290 
AMERICAN FISHES . 
As to the extension of the range of this species southward, we have the 
statement of Holbrook, quoted by DeKay, writing in 1842 : 44 Attempts 
have been made to introduce this fish farther south, but with limited suc¬ 
cess. I am informed by my friend, Dr. Holbrook, that Gen. Thomas 
Pinckney imported from Rhode Island a smack load of the Tautog and set 
them adrift in the harbor of Charleston, S. C., where they are to be found 
to this day. They are still occasionally caught, weighing from one to two 
pounds, but never in such quantities as to be brought to market.” Mr. 
Earll obtained specimens at Charleston in January, 1880. Certain ich¬ 
thyologists, among whom is Prof. Jordan, express skepticism as to the 
range having been thus artificially extended southward. 
At Cape Lookout, S. C., Jordan records the species, under the name 
“ Oyster-fish,” as rather common, the young abundant about the wharves. 
About Norfolk and in the mouth of Chesapeake Bay they occur, and also 
on the coast of Southern New Jersey, where they are taken in the vicinity 
of Beasley’s Point, in the channel ways, and along the shores, and they 
are said to be somewhat common on the banks off Sandy Hook, and in the 
southern bays of Long Island. These sandy regions, however, are not so 
much frequented by them as those abounding in rocky beaches and ledges. 
Although the Tautog appear to thrive in cool water, as has been shown 
by the rapid extension of the northern range, they take refuge from too 
great cold, by retreating in winter to somewhat deeper water than that 
preferred in summer. Here they appear to seek shelter under the stones 
and in crevices of the rocks, if we may judge from their habits as observed 
in aquaria, their smooth, slimy skins, with scales protected from abrasion 
by a thick epidermis, enabling them to move about among the sharp- 
pointed rocks unharmed. They are on this account, also, especially well 
suited for confinement in the walls of smacks and in “ live-cars,” where 
it is customary to keep them living until required for market. They 
appear to enter upon an actual state of hibernation, ceasing to feed, and 
the vital functions partially suspended. It is the opinion of fishermen that 
during the hibernating season, the vent becomes entirely closed up, as is 
known to be the case with hibernating mammals. It is certain that they 
do not retreat far from the shore in winter, and that very cold weather, 
especially in connection with a run of low tides, often causes very 
remarkable fatalities. There are instances of their death in immense 
numbers. In Lebruary, 1857, after a very cold season, hundreds of tons 
