90 BRITISH FRESH-WATER FISHES 



root PUT, whence come the words "pod" and "pudding." 

 Such an appellation would roughly denote the general appear- 

 ance of" this fish, for it has a greatly elongated body 

 ppearancc. ^^^^ ^ prominent stomach. The head is wide and 

 rather flat ; the eyes are placed laterally — that is, on the sides 

 of the head. The body is covered with scales, which are 

 described as embedded in the skin, so as to give the whole 

 surface a pitted appearance. The general ground colour of 

 back, sides, and fins is olive-green, with a marbling of dark 

 brown or black. The under-parts are lighter, tending to 

 white. Like all the Cod Family, the burbot is well furnished 

 with fins, having two dorsal fins ; the base of the second covers 

 half the entire length of the animal, and is well balanced by 

 the anal fin, which, however, has a slightly shorter base. The 

 caudal fin is peculiar, shaped like a leaf or broad spear-head, 

 resembling that of its near relative the ling. The pectoral fins 

 are broad and rounded, and the ventral fins are immediately 

 under the throat. Although living on the bottom, like the 

 ling, the burbot is furnished with a long air-bladder. In 

 England its length is often from one foot to two feet, and 

 its weight from 2 lb. to 3 lb. ; but it seems to be one of those 

 plastic creatures which can adapt their stature to their means 

 of sustenance, for it has been reported from the Rhine of the 

 weight of 30 lb. 



In habit the burbot is as retiring as the miller's thumb, 

 living chiefly in holes and under stones during the day. 

 Habits and whence country people sometimes call it the coney 

 distribution, f^g}^^ jj^ such places it lies in wait for its prey, 

 which consists of other fish, or almost any living creature 

 which it is strong enough to tackle. It is, however, chiefly 

 a nocturnal feeder, which deprives it of all value in the 

 angler's esteem ; but its flesh is said to be excellent, and 

 in places where it abounds it is diligently fished for with 

 night-lines, nets, and eel-baskets. It is reputed to be in 

 best condition for the table during the spawning season, 



