224 The Natural Historic 



dry and solid, but it is said to nourish much, and as good as a 

 Sturgeon. 



The D evil-Fish, so called, from the large pair of Horns it 

 has upon its Head, and as near as I could be informed ; it is 

 shaped like a Scate or Stingray. It is of a monstrous large 

 Size and Strength, for it hath been known to weigh a Sloop's 

 Anchor, and run aAvay with the Vessel for a League or two, 

 and to bring her back again almost to the same Place, against 

 the Tide. This I have been informed of bv several of the 

 most credible and substantial Planters in these parts ; and 

 that this strange and wonderful Adventure has happened more 

 than once. They are in most of our Inlets, but I never heard 

 of any of them being killed or taken, therefore cannot inform 

 the Reader what Uses they are of, but doubtless they would 

 make good Oil as well as other large Fishes, if they could be 

 taken to make the Experiment. 



The Sharhy whereof there are two sorts. The first is called 

 the Paracoda-Noses, the other the Shovel-Noses: Both these 

 are very large, bold, voracious and dangerous Fishes, espe- 

 cially to those that have the misfortune to fall over board. 

 It is reported, that they will follow Ships for Hours together, 

 and if either Man or Dog, or any other living Animal happen 

 to fall into the Water, they immediately seize and snap in 

 tw^o, having exceeding sharp, and several Rows of Teeth in 

 their Heads : Some of them are so large, that they are said to 

 weigh about four thousand Weight. They are easily caught 

 with a Bait, but can never take their Prey 'till they turn them- 

 selves on their Backs, wdierefore some Negroes and others that 

 can swim and dive well, go naked into the Waters witk. a 

 Knife in their Hands, and fight them, and commonly kill, or 

 wound him, so that he turns Tail and runs away. Their 

 Flesh is eaten in time of scarcity, but is not very palatable, 



having 



