HALIBUT, FLAT-FISH AND FLOUNDER. 327 
or more, on the New England coast, and, though never very abundant in 
any one locality, might be taken in considerable quantities, in company 
with the Pole Flounder, by the use of a trawl-net, or even by specially 
devised trawl-lines. 
The Rough Dab has not been observed south of Woods Holl, Massachu- 
setts, but ranges north to Greenland, is abundant on the English coast, 
and is a well-known food-fish of Scandinavia. Its breeding habits in our 
waters have not been observed, but in Southern Sweden the spawning time 
isin April and May. It is a large-mouthed species, feeding upon fish as 
well as upon large invertebrates, such as crustaceans and annelids, and 
mention has been made of it more on account of its possible value in the 
future than for its importance at the present time. 
THE AMERICAN SOLE OR HOG-CHOKER. 
The much-prized Sole of Europe, Solea vulgaris, does not occur in the 
Western Atlantic, although attempts are being made to introduce it, and 
individuals have been set free in Massachusetts Bay, at Woods Holl, 
and off Coney Island. Its nearest representative, the American 
Sole, is found along our coast from Boston and Nahant to the mouth of 
the Mississippi River. It occurs in all of the rivers south of the Susque- 
hanna, and istaken in great numbers in the shad seines. It rarely attains 
