36 DR. D. H. STORER’S REPORT. April, 
that the most unpardonable mistakes are sometimes committed, and 
that the specimens prove to belong not only to distinct species, but 
frequently different genera. 
A pretty little species of the genus Leuciscus, and another of the 
genus Clupea, may both be purchased in our markets in the spring and 
autumn, as the ‘ Shiner.” The Sargus ovis, a very excellent, and 
in many markets a highly valued fish, sometimes weighing as much 
as 15 pounds ; and the Peprilus cryptosus, a little species, about 8 
inches in length, and although by Mitchell, in his ** Fishes of New 
York,” called ‘+a delicate fish to-eat,’’ used in this State only as ma- 
nure, are each called ‘* Sheep’s-head.”” The Squatina angelus and 
Lophius piscatorius, are both known by our fishermen, as the ‘Monk 
fish.” The Pimelodus nebulosus, and Anarrhicas lupus, are each 
designated ‘Cat fish.’’ The Pomotis vulgaris and Cephalus brevis, 
the one a beautiful little pond fish, a few inches in length, the other a 
marine species, oftentimes weighing several hundred pounds, are both 
called ‘+ Sun-fish.”” The most common Sucker in our market, Catos- 
tomus Bostoniensis, is yearly sold in large quantities as the “Mullet,” 
while as yet, I have not been able to ascertain with certainty, that 
the Mugil cephalus itself, was ever found in Massachusetts. 
Many other instances might be adduced to show the necessity of 
the most careful attention in observing species before attempting to 
catalogue them. ‘The brief time allowed me for the performance of 
this duty, has been utterly insufficient for its accomplishment. Anx- 
ious to present a faithful report, I have made every effort—improyv- 
ed every opportunity, to complete it. Were I fully to rely upon the 
testimony of others—to consider as scientific authority, the exag- 
gerated accounts ever so freely offered by the well disposed, but 
credulous ; or to infer, because certain species were supposed to 
have been found upon the American coast, that they would probably 
exist in the waters of this state, I might readily throw together a large 
mass of incongruous materials, and with comparatively little labor ter- 
minate my task. But to perform accurately and thoroughly the duty 
expected of me—to answer the demands of those, by whose partiali- 
ty I have been selected, and to serve whom I am proud—I would 
rely in the investigation of species, so far as practicable to obtain 
them, upon the evidences alone of my own senses ;-—I would com- 
