THE ICHTHYOLOGY OF BANFFSHIRE. ' 231 



Frith in the end of 1853. In January, 18u4, I obtained it in great 

 numbers. 



Whiting, (Merlangus vulgaris.) — Abundant. 



Goal-fish, (Merlangus carbonarius.) — This fish is distinguished by the 

 fishermen by three different names, according to its age. For the first 

 year it is called ^'Gerrack/' and forms excellent sport for the young fisher, 

 who may be seen with eager eyes and strained neck stretching from the 

 jetties and piers, and the sides of ships and boats, hooking them with his 

 rude tackle as fast as he can throw it into the water. During the second 

 year it goes by the name of "Saithe." At the end of the second year, it 

 removes seaward, and then bears the name of "Coal-fish," or simply "Coal." 



Pollack, (Merlangus pollachius.) — "Lythe." Common. 



Hake, (Merlucius vulgaris.) — A few are commonly caught in the Herring 

 nets, which they very much injure. On the 24th, of August, 1854, a 

 very fine specimen was brought me. If I might be allowed to say any- 

 thing of it as a fish for the table, I consider it ^'very dry." 



Ling, (Lota molva.) — This is not so abundant as the Cod. They are 

 cured in the same way as the Cod, and sell at a higher 'figure.' 



Three-bearded Roclding, (Motella tricirratus.) — Has been found at Gararie. 



Five-bearded RocMing, (Motella quinque-cirrata.) — Common. 



Torsk, (Brosmius vulgaris.) — This fish is very rarely met with. 



Lesser Forked Beard, (Raniceps trifurcatus.) — On the 1st. of December, 

 1854, a beautiful specimen of this fish was sent me by Mr. Andrew 

 Paterson, a most obliging intelligent young fisherman. It had been cast 

 ashore during a heavy gale of wind from the north, and was found by a 

 cat. Some fishermen saw the cat bearing away its prize, and rather 

 astonished at the unusual appearance of the fish, gave chase, and poor puss 

 was forced to drop its lawfully gotten prey. Some of them took it for a 

 young Torsk; but when brought mo, I immediately identified it as the 

 Lesser Forked Beard. It agreed in every respect with Yarrell's description, 

 except that the lateral lines were continued in a curved direction along 

 the head, met on the nose, and thus formed on the head a kind of oval. 

 I regret to say that I lost it; I carefully wrapped it in damp paper, and 

 laid in on a table in my 'sanctum;' but conceive my disappointment when, 

 next morning, I found only the head remaining. Alas! it came by a cat, 

 and it went by a cat. It was away, and there was no use in fretting; 

 I consoled myself with the hope that I should soon find another one. 



Plaice, (Platessa vulgaris.) — ''Plask-Fleuk." Very abundant. 



Flounder, (Platessa flesus.) — Most abundant. 



Common Bab, (Platessa limanda.) — "Grey Fleuk." Abundant. 



Lemon Dab, (Platessa microcephala.) — "Sole Fleuk." Common. 



Long Rough Dab, (Platessa limandoides.) — As far as I can learn, only 



