29 o AMERICAN FISHES. 



As to the extension of the range of this species southward, we have the 

 statement of Holbrook, quoted by DeKay, writing in 1842 : "Attempts 

 have been made to introduce this fish farther south, but with limited suc- 

 cess. I am informed by my friend, Dr. Holbrook, that Gen. Thomas 

 Pinckney imported from Rhode Island a smack load of the Tautog and set 

 them adrift in the harbor of Charleston, S. C, where they are to be found 

 to this day. They are still occasionally caught, weighing from one to two 

 pounds, but never in such quantities as to be brought to market." Mr. 

 Earll obtained specimens at Charleston in January, 1880. Certain ich- 

 thyologists, among whom is Prof. Jordan, express skepticism as to the 

 range having been thus artificially extended southward. 



At Cape Lookout, S. C, Jordan records the species, under the name 

 " Oyster-fish," as rather common, the young abundant about the wharves. 

 About Norfolk and in the mouth of Chesapeake Bay they occur, and also 

 on the coast of Southern New Jersey, where they are taken in the vicinity 

 of Beasley's Point, in the channel ways, and along the shores, and they 

 are said to be somewhat common on the banks off Sandy Hook, and in the 

 southern bays of Long Island. These sandy regions, however, are not so 

 much frequented by them as those abounding in rocky beaches and ledges. 



Although the Tautog appear to thrive in cool water, as has been shown 

 by the rapid extension of the northern range, they take refuge from too 

 great cold, by retreating in winter to somewhat deeper water than that 

 preferred in summer. Here they appear to seek shelter under the stones 

 and in crevices of the rocks, if we may judge from their habits as observed 

 in aquaria, their smooth, slimy skins, with scales protected from abrasion 

 by a thick epidermis, enabling them to move about among the sharp- 

 pointed rocks unharmed. They are on this account, also, especially well 

 suited for confinement in the walls of smacks and in "live-cars," where 

 it is customary to keep them living until required for market. They 

 appear to enter upon an actual state of hibernation, ceasing to feed, and 

 the vital functions partially suspended. It is the opinion of fishermen that 

 during the hibernating season, the vent becomes entirely closed up, as is 

 known to be the case with hibernating mammals. It is certain that they 

 do not retreat far from the shore in winter, and that very cold weather, 

 especially in connection with a run of low tides, often causes very 

 remarkable fatalities. There are instances of their death in immense 

 numbers. In February, 1857, after a very cold season, hundreds of tons 



