ENGLISH FISHES. 



415 



cimens, I have noticed only four or five spines in 

 a single row ^. These formidable spines, pecu- 

 liar to the masculine gender, have occasionally 

 been fixed on as a specific character ; and as it 

 does not appear to be generally known that it 

 is only a sexual distinction, it has been thought 

 proper to notice it for the advantage of others 

 who may be pursuing the same track. There is 

 another circumstance, which perhaps, in the dis- 

 crimination of species, requires more attention 

 than usual ; that is, the teeth of both sexes of 

 each species. The necessity of this, is particular- 

 ly evinced by the great difierence observable in 

 the teeth of the two sexes of the Thornback, 

 Raia clavata. 



Having made these general observations, I shall 

 proceed to notice some specific peculiarities under 

 their proper heads, and to describe one or two 

 species, which, if known, are not sufficiently de- 

 fined to admit of synonyms. It may not perhaps 

 be uninteresting, to remark in this place, the im- 

 mense quantity of this tribe of fishes which are 

 taken, and chiefly used for baiting crab-pots. It 



* For what purpose this formidable armoury is given ex- 

 clusively to the males, is not known, but as the hooks are ex« 

 tremely sharp, and lie partly concealed, with their points a 

 trifle reflected, the fisherman's hands are frequently lacerated 

 by incautiously handling the fish. 



