Chap. X.] RAYS. 327 



occurrence, as such huge monsters usually retreat into 

 the depths of the sea, where they are secure from the 



THE RAY (AETOBATES NARINARI), 



molestation of man. It is, generally speaking, only the 

 young and the smaller species that approach the coasts, 

 where they find a greater supply of those marine animals 

 which form their food. The Eays have been divided into 

 several generic groups, and the one of which a drawing 

 (Aetobates narinari *) is given, has very marked charac- 

 teristics in its produced snout, pointed and winged-like 

 pectoral fins, and exceedingly long, flagelliform tail. The 

 latter is armed with a strong, serrated spine, which is 

 always broken off by the fishermen immediately on cap- 

 ture, under the impression that wounds inflicted by it 

 are poisonous. Their fears, however, are utterly ground- 



1 Raja narinari, Bl. Schn. p. 361. Henle., Plagiost. p. 179. 

 Aetobates narinari, Mull, und 



y 4 



