ICHTHYOLOGY. 53 



much esteemed for the table. In the London 

 markets it is usually cut into large pieces for sale. 



Q. Whatemay be observed of Pleuronectes Pla-- 

 tessa ? 



A. Pleuronectes Platessa, the Plaice, is a na- 

 tive of the northern seas, and common on our 

 own coasts ; its usual weight is eight or nine 

 pounds, but it is sometimes found much larger. 

 It is very broad and flat, of a fine palish brown 

 above, and marked with numerous orange co- 

 loured spots ; the mouth is small, furnished with 

 small and rather blunt teeth, and the under jaw is 

 longer than the upper. 



Q. What is the Pleuronectes Limanda ? 



A. Pleuronectes Limanda, or the Dab, is of a 

 very broad ovate shape, of a yellowish brown co- 

 lour above, and white beneath. It inhabits the 

 Mediterranean, the Baltic, and the northern seas, 

 and, though small, is considered as excellent food, 



Q. What is the Pleuronectes Flesus ? 



A. Pleuronectes Flesus, or the Flounder, re- 

 sembles the plaice in shape, but is smaller and of 

 more obscure colours. It is found in the same 

 seas as the preceding, and in our rivers, at a con- 

 siderable distance from the salt water. This fish 

 is very tenacious of life, continuing alive for a long 

 time after being caught. 



Ovate, a. inclining to oval. 



