TORSK. 
97 
England. As it makes some approach to the Ling in shape, 
so also its habits appear to be not greatly unlike, its resort 
being near the bottom, where it is eager in searching after 
food. It is also in estimation for the table, and large numbers 
are salted in the northern islands for exportation. It is 
classed among the fishes of Sweden, but it appears that its 
distribution in the higher regions of the north is within such 
moderate limits as that it is not met with at stations which 
are inhabited by species which are also common on the 
southern coasts of England and Ireland. It is said to be 
known on the south and west of Greenland, but not on the 
colder eastward coasts, although it has been doubted whether 
this more northern fish be not a different but closely allied 
species. 
The Torsk prefers the deeper water of the ocean, and usually 
the rougher ground; but it comes nearer the coast at the time 
of spawning, Avhich is in January and February; and we are 
informed that when in the shallower water it becomes liable 
to receive injury from the storms that then prevail, so that 
great numbers of them are sometimes thrown dead on the 
shore. The stomach of this fish when caught is commonly 
found empty, which is to be accounted for from the like cause 
by which that organ in the Cod, Ling, and several others of 
the family is often seen to be everted. It appears to proceed 
from the strong influence of terror, by which, in a less degree, 
it also happens that the contents of the stomach in these 
fishes are discharged when the fisherman is drawing them 
from their depths; or, as in the case of the Hake, when 
hooked high in the water, the multifarious contents are ejected 
only after it is taken into the boat. 
The example selected for description, for which I am 
indebted to the Rev. Walter Gregor, of Macduff, was in length 
sixteen inches; the general form much like that of the Ling, 
but proportionally stouter; the body thick, more compressed 
behind; head and origin of the bodj' broad. The body 
deepest opposite the origin of the dorsal fin. Snout slightly 
over the upper jaw; when closed both jaws equal; gape 
capacious; teeth incurved and strong; a barb at the lower 
jaw. A depression runs backward from the head, in which 
is placed the single dorsal fin. This fin begins opposite 
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