BONY FISHES. 845 



Several successful experiments have been made to preserve 

 this fish in salt water ponds, in which it appears to thrive well. 

 The fecundity of this fish is almost incredible, the roe of one fish 

 having been ascertained to eantain nine million eggs. The Whiting 

 belongs to this family. 



In the Flat-fish we see a most extraordinary instance of 

 adaptation of structure to peculiar circumstances. We have all 

 seen Flat-fish, and all know that the upper side is dark, and the 

 under side nearly white. The word 'side' is used advisedly, as 

 these curious fish actually lie on their sides at the bottom of the 

 water while undisturbed, or merely feeding. When, however, they 

 are alarmed, they rapidly assume the vertical position, and dart off 

 with great speed. The dark upper surface serves to protect them 

 from becoming too visible to enemies above. The two eyes are also 

 placed on the upper side of the head for obvious reasons. In fact, 

 the whole fish appears as if it had been laid on its side, and rolled 

 flat, the head also being twisted round, and the lower eye removed 

 to the upper surface. 



The Turbot is found on the 

 coasts of most parts of England, but 

 is mostly confined to the southern 

 coasts of Ireland. The fishery is 

 conducted both by nets and lines. 

 The net, called the haul-net, drags 

 from the bottom not only turbots but 



other flat fish, such as soles and plaice. The line, used when the 

 bottom of the sea is too deep or rocky for the net, is armed with 

 many hooks, baited with smelts and other small fish. The lampern, 

 or river lamprey, was formerly in very great use as a bait, as its 

 brilliant silvery appearance, and its great tenacity of life, rendered 

 it peculiarly fit for the capture of the voracious but dainty turbot, 

 who, rejecting all stale or discolored baits, eagerly devours them 

 if bright colored and moving. The fishermen state that the turbot 

 will not touch a bait that has been bitten by any other fish. ,0n 

 the Englisi coasts one turbot-line frequently extends for three 

 miles in length, and is furnished with 2500 hooks, which are at. 



