COD-FISH. 
179 
another in Belfast market of the same form, but of the reddish colour of 
the rock-cod. These specimens are preserved in the Belfast Museum. 
A beautifully-marked example of the cod, of large size, also came under 
my inspection here. It was of a pale lilac grey colour, closely studded 
over with large reddish grey spots, which were as close as I have ever 
seen them in any species of trout. 
Pennant gives a full historical account of the cod-fish, and Yarrell treats 
of it amply. 
The Dorse, or Variable Cod, Gadus Callarias, Linn., 
Morrhua — Cuv., 
Has been taken on the coasts of Antrim and Cork, as stated in the fol- 
lowing note, which I contributed to the Annals of Nat. Hist. vol. i. p. 358 : — 
“ Gadus Callarias, Linn. Dorse. — An examination of the fishes before- 
mentioned as taken on the coast of Cork, and forwarded for my inspection by Dr. 
R. Ball, enables me to restore this species with certainty to the place it once 
held in the British Fauna. Two small specimens thus received are in length re- 
spectively 3§ and 6 inches ; in the latter the number of fin-rays are, D. 14, 18, 
18 ; A. 20, 17 ; P. 18 ; V. 6; C. 24. — Br. 7. In both individuals the 1st and 
2nd rays of the ventral fin are produced in slender filaments, of which the 
second is the longer ; eyes invested with a membrane as in G. luscus , &c. ; 
head to entire length as 1 to 3 in the larger, as 1 to 3~ in the smaller specimen; 
no pores visible about the mouth as in G. minutus. In other characters these 
individuals agree with the G. Callarias as described by Bloch and Nilsson. 
They were taken in sprat-nets at Youghal in the autumn of 1834, when a third 
specimen also occurred. 
“ Subsequently I had the satisfaction of recognising a G. Callarias among some 
native fishes presented by Mr. Wm. Marshall (Memb. Nat. Hist. Society) to the 
Belfast Museum without regard to species. Upon inquiry, I learned from this gen- 
tleman that it had been captured by himself when fishing in the month of June 
or July, about the entrance to Larne Lough, County of Antrim, and using the 
lug- worm ( Lumbricus marinus) for bait. Its length is 8 inches. We thus find 
that the species occurs both on the North and South shores of Ireland.” — 
Annals Nat. History , vol. i. 
Having given little attention to the subject since the publication of 
the foregoing notice of this fish, I have nothing particular to add respect- 
ing it; but as no other British naturalist seems to have noticed the species 
of late years, I may mention that it attracted the attention of Dr. It. Ball, 
who, in sending me a number of fishes from Youghal, and not having 
leisure himself to attend to the matter, asked what the two specimens 
already referred to were, distinguishing them from the other Gadi at first 
sight. 
The Haddock, Gadus JEglefinus , Linn., 
Morrhua — Cuv., 
Is common around the coast, but the numbers seem to vary much in the 
same localities. Dublin Bay has long been famous for its haddock, and in 
Belfast market this fish is estimated more highly than the cod, the price 
being generally 4 d., very rarely under 3d., per lb. It is considered to be 
in season from November to April. The largest haddock of which I have 
any well-authenticated notes were, one taken at Groomsport, County Down, 
which Mr. Meenan weighed, and found to be 25 lbs. ; and one taken in 
Dublin Bay in August, 1851, which, as stated by Dr. Ball, weighed 18 lbs. 
In Belfast Bay they are occasionally found, and Mr. B. Meenan informs 
me that he obtained one from 18 to 20 lbs. At Killough (County 
Down), where the numbers taken are very great and the fish of excellent 
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