185 
DAB. 
Passer asper, 
Pleuronectes limanda, 
(( “ 
Fleuronecfs Umande, 
Platessa limanda, 
Pleuronectes limanda, 
WlLLOUeHBY; p. 97. pi. F. 4. 
Linnjstjs. Bloch, pi. 46. 
DoKOVAsr, pi. 44. 
Lacepkiie. 
Cuvier. FLEMras; Br. Animals, p. 198. 
Jenyns; Manual, p. 456. 
Yarrei.l; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 307. 
Gunther; Cat. Br. M,, vol. iv, p. 448. 
The Dab is one of our commonest fishes, but not one of the 
most abundant; nor does it appear to abound elsewhere, 
although it is met with in the far north of Europe. Its range, 
however, does not extend proportionally to the south, and 
although it is mentioned by Laccpede as an inhabitant of the 
Mediterranean, it is not named as seen in that sea by writers 
who have given an account of fishes which have occurred 
within their own observations. But it is well known along all 
the coasts of the British Islands, where it often takes the hook, 
and its food is worms, crustaceous animals, and small shell-fish. 
Its resort is in smooth and sandy ground, and frequently in 
sandy bays, although at times it is taken at the distance of 
several miles from land. I have found the milt ready to be 
shed at Cliristmas, but the usual time lor spawning is in the 
spring. It is in esteem for the table as superior to the Plaice. 
This fish rarely exceeds a foot in length, but the example 
described measured thirteen inches, with a breadth, exclusive 
of the fins, five inches and a fourth. The general form oval; 
gape rather small, under jaw a little protruding, with (in most 
cases) a small chin or tubercle; teeth stout, not close together; 
lowermost eye a small degree in advance; a ridge of moderate 
elevation between the eyes, in a recess of which is the largest 
nostril. Lateral line arched at first, and thence straight, 
VOL. HI. 2 B 
