MERMAID'S PURSE. 63 



Some of the Sharks produce their young alive ; others 

 bring them forth enclosed in these cases, which are de- 

 posited by the parent in shallow parts of the sea, along 

 the shore. They are oblong, convex at the side, semi- 

 transparent, of a clear yellowish horn-colour, and with 

 a firm horny texture. From each of the four angles 

 issues a long tendril, which coils round sea-weeds or any 

 other fixed body near which the egg may be deposited, 



and of which it can take hold ; and, thus anchored, it 

 defies securely the tossing of the waves, awaiting its 

 proper season for being hatched. There is an opening 

 at each end of the purse, through which the sea-water 

 finds* its way to the prisoner enclosed within, and at 

 length the young Shark makes its exit through one 

 of these, at the end nearest to which his head is 

 placed.* 



Another anomalous object commonly found, consists 

 of a number of firmly membranous little bladders, each 



* See Yarrell, Hist, of Brit. Fishes, 2nd edit., vol. ii. p. 487, &c. 



