3i: 



SEVENTH REPORT OF THE FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 



their small tributaries for that purpose. The food consists of small shells and crus- 

 taceans. The species frequents deep waters, where it falls an easy prey to the 

 voracious Lake Trout. 



The Round Whitefish is excellent for the table. Its capture with hook and line 

 is difficult because of its very small mouth and its habit of retiring into deep water. 

 In the Great Lakes it does not constitute an important element of the fishery, 

 but in northern regions it is one of the most useful and highly prized of the food 

 fishes. 



This small Whitefish is one of the characteristic species of the Adirondack 

 Lakes. James Annin, Jr., sent specimens for identification from Hoel Pond and 

 Big Clear Lake, in Franklin County, N. Y., and from the third lake of the Fulton 



ROUND WHITEFISH. 



Chain. He states that the fish spawns in the little inlets or on the sand beaches. 

 It never appears until about the time the w^ater begins to chill and freeze about the 

 edges. On the Fulton Chain of lakes the spawning season of 1895 was practically 

 closed about November 20. The Frostfish, according to Mr. Annin, is '• a delicious 

 morsel." 



An example taken at Sanarac Lake, November 23, 1897, showed the following 

 colors : Purplish gray ; lower parts whitish ; pectorals, ventrals and anal vermilion ; 

 eye pale golden ; head especially behind the eyes with iridescent gold and purple 

 tints ; caudal, chiefly vermilion in life. The fish is a male with ripe milt. There are 

 numerous small tubercles on the scales of the sides above and below the lateral 

 line. 



