139 
PTEROCEPHALA. 
The fore part of the head as if cut short, aud the pectoral Hus, 
instead of clasping it, have each of their anterior extremities extendi'd 
forward, appearing as if the fish was furnished with horns. The tail 
slender; the spine, dorsal fin, and pectoral fins broad. 
OX KAY. 
Cephaltii'lera Giorna, 
“ Massena, 
Baia Fabroniana, 
Hoi-ned Bay, 
« 
(( 
OuviEiil Jesyns; Manual, p. olP? 
Risso; Vacca? 
Lacepede. 
Yakuei.l; Br. Pishes, vol. ii, p. 596? the 
figure we must suppose, unlike anything 
in nature. 
PaoEESsoit F. M'Cov; Amials and Mag. 
of Natui’al History, vol. si-v, for March, 
1847. 
Tiii-s remarkable form of the family of Skates and Rays 
attracted the forcible attention of the ancients, as well from 
the enormous size they have sometimes attained, (even to twelve 
hundredweight or more,) as from the singular form of the 
front of the head, which, from its resemblance to a pair of 
projecting horns, gave occasion to their being characterized by 
the name of Bos, or the Ox. In the present day on the coast 
of Italy, according to Risso, they are known by the name 
of Vacca, or the Cow. A large example, which, whether 
specifically different from the smaller individuals that have 
come to our coasts is uncertain, was the terror of the divers 
for sponges and coral; for whom it was supposed to be ever 
on the watch with devouring propensities, and whose return 
from the bottom it endeavoured to intercept by assuming a 
station at mid-water above them, where it so molested their 
endeavour to ascend, as to cause their destruction; of which 
