103 
STAEEY BAY. 
Haia raliata, Flemikc; Br. Animals, p. 170. 
“ '■ Donovan; Plate 114. 
“ '■ Yaiiuell; Br. Pishes, vol. ii, p. 585. 
*' '■ JuNYNS; Manual, p. 617. 
In the writings of the older authors on Natural History, several 
species of Rays are mentioned as having the skin covered with 
spines or prickles, as well below as above; but most of them 
are described so imperfectly, that it has not been possible to 
distinguish them generally one from another, or to know whether 
they are more than accidental varieties. There can be little 
doubt that the fish now known as the Starry Ray is one of 
these uncertain kinds; but in our references we must be content 
to confine our notice to writers of a late date; among whom 
Honov’an is to be distinguished for liis figure, and Fleming, 
Jenyns, and Yarrcll for the descrijition. The likeness given 
by Donovan appears to have been drawn from a newly-canght 
example, and is to be viewed as highly characteristic. Mr. 
Yarrell’s figure is from a dried skin, which I remember to have 
seen in that gentleman’s possession; and it is the only one which 
I have had an opportunity of inspecting; for this fish is a 
native of the more northern parts of the British Islands, and 
has not been found in the south or west. In its shape it closely 
resembles the Common Thornback. but it is to be distinguished 
from it by the form of the spines, especially of their base; and 
in some measure also by the teeth, which are more shar)). In 
the Thornback the hooked spines arise from a rounn and solid 
base implanted in the skin ; but in the present species the base 
is formed of spreading rays. In the absence of a specimen we 
copy the plate of Donovan, No. 114. The habits of this species, 
as differing from those of its family it so much resembles, appear 
not to have been observed. 
