72 Mr. Covcu on the Natural History 
GADUS. 
§ Cirri at the Mouth. 
Haddock. G. Aiglefinus.—This fish appears to be continually 
changing its quarters. lt comes into season at the begin- 
ning of winter, at which time it is taken in more consider- 
able numbers than before. | | 
Cod. G. Morhua.—lIt is taken through the year, but is more 
plentiful in winter than at other times, being then also in 
season. This fish, with probably others of this genus, pos- 
sesses filaments between the teeth and lips, that seem de- 
signed to enable it to discover and select its prey. And how 
well they are able to fulfill their object, appears from the 
instance of a Codfish, which was taken on a line near this 
place (Polperro) a few yearssince. It was distinguished by 
the striking peculiarity of wanting both eyes. The sockets 
contained no eye-ball; and I am convinced that they never 
had existed, the common opake skin covering the sockets 
in a curiously reticulated manner. Yet the fish was large, 
and in good condition. 
Bib. G. Luscus.—It frequents rocky places, and, though com- 
mon, is rarely taken in great numbers. This fish has a sin- 
gular faculty of distending the transparent covering of the 
eyes when taken; the fins also are often similarly blown up. 
Poor. G.minutus.—The habits of this fish resemble those of the 
Bib. It comes into season in the spring, at which time 
it abounds. The two last named species are equal in deli- 
cacy as food to any of the genus. 
Ling. G. Molva.—This fish is common at all seasons; but in 
January and February it approaches the rocky ground near 
the land in order to deposit its spawn ; at which time it is 
taken in great numbers. ‘The Ling is one of the most pro- 
lific of a prolific genus; I have known a roe weighing seven 
pounds 
