80 THE OCEAN. 
from different parts of the body not being quite 
alike even in the same fish. They are not per- 
fectly flat, but take the form of a very flattened 
cone, of which the apex is usually a little behind the 
middle. Between this point and the edge there is a 
great number of concentric flutings, too fine, as well 
as too near each other, to be readily counted; and it 
is presumed that each of these lines indicates a stage 
in the growth of the scale; that the scale is in- 
creased, perhaps annually, or perhaps oftener, by a 
deposit of horny matter on the surface next the skin, 
each of which deposits exceeds in diameter that 
which preceded it, by a very minute amount on every 
Scates or FisHes. 
side. The concentric lines are often traversed by 
other lines, diverging with great regularity from the 
apex. The edges are sometimes cut into points, 
scallops, or waves, of exquisite symmetry; the sur- 
face is often: variously sculptured; and the whole 
presents a specimen of the most elaborate workman- 
