176 DIVISION I. VERTEBRAL ANIMALS.—CLASS IV. PISCES. 
golden tints reflected from the opercula, and the scales along the entire sides 
of this species, give it a very brilliant appearance.” 
Leuciscus. — This group has a short dorsal and anal fin; no spines, 
cirri, or peculiarities of the lips; the species are numerous, but not much 
valued. 
L. Crysoleucas. — The New York Shiner. This is a handsome species, 
but not held in high esteem, except as bait for pickerel and other fish. It 
is from six to seven inches long ; the prevailing color is bright golden ; the top 
of the head and the back are black ; gill-covers more brilliant than the sides. 
The dorsal fin is of a light-brown color; the pectorals are yellowish, except 
| the upper rays, which are of a dusky black. 
L. Argenteus. — The Silvery Leuciscus. This species is about six inches 
in length, of a shining silvery color, darker on the back, and the top of the 
head is blue. 
L. Pulchellus. — The beautiful Leuciscus. This is a larger species, and 
quite common in our ponds and streams. I have seen it in great numbers 
in the rivers of Maine, have caught it on numerous occasions, and have fre- 
quently eaten it, fried, as the perch is generally cooked, and found it a very 
agreeable food. Its length is from twelve to fourteen inches ; the top of the 
head is bluish; the gill-covers silvery, with flesh-colored tints; the sides 
and abdomen of a beautiful flesh color, tinged with golden reflections, and 
the back is of a dark brown. 
L. Atronasus. —The Brook Minnow. There are few who are not famil- 
iar with this pretty little fish, multitudes of which may be seen at almost 
any time sporting in the shallow waters of our streams and ponds. They 
are from one to two inches in length. The upper part of the body is of a 
ereenish hue; a black band passes along the sides to the tail; the parts 
beneath this band are white. The gill-covers are silvery, radiating gold 
rays. These tiny creatures present a very pleasing appearance when they 
are swimming in the sunshine, darting here and there in pursuit of their 
food, or in the wantonness of play. 
HWyprarcira.— This genus is characterized by teeth in the jaws and 
throat ; protractile jaws; head flat, shielded above with large scales; the 
ventral fins have six rays. 
HH. Nigro-fasciata. — The Banded Minnow, a pretty little fish, two inches 
long, of a golden-green color above, and a silvery-white beneath ; 77. ornata, 
the Ornamented Minnow, nearly three inches long, found plentifully in the 
creeks along the coast, of a dark-brown color on the back, belly white, and 
sides brown, with metallic reflections; and the JZ. flavula, the Basse Fry, 
| compose the group. The latter species is about five inches in length. The 
upper part of the body is yellowish-green, the under part a brilliant yellow, 
