Ling
James I. said that were he to invite the devil to dinner he would give him a ling's head, a pig, mustard, and a pipe of tobacco. His Britannic Majesty meant that all these were horrible punishments which might righteously be inflicted on his Satanic Majesty. If the Prince of Darkness be a gourmet as well as a gentleman, it is probable that he would have enjoyed his dinner. Many Englishmen would no doubt agree with the king in disparaging the ling; but they are in error. Ling is the largest species of cod, and we generally find that the largest cod are the best. This great cod is certainly not to be despised. His head, his tongue, his swimbladder or sound, his roe and his liver are as good as in any cod. It is the liver of the ling which makes most of the cod-liver oil prescribed by physicians. Welcome the giant in the kitchen, and treat him in every way as the more familiar cod.