PISCES. 



47 



Three-bearded R-ockling (Wotella vulgaris.) Whistler. Very 

 common in rocky pools. It is sometimes taken of a large 

 size in deep water. It is considered a delicacy. 



Four-bearded Rockling (Motella cimbria.) A small rare fish. 



Five-bearded Eockling (Motella quinquecirrata.) A small fish. 

 Common inshore. Very like the Whistler, but never of the 

 size to which that fish attains. 



Mackarel Midge (Motella glauca.) A tiny fish. Usually to be 

 found amongst shoals of " bait " (Launce, whitebait, &c.,) 

 which swarm inshore in summer and autumn. Hare. 



Thompson's Midge (M Coryphoena.) Mr. Couch records this as 

 having occurred in Cornwall. 



Lesser Forkbeard (Ranieeps trifurcatus.) Tadpole fish. ~R. 

 Jago. By no means uncommon ; with an extremely un- 

 pleasant smell when fresh. Usually taken on hook and 

 line. 



Greater Fork-beard (Phycis furcatus.) Hake's dame. Couch 

 (Fauna) speaks of it as "not uncommon in winter;" but 

 my experience of it is that it is rare. The more the pity, its 

 flesh being extremely delicate, and much superior to 

 whiting. Couch (British Fishes) mentions a Blennoid Fork- 

 beard, but after seeing several specimens of Greater Fork- 

 beard at all seasons of the year, I do not find that it can be 

 distinguished from the oidinary fish out of condition. 



PLEURONJECTIBJE.—(^i,a.t Fishes). 



Holibut ( Hippoglossus vulgaris.] Lady fluke. This largest of 

 the British flat fish, which not rarely runs to 8 cwt, is of 

 frequent occurrence off our coasts. It is sometimes of a 

 few pounds weight only. It is edible, but in my own 

 opinion, not good. 



Long Rough Dab (Hippoglossoides limandoides, Gunther.) Is 

 reported as having occurred off Falmouth. 



Turbot [Rhombus maximus.) Common. This fish is remarkably 

 apt to take its colour from the sands in which it is feeding. 



Brill (Rhombus vulgaris.) Common. Very uncertain eating 

 About one in three is fit for the table. 



Carter (Rhombus megastoma.) Mary sole. Whiff. Lantern 

 (because one can almost see through it). Common. 



