3-039-063 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"Spearing Flounders," by H. MacCallum, 1871. [Those] acquainted with the characteristics and habits of the flat fish or flounder tribe...will more readily understand that it requires a sharp eye and a steady hand to capture the fish by the mode shown in this drawing, which was taken, doubtless, from some part of the Scotch coast. Nature...has wonderfully well adapted these fishes for their habits. They are destitute of an air-bladder, and they accordingly generally remain at the bottom of the sea, from which they seldom rise far; whilst the flattened shape of their body...and the placing of the eyes above, allows them to make progress along the bottom...The colour of their upper surface usually corresponds closely with that of the ground on which they lie; and thus they escape the observation of their marine enemies and are unnoticed by the small fish on which they prey. As the boat is propelled by the man at the stern, the little fellow leaning over its side utilises the time by practising another, slower mode of fishing - i.e., by a line and baited hook dragging along the bottom...the execution is most vigorous and manly; the action and poise of the old fisherman delivering the thrust are expressed with unusual mastery of draughtsmanship'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.