100 THE MAMMALS, REPTILES, AND FISHES OF ESSEX.
Gadus merlangus, Linn. Whiting.
Another well-known and valued member of this family.
This fish arrives in our estuaries about the middle or end of
September, and gives good sport to fishermen, as it takes the
hook freely. In some seasons, it is very abundant.
Gadus pollachius, Linn. Whiting Pollack.
Dale says (History of Harwich, 1732, p. 428) that
in his time the Whiting Pollack was sometimes caught,
and brought to Braintree market with the other varieties of
Whiting.
Genus MERLUCCIUS, Cuvier.
Merluccius vulgaris, Cuvier. Hake.
Although this fish is so common on the south and west
coasts of this island, I never remember seeing more than one
specimen captured on the Essex coast. The specimen was
sent me by a dealer to name. This, in itself, is a sufficient
proof of the rarity of the species in the neighbourhood. No
doubt the shallowness of the water prevents their being more
common with us. Dale says (History of Harwich, p. 429),
" Hake is sometimes caught here. When salted and dried, it
is called 'Poor Jack.'" Lindsey also mentions (A Season
at Harwich, p. 73) this fish and its extraordinary voracity.
Genus Motella, Cuvier.
Motella mustela, Nilss. Five-bearded Rock Ling.
This is not common, our muddy shores not suiting its
habits, but I possess a specimen taken in the Colne. Day
(Fishes of Great Britain, vol. i., p. 316) gives the mouth of
the Thames among its haunts.