28o8 



THE BONY FISHES AND GANOIDS 



adults of the smaller kinds; and it is stated to be particularly destructive to the 

 perch. In the spawning season, which varies considerably according to localities, 

 burbot are in the habit of congregating in large numbers; and in some of the 

 German rivers masses of these fishes, including as many as a hundred individuals, 

 may be found knotted together after the fashion of eels. While some burbot spawn 



BURBOT AND WELS, immature. 

 (One- fourth natural size.) 



in November and December, in others the function is delayed till March; and it is 

 during the spawning season that the fish is in the best condition for the table. The 

 burbot is a fish of slow growth, not attaining full maturity till it is upward of four 

 years old. 



Distinguished from the burbot by the presence of several enlarged teeth in the 

 lower jaw and on the vomer, the ling (Molva vulgaris) may be regarded merely 



