 The John Dory , though of uninviting appearance , is considered by some persons as the most delicious fish that appears at table ; in the general estimation , however , it ranks next to the turbot , but it is far less abundant in our waters , and is not commonly to be procured of sufficient size for a handsome dish , except in some few parts of our coast which are celebrated for it . It may easily be known by its yellow gray colour , its one large dark spot on either side , the long filaments on the back , a general thickness of form , and its very ugly head . It is dressed in the same manner , and served usually with the same sauces as a turbot , but requires less time to boil it . The fins should be cut off before it is cooked . 
