GREA T BRITAIN. 319 



plaice, a lobster, a mackerel, a thornback ray measuring 

 upwards of 18 inches in length, and half a salmon, which 

 appeared quite fresh, as if but lately swallowed. 



Uses. They are sold in large quantities in London, and 

 among the poorer classes. Many are disposed of as bait 

 for crab and lobster pots, for which they are well adapted. 

 The liver affords good oil. 



As food. If large they are coarse, but their value de- 

 pends very much upon the cook and the resources at his or 

 her command. Small ones, termed " maids," are excellent. 

 Habitat. All around our coasts, as well as those of 

 Europe. Also in Ireland common, but less so to the north. 

 This fish attains to a very large size. In March, 1849, 

 was taken in Ireland, 7 feet 3 inches long from the 

 lose to the tail, and weighing 224 Ib. On December 23rd, 

 [88 1, another was captured in Donegal Bay something 

 lore than 7 feet long from the nose to the tip of its tail, 

 in 1878 two were taken in North Harris, the one weighing 

 [65 Ib., the other 175 Ib. ; both were upwards of 7 feet in 

 length. 



2. The Thornback (Raia clavatd). 



Names. Thornback ray ; ray maid. Morcath bigog, 

 Welsh. 



Snout somewhat rounded, scarcely produced. Teeth. 

 Rather large, the central ones conically pointed in the 

 males, while they are flat in the females. Fins. Outer 

 angle of pectoral fin somewhat pointed. Body with 

 numerous spiny elevations, which are well pronounced 

 in the supraorbital region, and a row likewise exists along 

 the back. Colours. Brownish, superiorly covered with 

 numerous light-coloured spots, and occasionally a large 

 one on each pectoral. Under surface white. 





