USE OF LING. 129 



of the cod were used at one establishment for this 

 piu'pose." 



The hver is also considered by some persons as a 

 great dainty, and a piece is always, where ling is sold 

 fresh, given to the purchaser for the purpose of frying 

 the fish with, thus being a great desideratum in house- 

 hold economy. The flesh of this fish is remarkably 

 nice eating, resembling much in its firm texture the 

 flesh of the turbot. When used in its salted state some 

 time is required for it to soak in cold water before it 

 becomes palatable. At Stornaway, in the Hebrides, we 

 find as much as 800 tons to be taken in one season ; 

 and the price per ton being £20, gives at this place 

 alone £16,000. 



The fishing appears to have increased of late years 

 owing to better tackle being used ; and after a time, 

 when' the boats are improved also, and the men are 

 able to follow the fishing to greater advantage, com- 

 bined with the facilities which the railways now offer 

 for the carriage of fish, I hope to welcome this most 

 valuable fish frequently in London. 



Mr. Eeed, of Wick, writes in March, 1872: "I saw 

 landed at our harbour a large take of cod and ling ; one 

 of the latter, measuring about six feet, could not have 

 weighed less than sixty pounds. After it was opened 

 to be cured, it was found to contain a salmon measur- 

 ing two feet three inches, and in pretty good preservation 

 at the same time showing that salmon go far out to sea, 

 the fishing being about eight miles from land." 



10 



