Fishes of Massachusetts. 449 
siders the “ M. callarias,” Lin. Richardson thinks 
“this is probably a distinet species." From Rich- 
ardson’s guarded manner of speaking, I should judge 
he had never seen a specimen of our species. - The 
much larger size of our fish, the length of the 
“ eallarias," according to Yarrell, being only “from 
twelve to twenty-four inches,” which cannot be 
accounted for by mere difference of locality, without 
dwelling upon points of minor importance, convin- 
ces me that our fish is a distinct species, for which I 
would propose the name of “ Americana.” 
This species is taken along the whole coast of the 
State, throughout the year, leaving the vicinity of 
land in the month of February, and going off to 
deeper water. There are several varieties, differing 
in their color and markings, probably produced by 
difference of locality or food, which are known by 
the names of “ Rock Cod,” “Shoal Cod,” &c. &c. 
The cod grows to a very great size. Yarrell 
states, that the largest cod of which he has any rec- 
ord, weighed sizty pounds. Pennant refers to one 
weighing seventy-eight pounds. Mr. Jonathan John- 
son, Jr., of Nahant, informs me he has seen taken a 
specimen weighing eighty-eight pounds; and Capt. 
Nathaniel Blanchard, of Lynn, tells me he has seen 
a cod weighing eighty-six pounds. Both these gen- 
tlemen are experienced fishermen, distinguished for 
their habits of accuracy and veracity; and I take 
much pleasure in here acknowledging the great 
assistance rendered me by them, in the prosecution 
of my task. The largest specimen of which I have 
ever heard, Mr. Anthony Holbrook, a fishmonger in 
VOL. III.—NO. II—IV. 39 
