Fishes of Massachusetts. 463 
once into old brine, to increase its weight, which it 
did at the expense of its goodness. It is ascertained 
that when prepared in the same way as the cod, 
when intended for dun fish, with proper care and 
good salt, this is really an excellent fish, and its 
value is increased from nine shillings to from three 
to four dollars per quintal. Immense numbers of 
this species are found in our waters in spring and 
autumn. To Jeffries’ ledge, a fleet of 20 or 30 boats 
frequently go off, in the fall of the year, and having 
fastened their craft together and thrown overboard a 
quantity of bait to entice the fish, capture in a single 
night from 30 to 40 quintals of pollack to a boat. 
Length of the specimen described, two feet four 
inches. Depth of the body across from the anus, ex- 
clusive of the dorsal fin, as 1 to 4; upper part of the 
head and body, of a greenish brown color; sides 
lighter; abdomen white. Lateral line of a grayish 
color, commencing above the posterior angle of the 
operculum, and slightly curving over the pectorals to 
their extremity, pursues nearly a straight course to 
the middle of the caudal rays. Length of the head 
about equal to the greatest depth of the body ; top 
of the head between the eyes slightly depressed ; 
head somewhat pointed, when the jaws are closed. 
Eyes large; pupils black ; irides silvery, with green- 
ish reflections ; diameter of the eye equal to half the 
distance between the eyes. Lower jaw longer than 
the upper; minute teeth in both jaws; gape of the 
mouth quite large; mouth within, bluish; tongue 
large, fleshy. Posterior nostril quite large. A line 
of mucous pores on both maxillary bones. Gill- 
