t 462 Tfrg MAMMALS, REPTILES, AND FISHES OF ESSEX. 



^ ^yery smalt lioqk'and light tackle, however, I have taken 

 them very frequently, both in the Crouch and the Blackwater. 

 It is a very good-flavoured fish, although rather watery. 



Pleuronectes microcephalus, Donovan. SMEAR DAB, 

 LEMON DAB, OR MARY SOLE. 



This is taken frequently on the coast and in the estuaries, 

 but only by trawling. It is one of the best of this useful and 

 well-flavoured family. 



Pleuronectes limanda, Linn. DAB. 



This fish is taken continually in the season, on all parts of 

 the coast, by nets and hooks. Though generally considered 

 by the London dealers as of no value, it is, when cooked, 

 according to my experience, nearly or quite equal, to the 

 Sole, and, therefore, far better than the Plaice, which (for 

 some reason that I cannot understand) is much preferred 

 by the dealer. It may be because of the smaller size of 

 the Dab. The largest I have ever caught weighed one 

 pound and a halt. 



Pleuronectes flesus, Linn. FLOUNDER. 



A fish common everywhere on all parts of the coast, 

 ascending rivers much beyond the tideway, and very frequently 

 seen in the slightly brackish water of the marsh ditches. 

 Flounders sell everywhere, but I cannot say I think them of 



much value for the table. 



/ 



Genus SOLEA, Klein, Cuv. 



Solea vulgaris, Quensel. SOLE. 



This very common and delicious fish occurs on all our 

 sandy coasts in great, but largely-diminishing, numbers. The 

 trawl is the chief instrument for capturing it, since it 

 very rarely takes a hook. 



