164 THORNBACK, DJADON. 



having round the centre four lilac tubes, formed into a 

 sub-triangular shape. 



All the Medusae are predacious, and, notwithstanding 

 their apparent tenderness, have considerable strength in 

 their tentaculse, using them to seize their prey, which they 

 afterwards absorb through the central tube. 



THE SKATE 



Attains a weight of two hundred pounds or more. It is 

 pale dusky brown above, with darker marks ; and below 

 white, speckled with black. It is much eaten by the 

 Europeans. 



THE THORNBACK 



Is not so large as the Skate, and is covered with nume- 

 rous strong and curved spines. It is not so much esteemed 

 for food as the Skate. 



THE STING BAY 



Is not so large ; it is found in the Mediterranean, Atlantic, 

 and Indian seas, and is used as a food. Its colour above 

 is olive or blueish brown; beneath, white. Its tail is not 

 finned, but lengthened out, tapering to a point, and having, 

 about the middle, a sharp and strong spine, edged on both 

 sides like a saw, and capable of inflicting wounds ; which, 

 under unfavourable circumstances, may prove mortal; It 

 was formerly falsely thought to be poisonous. 



THE DIADON 



Measures about two feet in length, and is of a round 

 form. The colour is a pale grey, with black spots. It is 

 an inhabitant of the Indian and American seas ; and 

 though very coarse, is sometimes eaten by the West 

 ludian islanders.. 



