CHAPTER XIIL 



OP THE BLACK-FISH, OR TAUTOO. 



This is another of our native fishes, found only in the waters 

 of New-York, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island and vicinity 

 They are not so much an object of sport as the two last 

 named, but as they come early, and sometimes in great abun- 

 dance, and when taken and fresh cooked are a fine table fish, 

 they deserve a particular place in our extended catalogue of 

 angle fishes. 



Black-Fish of New-York, Tautog of the Mohegans — 

 Tide Black-Fish, or Runners — (Mitchill) — " The name of this 

 fish is derived from the color of its back and sides, being of a 

 bluish or crow black. 



" The black fish abounds in the vicinity of Long Island, 

 and is a stationary inhabitant of the salt water. He never 

 visits the rivers, like salmon or sturgeon; nor, on the other 

 hand, deserts his dwelling place as they do. He is fond of 

 rocks, reefs and rough bottoms. He is taken through the 

 whole course of Long Island Sound, Fisher's Island Sound, 

 and in the neighborhood of Rhode-Island. The tautog was 



