I 4 2 THE COMMERCIAL SEA FISHES OF 



but distinct interspace between the first and second dorsal 

 fins ; the third dorsal fin is not continuous at its base with 

 the second, and not connected with the caudal. The first 

 anal fin commences below or slightly behind the origin of the 

 second dorsal. Ventral inserted on a line anterior to the 

 base of the pectoral. Vent situated beneath the origin of 

 the second dorsal fin, or in some few instances a little in 

 advance of this spot. Colours. Grayish in the upper half 

 of the body, light on the sides, and white beneath. A large 

 oval black blotch exists on the side between the pectoral 

 fin and lateral-line, being sometimes continued above it. 

 Lateral-line of a deep black. Fins, bluish-black, being 

 darkest externally. 



Superstition has handed down the tradition that the 

 black blotch on either shoulder of this fish is consequent 

 upon the action of St. Peter's finger and thumb when he 

 drew out one of the haddock's ancestors from the Lake of 

 Genneserat to obtain from its mouth the piece of tribute- 

 money. Unfortunately, neither this fish nor the John Doree, 

 which has been equally honoured, are to be found in the 

 waters where the miracle occurred. 



Varieties in form. Shortened forms occasionally exist, 

 due to disease of the vertebral column. In colour, several 

 varieties have been recorded. Thompson saw one about 

 1 8 inches long, from Belfast market, of a beautiful rich 

 salmon colour in its upper half, becoming lighter on the 

 sides and abdomen ; this tint was also observable on all 

 the fins with the exception of the extremity of the caudal, 

 which was dusky. The finger spot was faint. Another 

 example, captured off the entrance to Strangford Lough, 

 was of a pale golden yellow superiorly, and white below the 

 lateral-line, which, instead of being black, was white ; no 

 finger spot was visible. Dr. Ball obtained a large canary- 



