244 NEW-YORK FAUNA. 



Color. Pale olive-green above the lateral line. Opercles and sides silvery. Obscure traces- 

 just below the lateral line, of a broad longitudinal satin-like band, extending the vfhole length 

 of the body ; the place of the ribs indicates unusually lustrous stripes, which disappear shortly 

 after death. Upper part of the opercles near the nape, dark green. Caudal dark at the 

 base, and with an obscure broad dusky marginal band. Dorsal and caudal fins light green. 

 Pectorals, venlrals and anal light-colored, tinged faintly with bluish. Irides silvery. Bones 

 of the head sub-diaphanous. 



Length, 8-0. Depth, 1-5. 



Fin rays, D. 11.0; P. 14 ; V. 9 ; A. 15; C. 19 f. 



Individuals of this species are sometimes taken, a foot in length, but the average size on 

 this coast is between five and six inches. 



This beautiful and savory fish derives its popular name of Smelt from its peculiar smell, 

 which resembles that of cucumbers. This is strongest when first taken out of the water, but 

 it may be perceived by raising the opercles even when it has been some time out of water. 

 This pecidiar smell it possesses in common with the Mallotus villosus of the northern seas. 

 It comes to us from the north in November and December, abounding in our salt-water 

 streams, and is sold by measure in our markets. They are derived chiefly from the small 

 streams emptying into Long Island sound, and from the Hackensack and Passaic rivers in 

 New-Jersey. It appears to vary considerably from the European species, and is found along 

 our coast from the mouth of the Hudson river to the coast of Labrador. 



GENUS BAIONE. 



A range of even teeth on the m.axillaries ; a shorter range on the intermaxillaries and the 

 anterior part of the vmncr. A series of long recurved teeth around the margin of the tongue. 

 Branchial rays ten. Adipose fin posterior to the anal. Scales microscopic. 



Obs. I propose this new subdivision, to admit a small fresh water species of the family 

 Salmonidffi, that cannot be arranged with any of the published genera of which I have any 

 knowledge. Its name is derived from /3aiwv, a small fish alluded to by ancient writers. 



THE SPOTTED TROUTLET. 



BaIONE rONTINALIS. 

 PLATE XX. FIG. 58. — (STATE COLLECTION.) 



Characteristic. Blackish above ; sides silvery ; with seven to eight broad vertical black bands 

 on the sides. Length one to two inches. 



Description. Body elongated, subcompressed, with exceedingly minute, deeply imbedded 

 scales, and only visible under a strong lens. Length of the body to its depth as eight to pne. 



