THE SALMON FAMILY. 35 
THE SALMON FAMILY. 
F all the families of fishes, the one most inter-, 
esting from almost every point of view is 
that of the Salmonide, the Salmon family. As 
now restricted, it is not one of the largest families, 
as it comprises less than a hundred species; but in 
beauty, activity, gaminess, quality as food, and 
even in size of individuals, different members of 
the group stand easily with the first among fishes. 
The following are the chief external characteristics 
which are common to the members of the family 
as here understood; the Avgentinide and the Sa- 
langid@, usually included with them, being here 
placed in separate groups: — 
Body oblong or moderately elongate, covered 
with cycloid scales of varying size. Head naked. 
Mouth terminal or somewhat inferior, varying con- 
siderably among the different species, those having 
the mouth largest usually having also the strongest 
teeth. Maxillary provided with a supplemental 
bone, and forming the lateral margin of the upper 
jaw. Pseudobranchie present. Géill-rakers vary- 
ing with the species. Opercula complete. No 
barbels. Dorsal fin of moderate length, placed 
near the middle of the length of the body. Adi- 
pose fin well developed. Caudal fin forked. Anal 
‘fin moderate or rather long. Ventral fins nearly 
