82 
POLLACK. 
but the usual method of fishing for them is in the manner 
called whiffing, by using a length of line which is not weighed 
down with a sinker, and is towed after a moving boat. The 
bait is made, both by the setting on and action, to imitate a 
living object, and the fisherman manages two of these lines 
by alternate, motion of his arms, while another rows the boat. 
They are the half-grown fishes which are thus caught, and 
the larger fall victims to the ordinary line at anchor, chiefly 
in the autumn, at which time these fishes abound in considerable 
numbers, and are in their highest perfection; in which for the 
table they are little inferior to tlie most esteemed of the 
family. Like the Whiting, however, they do not vary greatly 
through the year; but the best, as well in size as quality, 
are those which are caught at the West of the Land’s Eiad, 
between that point and the Scilly Islands; a district in which 
others of the Gadoid family are also found to reach an amount 
of perfection that is not equalled elsewhere. 
The Pollack spawns about the end of the year, and the 
young, of small size, are seen in harbours, and on the borders 
of shallow rocks, moving about with a slow motion, and ready 
to take a bait as it comes in their way. 
It is often salted and dried by fishermen for their own use, 
but in this state they do not usually form an article of trade, 
although fully equal to some that meet a ready sale. 
The form is compressed, moderately lengthened. The usual 
weight from twelve to fifteen pounds, and very rarely exceeding 
twenty; hut our description and figure were obtained from an 
example that weighed twenty-four pounds. Under jaw protruding 
beyond the upper; numerous small teeth in both, and strong 
teeth in the palate. Eye moderately large. Scales on the - 
body small and well retained. The greatest depth at the vent, 
which is opposite the middle of the first dorsal fin. Lateral 
line with a curve, which sinks a little beyond the end of the 
pectoral fin, and from thence straight to the tail. The first anal 
fin naiTow, and sloping in its outline, as, in a less degree, is 
the second anal also. Pectoral fin narrow; ventral small and 
further back than in most of this family. Tail a little incurved. 
The colour of the back and fins is a dark brown or olive, 
sometimes with a tinge of green; sides often obscurely mottled 
with brown or yellow; belly obscurely white. In the younger 
