294 Storer on the 
The Anal fin is higher than long: anus is sit- 
uated three lines anterior to it. 1 
The Dorsal and Caudal fins are brownish. The 
Pectoral, Ventral and Anal fins are scarlet. 
The fin rays are as follows: *B. 7; D. 13. 2-14; 
C.17; P. 15; V. 1-5; A. 2-8. 
Laprax. Cuv. 
Generic characters. Two dorsal fins, distinct, 
separated ; the rays of the first, spinous; those of 
the second, flexible : branchiostegous rays 7: tongue 
covered with small teeth: teeth on both jaws, on 
the vomer and palatine bones: cheeks, preoperculum 
and operculum, covered with scales: suborbital bone 
and suboperculum without serrations: preopercu- 
lum notched below, serrated on its posterior edge: 
operculum ending in two points, diverted backwards. 
L. lineatus. Cuv. The striped Basse. 
Trans. Lit. et Philosoph. Society of N. Y. p. 413. 
Mc Murtrie's Cuv. v. ii. p. 98. 
Cuv. et Valenc. Hist, Nat. des. Poiss, t. ii. 
This fine species, which sometimes weighs 75 
pounds, is taken in considerable numbers upon our 
coast. Large quantities of small basse are caught 
With nets near Chelsea and Nantasket beaches. It 
is generally found upon shoals near the land, where 
frequently a dozen or more may be seen at a time 
* The letters indicate the different fins: B. the branchial rays. D. those 
of the Dorsal fin; C. Caudal; P. Pectoral; V. Ventral; A. Anal 
