of Fishes found in Cornwall. 73 



pounds taken from a fish whose weight was about forty 

 pounds. 



Rock-Ling. G. Mustela. — This fish makes a near approach to 

 the genus Blennius, which in habits it very much resembles. 

 It has no air-bladder ; and not being endued with strength 

 of fin, for the absence of which the air-bladder is a compen- 

 sation, it continues at the bottom, near the shore, among 

 the rocks and weeds. The variety of this fish which pos- 

 sesses five barbs has been supposed to be a distinct spe- 

 cies ; but from attentive examination I am convinced that 

 this is a mistake : both varieties are common, frequent- 

 ing the same places, and having no other marks of diffe- 

 rence. Both of them are subject to great varieties of co- 

 lour, from a light yellow with brown spots, to an uniform 

 reddish-brown. Nor is the number of cirri an objection to 

 this supposition, as I have seen the common Ling with two 

 cirri at the throat. 



All the species of the genus Gadus that are furnished 

 with barbs are found to keep near the bottom, from whence 

 they principally take their food ; the sea egg (Echinus) 

 and various species of crabs are found in their stomach ; 

 and the Ling is even found to devour the picked dog, Squa- 

 lus spinax. Of the use of the ciliated membrane on the 

 back of the Rock-Ling I am able to form no opinion ; but 

 I have remarked it to be always in motion in the water, 

 even when the other fins are at rest. 



§§ No Barbs. 



Whiting. G. Merlangus. — It is found through the year, is gre- 

 garious, and frequents sandy ground. 



Whiting Pollack. G. Pollachius. — This is a solitary fish, is com- 

 mon at all times, and at all times is equally good. 



Rauning Pollack or Coalfish. G. Carbonarius.- — ^This fish has 

 VOL. XIV. L acquired 



