SMEAR-DAB. 299 



the pectoral fins, and from thence runs strait to the 

 tail. 



This species is an inhabitant of the Mediter- 

 ranean, the Baltic, and the Northern seas, hut is 

 less common than either the Plaise or Flounder, to 

 both of which it is superior as a food, though in- 

 ferior in its general size : it is in its highest season 

 in the months of February, March, and April, 

 after which it is observed to grow less firm : it 

 spawns in May, or, if the spring prove cold, in 

 June. Dr. Bloch observes that the small spines, 

 mentioned by Linnseus as situated at the base of 

 the dorsal and ventral fins, were not observable in 

 the specimens which he examined. 



SMEAR-DAB. 



Pleuronectes Laevis. P. fusco-Jlavesccns squamis laxibus, subtus. 



albus, maculis quinqne fuscis. 

 Yellowish-brown smooth-scaled Flounder, beneath white with 



five dusky spots. 

 Rhombus laevis Cornubiensis maculis nigris ? (a Kit, Mr. 



Jago). Raii syn. pise. l62.f. 1. 

 Smear-Dab. Venn. brit. zooL 3. 



" We found (says Mr. Pennant) one of this 

 species at a fishmonger's in London, where it is 

 known by the name of the Smear-Dab. It was a 

 foot and a half long, and eleven inches broad be- 

 tween fin and fin on the widest part : the head 

 appeared very small, as the dorsal fin began very 

 near its mkuth, and extended very near to the tail : 

 it consisted of seventy- nine rays : the eyes were 



