268 



THE COD. 



state. Salted Cod is to many persons a great dainty, but to others, among whom 1 must be 

 reckoned, it is insufferably offensive, and even with all the additions of sauce and condiment 

 is barely eatable. 



The Cod is sometimes sent away in a fresh state, but is often split and salted on the spot, 

 packed in flats on board, and afterwards washed and dried on the rocks. In this state it is 

 called Klip-fish or Bock-fish. The liver produces a most valuable oil, which is now in great 

 favor for the purpose of affording strength to persons afflicted with delicate lungs or who show 

 symptoms of decline. The best oil is that which drains naturally from the livers as they are 

 thrown into a vessel which is placed in a pan filled with boiling water. The oil is then care- 

 fully strained through flannel, and is ready for sale. 



HADDOCK. Morrhua agl^finue. WHITING. Merlangus vulyaris. COD.ffadus ceglefiiiue. 



The roe of the Cod is useful for bait, the sardine in particular being very partial to that 

 substance. Much of the roe is stupidly wasted by the fisherman, who carelessly flings into the 

 sea a commodity of which he can sell any amount, and for which he can obtain two dollars 

 and a half per hundredweight. In Norway, the dried heads of the Cod are used as fodder for 

 cows, and, strange to say, the graminivorous quadrupeds are very fond of this aliment. 



Like several other marine fish, the Cod can be kept in a pond, provided the water be salt ; 

 and if the pond should communicate with the sea, these fishes can be readily fattened for the 

 table. Several such ponds are in existence, and it is the custom to transfer to them the 

 liveliest specimens that have been caught during the day's fishery, the dead or dying being 

 either sold or cut up as food for their imprisoned relatives. These fishes are extremely vora- 

 cious, and will eat not only the flesh of their kinsmen, but that of whelks and other mollusks, 



