32 THE GAME PISH OF NORTH AMERICA. 



The Whiting, Merlangus Americanus. 



And although there are several other species of more or less esti« 

 nation for the table, as the Torsk or Tusk, Brosmius Vulgaris, the 

 Hake, Merlucius Vulgaris, and some others, none but these are such 

 as to require enumeration in a work of this description. 



Of the second family, Pleuronectidce, I shall think it enough to men- 

 tion, 



The Halibut, Hippoglossus Vulgaris, which is the largest species 

 of this family, as well as the best that is taken in American waters ; 

 for the species of Turbot, Rhombus, which is found on the coasts of 

 Massachusetts bay, and that neighborhood, is greatly inferior, both in 

 size and quality to the celebrated European fish of the same name. 



The Flounder, of New York, Pleuronectes Dentatus, which is also 

 frequently taken, though more commonly by accident, while in pursuit 

 of finer fish, than as the angler's prime object, is rather a delicate fish, 

 and often bites freely. 



With this brief enumeration of sea-fish I shall content myself, as the 

 description and habits of others, though curious, and full of interest 

 to the icthyologist and student of nature, belong rather to the depart- 

 ment of science, than to the craft of the angler. 



I may, however, mention, not as objects but accessories of the sport, 

 the Atherine, Atherina Menidia, a variety of the fish known in England 

 as the Sand Smelt, here commonly called the Spearling or Sparling, 

 and much used as a bait, for which its bright silvery colors particu- 

 larly adapt it. 



The British variety is frequently taken with the hook ; and on the 

 Southern coasts, where the true Smelt is unknown, it is commonly 

 known and sold as that fish, to which it bears some degree of similarity 

 in flavor, as well as in the cucumber smell common to both when 

 freshly taken from the water. 



I am not aware that the American fish is ever eaten, though it is 

 very abundant on the coasts ; in appearance, it so closely resembles 

 the European species, that on a slight inspection it would be taken 

 for it. 



The Sand Launce, Ammodytes Lancea, is also held in high estima- 

 tion as a bait for sea and hand lines, owing to its silvery brightness. 

 It is for the former of these little fish that the Blue-Fish, Temnodon 



