444 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
In the alpine region of Georgia there are streams tributary to the Tennessee, the 
Coosa, and the Chattahoochee which appear to be adapted to the experiment. Some 
of the small tributaries of the Savannah may also offer a suitable home for the species. 
Particular attention might be given to streams originating in the Eabun Bald and the 
Brasstown Bald, on the summits of which peaks arctic insects are found. 
From a comparison of the data respecting the temperature, elevations, and the 
nature of the water-courses, it appears to me feasible to introduce the Jamaica mount- 
ain mullet into alpine streams of the Southern States above mentioned and, perhaps, 
into some others. It remains an open question whether or not a supply of a species of 
Agonostoma could be obtained from Mexico instead of Jamaica. If the Mexican species 
is accessible and sufficiently abundant, there would be the advantage of rapid trans- 
portation by rail. 
Very respectfully yours. 
T. H. Bean, 
Ichthyologist. 
Col. Makshall McDonald, 
U. 8. Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries. 
THE GENUS AGONOSTOMA. 
(Moimtain Mullet.) 
The genus Agonostoma belongs to the mullet family and is very closely related to 
the marine mullets, Mugil spp., but its species are characterized by the presence of 
teeth in the jaws, by a less muscular stomach than that possessed by Mugil, and by 
their fresh-water habitat. 
The number of known species is not large, but their range is extensive. They 
occur in the West Indies, Central America, Mexico, Mauritius, Celebes, Australia, 
Comoro Isles, and in New Zealand. 
Agonostoma nasxitum is found in the rivers of Guatemala. A. monticola is said to 
occur in Mexico as well as in numerous rivers of Jamaica. Investigation might show 
that it would be more convenient to obtain a supply from Mexico than from Jamaica. 
Agonostoma, like Mugil, feeds upon soft organic materials and very small animals. 
The intestinal tract is very long and makes many convolutions. 
Agonostoma monticola. 
. (Mountain Mullet.) 
“ It is * * * known * * * as the Mountain Mullet on account, it is said, 
of its being entirely confined to the high water- courses; but this is not true. It is to 
be seen and is commonly taken by the angler even at the mouths of all our mountain 
streams as they mingle their waters with the ocean. * * * They are also called 
the Stream Mullet, on account of one of their habits, viz, swimming in the center or 
hugging the sides of running sweet waters. It is a very delicate fish ; the flesh is 
remarkably sweet and white, and the roe is a most recherchS morsel. In general it is 
found nearly as large as the fish itself. The Mountain Mullet seldom exceeds 10 inches 
