120 THE MAMMALS, REPTILES, AND FISHES OF ESSEX. 

 Family SPINACID^. 



Genus ACANTHIAS, Risso. 



Acanthias vulgaris, Risso. PICKED DOG-FISH. 



This voracious fish is always much too common, and in 

 some years more especially so. It neither leaves a bait on 

 the hook nor hardly an untouched fish in the fishermen's net. 

 In handling it, great care should be taken to avoid its 

 dangerous spines. 



Family RHINID^. 



Genus RHINA, Klein. 



Rhina squatina, Belon. MONK-FISH. 



This frequents the entire Essex coast. It is usually caught 

 in nets. Though occasionally eaten by fishermen, it is, 

 according to my taste, far too rank in flavour for a more 

 delicate palate. 



Family RAIID^E. 



Genus RAIA, Artedi. 



Raia batis, Linn. SKATE. 



This creature is not rare, especially on the sandy parts of 

 the coast. The young of this and other Skates are called 

 " maids," and are much esteemed for the table. The full- 

 sized fish is also very good when properly dressed. 



Raia alba, Lacepede. SHARP-NOSED SKATE. 



Lindsey says (A Season at Harwich, pt. ii., p. 98) the 

 French, who are great consumers of Skate, this species being 

 their favourite, would come to Harwich for this fish, if greater 

 encouragement were given to the fishery. As it is, he 

 remarks, they go to Plymouth, and purchase large quantities 

 during the season of Lent. 



