29 



slender and acutely pointed than the teeth of the remain- 

 ing si^ecies of the genus Lepomis, but this distinction is recog- 

 nizable only with difficulty, and is scarcely to be regarded as 

 of even subgeneric value. In the case of L. pallidus and E. 

 (jihhofiHs, and in other species when possible, care was taken to 

 examine the pharyngeals of a considerable number of young 

 specimens, and no difficulty was in any case experienced in 

 making out the distinctive form of the pharyngeal in each 

 species, the best idea of which is obtained from the accom- 

 panying tlgures. While the ratio of width to length of the 

 toothed portion of the bone becomes greater in the young of 

 Ei/pomofis, it was in no case found to equal the ratio obtained 

 for the species of Ap(»iiatis and Lcpom/s. 



Species of which I have yet had no opportunity to exam- 

 ine specimens are A. pheiuix aiad jJiincfafU'^- L. macrocliirua, and 

 E. paUhJus. Of the first two there can scarcely be any doubt 

 concerning the generic affinities, the tlrst species being po.ssibly 

 identical with A. ischijrus (Jordan k Nelson). Of L. iiuicru- 

 vhirus little is known. In view of the palatine teeth, long gill- 

 rakers, and dusky color at back of dorsal and anal in E. pal- 

 lidus (Agassiz), I have, with Boulenger, regarded that species 

 as identical with L. pallidi(s (Mitchill), and have taken no ac- 

 count of it in the present characterization of the genus Eiipo- 

 mofis. Consequent on the removal of this species and E. m- 

 rijorus McKay to the genus Lepomis. and apparently in no 

 other way. does it become possible to establish the genus Eiipo- 

 niotis beyond question on characters that have constant value. 



Lepomis Eafinesqiie. 



Lower pharyngeals narrow and comparatively weak, flat- 

 tened or hollowed out underneath: width in length of toothed 

 portion about Sin adult specimens: inner angle, 120" to 140": 

 outer margin straight or slightly inbent from tip of posterior 

 spur to anterior extremity of bone: pharj'ugeal teeth always 

 long and slender and more or less acuminate. Brilliant colors 



