HISTORY OF THE FISHES OF MASSACHUSETTS* 37 



The first dorsal fin arises just back of the posterior spines of the head. The first 

 three rajs of this fin are longest ; the seventhj eighth, ninth, and tenth rajs are next 

 in length ; from the extremities of the rajs are suspended delicate tentacola. 



Just back of the first dorsal arises the second, appearing as if connected with it ; 

 and hence described bj Mitchill as one fin. It is of a somewhat quadrangular form, 

 rounded above when expanded, and having the extremities of the rajs projecting be- 

 jond the connecting membrane. Height of the fin one third of its length. 



The pectorals are verj large ; when expanded resembling a wing. The rajs are 

 uncommonlj distinct ; the eight anterior are stout and unequal in their length, the 

 anterior one being much the shorter ; the ten posterior are rounded posteriorlj- when 

 expanded ; the four anterior of these latter, the larger. These fins arise from the 

 entire lower edge of the branchial aperture ; their height to their length is as four 

 to two and a half. 



The ventrals arise just back of the first rajs of the pectorals. Thej are composed 

 of three rajs, the first of which is shorter and much stouter than the second. In 

 some specimens, however, the first raj is the longest of the three. 



The anal commences and terminates on the same plane with the second dorsal. 

 The first nine rajs of this fin are deeplj divided at their extremities. This is much 

 more marked in some specimens than in others. The length is to the height as three 

 and a half to one and a half. 



The length of the caudal is two thirds of its height. 



The fin rajs are as follows:— D. 16-13. P. 18. V. 3. A. 15. C. 12|. 

 Length two feet. 



Remarks. " This species is frequently taken bj the cod-fishermen in deep water in 

 the neighborhood of ledges in Massachusetts Baj. 



Nova Scotia and Golf of St. Lawrence, Cuvier, Richardson. Maine^ Massa- 

 chusetts, Storer. Connecticut, Linsley. New York, Mitchill, Dekay. 



Inasmuch as authors generallj suppose this to be the Acadianus of Pennant, I 

 am compelled to assume his specific name. It is to be regretted, however, that Ms 

 description should have been so meagre ; and that, while he described well enough the 

 dorsal fins, he should have utterlj neglected mentioning the characteristic cirrhi of the 

 head ; this can onlj be accounted for upon the supposition that he never saw a recent 

 specimen. 



