188 



VERTEBRATA. PISCES. 



occasion, thirty-three human beings were dragged off 

 one by one, and devoured." In spite, however, of 

 the ravenous character and great strength of the 

 Shark, " the divers in the East Indian pearl-fisheries, 

 think little of entering the lists against him, armed 

 with a strong piece of wood sharpened at both ends. 

 Awaiting the opening of his enormous mouth, they 

 thrust in their arm, holding the wood perpendicular- 

 ly, and his mouth being thus kept extended, he 

 drowns." 



A most singular conformation is found in a genus 

 of Sharks named Zygcena,* the Hammer-headed 

 Shark. The head is short, but enormously widen- 

 ed, a large portion projecting on each side, like the 

 head of a hammer, or maul ; the eyes are placed at 

 each extremity. One species (Z. Malleus) is found 

 in the European seas. 



stis,^- the Saw -fish. 



This genus approaches the Rays in the form of its 

 body, which is flattened before, and in its gill-aper- 

 tures opening beneath. It is remarkable for a very 

 long, thin, and flattened snout, resembling the blade 

 of a sword, armed on each side with a row of bony, 

 sharp, and cutting spines, implanted like teeth. Their 

 true teeth are small, and set like paving stones. They 

 attack the Whale with their terrific weapon, and 

 inflict dreadful wounds. Captain Crow says, that they 

 even fight the White Shark, and often kill him ; he 



* Zwyov, zygon, a yoke. t TLg%u, prizo, to saw. 



