434 MITCHILL ON THE FISHES OF NEW-YORK. 



First rays of each pectoral fin bony, with reversed spines behind, 

 and about three inches long ; from which a cartilage is continued about 

 three inches ; making together six inches. 



Both the dorsal and pectoral bony rays are notched in front, but 

 not serrated enough to hold fast or to scratch. 



The several cartilaginous continuations are smooth on the anterior 

 part ; but have the appearance of serrse on the posterior edge. Yet 

 these serrae are invested in a membrane which shelters them from the 

 touch. 



Two dorsal fins, the foremost of which is pretty far forward, and con- 

 sists of eight rays. The hindmost pretty far back, and adipose without 

 rays. The distance between them six inches. 



Tail deeply forked ; the extreme rays somewhat converging ; but 

 nevertheless the distance between them exceeds four inches. 



Skin has a silky softness. Back glossy blue, with clouds and shades 

 of green. ^Lateral line almost straight. Below that the colour a silky 

 white, down to the belly, which is a milk white. Is an exquisite fish for 

 eating. 



Ventral fins far back. Thev are inclined somewhat to red. Dorsal 

 and pectoral fins have more of the ruddy ; and the anal and caudal 

 most, of all. 



Rays, Br. 4. P. 13. D. 8.— 2d fleshy. V. 6. A. 22. C. 19. 



SALMO. SALMON. 



Generic character. 



Head smooth, compressed. Tongue cartilaginous. Teeth both in 

 the jaws and on the tongue. Gill membrane from four to ten rayed. 

 Body compressed, furnished at the hind part with an adipose fin. 



