THE FISHES OF XEW JERSEY. 157 



that the net seldom failed to land at least several. Possibly this is 

 due to the muddy water combined with the roar or noise it pro- 

 duces in its course over the rocks. Any sudden motion one may 

 make from the bank, should the water be clear, however, will 

 usually startle them. When first caught they do not struggle, 

 save an occasional spasmodic jerk or two, though all the while 

 constantly moving the branchial apparatus as if to force water 

 over their gills. They are hardy, and will live several hours en- 

 tirely out of water. The fish are equally active at night, so that 

 the cast-net fishing has been carried on then with equal success. 

 In clear water these fish may often be seen lying quietly, some- 

 times in large numbers, bunched together in deep pools or hol- 



Sncker. Catostoiiius coiuincrsonnii (Lacepede). (Adult.) 



lows. When disturbed, as by any sudden motion or shadow, 

 they dart quickly under the shelter of the banks, or among the 

 rocks, though they will swim a considerable distance in a per- 

 fectly straight course. At other times they appear stupid and 

 are then easy to secure with a small dip-net. In small streams 

 quite large examples will frequently swim rapidly over the shal- 

 lows to the deeper pools. Sometimes they appear greatly dis- 

 turbed, darting wildly about. When taken on a hook they sel- 

 dom make much disturbance, usually taking the bait almost 

 imperceptibly and the float hardly bobbing. The tension on the 

 line is then very slight until the fish is raised from the water, 

 Avhen it jerks about somewhat, though usually not causing much 

 disturbance or excitement for the angler. The fisherman keeps 



