158 BRITISH FISH AND FISHERIES. 



firmness which is so remarkable in the turbot, 

 and for which it is so much prized. 



Among these fishes, one of the most valuable 

 is the sole, (Solea vulgaris^) which, if it were 

 scarce, would be in high estimation. This fish 

 is found around the shores of our island, and 

 along those of the adjacent continent ; it exists 

 in the Baltic, and also in the Mediterranean. 

 It usually tenants beds of sand, where it feeds 

 on testaceous mollusks and similar prey. The 

 sole is taken by the trawl-net, and there are 

 numerous fishing stations along our coast, 

 especially off Sussex and Devonshire, where 

 vast numbers are captured, the supply appear- 

 ing inexhaustible. The sole is in season all the 

 year round, excepting during the latter part of 

 February, when its flesh becomes flabby. In a 

 few weeks, however, it recovers and continues in 

 excellent condition. Mr. Yarrell states, that in 

 the course of one twelvemonth, eighty-six thou- 

 sand bushels of soles were received at Billings- 

 gate market. Occasionally, this fish is to be 

 seen of large size, weighing eight or ten pounds 

 the pair ; and there is an account of one by 

 Mr. Yarrell, which was twenty-six inches long, 

 eleven inches and a half wide, and weighed 

 nine pounds. It was in the Totness market, 

 June 21, 1826. Torbay is noted for its fine 



