MERLATsTJUS. 



This genus differs from Iforrhiia only in that there is no barb below 

 the point of the lower jaw; but while such is the principal mark of 

 distinction between them, it is to be remarked further, that in the 

 genus Merlangus the body is more slender and better fitted for active 

 motion; which is the more requisite as seeking their prey in a higher 

 region, they have to pursue creatures which are endued with greater 

 facility of escape than is the case with such as fall to the lot of those 

 of their family which obtain their food at the bottom. 



WHITING. 



Asellus mollis, Jonston; pi. 2, f. 3. 



" " major, sive alius, Willougiibv; pi. L. M. 1. 



Gade merlan, Lacepede. 



Gadus merlangus, Linn^us. Donova.>'. 



Merlangus vulgaris, Fleming; Br. Auimals, p. 195. 



" " Jenyns; Manual, p. 445. 



" " Yakrell; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 244. 



Gadus merlangus, Guntiier; Cat. Briti.sh Muscun), 



vol. iv, p. 3:34. 



The "Whiting is common and sometimes abundant in the west 

 of England and south of Ireland, and in these districts it 

 reaches a size and perfection which are scarcely seen in the 

 east or northern portions of the kingdom; while in the far 

 north of Scotland it is rarely met with, as, on the testimony 

 of Dr. Barry, is also the case in the Orkney Islands. This 

 limited extent of wandering seems to imply that Whitings 

 are more sensible to the feeling of cold than several others of 

 this family; in further proof of which it was noticed that in 

 the month of February, when they were on the coast in large 

 numbers, and those of largest size were with enlarged roes and 

 milts, on a change of wind to the north, accompanied with a 

 fall of the thermometer from 47° to 44°, although the weather 

 continued moderate, the whole of the larger of these fishes went 



