FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 383 



Fishermen know this fish as the skate. It has no commercial value in Great 

 South Bay. Examples were taken on the trawl line near Fire Island Inlet October 

 1, 1884. In 1890, the skates were reappearing in the traps at Islip October i, on 

 their fall migration. In 1898 a specimen was taken near the inlet of Fire Island, 

 September 29. It was more abundant later in the fall. 



This skate is found on the coast of New York. Massachusetts and northward. 

 It reaches a length of nearly 3 feet. The egg cases are more than twice as large as 

 those of the smaller skates. 



22. Clear-nosed Skate {Raja eglanteria Bosc). 



The Clear-nosed Skate is not very common in our northern waters, but ranges as 

 far north at least as Cape Cod. At Woods Hole, according to Dr. Smith, a few are 

 taken every year in traps at Menemsha ; they were formerly taken at the break- 

 water. This skate appears to be very abundant on the Virginia coast and south- 

 ward. In Great South Bay it is not uncommon in the vicinity of Fire Island early 

 in September. Examples were taken in Fire Island Inlet and Wigo Inlet on baited 

 hooks. This fish has no commercial value and is usually thrown away. 



23. Barndoor Skate {Raja Icevis Mitchill). 



The Barndoor Skate is the largest of the Atlantic species. It reaches a length 

 of 4 feet. It ranges from New England to Florida and is not uncommon northward. 

 Around Cape Cod it is rare in summer, but common in spring and fall. In Gravesend 

 Bay this skate is abundant in October ; it is not hardy in captivity. 



Family NARCOBATIDiE. Electric Rays. 



24. Torpedo; Cramp-fish {Tetranarce occidentalis Storer). 



The Torpedo was not seen by Mitchill and DeKay on the coast of New York, 

 but DeKay was satisfied that the fish existed, although none had then been 

 examined by naturalists. He applies to the fish the names of Torpedo, Numb- 

 fish and Cramp-fish. 



This fish inhabits the Atlantic coast of the United States from Cape Cod 

 southward and is also found in Cuba. It is not very common. It is said to reach a 

 length of 5 feet, and weight of 200 pounds. According to Dr. Smith the fish is not 

 uncommon in Vineyard Sound from May to November. It is most numerous in 

 October and November. At times as many as half a dozen are taken at one lift 



