138 HISTORY OF THE FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



with very minute teeth. The eyes are moderate ; their diameter is equal to one twelfth 

 the length of the head ; the distance between the eyes rather greater than their diam- 

 eter. Nostrils large. 



From the lower edge of the operculum, extending to the fourth anal finlet, forming 

 the lateral boundaries of the abdomen, are two yellowish lines, which are continued 

 series of scales ; when raised they resemble serrations, when not erect they look like 

 sinuses. Between these rows of scales are situated the ventrals, the anal, and the anal 

 finlets. 



The dorsal fin is small, and situated upon the posterior third of the body. It is 

 longer than high ; the first and second rays are simple ; the first is about half the 

 height of the second ; the first three or four rays are articulated. Posterior to this fin 

 are situated five, and in some specimens six, finlets. 



The triangular pectorals are situated at the posterior angle of the operculum ; the 

 first ray is longer and broader than the others. 



The fan-shaped ventrals are situated just back of the centre of the body. 



The anal fin commences about opposite the dorsal, and terminates nearly on a line 

 with it. Back of this fin are five or six finlets. 



The caudal fin is deeply forked, the lower lobe projecting slightly beyond the upper; 

 the rays are articulated. In the recent fish the fleshy portion of the tail is continued 

 to the top of the central rays, presenting a large silvery patch. 



The fin rays are as follows : — D. 10, v. or vi. P. 14. V. 6. A. 12, v. or vi. C. 20. 



Length, ten inches. 



Remarks. This is one of our most beautiful species. It usually appears in the 

 month of October, sometimes earlier and sometimes later, however, depending upon 

 the season. Large quantities are yearly thrown upon the shore at Provincetown, and 

 are considered worthless, while by the inhabitants of some of the other towns upon 

 Cape Cod it is taken in immense numbers, and is considered by them very nutritious 

 food. 



In the year 1821, Lesueur read to the "Academy of Natural .Sciences of Philadel- 

 phia " a description of this species ; to use his own words, " taken from an individual 

 preserved and dried in the cabinet of the Linnsean Society of Boston, under the name 

 of Saurus. It cannot be regarded as sufficiently complete, but may serve to call the 

 attention of others who may have a better opportunity of completing its description." 

 In my " Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts," published in 1839, I had an oppor- 

 tunity of presenting a description drawn up from recent specimens ; and under the 

 head of this species, I made the following observations : — " Lesueur's description 



