362 FISHES OF THE FIRTH OF FORTH. 



the intervening space narrow, with an osseous ridge in the middle, 

 which, behind the eyes, becomes interrupted, giving rise to aflexuous 

 row of tubercles five or six in number, from the termination of which 

 the lateral line commences, taking a very slight curve over the pec- 

 torals, from thence passing straight to the base of the tail, where it 

 accompanies the under surface of the middle caudal ray. Scales en- 

 tire, small and adherent, and from being deeply impressed in the cu- 

 ticle it gives the surface a pitted appearance. Number of fin rays — 

 D. 70; P. 11; V. 6; A. 50; C. 20; B. 6. 



The Plaise is readily distinguished by having a row of 

 osseous tubercles, about five in number, placed on the eye 

 side of the head, running with a gentle curve from the ori- 

 gin of the lateral line to the central ridge of the orbits ; a 

 character which none of the other species of this genus 

 possess. 



It is a fish well known throughout the British coasts, in 

 consequence of its being held in high estimation for the 

 table. It is said to have been taken on some parts of 

 the English coast the weight of fifteen pounds. During 

 the summer months it inhabits rocky situations, but in 

 February and March it approaches the sandy banks for the 

 purpose of shedding its spawn, when great numbers are 

 taken both with the net and line. 



In the month of August the young are seen from two 

 to three inches in length at the mouths of rivers, but seldom 

 found beyond the flow of the tide, although they have been 

 retained with success in fresh-water ponds. They are com- 

 mon in almost every part of* the estuary of the Forth, but 

 seldom met with of large size ; the small ones are named 

 Flukes and are in their best condition as food in May, par- 

 ticularly when taken on rocky ground, where they meet 

 with various species of c; -stacea and small fishes on which 

 they principally feed. 



