VARIOUS SPECIES OF SKATE. 235 



The Flapper Skate (Eaia intermedia') is another sharp- 

 nosed species, which seems to be a connecting link be- 

 tween the sharp-nosed and the blue skate. 



Of the Blunt-nosed Rays, the Homelyn and the Thorn- 

 back are the two species most common in the London 

 market. They are not very dissimilar in shape, though 

 distinct. The former is called the Sand Eay and 

 Spotted Ray, It is subject to great variety in colour 

 and marking — sometimes the upper surface is 

 numerously spotted, at other times sparingly so, or not 

 at all; and occasionally it has only one eye-spot on 



THORNBACK. 



each side. These varieties have given rise to different 

 names. The nose is short and rather obtuse ; the teeth, 

 in the adult fish, are sharp-pointed, the skin smooth, 

 and generally there are three rows of spines on the back. 

 It is from two to three feet long. The colour is brown 

 or reddish brown, marked wdth distinct roundish dusky 

 spots. This fish is most frequent along the southern 

 coast. 



The Thornback (German: Der gemeine Dornrochen ; 



