Spines on the fins are the commonest, and no doubt help to keep away enemies; but some fish go one better than that, and wear a complete suit of spines.

" A spine and ribs are very necessary things; but we bury them as so much chalk and lime when once the breath has gone out of them!

Spines and prickles are a commoner defence.

Crooked spines must be the inevitable consequence, if nothing worse.