300 SUPPLEMENT ON 



of the cranium, the second dorsal long, &c. ; but they are 

 distinguished from the rnaigres and all the sciaenae, by two 

 strong canines in the upper jaw. 



The otolithus ruber, we are told by M. Leschenault, who 

 saw it in its fresh state, is of a reddish colour over the body, 

 and has a lateral silvery line. The natives of Coromandel 

 name it panan. It arrives at fifteen inches in length. It is 

 fished in abundance during the whole year in the Pondicherry 

 roads, and its flesh is in estimation. 



The otolithi of America differ from those of the East by 

 the want of cauines in the lower jaw, and have them only in 

 the upper. 



The one hitherto best known is the weak-fish, of the in- 

 habitants of New York, described by Dr. Mitchill under the 

 name of labrus squeteague. This is one of the most abundant 

 fish at New York, and that which principally supplies the 

 table, especially when the weather is not very cold. It 

 usually attains fifteen inches in length, but some have been 

 seen of seventeen, and weighing more than six pounds. It 

 so constantly accompanies the striped basse, that Dr. Mitchill 

 had been tempted to give it the specific name of comes. 

 It is caught every where, where they catch the basse, but 

 in salt-water only. It does not ascend into the rivers nor 

 into the ponds of fresh-water. It is fished for with the line, 

 and some persons think that its name of weak-fish is derived 

 from its not drawing much upon the hook ; others that its 

 continual use as food is enfeebling to men obliged to labour. 

 The fishermen attribute to it certain dull sounds similar to 

 that of a drum, which are heard sometimes under the water, 

 and only in the season when it is abundant. This gives it 

 an additional relation with the rnaigres. With its natatory 

 bladder an excellent isinglass may be made, as with that of 

 the sturgeon. 



The name of squeteague is that given it by the Narragauset 



