214 
NATURAL HISTORY 
SOLE. 
The Sole is a smooth fish, of a longer and 
more contracted body than the flounder, being 
about a foot in length. The back is of a 
darkish ash-colour; the belly white. It hasa 
more firm and solid flesh than the flounder, 
and is esteemed more excellent for the plea* 
sailtness of its taste, the nourishment it 
affords, and the goodness of its juice. Those 
caught on the English coast seldom exceed 
two pounds in weight, while those taken on 
other coasts have been known to weigh as 
much as seven or eight pounds. They are 
generally found on sandy shores. Soles 
may be kept many days without being 
tainted, even in hot weather ; and this, it is 
said, improves their flavour. They resemble 
the plaice in most of their habits. 
