42 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



Bass, as the name Micropterus is its earliest generic appellation. 

 Unless we adopt the earlier salmoides, its name should, therefore, be 

 Micropterus dolomieu. 



On the other hand, it is true that the name Micropterus dolomieu 

 was applied to a deformed specimen, which was considered as a dis- 

 tinct genus and species solely on account of its deformity. 



It is an established rule of nomenclature (Dall, Eept. Comm. 

 Zool. Nomenc., .48) that " a name should be rejected . . . when 

 it expresses an attribute or character positively false in the majority 

 or the whole of the group in question, as in cases (among others) 

 when a name has been founded on a monstrous, abnormal, immature, 

 artificial or mutilated specimen." 



The name Micropterus was founded on a monstrous specimen ; in 

 the sense intended by its author it expresses a false character, 

 although the species really have smaller fins than are found in re- 

 lated genera. In the opinion of some writers it should be set aside 

 and the next name in order (Calliurus Kaf.) should be adopted in its 

 stead. The species might then stand as Calliurus dolomieu. The 

 specific name " dolomieu " is also open to objection, as it is a French 

 noun having neither a Latin nor a genitive form, but being an un- 

 modified name of a person. This hardly seems to me a reason for 

 rejecting the name, although, if retained, it should receive a genitive 

 form, as dolomii or dolomiei. 



The question of the adoption of the name Micropterus is still an 

 open one. The weight of authority is, however, at present in favor 

 of its retention, and the writer sees no sufficient reason for setting it 

 aside. 



2. GRYSTES SALMOIDES Cuvier & Valenciennes. 



Labrus salmoides Laefip&de, Hist. Nat. des Poiss. Ill, 716. 

 Grystes salmoides Cuv. <fe Val., Hist. Nat. des Poiss. Ill, 54, pi. 46. 



It seems rather a thankless task to reopen the question of the 

 proper nomenclature of the Black Bass, but it is evident that we 

 have not yet reached the bottom. The name Micropterus salmoides 

 is now generally adopted in America as the proper name of the 

 small-mouthed Black Bass, not only among naturalists but among 

 anglers and sportsmen as well. In the Museum at Paris, however, 



