97 
EATA. 
The gjpTierio cliaracfers differ from those of the gcmis Batin, only in 
that the under portions of the body being of a pure white colour. 
We assign no importance to tlie form of the teeth as a generic 
character; since, within some limitations, they are lound to differ 
according to age, sex, and accident. 
BUETON SKATE. 
WHITE SKATE. SHAttP-NOSED )l\Y. FRIAK SKATE. MAVIS SKATE. 
Baia oxyrhyncUus, 
it U 
(( it 
Bale oxyrinque, 
Baia Lintea, 
LiNNiEns. Jentns; Manual, 511. 
Fleming; Br. Animals, p. 171. 
A'arrell; Br. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 556. 
Lacepede and Eisso. 
Gtrat; Catalogue Br. Museum, 
p. 140, (after Muller and Heiilb.) 
The name of the Burton Skate is believed to be derived 
from a small fishing town in France, where this fish is held in 
estimation ; or at least the fishermen of that place were purchasers 
of it in English ports. 
This is a common species; but as it keeps in deep water, it 
is less frequently taken in winter. The young ones however 
are caught occasion,ally in the shortest days, and consequently 
remain nearer the land at that season. It is the latter only 
that find acceptance at the fisherman’s table in England; and 
Risso says that the full-grown fish is but indifferent food. But 
it appears to he valued in France. Ray, in his Travels in the 
year 16.58, says that the people of that country were accustomed 
to come to St. Ives, in Cornwall, to purchase this sort of fish; 
and the same practice, with a little variation, has continued to 
the present time. Fishermen inform me that it is this species 
to which they give a preference; and they cover them with 
moist sand, to give them the appearance of being newly caught. 
This practice is contrary to the law in France; for as there is 
a bounty paid in that country on the importation of fish, de- 
si'i^ued for the encouragement of the fisheries, the object of this 
VOL. I. ^ 
