222 CARTILAGINOUS FISHES. 



Among the moft remarkable by its form, is the Hammer-beaded Shzrh; 

 whofe head extends Tideways into two great flaps, at the extremities of 

 which- are the eyes, large, round, and projtding; its mouth under its head ; 

 its teeth ftrong, fharp, and three or four rows; breathing holes on the 

 fides. By this peculiarity of head, it is diftinguifned from all other fifh. 

 The Remora, or Sucking Fifh, is faid to follow the Shark every where. 

 This fifli has a power of adhering to whatever it fticks againft, as a cup- 

 ping-glafs (licks to the human body. Thus this animal fticks to the Shark, 

 and drains awav its moifture. 



THE RAY KIND. 



ALL fifh of the Ray kind are broad, cartilaginous, fwimming fiat on 

 the water, and having fpincs on their body, or tail. Their eyes and 

 mouth are placed quite under the body, with apertures for breathing 

 either about or near them. All have teeth, or a rough bone which an- 

 fwers the fame purpofe. Their bowels are very wide towards the mouth; 

 diminifhing to the tail. The tail is narrow, ending either in a bunch or 

 a point. But they are chiefly diftinguifhed by their fpinesor prickles, on 

 different parts of their body. Some have fpines above and below-j 

 others on the upper part onlyj fome at the tail; fome have three rov/s, 

 others but one: in fome they are comparatively foft and feeble; in others, 

 ftrong and piercing. The fmalleft of thefe fpines ulually incline to- 

 ward the tail, the larger toward the head. 



The Skate has the middle of the back rough, and a fingle row of 

 fpines on the tail, on the edges a few others. The Sharp-nojed Ray has 

 ten fpines fituated toward the middle of the back. The Rough Ray has 

 fpines over the whole back. The Thornback has three rows on the back, 

 and more on the tail. The Fire-flare has but one fpine, but that a dan- 

 gerous weapon, placed on the tail, about four inches from the body, five 

 inches long ; of a flinty hardnefs, the fides thin, fharp-pointcd, clofeiy 

 and ftiarply bearded its whole length. The 'Torpedo has no fpines that 

 ••wound; but is poflfeflfed of one of the moft potent and extraordinary fa- 

 culties in nature, viz. that of electrifying whatever it touches. 



Of the larger fifli thefe are the moft numerous. Except the white 

 ftiark and cachalot no fifli can fwallow them, and their fpines make diem 



dangerous; the fize of fome is fuch, that even the Ihark himfclf is unable xo 



devour 



