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BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES PISH COMMISSION. 
The fish fauna of the Dismal Swamp is essentially that of other marshy lowlands 
of the Southern States, in which the underlying clays are covered by vegetable depos- 
its. Some of the species characteristic of the Florida fauna seem to find here their 
northern limit. Collections were made in the following localities within the borders 
of the Dismal Swamp. 
1. Jericho Canal near Suffolk, Va. — August 31; temperature, 73°. This canal is 
the outlet to Lake Drummond. At the time of collecting, the water was low, and the 
bottom of the canal had a dense growth of aquatic plants. The water was clear, but 
of the color of cider. The region seined extended from the point where the main road 
leading from Suffolk crosses the canal, down to its mouth in Shingle Creek. Species 
found here are marked J. 
2. Shingle Creek near Suffolk, Va. — August 31. This stream is a tributary of the 
Elizabeth Eiver. Tides enter the stream, the waters of which are consequently brack- 
ish. It was seined during low tide at the place where the Jericho Canal enters it. 
Species found in this stream are marked S. 
3. Spring Creek near Suffolk, Va. — August 31. This is another tributary of Eliza- 
beth Eiver, similar in its character to Shingle Creek. Fishes from this locality are 
marked P. 
4. Canalandcanal /eedernear Wallaceton, Va. — September2. The Dismal Swamp 
Canal passes north and south through the swamp just east of Lake Drummond. It 
is connected with Lake Drummond by a short canal or “ feeder,” which joins the 
canal just south of the large farm of Mr. Wallace, or Wallaceton post-office. Both 
canal and feeder were found to be so full of snags that seining was almost impossible, 
the feeder especially so. For the same reason no work could be done in the lake. The 
water in the canal is clear, but very dark; the bottom is full of black muck, formed of 
decaying vegetation, which fills the seine. It is said that the gar {Lepisosteus osseus) 
and Amia calva reach a very large size in the lake. No specimens were taken, how- 
ever. Species taken in this locality are marked D. 
5. Ditch on Dover farm at Wallaceton. — September 2. “ Dover farm ” is a square 
district of about 700 acres, which has been “ carved out” of the swamp. The whole 
farm is surrounded by an embankment, which keeps out the water of the swamp. It 
is drained by ditches, which join into one, and this is led off by a tunnel under the 
canal. The water in the ditches is several feet lower than that of Lake Drummond or 
the canal. The main ditch was seined at its outlet after its waters had passed under 
the canal. Species from this locality are marked W. 
1. Ameiurus nebulosus (Le Sueur). D. 
Three specimens, quite dark ; caudal somewhat concave. A. 22. 
2. Ameiurus erebennus Jordan. J., S. 
Eather common. Color black everywhere ; anal high and long, its rays 25 to 27. 
The commonest catfish in the swamp, although not before noticed north of Florida. 
3. Noturus insignis (Eichardson). S. 
Scarce. 
4. Anguilla anguilla rostrata (Le Sueur). D., S. 
Probably common. 
