296 Storer on the 
spine of the operculum, and running through the 
centre of one of the longitudinal bands. 
The first Dorsal fin is two thirds the length of 
the head: the third and fourth rays are the longest. 
The first ray of the second Dorsal is spinous; the 
height of this fin is equal to more than half its 
length. 
The Pectoral fins arise beneath and behind the 
inferior spine of the operculum ; their length to their 
height is as 1 to 4. 
The flesh-colored Ventrals arise just back of pec- 
torals: their first ray is spinous. These fins are 
rather longer than pectorals. 
The Anal fin arises opposite the middle of the 
second dorsal ; its first three rays are spinous: this 
fin is one third shorter than first dorsal: its length 
to height is as 1 to 3. 
The fin rays are as follows: D. 9. 1-12; P. 
18; V. 1-4; A. 3-11; C. 18. 
L. mucronatus. Cuv. The small American Basse. 
i Cuv. et Valenc. Hist. Nat. des Poiss. t. ii. p. 86. 
In the spring and autumn, this species is brought 
to Boston market, from the mouths of the neigh- 
boring rivers and the ponds to which the sea has 
access. It is commonly called white perch. Its 
usual weight is about half a pound. The largest 
specimen I have met with, was procured in Quincy 
market, Dec. 22, 1837; it measured 15 inches in 
length, and weighed 1 3-4 pound, and its stomach . 
