BURBOT. 237 



lited with herrings or other fish. It is said that in 

 where they are extremely numerous, the surface of 

 sea is covered with small bubbles. In the Yorkshire 

 >, these fish are in greatest perfection from the begin- 

 ig of February until May. The females deposit their 

 awn in the month of June, upon the oozy ground near 

 mouths of large rivers. The Irish Ling is considered 

 [> be excellent of its kind, and larger than those caught 

 other places. They are salted and dried for exporta- 

 ,on. Oil, in considerable quantity, is extracted from 

 heir livers. 



The length of the Ling is from three to four feet. 



'here are two dorsal fins, of which the second extends 



jarly to the tail ; and on the chin there is a single beard. 



ie upper jaw is longer than the lower. The body is 



lender, and of an olive-brown colour above, and white 



sneath. The dorsal and anal fins are edged with white 



ind the tail is tipped with white, but has, near the end, 



transverse bar of black. 



Burbot. This is the only fish of its tribe which is able 

 ) subsist in fresh waters. It is found in the river 

 Frent, and also in the river Witham, and in the great 

 East Fen in Lincolnshire. It is somewhat eel-shaped, 

 ,nd, when alive, has a disgusting appearance ; but it is 

 esteemed a very delicate fish for the table. It is almost 

 soft and slippery as an eel, and, in the water, easily 

 escapes through the fingers of any person who attempts 

 to lay hold of it. Like the eel, it conceals itself at the 

 bottom, in chinks betwixt stones, or amongst mud, 

 where its dingy colours render it almost invisible. We 

 are informed, that in these situations the beard on its 

 under jaw having the appearance of a worm, attracts the 

 attention of the smaller fish, which, on attempting to 



