288 



FAMILY OF THE GADID^E. 



GADID^. 



THE COD. 



Morvhua Vulgans. 



This is the common Cod of Newfoundland, well-known as an 

 article of food the wide world over. There is an American 

 variety, Morrhua Americana, which is shghtly though perma- 

 nently distinct. 



The fishes of this class are distinguished from the other soft- 

 rayed fishes by having the ventrals situate nearly vertical under 

 the pectorals, and ha\ing two or three dorsal and anal fins. 



The colom' of this well-known species, which attains to a 

 A ast weight, sometimes seventy or eighty pounds, varies much 

 in individuals. It is generally greenish brown, fading into ash- 

 rolour M lien the fish is dead, with many reddish yellow spots. 



