Fishes of Brookhaveti^ L. I. 261 



Island ; but the occurrence was only accidental, as they have 

 not been seen there since. 



Cybium maculatum. Mitch. 



I consider this species one of the rarest of those which I 

 have met with ; several years frequently pass without one 

 being seen. Such had been the case for the last few years, 

 but this season no less than four were taken in the nets drawn 

 for Blue-fish ; I could obtain but one of them ; it was twenty 

 and a half inches in length. The fishermen call them Horse 

 Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel. Dr. MitchilPs figure of 

 the species is very correct. 



Temnodon saltator. Cuv. 



No fish is more highly prized by the fishermen, or of more 

 importance to them, than the Blue-fish. They are very abund- 

 ant, and are taken with nets, in great numbers, sometimes 

 three or four hundred at one haul. The greater part are sold 

 while fresh, though a few barrels are salted every year. They 

 may be caught also very readily with the hook, and, provided 

 the bait is only in motion, it matters but very little of what it 

 consists. I have used most commonly, and with very great 

 success, a hollow cylinder of bone, about four inches in length. 

 The average weight of the fish taken is not far from a pound 

 and a half; few are found exceeding two pounds, and the 

 largest one I have met with weighed about three and a half. 

 On the south side they are sometimes caught, weighing 12 or 

 14 pounds. Their chief food, on their first arrival, and for 

 the greater part of the summer, is the Sand-Launce ; later in 

 the season they feed on the Spearings {Atherina BoscH,) 

 the small species of Herrings, and on Shrimps. They sel- 

 dom, however, commence feeding on Shrimps till just before 

 their departure in October. The first were caught this sea- 

 son, June 26th. When in their prime, which is in August 

 and September, the flesh of this species is superior in rich- 

 ness and flavor to that of any other fish inhabiting our waters, 

 excepting perhaps, the Sheeps-head ; their abundance, how- 

 ever, renders their market price less than that of others which 

 are much inferior. 



