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VERTEBEATA. 
THE THOENBACK, THE STING EAT. 
Starry Rat, R. radiata ; tlie Sharp-nosed Ray, R. oxyrhynchus ; the Shagreen Ray, R. 
chagrinea ; all found in the European waters. 
The Thornback, R. clavata^ is noted for the excellent quality of its flesh, and is common on 
the European coasts. The prevailing color of the upper part, which is rough with small points, 
is dark broAvn, the under part white, as is the case with most species of Ray. It is two to three 
feet long. 
The Skate, R. batis, is often called True Skate, to distinguish it from the Thornback and 
Homelyn, which are also called skate ; is not so common as these, but is superior to either for 
the table ; color above grayish brown ; under surface sooty Avhite. Tlie females of this as well 
some other Rays are called Maid in England. It is very voracious, and grows to a large size. 
Found in the European and American waters. 
There are several species of Ray found on our American coasts. The Smooth Skate, R. Icevis, 
five to six feet long, perhaps the same as R. batis of Europe, is caught on our coasts and sold in 
our markets. The Clear-nosed Ray, R. diapkanes, is two to three feet long, and is caught to- 
gether with codfish. Its flesh is not much esteemed, but is eaten by some persons ; common in 
our markets in March. The Prickly Ray, R. Americana, is two to three feet long, and resembles 
the R. batis already described. The Spotted or Ocellated Hay, R. ocellata, grows to the 
length of tAvo or three feet ; it is common on our coasts, and is often caught Avith the hook. 
The Hedge-Hog Ray, R. erinaceus, is two to three feet long, and found on the coast of New 
Jersey. 
PASTINACA : Pastinaca.—Th\^ includes the Whip Sting Ray, P. hastata ; has a 
long tail, armed with tAvo or more sj^ines. Found on our coasts. The Broad Sting Ray, P. 
maclura, is six to eight feet long, and ten to fifteen feet Avide, Avith one or tAvo spines on the tail, 
near the base. Found on the coast of Rhode Island. 
Oenus TRYGON" : Trygon. — This includes the Sting Ray, T. pastinaca, Avhich is found on 
sandy ground in shalloAV Avater and not far from the land. Its tail is armed Avith a sharp spine 
five inches long, serrated on both edges, with which it lacerates its enemies. Its flesh is rank 
and disagreeable ; Avidely distributed in the European seas. There are several other species. 
Genus MYLIOBATIS : Myliobatis. — This includes the Whip Ray, M. aquila, the Aigle de Mer 
of Cuvier. It derives its name from its long, slender, flexible tail ; and is called Eagle Ray from 
