506 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF [May, 



LAMNID^. 

 Isurus dekayi (Gill)? ("Mackerel Shark.") 



Taken in the spring in the mackerel drift-nets. 



CARCHARIID^. 

 *Carcliarias littoralis (Mitchill). ("Sand Shark.") 



This is the commonest shark in these waters. They are taken on 

 lines and sometimes rolled up in the set-nets. Occasionally in the har- 

 bor. A small one was taken a few years ago in one of the doclcs. It 

 measm-ed about 5 feet. 



SQUALID.^. 



Squalus acanthias Linnseus. (" Dog Fish.") 



They breed on the bar in May. Some years ago they were regularly 

 fished for by sailboats. They were so plentiful that it was the custom 

 to break off the barb of the hook to make it easier to get the fish off 

 when caught. They are a great nuisance to the mackerel fishermen, 

 not only in tearing the nets, but in mangling the mackerel already 

 in the net. In October, 1903, for two or three days they filled up the 

 pounds. 



RAJIDJE. 

 Kaja erinacea Mitchill. (" Skate.") 



Common all about the island and associated with — 



Eaja laevis (Mitchill). (" Skate.") 



MYLIOBATID^. 

 Ehinoptera bonasus (Mitchill). 

 Only one specimen seen. Taken in the pound, October 16, 1902. 



ACIPENSERIDJB. 

 Acipenser sturio Linnseus. ("Sturgeon.") 



Often seen "breaking" (jumping out of water) on still days off the 

 east end of the island. Occasionally taken in the nets. 



ANGUILLID^. 

 *Anguilla chrisypa Rafinesque. ("Eel.") 



Taken by spearing in shallow water in the harbor and in Madequet 

 " creek/' a tide-water stream at the western end of the island. They 

 are also taken at night torching and with the " bob." In winter holes 

 are cut in the ice and the eel-spear thrust through into the mud and 

 many eels taken. This was especially resorted to in the long freeze-up 



