ICHTHYOLOGY. 21 



Q. Enumerate the principal species of this genus. 



A. Of the nineteen species of which this genus 

 is composed, those most deserving of our attention 

 are, 1. RajaBatis, the Skate ; 2. Raja Clavata, the 

 Thornback ; 3. Raja Pastinaca, the Stingray, or 

 Fire Flare ; 4. Raja Diabolus, the Sea Devil ; and 

 9. Raja Torpedo, the Torpedo. 



Q. Describe the Skate. 



A. Raja Batis, or the Skate, is a large species 

 of Ray, weighing frequently from two to three hun- 

 dred pounds. Its upper part is brown, varied with 

 blackish wavy lines, the under part white, with 

 black spots ; there is a sharp spine on each side 

 the base, and several strong ones down the middle 

 of the tail. This fish is much esteemed for the 

 table. It is in its highest perfection in May. 



Q. What is the Thornback ? 



A. Raja Clavata, or the Thornback, greatly re- 

 sembles the Skate both in figure and size, though, 

 in general, it is rather less. Its most distinguish- 

 ing feature is, that its back is covered with strong 

 curved spines, and sometimes there are several 

 rows continued to the tip of the tail. It inhabits 

 the Mediterranean, and is in some esteem, but is 

 not equal to the skate in goodness. 



Spine, s. a sharp point resembling a thorn. 



