CHAPTER XXVIII. 



THE BUFFALO. 

 Catostomus Babulus. 



Is a singular looking fish with an odd name, having his abid- 

 ing place in the waters of the Mississippi, Ohio, and many 

 other of our western rivers. 



In appearance he somewhat resembles the porgy of salt 

 water, except that he is much thicker through the body. The 

 formation of his mouth is similar to that of the common fresh 

 water sucker. In color we would liken him to the salt water 

 sheepshead, being of dull silvery and smutty hue. He varies 

 in size from one to four feet in length, although he is sometimes 

 taken of much larger dimensions. 



Mr. Flint, in his History of the Mississippi Valley, describes 

 the several different species as follows : 



" Catostomus Niger, Black Buffalo fish, found in the lower 

 waters of the Ohio, and in the waters of the Mississippi. Some- 

 times weighs fifty pounds." 



" Catostomus Babulus, brown Buffalo Fish. One of the best 

 fishes in the western waters, and found in all of them. Length 

 from two to three feet, and weighing from ten to thirty pounds. 



" Buffalo Carp Sucker. Found on the lower waters of the 

 Ohio ; vulgar name, Buffalo Perch : one foot in length. One of 

 the best fishes for the table." 



The Buffalo is not a game fish, and consequently is not often 

 an object of sport with the scientific angler. Nevertheless, he 

 is much sought after with the hook and line, and forms a staple 

 commodity in the markets of many of the southern and western 

 cities and towns. 



The requirements for taking him are not very extravagant as 



