35 



respect they differ from the Flat fishes, in which the body is 

 laterally compressed. The peculiarly broad form of the body 

 itself is due to the enormous development of the breast fins, tin- 

 tail being" correspondingly reduced, and forming" an attenuated 

 appendage upon which the two dorsal fins are placed. I he 

 breast fins extend nearly to the tip of the snout, passing over 

 the gill-slits, which are situated on the lower surface of the bod\ 

 and below the mouth. Where scales are present, they take the 

 form of more or less strongly developed spines, which in some 

 species are confined to certain portions of the upper surface of 

 the "wings," as the breast fins are termed. The skeleton, as 

 in the case of the Dogfish, is cartilaginous. The coloration of 

 the various species is generally admirably in keeping with the 

 mode of life of these fishes, approximating in tone very nearly 

 to that of the sea-bed. 



As in the. case of certain of the Dogfish, the members of this 

 group produce their egg's each enclosed in a horny envelope 

 (Mermaids' Purses). Their food consists chiefly of crustaceans 

 and molluscs, which are secured by the fish swimming directlv 

 over its prey, covering it with its body, and then by a special 

 movement convein it to its mouth. 





Range: The several species are more or less common in 

 distribution around these islands, certain occurring more 

 abundantly in the North, others being practically confined to 

 the Southern area. 



Remarks: The greatest supply of Skates and Rays comes frum the 

 Western area of the English Channel and the adjacent waters. The 

 market value is not considerable, but the skate is held in some esteem, 

 especially amongst the poorer classts. The somewhat glutinous nature 

 nt the flesh, a characteristic which is heightened by the presence of 

 cartilaginous bones, appears to require a cultivated taste for its full 

 appreciation. Skate is often prepared for the table by boiling, but 

 frying is perhaps preferable. 



In the market, the entire fish is seldom seen, the portions retailed being 

 the "wings." which have been previously skinned. 



