THE PISHES*OF NEW JERSEY: 157 
that the net seldom failed to land at least several. Possibly this is 
due to the muddy water combined with the roar or noise it pro- 
duces in its course over the rocks. Any sudden motion one may 
make from the bank, should the water be clear, however, will 
usually startle them. When first caught they do not struggle, 
save an occasional spasmodic jerk or two, though all the while 
constantly moving the branchial apparatus as 1f to force water 
over their gills. ‘They are hardy, and will live several hours en- 
tirely out of water. The fish are equally active at night, so that 
the cast-net fishing has been carried on then with equal success. 
In clear water these fish may often be seen lying quietly, some- 
times in large numbers, bunched together in deep pools or hol- 

Sucker. Catostomus commersonnii (Lacépéde). (Adult.) 
lows. When disturbed, as by any sudden motion or shadow, 
they dart quickly under the shelter of the banks, or among the 
rocks, though they will swim a considerable distance in a per- 
fectly straight course. At other times they appear stupid and 
are then easy to secure with a small dip-net. In small streams 
quite large examples will frequently swim rapidly over the shal- 
lows to the deeper pools. Sometimes they appear greatly dis- 
turbed, darting wildly about. When taken on a hook they sel- 
dom make much disturbance, usually taking the bait almost 
imperceptibly and the float hardly bobbing. The tension on the 
line is then very slight until the fish is raised from the water, 
when it jerks about somewhat, though usually not causing much 
disturbance or excitement for the angler. The fisherman keeps 
