CARTILAGINOUS FISHES. 
503 
with hooked hones on its upper surface, arrests its victim by wounding 
or killing it, without disturbing the mud or sea-weed by which it is 
covered. This species sometimes attains a very considerable size, and then- 
flesh is firm and nourishing; but the larger specimens rarely approach 
inhabited shores, even when the female desires to lay her eggs. These 
eggs have a very singular shape, differing from almost every other 
fish, and particularly from those of all other osseous fishes. They are 
quadrangular, a little flat, each of the four corners terminating in a small 
cylindrical cowl — a kind of pocket formed of a strong and transparent 
membrane. 
Fig. 349. The Lump-fish (Raiii clavuta). 
The Lump-fish, it. clavata (Fig. 3411), so called in consequence of its 
armature, inhabits every European sea ; sometimes it attains the length 
of twelve feet, and, being excellent eating, is much sought after by 
fishermen. It is frequently seen with the skate in European markets. 
A ray of great curving spines occupies the back and extends to the 
end of the tail ; two similar spines are above, and two below the 
point of the muzzle. Two others are placed before, and three behind 
the eyes. Each side of the tail is furnished with a row of shorter 
