74 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



tains little tliat is characteristic, and the typical example seems to be 

 lost. We have, howeverj no doubt that it was based on a young indi- 

 vidual of the large skate called by us, on page 252 and elsewhere in these 

 Proceedings (Vol. Ill), Raia cooperi. The presence of the single spine on 

 the median line of the back anteriorly, as described by Girard, is one of 

 the most constant diagnostic characters of the j'oung of this siiecies, and 

 we have never found less than three or four such species in the corres- 

 ponding position in the species called by us hitherto Iictia hinoculata. 



The Rata cooperi of Girard is based on a drawing by Dr. Cooper, and 

 the great size is the only diagnostic character assigned to it. As three 

 of the species reach a length of but 30 inches and the other a length of 

 C feet, we have no difficulty in making an identification with the species 

 described by us as Raia cooperi on page 252. Raia hinoculata of Girard 

 is thus probably the young of Rata cooperi of Girard. The large skate 

 should therefore be called Raia binoculata, while the species described toy 

 us on page 134 of the Proceedings as Raia hinoculata may receiv^e the new 

 name of Raia inornata. 



Specimens of this species obtained at Santa Barbara represent a 

 marked variety, distinguished by the small number and feebleness of 

 the spines and prickles, and in the presence (in the females) of a band 

 of small prickles on the posterior part of the pectorals, parallel with the 

 edge. Suprocular spines almost obsolete. Two or three minute prickles 

 often present on the median line at the shoulders. A series of minute 

 stellate prickles beginning near the middle of tbe back, becoming hooked 

 spines on the tail. Lateral caudal spines scarcely developed, even in tlie 

 female. A band of small prickles on the posterior part of the back. 

 Males almost smooth. Size and color as in R. inornata. This form may- 

 be known as var. inermis. 



United States I!^ational Museum, January 13, 1881. 



OiX TII£: FISS-TIOBTALITV IIV THE OVl^F OF ITIEXICO. 



By ERNEST IIVGERSOLL. 



Sm: Pursuant to your verbal suggestion, I made it an object, during 

 my recent cruise down the western coast of Florida in the service of the 

 Superintendent of the Census, to inquire into the so called ''poisoned 

 water-' which was supposed to have caused the remarkable mortality 

 among the sea-fishes that occurred in the autumn of 1880. I am sorry 

 to be able to give so meagre an account of the matter as follows; but 

 must beg excuses on the plea that I was too late to see any actual de- 

 struction, since the cause had wholly disax>peared previous to my arrival 

 there, and also from the fact that I was unable to carry out my intention 

 of going to Key West, where most of the fishermen live who suflered in- 

 jury, and who could perhaps have furnished additional infprmation. 



