74 
M ERLANG US. 
This genus differs from Morrhua only in that there is no barb below 
the point of the lower jaw; but while such is the principal mark of 
distinction between them, it is to be remarked further, that in the 
genus Merlangus the body is more slender and better fitted for active 
motion; which is the more requisite as seeking their prey in a higher 
region, they have to pursue creatures which are endued with greater 
facility of escape than is the case with such as fall to the lot of those 
of their family which obtain their food at the bottom. 
WHITING. 
AseJliis mollis, 
“ “ major, sive alhus, 
Oade merlan, 
Gadus merl'angus, 
Merlmigiis vulgaris, 
H 
« 
Gadus merlangvs. 
JOKSTOKT; pi. 2, f. 3. 
Wn.LOUGmir; pi. L. M. 1. 
Lacbpedb. 
Lissaius. Donovan. 
Fleming; Br. Animals, p. 195. 
Jentns; Manual, p. 445. 
Yaubell; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 244. 
Guntiiek; Cat. British Museum, 
vol. iv, p. 3o4. 
The Whiting is common and sometimes abundant in the w'est 
of England and south of Ireland, and in these districts it 
reaches a size and perfection which are scarcely seen in the 
east or northern portions of the kingdom; while in the far 
north of Scotland it is rarely met with, as, on the testimony 
of Dr. Barry, is also the case in the Orkney Islands. This 
limited extent of wandering seems to imply that Whitings 
are more sensible to the feeling of cold than several otliers of 
this family; in further proof of which it w'as noticed that in 
the month of Febi'uaiy, when they were on the coast in large 
numbers, and those of largest size were with enlarged roes and 
milts, on a change of wind to the north, accompanied with a 
fall of the thermometer from 47° to 44°, although the weather 
continued moderate, the whole of the larger of these fishes went 
