BOTHROL^MUS PAMPANUS. 83 



not very distinct ; it runs at first about the upper third of the body, and then gen- 

 tly descends, so as to be near the median plane, at the extremity of the pectoral 

 fin ; it is slightly undulating in its course. 



Colour. When first taken from the water, the entire animal is of a most bril- 

 liant silver-colour; but it soon becomes clouded with a pale blue above, and 

 assumes a bright golden colour below ; the dorsal fin is semi-transparent ; the anal 

 and caudal are yelloAV, more or less bright. 



Dimensions. The entire length, from the opercle to the tip of the caudal fin, 

 is equal to four heads and a quarter ; the greatest elevation, which is opposite 

 the anal spines, is equal to two heads ; total length, twenty inches. 



Splanchnology. The liver is large, of rather a pale colour, and consists of three lobes ; though bu 

 two appear at first sight, as the right lobe is placed so deeply, that it is entirely concealed by the 

 other viscera. The left and the central lobes are united in front by a thin portion, and are further- 

 more connected by bridles of the substance of the liver ; the margins of the central lobe are often 

 irregular. The gall-bladder is very large, oval in form, and placed far behind the right lobe, though 

 generally joined to it, and projects so far to the left as to be nearly in contact with the ovary of that 

 side. The stomach is small, not extending half the length of the abdominal cavity ; and the ad de 

 sac is very short. The pyloric portion is about one third as long as the stomach itself, and arises 

 near its posterior fifth ; its walls are thicker than the other parts of its stomach, with a remarkable 

 pyloric contraction. The small intestine is very capacious, and is at first directed forwards ; but 

 soon it runs nearly to the vent, whence it is reflected to the pylorus, and then it turns backward to 

 end in the rectum, with a well-marked rectal valve. There are twelve or fourteen coecal appenda- 

 ges ; all are slender, and some of them are very long, as they reach to the vent. The spleen is 

 dark purple, olive-shaped, but compressed, and is situated mostly on the left side. There is no air- 

 bladder ; the kidney is large and thick ; and the ureter is developed into a small urinary bladder. 



Habits. The Crevalle, or Cavalli, makes its appearance in the waters near 

 Charleston in the month of April or INIay, and remains during the summer, or un- 

 til late in October, and even longer, if the season be warm. It feeds on various 

 kinds of molluscous, as well as crustaceous animals ; and takes the hook greedily 

 when baited with clams, shrimps, &c., &c. 



