CARTILAGINOUS FISHES. 



511 



shape, the point of the muzzle forming the lower angle, the longest ray 

 of each pectoral forming the lateral angles, while the summit of the 

 tail forms the last angle ; the whole surface seems flat, but a swelling is 

 distinguishable towards the head, on the upper surface, which hears, 

 as it were, the contour of the body, properly so called, namely, the 

 three cavities of the head, the throat, and the belly, which occupy the 

 centre of the lozenge, beyond which the pectoral fins extend. These 



Fig. 349. The White Ray (Raia batis). 



fins, though covered with a thick skin, permit the cartilaginous rays, 

 with their articulations, to be very distinctly seen. 



The head of the white ray, which terminates in a muzzle slightly 

 pointed, is attached behind to the cavity of the breast. The mouth, 

 placed in the lower part of the head and far from the extremity of the 

 muzzle, is elongated ; its edges are cartilaginous, and furnished with 

 many rows of hooked and pointed teeth ; the nostrils are placed in 

 front of the mouth. The eyes, which open in the upper part of the 

 head, are half projecting, and protected in part by a continuation of 



