252. _The SKATE_ (Raia batis, Fig. 72) _is a species of ray of large size, with flat and somewhat diamond-shaped body, and the mouth on the under side: the teeth sharp, and a single row of spines in the tail._ _It is found in almost every part of the European ocean._ No fish of its tribe is so excellent for the table as the skate, particularly when it is young and has not fed in a muddy part of the sea. The flesh is white and of good flavour, but is usually crimped before it is cooked. The best season for skate is from January to March; and from July to September. So great is the size which these fish sometimes attain, that Willoughby mentions one that would have served 120 men for dinner. In several parts of the Continent skate are salted and dried for sale. The fishermen also sometimes dry the _stomach_ as an article of food; and extract from the _liver_ a white and valuable kind of oil. 253. _The THORNBACK_ (Raia clavata) _is a species of ray, which differs from the skate chiefly in having blunt teeth, and a row of curved spines along the middle of the body and on the tail._ _This is a very common fish near all the coasts of Britain._ The flesh of thornback is much inferior to that of the skate, yet it is sometimes eaten. That of the young ones, which have the denomination of _maids_, is however peculiarly excellent. The Norwegian fishermen catch thornbacks chiefly on account of their _livers_; from these they extract a considerable quantity of oil, which they sell with great advantage to strangers who frequent their harbours. 254. _The TRUE LAMPREY_ (Petromyzon marinus, Fig. 73) _is an eel-shaped fish having seven breathing-holes on each side of the neck, and somewhat oblong mouth with many rows of yellowish pointed teeth disposed in a circular form._ _These fish are of dusky colour, irregularly marked with dirty yellow; and they sometimes weigh four or five pounds each._ _They are sea-fish, but, at certain seasons, they ascend the rivers to deposit their eggs._ Lampreys are celebrated as forming an excellent dish for the table; and they have, at all times, been held in great esteem by epicures, particularly when potted or stewed. The death of one of our monarchs, Henry the First, has been attributed to a too plentiful repast which he made of these fish. Lampreys are in best season during the month of March, April, and May; at which time they are caught in the rivers. The Severn is peculiarly celebrated for them; and the city of Gloucester, which is situated on that river, is required, by ancient custom, to present annually to the King, at Christmas, a lamprey pie with raised crust. And as, at that early season, lampreys are very scarce, it is not without difficulty that the corporation is able to supply the proper quantity.