464: 
VERTEBEATA. 
feet long, and is brought to New York market in tlie autumn, where it is called Autumnal Her- 
ring. It is sometimes caught in Connecticut river, where it is called WeedcJc. 
The Spotted Shadine, A. sadina, is six to twelve inches long, and is found, though not abund- 
antly, on the New York coast. 
THE SCOPELID^. 
These present considerable resemblance to the salmons, differing, however, in the structure of 
the upper jaw, of which the biting edge is entirely composed of the intermaxillary bones. They 
are sometimes naked and sometimes covered "with large brilliant scales. They are principally 
found in salt water ; a few occur in the Mediterranean, but most inhabit the tropical seas. Some, 
as the SUrnoptyx, present very singular forms. 
SALMOX AXD TRODT. 
THE SALMONID^. 
The members of this great family fui'uish some of the most celebrated fishes, whether regarded 
as game for the sportman or food for the epicure. They are generally inhabitants of the fresh 
waters of the northei-n parts of the world, a few only, like the salmon, passing a portion of their 
existence in the sea, and ascending into the rivers in the spawning season. They are exceedingly 
active and voracious fishes, generally of a slender form and adorned with brilliant colors, or 
elegantly spotted. They arc usually of small or moderate size. 
Genus SALMO: Salmo, includes the Salmon, the hero of the angler, the idol of the cook, 
the god of the epicure. There is but one true Salmon, S. salar, him of whom Izaak Walton dis- 
courseth so learnedly, and on whom he bestoweth the title of " King ;" and of whom Frank 
Forester writes so eloquentl y. He is an inhabitant of the sea, and is known as well on the westem 
as the eastern shores of the Atlantic. 
The salmon is two to four feet long, and weighs ten to twelve pounds, though it has been taken 
of eighty and even a hundred pounds. The form is long and oval, the scales moderately thin, 
oval, and rather easily detached; the teeth numerous, sharp, and incurved ; branchial rays twelve, 
color above bluish-black, tinged with gray ; beneath silvery white. It is altogether a beautifiil 
fish, elegant in form and model, and brilliant in coloring. 
