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FAMILY OF THE GADIDvE. 



GADIDiE. 



THE COD. 



Morrliua Vulgaris. 



The Cod. 



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 slightly 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 having two or three dorsal and anal fins. 



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

 vast weight, sometimes seventy or eighty pounds, varies much 

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

 colour when the fish is dead, with many reddish yellow spots. 



