BROSMUS. 199 



the color of tarnished brass, after having been in 

 the air a little time ; finally, when fairly dead, the 

 skin has an iron rust complexion. The fins, too, 

 when first drawn up, are tinged with a lively red, 

 as though injected with arterial blood. 



As it respects its quality, as an article of food, it 

 is in high estimation, but after all, the superiority 

 over the grey cod, is merely imaginary. We con- 

 sider it the same fish. 



Shoal-Cod, — Gadus Arenosus. This is no- 

 thing more than the common cod, notwithstanding 

 it is thought to have a browner color and less dis- 

 tinct spots. 



GEN. BROSMUS. 



Cus k ,Torsk, — Brosmus Vulgaris. After 

 much trouble in procuring proper representatives 

 of this genu s, we have come to the conclusion that 

 it is not well enough known in this section of the 

 country, to be sufficiently prized. It is the fish 

 occasionally seen suspended in the stalls of the 

 Quincy market, under the name of Cusk. 



The essential external characteristics are a gray- 

 ish color, mottled with brown spots, in warm sea- 

 sons, but nearly black in winter ; a lateral line, 

 both broad and spotted, a cirrus on the chin, — 

 and upper jaw longer than the under, with thick 



