EBPRODUCTION OF THE POLLOCK. 



231 



11, a few good eggs were taken, and, after impregnation, found to have a diameter of one twenty- 

 fifth of an inch. They were placed in an aquarium at the hatchery, and within forty-eight hours 

 the fish could be distinctly seen, though no pigment cells were visible. This proved that the 

 development of the eggs after leaving the parent was quite rapid, and indicated that they would 

 hatch in five or six days at most, with water of the ordinary temperature. 



"At the time of taking these eggs no suitable apparatus had been arranged, and we did not 

 succeed in hatching them; and as no others were obtained during the season positive statements 

 cannot be made ; but the eggs were well advanced before they died, and careful observations up 

 to this point fully convinced us that these eggs are as hardy as those of the Cod, and that they 

 may be successfully hatched by a similar method. 



"The table gives the result of our computation of the number of eggs in individuals of differ- 

 ent size, from which it will be seen that a twenty-three and one-half pound fish has over 4,000,000 

 of eggs, while a thirteen -pound one has 2,500,000." 



Table showing the number of eggs in Pollock of different sizes. 



Captain Atwood states that in Cape Cod Bay they are caught in large numbers about the 

 10th or 15th of ISTovember, when going to spawn. They spawn upon the same rocky ground as the 

 Cod, and it is only at this time that they dare to take the hook freely. In the vicinity of Prov- 

 incetown the deposition of eggs takes place in Ifovember. 



The growth of the Pollock is probably somewhat more rapid than that of the Cod, since 

 the young fish are so much more voracious, but we have no means of determining the length of 

 time required for them to attain maturity. The average size is probably not far from ten 

 or twelve pounds, but individuals of twenty, and even of thirty pounds, are by no means 

 uncommon. 



Uses. — The Pollock is one of those species whose value as an article of. food is very much 

 underestimated. Many persons, who have investigated the subject accurately, prefer salted 

 Pollock to salted Codfish, although the flesh is not so white. Its value for use in the fresh state, 

 we think, deserves the highest commendation. I quote from " Land and Water," December, 1866, 

 the following remarks upon the Pollock fisheries of the Orkney Islands, showing how highly they 

 are esteemed in that region.- The writer signs himself "A. E. D.": 



"Having observed in 'Land and Water,' of the 20th October, an article by Mr. Buckland, 

 on the Merlangus carbonarius, or Saith, it has occurred to me that some additional information as 

 to the habits and uses, and more especially with respect to the commercial value of that fish, 

 might be interesting. 



"The Saith occurs in great abundance among the Orkney Islands. The fry, called Sillocks, are 

 first observed in May or June, and are very small. In July and August they are about four or five 

 inches long, and are caught in great numbers with flies (made with a bit of white feather tied to 

 the hook), by means of boats, and often from the rocks on the shore. They are much esteemed 

 as food, and more especially for the oil prepared from the livers. Towards winter they generally 



