EXPLOKATIONS OF THE ALLEGHANY REGION AND WESTERN INDIANA. 151 
The seven species found here {Salvelinus fontinalis, BMnichfhys obtusus, Notropis 
spectrunctilus, rubricroeeus, N. telescopus, N. coccogenis, and Etheostoma flabellare) 
are those especially characteristic of the mountain streams of the west slope of the 
Alleghanies. On comparing the list of the species found in the Swannanoa Eiver with 
those found in Buck’s Creek on the other side of the Swannauoa Gap, it will be seen 
to what degree the Blue Eidge has been a barrier to the distribution of species in 
North Carolina. The higher main chain of the Great Smoky Mountains has been no 
barrier at all because it is broken for the passage of the Watauga, the French Broad, 
and, farther west, the Little Tennessee. Species from the North Fork of the Swannanoa 
are marked N. Collections were made near a point 4 miles northwest of Black Moun- 
tain Station on the road to Mount Mitchell, just above the pond at Burnett’s Mill. 
5. South Fork of Swannanoa River (called Flat Creek), at Black Mountain Station. 
August 21; temperature 69°. Collections were made at a point one-half mile south 
of the statiou, and for some distance above and below this point. 
This is a swift, clear stream, similar to the preceding, the bottom gravelly rather 
than rocky, the water rather warmer, and the banks less shaded. The Swannanoa 
Eiver is formed by the union of these two forks, the colder. North Fork having its 
source in the flanks of Mount Mitchell, the South Fork in the Blue Eidge at Swannanoa 
Gap. The stream flows into the French Broad above Asheville. The waters become 
warmer and less clear lower in its course, but the general character remains the same, 
and the stream is certainly one of the most picturesque in North Carolina. Its fauna 
is interesting from the abundance of darters. Their presence is however chiefly con- 
fined to the rocks bearing river-weed {Podostemon). Species from the South Fork are 
marked S. 
6. Swannanoa River neShT AHhevillQ. August 15 and 17; temperature 77°. Col- 
lections were made at various points from near the railway station to a point about two 
miles higher. The water is warm and moderately clear. Its current is fairly swift 
with alternations of quiet stretches. The gravelly and rocky shoals are excellent for 
collecting. The fauna differs little from that of Spring Creek or the upper waters of 
the Holston. The species here taken are marked A. 
1. Noturus eleutherus Jordan. F. 
One young specimen, with very small eyes, apparently identical with the type of 
N. eleutherus. 
2. Leptops olivaris (Rafinesque). F., S. 
Youug, not rare in the river channels. 
3. Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque). F. 
Young, abundant in the river channels. 
4. Catostomus teres (Mitchill). A., S., H. 
Common in quiet waters. 
5. Catostomus nigricans (Le Sueur). A., S., H. 
Common in shoal waters. 
6. Moxostoma duquesnei (Le Sueur). F., H. 
Young, not rare. In June large numbers of Placopharynx earinatus run in the 
river, but none were seen by us at this time. 
