29 4 
NATURAL HISTORY 
fins of the ray-fish; by means of this fin it moves itself in 
swimming, having no other membrane for that purpose 
From this pointed termination of the tail, the French 
call it the sea-spider, although it has scarcely any resem- 
blance to the spider; but rather with respect to the head r 
approaches to the shape of the star-fish. At any rate 
they are very formidable animals. With their arms and 
trunks they fasten themselves, to resist the motion of the 
waves. The females lay their eggs upon sea-weed and 
plants, in clusters like bunches of grapes. Immediately 
after they are laid they are white, and the males pass 
over and impregnate them with a black liquor, after 
which they grow larger and resemble black grapes. On 
opening one of the eggs, the embryo cuttle is found alive. 
The noise of a cuttle-fish, on being dragged out of the 
water, resembles the grunting of a boar. When the male 
is pursued by the sea-wolf or other ravenous fish, he 
shuns the danger by stratagem. He squirts out a black 
liquor, by which the water becomes as black as ink, un- 
der shelter of which he baffles the pursuit of his enemy. 
This black liquor is elaborated in a particular gland. The 
Romans used it as ink; and it is said to be an ingredient 
in the composition of Indian ink. The back-bone of this 
animal is converted into that useful article of stationary 
called pounce. In hot climates these creatures are found 
of an enormous size. The Indians affirm,' that some have 
been seen two fathoms broad over their centre, and each 
arm nine fathoms long. When the Indians navigate 
their little boats, they go in dread of them; and, lest these 
animals should fling their arms over and draw them un- 
der water, they never fail having an adze to cut them off. 
When used for food, they are served up in their own 
liquor, which from boiling, with the addition of nitre, 
becomes red. If taken into a dark apartment and cut 
open, it illuminates the whole place. 
Echinus, or Sea-Urchin. (PL 51.) This species 
of the sea-urchin, is numerous: its shape is hemispheri- 
cal oval, with ten winding avenues ; the spaces between 
each, are armed with strong prickles and warts. It in- 
habits the Southern Seas; and is valued as a nourishing 
and savoury food* Most of this species of fish, have a 
