48 
A CORNISH FAUNA. 
Mailers Topknot {Rhombus hirtus). Not well-known, but not 
uncommon. Its flesh is excellent. I do not think Block’s 
Topknot {R. punctatus) has ever been taken in our seas, but 
the two flsh are so much alike that they may well have been 
confounded. Eckstrom’s Topknot {R. Norvegicm : Gunther) 
has been taken in the Bristol channel. Whether that is 
Cornish water is doubtful. 
Megrim {R. Armglossus) Scald fish. This is not a common fish, 
and it is not, I think, certain that it is more than a variety 
(may be the partly developed young) of the “ Carter.” 
Gunther calls it “Arnoglossus Lanterna.” Mr. Couch, 
(British Fi.shes), in describing the megrim, refers to some 
specimens of “ Arnoglossus lophotes ” which probably 
occurred at Plymouth, but I understand his conclusion and 
that of Mr. Tarrell to be that these were accidental varieties 
of the prineijial fish. 
Plaice {Platessa vulgaris). Of uncertain occurrence, and very 
variable value for the table. In observations in Mount’s 
Bay, extending over 25 years, I have remarked that when 
the Masked Crab ( Corystes Cassivelaumis) is common in the 
early spring. Plaice in the summer, and Eed Mullet in the 
autumn, are always abundant. The Plaice from a hard close 
killas sand are usually good edible fish. Those from a loose 
granite sand are valueless. 
Dab {Platessa limanda). Very common, and by no means a bad 
fish. 
Smear Dab {Platessa microoephalus) Lemon Dab. Smooth Dab. 
A very excellent fish. Common in some localities. 
Pole {Platessa polo). Has been taken in Cornwall, but I am in- 
clined to think only rarely. 
Flounder {Platessa flesus). Common as a harbour fish and in 
tidal fresh waters. 
Sole {Solea vulgaris). Common. Usually captured in nets, but 
there is no reason why it should not be taken in any quan- 
tities on lines if only hooks small enough were used. 
Variegated Sole (J/b»ocA«VMS Variegatus.) Pare. It is with diffi- 
culty that this fish can bo distinguished from the common 
sole until the texture of its flesh be tested. 
