THE TOM COD. 
269 
which are abundantly thrown to them. It is found that under this treatment the Cod is firmer, 
thicker, and heavier in proportion to its length, than if it had been suffered to roam at large 
in the sea. 
The color of the Cod is ashen-green, rather mottled with deeper tints, and the abdomen is 
white. The head is very large, there is a long, fleshy barbule on the chin, and the pupil of 
the eye is blue. Varieties in color and even in form are not uncommon, and in some cases are 
thought to be produced by difference of diet and locality. The average length of an adult 
Cod-fish is about three feet, and its weight twelve pounds. 
The Common Cod ( Gadus collar ias , L.), having a range extending from the northern seas 
to Virginia, and from Oregon to Japan, is the most important of all food-fishes. It is taken 
along the coast of Massachusetts during the whole year, leaving the vicinity of land in 
February and going into deeper water. During the preparation of the State Reports of Mas- 
sachusetts on Natural History, Dr. Storer, of Boston, had occasion, in his task of writing up 
the histories of the fishes, to consult several well-known and reliable authorities. Among 
them, Jonathan Johnson, of Valiant, is prominent. We had the pleasure of his acquaintance, 
and have personal knowledge of the great services he, as well as some others in the trade, 
extended to scientific observers. He states that the largest Cod he has seen taken weighed 
eighty-eight pounds. Mr. Holbrook, a fishmonger in Boston Market, reported to Dr. Storer 
that he “ saw taken, in the spring of 1807, at New Ledge, near Portland, Me., a Cod that 
weighed one hundred and seven pounds, which had barnacles on its head as large as one’s 
thumb.” 
The American Cod is very voracious, attacking and feeding on smaller fishes, crustaceans, 
and marine shell-fishes. During the winter months the Cod-fishes have their stomachs full of 
small mollusks, crustaceans, worms, etc., which are obtained on the rocks in deep water. 
Boston is supplied largely with fresh Cod and haddock by small vessels sent out from 
Nahant and Swampscott. These vessels average about fifty tons, and are built much after 
the models of the pilot-boats, being staunch and fleet. The writer once accepted an invitation 
to take a place on board and accompany the crew on one of their winter day trips. “ Green’ s 
Harbor ground” is a favorite place for Cod and haddock fishing at this season. There we 
came to anchor after three hours’ sail ; having started from home at the early hour of 2 a. m. 
This early start brings them on the grounds at daylight, when the fishes bite more briskly. 
Of the six men, each has his boat on deck. They are put out at distances from each other, 
and after four or five hours’ fishing are ready to be picked up ; the vessel lying to during the 
day until then. We were clothed, like the others, in heavy woolens, and an oil-cloth suit over all, 
with “ Sou- Wester” hat. The boots are immensely heavy, and being soaked with tar, become 
impervious to wet. Heavy woolen mittens for the hands, most singularly afford complete com- 
fort during the intense cold by frequent immersion in a bucket of sea -water, the mittens being 
soaked in it. So long as this was done the hands remained warm. Green’s Harbor is directly 
opposite Daniel Webster’s estate, at Marshfield, Mass., and is a favorite resort for fishermen 
for Boston market. Cod-fish that live around the shore, among the algse, become delicate, and 
are often quite brilliant in color. Their flesh is tender and sweeter than those of the deep sea. 
The Tom Cod is a miniature of the Cod-fish, reaching in the colder waters of Maine about 
twelve inches. But farther south it is usually about eight inches in length. In the fall, when 
the first cold weather comes, this is called Frost-fish, and is taken by the hook from our 
wharves. It is a savory fish. Dr. Mitchell says it has been taken in great numbers in the 
creeks by a common hoe, the fishes being so abundant. Its range is from Newfoundland to 
Hatteras. 
The Codlings, of genus Phycis , are represented by several species in our American waters 
north of Hatteras. One is called Squirrel Hake, and Chuss in New York ; American Hake in 
New England. It is also called Ling, a picture of which will be seen on same cut with Sly 
Silurus, on a following page. These fishes are caught at night. During the bright summer 
nights, off Nahant, the light dancing dories of the Swampscott fishermen may be seen manned 
by busily engaged fishers for the local markets. This fish varies from ten to thirty pounds 
weight, Cusk is another variety allied to the preceding. 
