242 



PLEURONECTID/E. 



and operculum smooth, without tubercles ; basal and as- 

 cending marginal lines of the preoperculum forming nearly 

 a right angle ; lateral line arched over the pectoral fin, then 

 straight to the end of the tail : the scales are nearly round, 

 small, and smooth ; the colours of the body a reddish sandy 

 brown, varied with darker brown, and sprinkled over with 

 white pearl-like specks, whence, probably, one of the names 

 bestowed on this fish has originated : the under surface is 

 smooth and white. 



The young are of a pale reddish brown, marked w ith very 

 dark brown or black spots. 



The vignette represents the outline of the anterior part of 

 a Brill with a malformed head. For the fish from which this 

 sketch was taken, I am indebted to the kindness of Mrs. 

 Nelson of Devonport. It was taken in that vicinity in June 

 1835, and was brought on shore alive. 



