10 HISTORY OF THE FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



and is composed of soft rajSj with the exception of the firstj whose height is about 

 two thirds that of the next. This fin is longer than high. 



The pectorals are quite broad when expanded ; in height they are equal to the 

 length of the second dorsal. 



The ventrals are just back of the pectorals ; their height is equal to that of the 

 pectorals. 



The anal arises on a line with the fifth ray of the second dorsal. Its height and 

 length are equal. It terminates on the same plane with the second dorsal The 

 second spinous ray is very stout. 



The caudal is considerably emarginated ; the depth at its base is equal to half the 

 depth of extremity when expanded. 



The fin rays are as follows : — D. 9. 1 - 12. P. 15. F. 1 - 6. A, 3 - 9. C. 17f . 

 Length 12 to 15 inches. 



Remarks, This species is brought to Boston market in the spring and autumn, from 

 the mouths of the neighboring rivers, and the ponds to which the sea has access. 



By the fishermen it is known as the " White Perch,'' Its usual weight is about half 

 a pound. December ISth, 1837, I saw a specimen in Boston market which measured 

 fifteen inches in length, and weighed one pound and three quarters, and its stomach 

 contained a specimen of the shiner, Leuciscus chrysoleucas^ more than five inches long. 



Found in New Brunswick, Perley ; Maine, Massachusetts, Stoker ; Connecticut, 

 Ayres, LmsLEY ; New York, Mitchill, Cuvier, Dekay ; South Carolina, Dekay. 



Although the Lahrax pallidus of Dekay was introduced in my '^ Synopsis " as belonging 

 to this State, I am inclined to think the two species above described to be the only ones 

 we possess ; and that perhaps the pallidus and rufus may prove to be one and the same. 



GENUS III. CENTROPRISTES, Ctrv. 



A single dorsal fin ; branchiostegous rays seven ; all the teeth small and crowded ; 

 no canines. Their prcoperculum is dentated, and the operculum spinous. 



Centeopristes varius, Storer. 

 The Black Sea-Bass or Perch. 



(Plate IL Fig. 4) 



Perca varia, Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soe. of N. Y., i. p. 415, pi. 3, fig. 6. 



Centroprisies nigricans^ Griffith's Cuv , x. p. 117. 



Le Centrapriste noir^ Centropristes nigricans^ Cut. et Val., hi. pp. 37, 44, 



