HISTORY OF THE FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 37 



The first dorsal fin arises just back of the posterior spines of the head. The first 

 three rays of this fin are longest ; the seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth rajs are next 

 in length ; from the extremities of the rays are suspended delicate tentacula. 



Just back of the first dorsal arises the second, appearing as if connected with it ; 

 and hence described by Mitchill as one fin. It is of a somewhat quadrangular form, 

 rounded above when expanded, and having the extremities of the rays projecting be- 

 yond the connecting membrane. Height of the fin one third of its length. 



The pectorals are very large ; when expanded resembling a wing. The rays are 

 uncommonly distinct ; the eight anterior are stout and unequal in their length, the 

 anterior one being much the shorter ; the ten posterior are rounded posteriorly when 

 expanded ; the four anterior of these latter, the larger. These fins arise from the 

 entire lower edge of the branchial aperture ; their height to their length is as four 

 to two and a half. 



The ventrals arise just back of the first rays of the pectorals. They are composed 

 of three rays, the first of which is shorter and much stouter than the second. In 

 some specimens, however, the first ray is the longest of the three. 



The anal commences and terminates on the same plane with the second dorsal. 

 The first nine rays of this fin are deeply divided at their extremities. This is much 

 more marked in some specimens than in others. The length is to the height as three 

 and a half to one and a half. 



The length of the caudal is two thirds of its height. 



The fin rays are as follows : — D. 16- 13. P. 18. V. 3. A. 15. C. 12§, 

 Length two feet. 



Remarks. This species is frequently taken by the cod-fishermen in deep water in 

 the neighborhood of ledges in Massachusetts Bay. 



Nova Scotia and Gulf of St. Lawrence, Cuvier, Richardson. Maine, Massa- 

 chusetts, Storer. Connecticut, Linsley. New York, Mitchill, Dekay. 



Inasmuch as authors generally suppose this to be the Acadianus of Pennant, I 

 am compelled to assume his specific name. It is to be regretted, however, that his 

 description should have been so meagre ; and that, while he described well enough the 

 dorsal fins, he should have utterly neglected mentioning the characteristic cirrhi of the 

 head ; this can only be accounted for upon the supposition that he never saw a recent 

 specimen. 



