FISHES. 537 



The White Ray, Raia batis (Fig. 358), reminds us of a lozenge, 

 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 bears, 



Fig- 358. The White Ray (Raia batis). 



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 

 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 



