294 TEXT-BOOK OF ZOOLOGY 



of molluscs and the armour of crustaceans (compare with duckbill). 

 The plaice forms one of the principal objects of the fishery in the North 

 Sea and Baltic. 



Allied Species. 



The Flounder (PI. flesus) and the Sole (Solea vulgaris) are two 

 important " flat fish " species, and are typical " bottom fish," like the 

 plaice, which they resemble in structure and mode of life. The flesh of 

 the sole is specially esteemed. 



The Turbot (Rhombus maximus), on the other hand, goes actively in 

 pursuit of other fish (length from 1 to 3 feet). For this it is excellently 

 adapted by its great locomotive powers and its equipment of teeth. On 

 account of its delicate flesh, it is, next to the sole, the most highly 

 esteemed of all the flat fishes. 



The Cod (Gadus morrhua). 



(Length up to 5 feet.) 



A. Its Home. 



Of the numerous treasures which the bounteous ocean supplies to 

 man, none is as important as the cod. The fish is to be found in all 

 parts of the Atlantic Ocean from 40° to 75° north latitude, and also 

 in the adjoining inland seas. In the Baltic there is a distinct race of 

 cod. Large numbers are captured off the British coasts, but they bear 

 no comparison with the enormous quantities which are annually caught 

 round the Lofoden Islands, and more especially on the Banks of New- 

 foundland. Let us imagine ourselves for a moment, therefore, trans- 

 lated to the first-named inhospitable island group, and taking part in 

 the important business of the cod fishery. 



B. Its Capture. 



Shortly after Christmas, in the midst of the icy winter and the long 

 Polar night, some 15,000 ships of all the sea-faring nations of Europe 

 assemble around the Lofoden group, and about 70,000 weather-hardened 

 men are busy day and night with the capture and preparation of this 

 one fish. Nets and long ropes to which one or two thousand hooks are 

 attached by short cords are let down into the depths. The bait consists 

 of smaller fish, especially herrings, the entrails of the cod itself, and, in 

 case of need, any object which attracts the fish's attention, and which it 

 swallows with the hook. Many millions of fish are caught in this 



