$ 
Fishes of Massachusetts. 457 
here. It is to be hoped that Valenciennes, in his 
continuation of the “ Histoire Naturelle des Pois- 
sons," will assume the specific name “ polymor- 
phus," proposed by Mitchell himself, as being 
equally appropriate and more scientific. 
This very common little species is taken in, 
considerable numbers from our wharves and bridges 
with the hook, together with the “ Conner,” 
“ Flounder,” “ Sculpin,” * Eel," &c¢. &c., in the 
summer; and through the winter, the market is 
supplied from the mouths of the rivers, in the 
vicinity of Boston, where they are taken in dip 
nets. The amount of Tom Cod taken at Water- 
town alone is estimated at 2000 bushels annu- 
ally; they are sent to Boston market, and readily 
disposed of there. ' 
Specimens of this species are seldom obtained 
exceeding twelve inches in length. The length of 
the head is to the length of the body, about as 1 to 
6; the depth of the fish over the anus, exclusive of 
the dorsal fin, less than one sixth the length of the 
body. In color, this species varies exceedingly, 
generally it is brown, greenish, or yellowish brown, 
with deeper patches, spots, and blotches ; beneath, 
lighter. Snout blunt; upper jaw projecting beyond 
the lower, a small barbule beneath the chin ; teeth 
in the jaws very compact, small, and sharp; those 
in the upper jaw more apparent ; small teeth in the 
throat. Diameter of the eye equal to half the dis- 
tance between the eyes; pupils of the eye black ; 
irides golden. Nostrils double ; anterior the larger. 
VOL. III.—NO. II—IV. 
