124 FISH. 



THE FLOUNDER. 



Plategsusjlesus, Cuvier. 

 Pleuronectes flesits, Linnojus. 



Is caught all around our coasts, being one of the 

 most common of flat-fish, where the bottom is 

 composed of soft sand, clay, mud, &c. ; they are 

 said to have been seen of four pounds in weight 

 each, but I have never met with such monsters. 

 The flounder feeds on small fish, worms, insects, 

 Crustacea, &c., and spawns in February and 

 March ; they abound in the Thames and in most 

 freshwater rivers, where they are taken in tuck- 

 nets, or by spillers ; they make very nice food, 

 being a delicate fish. There is another variety 

 known as the long flounder. I have taken them 

 in quantities when fishing from Southend Pier, 

 baiting with a boiled shrimp ; they are frequently 

 caught in pairs, and when fresh are very nice for 

 breakfast. 



