530 Storer on the 
feeds. Generally it is taken in nets with other fish ; 
when taken with the hook, it is secured with much 
difficulty on account of the constant and powerful 
threshing of its tail. 
On the 28th of July, 1838, I was fortunate enough 
to see a very fine male* specimen of this shark, 
which was taken in the vicinity of Nahant the pre- 
vious day, which enables me to furnish the following 
description: "Total length, twelve feet; circumfer- 
ence of the body, at the origin of the dorsal fin, four 
fect; length of the tail, from its origin to its ex- 
tremity, five feet six inches; the distance from the 
tip cf the snout to the origin of the dorsal fin, measur- 
ing over the curve of the back, two feet and a half; 
depth of the body, back of the first dorsal, about 
fifteen inches. Color of all the upper part of the 
Lody, together with the fins, a dark bluish lead ; be- 
neath, white, with light bluish blotches upon the 
outer edges of the abdomen. Surface of the skin 
smooth if the hand is passed towards the tail; rough, 
if it be reversed. 
Length of the head thirteen inches from the tip 
of the snout to the first branchial aperture. Occiput 
slightly convex, an arch upon the back, opposite the 
branchial apertures. Eyes situated vertically, very 
moveable in their sockets, their longest diameter one 
and three quarter inches; pupils blue black, being à 
longitudinal fissure, edged with golden. Snout 
blunted, five inches from the mouth to its tip. Gape 
of the mouth six inches in extent, three rows of 
* Both Pennant’s and Yarrell's plates are evidently taken from female 
specimens. 
