HISTORY OF THE FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 411 
Description. Body elongated, slightly compressed. Head pointed at snout. The 
length of the head, from the extremity of the snout to the end of the gill-covers, 
is more than one fifth the length of the entire fish. The lower jaw projects beyond 
the upper, and terminates in a conical tip. From the anterior inferior portion of 
the operculum, a few slight striæ pass obliquely upwards, backwards, and downwards 
to its posterior margin. The nostrils are double, and are situated half-way between 
the eyes and the snout. The eyes are circular; the diameter of the eye is equal 
to one ninth the length of the head. 
The lateral line is straight and indented. 
The very delicate dorsal fin commences on a line with the end of the pectorals, 
and terminates at the fleshy base of the caudal fin. This fin is rather highest 
just posterior to its centre. When unexpanded, it is received into a groove at its 
base. 
The pectorals are one third the length of the head. From their base a slight 
membrane extends posteriorly on each side of the abdomen. 
The anal fin, which is about as high as the dorsal fin and terminates posteriorly 
on a line with it, is just one third the length of the entire body. 
The caudal fin is forked. 
The fin rays are as follows: — D. 61. P. 13. A. 28. C. 14. 
Length, six to twelve inches. 
Remarks. This species, which is generally known among fishermen as the * Sand- 
Eel" is found plentifully at Holmes's Hole, and it oftentimes collects at Provincetown 
in myriads. In June, 1847, while on a visit at this latter place, I observed the shores 
were lined with these fishes, which were left by the refluent tide. Captain Atwood 
assured me that the waters around Longpoint were at times so densely crowded 
with them, as to seem literally alive. In a letter to me, dated June 18th, 1847, he 
says, while speaking of this species: * Last Friday night they ran ashore in such 
quantities, that they covered the ground from one to two inches deep, and when the 
water covered the flats the whole bottom looked like an immense sheet of silver." 
When thus situated they are readily devoured by their enemies, among whom are 
the cuttle-fish. 
Banks of Newfoundland, H. R. Sronrm. Massachusetts, Srorer. Connecticut, 
Ayres, LiwsLEY. New York, Murcpnmz, Dekay. 
