PROCEEDINGS OP^ UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 43 



ence to tlie direction of iho wind, aucl we observed it best from the bow 

 ofa steamer off iSauta Catalina Island in early moraing, wlien both air 

 and water were free from motion. 



TLe flying-fish reaches a length of 15 inches and a weight of about 1.^ 

 pounds. It is considered an excellent food-lish, and is taken in huge 

 numbers off Santa Catalina for the market of Los Angeles. It appears 

 only about the middle of summer, which is its season of spawning. 

 Nine-tenths of those seen by us in .July were males. 



73. Hemirhamphus rosee Jordan & Gilbert. 



Kather abundant in San Pedro and San ])iego Bays, swimming slowly 

 about near the surface. It reaches a length of probably not over a foot, 

 and is used for no purpose. 



74. Scomberesox brevirostris Peter.s. 



One specimen taken in IMonterey Bay. Recorded by Dr. Ayres from 

 Tomales Bay. 



75. Tylosuiiis exilis (Grd.) .1. & G. — Xpcdlc-fish ; Gar-fish. 



From Santa Barl)ara southward ; rather common in summer, especially 

 in San Diego Bay. It li\'es in sheltered bays, swimming near the sur- 

 face. It spawns in xVugust. It reuclies a length of about 2i feet, and 

 is esteemed a good food-fish. 



Family MUGILIDiE. 



76. Mugil albula L. (J/H/yjZ wexicaKws Steindachner). — Mullet; Chub. 



From Monterey southward ; very abundant in San Diego Bay. It 

 ascends all creeks and lagoons in winter, and many of them become land- 

 locked and are destroyed by the pelicans. It is said to be spreading 

 northward along the coast, and to have first appeared at San Pedro 

 about three years ago. It reaches a length of about 15 inches, and when 

 taken in clear water is much esteemed. Many of those brought into the 

 market are seined in muddy lagoons, and the flavor of the water is im- 

 parted to the flesh of the mullet. Like other mullets, this species feeds 

 on mud. It is not obviously different from the common nnillet of the 

 Atlantic coast. 



Family ATHEEINID^. 



77. Leuresthes tenuis (Ayres) Jordan & Gilbert. 



Seen at San Diego only; in some parts of the bay occurring in im- 

 mense schools, but not generally common. Tliis is one of the smaller. 

 s))ecies of the family, reaching a length of rarely more than 4 inches. 



78. Atherinops affinis (Ayres) Steindachner. — Little Smelt; Petite Smelt. 



( 'ape Mendocino southward ; abundant, especially in bays and lagoons, 

 generally preferring more sheltered places than the next species. It 

 reaches a length of about a foot*, and is a pan-fish of good quality, ha\'- 

 ing firm, white flesh, which is rather dry. Many of them are dried by the 

 Chinese. 



