366 Storer on the 
under consideration, with the specific name of * cryp- 
tosus.?” Mitchell's name is retained by Cuvier in the 
Notes to his ^ Regne Animal.” Dr. Mitchell would 
never thus have neglected Peck had he been aware 
of the existence of his paper. Our duty is clear; 
and we cheerfully prefix the name given it by its. 
first describer: his description is very accurate, and 
his name is equally appropriate. à 
This species is not uncommon in our waters: it is 
generally taken in nets, and is considerably used as 
bait for the “ striped basse" by our fishermen : being 
a very oily fish, it is found serviceable as manure, 
for which purpose it is used upon some portions of 
Cape Cod. 1 have known a single specimen to be 
taken from one of the wharves in this city. 
From a specimen before me nine and a half inches 
long, and three inches deep across from the anus, I 
make the following description. Body ovate, very 
much compressed ; being more so towards the tail. Of 
a lead color upon the back ; lighter on the sides; sil- 
very upon the abdomen. Length of the head two 
inches, gradually arched from the snout above : arch 
of the back continued to the spine at the origin of the 
dorsal fin. Eyes circular, one half inch in diame- 
ter; pupils black; irides silvery. Nostrils small, 
three lines in front of the eyes; anterior, circular ; 
posterior, a vertical fissure. Mouth moderate in 
size ; jaws equal in length, at their edges presenting 
a large number of very minute, equal, compact ser- 
rations or teeth ; tongue, spotted with brown. Gill- 
covers silvery, with cupreous reflections. The lateral 
line which is very well marked, commences just back 
