SMAL1,-KYE1) UAV. 485 



orifices on the vnulcr surface minierous, and as if jMinctiired 

 with a pin ; the colour of the skin a pure white. 



Such is the description Mr. Couch gives of his specimen, 

 whicli was a female, and which "vvas taken by a line on the 28tli 

 of January 1835. In it numerous eggs were found, some of 

 which had attained their full growth ; — a circumstance which 

 fixes the period for the production of the young in this 

 species. 



Montagu says both his examples were females, resembling 

 his R. maculata in form ; Mr. Couch refers to the Thornback 

 for shape : the figure here given is taken from Mr. Couch''s 

 drawing, and it will be observed that all three have consi- 

 derable similarity of outline. A few extracts from JNIonta- 

 gu's description will exhibit further resemblance. The pro- 

 portions by measurement are very nearly alike ; the upper 

 surface pale brown, with a few scattered spots and lines of a 

 lighter colour on the margins of the wings ; the skin covered 

 with minute spines, which make it feel rough : the eyes 

 remarkably small, at once pointing out a material distinction; 

 those of the specimen described did not exceed half an inch 

 in diameter from the opposite angles of the eyelids ; whereas 

 the R. maculata^ and most others of similar size, have eyes 

 nearly double that diameter : one row of small hooked spines 

 on the tail, continuing along the dorsal ridge to the head. 

 Colonel Montagu''s specimens being younger than that ob- 

 tained and described by Mr. Couch, had not acquired the 

 lateral marginal rows of spines on the tail ; the under part 

 smooth and white ; the teeth obtusely cuneiform, with a 

 broad edge that felt rough to the finger as it was withdrawn 

 from the mouth. 



