42 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



Bass, as the name Microptcrus is its earliest generic appellation. 

 Unless we adopt the earlier salmoides, its name should, thcrelbre, be 

 Microptcrus dolomieu. 



On the other hand, it is true that the name MicrojAerns dolomieu 

 was applied to a deformed specimen, which was considered as a dis- 

 tinct genus and species solely on account of its deformity. 



It is an established rule of nomenclature (Dall, Rcpt. Comm. 

 Zoul. Nomenc, 48) that " a name should be rejected . . . wlicn 

 it expresses an attribute or character positively false in the majority 

 or the whole of the group in question, as in cases (among others) 

 when a name has been founded on a monstrous, abnormal, immature, 

 artificial or mutilated specimen." 



The name Microptcrus was founded on a monstrous spc'cimen ; in 

 the sense intended by its author it expresses a false character, 

 although the species really have smaller tins than are found in re- 

 lated genera. In the opinion of some writers it should be set aside 

 and the next name in order {Calliurus Raf.) should be adopted in its 

 stead. The .species might then stand as Calliurus dolomieu. The 

 specific name ''dolomieu" is also open to objection, as it is a French 

 noun having neither a Latin nor a genitive form, but being an un- 

 modified name of a person. This hardly seems to me a reason for 

 rejecting the name, although, if retained, it should receive a genitive 

 form, as dolomii or dolomiei. 



The question of the adoption of the name Microptcrus is still an 

 open one. The weight of authority is, however, at present in favor 

 of its retention, and the writer sees no gufllicient reason for setting it 

 aside. 



2. Grystes salmoides Cuvicr &• Valenciomes. 



Lnbrus Kcdmokles LacCpOdo, Hist. Nat. des Poiss. Ill, 716. 

 (rrystcs saimoldcs C'uv. & Val., Hist. Nat. des Poiss. IH, •>!, pi. 46. 



It seems rather a thankless task to reopen the question of the 

 proper nomenclature of the Black Bass, but it is evident that we 

 have not yet reached the bottom. The name Micropteruii sahiioidcs 

 is now generally adopted in America as the proper name of the 

 small-mouthed I'lack Bass, not only among naturalists but among 

 anglers and sportsmen as well. In the IMuscuiu at Paris, however, 



