101 



the bulk of the body posterior to it, the vertical diameter at the 

 origin of the third dorsal being two thirds of the greatest depth, 

 while in pruinosa it is only one half. 



The first dorsal is one inch in height, three fourths of an inch 

 in length, acutely triangular, the first ray longest. 



The second dorsal^ separated from the first by an interval of 

 one fourth of an inch, is one inch in length, seven tenths of an 

 inch in height. 



The third dorsal, distant half an inch from the second, is nine 

 tenths of an inch in length, three fourths of an inch in height. 



The first anal,, originating opposite the termination of the first 

 dorsal, is one inch and a half in length, which is just double the 

 hpight. 



The second anal^ one fourth of an inch from the first, equals 

 the last dorsal in length, and is coterminal with it ; it is half an 

 inch high. 



The pectorals are more pointed than in pruinosa. 



The ventrals^ corresponding in situation, are nine tenths of an 

 inch in height, first and second rays free at tip, second longest. 



Caudal nearly even. 



The lateral line, arching somewhat above the pectoral, does 

 not assume a straight course till nearly opposite the end of the 

 second dorsal. 



Color commonly plain greenish-brown above, lighter on the 

 sides, silvery beneath ; irides silvery. 



D. 12-16-18; A. 23- 20; P. 20 ; V. 6; C. 26, with about 

 eleven short ones. 



M. Californica is abundant in the Bay of San Francisco, and 

 along the coast. 



Labrus pulcher, Ayres. 



This species, one of the finest of our fishes, makes its appear- 

 ance in the markets about the first of August, and continues in 

 season till near the close of February. They are sold by the 

 fishermen, under the name of Blackfish, and are also not unfre- 

 quently called Sheepshead. Specimens are often seen weighing 

 eight to ten pounds. My description is taken from one sixteen 

 and a half inches in length, weighing two pounds and a half. 



