SELACHII. 291 



[121.] 1. Squalus (Selache) maximus. (Cuvier.) The 



Basking Shai'k. 



Squalus maximus. Fabr., Faun. Green/., p. 130. 



This sluggish shark acquires the name of " basking " from its habit of lying 

 motionless on the surface of the water. Notwithstanding its great size it is not 

 ferocious like the White shark, and is little dreaded by man. Fabricius says that 

 it feeds on the smaller whales and dolphins, which it swallows entire. It is named 

 Kaksib kannioa by the Greenlanders, and is a very rare fish on the Greenland 

 coast. It has, in addition to the general form of the carcharice, spiracles, long gill- 

 openings almost encircling the neck, and small conical teeth not serrated. 



[122.] 1. Squalus (Spinax) acanthias. (Cuvier.) Piked Shark, 



or Dog fish. 



Squalus acanthias. Fabr., Faun. Green/., p. 126. 



This species, so common on the coast of Scotland, where it is named the " Picked 

 or Piked Dog," from the strong spine at the beginning of each dorsal, is said by 

 Fabricius to be an inhabitant of the Greenland coast also. It is named kookeeleek 

 by the natives, who fish for it in the winter time through holes in the ice. The 

 fish of this sub-genus want the anal, but possess spiracles, and their jaws are 

 armed with many rows of small cutting teeth. Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton 

 Smith informs me that he has taken the Common dog-fish of the English Channel 

 on the coast of Nova Scotia. 



[123.] 1. Raia fullonica. (Linn.) The Fuller. 



Family, Selachii. Cuv. Genus, Raia. Linn. Sub-genus, Raia. Cut. 

 Raia fullonica. Fabr., Fauna Grain/., p. 125. 

 Taraleekeesak, Aglernak. Greenlanders. 



The Common skate furnishes a characteristic example of the peculiar form of 

 the rays, in which the greatly- depressed body is extended laterally by the addition 



2 p 2 



