3 58 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



termaxillary. Tliis jDeculiarity ( if persistent ) is certaiuly very char, 

 acteristic of the Namaycush. The ventral fiii is placed farther back 

 than in tlie Togne and Siscowet, and the tail is more forked. There is 

 a double row of teeth, extending at least half an inch backward on 

 he vomer. The teeth, gums, and roof of the mouth have a tinge of 

 l)nrple, hence Mitchill's name, "Amethystine Salmon." 



The Siscowet is known by this native name apparently in contradis- 

 tinction to the last, which is also found in Lake Superior. The former 

 appears to be very plentiful about Isle Royal. Agassiz makes out the 

 following distinctive characters; but as many are also common to the 

 other two, I merely indicate the discrepancies. The lower branch of the 

 pre-operculum is more extended than the upper. The pectoral fin is 

 longer, and farther from the gill-opening, than in either of the other two 

 trouts, and the dorsal is said to be larger, with a more slender and less 

 club shaped adipose fin. The anal is as high as the dorsal, but not so 

 long. 



The Togue was supposed to be identical with the Namaycush until 

 Dekay's description, when he named it Salmo confinis. 



I find, however, that his so-called differences are in several instances 

 not general; and perhaps a better acquaintance with their natural his- 

 tories will further establish a closer connection between the two. For 

 several years this fish, as met with in our waters, was supposed to be 

 dentical with the Loch Awe trout S.ferox,* from which it seems to differ 

 in many points, 



I had abundant opportunities of seeing the Togue at all seasons and 

 in various stages of its growth, so that, as far as the denizen of our 

 forest-shaded lakes is concerned, I believe the following will be found 

 to be an accurate description of its appearance and habits. 



The external coloring varies, of course, according to the nature of the 

 lake-bottom, and whether or not the individual may have been caught 

 during the breeding-season. When in full vigor, in October, during 

 the spawning-mouth, the males, with the exception of the unusually large 

 individuals, will be found very much alike, and more or less of a dark 

 greenish-gray, getting fainter toward the belly, which is dappled with 

 dull and purer white patches. The yellowish-gray spots, some as large 

 as buck- shot, extend over the body and tail. The latter is said not to 

 be the case in the Namaycush, but, from Agassiz's drawing,! they are 

 evidently present on the tail of the Siscowet. 



There is more or less of an orange tinge on the lower fins, especially 

 the pectorals, but the purple in the inner surface of the mouth of the 

 Kamaycush is seemingly absent in the Togue. 



In full health and vigor, the Togue presents a close resemblance to the 



* Mr. Perley was, I believe, the originator of this opiuioii, from a coruparisou between 

 figures and general descriptions of the European fish. 

 t Lake Superior, pi. Ijfig. 3. 



