232 



SHEPHERD S PUKsES. 



of pure albnmeu, wrapped up in a most delicate mem- 

 brane ; this would eventually have become the young 

 fish. It is comparatively rare to find one of these eggs 

 with young fish alive in them, although they are occa- 

 sionally thrown up after severe storms. The moment 

 the young fish is hatched the empty shells float away, 

 and visitors at the sea- side are jierfectty familiar with 

 them, as they are thrown up on the shore by the waves. 

 These are generally black : brown ones are very scarce. 

 They are known by the name of " Shepherd's Parses," 

 or ''Skate h?.nd-barrows." 



EGG OF SKATE, SHOWING YOUNG. 



In May, 1872, I received two very large skate eggs 

 from Mr. Matthias Dunn, of Mevagissey ; they measured 

 16in. in length, and 5^in. in width. They were taken 

 from a monster j)iper-skate {Uaia lintea). Strange to 

 say they contained no young ; the young must have 

 been born when they were still in utero. This is very 

 curious. 



There are nine or ten species of true Kays found on 

 our coasts, and they have been arranged in two 

 divisions : those having the snout more or less sharp. 



