TORSK. 97 



m 



England. As it makes some approach to the Ling in shape, 

 so also its habits appear to be not greatly unlike, its resort 

 being near the bottom, where it is eager in searching after 

 food. It is also in estimation for the table, and large numbers 

 are salted in the northern islands for exportation. It is 

 classed among the fishes of Sweden, but it appears that its 

 distribution in the higher regions of the north is within such 

 moderate limits as that it is not met with at stations which 

 are inhabited by species which are also common on the 

 southern coasts of England and Ireland. It is said to be 

 known on the south and west of Greenland, but not on the 

 colder eastward coasts, although it has been doubted whether 

 this more northern fish be not a different but closely allied 

 species. 



The Torsk prefers the deeper water of the ocean, and usually 

 the rougher ground; but it comes nearer the coast at the time 

 of spawning, which is in January and February; and we are 

 informed that when in the shallower water it becomes liable 

 to receive injury from the storms that then prevail, so that 

 great numbers of them are sometimes thrown dead on the 

 shore. The stomach of this fish when caught is commonly 

 found empty, which is to be accounted for from the like cause 

 by which that organ in the Cod, Ling, and several others of 

 the family is often seen to be everted. It appears to proceed 

 from the strong influence of terror, by which, in a less degree, 

 it also happens that the contents of the stomach in these 

 fishes are discharged when the fisherman is drawing them 

 from their depths; or, as in the case of the Hake, when 

 hooked high in the water, the multifarious contents are ejected 

 onlv after it is taken into the boat. 



The example selected for description, for Avhich I am 

 indebted to the Rev. Walter Gregor, of !Macduft", was in length 

 sixteen inches; the general form much like that of the Ling, 

 but proportionally stouter; the body thick, more compressed 

 behind; head and origin of the body broad. The body 

 deepest opposite the origin of the dorsal fin. Snout slightly 

 over the upper jaw; when closed both jaws equal; gape 

 capacious; teeth incurved and strong; a barb at the lower 

 jaw. A depression runs backward from the head, in which 

 is placed the single dorsal fin. This fin begins opposite 



VOL. III. 



