CYPRINID^e. 49 



O. emilice and megahps exist among these specimens that it is 

 possible to establish a graduated series between the two species, 

 and none of the characters given in the above separation are found 

 to be constant. The lateral line in some cases ceases in front of 

 the dorsal fin, and in others is continuous to within two or three 

 scales of the caudal. The second dorsal spot is also subject to 

 great variation, for, while in old males it is distinct, in some cases 

 it is very indistinct or wanting altogether. The fin formulae and 

 squamation of the breast also var}*. Recently, through the 

 kindness of Dr. S. E. Meek, I have been permitted to examine 

 specimens of O. emilice from Indian Territory, Arkansas and 

 Illinois, in the Field Columbian Museum at Chicago. These 

 specimens show much the same variation as that given for O. 

 megahps. As I have had no opportunity to compare with the 

 type specimens, I hesitate to reduce O. megahps to synonymy, 

 although the two species, as determined by Dr. Meek and myself ., 

 undoubtedly intergrade. 



Genus:- Abramis. 



Abramis crysoleucas (Mitehill). Golden Shiner j 

 Golden Bream ; Roach. 



Head \]/z\ depth 3. D. 8; A. 13; scales 10-46 to 55-3; teeth 5-5. Body 

 strongly compressed, the belly behind ventrals compressed into a sharp keel, 

 over which the scales do not pass. Color, greenish above, the sides silvery, 

 with bright golden reflections. Length about a foot. 



The Golden Bream is an abundant resident of the state in 

 suitable localities, being found chiefly in ponds, quiet pools and 

 weedy bayous, apparently more common in the northern part of 

 the state. Given by Rafinesque under the name Notemigonus 

 auratus for the Ohio and Miami rivers ; recorded by Kirtland 

 under the name Rutulus crysoleucas ; given by Jordan as ' ' ex- 

 tremely abundant in every pond, lake or bayou"; Hamilton 

 County, " common in Bloody Run and Clear creek," Henshall, 

 1888; Lorain County, "very common in still waters," McCor- 

 mick, 1892 ; Maumee river at Cecil, Grand Rapids, Waterville 

 and Toledo, St. Mary's river at St. Mary's and Rockford, Tiffin 

 river at West Unity, Auglaize river at Oakwood and Defiance, 

 Sugar creek and Lost creek at Lima, Blanchard river at Findlay, 



