THE TOPE. 



199 



Several species of Hammer-headed Sharks are known, among which the Heart-headed 

 Shark (Sphyrnias tiburo), has the best developed head, and the Broad-headed Shark 

 (Sphyrnias Idticeps), the most so. Another species, the Tudes (Sphyrnias tudes), thought to 

 inhabit the Mediterranean, and the shores of Southern America, is intermediate between the 

 two extremes. 



The general color of this species is grayish-brown above, and grayish-white below. 



HAMMER-HEAD (Sphyrna zyycena). This is a large Shark, found in most seas. It is 

 common on the American coast from Cape Cod southward. The width of head is about twice 

 its length. 



In Cuba this is called Cornuda. Dr. Mitchell says ' ' the voracity of this Shark may 

 be judged from the following occurrence at Sag Harbor, in September, 1805. Three of this 

 species were taken in a net by Mr. Joshua Terry ; the largest was eleven feet in length. On 



11AMMKK IIKAUEI) SHARK. Spyrnlus zygtena. (One lilt, ,-iicli natural size.) 



opening him many detached parts of a man were disclosed, with portions of clothing.'' DeKay 

 says it is much dreaded by the Long Island fishermen, for its boldness. Some have been 

 seen in "Hell Gate" four feet in length. The Hammer-head is equally well known on both 

 sides of the Atlantic. Its range is from the coast of Brazil northward, but is not known 

 to pass Cape Cod. 



The extraordinary shape of this creature's head is, seemingly, a deformity ; yet we are 

 not justified in so believing for Nature doeth all things well, and for a purpose. This Shark 

 brings forth living young, from thirty to forty in number, all perfectly formed, and averaging 

 nineteen inches in length. 



THE destructive and voracious fish, which is indiscriminately known by the names of 

 TOPE, PBNNY DOG, or MILLER'S DOG, according to the particular coast near which it is found, 

 is another familiar representative of the great Shark family. 



