PLATE XCII 
The Burbot Is the only fish of the Gadus genus that refides con- 
stantly in fresh waters, the rest of this numerous tribe inhabiting the 
sea. This species prefers clear waters and rivers not greatly exposed 
to the agitation of winds and currents, at the bottom of which it 
lurks for better security in hollows and cavities between stones, 
vihere it can watch the smaller fishes and aquatic insects, on which 
it preys as they swim over it, and dart, unperceived, upon them from 
Its hiding place. The greatest enemy of the Burbot is the Perch, but 
uithelakcofG.eneva, where those fish abound, and in other lakes 
and rivers on the Continent, the Silure Churns Gla7iisJ is to be 
numbered among its most ferocious destroyers. When pressed by 
hunger, the Burbot attacks the Stickleback, but to no small dis- 
vantage, and he is even sometimes beaten off by the resistance tin's 
little fish is able to make with Ae strong aculeated processes on its 
back and sides. 
This fish is natural to all the countries of Europe: it is also found 
m the lakes of Siberia, and, according to some writers, the same 
species occurs in the East Indies. In England it is a local fish, being 
found only in a few of our rivers. Pennant says in the Trent, but 
m greater plenty in the river Witham, and in the great East Fen in Lin- 
colnshire. The Burbot is known to live to a great age, and to attain to 
a con iderable size. Pennant says, the largest he ever heard of being 
ta-en in our waters, weighed between two and three pounds, but 
that abroad they are sometimes found of double that weight. Other 
writers speak of those found in the North of Europe growing to the 
length of three feet, and weighing twelve or fourteen pounds. This fish 
is in great repute for the excellence of its flesh, which is white and 
delicate; the liver also is esteemed a delirious morsel, but the eggs, 
on the contrary, ate deemed unwho.esome, or even poisonous. As 
