FAMILY ESOCIDAE 191 



brids were entirely scaled on their cheeks, whereas only 22 per cent of 

 the muskellunge had entire scalation. Approximately 75 per cent of 

 the hybrids had 10 mandibular pores and the rest had 11-12 pores. 

 Muskellunge often had as high as 18 pores. The number of lateral-hne 

 scales of the hybrids was usually less than for the muskellunge and 

 more than for the northern pike. The lateral-line scales of the mus- 

 kellunge ranged from 130 to 157. but most of them had from 147 to 

 155. The lateral-line scales of the northern pike ranged from 117 to 132. 

 The lateral-line scales of the hybrids ranged from 119 to 145, but most 

 of them had from 129 to 141. The anal fin rays of the hybrids num- 

 bered 16 to 19, the same range as for the muskellunge, but somewhat 

 higher than for the northern pike, which ranged from 14 to 18, usually 

 14 to 16. The dorsal fin rays of the hybrids numbered 18 to 21, the 

 same as for the muskellunge but sHghtly more than for the northern 

 pike, which ranged from 17 to 19. The branchiostegal rays of the hy- 

 brids ranged from 17 to 18 and were within the limits for those of the 

 muskellunge rather than for the northern pike. 



Artificial propagation is now being carried on in Minnesota and Wis- 

 consin. The voracity and cannibalistic tendencies of this fish may explain 

 why it is seldom abundant in any one lake and also why it is found in 

 only a few scattered places in Minnesota. Through artificial propaga- 

 tion it may be possible to bring about a wider distribution. 



Muskellunge are usually caught by casting or trolling with large 

 spoons or other active lures. Large spinners baited with large live min- 

 nows are often used. 



