142 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



to the anadromoiis, S. tmincatus, and 8. gairdneri, but its head, compared 

 to the total length, is comparatively larger. It has, also, a persistently 

 varied plan of coloration — its spot-markings being more numerous. The 

 body, also, more compressed laterally. 



No additional specimens of this fish have been obtained since the 

 original description appeared. We may, therefore, be i^ardoned for re- 

 producing a few remarks then made — more especially, perhaps, because 

 it is desired to embody herein all the useful information concerning this 

 group of fishes that will tend to assist the field naturalist, who neces- 

 sarily can carry about with him but a limited library. "The typical 

 specimen upon which the foregoing description is based is a single 

 skin contained in the Smithsonian collection, Catalogue, No. 940, that 

 of a female, obtained by the present describer at Fort Dallas, Oregon, 

 April 5, 1S55." The species is known to the Walla- Walla Indians as 

 the shooshines ; and to the Wascos by the name of te-lcivan-eelc. 



Mr. Girard, taking the specimen for the S. Uuppitch of Richardson, 

 figured and described it as belonging to that species. Upon his atten- 

 tion being caUed to several marked discrepancies between the account 

 given by Sir John Richardson of the 8. tsuppUch and certain character- 

 istics of the specimen from Fort Dallas, he at once coincided with me in 

 considering the two species distinct. According to Richardson, the 

 8. tsnppltch has the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins destitute of spots and 

 the tail finked. The present fish on the contrary, has the tail but mod- 

 erately lunated at its extremit^-j and the dorsal tins and tail are pro- 

 fusely spotted with black. These prominent differences, besides many 

 others less striking, have been deemed sufficient to settle the question 

 of non-identity of the two species; and as no recorded description seems 

 to refer to the present salmon, it is now presented as a new species, un- 

 der the name 8almo gibbsii, in honor of my valued friend George Gibbs, 

 esq., geologist to the Northwestern Boundary Commission, and for many 

 years a resident of Washington Territory. To Mr. Gibbs, more than any 

 other indi\ idual, am I indebted for rare specimens in all branches of 

 natural iiistory, and especially for inforination, aid, advice, and encour- 

 agement while endeavoring to elucidate the history of the Salmonidse 

 of the northwest coast. • 



This salmon is obtained, during the winter and early spring months, 

 at Fort Dallas, Oregon. It is also found, during the summer, in the 

 Yakima, Joim Day's, and other rivers emptying into the Columbia. In 

 the fall of 1855 I obtained a fine specimen of a fish resembling this 

 species from Bois^ River, one of the tributaries of Lewis's Fork. Its 

 flesh is good for the table, and the size renders it convenient for culinary 

 purposes, as it rarely exceeds five or six pounds. 



Most individuals have a broad reddish or blush along the sides, com- 

 mencing at the middle of the opercula, and extending to near the base 

 of the tail. This baud is apparently subcutaneous, and may exist only 

 in individuals not in prime condition. 



