VAAGMAER. 198 



ever. Vent immediately under the pectoral fins, and close 

 to the gill-openings. Head about four and a half inches 

 long, compressed like the body, with a groove on the top. 

 Gill-lids formed of transparent porous plates. Eyes one 

 inch and a quarter in diameter. Both jaws armed with small 

 teeth. Lateral line rough, and, towards the tail, armed 

 with minute spines pointing forwards ; and these are the only 

 spines on the body." 



Another specimen found on the beach of Sanday is de- 

 scribed as follows : — " Length four and a half feet ; breadth 

 eight inches ; thickness one inch, thin at the edges of the 

 back and belly. Length of the head five inches, terminat- 

 ing gradually in a short snout. Tail consists of eight or 

 nine fin-bones or rays, the third ray seven inches long, 

 the rest four inches. The dorsal fin reaching from the neck 

 to the tail, rays four inches long. On each side of the 

 fish, from head to tail, a row of prickles pointing forward ; 

 distance between each half an inch. Under edge fortified 

 by a thick ridge of blunt prickles. Pectoral fins one inch 

 long, lying upwards. Skin rough. Colour a leaden or 

 silvery lustre ; dorsal fin and tail blood colour. The skin 

 or covering of the head like that of a Herring : several small 

 teeth ; gills red, consisting of four layers. Heart half an 

 inch ; liver two and a half inches ; stomach four and a half 

 inches, full of a gelatinous substance. Flesh perfectly white. 

 Spine in the middle of the fish. Body thin towards the 

 back and belly, and wears very small towards the tail. Eyes 

 and brain wanting." 



Various specimens, probably to the number of twelve or 

 more, appear to have been obtained on the island of Sanday 

 between the years 1817 and 1829. Some of the natives 

 were sufficiently acquainted with it to induce a belief that 

 they had even eaten it. Most of the specimens, varying in 



VOL. I. O 



