12 THE FISH OF DORSET. 



SCYLLIUM CATULUS. 



GKEATER SPOTTED DOG, NURSE HOUND. 



In most respects like the last, only larger, with fewer but 

 larger spots and darker colour. Frequents deeper water, and is 

 not so often taken with a hook. Couch I., p. 11, PI. I. Day II., 

 p. 312, PI. CLIX., flg. 2. 



LAMNA CORNUBICA. 

 PORBEAGLE OR BEAUMARIS SHARK. 



Not common on our coast, the only specimen I know of being a 

 stuffed one in the possession of our Secretary, Nelson M. Richard- 

 son, Esq., which was taken in the West Bay some years ago and 

 measured 5ft. 3in. in length ; also W. Thompson, 7th October, 

 1872. Seems to feed on other fish, and is mostly taken on lines. 

 Couch I., p. 41, PI. VIII. Day II., p. 297, PI. CLVI. 



GALEUS VULGARIS. 

 COMMON TOPE OR TOPER. 



Off Swanage ; Rev. Lester Lester. Couch I., p. 45, PI. IX. 

 Day II., p. 292, PI. CLIII. 



MUSTELUS VULGARIS. 



SMOOTH HOUND. 



Caught off Poole and at Weymouth. Couch I., p. 47, PI. X. 

 Day II., p. 295, PI. CLV. 



ACANTHIAS VULGARIS. 



PICKED DOG, SPUR DOG, OR PECK HOUND. 



Very common and a great trouble to fishermen, as they go in 



immense shoals, and when about little else can be caught. I once 



took 168 and nothing else in a short time. They take any sort of 



fish bait and destroy immense quantities of fish. Great care has 



to be used in taking them off the hook, as the two spines on the 



back in front of the dorsal fins are very sharp and make a nasty 



wound. The best plan is to place the foot on the middle of the 



