67 



POLYPEOSOPUS. 



This is a new genus, denoted by a word which is intended to rep- 

 resent the manifold aspect, which forms the chief character of the species 

 intended to be comprised within it. 



It may be objected to this arrangement that the species referred to 

 are not sutficiently known or described to warrant the formation of a 

 new genus for their reception. But to this the reply is offered, that 

 although many particulars regarding them, that are to be desired, are 

 unknown, this should not be held sufficient to prevent us from making 

 a record of what we have been able to collect, and which thus will 

 be preserved for the use of future naturalists; whose opportunities, 

 although partial like our own, may, in some time to come, enable them 

 to supply materials in which we have the misfortune to be deficient. 

 The value of even imperfect records has been proved in some other 

 instances, and after the lapse of many years. 



The characters on which our proposed genus is founded are: — a short 

 projecting snout, with a broad mouth; the eyes looking forward in front, 

 so that, contrary to the habits of other Sharks, they are able to gaze 

 with both eyes on an object directly before them. Gill openings very 

 large, and encompassing the neck, as in the genus Selache. These 

 characters are so well marked that I have not thought it necessary to 

 take notice of the anal fin, which exists in the figure of one of the 

 species, and is absent in the other. 



RASHLEIGH SHARK. 



Squalus Rashleighanus, Transactions of the Liuneau Society, 



vol. xiv, p. 91; Cornish Fauna, 

 vol. i, p. 51. 



Polyprosopus Rashleighanus, Nobis. 



There is little doubt but that this is one of two or three 

 fishes which have been confounded with the Basking Shark, to 

 which its large size must have greatly contributed. The figure, 

 with a few particulars concerning it, were presented to me 

 by William Eashleigh, Esq., of Menabilly, in Cornwall, himself 

 a competent naturalist, and in whose honour the name is affixed 

 to it. This example was obtained in St. Austle Bay, near his 

 lesidence, but in what manner I am not prejiared to say. 



