356 NEW-YORK FAUNA. 



of 2 '3. The pectorals with a narrow base, 3' 5 long, and dilate to a wide margin. Ventrals 

 quadrangular, slightly emarginate behind, and placed under a point nearer to the first dorsal 

 than to the second. The anal similar in shape, but smaller than the second dorsal ; placed 

 under the posterior part of that fin, and extends a short distance beyond it. The caudal fin 

 composed of two portions, so-distinct that Mitchill has described the lower lobe as a second 

 anal. The upper lobe long and narrow, gradually rising into a rounded lobe at the end of 

 the vertebrae. Lower lobes two ; the anterior high before, emarginate and gradually declining 

 behind, its margin being festooned ; the posterior lobe triangular, closely connected with the 

 preceding, and, with the upper lobe, is obliquely truncated at the tip. 



Color. Uniform dull ashen grey (plumbeous in dried specimens) ; while beneath. Upper 

 edges of the dorsals and anal bordered with black, (this is most distinct in young individuals.) 

 Ventrals and anals opaque white ; the lower lobes of the caudal bordered with white in the 

 young, and greyish in the adult. Irides greenish yellow. 



Length, 28-0. 



This small species, which, according to Dr. Mitchill, is sometimes four feet in length, is 

 not uncommon on the coast of New- York. I have taken them not more than fifteen inches 

 long, and the largest I have seen did not exceed three feet. They are called Dog-fish by the 

 fishermen, who usually confound under the same name this and another species. I have 

 usually found their stomachs filled with the smaller crustaceous animals, and with seaweed. 

 It is very distinct from the M. lavis of Europe, and also from the M. hinnulus of Blainville, 

 if the latter be indeed a distinct species. It is not mentioned among the fishes on the coast 

 of Massachusetts, but very probably will be found to exist on that coast. I have received 

 it from Rhode-Island. 



