1GO PLAICE, FLOUNDER. 



PLAICE. 



The Plaice is broad and flat ; of a pale brown, with large 

 orange spots above, and white beneath. It inhabits the 

 Mediterranean, Northern, and Baltic seas, and is plentiful 

 on the British coast. Some weigh fifteen pounds; but 

 those of eight or nine pounds are considered large. It is 

 a fish much esteemed for food. 



THE FLOUNDER 



Resembles the plaise in shape, bnt its colours are 

 marbled-brown above, and dull white beneath. It is 

 found in the Northern, Baltic, and Mediterranean seas, and 

 is very common on our coast, and even in the river near 

 the sea. It is esteemed as food ; but not so much so as 

 many of the genus. 



THE ROSTRATED CRETODON 



Is remarkable for its uncommon manner of preying. It 

 feeds on the smaller flying insects, watching them as they 

 hover over the water, and shooting at them a drop of water 

 from its long and hollow snout. They aim so sure as 

 generally to bring the insect dead or stunned to the sur- 

 face. The fish shoots from a distance of several feet. It 

 is a native of the fresh waters of India, and affords great 

 amusement when kept in a large basin. Its shape is 

 round ; its length is six or eight inches ; and its colour 

 whitish, with a dusky back, marked with five bands of 

 deep brown with milk white edges. 



THE TURBOT 



Is considered as the best sh for the table. It is of a 

 broad and square form, of a dark-brown colour above, 

 marbled with blackish spots, and white beneath. It grows 

 to a considerable size, and is taken abundantly on the 

 coasts of Britain, France, Holland, &c. The baits used 

 are pieces of herring, haddock, and small flsh. All the 

 flat fish frequent the bottom of the ocean, feeding on the 

 lesser marine animals, and swim but badly. 



