SHARKS. 
305 
an obvious and well-marked character in the form 
of the head, which is enormously dilated, so 
that the eyes appear placed at the ends of long 
projections. (See figure of Zyg{Ena laticeps^ an 
Indian species, on page 15.) These fishes at- 
tain a large size, and are said to be ferocious 
and formidable ; one is occasionally taken on our 
coasts. 
2. Pristina, The Saw-fishes. These are Sharks 
with many characters of the Rays ; distinguished 
by the snout being prolonged into a straight fiat 
bony blade, along the edges of which are set 
pointed teeth, directed outwards. This well- 
armed sword is a formidable weapon, which it is 
said the ferocious Saw-fish frequently buries in 
the fiesh of the Whale and other marine animals. 
The preceding engraving represents the singular 
forms of these two Sub-families. 
3. Squalina, The True Sharks. These have 
the ordinary form, the nose being somewhat 
pointed, the body slightly swelling behind the 
head. There are two dorsals, which have no 
spines before them; and there are no air-holes 
{spiracles) behind the eyes. To this group, 
which far exceeds any of the others in the num- 
X 
