320 



THE SUCKER. 



rod fasten a short line, to be kept straight by a heavy sinker, 

 heavier or lighter according to the force of the stream ; make 

 the noose or snare of fine wire, and about 6 inches diameter 

 when open or set, which should be a circle, and attach to the 

 lower end of the sinker ; thus equipped, lower the snare into the 

 water, a few feet above the fish to be caught, and slowly move 

 it down the stream, passing it over the head, and jerk quickly 

 as soon as it passes the gills. I have frequently caught suckers 

 by the above method, weighing from 1 lb. to 1J, in the various 

 small streams running into the Hudson river, particularly in 

 Dutchess county. N. B. Annealed iron wire should be used for 

 the snare, as those made of brass are apt to startle the fish. 



The Oneida Sucker, Catostomus Oneida, is somewhat simi- 

 lar in description, and taken by those who like him in a similar 

 manner. 



" Characteristics. — Back gibbous, with two short sub-spinous 

 rays to the dorsal fin, head smooth, with numerous mucous 

 pores. Length 12 inches. 



" Color. — Dark, bluish-brown above ; lighter on the sides, 

 whitish beneath. Common in lake Oneida, where it is called 

 Mullet and Sucker." — Dekay. 



The Horned Sucker — Catostomus Tuberculatus. — This little 

 fish abounds in many of the streams throughout the country, 

 and has about as many names as he has relations. He does 

 not live by suction alone but will bite at a baited hook, and 

 consequently receives many appellations more properly belong- 

 ing to other denominations of the tribe. 



" Characteristics. — Body short and thick, caudal lunate ; 

 three to five tubercles on each side of the snout. Length seven 

 to nine inches. 



" Color. — Head, dark olive green. Back and sides of the 

 body green, with purple and golden reflections ; sides tinged 

 with yellow : abdomen yellowish, with a faint flesh color. Anal 



