Storer on the Fishes of Massachusetts. 175 



slightly prominent glandular projections, the furrows between 

 indistinct. Respiratory orifice very minute, situated on the 

 right side about one eighth of an inch behind the insertion of 

 the superior tentacle. 



Length three-fourths of an inch. 



Geographi'^al Distribution. Noticed hitherto only in 

 Vermont and Massachusetts. 



Remarks. This animal is found in woods and forests, in 

 the soil under decaying trunks and logs. It is lubricated by 

 a watery mucus which is not secreted in quantity sufficient to 

 preserve its life when removed from its native hannts and ex- 

 posed to the air. It is therefore difficult to preserve it long 

 enough for examination, as it becomes dry, diminishes in bulk 

 more than one-half, and dies. I have seen but three speci- 

 mens. They were very active in their movements, and one 

 of them suspended itself by a mucous thread, in the manner 

 of the Liraaces. My specimens were found in Vermont. 

 Dr. Gould has recognized this or a similar species near Boston. 



It is quite possible that this is one of the species described 

 by Rafinesque, but from the poverty of his descriptions I am 

 unable to identify it with either of them. 



Art. XIV.— additional DESCRIPTIONS OF, AND OBSER- 

 VATIONS ON, THE FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. Br D. 

 Humphreys Storer, M. D. (Read December 15th, 184 J.) 



Two years since, I presented to the chairman of the Zoo- 

 logical Commissioners of our State, a report upon the Fishes 

 of Massachusetts — the preparation of which, had occupied 

 much of my leisure during the two preceding seasons. When 

 that report was commenced I had devoted but little attention 

 to the subject, and was induced to undertake it because no 

 other member of the Society had made Ichthyology his study. 

 The duty was urged upon, not sought, by me. Could I have 

 selected my department, the chairman of the Commissioners 

 is well aware I should have chosen that branch of science 

 which had been among my earliest studies — which, from the 



