FLAT-FISHES. 261 



tlie whole length of the dorsal, the other that of 

 the ventral edge of the body. 



The scales are generally small ; those of the 

 Flounder, one of which is here represented, have 

 the margin entire all round, or only slightly 

 waved at the front edge, with no spines behind. 

 The form is more or less round, and the appear- 

 ance generally much resembles that of a scallop 

 shell {Pecten). The concentric lines are coarse, 

 and are divided by bands radiating from a point 



«g 



I 



SCALE OF FLOUNDER, magnified, 

 (a, the natural size.) 



behind the centre, which exhibit only transparent 

 crystalline substance, without any trace of lines, 

 even under a high magnifying power. 



On the adaptation of tlie singular structure of 

 the Pleuro7iectidcB to their habits, Mr. Yarrell has 

 some interesting observations, wdiicli we shall 

 take the liberty to quote. "The Flat-fishes and 

 the various species of Skate are, by this depressed 

 form of body, admirably adapted to inhabit the 

 lowest position, and where they occupy the least 

 space, among their kindred fishes. Preferring 



