THE WHITING. 147 



especially about the mouth of the Thames. It 

 ranges as far as Greenland, and is found on the 

 coasts of Holland and France. 



This fish, the flesh of which is well-flavoured 

 has the power of inflating the membrane cover- 

 ing the eyes and the adjacent parts of the head, 

 which produces a singular appearance. Like 

 the whiting, it has a dark mark at the base of 

 the pectoral fins. The trawl-net, and hooks 

 and lines, are employed in its capture, the use 

 of them depending on the nature of the fishing 

 ground. It measures twelve or fourteen inches 

 in length. 



Another small fish, called the poor, or power 

 cod, (Morrhua minuta,) is found on the coast of 

 Cornwall and Devonshire, and perhaps of other 

 parts of our island ; but, from its size, (being 

 only about five inches long, or, perhaps, some- 

 times seven or eight,) it is not sought after by 

 fishermen, whom a richer prize alone can re- 

 munerate. It is said to visit the Baltic in 

 shoals, followed by the cod and other fishes, 

 which make it their prey. Hence its appear- 

 ance rejoices the Baltic fisherman. 



Common upon our coasts, and those of Hol- 

 land and France, and upon the various banks 

 of our seas, the whiting (Merlangus vulgaris) 

 occurs in abundance. This fish is much es- 



