128 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



origin of the ventrals corresponds to a vertical line drawn imme- 

 diately behind the base of the pectorals; the fins themselves are 

 broad and short, since their posterior margin does not reach the 

 vent, which is situated a little way in advance of the anterior 

 margin of the anal fin and under a vertical Ime drawn between 

 the two dorsal fins; the pectorals are of moderate development, 

 not extending quite as far back as the ventrals. 



Br. VI; D. X, 13; A. Ill, 11; C. 4, 1, 8, 8, 1, 3; V. I, 

 5; P. 15. (Rio Cibolo.) 



Br. VI; D. X, 13; A. Ill, 12; C. 4, 1, 9, 8, 1, 3; V. I, 

 5; P. 15. (Rio Blanco.) 



"The scales are of moderate development, sub-oblique, deeper 

 than long, provided with radiating grooves on their anterior 

 section only, and pectinated posteriorly ; the pectinations of the 

 scales of the dorsal regl(Mi are either obsolete or else deciduous, 

 and easily removed with the epidermis. As a whole, the fish 

 has a rather smooth appearance, reminding us more of a Trout 

 than a Perch were it not for its anterior spiny dorsal fin. From 

 29 to 30 longitudinal rows of scales may be counted upon the 

 line of the greatest depth, 19 below and 9 above the lateral line; 

 the scales under the throat are quite reduced in size, those on 

 the cheeks l)eing nearly as large as those on the opercle; minute 

 scales may be observed on the caudal fin to almost three-fourths 

 of the length of its rays, and a few scattered ones upon the base 

 of the second dorsal ; the lateral line itself from the uj)per region 

 of the gill covers is slightly arched upwards until under the 

 second dorsal fin, hence runs nearly straightway along the middle 

 of the peduncle of the tail to the base of the caudal fin. The 

 upper regions are reddish brown, of a more or less deep huC; 

 and maculated with dark brown or black, while the inferior re- 

 gions are whitish or yellowish and uni-color; a lateral, more or 

 less interrupted dark band may be traced from the black patch 

 at the posterior margin of the opercle to the base of the caudal 

 fin ; three obsolete streaks may be seen upon the cheeks diverg- 



