218 PLEURONECTES. 



considerable extent of our coast, without bringing 

 up a single turbot or sole. Still, although there is 

 something contradictory in these statements, we 

 are fully inclined to believe that both of them are 

 in our harbors. 



GEN. SOLEA. 



Sole, — Solea Vulgaris, is thought to be an 

 inhabitant of our harbors, bordering on the deep 

 water, nearly two feet in length. Its scales are 

 rough and small, and are covered with spines. 

 The habits of the sole are much like the flounder. 

 The mouth is on the side opposite to the eyes, 

 and the jaws are without teeth on the side on 

 which the organs of vision are placed. 



GEN. RHOMBUS. 



Turbot, — Rhombus Maximus. Probably this 

 is the most valuable of the flat-fish, being of a 

 firmer texture, and growing much larger than 

 either of the others, with the exception of the hol- 

 ibut. Sometimes it weighs thirty pounds, though, 

 in this region the coldness of the water, it may 

 be supposed, would keep it below size. It may 

 be known from the flounder by having its eyes on 

 the opposite side ; by its brownish or dirty shade 

 of yellow ; rough, tuberculous skin, mottled with 

 dark spots. In England the turbot sustains the 



