THE FLAPPER SKATE. 429 



I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the statement, as it is 

 probable that the fishermen might have confounded it with 

 a large example of the Grey Skate. It seems not an un- 

 common fish on the coast of Cornwall ; " where the smaller 

 sized specimens are taken throughout the year ; but those 

 which are larger, keep in deep water and are only taken in 

 summer and autumn." It is said to be a fish much sought 

 after by the French, who consume large quantities of it du- 

 ring Lent. 



Rata intermedia. — The Flapper Skate. — Parnell. 



Specific Characters. — Body on tlie upper surface smooth ; on the 

 under surface of a dark, dusky grey ; one or more spines in front of 

 each eye. (Plate XL.) 



Description. — From a female specimen two feet in length, tall in- 

 cluded. Body rhomboidal, the transverse diameter equalling the dis- 

 tance between the point of the snout and the last tubercle but three 

 on the central ridge of the tail ; from the point of the snout to the 

 temporal orifice, rather more than one-third the length, as far as the 

 end of the anal fin, and one-fourth the length as far as the termination 

 of the first dorsal. Body very thin ; snout pointed, conical ; pecto- 

 rals large, somewhat of a triangular form, uniting in front at the snout, 

 and terminating at the base of the ventrals ; the anterior margin ra- 

 ther concave, the posterior margin rounded ; ventrals about three 

 times the length of their breadth ; anals commencing close behind 

 the ventrals and terminating in a free point, rounded at the outer 

 margins. Tail short and finn, being no longer than the space from 

 the base of the anal fin to the anterior margin of the orbit ; along the 

 mesial line is a row of tubercles with sharp points directed down- 

 wards, about eighteen in number, commencing at tlie base of tlie anal 

 and terminating at the commencement of the first dorsal fin ; no la- 

 teral spines visible. First dorsal fin small, rounded at the free extre- 

 mity, situated about one-third the length of the tail from the tip ; the 

 base about equalling the length ; second dorsal rather smaller than 

 the first, and about the same form, placed about half-vray bctvreen 

 the termination of the first and the tip of the tail ; caudal fin rudi- 

 mentary. Colour of the upper surface of the body of a dark olive- 

 green with numerous large white spots ; on the under surface dark 

 grey with minute specks of a deeper colour. Eyes rather small, flat- 

 tened above, placed in front of the temporal orifices ; skin both above 



