232 The Natural Historg 



Gall is very Green, and a most violent Cathartich if taken 

 inwardly. 



The Gi'eenrguard, is shaped in all respects like the other, 

 only it is not so large, and it's Scales are Finer. The npper 

 Jaw is the same as in the Alligator, moveable. It's Bones 

 when fry'd or broyFd, remain as green as Grass, though the 

 Meat be of a white colour, and is but indifferent Food. The 

 same sort of Fish is generally to be met with on the Coasts of 

 Ireland, before the Season of the Macharel, and seldom after- 

 wards. 



The Scate, or Stingre, is altogether of the nature of the 

 Thornbach, but stronger. They are the same here as are to 

 be met with in several parts of Europe, and are very common ; 

 but the great plenty of other good Fish makes them little re- 

 garded, for few or none eat them in this Province (except the 

 Negroes and Indians) though they are at every Planter's 

 Door, as far as the salt Waters are. The Skin is used to pol- 

 ish Ivory, and fine Wood ; it is said that they couple with the 

 Thornbach, and grow till they weigh One hundred and Sixty 

 Pounds. The Oil of the Liver is good in hard Swellings, and 

 the Ashes of the Skin help running Ulcers of the Head and 

 Bald7}r.'<s. 



The Tliornhacli's are the same here as in Europe, but not 

 so plenty as the Bcate and Whip-Rays. Their Flesh is moist, 

 nourishes much, and restores in long and deep Consumptions, 

 the Liver is sweet, and has the same virtues. The Gall cures 

 Diseases of the Ears and Itch. 



The Conger, or great Sea-Eel, always remains in the Salt 

 Waters, it is white, fat, and sweet Flesh, which nourishes to 

 excess, and is dangerous because of Surfeits : They are best 

 when first boiled in Water, Salt, Sweet-Herbs, and Spices, 

 then Broiled, or Collared, and then they are exceeding good 



Meat. 



