SMOOTH HOUND. 



395 



shape, with an elongated free point at the base projecting 

 backward, the centre of the first dorsal at the distance of six 

 inches, and that of the second at twelve inches, from the 

 point of the nose. Under surface of the head flat ; nostrils 

 semilunar in shape, with a central free cutaneous valve ; the 

 mouth half the width of the whole under surface, rather an- 

 gular in shape than semicircular ; upper lip on each outside 

 ending in a free elongation of the membrane; the teeth small, 

 flat, like those of a young Skate ; pectoral fins large, com- 

 mencing at three inches and a half from the point of the 

 nose : ventral fins under the space between the two dorsals ; 

 the anal fin begins in a line under the middle of the second 

 dorsal fin, but being only half its size, ends but a little behind 

 it : the upper part of the caudal fin is a long narrow horizon- 

 tal slip ; the free part of the under portion is made up of two 

 triangular portions, the first of which is long, the second and 

 last short. The surface of the body smoother than that of 

 Sharks in general : the colour of the upper part of the head, 

 body, and fins, pearl grey ; under parts greyish yellow white : 

 lateral line prominent ; above it the body along its whole 

 length is marked with numerous small circular white spots, 

 which, as before stated, are most conspicuous while this fish 

 is young. 



