THORNBACK, %73 



by Mr. Pennant in the third volume of the British 

 Zoology : the colour of the skin is a brownish grey, 

 with irregular blackish or dusky variegations; the 

 under, part is vtdiite, with a slight cast of flesh- 

 colour, and about the middle of the body, as well 

 as on the fins, are disposed several spines, similar 

 to those on the upper side, but less strong: the 

 cartilage dividing the upper and lower portions of 

 the body is in this species remarkably conspicuous; 

 but . since a similar appearance exists in several 

 bther species, it cannot be of much importance in 

 the specific character, though considered as such 

 by Artedi and Linnims ; nor can any greater de- 

 pendence be placed on that of Dr. Bloch ; the 

 Thornback varying like others of this genus, in the 

 number and disposition of the caudal spines. The 

 Thornback is an inhabitant of the Mediterranean 

 and other seas, and is in some esteem as a food, 

 though not equal to the Skate in goodness. It 

 may be added, that much confusion and uncer- 

 tainty seems to prevail as to the synonyms of this 

 species. 



