Fishes of Massachusetts. 427 
from 9 to 12, and from 16 to 22 pounds. The 
largest weigh from 30 to 40 pounds. They have 
been caught during every month in the year. The 
greatest run of salmon, up the river, is about the 
first of June. The fishermen say the young salmon 
are never seen on their return. 
The price of this species of late years in our mar- 
ket, varies exceedingly, from $2 to 20 cents per 
pound. The largest specimen, so far as I can learn, 
that has been sold in Boston market, weighed 34 
pounds ; and the greatest price ever received for one 
fish, in the same market, was $50. 
The following description is drawn up from a 
specimen thirty inches in length, and weighing 
eighteen pounds: Its width across, from the com-. 
mencement of the dorsal fin, is eight inches; its 
greatest depth three inches and a half. Of a beau- 
tiful, brilliant, bluish silver color above; lighter 
upon the sides; white beneath ; black blotches upon 
the sides, much more numerous above the lateral 
line, for the most part surrounding the outline of the 
scales, leaving the color of the bodies unchanged ; 
the spots upon the scaleless head are unbroken, and 
of a deeper color. Length of the head equal to one 
fifth the length of the fish. Head naked, sloping, 
darker colored above than the back of the speci- 
men. Gill-covers light silver colored. Eyes small ; 
pupils black; irides silvery. Diameter of the eye 
equal to one quarter the distance between the eyes. 
Nostrils placed vertically, much nearer the eyes 
than the extremity of the snout. Upper jaw the 
longer, receiving into a notch, at its middle, the 
