HISTORY OF THE FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 26 



with another very minute spine. Eyes prominent, obliquely oblong. Jaws equal, 

 with numerous exceedingly minute teeth. Gape of mouth moderate. 



Lateral line commences at the superior posterior angle of the operculum, and is 

 continued in a straight line to just below the extremity of the second dorsal fin, where 

 it curves, and ends at the centre of the caudal rays. 



The first dorsal fin arises just back of the origin of the pectorals ; its length is 

 equal to about one third that of the second dorsal 



The second dorsal, which arises directly back of the first, is of equal height through- 

 out, a little higher than the first dorsal, and is of a quadrangular form. 



The pectorals are broad, higher than the length of the head. 



The ventrals are composed of three rays of nearly equal lengthy and united at 

 their base. 



The anal fin commences back of the second dorsal, and terminates anterior to 

 the termination of that fin. 



The caudal fin is about the length of the head, and is straight at its extremity. 



The fin rays are as follows : — D. 8-7. P. 14. V. 3. A. 12. C, 12. Length 

 of fish 2y inches. 



Remarks. The individual from which my description has been drawn op was sent 

 me from Shirley, by Dr. C. D. Dowse. 



Mr. Horatio R. Storer caught two specimens near the source of the Saco River, in 

 the town of Bartlett, New Hampshire, among the White Mountains, where the water 

 was about three inches deep. When first seen they were lying under little stones, 

 with the head and expanded pectoral fins alone visible, and so motionless that he would 

 have overlooked them, had he not been carefully examining the bottom in search of 

 salamanders. When disturbed, they immediately darted under the stones, and were 

 only secured by cautiously placing the hand before them so that they could not 

 escape, on which they would dart directly into it. On account of their viscid secretion, 

 they are retained by the hand with difficulty. 



Massachusetts, Storer. New York, Dekay. Connecticut, Ayres. New Hamp- 

 shire, H. R. Storer. 



GENUS IV. ACANTHOCOTTUS, Giraud. 



Always marine. Spines upon each of the opercular bones. Surface of head and 

 often circumference of orbits either armed with spines, serrated, or notched* Mouth 

 more deeply cleft than in Cottus. Lateral line uninterrupted, 



VOL. v. NEW SERIES* 11 



