Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 1 (1897).djvu/600

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566
THE ZOOLOGIST.

another, 1822; and others previously" (Pagets); and several others since. A 49-inch female gave birth to twenty-two young ones on board a fishing-smack; they were landed alive in a half-barrel of sea-water. Length of fresh-cast fish, 11 in. Two are in Norwich Museum.

Torpedo vulgaris. Torpedo. A.—An example is recorded from Lowestoft, Dec. 1st, 1883. Another, cast ashore alive at Palling, Feb. 23rd. 1883 (T. Southwell).

Raia clavata. Thorn-back Bay. C.—Large examples abundant in the neighbourhood during the winter months. Small examples frequent in the draw-nets. I have found the young in the egg-case cast up on the shore. Eaten with relish by the poorer classes. Local, "Roker."

R. radiata. Starry Ray. A.—The first specimen recorded for the county came to hand May 11th, 1897; length, 22½ in. Very "Roker"-like in appearance, but distinguishable at once by its marvellous array of spines. It was beautifully mottled on the disc. It was forwarded to Norwich Museum, where it now is. The taxidermist assured me he is in no hurry to preserve another.

R. batis. Blue Skate. C.—Grows to considerable size in local waters. Numbers taken by long lines.

*R. maculata. Spotted Ray. C.—Frequently caught in Shrimp-nets; also on long-lines. In great esteem amongst the poorer classes. Local, "Homer."

R. miraletus. Cuckoo Ray. B.—[This well-marked species had escaped notice as a locally occurring species until Feb. 4th, 1897, when I secured a fine female example, full of ova, from the size of hemp-seed up to chestnuts. It was taken on a steam-lugger's long-line. A smaller specimen, a male, was brought in on Feb. 16th ('Zoologist,' ante, p. 235). I have since seen two or three others. As the fishermen "worked" from Yarmouth Roads northwards as far as Grimsby, returning with their catch, some doubt may exist as to the claim this species has upon this list. I am almost certain, however, that it should be included.]

R. pastinaca. Sting Ray. R.—"A specimen taken in a Shrimp-net, August, 1813" (Pagets). Another recorded in 1869; length, 3 ft. 6 in.; weight, 56 lb. A third taken off shore, Oct.