536 THE BRILL AND MULLER'S TOPKNOT. 



considered the best of all. This fish is highly esteemed : 

 and in botli Sweden and Denmark " takes the same place 

 at the table as the pheasant amongst birds." 



The Brill {Sldtt-Hoar, Sw. ; Sleet- Varre,'Ddin.; both 

 meaning the smootli brill ; R. vulgaris, Cuv.) was, like 

 the Turbot, somewhat scarce in the Bohus Skiirg.lrd; but 

 would seem to be common enough farther to the south- 

 ward, on the coasts of both Sweden and Jutland, as also 

 in the Baltic where, however, its range is more limited 

 than that of the R. maximus. As yet, it has not been 

 identified on the western shores of Norway ; but it is 

 supposed to be found there up to at least 61° or 62° of 

 latitude. Its usual weight in the Scandinavian seas is 

 five or six pounds, but Kroyer makes mention of one 

 weighing fifteen that came under his notice. Its food 

 and manner of living are similar to those of the Turbot. 

 Nilsson believes it spawns towards the end of May, but 

 Kroyer, having found the lobes with clearly-developed, 

 although small, roe at the beginning of November, as 

 also in the same state in the commencement of May, 

 thinks the spawning season is a matter that requires 

 future elucidation. It is valued for the table, though in 

 a much less degree than the Turbot. 



]\Iuller's Topknot {Lwlcn Hear, Sw. ; Laaclen Varre 

 [both implying hirsute or shaggy], Dan.; H. //iW«s, Abildg.) 

 has not yet been identified, so far as I am aware, in the 

 Bohus SkJirgard, but is met with, though sparingly, in the 

 more southern parts of the Cattegat down to the Sound ; 

 but I know not if it be an inhabitant of the Baltic. It is 

 also found on the western coast of Norway, up to or beyond 

 Bergen (latitude 60i°), from whence siiccimens have been 

 received. Its usual length is from four to five inches, and 

 it probably never attains to more than eight or nine. 

 Nothing is known to Northern naturalists regarding its 

 breeding or other habits. Little value is set on this fish ; 



