18 THE FISH OF DORSET. 



Portland Roads and Weymouth Bay when trawling in the autumn. 

 The flesh, when fried, is good. Couch III., p. 170, PI. CLXV. 

 Day II., p. 18, PI. C. 



ARNOGLOSSUS IATERNA. 



MEGUIM OR SCALD-FISH. 



This is the smallest of the flat fishes taken on our coast, and 

 seldom exceeds four to five inches in length. Its scales and even 

 skin come off with the slightest touch, so that it looks like having 

 been put in boiling water ; hence its name scald fish. It was very 

 abundant in Weymouth Bay in 1876. No use except for bait. 

 Couch III., p. 177, PI. CLXVIII. Day II., p. 22, PI. XCIX., 

 fig 2. 



ARNOGLOSSUS MEGASTOMA. 



SAIL FLUKE OR CARTER. 



Taken in Studland Bay November, 1895, by G. B. Wills. 

 Couch III., pp. 163, 167, Pis. CLXIII. and CLXIV. Day II., 

 p. 21, PI. XCVIII. 



PLEURONECTES PLATESSA. 



PLAICE. 



This is about the most abundant of our flat fishes, and is easily 

 recognised by its dark green back being covered with bright orange- 

 red spots. It is found wherever the ground is fairly smooth. It 

 is mostly taken by trawling, but also takes a bait freely, the best 

 bait being lug worm. They vary very much in quality according 

 to the ground they frequent, being more often than not soft and 

 watery ; but now and then a good thick plaice filleted and fried is 

 not to be despised. Couch III., p. 181, PI. CLXIX. Day II, 

 p. 25, PI. CI. 



PLEURONECTES LIMANDA. 



DAB. 



This is also a common fish on our coast, and with plaice form the 

 greater part of the contents of our trawl nets. They mostly 

 frequent sandy ground, and are easily distinguished from plaice by 



