334 FISHES OF THE FIRTH OF FORTH. 



anal fin commencing in a line under the fifth ray of the second dor- 

 sal, and terminating under the last ray of the same fin ; the fifth ray 

 the longest, being as long as the seventh ray of the first dorsal. Ven- • 

 trals rather small and pointed, commencing a little in advance of the 

 base of the pectorals ; the second ray much the longest ; pectorals 

 nearly as long as the base of the first dorsal, and rounded at the in- 

 ferior margin ; the fourth ray the longest ; both jaws, as well as the 

 anterior part of the vomer, furnished with small sharp teeth, arranged 

 in several rows ; under jaw rather the shortest, with a barbule placed 

 on the under surface of the anterior extremity. Gape large ; the 

 maxillary extending back as far as in a line with the middle of the 

 eye ; gill-opening large ; branchial rays seven ; lateral line commen- 

 cing at the upper part of the operculum, taking a gentle curve pa- 

 rallel to the line of the back as far as the commencement of the se- 

 cond dorsal fin, where it runs for a short distance in an oblique di- 

 rection as far as the tenth ray of the first anal, from thence proceed- 

 ing straight to the base of the middle caudal ray. Scales small and 

 adherent ; csecal appendages numerous. Number of fin rays — 



1st D. 13 ; 2d 19 ; 3d 18 ; P. 20 ; V. 6 ; 1st A. 19 ; 2d 16 ; C. 28 ; 

 " Vert. 50." 



The Cod is an inhabitant of cold or temperate climates. 

 It is particularly met with in that part of the northern At- 

 lantic comprehended between the fortieth and sixty-sixth 

 degree of latitude. It does not exist in the Mediterranean 

 or other interior seas whose entrance is nearer to the equator 

 than the fortieth degree. It appears to be almost entirely 

 confined to the northern parts of the world. Few, however, 

 are taken north of Iceland, but on the south and west coasts 

 they abound, and they are found to swarm on the coast of 

 Norway, and off the Orkneys and Western Isles, after 

 which they decrease in numbers in proportion as we ad- 

 vance towards the south. Cod are never found but in salt 

 water, and remain habitually in the depth of the sea. They 

 never ascend rivers, or even, generally, approach the shores 

 except for the purpose of depositing their spawn. 



The Cod is very voracious, feeds on small fish of all 

 kinds, more especially on herrings, and sprats, as well as 



