56 THE AXGLER AND HUNTSMAN 



from Delaware northward, and is, or has been, quite nu- 

 merous on the "banks" lying off the New England shore. 

 It is similar to the cod in habits, being found in the same 

 places and at the same time as the latter. There is a fish 

 called the tomcod or f rostf ish (Microgadus tomcod) , which 

 has been extensively propagated by the New York Pish 

 Commission. It is a small, but dandy food fish, and ranges 

 from New York to the Bay of Fundy. It is especially ex- 

 cellent in early winter, at which season it ascends the 

 streams for the purpose of spawning. It seldom exceeds 10 

 or 12 inches in length. 



The Gunner: 



This fish (Ctenolabrus adspersus) is a close relation 

 of the tautog, but on account of its small size, great abun- 

 dance, and comparatively little commercial value, the pro- 

 pagation of the cunner has not been seriously undertaken. 



The Scup: 



This is a rather important small food fish found along 

 the Atlantic coast, scientifically called "Stenotomus chry- 

 sops." Its range extends from Cape Ann to South Caro- 

 lina, being most abundant in New England. It is a favor- 

 ite with some anglers. 



The Sea Bass: 



The sea bass (Centropristes striatus) is another im- 

 portant food fish, found from Massachusetts to Florida, 

 and is taken in large numbers especially from New Jersey 

 northward with both lines and other devices. It grows 

 to five pounds in weight, the average being, however, only 

 1 or 1 and 1-2 pounds. 



The Squeteague: 



The Squeteague or weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) is 

 one of tjae^iinportant food fishes of the Atlantic and Gulf 



