FISHES OP VERMONT. 587 



Concerning this specieo Thompson has the following: 



"This fish is described by Dr. Mitchill under the name of the chub of New York. 

 It is here very generally known by the name of mullet, under which name several 

 species of lake suckers are confounded, although it belongs to a family of fishes 

 entirely distinct from the real mullet. This is one of our most common fishes, and 

 in the spring and early part of summer is caught with the seine in large quantities, 

 both in Lake Champlain and in the mouths of its larger tributaries. The tleshof thi i 

 Iish is rather soft, and is considerably filled with the knots of fine bones so common 

 to this family, and yet it is regarded as a very good fish for the table. There are 

 various methods of cooking it, but it is generally most highly esteemed when baked. 

 The fish grows to a larger size, and is taken in Lake Champlain in larger quantities 

 than any other species of this family. Their usual length is from 15 to 20 inches, 

 and their weight from 2 to 5 pounds. lint individuals are often taken which are 

 much larger, weighing, in some cases, 9 or 10 pounds. The usual price, when fresh, 

 is from 3 to 4 cents a pound. - ' 



Family CYPRINID.S3. The Minnows. 



14. Pimephales notatus (Rafiuesque). Blunt-nosed Minnow. 



Apparently not common ; two specimens, 2 and 2$ inches long, respectively, obtained 

 by us in Missisquoi Bay. 



15. Semotilus corporalis (Mitchill). Falljislt; Silver Chub. 



Obtained by us in Clyde River at Newport and Passumpsic River near St. Johns- 

 bury. It. appears to be common in each of these streams, and, according to Mr. 

 Titcomb, throughout the State and in Lake Champlain. According to Thompson 

 "this fish is quite common in Lake Champlain and its tributaries. It is readily 

 caught with the hook, and the flavor of its flesh is agreeable, but it is so soft and 

 filled with small bones that it is not much valued as an article of food. The length 

 of those usually taken varies from 5 to 12 inches, but they sometimes grow to the 

 length of 20 inches." 



16. Semotilus atromaculatus (Mitchill). Horned Dace ; Creek Chub. 



This chub was taken by us in Clyde River and in Lake Memphremagog near New- 

 port, the specimens being 2i to 5 inches long. It is probably not uncommon 

 throughout the State. Mr. Thompson says: 



"This is one of the most common fishes of this genus in the western part of Ver- 

 mont. It abounds almost everywhere, both in the rivers and small streams. Its 

 insipidity and small size prevent its being sought as an article of food; but, as it 

 takes the hook with great readiness, it affords the boys an opportunity to indulge in 

 the cruel sport of catching them for mere amusement. They are also caught to be 

 used as bait in taking larger fishes." 



Mr. Titcomb says; 



"I have caught it quite frequently in a branch of East Creek, Rutland County, 

 and it takes a fly readily and will fight well. Confined with trout of equaLor large] 

 size than itself, it will fight them and kill them." 



17. Abramis cry soleucas (Mitchill). Shiner; Roach. 



Nol obtained by us, but Thompson says : "This fish is quite common, particularly 

 in the small ponds and coves along the shore of Lake Champlain and about the 

 mouths of our large streams, where it is found associated with perch, bullpouts. and 

 mudfishes." 



18. Notropis hudsonius (Clinton). Shiner: Spot-tail Minnow. 



Probably common in most waters of the State, but it was taken by us only in 

 Missisquoi Bay. 



19. Notropis cornutus (Mitchill). Shiner; Eedfin Dace. 



Numerous examples were taken in Clyde River at Newport and Passumpsic River 

 near St. Johnsbury. They vary in length from 1 } to :U inches. Probably the most 

 abundant and most generally distributed minnow in the State. 



