PLATE XXIV. 
row of smaller teeth, which in the upper jaw makes the whole 
amount to about eighteen, and in the lower one to twelve i the 
giinding teeth join to the canine teeth in the lower jaw, but in the 
upper one are separated from them ; and in the centre are two rows 
of strong flat teeth, fixed upon an oblong basis, upon the bones of 
the palate and the nose. These grinding teeth, or some resembling 
them, are sometimes found in a fossil state, and are called cramp 
stones, bufonites, and toad stones, and were formerly supposed to 
possess many secret virtues, for whiclr reason tliey were set in 
gold, and worn upon rings, &c. 
This is a fierce and most voracious fish, and it requires both 
caution and address to escape its fury when taken. Schoneveldc 
relates, that its bite is so hard that it will seize an anchor, and 
leave the marks of its teeth in it; and the Danish and German 
names of Steenbider and Steinheisser, express the sense of its great 
strength, as if it were capable of crushing even stones with its jaws. 
The fishermen therefore endeavour, as soon as possible, to beat out 
its fore teeth, and then kill it by striking it behind the head *. 
> 
It is sometimes taken with a hook and line, and sometimes by 
spearing ; tlie latter mode of capture is successfully practised by the 
Norwegians, who use a kind of trident for the purpose, and when 
they observe the AV olf Fish prowling about the shore in search of 
lobsters and shell fish, can take them by that means with little diffi- 
culty. The Greenlanders eat the flesh raw, and make bags and 
other articles of the skin. The aspect of this creature is so truly 
hideous, that it is no matter of surprize it is seldom eaten in England, 
* Pennant. 
