193 
BASS. 
been named to me that reached twenty-nine pounds.^ I myself 
measured an example that was in length two feet nine inches, 
but its weight was not in proj)ortiou to its length. Ihe head 
and body are compressed, and the latter not so deep as in the 
generality of this family of Perch-like fishes; but muscular 
and strong; covered firmly with scales, as is also the first 
gill-cover. Jaws and palate furnished with numerous small 
teeth; the tongue as if cut short at its extremity. Anterior 
gill-cover serrated, but on the lower border this sometimes 
becomes obscure. The hindmost gill-cover havmg two blunt 
spines, and another, at the origin of the lateral line. Eyes of 
moderate size. Lateral line slightly descending, and then 
straight. Dorsal fins two, in a depression on the back; the 
first with strong spinous rays, of which the first, and sometimes 
also the second, are short. Anal fin slightly behind the second 
dorsal. Tail concave. Colour a bluish grey on the back, lighter 
on the sides, white below. First dorsal nine, second dorsal 
thirteen, pectoral sixteen, ventral six, anal fourteen, caudal 
seventeen, the first ray spinous. 
