HALIBUT  , or HoLIBUT (Hippoglossus vulgaris), the largest of all

flat-fishes, growing to a length of 10 ft. or more, specimens of 5 ft. in length and of loo lb. in weight being frequently exposed for sale in the markets . Indeed, specimens under 2 ft. in length are very rarely caught, and singularly enough, no instance is known of a very young specimen having been obtained . Small ones are commonly called " chicken halibut." The halibut is much more frequent in the higher latitudes of the temperate zone than in its southern portion; it is a circumpolar species, being found on the northern coasts of America, Europe and Asia, extending in the Pacific southwards to California . On the British coasts it keeps at some distance from the shore, and isgenerally caught in from 50 to 150 fathoms . Its flesh is generally considered coarse, but it is white and firm, and when properly served is excellent for the table . The name is derived from " holy " (M.E . Italy), and recalls its use for food on holy days .