266 COAL-FISH POLLACK. 



backs. In summer they feed principally on young her- 

 rings, and in winter they seek a species of serpula, thence 

 called haddock-meat. 



THE COAL-FISH. 



This animal is common on the British coasts; and 

 swarms about the Orkneys, where its fry is a principal ar- 

 ticle of sustenance for the poor. About the beginning of 

 July it arrives in shoals on the coast of Yorkshire, at which 

 time it is about an inch and a half long ; and, till it is a 

 year old, is reckoned delicate eating. About that age it 

 begins to assume a black colour near the gills and on the 

 back, which increases in proportion to its years. The flesh 

 then becomes coarse, and is little regarded in a fresh state; 

 but when salted and dried, forms a respectable article of 

 commerce. 



The coal-fish is not inelegantly shaped ; and, when full- 

 grown, measures about two feet and a half in length, and 

 weighs nearly thirty pounds. Its colours vary considerably ; 

 but the prevailing hue is black, from which circumstance 

 it has received its name. 



POLLACK. 



The under jaw of this fish is longer than the upper, and 

 the head and body are pretty prominent as far as the first 

 dorsal fin. The colour of the back is dusky, sometimes 

 inclining to green : the sides beneath the lateral line are 

 marked with yellow streaks, and the belly is white. 



This fish is common on many of the rocky coasts of our 

 island. During summer, large shoals of them are seen 

 sporting on the surface of the water, and throwing them- 

 selves into a thousand different attitudes. At that time 

 they usually bite at any thing floating on the water, and 

 are often taken with only a goose-quill, fixed to the hook. 

 The flesh is reckoned excellent food. Some have been 

 caught that weighed twenty-eight pounds ; but they gene- 

 rally do not exceed six or seven. 



