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THE SCUPPAUG. STENOTOMUS CHETSOPS. 



THE SCUPPAUG AND THE FAIR MAID. 



Bait the hook well ; this fish will bite. 



Shakespeare, Much Ado Abottt Nothing, Act ii, Scene iii. 



OCUPPAUG, the name of this fish, is an abbreviation of Mishcuppauog, 

 an appellation used by the Narragansett Indians, which has unfor- 

 tunately been corrupted to form two others, neither of which is euphon- 

 ious or significant. In New England it is generally called "Scup," 

 while about New York the second syllable of the abbreviated Indian 

 name has been lengthened into " Paugy " or "Porgy." The latter 

 name is particularly objectionable because it belongs to an Eng- 

 lish fish, and its proper etymology as a fish -name is very different. 

 Another Indian word, " poghaden," a corrupt form of the Abnaki name 

 for the menhaden, or moss-bunker, has been changed to " pogy " and 

 " porgy," thus leading to much confusion. " Scuppaug " is an excellent 

 name for the fish, and its claims for general adoption will be recognized 

 by all who wish to preserve the memory of the aboriginal languages of 

 America. 



