PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 125 
where they seem to be preferred to the larger fish. The larger fish are 
taken chiefly in the fall, in deep water—70 to 100 fathoms—the spring 
and summer fish average 3 to 8 and 10 pounds, and are taken in about 
8 to 15 fathoms of water. The Squid is no¢ common nor even “not rare” 
along the Labrador coast. Although it is an abundant bait off New- 
foundland, it is very rare along the Labrador coast. 
GADUS OGAC. Greenland Codfish. 
Occasionally, but rarely, taken in deep water off the Labrador coast. 
Frequently taken within a mile from shore along the northern part of 
the coast, especially north of Belle Isle. Often regarded as much more 
delicate eating than the common cod. Seldom grows large. Swims in 
bodies with small ‘“‘tom cods,” as they are called, which are probably the 
young of the common cod. 
COTTUS SCORPIOIDES. Sculpin. 
Common in shoal water, about the fish stages, all along the coast. 
CorTTUS GRG@NLANDICUS. Northern Sculpin. 
Common, with scorpioides, all along the coast. 
GYMNACANTHUS PISTILLIGER. Sculpin. 
Rather common in the northern portions along the coast like the 
others. 
HIPPOGLOSSOIDES PLATESSOIDES. Arctic Dab. 
Common about the stage heads all along the coast. 
PLEURONECTES AMERICANUS. Common Flounder. 
Rather common, usually in deeper water than the H. platesoides, 
along the whole coast. 
SOMNIOSUS MICROCEPHALUS. 
This species of shark is found not rare all along the coast, some years 
doing more damage than others. It breaks the fish-nets, stops the fish 
from attaching themselves to the trolls of the fishermen, and is finally 
captured itself by some of the innumerable hooks of this same troll. 
After tangling and otherwise ruining the lines to the best of its power, 
it itself becomes the prey of the fishermen, who curse it heartily. The 
liver of this fish is said to yield the most delicate and pure oil of any 
fish known upon the coast. Several portions of the vitals are preserved 
by the people with the greatest of care, under the supposition that the 
wearing or carrying of them or the simple having them in the house 
will prove sure protection against not only the rheumatism, but sev- 
eral diseases peculiar to the male sex. 
There are several other species common along the coast. but of which 
we were not fortunate enough to obtain specimens, notably the Launce, 
or Lance, the fall bait for the codfish. Several other species of trout are 
also common. 
