CHAPTER XI. 
OP THE WEAK-FISH, WIIEAT-FISII, OR SQUETEAGUE. 
This is another native fish, as far ns known, anil is found 
only in the vicinity of New-Yorlc ami Massachusetts. It 
takes the various names, of weak-fish, wheat-fish, ami squc- 
teauge from different ascribed causes; the first from the 
weakness of its mouth. The second name has its origin 
from the fact of its having made its appearance always at 
harvest time, which is not now the fact, as they begin to run 
during the month of May, and are taken in small quantities in 
the month of April. The latter bold and elegant name is 
given by the native inhabitants of the island of Now-York, 
who once were free to roam where the more refiued now 
find a home. . . 
There are two species, as described by Mitchill, as iul- 
,ow8 : 
“The Weak- Fish — (Labrus Squeteague)— with oven 
tail, speckled back and sides, one or more sharp, long front 
teeth in the upper jaw, and yellowish ventral and anal fins. 
One of the most numerous and useful oi Ncw-York fishes, 
particularly during the season when the cold is not consider 
