THE TQPE. 
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Several species of Hammer-headed Sharks are known, among which the Heart-headed 
Shark ( EpJiyrnias tiburo ), has the best developed head, and the Broad-headed Shark 
{Ephyrnias laticeps ), the most so. Another species, the Tndes ( Ephyrnias tudes), thought to 
inhabit the Mediterranean, and the shores of Southern America, is intermediate between the 
two extremes. 
The general color of this species is grayish-brown above, and grayish-white below. 
Hammer-head ( Ephyrna zygcend). This is a large Shark, found in most seas. It is 
common on the American coast from Cape Cod southward. The width of head is about twice 
its length. 
In Cuba this is called Cornuda. Hr. Mitchell says “ the voracity of this Shark may 
be judged from the following occurrence at Sag Harbor, in September, 1805. Three of this 
species were taken in a net by Mr. Joshua Terry ; the largest was eleven feet in length. On 
HAMMER HEADED SHARK —Spymius zygtzna. (One-fifteenth natural size.) 
opening him many detached parts of a man were disclosed, with portions of clothing.’' BeKay 
says it is much dreaded by the Bong Island fishermen, for its boldness. Some have been 
seen in Hell Grate four feet in length. The Hammer-head is equally well known on both 
sides of the Atlantic. Its range is from the coast of Brazil northward, but is not known 
to pass Cape Cod. 
The extraordinary shape of this creature’s head is, seemingly, a deformity; yet we are 
not justified in so believing— for Nature doeth all things well, and for a purpose. This Shark 
brings foith living young, from thirty to forty in number, all perfectly formed, and averaging 
nineteen inches in length. 
The destructive and voracious fish, which is indiscriminately known by the names of 
Tope, Peisthy Hog, or Miller’s Bog, according to the particular coast near which it is found, 
is another familial representative of the great Shark family. 
