211 



AMERICAN FISHES. 



the last two crossing the second dorsal. The pectoral fins are yellow 

 i.sh, the others dusky brown. 



The smaller fish has been by some persons supposed to be the young 

 of the larger species, but this is, in my opinion, satisfactorily contro- 

 verted by Dr. DeKay, who has seen them in September six inches long 

 with all the characteristics of the adult. 



It is known by various popular names, as the Gruntcr, Young Druviy 

 and Young Skceps-head, but is a fish of very small estimation. 



The larger species is rarely taken of less than three feet in length? 

 and fifteen or eighteen inches in depth; they weigh from twenty to 

 eighty pounds, and although the large fish are very coarse, the young 

 are considered by some persons delicate eating. They rarely go nortb 

 of ISew York, but very rarely visit the coasts of Massachusetts. 



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