SELACHE. 103 



Because this shark seems to delight in lying 

 upon the surface, basking in the hot sunshine, the 

 name of basking shark has been given it, by- 

 common consent. Though really formidable in 

 appearance, by the concurrent testimony of mari- 

 ners, it is allowed to be a dull, unsuspecting, harm- 

 less creature. 



INTESTINE OF THE BASKING SHARK.* 



This disposition must depend, to some extent, 

 on the quality of its aliment, which is altogether 

 marine plants. How far the habits of this animal 



* Stomach of the basking shark laid open, and the coats of 

 the intestine dissected entirely away, in order to exhibit the 

 valvular structure within. 



A. The cardiac orifice of the stomach. 



BB. The converging muscular fibres about the pylorus, or 

 lower opening of the organ. 



C. The commencement of the winding valve, as it is term- 

 ed, — which is a continuous shelf, like a flight of winding 

 stairs, jutting from the inner circumference towards the cen- 

 tre. 



D. refers to the width of the valvulae conniventes. 



