106 FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



on a line opposite the middle of the dorsal fin, and have on 

 their sides a large axillary scale. 



The Anal fin is white ; higher than long. The Anus is 

 large, and edged hy the extremities of the surrounding scales. 



The Caudal fin is of a dark brown color ; the fleshy portion 

 of the tail extends considerably farther forward in its middle 

 than on the sides, leaving the caudal rays much longer upon 

 the sides of the tail ; the length of the central caudal rays only 

 one third the length of the lateral rays. 



The fin rays are as follows : D. 12 ; P. 15 ; V. 9 j A. 10 ; 

 C. 19. 



S. fontinalis. Mitchell. The common brook Trout. 



Trans. Lit. et Philosoph. Soc. v. i. p. 435. 

 Richardson's Fauna, p. 176, et fig. 



This is quite a common species in our market, and meets 

 with a ready sale. Dr. Mitchell speaks of it as being highly 

 esteemed in New York. 



Of twelve specimens before me, the largest is eight inches 

 in length. The upper part of the body is of a pale brown 

 color, mottled with darker undulating, reticulating markings ; 

 the sides lighter, with a great number of circular yellow spots, 

 varying in their size from a small point to a line or more in 

 diameter ; and many of them having in the centre a bright 

 red spot ; sometimes, the yellow color surrounding them hav- 

 ing partially disappeared, they seem distinct from the circular 

 spots, or are surrounded by a dull bluish halo ; these red 

 spots ditfer exceedingly in number ; in some specimens, three 

 or four only are observable, and these are situated below the 

 lateral line ; in others, twenty or more are seen scattered above 

 and below the lateral line indiscriminately, presenting a beau- 

 tiful appearance. Body beneath whitish, slightly fuliginous. 

 Length of the head to the whole length of the body, as 1 and 

 1-2 to 7 ; top of the head slightly flattened j the snout obtuse. 

 Head above, darker colored than the back. Gill-covers golden, 

 with fuliginous. Eyes large, pupils black, irides silvery. Dis- 



i 



