FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 145 



H. vulgaris. Ciiv. The Halibut. 



Pennant's British Zoology, vol. iii. p. 198. 

 IVlc Murtrie's Cuv. vol. ii. p. 250. 

 Strack's plates, No. 51. 1. 

 Trans. Lit. et Pliilosoph. Soc, N. Y. p. 38G. 

 Yarrell's British Fishes, vol. ii. 23. et fig. 



This well known and excellent fish is taken in shoal water 

 in large quantities during the summer months ; at other sea- 

 sons, it inhabits deeper water. Great numbers are taken upon 

 Nantucket shoals, frequently weighing 200 pounds each. An 

 unusual number of this species was brought to Boston market 

 in the early part of 1837, which were all sold at considerable 

 profit. Eighty large schooners of from 60 to 80 tons burthen, 

 belonging to Cape Ann, were thus employed. The flesh of 

 this species is rather coarse and dry, but is much esteemed by 

 many ; the fins are considered quite a delicacy. Fresh, this 

 fish brings a higher price than the cod ; large quantities also 

 are smoked ; and occasionally, the dried flesh is eaten. Mr. 

 Newcomb, senior, informs me that about 40 years since, a 

 halibut was taken upon the south shore, and brought to Boston 

 market, which, after the head and bowels were removed, 

 weighed 420 pounds ; this specimen when perfect, undoubted- 

 ly weighed as much as 500 weight. The largest individual 

 of which I have any certain knowledge. Mr. Anthony Hol- 

 brook, a fishmonger in duincy market, a man of unquestiona- 

 ble veracity, and whose knowledge of our fishes is equal to 

 that of any of our fishermen, tells me was taken at New 

 Ledge, sixty miles S. E. of Portland, Me., in 1807 ; it weighed 

 upwards of 600 pounds. The voracity of this species is pro- 

 verbial. Pennant cites two examples of ships' sounding leads 

 having been swallowed by them ; one of thes6 individuals was 

 afterwards captured. 



The following description I have drawn up from a specimen 

 4 feet and 10 inches in length, weighing 78 pounds : 



Body elongated ; smooth, of a dark brown color on the right 

 side ; left side without spots. Length of the head to the length 

 19 



