THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 345 



20. EuciNosTOMUs ARGENTEUs, B. and G. 



Eucinostomus argenteus, B. and G. — Mouth very small ; when re- 

 tracted the posterior extremity of maxillary extends slightly beyond 

 the vertical of anterior rim of the eye; base of spinous portion of dorsal 

 etjual in length to that of the soft portion ; posterior extremity of soft 

 dorsal rays extending a little more backwards than those of the anal 

 fin. 



D. IX, 10; A. Ill, 7 or 8 ; C. 5, I, 8, 8, I, 4 ; V. I, 5 ; P. 13. 



Head forming about one fourth of the whole length ; eye large, its 

 diameter contained nearly three times in the length of the side of head; 

 scales larfje ; 2;roand color silvery, with transverse fascia? of a darker 

 hue in immature specimens. 



This species was quite abundant in the latter part of August, in the 

 river and small bays. None were taken exceeding three inches in 

 length. 



21. Cybium maculatum, Cuv. and Val. 



The spotted Cijbhim — Sjuinish Macherd. 



Cybium maculatum, Cuv. and Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss. XIII, 181. — De- 

 Kay, New York Fauna, Fishes, 108, plate Ixxiii, fig. 232. 



Of this fish but two specimens were taken during my stay at Bees- 

 ley's point, and the species is scarcely known to the fishermen. It 

 was more abundant at Greenport, Long Island ; and in the Peconic 

 bay, towards Riverhead, four hundred were caught at one haul of the 

 seine. The flesh is excellent, having much the flavor of true mackerel, 

 only a little softer and richer. 



The fish bears a high price in the New York market, where it has 

 been but recentl}'' known. It has beea more abundant ofFour coast gener- 

 ally this season than ever before ; and in the lower part of the Potomac, 

 numbers have been taken and salted down. They may frequently be 

 found in this state in the Washington market, and readily recognised 

 by the round yellow spots on the sides, and the size so much larger 

 than that of the common salted mackerel. The posterior portion of the 

 body, to the base of the tail, is slenderer and much more elongated 

 than in the other species. 



22. Lichia CAROLINA, DcKay. 



Lichia caroUna, DeKay, Nevi^ York Fauna, Fishes, 114, plate x, 



figure 30. 



Bright silvery, with bluish reflections on the back and upper part of 

 sides ; dorsal transparent, dusky towards the tips of the longest soft 



