108 PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



This species is uot brought to market in large numbers, and is sold 

 under the name of " Sole." Those I have seen on the stalls average about 

 the same size as those of which the measurements are given. In No. 5, 

 the lateral line is almost straight. It is easily distinguished by its 

 highly ctenoid scales of uniform character, its small eyes, and dull gray 

 color. 



It is evident from the dimensions of the various species given in the 

 preceding pages, that the number of dorsal and anal fin-rays and the 

 proportional width of the interocular space are subject to great varia- 

 tion in all the species. I am inclined to believe that, as a rule, the inter- 

 ocular space increases in proportional width with the age of the tish, 

 since, although two fishes of the same size may differ in this respect, or 

 the smaller of two not greatly differing in size may have the wider inter- 

 orbital area, yet very large specimens invariably have this space rela- 

 tively wider than very small ones. The number of pectoral rays is also 

 inconstant. 



I much regret that, as I have only seen one specimen of the Hippo- 

 glossus of this coast, I am at present unable to settle the question of its 

 identity with the European species ; but I expect to be able to do this 

 before many months have passed. 



In conclusion, I have to thank Mr. W. G. W. Harford, the Director of 

 the Museum of the California Academy of Sciences, for his courtesy and 

 his assistance in many ways. 



ilAY 14, 1879. 



A PRELIMINARY CATALOGUE OF THE FISHES OF THE ST. JOHN'S 

 RIVER AIVH THE EAST COAST OF FLORIDA, WITH DESCRIP- 

 TIONS OF A IVEIV CJENUS AND THREE NEW SPECIES. 



By O. BROW^JV GOODE. 



In the following list are enumerated the species of fishes known, or 

 supposed to occur, in the waters of East Florida. Those which have 

 uot been observed by the writer, or by other recent explorers, are marked 

 by asterisks. The occurrence of all these species is almost absolutely 

 certain, for, with one or two exceptions, they have been taken on the 

 Atlantic coast north of Florida, and to the south and west in the Gulf 

 of Mexico or the Antilles. Any information regarding the occurrence 

 of these or other species in East Florida is solicited. 



In a more extended paper, now almost ready for the press, the habits, 

 geographical distribution, and economical history of these species will 

 be discussed. Of the 223 species here catalogued, 33 only have been 

 taken north of Cape Cod. 



Smithsonian Institution, May 26, 1879. 



