12 Book of the Black Bass. 



existed among ichthyologists some difference of opinion as 

 to the proper differentiation of the species. Even the gen- 

 erally accepted nomenclature, prior to 1881, unfortunately 

 and unavoidably established, as it was, on an insecure 

 basis, was liable at any time to fall to the ground while the 

 said differences among the authorities existed. 



Now, if we could have felt perfectly confident and rea- 

 sonably sure that the premises adopted by our American 

 naturalists were correct, to wit: that Labrm salmoides 

 Lacepede was the first scientific description of the small- 

 mouth bass, we could then have left the subject here, with 

 the firm conviction that the matter was settled for all time, 

 and could thus have felt assured of the ultimate and uni- 

 versal adoption and perpetuity of the American nomen- 

 clature of the black bass, viz: Micropterus salmoides (La- 

 cepede) Gill, for the small-mouth species, and Micropterus 

 pallidum (Eafinesque) Gill & Jordan, for the large-mouth 

 species. In that event, I say, we could have rested con- 

 tent ; for, although the generic appellation, and the specific 

 title of the small-mouth black bass, as proposed, were mis- 

 nomers, they were the only names that could rightly be 

 bestowed, under the circumstances, and we could well af- 

 ford to submit gracefully to what could not be bettered, or 

 helped. 



It will be observed, however, that Dr. Vaillant proposed 

 the title Micropterus salmoides for the large-mouth bass; 

 and as we called the small-mouth bass by the same name, it 

 would have produced endless confusion were that state of 

 things to continue. If the black bass of Europe were al- 

 ways to be confined to a few preserved specimens and 

 plaster casts in the museums, it would not have mattered 

 so much ; but as this desirable game-fish had been already 

 introduced into European waters, it would seem to be a 



