380 NEW-YORK FAUNA. 



curved series radiating from the pharynx ; this will be better conceived by reference to the 

 figure. In the throat, and partly closing it, is an isolated group of three large teeth, of which 

 two are lateral and one inferior. The lateral teeth are sinuous on their edges, denticulate, and 

 terminated posteriorly by a smooth cartilaginous process. The inferior tooth is also denticulate, 

 with a central elongated process projecting into the space between the lateral ones. Beneath 

 this last is a single tooth, forming a solid semicircular cartilaginous ring, with seven acute 

 yellow points. Underneath this again, are nine perpendicular rows of simple teeth, divided 

 vertically from each other by a distinct furrow. Considered as concentric rows, they vary in 

 number from four to six. The first superior tooth above the throat is bifid ; and in a line 

 above this are two single teeth, and one almost obsolete. From each extremity of the seven- 

 cleft tooth we enumerate five concentric radii of simple teeth, excepting the internal ones of 

 the second, third and fourth rows. Lips fleshy, with a distinct and slightly fimbriated mem- 

 brane ; and beneath this we notice a deep triangular fossa, with a distinct fold on each side. 



The first dorsal commences at a point nearly equidistant between the head and tail ; it is 

 low, composed of very minute rays, and gradually diminishes in height from the middle of the 

 fin each way. The second dorsal higher than the first, and commences on the posterior third 

 of the body, and about two inches behind the first ; it gradually decreases behind, until it 

 overhes what is usually described as the upper lobe of the caudal. The lower lobe (which, 

 together with the upper, is truncate behind) gradually diminishes forward, until it becomes 

 insensibly effaced in a soft fleshy mass towards the vent ; this lower lobe contains about 

 thirty-four rays. 



Color. Bluish brown mottled with dark olive-green, which is the general color along the 

 back ; beneath silvery grey. Pupils black ; irides golden. First dorsal greenish ; the second 

 reddish. Tail dark brown. 



Length, 30-0. Greatest girth, 6 • 0. 

 Fin rays, D. 80.90; C. 80. 



This species is very different in its dentition from the P. marinus of Europe, although 

 described as such by Schoepff" and Mitchill. In this respect it agrees better with the P. ame- 

 ricanus of Lesueur, in his unpublished work on the fishes of America, for a copy of which I 

 am indebted to my amiable and valued friend Mrs. Say. The description in his work of the 

 pharyngeal teeth, and of the lower lobe of the caudal fin, does not, however, exactly coincide 

 with that above described. 



The Sea Lamprey is commonly taken in our bays and salt-water streams about the month 

 of April, and judging by the prices at which they are sold, must be held in high estimation 

 by the epicures. They ascend streams, and construct conical heaps of stones, among which 

 they deposit their spawn. I have observed them at Albany in the spring, and was assured 

 that they were taken a few miles below that city. 



