SHARKS. 



305 



an obvious and well-marked character in the form 

 of the head, which is enormously dilated, so 

 that the eyes appear placed at the ends of long 

 projections. (See figure of Zygcsna laticeps, an 

 Indian species, on page 15.) These fishes at- 

 tain a large size, and are said to be ferocious 

 and formidable ; one is occasionally taken on our 

 coasts. 



2. Pristina. The Saw-fishes. These are Sharks 

 with many characters of the Rays ; distinguished 

 by the snout being prolonged into a straight fiat 

 bony blade, along the edges of which are set 

 pointed teeth, directed outwards. This well- 

 armed sword is a formidable weapon, which it is 

 said the ferocious Saw-fish frequently buries in 

 the flesh of the Wliale and other marine animals. 

 The preceding engraving represents the singular 

 forms of these two Sub-families. 



8. Squalina. The True Sharks. These have 

 the ordinary form, the nose being somewhat 

 pointed, the body slightly swelling behind the 

 head. There are two dorsals, which have no 



BASKING SHARK. 



spines before them; and there are 

 {spiracles) behind the eyes. To 

 which far exceeds any of the others in the num 



X 



no air-holes 

 this group. 



