244 DAB. 





where they seize upon such small crabs, shrimps, or fish, 

 as pass within their reach. They deposit their ova in 

 the winter, and are considered in best season for the table 

 during the summer months. 



The Flounder is distinguished from the plaise, and in 

 deed from every other fish of its tribe, by a row of smal] 

 but sharp spines, which surrounds its upper side, and 

 situated at the junction of the fins with the body. The 

 colour of the upper parts is pale brown, and of the belly 

 white. 



Plaise. In all their habits these fish are nearly alliec 

 to the Flounder, but they continue exclusively in th< 

 sea, never ascending the rivers. They usually spawn in 

 the months of February and March, depositing their ova 

 amongst the rocks, or upon marine plants. In general 

 they are in much greater esteem as food than the floun 

 der ; but when they are small and thin, they are soft 

 gluey, and unpalatable. The best Plaise are said to bt 

 those taken off Rye, on the coast of Sussex. In somt 

 countries these fish are salted and dried, as articles o 

 commerce. 



They are occasionally known to attain a very large size 

 weighing fifteen pounds and upwards. The upper part' 

 of the body are of a clear brown colour, marked witt 

 bright orange-coloured spots ; and th^ under parts ar 

 white. They are easily known by an'irregular row of sii 

 tubercles behind the left eye. 



Dab. The best season for the Dab is generally coni 

 sidered to be during the months of February, March, an< 

 April. They spawn later than any other fish of thei 

 tribe, not till May ; and at this time they are soft an< 



