THE THORNBACK SKATE. 



219 



The young of this and other Skates are produced from eggs, whose form is familiar 

 to every visitor to the seashore, where they go by the popular name of Skate-barrows. 

 Their color is black, their tejcture leathery, thin, and tough, and their form wonderfully 

 like a common hand-barrow, the body of the barrow being represented by the middle of 

 the egg, and the handles by the four projections at the angles. The empty cases are 

 continually thrown on the beach, but it is seldom that the young are found inclosed, 

 except after a violent storm, or when obtained by means of the dredge. 



THORNBACK SKATE.-ffa/a clavata. 



COMMON SKATE.-/?y bail*. 



This species is notable for certain thorny appendages to the skin, which are profusely 

 sown over the back and the whole upper surface, and among which stand out conspic- 

 uously a few very large tubercular spines, with broad, oval, bony bases, and curved, 

 sharp-pointed projections. Fifteen or sixteen of these bony thorns are found on the back. 

 Along the spine runs a single row of similar spines, and at the commencement of the tail 

 it is accompanied by another row on either side, making that member a very formidable 

 instrument of offence. In point of fact, the tail is as formidable a weapon as can be 

 met with, and the manner in which this living quarter-staff is wielded adds in no slight 

 degree to its power. When angered, the Skate bends its body into a bow-like form, so 



