83 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 

 family. 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 oftpn obscurely mottled 

 with brown or yellow; belly obscurely white. In the younger 



