

GREAT BRITAIN. 315 



In this species the nasal valves are confluent, and form 

 a broad flap across the mouth, which is not interrupted in 

 the middle, neither is it furnished with a barbel. There 

 is no labial fold to the upper jaw, but one laterally at the 

 mandible. Teeth. With a central projecting triangular 

 cusp, and a short but similar lateral one on either side. 

 They are of medium size and in several rows. Fins. Two 

 dorsals, the first behind the ventrals, which latter are rather 

 large. Anal situated beneath the interspace between the 

 two dorsal fins. Colours. Reddish-brown, with the back 

 id upper two-thirds of the body and head covered with 



imerous and small reddish-brown, olive, or dark spots, 

 >me of which, but of a larger size, being extended on to 

 various fins. Lower surface grey or white. 



Habits. A migratory species, which appears to remain 

 at the Orkneys later into the cold months than some of 

 the other forms. 



Uses. Of little value either for food or oil. Is said to 

 be eaten at Roundstone in Ireland, and also in the Isle 

 of Man. In the west of Cornwall it is employed in the 

 preparation of " Morghi soup," which is there valued ; 

 likewise in Devonshire it is sometimes used as food. 

 Lacepede states that the use of it is not without danger, 

 he having known a family almost poisoned who had 

 partaken of it. At the Island Magee in Ireland it is 

 employed as bait in the " buckie " creels to capture shell- 

 fish, Buccinum undatum. 



Habitat. Coasts of Europe. It is taken in great quan- 

 tities in the Orkneys, and is common all around our shores 

 and in Ireland. 



