SOLE. 303 



grows to the length of more than two feet, and to 

 the weight of eight pounds : its general size how- 

 ever is much smaller : its shape is that of a very 

 long oval : its colour obscure brown above, and 

 white beneath : it is covered with small rough 

 scales of an oblong form, each terminated by numer- 

 ous spines, and very strongly fastened to the skin : 

 these scales, from the elegance of their structure, 

 orm a favourite microscopic object, and an errone- 

 ous idea sometimes prevails that the spiny end of 

 the scale is that by which it was inserted into the 

 skin: the pectoral fins, especially that on the upper 

 side, are commonly tipped with black: the head 

 is small 5 the eyes and mouth of moderate size ; 

 the upper jaw longer than the lower, arid both 

 fringed round the edges with a row of very small, 

 white beards. 



Next to the Turbot, this fish is considered as the 

 most delicate of the genus, and is by many even 

 preferred to the former; the flesh being remarkably 

 firm, white, and well-flavoured : those of moderate 

 size are, in general, most esteemed. The Sole 

 delights in lying at the bottom of the coasts which 

 it frequents, preying on small shell-fish, spawn, sea- 

 insects, &c. and is generally taken by the trawl- 

 net : the chief fishery, according to Mr. Pennant, 

 is at Brlvham in Tor bay. 



