414 MITCHILL ON THE FISHES OF NIW-YORK. 



Tail, as it appears to the eye in its contracted state, furcated; when 

 expanded, lunated. 



Upper lip and lower jaw furnished with minute and file-like teeth ; 

 the throat armed with patches of the same. 



But one of the most obvious and distinguishing features of this fish, 

 is the striped appearance of his body. From head to tail, his back and 

 sides are marked by longitudinal lines. The ground colour is pale 

 brown, whitish, or silvery. On this are delineated the aforesaid lines 

 in parallel rows. These rows, at some seasons, appear black, and 

 make a strong contrast. At other times they are more faint, and seem 

 to be faded into a reddish brown. When the brown thus predominates, 

 dark specks or spots can be traced at regular distances along the 

 stripes, particularly toward the back. 



The number of these stripes is usually eight ; and four of them most 

 commonly reach the tail. The rest are frequently shorter ; vanishing 

 unequally in their progress. 



Belly a fine mixture of silvery and white. Scales adhere firmly. 



Tongue distinct, with roughness at its root and near its edges. 



Lateral line straight, and when the colours are deep, not very appa- 

 rent ; but when they arc more faint and faded, perceptible enough as 

 it runs through and along the fourth or fifth stripe, and may be traced 

 almost to the end of the caudal fin. 



Eyes white. Mouth capacious. Gill-openings ample. Three first 

 anal ravs spinous. 



Rays, Br. 7. P. 16. V. 6. D. 8—14. A. 15. C. 17. 



This fish is very highly and justly prized by the New-Yorkers. He 

 is savoury and excellent beyond the generality of fishes. His common 

 abode is the salt water ; but he migrates to the fresh streams and 

 recesses to breed during the spring, and for shelter in winter. 



He takes the hook, especially when baited with soft crab, greedily. 



