20 CATECHISM OF 



and tapering boriy substance, dentated at the 

 edges so as to resemble a saw. 



Q. What are the distinguishing characteristics 

 of Flat Fish of the Ray kind ? 



A. All fish of the Ray kind are broad and carti- 

 laginous, swim flat upon the water, and have 

 spines upon different parts of their body or tail : 

 their eyes and mouth are placed under their body, 

 they have teeth, and their tail resembles that of a 

 quadruped rather than a fish. 



Q. Are these fish numerous ? 



A. Yes; their formidable size and defensive 

 spines render them secure against the attacks of 

 other rapacious fish, and consequently prevent 

 their numbers being thinned, as is the case with 

 most others. 



Q. What is the usual food of this genus ? 



A. Rays in general feed on the smaller kinds of 

 crabs, shell-fish, marine insects, and small fish : 

 they lie concealed, during part of the winter, 

 among the mud or sand at the bottom of the sea, 

 but occasionally emerge and swim in pursuit of 

 their prey. 



Den'tated, part, furnished with points like teeth. 

 Quadruped, s. a four-fooUd animal. 

 Emerge, v, come forth. 



