418 Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society. 



each pectoral, — that is, a circular spot of chocolate brown, 

 surrounded by a circle of white irregular spots, and some 

 irregular white markings in centre, instead of the numerous 

 small white markings of the Sandy Eay. It differs from 

 the Sandy Eay, in having the surface of the body covered 

 with minute spines, directed backwards, — the Sandy Kay 

 being smooth, although Yarrell describes it as covered with 

 spines. This specimen also differs from the Sandy Eay in 

 its tail being long, whereas in the latter it is remarkably 

 short ; and, having the characteristic outline and disposition 

 of the spines of the Sandy Eay, easily distinguishes it from 

 the Sand or Homelyn Eay. 



M'Coy thus gives the description of his fish, which so 

 closely agrees with this specimen, that except in one or two 

 minor particulars they appear to be the same species : — 



" Spiracles immediately behind the orbits. Skin rough 

 above, with the spines largest on the anterior margin of the 

 pectorals. Semicircle of six or eight spines round the inner 

 margin of the orbits, and a few on the top of the snout ; 

 four short rows about or a little before the middle of the 

 back (these, I think, are the transverse rows forming the 

 triangle at the upper extremity of the rows of large spines) ; 

 two rows equally large spines down each side of the tail ; 

 four rows of large spines on the tail pointed backwards ; 

 central line comparatively unarmed ; all the larger spines 

 radiated at their base. Pectorals more abruptly rounded off 

 than in the Sandy Eay. Colour uniform, light yellowish 

 brown, the large oval spot containing variously shaped 

 cream-coloured spots/' Such is Professor M'Coy's descrip- 

 tion of this ray without a name. 



The following is the description of the specimen now ex- 

 hibited : length 12 inches, breadth 6 J inches ; from the vent 

 to the tip of the snout, 5 inches ; from the same point to the 

 tip of the tail, 7 inches (these proportions are very much 

 the same as in M £ Coy's ray) ; eyes large ; spiracles immedi- 

 ately behind the orbits ; skin rough above, thickly covered 

 with spines, which are larger on the anterior margin of the 

 pectorals, and all of which, even to the most minute, are 

 radiated at the base. At the upper end of the central line is 



