126 FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



The first Dorsal fin commences on a line with the base of 

 the pectorals, its length is three fifths that of the second dorsal. 



The second Dorsal commences on nearly the same plane as 

 the anus. 



The third Dorsal, the same length as the first. 



The Pectorals in length not quite equal to one third of their 

 height. 



The Ventrals commence in front of the pectorals ; their 

 first two rays free : the second ray, the longer. 



The first Anal fin commences back of the second dorsal ; 

 the second Anal arises on a line with the third dorsal. 



The Caudal fin is very slightly notched. 



The dorsal, pectoral, and caudal fins are bluish j the anals 

 the color of the abdomen ; the ventrals rather lighter than the 

 anal. 



The fin rays are : D. 16-24-20 ; P. 21 ; V. 6 ; A. 26-21 ; 

 C. 35. 



M. tomcodus. Mitchell. The Tom Cod. 

 Trans. Lit. et Philosoph. Soc. vol. i. p. 68. 



As Cuvier in his notes to the " Regne Animal" has intro- 

 duced Mitchell's specific name, I retain it here. It is to be 

 hoped that Valenciennes, in his continuation of the " Histoire 

 Naturelle des Poissons" will assume the specific name " poly- 

 morphus" proposed by Mitchell himself, as being equally 

 appropriate and more scientific. 



This very common little species is taken in considerable 

 numbers from our wharves and bridges with the hook, to- 

 gether with the " Conner," " Flounder," " Sculpin," "Eel," 

 &c. &c., in the summer ; and through the winter, the market 

 is supplied from the mouths of the rivers, in the vicinity of 

 Boston, where they are taken in dip nets. The amount of 

 Tom Cod taken at Watertown alone is estimated at 2000 

 bushels annually ; they are sent to Boston market, and readily 

 disposed of there. 



Specimens of this species are seldom obtained exceeding 



