330 FISHES OF THE FIRTH OF FORTH 



is found in very deep water, and feeds almost entirely on 

 young Lobsters and Star-fish. 



Cod are observed to thrive better while under confinement 

 than most of the species of the same family, and, in some 

 instances, they are found improved by the change. Elias 

 Cathcart, Esq. of St Margaret's, near North Queensferry, 

 has kept for some time a number of marine fishes in a salt- 

 water pond of about two hundred feet in length, and five 

 fathoms deep, in which the tide flows and ebbs twice in the 

 day. The principal fishes preserved are cod, haddock, 

 •whiting, flounders, and skate, which are retained pri- 

 soners by means of an iron grating, placed at that part of 

 the pond which communicates with the Firth. They are 

 fed by the keeper, with sprats, young herrings, and other 

 small fishes, besides, occasionally with the intestines of sheep, 

 which the cod are observed to devour with avidity. All 

 the fish appear to thrive well, especially the cod, which are 

 found to be firmer in the flesh and thicker across the shoul- 

 ders than those obtained from the Firth of Forth. 



The Cod wlien in season, is white, firm, and of most ex- 

 cellent flavour. Its flesh is capable of being preserved in 

 a state fit for eating much longer than that of most other 

 species of this class, " Almost all parts of the Cod are 

 adapted for the nourishment of man and animals, or for some 

 other purposes of domestic economy. The tongue, for in- 

 stance, whether fresh or salted is a great delicacy ; the gills 

 are carefully preserved to be employed as baits in fishing ; 

 the liver which is large, and good for eating, also furnishes 

 an enormous quantity of oil, which is an excellent substi- 

 tute for that of the whale, and applicable to all the same 

 purposes ; the swimming bladder furnishes an isinglass not 

 far inferior to that yielded by the sturgeon, the Iceland 

 fishermen prepare large quantities of it, which in England 

 sells for a high price ; the head in the places where the 



