CYTTID^. 141 



five stones from th,e beacli. It, however, was so gorged that it permitted itself to 

 be taken by the hand. 



Mr. Savile Kent has drawn particular attention to the manner in which this 

 fish nses its fins, the movements of which he, with great justice, likens to that of 

 the dorsal fin in the pipe-fish. This rapid motion affects the soft rays and 

 inter-radial membrane of the dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins : all, or merely some 

 of which, may be in motion at the same time. This may be perceived both when 

 they are ascending in the water, descending, or even when reclining over on 

 one side : but they are likewise able to move their fins more slowly as generally 

 seen in fishes. 



Many cases of whitlow, involving the loss of joints of fingers, are occasioned 

 from injuries inflicted by the spines placed at the bases of the dorsal and anal 

 fins in these fishes - 



Means of capture and baits. — It is obtained most abundantly during summer 

 and autumn, but some are captured throughout the year. It will take a spinning 

 bait : a baby-spinner tagged with a small strip of prepared rays skin and a 

 rod with fine tackle has been recorded as killing. The best bait is a small fish, 

 especially a young sea-bream, Pagellus, hooked by the tail or back. This is 

 swallowed head first, by which means the spines of the bream are said to act 

 like a hook. It will also take pieces of mackerel, pilchard, or cuttle. 



Breeding. — Very prolific, and minute young ones are common. Mr. Dunn 

 thinks it spawns in winter : the young are 2 or 3 inches in length in August, 



In the middle of last century a sudden advance in the price of these fish 

 took place. Couch quotes a MSS. note as follows : — " Dorys yt used to be 

 sold for three to four pence a piece are now two shillings or half-a-crown a 

 good one." The same author remarks on upwards of sixty one autumn being 

 hauled on shore in one ground seine, the entire lot of which realized nine 

 shillings. 



As food. — It is considered by some to be in the best condition for the table 

 durinu- the last four months of the year, but others recommend it as being 

 of superior excellence from January to March : while fishmongers prefer them 

 from the Devonshire coast. It was much prized by the Romans, who deemed 

 it to be sacred to Neptune. John Quin, the actor, who died at Bath in 1766, 

 when 73 years of age, is commonly reported to have added this delicacy 

 to our tables, and some have even asserted that so pleased was he 

 with it that it was commonly known as John's dory. Prior to his time 

 prejudice has been said to have banished it from the repasts of the rich, 

 owing to its hideous aspect. Rutty (1772) observed, respecting the County of 

 Dublin, that "it is frequent and excellent food, preferred by some to the 

 turbot, though scarce known here before the year 1729." Borlase, in Cornwall, 

 1755, remarked, " this fish is of firm substance and much coveted, but rather 

 dry in comparison of the sole and turbot." Sir J. Banks placed it among 

 " the most valuable of fishes, as it required no sauce." Some good judges of 

 eating rank it next after the turbot. 



Mode of cooking — They are somewhat improved by not being cooked for two 

 or three days after their capture : large ones should have their fins cut off', and look 

 best if the head is removed. After having been well cleaned they are boiled 

 very slowly, and Quin recommended that this should be done in sea-water : 

 they may be served with lobster or shrimp sauce, or without any. Or the 

 fish may be prepared similarly to turbot, or stewed. In Italy, equal parts of 

 wine and water are employed when cooking these fish : v. hile they are mostly 

 eatsn cold with a sauce of oil and lemon juice, and a sprinkling of salt and 

 pepper (Badham). Small ones are best baked, having a few bits of butter 

 on them to prevent their di'ying up when in the oven : they take about a 

 quarter of an hour. 



Habitat. — Has been taken as far north as Norway : seems to be absent 

 from the Baltic, but extending southwards towards the British shores, where 

 it increases in numbers : it is also found along the Atlantic coasts of Europe, 



