IIG EDIBLE FISHES. 



are generally obtained with the hook where there is a sandy bottom, in 

 ten to fifteen fathoms water. They are occasionally netted in Wellington 

 Harbour, and, though rarely got on the exposed pai-ts of a rocky coast, 

 are caught in abundance from vessels lying at anchor in the roadsteads 

 off Hokitika and Greymouth. PI. VII. fig. 75 is from a specimen caught 

 in Wellington Harbour 2 feet in length. 



No, 74 (Lotella rJmcinus), a closely allied species, having a larger 

 head and longer fins, has been termed the Hake, but it is apparently a 

 rare fish, and only small sized specimens have been seen. 



No. 7G is another fish of the Cod kind (Pseudophycis breviusculus), 

 with a deeper body than the foregoing and more delicate flesh, resembling 

 that of the Whiting. It has only been obtained on the west coast of 

 (Jtago, where a few specimens were caught with the hook in fifteen 

 fathoms water off Anchor Island in Dusky Bay, weighing about 5ff)s., 

 one of which is drawn one-sixth natural size in PI. VIII. fig. 76. 



77. Ling. 



(Genypterus hlacoides). This fish, also known as the Cloudy Bay Cod, 

 is exceedingly common in Cook Strait, and on other parts of the coast 

 to the southward. It is, however, seldom brought to market, not l)eing 

 as much appreciated for food as it deserves. It is a large fish, reaching 

 occasionally 5 feet in length, weighs 15 to 20Ibs., and has a white 

 flaky flesh that takes salt well, and, being easily freed from bone, is well 

 adapted for curing in the same manner as the Cod fish of commerce. It 

 is in best condition in the beginning of winter. This is one of the fish 

 that is cast up on the beaches outside Wellington Hai'bour after heavy 

 gales in extraordinary profusion. It is very voracioiis, with powerful 

 well armed jaws, and takes the bait greedily, so that large numbers 

 can be readily caught, PL VIII. fig. 77 is reduced to one-ninth the 

 nattiral size of this fish. 



The three following fish have been seen only on rare occasions, and, 

 so far as can be gathered from the fishermen, are not good for food. 



No, 78 {Macrurus australis) is a singularly formed fish with a conical 

 head and projecting snout, and skin covered with rough scales. Only 

 one specimen, 18 inches in length (PI. VIII, fig. 78), caught in Wel- 

 lington Harbour has been got in New Zealand, but it is known on 

 the south coast of Australia, 



No, 79 {Cory})h(e')ioides Novm Zelandioi) was fii-st described by me 

 from a single specimen got in Wellington Harl)Our in 1870, but during 



