PLATE XCIX. 
it is seldom eaten, and the capture of it an object of consideration 
only for the sake of the oil which may be extracted from the liver. 
The fishery of the Sting Ray is also attended with some danger, the 
sting on the tail, from whence it derives its name, being capable of 
inflicting a most severe wound. This formidable weapon, which the 
animal employs with astonishing dexterity and force against its 
enemies, consists of a narrow flattened spine, four, five, or six inches 
in length, acutely pointed and barbed along the edges, with small 
incurvated teeth : this sting has the texture of bone, and is remark- 
able for its strength. The fishermen consider the sting as highly 
poisonous, conceiving that at the same time it lacerates the flesh, a 
most malignant and acrimonious fluid is instilled into the wound. 
Aldrovandus, Rondelitius, Linnseus, and various other writers, enter- 
tain the same opinion ; Pennant, on the contrary, denies the fact : 
he observes, that “ this weapon of offence is capable of giving a very 
bad wound, and which is attended with dangerous symptoms, when 
it falls on a tendinous part, or on a person in bad habit of body ; 
but as to any fish having a spine charged with actual poison, (he adds,) 
he must deny his assent to it, though the report is sanctioned by the 
name of Linmeus.” We entirely coincide with Pennant, that the 
spine of the Sting Ray is by no means charged with any actual poison, 
and that the danger resulting from the wound inflicted, depends solely 
Upon the ordinary circumstances attendant on any other wound. 
This fish is mentioned by Pliny, Aristotle, and va.ious other 
writers of antiquity. The ancient poets feigned that the wound of 
its spine was attended with the most direful effects. Circe, the 
enchantress, is said to have armed her son with a spear pointed with 
its spine, as the most terrible weapon she could devise, and with 
which he afterwards unintentionally killed his father Ulysses. It » 
