BROAD-HEADED GAZER 



69 



and the latter by a curious but scarcely well-informed individual: 

 The fish measured sixteen feet seven inches in length, and 

 its general proportions were nearly those of the Common Toper; 

 the tail also as in that fish; no ridge at the hinder part of the 

 body near the tail; skin not rougher than in the generality of 

 Sharks, The snout sharp and projecting; eyes looking forward; 

 flattish over the head, with a little rising, and, as in the figure, 

 singularly widened at that part. The teeth flat, exactly as in 

 the Thornback Ray or Ray-mouthed Dogfish. The gill openings 

 five in number, encompassing the throat to the back, and before 

 them a doubling or plaiting of the skin, which appeared like 

 another opening. Pectoral fins not quite so long in proportion 

 to its size as in the Blue Shark. The anterior dorsal fin 

 anterior to the ventrals; the second and anal opposite each 

 other. No spiracle was observed; the colour approaching to 

 brown, lighter on the belly. A female. Girth at the pectoral 

 fins five feet ten inches; width across the head three feet six 

 inches; length of the snout before the eye ten inches; extent 

 of the tail foar feet. The liver yielded twelve gallons of oil. 



HEAD OF BROAD-HEADED GAZER. UPPER SIDE, 



