316 MR. F, DAY ON THE FISHES OF cocnIN. —[Mar. 14, 
SYNGNATHUS SCHLEGEL! (Kaup). 
Disa, @CL9, 
Length of specimens from 5 to 7,2; inches. 
Eighteen rings before the dorsal fin (which stands on 9), and 14 
rings posterior to it. 
SyNGNATHUS ARGYROsTICTUS (Kuhl & V. Hass.). 
D227. SE. 16a. Be 2. Le oi0, 
Length of specimen 5-2, inches. 
By no means rare, and ascends the rivers far above the influence 
of the tides, one specimen having been captured at Alwaye, some 
miles beyond that portion of the river where the salt water ceases. 
The great order of SzLacura is abundantly represented, in the 
Sharks (Shraawoo, Mal.) and Rays which abound in the seas and 
backwaters surrounding Cochin. — It-is not a little remarkable that 
very few accidents occur from Sharks carrying off human beings ; 
in fact, during five years’ residence there was only one such instance 
came to my knowledge. The Hammer-headed species is the one 
most feared ; but the Saw-fish is much more dreaded than any of 
the Shark tribe, accidents from its wounds being by no means infre- 
quent. 
Shark-liver oil is employed as a good substitute for the true cod- 
liver oil, and, could its odour be mitigated without deleteriously af- 
fecting its medicinal properties, it would be exceedingly valuable. 
Sharks’ fins are dried and exported to places whence they are 
said to find their way to China. Shark’s flesh is considered so 
nourishing that it is rather extensively salted ; and owing to its pro- 
perties it has received the name of “ pal soora”’ (Mal.), or milk-pro- 
ducer, and is given to women shortly after their confinements. 
Sharks’ skins are employed for sword-belts, and in various useful 
trades, 
The Rays, of course, are not eaten by Mahomedans or Jews, and 
appear not to be held in much esteem, except for salting or oil ; they 
are mostly captured in the backwater during the south-west mon- 
soon and the succeeding cold months, They grow to an enormous 
size, more especially the Zrygon uwarnak. The spines on the tails of 
these fish are much dreaded, as they often inflict most dangerous 
wounds with them ; they are at once broken off on their being cap- 
tured. But, feared alive, these tails are believed to possess some 
secret but powerful agency when dead, which protects the fortunate 
possessor, so long as he wears one about his person, not only against 
the power of spells, but also enables him to face the “ evil eye” with 
impunity. 
CuHILoscyLLium PLAGiosuM (Mill. & Henle). 
Ettee (Mal.). 
Length of specimens from 4°; to 21 inches, 
