294 



THE LAMPREY. 



sucking-fish attains the same object by pressing the edges of the disc against the moving 

 object to which it wishes to attach itself, and forms the needful vacuum by the movement of 

 the bony lamina). 



Several fishes are jiopularly known by the name of Lamprey, but the only one to which 

 the title ouglit properly to be given is the larger of the two species in the engraving. 



The Lamprey is a sea-going fish, passing most of its time in the ocean, but ascending the 

 rivers for the purpose of spawning. April and May are the months in whicli this fish is usually 

 seen to enter the rivers ; in northern countries tlie time is posti)oned according to the climate. 

 In Scotland, for example, the usual month for spawning is June, and, as a general rule, the 

 latter end of si)ring and the spawning of the Lamprey are synchronous. 



The flesh of the Lamprey is peculiarly excellent, though practically unknowii to the 

 people. Though it spends so much of its time in the sea, it is seldom cajjtured except during 

 its visit to the rivers, and even in that case is only in good condition during part of its sojourn. 



LAAIPREY, LAMPERN, AND SAND PniDii.-Felivmyzon maiinus,Jliiiia/Uis, anil Planeri. 



Practically, therefore, the Lamprey is less persecuted than most of the finny tribe who are 

 unfortunate enough to possess well-flavored flesh, and whose excellencies are publicly known. 



Lamprey Eel. The meaning of the generic name refers to a habit of the fish to suck 

 stones and transfer them in such a manner as to protect their spawn, hence Stone-suckers. 



In the Merrimack and Connecticut Rivers the Lampreys are taken for food, and much 

 esteemed as such. During tlie spawning season they ascend the rivers a little before the 

 shad, moving mostly in the night. They are often seen conveying stones, male and female 

 both working. The number and size of these stones are astonishing. Mr. C. F. Holder 

 informs the editor of this edition that he has lately seen in the St. Lawrence River a pile of 

 stones of considerable size, which, collectively, measured nearly four feet in diameter, and 

 about two feet and a half deep, that were transported for the purpose of protecting their 

 spawn, by several of a species of " Stone-toter," the Semotilus hullaris, or Chub. In the 

 spring the Lampreys are taken above Albany. 



