OF THE POLAR SEA. 



93 



fish ; it is the gadus lota, or burbot, of Europe. Its length is about 

 two feet, its gullet is capacious, and it preys upon fish large enough 

 to distend its body to nearly twice its proper size. It is never eaten, 

 not even by the dogs unless through necessity, but its liver and roe 

 are considered as delicacies. 



The pike is also plentiful, and being readily caught in the winter 

 time with the hook, is so much prized on that account by the 

 natives, as to receive from them the name of eithinyoo-cannooshceoo, 

 or Indian fish. The common trout, or nammtecoiis, grows here to 

 an enormous size, being caught in particular lakes, weighing upwards 

 of sixty pounds ; thirty pounds is no uncommon size at Beaver Lake, 

 from whence Cumberland House is supplied. The oweepeetcheesees, 

 or gold-eye, is a beautiful small fish, of the genus esox, and re- 

 sembling the gar-fish. 



One of the largest fish is the mathemegh, cat-fish, or barbue. It 

 belongs to the genus silurus. It is rare, but is highly prized as 

 food. 



The sturgeon is also taken in the Saskatchawan, and lakes com- 

 municating with it, and furnishes an excellent, but rather rich, 

 article of food. 



