462 Storer on the 
the second, than the space between the first and 
second ; the height of the first rays of this fin, less 
than half the length of the fin. All the dorsal fins 
of a bluish black color. 
The Pectorals commence on a line with the pos- 
terior angle of the operculum ; their color the same 
as the dorsals. 
The Ventrals commence in front of the pectorals ; 
their depth equal to one third their height. 
The first Anal fin commences on a line opposite 
the interval between the first and second dorsal fins, 
just back of the anus, and is of the same color as the 
abdomen; depth to its length as 3 to 8. The sec- 
ond anal commences on a line opposite the last dor- 
sal, and terminates on the same plane with tbat fin. 
The Caudal fin is large ; its width at base is to its 
width at the extremity as 2 to 7, being much forked. 
The fin rays are: D. 13-20-20; P. 19; V.6; 
A. 24-21; C. 32. 
M. purpureus. Mitchell The Pollack. 
Trans. Lit. et Philosoph. Soc. N. Y. vol. i. p. 370. 
Until within a few years, the “ Merlangus pur- 
pureus," “ pollack? was but slightly prized ; and 
the fishermen had so little demand for it, that they 
not unfrequently gave it away from their boats. 
Its useful qualities are beginning to be known and 
valued, and in several of the interior towns of the 
state, it is now as readily sold as any other fish. 
Vhen salted, it was formerly usual to throw it at 
