20 [Senate 



There are specimens of the Lepidosteus in the State Collec- 

 tion from Lakes Champlain, Ontario and Erie; and from a 

 critical examination and comparison, no sensible difference is dis- 

 coverable. They all belong to the species bison of Dekay {huro- 

 nensis of Eichardson). It is evident, therefore, that the bison and 

 platyrhincus of Dekay are the only species of Lepidosteus at 

 present known as inhabiting the waters of the State of New- 

 York. 



Dekay, in his Zoology of the State, has not given any facts in 

 relation to the history of the Lepidosteus. To supply in a mea- 

 sure this omission, we make the following extracts from the 

 Natural History of Vermont, by the Rev. Zadock Thompson. 



" This singular fish was described by SA.MUEL Champlain, as an in- 

 habitant of the Lake now bearing his name, more than 200 years ago. 

 He called it Chausarou, which was probably the Indian name. The Indians 

 assured him they were often seen eight or ten feet long, but the largest he 

 saw was only five feet long, and about the thickness of a man's thigh. It 

 is considered a very voracious fish ; and when any of them are taken, or 

 Been in the water, the fishermen calculate upon little success in taking 

 other kinds. Charlevoix tells us that he preys not only upon other 

 fishes, but upon birds also; and that he takes them by the following 

 stratagem : Concealing himself among the reeds growing on the marshy 

 borders of the lake, he thrusts his bill out of the water in an upright 

 position. The bird wanting rest, takes this for a broken limb, or dry reed, 

 and perches upon it. The fish then opens his mouth, and makes such a 

 sudden spring that the bird seldom escapes him. Charlevoix also assures 

 us that the Indians regarded the teeth of this fish as a sovereign remedy 

 for the headache, and that pricking with it where the pain was sharpest, 

 took it away instantly. The scales with which this fish is covered are so 

 thick and strong, as to form a coat of mail, which is not easily pierced 

 "with a spear. They are taken only occasionally in the seine at the present 

 day, but are said to be sometimes seen in considerable numbers lying in 

 the marshy coves. Its flesh is rank and tough, and is not used for food. 

 The usual length of those now taken, is from two and a half to three feet, 

 though they are often much longer. One of the largest specimens which 

 I have seen was taken at the mouth of Winooski river, June 16, 1838, 

 and is now in my possession. It is 46 inches long, and when caught weighed 

 nine and a half pounds." 



