MITCHILL ON THE FISHES OF NEW-YORK. 389 



tending some distance along the dorsal fin, and over the gill-covei\ 

 The small mouth seems to be concealed, as it were, among the sur- 

 rounding parts. Delicate eating. 



Rays, Br. 4. V. 4. P. 0. D. 56. A. 40. C. 16. 



* * With eyes to the left. 



4. Plaice of New-York. (Pleuronectes aquosus.) With spots of black, 

 and white or silvery on the back, semi-transparent body, and variegated 

 fins. 



A middle-sized fish, measured nine inches from nose to tail, and when 

 the dorsal and anal fins were expanded, five and three quarters across. 

 Another of the largest magnitude was eleven inches long, and eight 

 broad. Is taken in the same place with the P. planus ; that is, in our 

 shallow bays and coves. 



Back brown, interspersed with blackish brown spots. In some indi- 

 viduals a white spot at the origin of the superior pectoral fin ; and sil- 

 very specks over the head, back, and fins, resembling small flakes of 

 mica. Eyes yellowish. 



Edges of the foremost dorsal rays white, as they sometimes double 

 under. Lower ventral white. Fins, mostly, however, variegated with 

 oblong spots. 



Mouth oblique and moderate. A protuberance on the chin. Body 

 delicate, and semi-diaphanous. Dorsal fin commences between the 

 right eye and the upper lip. Tail convex. Back, belly, and fins 

 smooth, and free from spines and roughness. Teeth small, though sharp. 



From his pellucidity, he is sometimes called the watery flounder. 



Rays, Br. 7. P. 12. V. 6. D. 65. A. 54. C. 17. 



This fish has, by some of our sportsmen and epicures, been called 

 turbot ; but they who call him so, show their entire ignorance of ich- 

 thyology. 



