GREA T BRITAIN. 1 2 1 



It is common on the west coast of Scotland, and in some 

 seasons numbers are taken off Dunbar. It is found at 

 Aberdeen, and has been noticed off Berwick. Occasionally 

 taken on the Yorkshire coast. Plentiful at Portsmouth, 

 and during July and August until October in Devonshire, 

 Plymouth and Penzance. 



In Ireland it frequents the east coast from north to 

 south ; it also frequents the south coast. 



It attains to upwards of 3 feet, and one is recorded from 

 Ireland weighing I4f Ib. 



ORDER II. SPINELESS FISHES (Anacanthint). 



All the fin rays of the vertical and ventral fins articu- 

 lated : ventral fins, when present, jugular and thoracic. 

 Air-bladder, if existing, not having a pervious pneumatic 

 duct. 



The order of spineless fishes has been divided into two 

 groups, in one both sides of the head are symmetrical, in 

 the other not so. 



First group. Anacanthini Gadoidei. The two sides of 

 the head symmetrical. 



FAMILY I. COD-FISHES (Gadida). 



Geographical distribution. r-The cod family is composed 

 of surface and littoral forms, those residing off our coasts 

 having been found at a depth rarely exceeding 120 or 

 150 fathoms. These fishes are extended through the 

 Arctic and temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, 

 becoming almost unknown in the tropics, and very rare to 

 the south of the line. Although, as a rule, it is composed 

 )f marine genera, still fresh-water representatives are not 

 mknown, as the burbot, Lota vulgaris, which would seem 



