85 
Ling ( Lota ) differs from the latter in having a room xi. 
beard, while the Torsk ( Brosmius ) has only a 
single long dorsal fin. 
The family of Flat-Fish ( Pleuronectidce ) are 
peculiar amongst all the vertebrated animals, 
from the two sides of the head being dissimilar, 
both eyes being placed on one side, which is 
always superior when the fish swims, and 
strongly coloured, whilst the other side is 
white. The body is vertically compressed, 
fringed above by a long dorsal, and below by 
an anal fin. They live constantly in shallow 
water, on the shores of most countries, and 
furnish an agreeable and nutritious food. They 
are liable to varieties; sometimes both the upper 
and under side are dark-coloured, and at others 
both are pale rosy white. When both the sides 
are brown, the fins are interrupted over the 
forehead, and the eyes are placed one on each 
side of the head of the fish. These fish have 
been divided into several genera, according to 
the length of the dorsal and the distinctness of 
the pectoral fins. Some, as the Zebra Soles 
( Plagusia ), are entirely without pectoral fins, 
and have the anal, caudal, and dorsal united 
into one. 
The third family of this division are the 
Suckers (Cy chapter idee) ^ so called from their pec¬ 
toral fins being united together into a disk, by 
which they attach themselves to marine bodies. 
Their 
