?ERCIDJE 199 



With a concave outline. Gill-covers scaly ; the operculum with rudi- 

 ments of a double angle on the posterior margin ; lower jaw somewhat 

 the longest. Teeth small, conical, recurved, on the mamillaries, inter- 

 maxillaries, vomer, palatines and pharyngeals. 



The dorsal fin has eleven spinous and twelve soft rays ; the pecto- 

 rals fourteen rays ; the ventrals one weak spine and five branched 

 rays ; the anal, six spinous, and eleven soft rays ; the caudaT with 

 rounded tips has seventeen rays. . 



The Rock Bass is excellent eating, and gives good sport to the 

 angler, though it never attains to the size of the Black Bass, rarely 

 exceeding a pound or a pound and a half, and consequently being far 

 less difficult to take. 



This fish, as well as the Black Bass and others of the family, might 

 be transplanted with great ease into inland waters ; and as they are 

 hardy, and defended from all enemies by their sharp and spiny fins 

 would be sure to thrive, and would prove delicious additions to oui 

 lacustrine species of fishes. 



