292 BULLETIN OF THE 
or lowlands, north or south. The question of inaction may prove a con- 
siderable factor in determining the profits. Other things being equal, 
those whose wanderings are shortest are most to be depended on, since 
their movements are less likely to change direction, or, being changed, 
are more easily followed. Something of the nature of a marine signal 
service will be necessary in order to follow the more erratic. It is often 
the variation in direction and extent of their journeys that causes the 
apparent scarcity of different kinds in particular localities, during certain 
seasons, rather than decrease in numbers. The motions of the sharks 
which wander most are to a greater or less degree determined by those 
of the fishes upon which they feed. 
Carcharias (Prionodon) obtusus. 
Squalus obtusus, Poey, 1858. Mem. Cub., II. 387. 
Squalus platyodon, Poey, 1858, 1. c. 331. 
Through the exertions of Lieut. S. M. Ackley and the boatswain, Peter- 
son, we were able to examine a number of large specimens, Several adult 
females bore young nearly ready for delivery. When in the water the tips of the 
fins of the large ones appeared white ; on deck the color was much more dull. 
The fins of the young were also lighter toward the extremities, but each was 
marked with a small black spot on the very end. The lobes of the pectorals 
and dorsals were broadly rounded at the tips. The pectoral did not quite 
reach to the hinder extremity of the base of the dorsal. From the base of the 
first dorsal to the hinder end of that of the second, the distance was just twice 
the length of the former. 
Each female had nine young ones. This was during the last week in 
January, and probably two or three weeks before parturition, which would 
place the time of the appearance of the young in February. The little ones 
were about sixteen inches and a half in length, perfectly formed, and. it does 
not seem possible that their birth was anticipated more than a week or two. 
When the cord was cut they were quite snappish, and swam away as if able to 
take care of themselves. In one case several dead ones, far advanced in de- 
composition, were found in the oviducts among the living, which did not appear 
to have suffered from their presence. 
One to several specimens of an Echeneis, which I take to be E. remora, were 
taken with each large shark. 
Cuba ; Santa Cruz ; Guadaloupe ; Dominica. 
Zygeena tiburo, Var. 
Numbers of hammerheads of this species were found among the fishes killed 
by “the epidemic,” and strewn along the shores of Florida Keys. 
