HISTORY OF THE FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 53 



slightly corrugated by striae. The humeral bones are strongly denticulated. Eyes 

 of moderate size, preceded by several mucous pores. The anterior nostril much in 

 advance of the posterior, which is the larger. The lateral line commences at the 

 humeral bone, and, assuming the curve of the body, is continued to the base of the 

 tail. 



The first dorsal fin arises nearly on a line with the pectorals ; its height is equal 

 to one third of its length. The rays are very stout, their naked extremities projecting 

 above the transparent membrane connecting them ; fin rounded posteriorly. I have 

 seen several specimens in which the fourth and sixth rays of this fin were about one 

 half the height of the third and fifth rays, and the connecting membrane was con- 

 tinued directly above their extremities, as if they were absent. The membrane stretch- 

 ing from the last ray of the first dorsal fin extends to the first of the second dorsal. 



The second dorsal is subquadrangular, rounded above ; it is more than half the length 

 of the first. The first ray is very minute, and, as well as the second, is spinous ; the 

 third ray is simple : all the soft rays are articulated. 



The pectorals arise just beneath the humeral bone. They are quite long ; fan- 

 shaped ; their rays are bifurcated and articulated. 



The ventrals are subtriangular ; they arise at a distance back of the pectorals 

 equal to one third their height ; their outer ray is a strong spine, the others are 

 multifid. 



The anal is higher than long, and arises about opposite the middle of the second 

 dorsal ; its first two rays are spinous, the first less than one half the height of the 

 second. 



The caudal is deeply emarginate. 



The fin rays are as follows: B. 7. D. 13. 2-13. P. 15. V. 1 -5. A. 2-8. 

 C. 18. Length 12 to 15 inches. 



In this species, as in many others, I have represented two scales, one from the lateral 

 line, and one from above it, whose characters will sufficiently distinguish them. 



Remarks. This species is universally distributed throughout the State. In the spring 

 and autumn, it is frequently found in the market, and is readily sold. When young, 

 it usually swims in extensive shoals, while the larger ones remain in the deepest 

 water, and by themselves. It does not take its food timidly, but seizes it instantly 

 without nibbling. It is not only caught with the hook in summer, but also through 

 the ice in winter, with pickerel, and in pretty large quantities in brooks while netting 

 for alewives. Individuals are seldom taken which measure more than twelve or fifteen 

 inches in length. Mr. Ayres has seen a specimen weighing two and a half pounds, and 



