from the Coast of Ireland. 



407 



pectoral one large oval spot of a rich chocolate-brown, surrounded 

 by and containing variously- shaped cream-coloured spots. 

 Dublin bay. 



Rata microcellata. As only three specimens have been 

 recorded of this very rare species, two having occurred to 

 Montagu and one to Mr. Couch, I need scarcely apologize 

 for giving a description of a fine specimen now before me, 

 particularly as it offers one or two trifling variations from 

 those already known. 



Dimen. Total length 13 inches ; length of tail 7 inches ; greatest 

 breadth 9 inches. 



Descrip. (Form.) Rhomboidal, the transverse diameter one- 

 third greater than from the snout to the anus ; snout short, trian- 

 gular, projecting half an inch ; the anterior margins of the pectorals 

 waved convex ; mouth one inch wide ; nostrils large, at an equal 

 distance from the corner of the mouth and from the margins of the 

 pectoral fin : eyes small ; spiracles moderate ; skin above covered 

 with very minute granular spines directed backwards, largest on 

 the snout and anterior margin of the pectorals ; beneath entirely 

 smooth, except at the very tip of the snout : mucous orifices remark- 

 ably large; before each eye one large broad spine ; at the exterior 

 of its base another smaller ; behind each eye two or three spines ; 

 a row of twenty- five spines commences a little behind the eyes, and 

 continues to the base of the first dorsal ; these spines are neither 

 large or much hooked ; there is a smaller one between the two dor- 

 sals : tail considerably longer than the body, narrow, depressed ; 

 the membranous fin-like border to the tail, noticed by Mr. Couch, 

 particularly striking ; the two dorsals are more remote than usual, 

 and the rudiment of caudal is larger ; the annexed figure shows 

 these fins of the natural size. (Colour.) Upper surface dull brown, 

 with obscure circular whitish spots about the size of a pin ; no lines ; 

 the sides of the tail elegantly marked with alternate brown and 

 white spots ; beneath yellowish white ; posterior margin of the 

 pectorals slightly darker. 



Dublin bay. 



Torpedo emarginata (M'Coy). 



Sp. Char. Head truncated anteriorly, separated from the 

 pectoral fins by a deep notch on each side ; spiracles without 

 appendages or processes ; anterior dorsal fin entirely behind 

 the ventrals. 



Dimen. Total length 2 feet 8 inches ; greatest breadth 1 foot 

 2 inches ; thickness 5 inches. 



Descrip. (Form.) Head distinct, truncated or terminated by a 

 right line anteriorly, emarginate at the sides ; breadth in front 7 

 inches, slightly rounded at the corners : mouth moderate, teeth mi- 

 nute : eyes small, 1^ inch apart ; iris brownish yellow ; behind each 

 a large round or somewhat oval spiracle, without any tooth-like 

 process ; brancheal openings five on each side, crescent-shaped ; 



