164 Common Skate, Distribution. 



The Skates and Rays. These together come under the 

 family Raiidce, whereof the first comprise the long-snouted 

 species (= Skates) and the second the short-snouted series 

 (= Rays). In addition, there are two other allied families, the 

 Trygonidce and Myliobatidce, whose representatives will be 

 mentioned in due course. 



Long-snouted Group (= Skates). 



(1) The SKATE (Eaia batis), true or typical Skate, is widely 

 distributed in our District, but there are places where the 

 adults seem to congregate in greater numbers during certain 

 seasons. The large-sized, marketable fish, as a rule, keep to 

 the deeper water. Among the most fertile grounds for them 

 on E. and S. Kent are the off-shore channels and sandbanks, 

 some of these even beyond the international limits. In shore, 

 however, lesser and moderate-sized fish pertain, e.g., near Rams- 

 gate, Deal and Folkestone to Dungeness. 



On the Essex borders there is considerable similarity of the 

 on-and-off shore distribution ; but there is this to be said, that 

 the numerous estuaries, the multiplicity of shifting sands, the 

 number of swins, and altogether shallow water, may have a 

 modifying influence on migratory habit. At all events, the fact 

 remains that, half a century ago, even less, an important Skate, 

 Ray and Cod fishery obtained from Leigh, which finally was 

 abandoned as unprofitable, it being affirmed that the fish became 

 sensibly diminished in numbers. This long-line fishing lasted 

 from the beginning of November till March. At the commence- 

 ment of the season it began in the Wallet, the boats gradually 

 working northwards to abreast of Harwich, and afterwards 

 southwards byway of the Deeps. For remarks concerning the 

 failure of the Leigh Skate fishery see "Long-lining," sect. vi. 

 At the very start Skates only were taken, and very rarely indeed 

 thornbacks. The former continued to be hooked throughout 

 the season, the great majority being far and away larger than 

 the latter. Roughly speaking the biggest Skate would be 3 feet 

 across, while the smallest might range about half that size. On 



