which had four large hooked teeth
in the upper, and two in the under jaw. This specimen was
found dead on the beach at Carnlough, in the county of
Antrim, by Dr. Drummond, in the month of June — thrown
on shore probably by a strong easterly wind.

The length of this example was eleven inches; and the
greatest depth, which was at one inch and four lines from
the snout, was six lines, behind which it became gradually
narrower and thinner to the tail. The head was one inch
and two lines long — the profile sloping forward equally on both
sides to the snout, which is truncated and projects beyond
the lower jaw, and is narrow; compressed at the sides, and
rather flat above from the eyes backward; from the eyes
forward a central bony ridge; a few large punctures extend
from the snout below the eye, and are continued just behind
it; a series of small ones closely arranged extend from the
upper portion of the eye in a curved form posteriorly to near
the edge of the preopercle, and thence in a double row
extends downwards. Nostrils very large, oval, transverse, a
little in advance of the eye. Eye large, occupying the entire
upper half of the depth of the head; wider than high, its
distance from the snout equal to its diameter; operculum
terminating above in a minute point directed backward, and
strongly radiated. Mouth cleft a little obliquely. Two large
strong teeth placed close together, and curving iuAvards at
each side of the extremity of the upper jaw, the two inmost
a little separate. In the lower jaw one slender rounded tooth
on each side, curving outward at the base and inward at the
point. The upper and lower jaw, and vomer, thickly covered
with small bluntish teeth; a series of such teeth on the bones
of the palate; those of the upper jaw exposed to view when
the mouth is closed. On the dorsal ridge is a short stout
spine, the point of which alone is uncovered with the skin.
Lateral line scarcely perceptible. Vent one inch and three
lines from the end of the lower jaw. The dorsal fin begins
at one inch and six lines from the snout; low at first, but
bccominof -svidcr as it draws near the caudal fin, which it

drummond's echiodon. 135

joins. Anal fin begins close behind the vent, is broader than
the dorsal throughout, and is widest as it approaches the caudal
fin, which it also joins. Near the caudal fin the rays of the
anal are wider by four times than the body itself. Middle
rays of the pectoral longest. Colour of the first half of the
body dull flesh-colour, and behind this are brown markings,
as well along the base of the dorsal and anal fins as top of
the head, caudal, and hind ward rays of the longer fins.
Caudal, gill-cover, and a part of the under surface, bright
silver. Dorsal fin rays one hundred and eighty, as also the
anal; pectoral sixteen, caudal twelve. The vertebra? number
eighty-eight. The second example referred to was in length
only eight inches.

In the number of the "Zoologist" for April, 1863, was a
paragraph which stated that six specimens of this fish had
been obtained at Banflf, in the preceding March, by Mr.
Thomas Edwards, their length varying from four to five
inches: — "The teeth most formidable-looking weapons, even in
these small specimens. The spine, too, at the back of the
head is very conspicuous; no scales discoverable when the fish
were fresh from the sea." In consequence of this announce-
ment two of these examples were obligingly sent to me by
Mr. Edwards; of which one was laid on a card in a dry
condition, and did not measure quite two inches and a half.
The other, which was a little longer, was preserved in diluted
spirit. The characteristic teeth were plainly seen; and between
the two curved prominent ones in front of the lower jaw
were others much shorter, and not represented in Mr.
Drummond's figure. The mystache long and slender, reaching
opposite the hindmost border of the eye. Eye large and
oval; no scales. The shape much more slender than in Mr.
Drummond's plate, so that Mr. Edwards was inclined to give
them the name of Whipfishes. In a letter which accompanied
the specimens it is said that when alive the colour was
beautifully clear, or of a crystal-like hue, and so transparent
that the vertebrae might be counted. The largest example
had a fine blush of red down the dorsal ridge, and along
the belly, except near the vent, at which part there was an
oblong silvery spot; pupil of the eye very dark green, with
a white iris; head also white. Their motion through the

136 drummond's echiodon.

water was like that of a Wormfish, ( SyjignatJius,) but they
never sought to hide themselves among weeds or under stones.
They seemed to prefer sandy ground, on which they would
lie for hours in a waved or crooked posture. They were
obtained near the shore on sandy ground, and not in rough
weather; and there seems reason to believe that they were
bred near where they were found — a circumstance the moi-e
likely, as Mr, Edwards believes that six or seven years before
this he found the remains of a large example on the shore
near the same place. It measured nine inches in length
without the head, which was lost; but the breadth was
scarcely more than in the smaller examples, two of which
have been transferred to the British Museum. Cuvier notes
it as found in the Mediterranean.

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AMMODYTES.

The body lengthened, almost cylindrical, with lines or folds along
the length of the body, distinct from a lateral line. Jaws protruded
before the eyes, pointed, the lower longest, with a fleshy pointed
termination. Dorsal and anal fins long, but not united to the tail.
No ventral fins, and consequently a portion of the apodal class of
Linnteus: no air bladder.

This little family of fishes obtains its English name from the shape
of their body, which at the front ends in a point, and at the tail
is so spread out as to form a distant resemblance to the butt-end.
of the warlike instrument signified by the denomination; while the
lengthened and almost cylindrical body answers to the shaft. In
some places these fishes are also called Sand Eels, which answers to
the Greek word by which the genus is discriminated. They stand
as an insulated group, both in regard to form, and habits, amongst
the native fishes of Britain.

LESSER LAUNCE.

Sand Eel. — Two species are comprised within the name of
Tohianus by AVillougliby, p. 113, and Ajn?nodi/tes tobianus
of Linnaeus.

Ammodytes tobianus, Cuvier.

" lancea, Jenyns; Manual, p. 483.

" " Yarrell; British Fishes, vol. ii, p. 429.

" " GuxTHER ; Cat. Br. Museum, vol. iv, p. 385.

This little fish is an inhabitant generally of the more sandy
shores of the British Islands, and it rarely goes far from them
into deep water. They swim in companies of a few scores
or hundreds, and in the quiet days of summer are seen at a
small depth in the water as they are pursuing their lively
course in bays or harbours — where, however, their fate is
usually an unfortunate one. Unable to protect themselves,
VOL. III. T

188 LESSER LAUNCE.

they are an attractive prey to the hungry rovers of the sea,
who here and there make a plunge into the midst of them,
to the momentary terror of the little host. They are scattered
for a time, but they gather closely together again, only, how-
ever, to be broken in upon by another and another plunge,
until at last they find their safety by piercing into the soft
sand of the bottom, beneath which the pointed process at the
extremity of the under jaw enables them to bury themselves,
and in which they lie concealed without injury to themselves,
even when the tide has ebbed and left their hiding place
uncovered. But it is not only that this fish is able to find
its way to shelter in such a remarkable situation; they are
able also to move about within it with ease and some degree
of quickness; for the better accomplishing of which there
appears to be at the root of the tail a special organization, of
which the blood vessels are visible, and something corresponding
to which exists in all fishes which possess the power of
penetrating into the sand or of covering themselves Avith it.
It is in this retreat, concealed and sheltered with the sand of
the shore, that this Launce sheds its roe; and this it does
as it holds a tortuous course, the grains being scattered as it
passes on: and in the west of the kingdom at least this
process is accomplished at about the shortest days of the year.
It often happens, however, that their hiding place is broken
in upon by worse enemies than the prowling natives of the
deep; and people who value them as a delicacy resort to their
retreat with hooks or rakes, and thus draw them up to light.
I have been informed by those who have been accustomed
to this practice, that if the Launce be touched with the hook
on the posterior part of its body, it will move away through
the sand with such celerity as scarcely to be again overtaken;
so that it requires some skill to succeed in what might appear
so easy an employment as raking these fishes out of the
concealment of the sand.

In some places the Lesser Launce is a favourite bait with
fishermen; from some of whom I learn further, that when
Mackarel are discovered to be in pursuit of the Larger or
Wide-mouthed Launce, a less successful fishery is expected;
but when these lesser fishes are the object of their rapacity,
the fishery shews itself much more profitable.

LESSER LAUNCE. K^ S*^

The range of this fish extends itself to the coasts of Sweden
and Norway, and even much farther to the north; but it is
not numbered among the fishes of ^Madeira by Mr. Lowe;
nor do I find it mentioned by such writers on the Natural
History of the Mediterranean as I have been able to examine,
for it is now known to be a different species from the Larger
Launce which has been described by the more ancient
authors; and it may also differ from A. ciceretiis of Rafinesque,
the name of which is also mentioned by Willoughby, but
which has not yet been distinctly characterized. This Lesser
or Sand Launce usually grows to the length of four or five
inches, but its form is best described by comparison with the
Large or Wide-mouthed species, which will come next under
our consideration.

140

LARGER LAUNCE.

WIDE-MOUTHED LAUNCE.

Tohlanus,

Ammodytes tohlanus.

appat,
lanceolatus.

WiLLOUGHBY; well described, but witli
reference to a figure of another fish.

Jago; in Ray's Synopsis, f. 12.

LlNN^US. CuviEE.

Fleming; British Animals, p. 201.

Jextns ; Manual, p. 483.

Tarrell ; British Fishes, vol. ii, p. 424.

B/isso. Bloch; pi. 75. Doxovan; pi. 33.

GuxTHER; Catalogue British Museum,
vol. iv, p. 384.

This is a fish of great activity, as might be judged from its
slender form, and well-constructed shape; and it is also
voracious, so that it pursues and devours some which might
be supposed little likely to become its prey. Its gape also is
capacious, by the aid of which it has been able to swallow the
hook, baited with a lask or slice cut from the shining side of
a Mackarel, and which was intended to have proved an attraction
to a much larger prize. It has happened not unfrequently
that the Lesser Launce, which formerly was believed to be in
the half grown condition of its own race, has been found in its
stomach.

The favourite resort of this species is in much deeper water
than is frequented by the Lesser Launce, and thus it has been
known to have been devoured by the larger fishes which have
been caught at ten leagues from land, at the entrance of the
British Channel, in a depth of forty-five fathoms; and this, too,
in the middle of the summer, although that is the season when
it is common for it to draw near the land; in doing which it

LARGER LAUNCE. 141

may be said to perform a regular migration. Kisso represents
these fish as appearing thus in the neighbourhood of Nice;
where they are seen coming in schools from the west in May
and June in their passage eastward; at which time, although of
small size, they are fished for with nets, which also take the
smaller sardines and anchovies (clupeidcB.)

With us these Larger Launce are in much more limited
numbers than the smaller species, and more locally as well as
sparingly distributed; and I have no knowledge of any district
in which they form a particular object of interest to fishermen
except on the smooth sandy shore of St. Ives, on the north coast
of Cornwall. The net prepared for this fishery is about twenty
fathoms in length, and of a depth to suit that of the water;
the meshes being of the size barely to admit the passage of a
sixpence; and at the middle of the net, where it is formed into
a bag, there is what is termed the bunt, which consists of a fine
sort of canvas. The boat is of good size, and has a crew of
four men; with another man who stands on the shore and who
holds fast the warp that is fastened to the end of the net. The
boat is by this means kept in the proper position with her
broadside towards the shore, and thus the net is made to form
a circle, so as to enclose the fish within it until it is drawn up or
tucked into the boat, with the fish collected together in the bag.
It must be owing to the nature of the ground, which consists of
the finest sand, with scarcely a stone to interfere with its smooth-
ness, that it is not usual for other fishes, even of small size, to
be enclosed in the net with the Launces; but the numbers of
the latter taken at one haul will often amount to a couple of
bushels; and even three bushels have been enclosed in the net
at one time.

This fishery usually begins in May, and will continue until
September, if the more profitable fishery for Pilchards does
not intervene to put an end to it. The Launces thus caught
are chiefly employed as bait for the larger fishes; and without
them the hook fishery in that neighbourhood would be greatly
interfered with, if not destroyed — for in that district there are
few of the resources which abound in other parts of Cornwall
to supply fishermen with bait. But these Wide-mouthed Launces
are also sold for the table, and where they are known they are
represented as being a great delicacy. This species is mentioned

142 LARGER LAU^"CE.

by Nilsson as known along the coasts of Scandinavia, and it is
also met with, as we have seen, in the Mediterranean; but it is
not mentioned by Lowe among the fishes of Madeira, although
it is reported as having been obtained on the coasts of America.
The usual length of this species is about a foot, but the
measure assigned by Jago to the specimen of which he has
given a figure, was almost sixteen inches, and an example of
that full length is preserved in the British Museum. Its general
form is lengthened, and only a little compressed at the sides;
the shape continuing uniformly from the head for about three
fourths of the length, but becoming gradually more slender
towards the tail. The head in front of the eye tends to a
point, which when the mouth is shut ends in the lower jaw,
where there is a projecting cartilage by which this fish is able
to pierce its way into the sand. The gape is wide, and is
rendered the more so by the faculty it possesses of lifting the
upper jaw into a right angle with the front of the skull. The
mystache is wide and reaches far back, but scarcely to the
front border of the eye. Xo teeth in the jaws, but there are
some in front of the palate. Several specks like perforations on
the head. Eyes conspicuous; the gill covers project backward
above the root of the pectoral fins. There are five longitudinal
lines on each side, one of which is near the back; another is
the true lateral line, and is marked with the insertion of muscles;
and three are on the belly, of which two appear to unite at
the vent. This orifice is about two thirds of the whole length
from the snout, excluding the caudal fin. There are no scales,
but the skin is marked with oblique transverse folds, which,
according to Dr. Gunther, are one hundred and seventy in
number. Pectoral fin moderate and low down; the dorsal begins
a little behind the termination of the pectoral, and passes at an
uniform height to a little short of the tail; as does the anal
from near the vent. Tail concave with rounded borders. Colour
of the top of the head and back, down the sides to the true
lateral line blue; tail bluish: all below, with the cheeks, brilli-
ant white; dorsal and anal fins pale white. At the root of the
tail, during life, there is a circulating vessel, which appears to
have some connection with the faculty of burying in the sand,
since something of the same nature is perceptible in other fishes
which are endued with a similar propensity.

LARGER LAU^'CE. 143

Compared with the Lesser Launce this last named fish has
the gape proportionally smaller, the mystache less extended;
palate without teeth; eye nearer the angle of the mouth. The
dorsal fin begins nearer the head and considerably in front of
the termination of the pectoral fin. Dr. Gunthcr counted the
oblique folds of the skin as from one hundred and twenty to
thirty in number. The number of the fin rays is in both
these fishes nearly the same.

144

SHORT-SNOUTED LAUNCE.

Ammodytes cicerelus, Rafinesque. Schmaltz?

It has been long supposed that besides the two kinds of
Launces we have ah^eady described there might be one, or
perhaps two, more to be foimd in the seas of Europe; and
accordingly the wave-finned species {A. siculus of the Catalogue
of the British Museum,) has since been distinguished by Mr.
Swainson as an inhabitant of the Mediterranean. But there is
another which is briefly described by Rafinesque under the
name given above, and by which it appears to be known to
Italian fishermen, although it has hitherto been confounded with
the Wide-mouthed Launce; and even Cuvier appears to have
been disposed to admit it as a distinct species, although he has
generally shewn a reluctance to admit the accuracy of the
Italian writer above quoted in his descriptions or arrangement.

The foundation of the belief that the Cicerehis is probably
a native of the British seas, is so far deficient that it rests on
the examination of a single specimen; but I have reason to
believe that this is to be ascribed to the want of opportunity
rather than to the absolute rarity of the fish; and as it was so
long confounded with the better known species by observers in
the Mediterranean it should not excite surprise to find that it
has been equally mistaken for the other in Britain.

The specific characters assigned to this fish by Rafinesque
are — that besides the colours — which of the back are bright
blue and of the under parts silvery white, the eyes are situated
immediately above the corner of the mouth, and (which is
less decisive,) the dorsal fin rises a little behind the line of
termination of the pectoral. The chief objection which will
be felt in this instance arises from the fact that the Italian
wi'iter describes the Cicerelus as rarely exceeding the length of

;i5; :.;;}*, p^^tlfjl

4u

■ v'^i,. Ilk WM,/^

O
ID

m
I

O
W

o

SHORT-SNOUTED LAUNCE. 145

three or four inches, •while that one which came under my
notice measured a little more than eleven inches and a half;
but on the other hand he so far departs from his own assigned
length as to give a figiu'e which measures a little more than
five inches and a half; and so confined has been his observation
of these fishes, that no other species finds a place in his book.

Compared with a Wide-mouthed Launce of about the same
size, the shape of this fish was rather more stout and angular,
and this stoutness was carried nearer to the tail, so that it
became contracted more suddenly between the termination of
the dorsal and anal fins and the tail. At the union of the
body with the caudal fin also there was more decidedly a
heart-shaped termination than in the "Wide-mouthed species.
But a more distinguishing difference between the two was in
the head, before the eyes; this portion being much less thi'ust
forward, so that the point of the upjaer jaw was more rounded,
and to a less extent capable of being bent up, and the gape
much less, — the mystache did not extend above one third of the
space toward the eye; and although indeed the eye was not
situated immediately above the angle of the mouth, as expressed
in Rafinesque's specific character, it stood nearer to that point
than in the Wide-mouthed species. The point of the lower jaw
also was much less protruded. Along the belly there ran seven
longitudinal lines, of wliich those on the median line were
close together, and the two next were bordered with a slender
membrane, which may be of some use as organs of sensation.
The oblique lines on the sides were finely grained, but their
number was not counted. The dorsal and anal fins appeared
wider than in the more common species. Colour of the back
and top of the head fine blue, which does not come down to
the lateral line, as I have usually observed it in the Wide-
mouthed Launce; sides, belly, and cheeks silvery: the longi-
tudinal line next above the ventral line whiter than the rest of
this surface: the tail more expanded than in the other species,
with a white border on its under edge.

This examj^le came to me on the first of December, and
was distended with roe.

VOL. Hi, U

14(3

PLEITRONECTID.E.

THE FAMILY OF FLAT FISHES.

A TOTAL want of uniformity between tlie sides of tlie head,
and also generally of the body. Both of the eyes are on one
side of the head, while the nostrils generally maintain their
position in pairs on each side of the simimit. The mouth is
twisted, so that the two corners do not answer to each other,
and within the mouth there is generally a veil or cross mem-
brane above and below. The body is much compressed; one
side bearing colour, the other without it, and the structure of
the skin differs in each. The abdominal cavity very short,
but the lobes of roc are contained for the most part in a
recess which passes backward between the muscles towards
the tail. The vent close to or enclosed between the ventral
fins, which are near the throat. The fins nearly encircle the
body, and the dorsal fin begins on the top of the head or in
front of it.

In most if not all of these fishes the spinous processes of
the vertebrae which support the rays of the dorsal fin, and are
anterior to the pelvis, are turned forward for that purpose;
while those of the vertebroe on the same line of the back that
are near the tail are directed backward. On the abdominal
side all the spinous processes behind the abdomen itself are
directed more or less backward. It is an essential part of the
structure of these fishes that the superior and inferior processes
of the vertebrae are very long, and those of the sides very
short; but in the Carter, and perhaps in others of this family
which possess a lengthened form, while the superior and
inferior processes are comparatively shorter, the lateral processes
are somewhat more developed. In the Topknot the spinous
processes of the vertebrse are remarkably long, and anterior
to the first of these processes there arc numerous (what we

PLEIRONECTID,^. 147

term) intermediate bones for the purpose of sustaining fin rays,
and which are continued to the snout — in their coiirsc restins:
on a thxin ridge of bone which forms a crest on the head.
The border of the abdomen of this fish, from the first long
spinous process of the vertebrae to the throat, is bounded by
a curved bone, the concavity of which supports the entrails;
and along its convexity jiass off the intermediate bones of the
fins. As an example of some of the differences between the
eyed and blind side of these fishes, we notice of the Flounder
that on the coloured side the masseter nrascle, which closes
the mouth, is strong, and sends a stout tendon to the angle
of the lower jaw, while on the white side there is no tendon,
but a well-marked nerve crosses obliquely from the head to
the angle of the jaw. A similar nerve on the coloured side
descends under the tendon, but comes out of the skull further
forward, and passes close below, or on the fiicial side of the
eye. A blood vessel accompanies this nerve in botli instances.
The nerve running to the palate appears to be the largest in
the body, and passes only on the coloured side.

The Pleu7'onectidce are so called from their habit of swim-
ming flat on the side, (the lateral line of the coloured part
being their upper portion,) and not erect, as is the case with
other fishes. This curious mode of action is associated, as we
see above, with as remarkable a variation of shape and inward
structure, when compared with their fellow inhabitants of the
water; so that we may confidently pronounce them to be the
most irregular and strange of all the creatures we meet with,
and an exception esjjecially to other vertebrated animals. "\Ve
may add, that if they had been met with only in a fossil
condition, there is reason to believe they would have been set
down as having found their place on earth when the beings
inhabiting it were struggling to pass from an unformed to a
regularly organized state, without its being certain in what at
last the struggle might end. And yet this family of fishes
are perfect in themselves, and their form is well adajDted to
the peculiarities of their modes of life; with the reversal,
however, of the functions of all their fins; for even that of
the tail, while it serves, as in other fishes, as an organ of
propulsion, is still made to act horizontally, and not laterally;
and as thus it is .of little use in turning the body in its

148 PLEURONECTID-^.

course, the pectoral fin for the most part is brought into
action for this purpose.

In separating this numerous family into subordinate groups,
it is convenient and usual to divide them princii^ally accord-
ing as when the belly is towards the observer the head and
eyes are directed to the right or left. But this particular
structure is not known to exert any influence on the habits
of the individual species; and, therefore, in combination with
this it is of importance to include in our consideration other
material variations of form; which, therefore, are placed among
the essentials of the definitions of the genera.

C.

H

\ — t

o -

149

HIPPOGLOSSTJS.

Vhe:^ the vent lies toward the observer, the eyes arc directed
toward the right; a double row of teeth in the upper jaw; no teeth
in the palate; gape wide. The dorsal fin begins above the eye; lateral
line arched at its beginning.

HOLIBUT.

LADYFLUKE.

nifl-IOgJoSSUS, WiLLOTTGHBT ; p. OP, pi. f. 6.

Fleuronedes liij^iyoglossns, JjiysjEvs. Doxovax; pi. 75.

Pleuronede fletan, Lacepebe.

IIij>poglossus vulgaris, Fleiiixg; British AniTnals, p. 199.

" " Jenyns; Manual, p. 460.

" " Takeell; British Fishes, vol. ii.,

p. 323.
" " GuxTnER; Catalogue Br. Museum,

vol. iv., p. 403.

This species Is a native of the deeper water wliich lies to the
north of Eurojje and America, but it wanders to the sonth so
far as to be met with at times on all the coasts of the British
Islands; where, however, it is scarcely sought after, nor is it
regarded as a very valuable prize when caught. "^^Hicn of
moderate size indeed, as three or four feet in length, they are
palatable food, but when of the magnitude they often reach they
are not esteemed for the table with us — except perhaps the
head, which is represented as being a delicacy. But in Green-
land, where it is common, this fish is greatly valued; and this,
perhaps, for the very properties which cause it to be generally
banished from fashionable tables in Britain; and by fishermen
of those northern regions a regular arrangement is practised for
procuring it. This we learn from Lacepede, who particularly

150 HOI,IIU'T.

mentions wliat may be termed the bonltey, sucli as we have
ah'eacly described when we spoke of the manner in which our
own fishery is conducted for catching the Ling and Cod; and
by this means he says that three or fonr of the Holibnts are
taken at one haiiL As it appears that they give a preference
to the same ground with the Cod — probably from feeding on a
similar food with that fish — we may conckide that the capture
of the last named fish is not less an object of attention in this
method of fishing than the Holibut itself.

According to Bloch these fishes may be said to associate
together, although this attraction may proceed only from the
predacious habits which they have in conunon, since he repre-
sents them as lying at the bottom in rows with oj^en mouths,
waiting for the approach of fishes or crabs that may come within
their reach; and if unsuccessful in their object, it is said that
their hunger then urges them to make a formidable assault on
the tail of their nearest neighbour. If we may adopt this
explanation, and apply it to other members of the same family
of fishes, we shall be able to account for the frequent injury
which we discover in the tails of some sorts of Flatfishes, as
seen esjiecially in the younger stages of their growth; but it
may also be caused by the more insidious depredations of other
prowling animals which inhabit the bottom of the sea.

It appears that at times this assembling of Holibuts is on
a bank of sand in shallow water, where they lie basking in
the sun; and when discovered they are assailed with the spear,
with which the fishermen endeavour to pierce and fix them
to the ground; but in doing this much skill, strength, and
patience are necessary to prevent the boat from being swamped
or overturned by the j)owerful struggles of the fish, which
are known to be very violent, and as such are recognised by
British fishermen when the Holibut has chanced to swallow
their hook. By them this fish is represented as being very
wild, and its powerful efforts to break loose are characterized
by Adolent and sudden jerks in various directions. When,
therefore, it is pierced with the spear, the fishermen of the
north proceed to raise it very slowly, and when brought within
their reach a club is brought into action, by wliich, as soon
as possible, it is deprived of life.

Alonsf the coas^t of Xorwav tlif^ fishorv for tlip Holibut is

HOLIBUT. 151

follo-sved only when tlie spring is well advancecl and tlie nights
are clear; at which time the fish are discovered as they lie
at the bottom, even where the water is deep; bnt as summer
advances the search is given up, because, as this fish becomes
very fat, the heat of the weather would prevent its flesh fi-oni
being properly dried in the manner they are accustomed to
prepare it. Each portion of this dried fish has its separate
name among the people, of whose subsistence, as well as of
their commerce, it forms a considerable part. The skin, and
even the entrails are also regarded as of value by a people
who, from the scarcity or cost of other materials are led to
employ these parts for purjioses which in more favoui'ed regions
were better answered by other means. Perhaps there is no
portion of the ocean in which the Holibut is more abundant
than on the banks of Xewfoundland, and it is there we have
heard of its being taken of much larger bulk than is usual
elsewhere; perhaps from the abundance of congenial food, for
which its appetite is represented as being very keen, as its power
of swallowing is also great; so that it is able to gulp do^vn fishes
of considerable size, as well as crabs and shellfish. It spawns
in the spring.

The Holibut is by far the largest of the Flatfishes; so that
in some rare instances it seems scarcely an exaggeration in
Lacepede to compare it in size with a whale; especially if we
are to suppose the comparison to be made with reference to
other species of the same family. The largest I have seen
weighed no more than one hundi-ed and twenty-four pounds;
but Pennant mentions an example that weighed tlu'ee hundred
pounds, and one which was caught near the Isle of Man in
April, 1828, measured seven feet and six inches in length, with
the breadth of thi-ee feet and six inches, and in weight was
three hundred and twenty pounds. Tliis, however, is little
more than half the weight of one that is rej)orted to have been
taken in Iceland; but which again must have been considerably
less than an example mentioned by Olafson, which measured
but little short of twenty feet in length. I have also been
informed by an officer of the navy that he was present at the
capture, on the banks of Newfoundland, of a Holibut which
greatly exceeded in size even the example mentioned by
Olafson.

152 HOLIBUT.

The general shape and proportions of this fish will be
understood by the comparative measurements given above.
The capacity of the mouth is large, and the jaws are armed
with, strong and jDr eminent teeth, those in the lower jaw stout,
scarcely close together, and incurved; in the upper jaw with
an approach to a double row of irregular size. The right eye
a little in advance of the left; nostrils on the ridge of
the head. The body smooth, but when dry the scales appear
oblong and overlapping each other. Lateral line curved over
the pectoral fin, afterwards straight. The dorsal fin begins
over the eye, at first narrow, expanding at about two thirds
of its length, afterwards narrower, ending short of the tail:
anal fin beginning at a considerable distance from the ventrals;
expanding at an early jjortion of its progress, narrower towards
its termination; rays of the former one hundi-ed and two, of
the anal seventy-four, but prone to vary in number. In the
pectoral I have found fourteen rays in the coloured side and
fifteen below, but this is jjrobably liable to variation. Caudal
slightly incurved, the border waved, sixteen rays; ventrals
small, distant from the throat and also from the anal fin.
Colour of the upper surface livid, with perhaps a tendency
to olive, below white.

c.

<

o
z
c
►J

o3

HIPPOGLOSSOIDES— GuxMHEK.

Eyes directed towards the right; mouth wide, teeth small, in a single
row: dorsal fin beginning above the eye; lateral line without a curve
at its origin; (ventral fins neither close to the throat nor to the anal.)

LONG ROUGH DAB.

SANDNECKER. LONG FLEUK. ROUGH FLOUNDER.

Citharus flavus sive asperus, Rondeletius.

Pleuronectes Umandoides, Blocu ; pi. 186. Turtox's Linufeus.

Pleuronecte limandoide, Lacepede.

Platessa Umandoides, Jexyns; Manual, p 459. Yarkell;

Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 313.
Hippoglossoides Umandoides, Gunther; Catalogue Br. Museum,

vol. iv, p. 405.

This fish is scarce and but little known in Britain; so that
when obtained it is thought worthy of particular notice. It is
especially a native of the north, and is remarked as being
taken more commonly than elsewhere ncdr the island of Heligo-
land; but it is also enumerated among the fishes of Norway and
Sweden, although it does not exist in the Baltic. Southward
its range is limited; but it is reported by AVilliam P. Cocks,
Esq., as having been purchased in the fish-market at Falmouth.
Although we suppose it to have been known to Rondcletius,
it is not mentioned as having been met with in the Mediterranean
nor anywhere further south. It is said to prefer sandy ground,
at a great depth, and its food, as in the generality of this
family, is taken from the bottom. ]Mr. Cocks found the stomach
of his specimen filled with the shells of Tarritella tcrehra, and
two thirds of the number contained hermit crabs — Pagnrus
Icecis. It spawns in ^lay and June.

VOL. III. X

154 LONG EOUGH DAB.

For the sake of greater accuracy, I copy our clescriptlon
and figure from the Swedish work of Ekstrom and Sunde-
vall; of v/hich it is the boast that the plates and descri^Dtions
were taken from the fishes represented in it immediately as
they came out of the water. Mr. Cocks' example was caught
in the middle of September, and measured nine inches in
length, and in breadth three inches and a quarter. According
to Ekstrom, it sometimes reaches twelve inches, with the
breadth, exclusive of the fins, one third of the extreme length;
the head to the border of the £?ill-cover is one fourth of the
whole body, excluding the caudal fin; the body regularly
oblong, much compressed; in thickness not exceeding a tenth
of the breadth; the scales more regular and equal than in
most of the flatfishes — rounded, with a free border, doubly
bent or channeled, the middle angle blunt, rounded with
from twelve to twenty small points, which are ciliated; on the
blind side these are so roughened only at the hindmost part
and at the base of the fins. The eyes, which look to the
right, are nearly equal, and the upper one is placed by a
fifth part further back than the other; the lower eye in length
equal to the distance of the j^oint of the snout. The ridge
behind the eyes low and smooth. Mouth large, as m the
Holibut and Tiirbot; teeth small, conic; the usual veil in the
mouth as in all flatfishes. Lateral line only gently sloped;
vent near the angle of the gill-cover; anal spine strong and
sharp. Dorsal fin with from seventy-eight to eighty-five rays,
and in breadth at the middle one fourth of the breadth of
the body; all the rays with scales in a single row, which are
rough on the upper side; the anal fin begins a little behind
the vent, and has from sixty-four to sixty-six rays; this and
the dorsal ending far short of the tail; caudal fin lengthened
at the middle, with eighteen rays; pectoral with ten or eleven
rays, which are all simjile — a cuxumstance that is jieculiar to
this species; but the lower j^ectoral, which is smaller, has
branched rays; ventral fins with six rays. Colour dusky
yellow, and in some situations it is slightly spotted.

o ix!

155

EHOMBTJS.

The eyes are directed towards the left; gape wide, the jaws with
a narrow band of teeth, and some in the middle of the palate (vomer;)
dorsal fin beginning close to the upper jaw; ventral fins near the
throat, and also near the anal.

TURBOT.

BAXNOCK FLEUK. TARBUT.

Rhombus acu^.eatus, Joxston; pi. 22, f. 12.

" " WiLLOUGUBT; p. 94, pi. f. 2; but the

dorsal fin is not placed sufiicieutly near
to the lips.
Pleuronectes maximus, Linn^us. Block ; pi. 49.

DoNOVA^j ; pi. 46.
Pleuronede turhot, LACErEDE.

Blwmhus maximus, Cuvier. Flejiing; Br. Animals, p. 196.

" " Jenyns ; Manual, p. 461.

" " Tarkell; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 324.

« " Gunther; Cat. Br. M., vol. iv, p. 407. -

The Turbot is one of tlie best known of this family of
fishes in consequence of the estimation in which it is hekl at
the most luxurious tables, where it is equalled only by the
Sabnon and Sturgeon; and the same high value was set on
it in the prosperous days of ancient Rome, as we learn from
several ancient writers, who inform us it was called the Sea
Pheasant, and who mention some of the extravagances to which
a compliance with the fashion led its followers. Horace says.

Great Turbots and the soup-dish lead
To shame at last, and want of bread;

but, contrary to the present taste, the preference was given to

156 TURBOT.

Turbots of tlie largest size; and Martial refers to a feast

wliere

the enormous fish

Was wider than the broadest dish.

A more remarkable circumstance connected with its ancient
history, as significant of foolish desjJotism on the one hand,
and on the other of the degradation of a once illustrious
assembly, is that in which the Emperor Domitian is said to
have summoned a meeting of the Senate, or rather they
assembled of their own accord, when the object of the meeting
was found to be — that they might advise the sovereign what
should be the sort and size of the vessel in which might
be cooked a mighty Tiu'bot that had been brought to him.
It must be confessed, however, that this oft-repeated story
aj^pears to stand in need of confirmation, since, while it is
mentioned by a satirist, it is not referred to by Suetonius,
who has shewn no reserve in speaking of the bad deeds of
this jjrince; and who, if it were true, cannot be believed to
have been insensible to the insult thus offered to, or the
disgrace incurred by the nobility of the empire.

For the more ready supply of this much-coveted delicacy,
Turbots were joreserved in ponds of salt-water; and this seems
to have been the more necessary, since there is reason to
believe that this fish is not very generally distributed in the
Mediterranean. Dr. Gulia, in his account of the fishes known
at Malta, regards it as of casual and rare occurrence in that
island; and it is not named by Kafincsque among the fishes of
Palermo.

Attempts have been made to prove that the fish referred to
in the satirical poetry of Juvenal, as also in other ancient
authors, under the name of Khombus, and among the Greeks
as Psetta, was not the Turbot, but the Brill, another species
which comes next in the order of our enumeration. There
is much probability that these fishes, wliich nearly resemble
each other, were often by the ancients confounded together;
but the particular reason why the Brill has been judged the
more likely to have been the true Rhombus of antiquity
appears to be that there were a few fishes, among which
were the Phombus and Asellus, which were believed to conceal
themselves in the sand or mud at the bottom, and there

TURBOT. 157

sj)read out the rays of their fins, and move them to and fro
to attract little fishes so as to devour them. It is further said
that the true Turbot does not j^ossess such rays to its dorsal
fin as are fitted to this alleged use, while the Brill is thus
furnished, as indeed may be seen in a sketch we give of a
fish of that species which is thus ornamented or supi)lied.

It is certain, however, that there is a mistake in these
particulars, and consequently in the argument which is derived
from them; and that this development of the first rays of the
dorsal fin is not only not a circumstance peculiar to the Brill,
but when it occurs that it is only an exceptional case in that
fish — occurring only once in many instances, without reference
to sex or age; while it is found just as often in some others
of the same family.

In one example of a Turbot, in which both sides were
alike in colour, there proceeded from before the eyes a process
thi-ee inches in length, thin in substance, and nearly as wide
as the breadth of the finger. It was directed forward, and so
far differed from the rays of the fin as not to be connected
with them; but although this may have been an abnormal
formation, yet an enlarged develojament of the front rays of
the dorsal fin is in this fish far from being an extraordinary
occurrence. In this argument, so far as regards magnitude, an
objection lies against the Brill, that it is never found of equal
size with a Turbot of full growth; and the following instances
tend to shew that in some cases the Turbot only can answer
the requirements of Juvenal's sarcasm or Martial's epigram.

It is not uncommon to meet with one of the weight of
thirty pounds, and I possess a note of an example of which
the weight was seventy pounds; but even this was exceeded
by one which is mentioned by Lacepede; another is recorded
to have been caught in Scotland of the weight of ninety
pounds and a quarter; and these again were far exceeded by
one which that eminent naturalist, Rondeletius, informs us he
himself saw, which in length measured five cubits, or seven
feet and a half, with a breadth of four cubits, and in thickness
a foot; which dimensions will fully answer, and perhaps exceed
all that is said of the Turbot of Domitian, but which cannot
be applied to any Brill of which there exists a record. Again,
in the account given of this transaction, one of the speakers

158 TLRBOT.

refers to tlie sudis, or sjnkcs, wliicli were on tlie baclc of the fish,
an expression not correct in reference to the fin rays of either
of these fishes, but strictly applicable to the upper surface, or
what fishermen term the back, of the Turbot. It is to be
observed further that this jiresentation to the emperor of an
immense Adriatic Turbot was scarcely a voluntary act, since
informers would have been ready to carry the news to the
prince, and thus have ruined the fisherman.

The Turbot is a fish of northern or temperate climates, and
is said to grow to a larger size generally on the coasts of
Britain and France than further south; but it is also known
along the shores of Italy and Greece, and it is found also in
the Black Sea. It prefers sandy ground, or where there is
gravel; and it is also reported to choose a bottom of mud, in
which to embed itself for the purpose of hiding its body, in
order the better to entrap unwary fishes; but this faculty of
intelligence will require more positive support from observation
than it has yet received. It appears to wander much, and in
small companies; and I have been iirformed by fishermen that
in many instances, when one has been drawn up with a line,
a companion has followed it so closely as to be taken with
the aid of the usual hooked stick (gafi") employed in lifting
on board the larger fishes. But although the usual habit of
the Turbot is to lie close to the ground, it is seen to mount
occasionally to the surface, and maintain its station there at
one stay for a considerable time, as if enjoying the flowing of
the current; but in that situation it has seemed less eager to
take a bait.

The ocean north of the Straits of Dover is a favourite
resort of these fishes; and it is there more particularly that a
regular fishery with long lines, or biilteys, is carried on for
catching them, the bait being a portion of a Herring or a
Lamprey, large quantities of this last-named fish being collected
for sale to the Dutch for this purpose. Mackarel is also a
favourite bait, but only for a short time in the season. The
fish which arc thus taken are brought for the most part to
the London market; and in the middle of the last (eighteenth)
century, the fishermen of Holland are said to have received
one hundred thovisand pounds in one year for what they had
brought to England of these fishes.

TUKBOT. 159

It is requisite to successful fishery for Turbots with a Hue
that the bait shall be ucAvly killed; and a liviug bait is still
more attractive, for this fish is not a little ravenous, and if
it chance to escaj^e from the hook, it will again and again
encounter the same risk. On one occasion a Grey Gurnard
had swallowed the bait, when it was itself seized by a Turbot,
which, in j)3.^siiig' it into its stomach, head foremost, suffered
the mischance of having the spines of its prey to become fixed
in its gullet, so that both of these fishes were drawn up
together. Crabs and shell-fish also form part of its food, and
indeed it ajipears that little which has life is rejected.

The trawl in the west and south of England is extensively
used for the taking of Turbots, as it is indeed for obtaining
every sort of fish that falls within the sweep of its net; but
more es^iecially it is successful for those of the PleuronectidcB.
But the fishes arc bruised, and for the most part greatly
injured in this method of fishing, — as may be imagined, when
we call to mind that thev are di-asrared alonsr on the srround
for a considerable distance, amidst an accumulation of whatever
heavy substances may come in the way. Tliis fish is retentive
of life, so that it will remain a whole day alive after being
caught; and yet when brought to Billingsgate they are sometimes
so much decayed as to be unfit for food.

By an Act of Parliament, (1st. George I., C. 28,) a Turbot
is forbidden to be sold when under the lensfth of sixteen
inches. Brill or Pearl fourteen inches. Codling twelve, ^\niiting
six, Bass and Mullet twelve. Sole eight, Plaise or Dab six^
Flounder seven; but there is no penalty for catching them of
less size than is here specified, and consequently the prohibition
itself affords no advantage towards what appears to have been
intended by it.

The breadth of the body of this fish is contained once and
three fifths in the whole length, excluding the tail fin; and
consequently it is wider proportionally than any other of the
British flatfishes, except those much smaller species the Tojjknots ;
and from this greater breadth and more rounded form it has
received in Scotland the name of Bannock, or Cake Fluke.
The gape is wide, opening obliquely downward, with a
mystache which reaches opposite the anterior eye; the eyes
separate, the lowermost a little in advance; a flat projecting

160 TURBOT.

siDine covering a portion of the uj^pcr jaw; under jaw longest;
teetli placed thickly in several rows, and a row also in the
palate. Lateral line arched over the pectoral fin, and thence
straight to the tail ; npper or coloured side without scales, but
irregularly covered with stout bony tubercles; on the mystache,
round the eyes and the gill-covers, are thickly-set small bossed
points. The tubercles on the body have not yet aj^peared in
very young examples, and they appear to be less in number
in examples which seemed to be of advanced age. The
dorsal fin begins in front of the eyes, and, with the anal,
passes on close to the tail; the tail round. Ventral fins close
under the throat, and nearly joined to the anal. The hindmost
nasal orifice on the blind side, bordered posteriorly with a
loose membrane. The colour varies in intensity, from light
brown to almost black; and in an example that was intensely
black, both sides were alike coloured, mottled and sjirinkled
over with dots of darker and white, as if with sand. The fin
rays are wide: in the dorsal sixty-eight; anal forty-eight to
fifty-nine; pectoral ten; caudal fifteen to seventeen; ventrals
five on the coloured side, six below, the first of the latter
answering to the second above.

c.

mif

m C

1{)1

BRILL.

PEARL. KITE. LUGALEE, OR LUGALEEF.

Bhomhns non aculeatus squamosus, Willoughby; pi. f. 3 — the

under side.
Pleuronedes rhombus, Linx.eus; Risso.

« " Flemisg; Br. Animals, p. 196.

" " Jenyns; Manual, p. 462.

Pleuronede cavrelet, Lacepede.

RJiombus vulgaris, Barbae, Cuvier.

" " " Yarrell; Br. Fishes, vol. ii,

p. 331.
Rhombus Icevis, Guxther; Cat. Br. Museum,

vol. iv, p. 400.

The Pleuronectes cyclojJS of Donovan api^ears to me to be
the Brill a little deformed about the head. Dr. Gunther
supposes it to be the young state of the Turbot; and the
young condition of the last-named fish, when about the size of
Donovan's figure, is marked with dots on the under side as in
this plate.

The Brill, or Kite, is often met with on the north coasts of
Europe, and from thence along the borders of the British
Islands to the Mediterranean; in which last district it appears
to have been often confounded with the Turbot. But they
seem to be in less numbers than the last-named fish, or at
least they are less frequently caught with the line, which cir-
cumstance tends to shew that these fishes are less ravenous in
their appetite than the Turbot. Their habits lead them to keep
in similar ground, and their food is much the same; but the
Brill is not considered as equal for the table to that esteemed
delicacy.

The Brill reaches the ordinary size of the Turbot, but never
is found of the bulk of the larger examples of that fish. Its
VOL. III. ^

162 BRILL.

form is more oval, and consequently is somewhat longer in
proportion to its breadth; the dimensions being that the breadth
of the body is contained one and two thirds in the length,
excluding the caudal fin, and the length of the head three
times and a third. It may be also distinguished from this only
other British species, with which it might be confounded by
having a slight covering of scales on the coloured surface; but
esjsecially by not having bony tubercles, such as ai'e scattered
over the skin of the Turbot. The gape is large, the angle of
the mouth depressed, mystache rather wide, reaching fully back
to the lowermost eye; under jaw protruded, with a chin; teeth
in the jaws and j)alate. The lowermost eye in advance of the
upper ; hindmost gill-cover passing a little over the root of the
pectoral fin. Body and cheeks covered with scales; lateral line
arched over the pectoral. The dorsal fin begins in front of
the eyes, and but little above the snout, the rays stout, fleshy,
and at first passing beyond the membrane, with from seventy
to eighty rays; pectoral nearly round; ventral near the throat,
with five rays, but this fin on the lower side passes behind
the uj)per, so as to appear joined to the anal; the latter ends
opposite the dorsal, near the tail; this last-named fin round.

The general colour of tliis fish is deep brown, mottled with
deeper brown, and irregularly dotted over with white specks;
and I have seen an example intensely black, with a few white
specks on the anal fin. Like others of this family, the lower
side is sometimes coloured like the upper, and in some instances
only a portion is so coloured.

C/

o

*

163

SAIL FLUKE.

Zeugofterus velivolans, Richakdsox; 2nd. Supplement to

Yarrell's British Fishes.

The history of this fish, as it is given to us from the Islands
of Orkney, is so extraordinary that doubt might be raised of
its truth, if it -were not supported by the evidence of scientific
observers, who have used their endeavours to place the par-
ticulars beyond reasonable question. The earliest account appears
to have been furnished by Dr. Duguid, of Kirkwall, but it is
since confirmed by information received from jNIr. Charles
Thomson, of North Ronaldshav, who adds that this fish is
scarcely rare in that distant island; and in others of that group
it may be scarce only from its peculiar habits, for it has not
been known to take a bait, and it is only in a single instance
that it is said to have been caught in a net. The chance
therefore of its falling into human hands was not to be calculated
on, and still less so, as we shall see, in an unmutilated con-
dition. But its characteristic habit is described as, that in the
winter, when the weather happens to be calm, it rises to the
surface of the sea, and with its tail lifted as a sail it makes
towards the land, on the sandy shore of which it drives itself,
and where it does not fail to be descried by some one of the
larger prowling gulls; which, always on the look out, pounces
on it for the purpose of tearing o^en its bowels in search of
the liver; and when it has whetted its appetite with this delicacy
it bears off the body of the luckless fish to some safe place
where it may be devoured at leisure. As the eyes of these
birds are sharp to discover this coveted prey, it is not often
that the fish, which is said to be delicious when quite fresh
from the sea, can be procured for the table; but to obtain it
at the favourable moment of time boys are set on the watch.

164 SAIL FLUKE.

and it sometimes liaj^pens that by them the gulls are disappointed
of their ^ prize.

The interest attached to the possession and examination of
such a fi^h has necessarily led to enquiry after it in the
regions to which it was supjDosed to be confined; and in doing
this I have been materially and kindly aided by the proffered
assistance of Mr. John G. Iverach, of Kirkwall, whose earlier
efforts, however, were only successful in j^rocuring the information
that the Sail Fluke had not been met with there for several
years. At last, however, we have been more fortunate, and
two examples were obtained in the Island of North Ronaldshay,
by j\Ir. Charles Thomson; who has kindly contributed to the
progress of scientific knowledge by sending them to Kirkwall
to the care of ]Mr. Iverach, by whom they were dispatched,
enclosed" in salt, to me; and it is from these s^iecimens that our
figure and description have been taken. I have not been informed
of the manner in which these examples were caught; but it
is proper to observe that in this instance the gulls have been
deprived of their banquet, for no mutilation was to be discerned,
and the liver remained within its proper cavity.

From examination, however, we are led to conclude that,
although the remarkable habits above referred to as being
observed in Orkney, have not been noticed in our south and
western districts, the fish itself scarcely aj^pears to be rare
with us. It is judged by Dr. Gunther to be the "WTriff, {R.
megastoma of authors;) and although we find it to differ in
some portion of its character, as we shall see, from that of the
subgenus in which that gentleman arranges it, it so closely
approaches to what we know of that sj^ecies, that we do not
question the fact; although from comparison, as they lie
together, we are further led to conclude that the Carter of
Cornish fishermen must be set down as a distinct species.
The difference between them, as well regarding structure as
habit, will more particularly apj)ear when we have described
the last mentioned fish; but at jDresent we only remark that
the English examjiles of what we sujDpose to be the Sail
Fluke, like those of Orkney, have not been known to take
a bait; nor has it been found enclosed in nets that have been
used near the land. It is in the trawl only that we have
known them obtained at Phinouth and Falmouth; and it is

SAIL FLUKE. 1G5

probable that ■\rbere the same method of fishing is employed,
it is not rare along the south and eastward coasts of England
and Ireland. Mr. Thompson found small fishes in the stomach
of "VVhifi^s caught on the east coast of the last named country.
The Sail Fluke grows to the length of about twenty-three or
four inches, but that one which we select for description
measured only seventeen inches and a half. The other example
sent with it exceeded this a little in length, but in form and
proportions they were otherwise closely alike. The greatest
breadth or depth of the body was seven inches, exclusive of
the fi.ns, the body j^lump and thick. The head from the snout
to the border of the gill-covers a little more than a third of
the length of the body to the insertion of the caudal rays;
the breadth of the body is equal to the length from the snout
to the angle of the curve of the lateral line. Gape of the
mouth wide, opening obliquely downward; under jaw protruding
beyond the upper, with something like a chin; teeth in both
jaws; the front end of the vomer bent down into the form of
a protuberance, which is armed with teeth of which the
points are directed backward. The tongue free, narrow, firm,
and pointed. Eyes large, oval, the lowest smaller than the
other and more advanced, coming near to the mystache, which
is long, reaching to the middle of the lower eye; a ridge
between the eyes, curved upward posteriorly. Above the
point or symphysis of the upper jaw is a prominence, close
behind which there is a depression from which the outline
rises again to the back. Lateral line arched, rising at first
and then sinking behind the border of the pectoral fin, from
whence it makes a sharp turn towards the tail. Scales on
the gill-covers, head, and body, more prominent on the lateral
line, their edges finely ciliated, the largest towards the tail.
The dorsal fin begins close beliind the prominence on the
snout, and, as does the anal, becomes widest near its termi-
nation near the tail; the root of the tail spreading wider as
it proceeds from the ending of the dorsal and anal fins; first
rays of the dorsal slender, lengthened, their extremities free,
the whole number ninety-two. In one example the ventral fins
had five rays, in the other six, near the throat, rising on the
body posteriorly, and in the space left between them rose the
first ravs of the anal fin, in front of which was the vent.

166 SAIL FLUKE.

opening into a hollow between the ventral fins. In the anal
fin seventy-two rays, in the pectoral twelve, the first very-
short; on the under side this fin is scarcely half as large as
that which is above. Rays of the dorsal and anal fins bent
in a curve backward towards their extremities. In the caudal
fin eighteen rays, of which the middlemost are much the
longest. The colour had probably faded through the length
of time these examples had been out of water; the one described
was pale brown without spots, in the other was a tinge of
pink. Along the rays of the dorsal and anal fins was a series
of slight scales.

h;

CAi.

167

CAETER.

MARY SOLE. QUEEN's SOLE. ?

Whiff, Jago; Synopsis Piscium.

EaY; pi. 2, f. 2.

" LiNNEAN TRANSACTIONS, Vol. xiv, p. 78.

Pleuronectes inegastoma, Donovan; pi. 51.
Rhombus megastoma, Yarrell.

This may be called a common fish along the south coasts
of Britain, but how far it answers to some of the flatfishes
found in the INIediterranean Sea or south of Europe, which
are designated by the appellation of Oculata, from the eye-like
or circular sjDots which lie along the borders of their coloured
surface, I have not the means of knowing, since the figures of
the latter which I have seen are very imperfect, and the
descriptions little less so. But in Cornwall the Carter is not
unfrequently taken with a line, as well as in the trawl, and I
have found a fish three or four inches long in its stomach;
but it is little valued in the market on account of its meagre
appearance, the quantity of flesh which clothes its skeleton
being in less abundance than is common with any other of
the British flatfishes. The body is indeed so thin as to
authorise the name of Lanthorn Fish, by which it is sometimes
called.

But there is an interest attending it arising from its having
been confounded with the western examj)les of the Sail Fluke,
under the common name of Rhojnhus megastoma; from the
fact that both of them are alike characterized by a large gape,
which is indeed the chief particular that marks this section
of the family of flatfishes. But a glance at the figures of
each of these fishes will shew that in their relative proj^ortions
they differ much. When full grown the Sail Fluke reaches a

168 CARTER.

larger size, one example measuring twenty-one inclies, and the
weight of another was four pounds, and in plumpness it much
excels the Carter. The comparative breadth of the former is
also more considerable, being equal to the length from the
snout to the angle of the curve of the lateral line; while in
the Carter the same breadth (or depth) is only equal to the
length from the snout to the extent of two thirds of the
pectoral fin, the breadth of the body being also carried
backward more considerably towards the tail. In the Sail Fluke
the measure of the head, from the snout to the extreme
border of the gill-cover, is a little more than a third of the
length of the body as it ends in the insertion of the rays of
the tail, which exceeds a like measure in the Carter, in which
fish the middle rays of the tail are less extended.

But the diiFerence between these fishes is particularly to be
noticed in the difference of situation of their ventral fins, the
one or two first rays of the anal fin in the Sail Fluke being
embraced within the ventrals, which also conceal the vent;
whereas in a Carter of the same length the space between the
last rays of the ventrals and the first of the anal is about
half an inch. And this circumstance, with the measurement in
the Sail Fluke, is the more worthy of notice, as both of my
specimens were alike in this respect, while the figure engraved
in Sir" John Richardson's (third) "Supjilement to Yarrell's
British Fishes," represents a space between the ventral and
anal fins.

For the better distinguishing between these fishes we add a
particular description of the Carter: — The extreme length of
the specimen was eighteen inches; the depth, about the middle
of the body, and exclusive of the fins, six inches; from the
point of the lower jaw to the hindmost border of the gill-cover
four inches and a quarter. Gape wide; beneath the lower jaw
a firm, pointed, angular process. Several rows of conical,
somewhat incurved teeth, with a vacancy among them at the
symphysis of the jaw; a very small patch of teeth in the
palate, with a pair that are larger than those in the jaws.
Body thin; head bony; eyes large, the lowermost moderately
prominent, the uj^per sunk within a wide socket. Body and
head, with upper part of dorsal and anal fins, covered with
scales, which are ciliated at the edges; anterior nostril having

CARTER. 169

a wide foliated border. Lateral line arclied to the place
where it conies near the pectoral fin, and from thence straight.
The dorsal fin begins opposite the margin of the anterior eye,
the rays bordered with a wing, and the connecting membrane
deeply cut in; both it and the anal fin pass fiir back to the
root of the tail, and then jDass under it. Colour dusky yellow,
in some examples deeper or reddish, with numerous irregular
spots on the head, body, and fins, (mostly brown, but some
light,) and round the borders of the body a series of large
spots irregularly ocellated; sclerotic portion of the eye brown,
and s^^otted, the margin bright yellow; under side white,
tinged with red. The pectoral fin below smallest. Dorsal fin
with ninety rays; anal seventy-two, bifid near their ends;
upper pectoral fourteen, below twelve; ventrals above seven,
below six; caudal seventeen, the middlemost longest. The
tongue is almost conical, pointed, free.

VOL III.

170

MULLEE'S TOPKNOT.

Fleuronedes fundatus, Bloch; f. 189. TuETO^-'s Linnaeus.

Flehixg ; Br. Animals, p. 196.
JRhomhus pundatus, Cua'Iee,.

Pleuronedes Mrius, Jentks; Manual, p. 462.

rJwmhns Mrtus, Yarkell; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 334,

Ehtmhus ptmdatus, GrNTHER; Cat. Br. Museum, vol. iv,

p. 413.

Pennant appears to liave been tlie first to notice this fish,
but he seems to have had but a slight knowledge of it, as in
the engraving he has given, in the first octavo edition of his
British Zoology, he bestowed uj)on it the name of Smear Dab,
which in his text he had already assigned to a very diiferent
species. But on the other hand it must not be imputed to
him, but to his engraver, that the eyes in his figure are dii-ected
towards the right. Since the time of Pennant, however, a
considerable amount of confusion has mingled itself with the
accounts which naturalists have given of the characters of this
fish as compared with another closely allied to it, which has
sprung more especially from the belief that the distinction
between them is to be recognised by marks which assuredly
are neither constant nor decisive. A princijjal one of these is
said to be that the one or two first rays of the dorsal fin in
the species known as Bloch's Topknot, next to be described,
are lengthened into a separate filament; but I entertain no
doubt that this su23j)osed mark is only of casual occurrence,
and may as well be met with in one species as the other; as it
is not uncommon also in the Turbot, Brill, already referred to,
and, as we shall presently see, in the Megrim or Scaldfish. It
is somewhat remarkable, however, that I have not seen this
elongation of the first rays in any other species besides those
of the genus Rhombus.

o

2,

o

3

MULLER S TOPKNOT.

171

Another mark of distinction is described as existing in the
roughness of the under side; but Tfith respect to this we
hesitate with the expression of a doubt as regards its constancy.
There are variations of proportion in the parts of the body
which may be observed when these fishes are brought together,
but the separation of the ventral fins from the anal in Bloch's
Topknot, whereas they are closely joined together in the
present species, is a more decisive ground of distinction between
them; although a question may arise whether the not very
distant se23aration of these organs should be deemed sufficient
to consign them, as has been done, to different genera. The
underlajjping of the termination of the dorsal and anal fins
beneath the body, as here represented, appears to afford a

more characteristic distinction for constituting a separate genus,
as distinguishing these two species of fish from all others of
this family with which we are acquainted, as well in form as
probably in habit.

The length of the example described which was of the usual
size, was six inches and'.^a half, and* in width with the fins
extended four inches and a half; but without measuring the
fins the breadth was three inches; from the snout to the
hindmost extent of the gill-covers one inch and six eighths;
the gape wide, opening downward; the mystache wide, teeth
small; the lower eye advanced before the upper. The lateral
line rises in an arch over the pectoral fin, and from thence
backward straight. The upper surface, as well of the head as

172 muller's topknot.

body, rough from small scales, which, also clothe the rays of
the fins. The dorsal fin begms but little above the upper jaw;
ventrals close under the throat, and united to the anal, and the
latter with the dorsal broadest posteriorly; and then both of
them becoming more narrow they pass under the body, so as
almost to be brought together on the under surface. Pectoral
and tail fins rather small. The colour is dark brown, with
stripes and blotches that are almost black, especially on the
head, where a broad stripe passes from each eye to their
respective borders. There is often a broad circular spot, which
sometimes is ma^ed with a lighter centre, at the side where
the arch of the lateral line ends.

This fish is subject to some remarkable variety. Thus, I
have seen it with almost the whole of the upper surface,
except the head and a small patch near the tail, without
colour or scales, like the lower surface; the border of the
dorsal and anal fins yellowish red, and with only two or three
rays having scales; on the tail the rays extended beyond the
border of the membrane. In another instance there was no
caudal portion, so that where the dorsal and anal fins were
brought closely together the body terminated.

CA

E-'
O

2;

M

a, ,_,

O >

? o

o
o

PQ

BLOCH'S TOPKNOT.

Block; pi. 189.
Ehomlus pundatus, Tarrell ; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 338.

" " Jexyns; Manual, p. 462.

PhrynorJwmhus unimaculatus, Gunther; Cat. Br. M., vol. iv.

This species has been confounded with MuUer's Topknot,
from which it requires some degree of discrimination to
distinguish it; and even at tliis time a considerable amount of
confusion exists as regards the assignment of their sjTionyms,
as well as in the marks of distinction between them laid down
by different writers. We have referred to these while speaking
of the last-mentioned fish, and therefore it is only necessary
in this j)lace to specify those characters by which it may be
definitely known, or which may seem to signify some difierence
of habits. In form they nearly resemble each other, but in
Bloch's Topknot the width is scarcely so great; the gape is
more limited, and the bony structure of the jaws and face
less rigid; but the ridge between the eyes is a little more
prominent, which, however, will scarcely be discerned unless
the two fishes are laid side by side. The under side rough,
but the only unvarying mark of distinction between them
appears to be that in the present species the ventral fins are
visibly separated from the anal, whereas in Muller's Topknot
they are united. The colour also in Bloch's Topknot is
generally of a lighter cast; but we cannot perceive sufficient
reason for the trivial name given to it by Risso and adopted by
Dr. Gunther, (unimaculatus, or One-spotted,) since both these
species are often, and, it would appear, equally marked by a
defined circular spot at the side, which, however, is sometimes
not to be perceived. It is probable that the frequent lighter
colour may be ascribed to its residence on lighter ground; and

174 block's topknot.

there is some reason to suppose also that Bloch's Topknot
somethnes inhabits deei^er water, as it has been taken from
the stomach of a Ling which was caught at a depth of more
than thirty fathoms. Mr. Thompson, of Weymouth, has informed
me of an example that was ornamented on the lateral line,
near the tail, with a black spot, which had an orange-coloured
spot in its centre; and it was also marked with several j^uce-
coloured spots along the base of the dorsal and anal fins.

In regard to the relative dimensions of this species Dr.
Gunther says that the height of the body is nearly one half
of the total length without the caudal, and the length of the
head two parts out of seven; but in these j)roportions there
appears to be an occasional variety, unless we are to suj^pose
that a third species occurs on our coast. Mr. Thompson, of
Belfast, obtained a specimen which, with a length of six
inches and a half, was only two inches and seven lines in
breadth, and I jjossess the note of an example which was
brought to me that was six inches long, and two inches and
a fourth in width. Another also, which was mutilated when I
saw it, appeared to be of a length greater than the generality
of these fishes. It seemed much flatter in form, the colour
not dark, and the possessor, who had removed the lower
surface before I saw it, assured me that the dorsal and anal
fins ended in a line with the tail, without passing to the
lower surface. The number of the fin rays was, — dorsal
eighty-eight, anal sixty-eight, ventral six, pectoral ten, the
caudal fifteen. It remains yet to be seen whether either of
these was the Rhombus cardina of naturalists.

H

H
O

O 1—1

175

EKSTEOM^S TOPKNOT.

Rhombus cardina, Feies and Ekstkom; Scandinavian

Fishes, pi. 50.
" norvegicns, Gunthek; Cat. Br. M., vol. iv, p. 412.

There is much confusion in the t'O'o or three "vn'iters I
have been able to consult on the fish to which I have assigned
the English name as above; and there cannot be a doubt
that the name RJiomhus cardina given to it by the Swedish
authors, in their work on Scandinaidan fishes is misapplied, as
it bears little likeness to the species which is thus named by
Cuvier, who refers to Jago's figure in Ray's Sjoioj^sis, f. 2,
where it is represented under the name of A\TiifF. This last
named fish, Rhoynhus cardina of Cuvier, is the Carter of our
work. But on the other hand, Ekstrom's Topknot so nearly
resembles the species of Topknots we have already described,
that I have no doubt it has been hitherto confounded with
them, although when seen together the difference is easily
discerned.

The example from which our figure and description have
been taken, is the first that has been recognised in Britain;
and it was caught in the Bristol Channel early in the year
1863, from whence it came into the possession of Edmund T.
Higgins, Esq., to whom I am indebted for the oj^portunity of
making it known to naturalists.

Its habits appear to be little known even to the Swedish
authors. Fries, Ekstrom, and Xilsson, who mention it; but
there is reason to believe that its resort is less in rocky
ground than the two other kinds of Topknots. Compared
with them the proportion is not nearly so wide in comparison
with the length, and it is also much thinner; gape wide;
angle of the mouth depressed; lower jaw a little protruding,
with a small chin. Eyes near each other, separated by a thin

176 ekstrom's topknot.

higli ridge; the left eye in advance, and nearly toucliing the
mystache; both eyes nearer the snout than in the R. hirtus of
Yarrell, with which the comijarison was particularly made.
The gill-covers also much less marked with ridges; anterior
portion of the head and jaws rough with points, but less
so than in the kindred fish. On the cheeks and body the
scales are regular and plainly visible, while they are not
discerned in R. hirtus, and they are ciliated at the edge; but
the whole surface, as well of the cheeks as the body, is
smooth when the finger is passed over it to the tail. Lateral
line less arched at first, by not ascending, and from the part
where it is bent down proceeding straight to the tail. The
dorsal fin does not begin so near the snout, but barelv in
front of the iipper eye. The pectoral fin is longer and more
pointed, for where in R. hirtus it barely touches the angle
of the lateral line, in this fish it reaches beyond it ; ventral
fins not quite so close to the throat, but near the anal fin;
tail much longer. The dorsal and anal fins pass only a little
under the body at their termination, but this termination is
not so near the caudal as in the other species. The under
or uncoloured side, as well of the cheeks as body, is covered
■n-ith ciliated scales, which is not the case with ]\luller's
Topknot; and these scales pass far beyond the termination of
the dorsal and anal fins, so as to cover the origin of the rays
of the caudal fin. On the lower side the pectoral fin is small.
Colour of the upper sirrface yellowish brown, mottled with
darker brown over the head, body, and fins, with less tendency
to defined spots than in the other species.

As two other species of Tojiknots have obtained their
Ensrlish names from eminent naturalists who have described
them, it aj)i3ears an act of justice to ajoply to the third
species the name of a naturalist to whom we are indebted
for a correct knowledge of the fish we have now added to
the British catalogue.

c

£ >

i i

MEGRIM.

SCALDFISH.

Arnoglossus Bondelefii,

PJeuronedes arnoglossus,
" arnoglossus,

Bhomhus arnoglossus,
Arnoglossus laterna,

WiLLorciiBY; p. 102, Table F. 8, f. 7;

copied from Eondeletius.
Flemisg; Br. Animals, p. lf»7.
Jenyns; Manual, p. 46-5.
Yakrell; Br. Fislies, vol. ii, p. 34-5.
GuNTHER; Cat. Br. M., vol. iv, p. 417.

This little fisli is with iis one of the least resrarded of the
family of Flatfishes, chiefly on account of its small size, which,
when of full growth, seldom reaches six or seven inches, but
more frequently it is found of four or five inches in length.
It keeps in the deeper water on sandy ground, and I have not
known it take a bait, which may happen however because at
the depth of water it frequents the hooks are larger than suit
its mouth; but it is often swept up with the trawl, and some-
times it is found in the stomachs of the larger fishes, among
which the Conger is a principal devourer.

But the most remarkable portion of the history of this fish
is that from which it has obtained the name of Scaldfish, and
in which it differs from all the flatfishes with which we are
acquainted. Even when caught with the least amount of injury
it is found to have lost the greater portion of its scales, and
it only requires a slightly rougher handling for it to suffer the
loss of its skin also, so that the surface usually appears as if
the fish had been dipped in boiling water. It may be on this
account, and from the small quantitv of flesh that covers its
bones, that with us it is not employed as food; but Rondeletius
speaks of it as a delicacy for the table.

The example selected for description measured four inches

VOL. III. 2 A

178 MEGRIM. LOPHOTES.

and three fourths in length, with the breadth of one inch and a
half; eyes near each other, large, looking to the left, separated
by an elevated ridge, the lowest a little in advance. Jaws
equal, the gape wide, angle of the mouth depressed, with a
stout niystache. Body thin, expanded just above the eyes, but
widest at about the first third of the length backward. The
scales large and thin, but so loosely adhering to the skin that
they are easily separated from it, so that it is not common to
find more than a few present. The skin also appears to be
easily rubbed ofi" from the flesh. Lateral line arched at first,
not descending beyond the level of the uppermost eye, thence
sloping until it proceeds straight to the tail. A\Tien the skin
is removed, a line is seen which slopes gently downward, until
it passes onward to the tail. The dorsal fin begins in front of
the upj)er eye, and commonly is narrow at its origin, becoming
wider at half its length, but in the example described several
of the first rays were considerably lengthened into separate
threads; j)^^toral fin narrow; ventrals close to the throat, and
separate from the anal fin, the latter running parallel with the
dorsal, and both ending short of the tail. Caudal fin rounded.
The colour usually is pale dusky yellow, but in the present
example a brighter yellow; border of the dorsal, anal, and
caudal fins of a lighter colour.

LOPHOTES.

Arnoglossus Io];i1iofes, Gumther; Cat. Br. Museum, vol. iv, p. 417.

Dr. Gunther remarks, in his description of this species
from examples formerly in possession of Mr. Yarrell, that this
collection was entirely comjDOsed of specimens of British Fishes
with a few species from the ]Mediterranean. The situations
from which they were obtained had been noted by him only in
a small proportion of the specimens, and unfortunately no
record has been preserved by him of the history of the
specimens of this sjjecies. Nearly all the Mediterranean
specimens are prepared in a uniformly jjeculiar manner,
different from that in which the British specimens in general.

LOPHOTES.

1T9

and the three specimens of a Lophotes especially, were pre-
served. It is not at all improbable that these three specimens
are British, and to these observations of Dr. Gunther I will
venture to add, that it is probable these same examples were
examined by myself at INIr. Yarrell's house, at wliich time I
made a note of its being that gentleman's opinion that they
formed varieties or monstrosities of the Megrim or Scaldfish;
but that they appeared to me to diifer considerably from other
examples of the last-named — especially in the lower jaw, which
was more protruded; in the separate lengthened tendrils in
front of the dorsal fin, and especially in the singular shape of

the lateral line; from which particulars I judged them to be
a species new to Britain, but from whence they were procured
did not appear. There is reason to believe that at least a large
proportion of the preserved skins obtained by Mr. Yarrell
from Plymouth were a gift from Lieutenant Spence, R.N., of
that place; but I am informed by Dr. Gunther that these skins
of the Lophotes in the collection of the British Museum are
prepared in a diiferent manner from such as were presented
by Lieutenant Spence; and yet that this gentleman had met
with the species at Plymouth appears from the fact that at his
house I had an opportunity of ^ examining a skin of what I
felt no doubt was the same species with that of Mr. Yarrell,
but of which I was only able to take a sketch of the front,
with the form of the lateral line — ^a copy of which, a little
diminished, is for the sake of illustration here given. The

180 LOPHOTES.

skin now referred to was in length nine inclies, and a very
little more tlian three in breadth, which dimensions exceed
those usually found in the more common Megrim; the head
stouter and more bony than in the Megrim; eyes large, with
an elevated ridge behind them; fin rays of the dorsal eighty-
nine.

So far I am able to refer to my own notes of what has
appeared to me to be an addition to the catalogue of British
fishes; but in order to render what is known of the subject
more comj^lete, the following is added from Dr. Gunther, as
above referred to: — "The height of the body is contained twice
and two thirds to twice and four fifths in the total length
(without caudal,) the length of the head four times and a half
to four times and thi-ee foui'ths. Scales deciduous; anterior
curve of the lateral line subsemicircular. Snout with the lower
jaw slightly prominent, as long as the eye, the diameter of
which is one fifth of the length of the head. The length of
the maxillary is a little less than one third of that of the head.
Eyes sejDarated by a very narrow elevated ridge, the lower
being in advance of the upper. The four anterior dorsal rays
are elongate, nearly as long as the head. The dorsal fin com-
mences in front of the upjjer eye, and terminates close by the
caudal. Caudal fin somewhat shorter tlian the head, rounded.
The length of the pectoral is two thirds of that of the head.
Coloration uniform (in a di'ied state.") The dorsal rays were
ninety-five, anal seventy-seven.

< ^

181

PLATESSA.

MouxH moderate, gape not large; cutting teeth in the jaws, none in
the roof of the mouth. Dorsal fin beginning only so far forward as
the upper eye, and neither dorsal nor anal coming near the tail.
British species have their eyes towards the right.

PLAICE.

Plaice, Passer Bellonii,
Quadratuliis Rondeletil,
Platessa Ausonii, Plaise,

Platessa platessa,

" vulgaris.

Pleuronede plie,
Pleuronectes platessa,

M («

« «

WiLLOUGHBY; p. 96, pi. F. 3.
CUVIER.

Flemixg; Br. Animals, p. 198. p
Jesyxs; Manual, p. 454.
Yakrell; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 297.
Lacepede. Risso.
LixKiECS. Blocu, pi. 42.
Donovan, pi. 6.
GuKTHER; Cat. Br. Museum,
vol. iv, p. 440.

Among the references which Willoughby makes to the names
of this fish there is one to the poems of Ausonius, Epistle 4,
where it is called mollis platessa; a designation -which conveys
the opinion held by some of our own day, that its flesh is
too soft to form an acceptable food; while other writers have
spoken of it in much more favourable terms. Xor is this
difference of opinion to be ascribed altogether to variety of
taste in those who have expressed it, since there is reason
to believe that no inconsiderable variety is found in the quality
of the fish itself, according to the situation in which it is
caught; and this again is probably to be ascribed as well to
the nature of the ground, whether it consist of mud or clean
sand, as to the quality of the food on which it has been
feeding; for the latter may well be supjDosed to exert an
influence on the delicacy and firmness of its flesh. "We have

182 PLAICE.

thus known, as an ordinary occurrence, that a great difference
of price has existed between marine animals caught within a
few miles of each other; and fishermen are quick to discern
this in the appearance of fishes which are taken at difierent
stations in the sea.

In the seas of Europe the Plaice is found consideral^ly
toward the north, so that it is known along the coasts of
Sweden, and in the Baltic. It is also met with in the
Mediterranean; but it is nowhere in greater plenty than in
a moderate depth of water round the British Islands, where it
forms an important object of the trawl fishery; and we are
informed that the enormous number of thirty-eight millions of
these fishes has formed the usual yearly su2:)ply to the markets
of London. It is jii'obable, however, that this amount is now
greatly reduced, as I am informed by an old fisherman that
so long since as the year 1833 the numbers taken by him on
the coast of Cornwall had much fallen off from the time of
Jiis early experience. This large deficiency in his gains is
ascribed to the destruction of the young and embryo fish, as
well as of the fishing-ground and food, by the increased
practice of trawling.

This fish, in common with several others of the same family,
is taken with a line, and also with the spiller; the latter
being, in fact, a representation on a small scale, as regards
the hooks and snoozing, of the bultcy or long line already
described; the bait being the common worm of the beach, or
shell-fish deprived of its shell, and the situation for the fishery
some sheltered sandy bay where it may remain safe from
interruption.

The Plaice sheds its spawn in spring; and Lacepede gives,
on the authority of a friend, a curious account of the hatching
of the young, which we coj)y, without being able to vouch
for its accuracy or probability, as he also confesses for himself;
but his final opinion is worthy of notice, as it may account
for the conveyance of some kinds of fishes into situations
where, under other circumstances, we could scarcely supjDose
they would be found. For a long time, says this author, the
opinion has been held, as well in England as in France, that
the Plaice is produced from a small crustacean animal of the
shrimp kind; and it became the wish of Dr. Deslandes to

PLAICE. 183

find out how such an ahsurcl opinion conhl have had an
origin. He ajDplied himself to the inquiry for several years,
and, by way of experiment, he placed some of these little
shrimps in a vessel of sea water of sufficient size; and in
about twelve or thirteen days he found in the vessel eight
or nine little Plaice, which gradually increased in size; and
this circumstance confirmed him in the opinion, of the truth
of which he had been already persuaded. In the following
spring he pursued the inquiry by j^lacing some Plaice in one
vessel, and in another vessel some Plaice together with some
of these small shrimps. It appeared that among the Plaice
contained in these two vessels there were some females which
shed their spawn; but, notwithstanding this, the only vessel
which shewed the presence of young Plaice was that in
which were the shrimps. Deslandes proceeded to examine the
crustaceans, and then it was that he discovered the grains of
the roe of the Plaice attached to the under part of these
crabs. He opened these grains, and thus was able to ascertain
that not only were they in a fertile condition, but that each
one of them held an embryo which was somewhat advanced in
development; from which circumstance he was led to form
the conclusion that the 2'rains of the roe of the Plaice can
only come to life when hatched on the under surface of these
small shrimps. But on the other hand, Lacepede was firmly
persuaded that this opinion of Dr. Deslandes is founded on
error, and that those grains of ova had been first shed in a
j)lace frequented by these shrimps, which are known to be
disposed to feed on the ova of fishes, and especially on those
of flatfishes. He further remarks that the ova of all kinds of
fishes are enclosed in a tenacious kind of covering, and thus,
as in this instance, they may become glued to the under
portion of these shrimps at a time when the latter were
seeking to devour them. Of course they would carry them
thvis attached wherever they themselves went.

I possess the record of a Plaice which measured nineteen
inches in length, and ten inches in breadth; but these dimensions
probably included the width of the fins. Mr. Thompson
mentions an Irish specimen that weighed twelve pounds; and
Ekstrom says he has seen it two feet long; but usually they
are much less, the breadth of the body beinar about one half

184 PLAICE.

of the lengtli, excluding the caudal fin. The most elevated eye
is close to the uj)per margin of the body, which there suffers
a dejoression in its outline; and the lower eye is in advance,
near the end of the mystache, with a ridge between them,
and six tubercles in a line backward, reaching to the lateral
line. Lower jaw projecting; small teeth; gape rather small.
Body and cheeks covered with small scales, which do not
overlap each other; lateral line a little arched at its com-
mencement and afterward straight. The dorsal fin begins with
short rays close above the upper eye, and is widest behind
the half of its length, ending at a short distance from the
tail, as does the anal. Ventral fins about midway between the
throat and the beginning of the anal fin; pectoral moderate;
tail round. The colour varies in different examples from
brown to deep bluish green; but both body and fins are dotted
over with bright yellow or orange-coloured spots.

185

DAB.

Passer asper,
Pleuronectes limanda,

Pleiironeete limande,
Platessa limanda,

Pleuronectes limanda.

WlLLOUGHBY; p. 97, pi. F. 4.

Ltxx.eus. BLOcn, pi. 46.

Donovan, pi. 44.

Lacepede.

CuviER. Fleming; Br. Animals, p. 198.

Jenyns; Manual, p. 4-56.

Yarrell; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 307.

Gusther; Cat. Br. M., vol. iv, p. 448.

The Dab is one of our commonest fishes, but not one of tbe
most abundant; nor docs it ajjpear to abound elsewhere,
although it is met with in the far north of Europe. Its range,
however, does not extend proportionally to the south, and
although it is mentioned by Lacepede as an inhabitant of the
]\Iediterranean, it is not named as seen in that sea by writers
who have given an account of fishes which have occurred
within their own observations. But it is well known along all
the coasts of the British Islands, where it often takes the hook,
and its food is worms, crustaceous animals, and small shell-fish.
Its resort is in smooth and sandy ground, and frequently in
sandv bays, althousrh at times it is taken at the distance of
several miles from land. I have found the milt ready to be
shed at Christmas, but the usual time for spawning is in the
spring. It is in esteem for the table as superior to the Plaice.

This fish rarely exceeds a foot in length, but the example
described measured thirteen inches, with a breadth, exclusive
of the fins, fiv^e inches and a fourth. The general form oval;
gape rather small, undei; jaw a little protruding, with (in most
cases) a small chin or tubercle; teeth stout, not close together;
lowermost eye a small degree in advance; a ridge of moderate
elevation between the eyes, in a recess of which is the largest
nostril. Lateral line arched at first, and thence straight,
VOL. III. 2 B

186 DAB.

running to the border of the tail. Body, cheeks, and the
elevation between the eyes clothed with ciliated scales, which
scarcely overlap each other. Dorsal fin begins opposite the
superior eye, and with the anal ends short of the root of
the tail; ventral fins sejjarate from the throat and anal fin;
tail round. The colour varies in this fish, the general tint
being yellowish brown, often with clouds of deeper brown or
yellow, and the pectoral fin is always yellow. I was favoured
by the kindness of William Thompson, Esq., of Weymouth, with
specimens in which, on a ground of yellowish brown, were
numerous yellow spots, each one having a black dot within it;
but these s]3ots soon disappeared. It is to be remarked also
that in these examples the middle rays of the tail were
unusually elongated, and the dorsal and anal fins were bordered
with white.

C

<

< ^

187

SMEAR DAB.

LEMON DAB. LEMON SOLE. QUEEN. SMOOTH DAB.

A Kitf, Jago; iu Eay's Synopsis Pisciuni; but by

this name Jago only meant to say that
this is allied to the Brill, Trhich fish is
called Kitt, or Kite, in Cornwall.
Pleuronede limandelle, Lacefede. ?

Platessa microcephalus, Fi-eming; British Animals, p. 198.

" " Jenyns; Manual, p. 457.

" " Yakrell; British Fishes, vol. ii, p. 309.

Pleuronecfcs min-ocephalus, Doxovan; pi. ■42, but the head not well

expressed.
" " GuNTHER; Cat. Br. Museum, vol. iv, p. 4i7.

This fish appears to have miicli of the habits of the Dab,
and is equally common round the British Islands, except towards
the more northern parts. I k-aru, however, from ^Ir. Iverach,
of Kirkwall, that he has known it taken in Orkney in July;
but it is less frequently caught with a hook: a circumstance
little to be wondered at when we examme its mouth, which
is so small that in the lesser examples it seems difficult to
imagine how any but a minute object can be acbnitted into
it. It is frequently caught with the trawl, and has a good
repute for the table. The ground it frequents is for the most
part stony; and it goes far to the north, as well as through
the Baltic. It is prepared for sj^a^^Tiing early in February,
and appears to be among the most prolific of flatfishes; the
lobes of roe being large, and extendirjg back from the small
abdominal cavity, compressed but wide, almost to the tail.
The stomach and bowels are of slight texture, but the latter
are large, and it is probable that the usual food is either
vegetable or of the smaller sea insects, f JE/itrotnosfraca.J

188 SMEAR DAB.

The Smear Dab in comparison witli tlie Common Dab is a
larger and tbicker fi.sb. Tbe example selected measured in
length seventeen inches, which is scarcely the utmost to which
it sometimes attains; and, including the fins, the same fish was
nine inches in breadth, but without the fins the breadth is
two parts and a fourth of the whole length. The head small,
the gape remarkably so, with tumid lijis; teeth closely set,
flat, fifteen or sixteen in number, in regular order. Eyes
moderately large, near each other, the lowest in advance and
pressing on the corner of the mouth; anterior nasal orifice
tubulous and projecting. Body and cheek clothed with smooth
scales; lateral line slightly arched above the pectoral fin, and
in one instance the arch interrupted with a de^^ression. The
dorsal fin begins over the upper eye and ends opposite the
termination of the anal, not far from the tail, the latter round.
Pectoral of rather moderate size; ventral midway between the
anal and the throat. Colour reddish or yellowish brown with
variegations of a deeper colour; under lip red.

In one instance an example, of which a plate is given, was
caught with a line, the whole appearance of which was so
different from that of the Smear Dab as commonly met with,
that I have felt some doubt whether it should be assigned to
that species; and my only reason for concluding it to be so is,
that it still less resembled any other of the known fishes of
this genus. The length was fourteen inches, and the breadth,
including the fins, eight inches and a fourth; the head small,
the distance from the lips to the borders of the gill-covers two
inches and a half; lips tumid, gape small, teeth in an even
row, with broad edges. Eyes large, protuberant, the lower-
most in advance near the corner of the mouth, the two
separated by a high ridge, and in front a high triangular space
which comes over the snout, and is bent across the ridge to
the other or lower side. The body remarkably thick anteriorly,
humped on the najje; thinner towards the tail. Lateral line
gently arched over the pectoral fins, and irregular as it approaches
the tail; nostrils on the coloured side not sunk, the two i:)airs
symmetrical — covered with minuter scales heaped together, slight
scales on the fins and tail. The dorsal fin begins over the
upper eye; first rays of the anal embraced by the ventral fins,
which i» not the case with the usual examples of the Smear

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Dab; tail iiiucli more circular than in that fish. Colour
generally a fine light brown, redder on the cheeks, the
whole finely variegated, darker mottlings in irregular ocellated
circles, bent lines along the roots of the dorsal rays, broken
into spots posteriorly; fins more yellow. Fin rays — dorsal
nineteen, anal seventy-three, pectoral nine, ventral five, caudal
sixteen.

190

POLE.

CRAIGFLUKE.

Pleuronectes cynoglossiis, Linn^us.

Pleuronecte pole, Lacepede.

Flatessa pola, Cuvieu. Paunell; Memoirs of

Wernerian Society, vol. vii.
" " Yahrell; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 315.

Pleuronectes cynoglossus, Gunther; Cat. Br. Museum, vol. iv,

p. 448.

The Pole is a fish of the Arctic Sea, in which direction it is
found so far north as Greenland, where, according to Lacepede,
in winter it keeps in the deeper situations which border
on the shore; but this author also remarks that it is sometimes
met with on the coasts of Belgium. In the British Islands it
has been accounted amongst the rarest of flatfishes, so that
when an example has fallen into the hands of a naturalist it
has been thought worthy of special notice; and accordingly it
is on record that some have been obtained on the coasts of
Scotland, where this fish has been occasionally mistaken for the
younger condition of the Holibut, with which, as well in
some of its habits, and some degree of appearance, it possesses
a general likeness. But there is reason to believe that it is
to be ascribed rather to its jjlaccs of resort, which are among
rocks, or in stony ground where ordinary nets cannot be used,
than to its absolute scarcity, that it is not more frequently
taken with us, since it has been caught, at rare intervals,
round the British coast, even in the West of Cornwall. But
in its greatest abundance it appears to be local, as well
perhaps, as migratory; and ]\Ir. Thompson informs us that at
times he has known it to be common on the east border of

o

roLE. 191

Ireland, so tliat one hnndred and twenty of these fislies were
in one instance caught at the single haul of a net, near
Newcastle, in the County Down. Seventy also were obtained
on another occasion near the same place; and it appears to
have been so well known to the fishermen as to have acquired
the name of "White Sole, in distinction from what they term
the Black, which is the Common Sole. But the former name
is the less distinctive, as it is also applied to the AVhifF or
Carter, a fact which is so far descriptive of the state of Irish
marme natural history, that there is scarcely a fish of that
country which does not bear many names, even in places
not distant from one another; and, more perplexing still, there
are fishes not closely resembling each other which are so
confounded together as to jjass under the same denomination.
It should be added, however, that in Scotland also this fish
is not always known by the same name in every place.
Bivalve shell-fish and crustacean animals were found in the
stomachs of these fishes, and when offered for sale they found
but little estimation in the market.

Dr. Parnell appears to have been the first who described
the Pole from a British example, although at that time he
was not able to assign to it any known synommi; and to
secure greater accuracy we prefer to copy his description,
taken from his paper on the fishes of the Fii'th of Forth,
referred to at the head of this article.

The length of the specimen described was sixteen inches
and a half, the breadth eight inches and a half, with a
thickness of one inch; and in different indi\dduals the proportions
varied from twice and two thirds to three and a half of the
breadth to the length, exclusive of the tail; the shape,
therefore, is much like that of the Sole, but not quite so
much lengthened. The gape small; jaws almost equal, or the
lower a little the longest, with a row of blunt cutting teeth
round each jaw; eyes separate, the lower eye a little in
advance. Scales over the body and cheeks, but none before
the eyes, of moderate size, with i:»lain edges, and easily
removed from their attachments. The lateral line at first
descends slightly, afterwards straight. ^^entral fins sej^arate
from the anal. The dorsal begins above the eye, widest at
the middle, as is the anal opposite to it. the rays marked

192 POLE.

with fine scales; both these fins ending short of the tail, the
latter fin with the middle rays longest. The colour yellowish
or whitish brown, sometimes with spots on the fins. Dr.
Parnell observes that it agrees with the genus Platessa in
having the mouth entire, with a row of obtuse cutting teeth
round each jaw, tail rounded at the end, with the eyes on
the right side; but it differs from the Plaice in having no
tubercles on the head, from the Flounder in not having a
band of small spines on the side line, and from the Dab in
not having the scales ciliated. From the Smear Dab it differs
in having the lateral line nearly straight, the lower jaw
longer, and the scales larger. It is to be noted that this is
a different species from the cy7ioglossus of Eondeletius, which
latter is called Pola in France, but which has the scales
ciliated.

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LONG FLOUNDEPu

Platessa dongata, FAEnELi ; Br. Fisbes, vol. ii, p. 31S.

Fleuronectes elongatus, GoMHEa; Cat. Br. M., vol. iv, p. 45'i.

This is also regarded as amongst the rarer examples of

British fishes; and so rare is it that hitherto two specimens

only have been on record, one of which was furnished to

Mr. Yarrell from Bridgewater Bay, in Devonshire, by INIr.

Baker, at which place also the other was afterwards obtained.

And even the example which was in Mr. Yarrcll's possession

has since been so far lost sight of, that it was not handed

over to the British Museum when the collections of that

gentleman came into the possession of that public institution.

It is with much pleasure, therefore, that I find myself in

possession of two examples, for which I am indebted to the

kindness of Edmund T. Higgins, Esq., who procured them

from Weston, in Somersetshire; and as this lies within the

same district as Bridgewater, we may suppose that the range

of this fish is exceedingly limited, and that, jDerhaps, even

there its haunts are beyond the tracks of ordinary fishing.

Our figure is from one of these examples, which, however,

had lost its proper colour; but we choose to represent it in

the condition in which we find it, rather than risk the danger

of tinging it of a doiibtful colour from description.

The example described was seven inches and three fourths
in length, of which the body (exclusive of the tail) measured
six inches and one eighth; breadth of the body one inch and
six eighths; head short, measuring from the snout to the
border of the gill-covers one inch and a fourth; under jaw
protruded; gape moderately large; angle of the mouth
depressed. Eyes large, the lowermost a little advanced, a
prominent ridge between them. Body thin, shaped much like
VOL. 111. 2 C

194 LONG FLOUNDER.

that of the Comrnon Sole; scales rather large, but mostly
denuded; lateral line straight. The dorsal fin begins close
above the eye, with low rays; anal beginning below the root
of the pectoral, and both end opposite each other, a short
distance from the tail, and not much expanded in their
course. Pectoral fiii narrow, the one below smallest. Ventrals
small, about midway between the throat and anal fin; the tail
broadly lancet-shaped. On the cheeks of the blind side the
scales are curiously arranged in separate small ovals. The
dorsal fin has about one hundred and twenty rays, anal
ninety-four, caudal twenty-six.

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195

FLOUNDER.

FLUKE.

Pas.ter Jiuvmtilis, vulgo Jlesus, Willoughty ; p. 98, table F. 5.
Pleuronectex Jiesus, LiNN^US. DoNOVAN; pi. 94, a variety.

JPlatessa Jlesus, Cuviee.

" " Fleming ; Br. Animals, p. 198.

Jemtns ; Manual, p. 455.

Yareell ; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 303.
Pleuronecte flez, Lacepede.

Pleuronectes Jlesus, Gunthee ; Cat. Br. M., vol. iv, p. 450.

The Flounder is, more tlian others of this family, a fish of
the shore, from which it never goes far; and it gives a
preference to harbours into which a river flows, and which it
traverses with the tide in search of worms or crustaceous
animals; but it does not always retire with the sea, and fresh
water seems at times to have a particular charm for it, as it
occasionally wanders upward in the deeper rivers to a con-
siderable distance, and there it assumes a new appearance as
regards colour, as well as that it is said to suiFer loss in the
quality of its flesh, but it seems doubtful whether it ever
breeds in fresh water.

This fish is found in abundance on all the coasts of the
United Kingdom, and it is known even in Greenland; but
the larger numbers appear to be on the north of Europe,
where, however, it must be an uncommon circumstance to find
it in such vast multitudes as is represented in the account
furnished from the coast of Denmark, in December, 1862;
where, as we are told in the "Zoologist," (April, 1863,) not
less than two millions and a half were believed to have been
taken after stormy weather, and the capture was at that time
still going on, five hundred men having been engaged for

196 FLOTJNDEK.

tliree weeks in securing them. It is also known to be common
throughout the Baltic, and, Ekstrom says, up to the sixtieth
degree of latitude.

In the younger stages of their existence these fishes are
devoured in large nu.mbers by predaceous fishes and the larger
diving birds, and an instance of this has been already given
in our account of the habits of the Dorce; but the loon (diver,)
cormorant, and shag are more voracious enemies, while their
sharp bills enable these birds to grasp them beyond the chance
of escape. But to gulp down so wide a prey is not found
so easy as to seize it, and it is amusing to the spectator to
see the contrivance adopted by these birds to succeed in the
attempt. The fish is to be first pecked in such a manner as
to break or dislocate the bones, which can only be effected after
repeated and violent efforts. The sides are then rolled together,
like a sheet of paper, and with the head foremost the whole
is safely passed into the capacious gullet. We may add here
that if the prey be a crab it is taken to the surface, and the
bird makes successive pecks at the legs, which, when struck
with violence, are thrown off in succession by an effort of
the animal, and duly swallowed, and the naked body is
swallowed last of all. A Launce or Shanny is held aloft by
the tail, or across the mouth, and then thrown into the air,
when some skill is shewn in catching the fish with the head
in the right direction, and it passes easily into the stomach.

I have fovmd the roe of full size from the middle of
December, the spawn being deposited in the tide-way of
rivers; and I have also known the young to be excluded
about the end of April, when they may be seen in the stiller
parts of pools, their structure easily seen through, and moving
in all directions, either flat or on their edge.

With us this fish seldom exceeds the length of a foot, and
the heaviest I have a memorandum of weighed a pound and
a half; but it is said to have acquired a much larger size.
There is reason to suppose that the females are larger than
the males. An example eleven inches and a half long measured
four inches and a half in breadth, exclusive of the fins. The
general shape bears a resemblance to that of the Plaice; gape
moderate; mouth twisted, arched; under jaw a little protruded;
teeth slender. Eyes rather large the lower one slightly in

FLOUNDER.

197

advance, and near the corner of the month. Scales on the
body scarcely perceptible, but sometimes rough on the lateral
line; rough tubercles along the base of the dorsal and anal
fins; lateral line a little curved at first, but becoming straight
before the termination of the pectoral fin, a bony ridge passing
from the eyes to join it behind the gill-covers; and several
rough tubercles on the coloured side, just above the pectoral
fin. The dorsal fin begins with short rays close behind the
eyes, and both the dorsal and anal fins end with short rays
opposite each other, not far from the tail, — both these fins

much expanded near the middle of their length; pectoral wide;
ventral at midway between the throat and beginning of the
anal fin; tail rounded. The colour is subject to variety,
according to the nature of the ground, from very dark to a
lighter greenish, or brown, with mottled tints, and the fins
with even white streaks separating the rays.

It is said that this fish is more subject to variation of
structure than others of this extensive family; the eyes being
directed to the left instead of the right, or the lower and
white side being of the same colour as the upper. Donovan's
plate represents the opposite of this, with a large portion of
the upper side like the paler side below. It sometimes happens
also that there is a deficiency in the continuance of outline

198 FLOUNDER.

from the origin of the dorsal fin forward, and this has been
accompanied with a black svirface below; but it seems probable
that this greater frequency of variation is only because the
fish itself is more frequently caught than other species of the
family of flatfishes. The yellowish spots which sometimes mark
its sides are very different from those which adorn the surface
of the Plaice.

But as regards the variety (here figured) which is marked
with a notch or deficiency in the outline behind the eyes,
and a black surface on the under side, it has occurred so
frequently in some districts as to have raised the suspicion of
its being truly a distinct species, the more especially as some
difference in the fins has also been detected. But after
comparing an example from the K-iver Fowey with a specimen
of Flounder of regular formation, I feel no doubt of their
being specifically the same; while, on the other hand, I feel
equally certain that this variety of structure in the outline is
natural, and not, as has been supposed, the consequence of
mutilation.

Some observations which have been made on the structure
of the mouth and cheeks of this fish are probably applicable,
with a little variation, to the other flatfishes already described;
for the want of spnmetry, which is the character of this
family, extends to all the tissues or portions of the head,
including the nerves of feeling as well as the muscles and
bones, and thus creating in the upper surface a far higher
degree of power and sensibility than exists in the lower. Thus,
what appears to be the largest nerve in the body is seen to
pass along the coloured side of the cheeks, to be distributed
to the palate, in comparison with which there does not appear
to be any one on the lower side, while there is another here
situated which passes down to supply the angle of the jaw.
On the coloured side the (masseter) muscle of the jaw is
strong, and is united to that bone by a tendon, which is not
-the case on the white side; and a separate nerve, somewhat
corresponding to that already mentioned on the white side, is
given ou.t from the skull proportionally further forward, from
w^hence it descends under the tendon to the jaw, both these
nerves being accompanied with blood-vessels.

199

SOLEA.

FoBM of the body oblong, the front rounded; eyes towards the right;
mouth twisted toward the blind side, with teeth only towards that
side. Lateral line straight. Pectoral fins on both sides of the body.

The fishes of this genus, like some others of this curiously-formed
family, have received their name from the general appearance of their
shape, as distinguished in their general outline. Thus the Common
Sole is regarded as shewing the form of the lower portion or sole of a
shoe; while with the Greeks it obtained the name of Bouglossa, from
a supposed resemblance to the tongue of an ox. Hippoglossus and
Cj-noglossus were also named from a fancied likeness to the tongue of
a horse and a dog. The Flounder is so called from its mode of
progression along the ground, and its other name of Fluke is from its
flat rhomboidal shape; being the same which is retained for the name,
among other objects, of the flattened portion or claw of the anchor of
a ship. But appears to be a northern word, which signifies a rounded
and flattened surface, as was the mark at which arrows were aimed
from a bow; and the word Tur, which was formerly written, and is
still in many places pronounced Tar, added to But, is significant of a
flatfish which has its surface studded over with thorns. It does not
appear that the Holibut was so named from any idea of its supposed
sanctity, but that it was best known near Heligoland, or the Holy
Island. The name of Passer, by which some of these fishes were
designated at an early date, was derived from a fancied comparison
with the Sparrow; for no better reason than that both the fish and
the bird were brown or dark above, and of a light colour below.

200

SOLE.

Buglossus, or So7ea,
Pleuronectes solea,

it a

Pleuronerte sole,
Solea vulgaris,

WiLLOUGHBY; p. 100, table f.7.

LiNN^us. Bloch; pi. 45.

Donovan; pi. 62.

Lacepede. Risso.

Fleming; Br. Animals, p. 196.

Jenyns; Manual, p. 466.

Yaerell; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 347.

Gtjnthee; Cat. Br. Museum, vol. iv, p.
463, where it is classed in the section
in which the pectoral fins of botli sides
are developed, and the nostrils of the
blind side are not dilated.

This fish is one of the most common and abundant of the
British flatfishes, as it also is among the most esteemed at
luxurious tables. Its haunts are generally in sand or gravelly
ground, and in deeper water than what is frequented by the
Plaice and Flounder; although it is also said to come into the
fresh water of tidal rivers, and even to thrive there. The range
of the Sole in the ocean is very wide, since they are not only
known round the British Island, but much further northward
in the ocean, and through the Baltic, as well as through the
extent of the ]Mediterranean, and southward even to the Cape
of Good Hope; where, however, it is considered a rare fish.
The large number of Soles which are caught in the United
Kingdom may be judged from the fact that the average amount
of those which were yearly brought to the London ^Market in
the early part of the present century was ninety-seven millions,
and those which were sold in other parts of the kingdom must
have been proportionally great; but there seems little doubt that
in consequence of such destruction the fishery at this time is
much less productive. By far the greatest numbers are caught

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SOLE. 201

■vrith the trawl, froin wliicli, bcccinsc of its form, this species
has less powers of escape than most others of this family.
Perhaps also this fish suffers less injury from this mode of
capture, on account of the manner in which it moves; and yet
we are informed that in the year 1832, theYe were condemned
at Billingsgate, as unfit for food, twenty-four thousand six
hundred Soles; with of Plaice eighteen thousand seven hundred
and fiftv; while of Turbots there were condemned only two
hundred and seven, and of Brills one hundred and eighty. All
these fishes are retentive of life, and do not soon decay after
death; but the difference of numbers here referred to may arise
from the circumstance that the two last-named species are more
abundantly caught with long lines, where no ■vaolence is inflicted,
while Soles are chiefly obtained by the trawl, where, when
dragged for a long distance along the ground, the brviised
bodies may speedily sufler decomposition. But the Sole is
sometimes taken with a line, or rather on the hooks of a
spiller; and that more are not thus caught is to be explained
by the circumstance that this method of fishing is for the most
part only followed by day, whereas the Sole usually seeks its
food only by night; and by being aware of this, I have been
informed by a fisherman that at one haul he once caught
twenty-eight Soles, the bait being the lug or other worms of
the beach. This fish spawns in the early portion of the year,
and we may readily believe it to be prolific, since otherwise
the immense numbers that are caught would soon extirpate the
race.

Mr. Cocks mentions a couple of Soles, each of which measured
twent}'--thi-ee inches in length, with a breadth of ten inches,
the weight nine pounds; but they are rarely allowed to reach
so large a size. The example selected measured seventeen
inches in length, and in breadth seven inches, including the
fins; the general form flat; front of the head rounded, and
protruding over the mouth, which is arched, the upper lip
bent down over the lower, jaws twisted, with fine teeth on the
lower or white side of the jaw. Eyes on a level, not touching
the upper border or outline, the lower eye close to the corner
of the mouth; a depression, and not a ridge, between the eyes;
a very short barb in front of the eye. Head, body, and
generally the fins covered with small scales; lateral line straight;
YOL. HI. 2 D

202 SOLE.

vent concealed between the ventral and anal fins, the latter
overlapping each other. The dorsal fin runs from the arch of
the head in front of the eyes, and anal from the ventrals, both
to the root of the tail; the caudal fin round; pectorals small,
their extremity blackish; colour of the head and body subject
to some variation, but uniform dusky brown or greenish; under
surface of the head spread over with woolly fibres; a prominent
nostril above the lower arch of the mouth, and a smaller one
far behind. Of the two pectoral fins the uppermost has four
longer rays, the lower eight shorter rays.

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VAKIEGATED SOLE.

THICKHACK. BASTARD SOLE. RED-BACKED SOLE.

Pleuronedes variegaius, Donovan; pi. 117.

" MangilUi, Eisso.

Solea variegata, Fleming; Br, Animals, p. 197.

Monocliirus variegatus, Yarrell; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 35.

Solea variegata, Guntuer; Cat. Br. Museum, vol. iv,

p. 469.

This species is not mentioned among Scandinavian fishes by
Nilsson nor Eckstrora; but its range extends to the north of
Scotland, and it is known along the coasts of Ireland. Risso
also met with it in the Mediterranean, where, however, he
says it is rare. And yet this apparent scarcity may be rather
from the mode of fishing usually practised than from the absence
of the fish; as it was formerly said to be also little known in
England, whereas in the markets of Plymouth and Penzance it
appears equally plentiful with the Common Sole. I have not
known an instance of its having taken a hook, even when the
other Sole is sometimes caught; from which the conclusion may
be drawn that not only is its food different, but that it also
keeps in deeper water, where the smaller hooks are not employed.
The smaller specimens are sometimes found in the stomachs of
fishes firom a depth of forty or fifty fathoms. It is ranked
among the superior fishes for the table.

The Thickback seldom exceeds the length of eight or nine
inches, and in its general proportions it much resembles the
Common Sole, but with a little wider oval, and in its substance
it is thicker. The head is rounded in front, where it advances
beyond the mouth and lower jaw: the mouth itself small and
twisted. The lower eye rather smaller than the upper, and

204 VARIEGATED SOLE.

in advance, close to the corner of the mouth. Lateral line
straight, passing to the border of the tail. The dorsal fin
begins near the upper jaw, and above the eyes is narrow;
but afterwards it passes on in nearly equal breadth, and with
the anal ends shorter of the tail than in the Common Sole;
caudal fin more or less round; pectoral fins small, and on the
under side especially so; ventrals also small, about midway
between the "throat and anal fin. The colour is reddish brown,
and in the larger examples generally with few or no spots on
the body; but there are several distant black patches on the
dorsal and anal fins. In smaller individuals the dark mottlings
pass across the body as well as over the fins.

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LEMON SOLE.

SAND SOLE.

Solea peffnsa,

Solea aurantiaca,

Tarkell; Zoological Journal, vol. iv, p. 467,
pi, 16; and British Fishes, vol. i, p. 351.
Jenyns; Manual, p. 467,
GuNTHEK; Cat. Br. Museum, vol. iv, p. 467.

The Lemon Sole was first recognised as Britfsli by Mr.
Yarrell, but was mistaken by him for P. jjegusa of Risso,
which is the Solea monochir of Dr. Gunther, and which is so
called because it has no pectoral fin on the blind side; but
that species has never been taken in Britain, although it is a
native of the Mediterranean, where it appears that the Lemon
Sole is also known. When first described by Mr. Yarrell, the
latter was new to science.

It had probably been confounded with the Thick-backed
Sole by fishermen in the south and west of England, to whom
it appears to have been known to some extent. It seems,
however, to be amongst the rarer of our flatfishes, although
no small number have been taken in Ireland and in some
parts of the east coasts of England; and its habits are no
further known than that it prefers to keep in soft sandy
ground. The single individual I have examined was taken
at Plymouth, and was presented to me by Lieut. Spence, R.N.,
who occupied himself much in seeking out and preserving the
skins of fishes taken in that port, many of which were sent
by him to the British Museum.

The length of the specimen was eight inches and a fourth,
which appears to be that to which this species commonly
attains; breadth of the body two inches and six eighths. The

206 LEMON SOLE.

forehead is round and projects much over the mouth, conse-
quently the under jaw is overlapped by the upper; mouth
arched. Eyes separate, the upper distant from the border and
advanced, the lower near the mouth. Scales cover the head
and body, and also the lower surface, a row on each of
the fin rays. Lateral line straight. The dorsal fin begins in
front of the upper eye, and ends close to the root of the
tail, being joined to it by a slight membrane, as is the anal;
ventrals close to the throat; pectorals moderate. The colour
of the fish yellow, studded over with spots, the pectoral fin
having a black patch at the end. On the under side the
nostril is broadly open. The number of the fin rays is — of
the dorsal ninety, anal seventy-one, caudal eighteen, pectoral
eight, ventral five. The difference of numbers in the dorsal
and anal here given from those assigned to this fish by
Mr. Yarrell, may be explained by the fact, (common to the
flatfishes, as well as to all fishes which have numerous rays in
those fins,) that, in addition to an intermediate bone attached
to each neural spine of the vertebrae, and each one bearing a
fin ray, several of them will have a couple of these intermediate
bones, with each a fin ray; and as the number and distribution
of these additional bones are not influenced by a regular law,
the number of fin rays attached to them must vary accordingly.
By way of comparison with the Variegated Sole, when laid
side by side with it, the scales appear much alike, but different
from those of the Common Sole; while the more precise
differences between the former fishes are — that in the Lemon
Sole the eyes are smaller, the upper much more in advance,
the mouth differently formed, the dorsal fin over the head
more expanded, pectoral fin larger, ventrals nearer the cleft of
the gills, dorsal and anal fins nearer the tail, and united to it
by membrane. The colour and niottlings are very different.

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SOLENETTE.

LITTLE SOLE,

Solea parva, sive lAngula, Willoughby; p. 102. Table F. 8, f. 1.
MonocTiirus minutus, Parxell; Magazine of Zoology aud Botany,

" linguatulus, vol. i, p. 627, pi. 16.

Yahrell; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 355.
Solea minuta, Gunthee; Cat. Br. Museum, vol. iv, p. 470.

This smallest of the Soles has always been known as a distinct
species by fishermen, although disregarded by them as of little
value for the market; and in consequence of this it remained
only obsciu-ely known to naturalists until it was noticed by
Dr. Parnell, who found it in some abundance in trawls on the
south coast of Devonshire. It is also common in Cornwall,
where this method of fishing is jDractised; but I do not know
of an instance where it has been taken with a line; which may
be because it keeps at a good distance from land, where no
hooks are employed of so small a size as could be supposed to
enter its mouth. Sometimes also it is procured fi'om the stomach
of the larger fishes.

The length of the example selected for description was five
inches, which appears to be the usual size; breadth one inch
and five sixths, exclusive of the fins: the general proportions as
in the Sole, but more tapering towards the tail. The forehead
rises in a curve, but is less rounded than in the Lemon Sole.
The mouth twisted, and large in proportion; jaws more equal
than in the Common Sole; but the under jaw projects, and has
prominent teeth, those in the uj)per side small. Eyes near each
other, the right eye near the angle of the mouth, both sunk
in the surface; nostrils close in front of the right eye. Head

208 SOLENETTE.

and body covered -with ciliated scales. Lateral line straight,
passing over the tail iin. which is round. Upper pectoral
small, upper ray long and arched, the second about half the
length of the first; no pectoral fin on the under side. The
dorsal fin begins close above the upper jaw, and ends near
the tail without being joined to it; and the same with the
anal, which begins close to the ventrals, which are under the
throat. General colour a faint pink; iris of the eye golden.

This species is described as sometimes not having the rudiment
of a pectoral iin on the blind side.

END OF VOL. III.

B. FAWCETT, ENGRAVER AND PRINTER, DRIFFIELD.

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