91 



RATA. 



The generic characters differ from those of tlie genus Batix, only in 

 that the under portions of tlie hody heing of a pure wliite colour. 



We assign no importance to tlie form of the teeth as a generic 

 character; since, within some limitations, they are found to differ 

 according to age, sex, and accident. 



BURTON SKATE. 



WHITE SKATE. SHARP-NOSED RAY. FRIAR SKATE. MAVIS SKATE. 



Udia o,v;jrhynchus, LiXN.KUS. Jenyxs; Manual, oil. 



" " Flemixg; Br. Animals, p. 171. 



" " Yarrell ; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 556. 



Bais oxyrinque, Lacepede and Risso. 



Eaia Lintea, Gray; Catalogue Br. Museum, 



p. 140, (after Miiller and Henle.) 



The name of the Burton Skate is believed to be derived 

 from a small fishing town in France, where this fish is held in 

 estimation; or at least the fishermen of that place were purchasers 

 of it in English ports. 



This is a common species; but as it keeps in deep Avater, it 

 is less frequently taken in winter. The young ones however 

 are caught occasionally in the shortest tlays, and consequently 

 remain nearer the land at that season. It is the latter only 

 that find acceptance at the fisherman's table in England; and 

 Risso says that the full-grown fish is but indifferent food. But 

 it appears to be valued in France. Ray, in his Travels in the 

 year 1658, says that the people of that country were accustomed 

 to come to St. Ives, in Cornwall, to purchase this sort of fish; 

 and the same practice, with a little variation, has continued to 

 the present time. Fishermen inform me that it is this species 

 to which they give a preference; and they cover them with 

 moist sand, to give them the appearance of being newly caught. 

 This practice is contrary to the law in France; for as there is 

 a bounty paid in that country on the importation of fish, de- 

 signed for the encouragement of the fisheries, the object of this 

 VOL. I. P 



