and its Tributaries. 235 



Observations. This species was occasionally seen in the 

 markets of Cincinnati three years since, and being informed 

 that it could be obtained at any time, I took no pains to se- 

 cure a specimen. Since that time, I have never met with it, 

 and am therefore compelled to make a sketch from a well 

 prepared specimen in the Western Museum in this city, and 

 which Mr. Bartlett has had the politeness to place in my hands 

 for the purpose. 



This specimen is labelled " Murena, or Anguilla laticaudata" 

 of Raf. It differs from the description of that species in 

 having the dorsal fin commence so far behind the pectoral fins, 

 and the tail acuminate at its extremity. Further observation 

 may decide that Mr. Rafinesque has made two species out of 

 mere varieties. 



None of the species of this genus originally inhabited Lake 

 Erie or its tributaries ; but since direct communication has 

 been opened between them and the waters of the Ohio and 

 Mississippi rivers and some of the Atlantic streams, by the 

 construction of several canals, it is said that eels are beginning 

 to appear in the Lake and some of the Lake streams. 



I have not at present the means of deciding whether some 

 of our species may not be similar to those of the Atlantic 

 tributaries. 



Chatoessus. Cuv. 



C. ellipticus. Kirtland. The Hickory or Gizzard-Shad. 



Chatoessus ellipticus. Kirtland. Report on the Zoology of Ohio, p 195. 

 Dorosomanotata. (The young.) Rafinesquo. Ichthy. Oliien., p 40. 



Plate X. Fig. I. 



Head small, sub-oval, compressed on its sides, | the total 

 length ; nose globose, obtuse ; mouth small ; tipper lip emar- 

 ginate, thus increasing the opening of the mouth ; lower jaw 

 closes into the emargination. Eyes large, circular and silver*'. 

 Body oval, elliptical ; sides flattened, back rounded, abdomen 

 compressed, carinate and serrate : lateral line not apparent. 



Dorsal fin triangular ; the posterior ray greatly elongated, 

 recurved. 



