PLATYSOMI. 105 



two, that measured not far from forty feet in 

 length. 



Within the mouth a kind of whalebone is neal- 

 ed out, which has also given it the name of 

 the whalebone shark. On the best authori- 

 ty, it is said they are viviparous, — the young, a 

 foot long having been taken out of the bodies of 

 the females. Simply the liver, has weighed a 

 thousand pounds, in some of the large ones, caught 

 on the northern coasts of Europe, — yielding a 

 profitable quantity of oil, for which purpose they 

 are sought. 



Not appearing to be very timid or susceptible, 

 they will lie perfectly quiet, till the intrepid har- 

 pooneer, who has approached him cautiously, 

 drives the instrument of death into the vital regions, 

 before he begins to move with the warp. 



GEN. TORPEDO. 



Torpedo — The '^Numbing Fish," — Torpedo 

 Vulgaris. That a variety of this remarkable fish 

 has been taken on these northern shores cannot 

 be questioned, though we frankly confess our ina- 

 bility to procure one. Individuals who have ac- 

 companied fishing parties, corroborate the testimo- 

 ny of those who assert that they have drawn up a 

 strange creature, something like a skate, which 

 they not caring to preserve, or even handle, in at- 



