184 BIUTISII FISH AND FISHEIUES. 



markets during Lent, as it is in liigh estinia- 

 tioii as an article of food. Its nose is not so 

 much elongated as it is sharp and pointed. The 

 male has sharp teeth, and the skin of the upper 

 surface is spiny. 



The homelvu, or spotted ray, {Rata macu- 

 lata,) is another common species on our coast, 

 and is to be seen in considerable abundance in 

 the London markets. The upper surface is 

 variously spotted. 



The thornback (Eaia clavata) is also among 

 the most frequent species in our seas, and is 

 taken in great numbers for the markets, where 

 the female is sold as the maid. This species, 

 like the rays in general, is in perfection in 

 winter, but is chiefly taken during the spring, 

 when it leaves the deep sea for the shallower 

 parts in order to deposit its roe. Its fins are 

 very ample, and the upper surface is studded 

 with recurved conical spines. The teeth of the 

 two sexes differ very decidedly. Like the rest ot 

 its tribe, this species preys on Crustacea, shelled 

 mollusks, soles, the sand -lance, and other 

 ground fish. Some other species of this group 

 are classed among British fishes, but they are 

 rare. 



Among the cartilaginous fishes with fixed 

 gills are to be placed those eel-like slimy fishes, 



