THE FISH OF DORSET. 13 



back of the fish, and holding him by the nose with the left hand, 

 remove the hook with the right. They are eaten by the fishermen 

 both fresh and dried, but the flesh is strong and rather sweet to 

 taste. Their teeth are sharp, and will cut the line and do great 

 damage to nets. Couch L, p. 49, PI. XI. Day II., p. 315, 

 PL CLX., fig. 2. 



ALOPIAS VULPES. 



THRASHER SHARK. 



Mr. W. Thompson reports one weighing 98 Ibs. taken off 

 Portland 6th August, 1877, and another on 13th September, 1870, 

 in West Bay, 10 feet 3 inches. Also one taken in a mackerel 

 seine off Poole 30th June, 1882. Couch L, p. 37, PI. VII. 

 Day II., p. 300, PL CLVII. 



CAECHARIAS GLAUCUS. 



BLUE SHARK. 



W. Thompson records one taken on Preston Beach 19th July, 

 1873. Also near S \\anage, Rev. Lester Lester, Couch I., p. 28, 

 PL VI. Day II., p. 289, PL CLII. 



RHINA SQUATLNA, 



MONK FISH, ANGEL, FIDDLER, OR FIDDLE FISH. 

 This fish is common, and seems to be the connecting link between 

 the sharks and rays. It is seldom eaten, being coarse and rank, 

 and is used mostly to bait crab-pots. It is usually caught in 

 trawls and trammel nets, but not often on hooks. In August, 

 1879, I took one, in a trammel net, nearly 5 feet long, which, on 

 being hauled into the boat, produced 24 young ones about a foot 

 long each. Its skin is rough like a file and is sometimes used 

 as sandpaper. Couch L, p. 73, PL XVII. Day II., p. 326, 

 PL CLXIII. 



RAIA OXYRHYNCBUS. 

 LONG OR SHARP-NOSED SKATE. 



One taken near Swanage, 6th December, 1857, Rev. Lester 

 Lester. Couch L, p. 93, PL XIX. Day II., p. 341, PL CLXIX. 



