142 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



In the summer of 1906 a Sturgeon (Acipenser sturio), weigh- 

 ing 124 lb., was caught at Clovelly, and also a Porbeagle Shark 

 (Lamna comubica), locally known as the " Bottle-nosed Shark," 

 about 6' ft, long, in the Mackerel-nets. Three more of this 

 species were brought ashore at Ilfracombe during October, and 

 which were taken in the Herring-nets. The first measured 5 ft. 

 3 in., the second considerably smaller, while the third and 

 largest was 8 ft. 2 in., being 3 ft. 11 in. around the girth. This 

 monster played havoc with the nets. One man remarked that 

 had they caught it in August, when Ilfracombe is full of visitors, 

 they would have earned more money by turning showmen than 

 by Herring-fishing all the winter ! 



A small specimen of the Sting Ray (Trygon pastinaca) 

 occurred at Ilfracombe last year. I did not see it. A small 

 Swordfish also is said to have been caught at Lynmouth. It is 

 not safe, however, to accept the latter as a record, although it is 

 probably correct. 



The Broad-nosed Pipefish (Siphonostoma typhle) is common 

 in the weedy parts of the Barnstaple river. 



At Teignmouth, in South Devon, two Fox- Sharks (Alopecias 

 vulpes) were taken in the Sprat-nets and brought ashore during 

 the early part of November. 



During the early part of 1905 a Skipper (Scombresox saurus) 

 was captured in the River Taw, and shown in the fishmonger's 

 shop at Barnstaple. It is thought to be the first specimen ever 

 captured here, at least in the river. 



The Garfish (Belone vulgaris) is taken in the Mackerel-nets 

 more or less frequently every season. 



