TAUTOG, CHOGSET AND PARROT-FISH. 297 
lutionary times. This name also is of English origin, certain species of 
this family being called ‘‘ Bergylt’’ in parts of England.’’ This name 
appears to hold in Eastern Long Island at the present time. At Province- 
town they are called ‘‘Sea-perch,’’ and at the Isle of Shoals and 
occasionally on the adjoining mainland, ‘‘Blue-perch’’ and ‘ Perch,”’ 
this also being a reminiscence of English usage. At Salem they are called 
‘‘ Nippers,’’ and occasionally here and elsewhere ‘‘ Bait-stealers.’’ About 
where Cunners are found at all, they are exceedingly abundant, and, 
though performing a useful duty as scavengers, are a pest of fishermen, 
from their habit of nibbling the bait from their hooks. They are the 
especial detestation of those who fish for Tautog, since the two species are 
ordinarily found together. Their food is very similar to that‘of the Tau- 
tog, except that'they cannot swallow large shells. They feed also upon 
dead animal matter, and are among the most important scavengers of our 
harbors. Numbers of them may be taken by lowering a net containing a 
piece of meat or fish and quickly raising it to the surface. Like the Tau- 
togs, Cunners are local in their habits, only moving from the shoal water 
in extreme cold weather, and, though adapted for living in colder water, 
rarely retreat except in the severest weather. In winter, however, they 
are rarely caught with the hook. The first of the season of 1881 at 
Gloucester, were caught May 8. <A very cold season sometimes destroys 
them. It is recorded that in January, 1835, great quantities were frozen 
and thrown up on the shore between Gloucester and Marblehead.* In 
June and July they spawn on their feeding grounds in Southern New 
England, and in July and August fish three-quarters of an inch, or more, 
in length are taken abundantly along the shores. They appear to become 
adult and to breed when three inches long. The largest I have observed 
was taken at Woods Holl, in July, 1875; its weight was twelve ounces, 
its length ten and a half inches, and it was spawning freely. Storer 
claims to have seen them fourteen inches long, and I am assured that they 
sometimes attain a weight of two pounds. 
From Eastport, Maine, to the vicinity of Boston, the Cunner is a favorite 
article of food. Elsewhere it is rarely eaten and is usually regarded with 
disgust—a foolish prejudice, for it is one of the most agreeably flavored 
among the small fishes on our coast. Immense quantities are taken with 
the hook from the rocks, bridges, and boats, especially in the vicinity of 
* Gloucester Telegraph, January 14, 1835, 
