THE SEA-LOACH. THE HADDOCK. 165 



be melted out of it over a slow fire ; when in poor condition 

 the liver is red and affords no oil. The fish should carry its 

 thickness well down to the tail. 



THE SEA-LOACH OR ROCK-LING 



(Mustela vulgaris] 



is a small fish from 6 to 18 inches long, mottled over with spots. 

 There are three kinds, Grey, Red, and Black. The smaller 

 frequent rock-pools, and may be taken with rod, line, and a 

 small hook baited with the soft part of a Limpet ; the larger are 

 sometimes caught when ground-fishing. They are best fried. 



THE HADDOCK. 



(Morrhua aglefinus. ) 



The average size of the Haddock is not more than two or 

 three pounds, although they occasionally reach eight or ten. 

 They are very numerous along the eastern coast of Great 

 Britain, but some are found in all the British waters. Scar- 

 borough, with other fishing towns on the east coast, sends 

 numbers to the London market, and the coast of Scotland is 

 even more prolific of this fish, where they are salted and smoked 

 for exportation, and have of late years obtained a high repute, a 

 * Finnan Haddie ' (so called from a village of that name) being 

 considered quite a delicacy. Use the same tackle and baits as 

 for Silver-Whiting, such as Mussels, Lugs, Mackerel, fresh 

 Herring or Pilchard : in the west of England, off Plymouth, 

 &c., a piece of Squid or Cuttle-fish, with a large Mussel on the 

 point of the hook, is considered the best bait for Haddock. 

 Many are caught amongst other fish in the trawl, and also with 

 spillers or long lines. Size of hooks Nos. 8 and 9, fig. 63, p. 211. 



THE HAKE. 



(Alerlttcius vulgaris,} 



The Hake is a fish which of late years has risen into repute, 

 and large quantities are sent by railway from Plymouth and 

 Brixham to the London, Bath, Bristol, and other markets ; it is 

 taken both by the trawl-net and by hook and line. 



The drift-fishing for Pilchards and hooking for Hake 



