18 AMERICAN FISHES. 



omit above, the nimiber of rays ia tlie various fins. Thoy are as fol- 

 lows: 



First dorsal twelve branched rays, second dorsal adipose, pectorals 

 fifteen, ventrals ten, anal nine, and caudal twenty-one perfect, besides 

 several rudiincntal branched rays ; in all of which it differs from the 

 Namaycush. It is, I think, on the whole, a bluer and less distinctly 

 spotted fish than the Namaycush. 



As a sporting fish, it is, I am of opinion, of small value ; but as an 

 article of cuisine — he is valuable, or rather, and that not hyperboli- 

 cally, invaluable. 



