THE CAEP FAMILY. 617 



second species (Ptyehochilus Marfordi) accompanies P. oregonensis in the Sacramento, and is brought 

 with it to the markets. A third species {Ptyehochilus lucius) occurs in the lower course of the Eio 

 Colorado, and is said to reach a still larger size — a length of five or six feet. 



Mtlopharodon conocephaltjs. 



This species occurs with Ptyehochilus oregonensis in the Sacramento, and is brought with it 

 into the markets. It reaches a size scarcely less than that of P. oregonensis, but is less plentiful. 



Mtlochilus oaxtrinus. 



This species abounds from California to Puget Sound in all the streams of Oregon, Washing- 

 ton, and Idaho, and often enters the sea. It reaches a length of little more than a foot, and is 

 little used for food where trout and other better fishes abound. Its great numbers, however, give 

 it a special claim to notice. 



The Split-tail — Pogonichthts macrolepidotus. 



The "Split-tail" is very common in the Sacramento, and is brought in considerable numbers to 

 the San Francisco market. It reaches a length of about eighteen inches. 



The Fall-fish — SE:\roTiLXTS bullaris. 



The "Fall-fish," "Chub," "Eoach," or "Dace" is abundant in the streams of the Eastern and 

 Middle States east of the AUeghanies. It reaches a length of eighteen inches, being the largest 

 of the Gyprinidw east of the Eocky Mountains. It has no special importance as a food-fish, 

 although often taken with hook and line. According to Thoreau, the Chub is a soft fish and 

 tastes like brown paper salted. 



The Horned Dace — Semotilxjs oorporalis. 



This species abounds in all small streams and ponds from Western Massachusetts to Nebraska 

 and southward. It reaches a length of about a foot, and is par excellence a small-boy's fish. Large 

 specimens are often found in streams which the boy can step across, and a small hook baited with 

 an angle- worm wiU draw the fish from its lurking place. The " horns" in this and other Minnows 

 and Chubs are dermal excrescnces developed on the males in the breeding season. 



The Hornt-head— Cbratichthts biguttattjs. 



The " Horny-head," " Eiver Chub," or " Jerker " is one of the mosb widely- diffused of fresh- 

 water fishes, occurring from New York to Utah and Alabama. It reaches a length of ten or 

 twelve inches. It inhabits larger streams than the Horned Dace, which delights in little brooks. 

 It takes the hook readily, and throughout the Southwest forms a source of satisfaction to the 

 juvenile angler. The flesh of this and other small Gyprinidw is very palatable when fried crisp 

 soon after being taken from the water. 



Platygobio gracilis. 



Toward the Northwest this Chub takes the place of the preceding, and reaches a somewhat 

 larger size. 



The Shiner — Minniltjs cornutits. 



The "Shiner," "Eed-fin," or "Eed Dace" abounds in all streams from New England to Kansas 

 and Alabama, being in most waters more numerous than any other species. In clear, cool 

 lakes it is often found in great schools. At the mouths of small rivers in Lake Michigan 



