FISHES. 



607 



The fish used to be taken largely on our own coasts, but now we have 

 to rely upon more distant fishing-grounds for a large portion of our 

 supply — large quantities coming from Holland. The turbot spawns 

 during the autumn, and is in fine condition during spring and early 

 summer. Mr. Yarrell says that it spawns in spring. Dr. Bertram 

 doubts this, although he is not quite sure of the contrary, inasmuch as 



Fig. 387.— The Turbot (Rhombus maximus). 



" there will, no doubt, be individuals of the turbot kind, as there are of 

 all other kinds of fish, that will spawn all the year round." The 

 turbot abounds on our west coast, round Torbay, and oft' the mouth 

 of the Seine and the Somme, from whence comes most of the fish 

 consumed in London and Paris. 



The Flounders and Plaice {Plafcssa) inhabit the northern seas of 

 Europe. They have their eyes placed on the right side ; the dorsal 

 as well as the anal fin extending from over the eyes to the caudal fin, 



