FISHES. 587 



spines on each pectoral, and a few more on the sides of 

 the head. Colour always lighter, and pectorals rounder, 

 than in the last ; a row of spines along the lower part of 

 the back, running down the middle of the tail, and 

 another row on each side of the tail. Colour ash grey ; 

 belly pure white. Although the largest of all the rays 

 (on account of its great thickness), the Scandinavian 

 specimens have all been small, 20 in. long, with a 

 breadth of about 20 in. between the tips of the pectorals. 

 Not uncommon off the Bonus Land coast, where the 



fishermen always distinguish them by their pale or whitish 



colour; whence their Swedish name. 



(b). Body underneath with black spots and streaks. 



177. E. BATIS, L. Slatt Eocka. The Skate. D. 



Have been taken here as long as 4^- ft. ; breadth 3 ft. 

 3 in. Colour above dusky brown; under surface grey, 

 streaked with black ; body lozenge-shaped ; back with- 

 out thorns, but three rows set along the tail ; dorsals 

 divided, with one or two spines between them. Differs 

 from some members of the family in the colour of the 

 under parts; from others by the shorter snout, and 

 from others by the absence of prickles on the body. 

 Next to the starry ray, has the widest northerly range of 

 all. Common in the Cattegat and North Sea. That they 

 reach an immense size on these shores is proved by the fact, 

 that on one occasion an egg-shell was fished up from a great 

 depth, which was 13 in. long and 5^- in. broad. 



178. E. VOMEE, Fries. Plogjerns Eocka. The Long-nosed 



Skate. D. 



Nose very long and pointed, nearly six times as long 

 as the distance between the eyes ; body above and 

 below rough ; no row of spines down the middle of the 

 tail, but one on each side. 



Is occasionally taken at a great depth off Jutland Eeefs. 

 Is the rarest of all the rays here, but, as the fishermen say, 

 the largest. 



