124 THE COMMERCIAL SEA FISHES OF 



must have resorted to these latter localities prior to A.D. 

 1415, because we read that Henry V. was disposed at this 

 period to accord satisfaction to the King of Denmark for 

 certain irregularities committed in those seas by his 

 subjects. But since the commencement of the sixteenth 

 century the Newfoundland fisheries have become the most 

 important in the northern hemisphere. Cod fisheries, 

 frequented by British fishermen, exist to a greater or less 

 extent from Iceland to the south coast of England, and as far 

 west as Newfoundland. They are largely carried on in these 

 islands, especially to the north and west of Scotland, and 

 likewise off the maritime counties of Ireland. 



Means of capture. The cod, or white fishery, in which is 

 here included the common cod, haddock, whiting, bib, 

 pollack, coal-fish, ling, hake, torsk, and their family allies, 

 is one of great national importance in several ways, more 

 especially as the means of obtaining a large amount of 

 good and wholesome food, as well as giving employment to 

 fishermen and many traders. The members of the cod 

 family are generally gregarious, and collect in large shoals 

 at particular spots, and although in the following observa- 

 tions the common cod will be more especially mentioned, 

 their fisheries are representative ones of what is likewise 

 being carried on to secure other members of the family. 

 The three forms which are, perhaps, the most valuable in an 

 economic point of view are the common cod (Gadus 

 morrhua\ haddock (G. czglefinus), and whiting (G. merlan- 

 gus). The common cod as a rule is in the best condition 

 from the end of October to the beginning of February, the 

 cold season being that in which members of this family 

 attain the greatest perfection for the table, although some 

 are employed for this purpose throughout the year. Living 

 as the cod does, it is found feeding mostly near the ground 



