r / IT Vjh OF NEW YORK / ( r.„jv' i,v i.,.|." ''»«'" ^ b\'S> . \/^ X vol, BY AUTHORITY. ^ t a. * 6*' * • NEW YORK; D.APPLETON «C?AND WILEY & PLTNAW; * BOSTON; GOULD, KENDALL & LINCOLN. AliBANY, THURLOW WEED PRINTER TO THE STATE. 1842. 9 4 105 V.3 . w^ ZOOLOGY OF NEW-YORK, OR THE NEW-YORK FAUNA; COMPRISING DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OP ALL THE ANIMALS HITHERTO OBSERVED WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW-YORK, WITH BRIEF NOTICES OF THOSE OCCASIONALLY FOUND NEAR ITS BORDERS, AND ACCOMPANIED BY APPROPRIATE ILLUSTRATIONS. BY JAMBS E. DB RAY. PART III. REPTILES AND AMPHIBIA. , la-ai. ALBANY : PRINTED BY W. & A. WHITE & J. VISSCHER. 1842. Tho copy right of this work is secured for the benefit of the People of the State of New-York SAMUEL YOUNG, Secretary of State. Albany, 1842. PREFACE. So general is the repugnance of mankind to the animals composing these classes, that their study has been overlooked, and they have usually been con- sidered as beings which it w^as not only necessary but meritorious to destroy. A part of this vulgar prejudice is derived from education, and perhaps some of it may originate from the fact that several of them are furnished vv^ith venomous fangs, capable of causing intolerable sufferings and death. To the naturalist and physiologist, however ; to those who study nature through her various modifica- tions of form and structure, they present some of the most interesting objects of contemplation. Their utility, either in diminishing various noxious animals, or in furnishing food themselves to others, has been lost sight of; and because they were cold to the touch, with a naked slimy skin without hair or feathers, they have been considered as loathsome and hideous, although their structure displays as much of the omnipotence and care of the Creator as can be seen in those which are considered to be the most gorgeous and beautiful of his animated beings. The number of known Reptiles and Amphibia throughout the world has been variously estimated. It seems to be considered by some writers to reach to 1,300 species, whilst others suppose that 1,500 would scarcely comprise them all. As the greater number inhabit the torrid zone, we are not to expect to find many in the United States. In this work we have enumerated one hundred and sixty-one species, and have described and figured sixty-three species as found in the State of New- York ; but we suppose the list to be far from being exhausted, more particularly among the Amphibians. Descriptions of a few species may be found in the writings of Kalm, SchoepfF, Bosc, Palisot de Beauvois and Daudin ; but these are often confused and contra- dictory, and drawn up from altered cabinet specimens. In many cases, animals IV PREFACE. not even belonging to this continent have been attributed to New- York, simply because they were sent by a collector from that place. Thus the Homolopsis carinicauda of Brazil, and the Platydactylus milherti, a species probably existing west of the Cape of Good Hope, have been described as belonging to this State. Often writers, in describing the Cyclura harlani, an animal probably from tropi- cal America, state they have reason to believe that it is common in New- York. But it is chiefly to the labors of American naturalists that we are indebted for our knowledge of the Reptiles and Amphibians of the United States. Mr. Say haa given us descriptions of several new Serpents and Tortoises ; Dr. Green first investigated the numerous family of Salamanders; and Major Le Conte has described several new Tortoises and Frogs, and elucidated the pre- vious doubtful or obscure species of the older writers. To Dr. Harlan we are indebted for almost all the knowledge which we possess in relation to those remarkable families among the Amphibians, which were for a long period known under the name of doubtful reptiles. Dr. Holbrook, in his excellent and beautifully illustrated work, entitled North American Herpetology, has enlarged our acquaintance with every department among these classes, and his volumes will long remain a monument of his genius and his zeal. Dr. Holbrook has recently remodelled this work; and at the moment that these pages are passing through the press, is engaged in publishing a second edition, in five quarto volumes, with many important additions. To his kindness I am indebted for the privilege of being permitted to examine most of what has already been printed, and it has suggested many valuable improve- ments in the present volume. To Major Le Conte, I have to express my thanks for his assistance in the course of this work, which owes several of its illustrations to his pencil. Dr. Emmons, of the Geological Survey, has also afforded me valuable aid in obtaining some species which might otherwise have escaped my observation. J. E. DE KAY. The Locusts, Queens County. January 1, 1842. LIST WORKS REFERRED TO IN THE DESCRIPTIONS OF THE REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS. Ac. Sc. Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences. 8 vols. 8vo. Philadelphia, 1817 et seq. Am. Jour, American Journal of Science and Arts, conducted by Benjamin Silliman, 43 vols. 8vo. New-Haven, 1818 et seq. Am. TV. Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, 4to. Philad. 1771 et seq. New Series, 1816 et seq. Ann. Mus, Annales du Museum. 20 vols. 4to. Paris, 1802 et seq. Ann. Ia/c. Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History. 4 vols. 8vo. New- York, 1824 et seq. BiBTON, B. S, Memoir concerning an animal of the Class of Reptilia or Amphibia, known in the United States under the name of Alligator and Hell-bender, pp. 12. 8vo. Philad. 1812. " Some account of the Siren laceitina, and other species of the same genus of amphibious animals, pp. 33. Philad. 1821. (With a plate.) Bell, Rep. History of British Reptiles, by T. Bell. 8vo. Lond. 1839. BoNAP. 0». Sulla seconda edizione del Regno Animale del Barone Cuvier, Osservazione. Bologna, 1830. " Prospetto del Sistema generale d'Erpetologia. pp. 26. Bologna, 1830. " Cheloniorum Tabula Analytica. 8vo. pp. 10. Romse, 1836. Bonn. Oph. Tableau encyclop^que et m^thodique des trois Regnes de la Nature : Ophiologie, par Bonnaterre. 4to Paris, 1790. CLoacET, J. Memoire em I'eiistence et la disposition des voies lachrymales dans les serpens. 4to. Paris, 1821. CtrviEH, R. A. The Animal Kingdom, translated by Griffith. Vol. 9. Daudin. Histoire Naturelle des Reptiles. 8 vols. 8vo. Paris, An. X. De Blainville. Prodrome d'une nouvelle distribution systematique du Regno Animal. 4to. Paris, 1816. De Kat, J. E. On the remains of extinct Reptiles of the Genera Mosasaurus and Geosaurus. (Ann. Lye. Vol. 3, p. 134.) " Observations on the jaw of a fossil species of Gavial. (Ann. Lye. Vol. 1, p. 156.) Dtmehil and Bibbon. Erp^tologie g^n^rale ; ou Histoire naturelle complete des Reptiles. 8 vols. 8vo. Paris, 1834 et seq. Eights, J. Various Observations on Reptiles and Amphibians, published in the Zodiac. Albany, 1835-6. FiTziNOEB. Neue Classification der Reptilien nach ihren Naturlichen Verwandtschaften, &c. Von L. I. Fitzinger. 4to. pp.66. Wien, 1826. Gbat. Synopsis of the Genera of Reptiles and Amphibia, with a description of some new species, by J. E. Gray, pp. 13. (From the Annals of Philosophy, 1835.) " Synopsis of the Class ReptUia, by J. E. Gray. (From GrifBth's Translation of Cuvier, Vol. 9, 1831.) Green, J. Description of several species of North American Amphibia, accompanied with observations. (Jour. Ac. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 348.) Hablan, Genera of North American Reptilia, and a S3mopsis of the Species. (Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 4.) " Medical and Physical Researches. 8vo. Philad. 1835. I cite also from the same author many papers and descriptions of reptiles in the Ac, Sc, Ann. Lye, and Am. Journal, Fauna. 1* Vi UST OF BOOKS. Hitch. Cat. List of Reptiles, by D. Smith, from Hitchcock's Catalogue of the Animals and Plants of Massachusetts. Amherst, 1835. HoLBBOOK. North American Herpetology, or a Description of the Reptiles inhabiting the United States. 4 vols. 4to. Philadelphia, 1834 et seq. KiRTLAND. Report on the Zoology of Ohio. pp. 42. Cincinnati, 1838. Le Conte. Description of the Species of North American Tortoises. (From Ann. Lye. Vol. 3, p. 91.) " Remarks on the American Species of the Glenera Hyla and Rana. (From the same. Vol. 1 , p. 278.) tan. Soc. Report of a Committee of the Linnean Society of New-England, relative to a large marine animal supposed to bo a Serpent, pp. 59. London, 1818. (With a plate.) Merrem. Tcntamen Systematis Amphibiorum. Auctore Blasio Merrem. 8vo. Marburgi, 1820. MiTCHiLL, S. L. Description of a Batrachian animal from Georgia, different from the reptiles of that order hitherto known. (Medical Recorder, July, 1822.) Oppel. Sur la Classification des Reptiles : Ordre 2, Ophidiens. (Ann. Mus. Vol. 16, p. 254-376.) " Sur la Classification des Batraciens. (Id. Vol. 16, p. 394.) Say. Notes on Prof. Green's paper on the Amphibia. (Ac. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 405.) " Notes on Herpetology. (Am. Journal, Vol. 1, p. 256.) " Descriptions of three new species of Coluber inhabiting the United States. (Ac. Sc. Vol. 4, p. 337.) " On the Fresh-water and Land Tortoises of the United States. (Ac. Sc. Vol. 4, p. 203.) ScHCEPPP. Reise durch einige der Mittlern und Sudlichen Vereinigten Nord-Americanischen Staaten. 2 vols. 8vo. Erlangcn, 1788. " Historia Testudinum. Icon, illus. 4to. Erlangen, 1792. Schneider. Historis Amphibiorum. Auctor J. G. Schneider. 8vo. Jens, 1800 et seq. ScHLEGEL. Essai sur la physiognomie des Serpens. Par H. Schlegel. 2 vols. 8vo. La Haye, 1837. Spix, Serp. Serpentum Brasiliensium species novte, etc. Par Jean de Spii. Folio. Monachii, 1824. Spix, 7M. Animalia nova sive Species novffi Testudinum etRanarum,&c. Descripeit J. B, de Spix. Folio. Monachii, 1824. Smith, J. A. Account of the Dissection of the Menobranchus, with remarks on the Siren intermedia. (Ann, Lye. Vol. 2, p. 259.) Storer. Report on the Reptiles of Massachusetts, pp. 49. Boston, 1839. SwAiNsoN. Natural History of Fish, Amphibia and Reptiles, or Monocardian Animals. Vol. 2. Lond. 1839. Troost. On a new genus of Serpents, and two new species of the genus Heterodon. (Ann. Lye. Vol. 3, p. 174.) Wagler. Naturaliches System der Amphibien, &c. Von Dr. Joh. Wagler. 8vo. Munchen, Stuttgart und Tubingen, 1830. WiEGMANN. Hcrpetologia Mexicana, seu Descriptio Amphibiorum Nove EUspanise, &c. Par A. P. A. Weigmann. Pars prima: Saurorum species. Folio, pp. 54. Tabulis X. Berolini, 1834. t SYNOPSIS OF THE GENERA OF THE REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS OBSERVED IN THE STATE OF NEW-YORK. Obdebs. REPTILIA. Families. Chelonia, Sadri/^ Ophidia, Genera. Chelonia. Sphargis. Trionyx. Chelonura; Emys. Kinostemon. Stemothaenis. Cistuda. Scincus. Tropidolepis. Coluber. Tropidonotus. Leptophis. Calamaria. Heterodon. Trigonocephalus. Crotalus. Rana. Scaphiopus. Bufo. Hylodes. Hyla. Salamandra. Triton. Menobranchus. Menopoma. m r THE NEW-YORK FAUNA. CLASS III. REPTILES. VKRTEBRATED ANIMALS, RESPIRING BY LUNGS, WITH RED AND COLD BLOOD. HEART TRILOCULAR, OR COMPOSED OF TWO AURICLES AND A SINGLE VENTRICLE. EXTREMITIES VARYING IN NUMBER, OR ENTIRELY WANTING. BODY COVERED WITH HORNY OR CARTILAGINOUS PLATES, OR WITH HARD SCALES. REPRODUCTION BY A PREVIOUSLY FECUNDATED EGG, WHICH IS HATCHED AFTER LEAVING THE BODY, OR IN ITS PASSAGE FROM THE PARENT. UNDERGO NO STRUCTURAL METAMORPHOSIS IN THE COURSE OF THEIR GROWTH. TERRESTRIAL OR AQUATIC. HIBERNATE IN TEMPERATE REGIONS. CARNIVOROUS FOR THE MOST PART. NUMEROUS IN THE TORRID ZONE. SOME ARE POISONOUS. Obs. We have deviated from the arrangement of Cuvier, who united together in one class animals which he had himself demonstrated to be very different in their organization. In separating his order Batrachia from the Reptiles, we follow the path which he has indicated, and shall point out briefly the most important characteristics which distinguish these two allied classes. Tn adopting this course, we are supported by the authority of eminent herpetologists. ORDER I. TESTUDINATA. TTiis is at once recognized by the bony or cartilaginous covering above and beneath ; leaving the head, neck, limbs and tail free. Feet four. Jaws toothless. The vertebra of the neck and tail only, visible. Obs. This order, which may be described as having its skeleton external, is very natural and precise. It has, however, obscure affinities through Chelonura with the following order. Fauna — Part 3. 1 'SP* 2 NEW-YORK FAUNA. It contains about one hundred and thirty species distributed throughout the globe, and has been divided into several families by various systematists. It is susceptible of division into two principal groups, which may be thus designated : 1. Apalodermata. Outer shell coriaceous or cartilaginous ; 2. Sclerodermata. Shell hard and bony. We recognize but one family. FAMILY CHELONIDJE. Body covered by two bony or cartilaginous plates, the one above formed by an expansion of the vertebrce and ribs ; the other, by a similar eapansion of the sternum, which, in some genera, is divided into several movable pieces. Jaws with cutting edges, but no true teeth. Feet with 2-5 claws, sometimes wanting, occasionally fin-shaped. Obs. The animals of this family are carnivorous or herbivorous. They are strictly ovipa- rous ; hiding their eggs in sand, and leaving them to be hatched by the heat of the sun. Some are exclusively aquatic ; others exclusively terrestrial ; whilst others appear to live equally on land or in the water. Thirty-five species, arranged under nine genera, have been described by authentic writers as inhabiting the United States and its territories. In this State, we describe eighteen species. GENUS CHELONIA. Feet fin-shaped, elongate, depressed, not retractile, beneath the shell. Shell covered with horny plates. Aquatic ; living in the ocean. Some of the species useful as food to man ; others employed in the arts. THE GREEN TURTLE.* Chelonia mydas. Testudo mydas. L. Syst. Nat. T. viridis. ScHNEiDi Schild. pi. 17, fig. 2. Grem Turtle. Catesby, Car. Vol. 2, p. 38. AuD. Om. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 370. Tortvefranche. Dadd. Hist. Rept. Vol. 2, p. 10, pi. 16, fig. 1. Griffith's Cuv. Vol. 9, p. 15 and 88. CheUmia mydas. HoLBEOOE, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 2, p. 25, pi. 3. Characteristics. Shell sub-cordate, pointed behind. Scales either carinate or imbricate. Two claws on each foot. Length 2-6 feet. * The word turtle^ originally corrupted from tortoise, has now grown into such general use, as its equivalent, that it would seem pedantic to avoid employing it. By Turtle, we would more especially designate the Marine Tortoises, although by usage it is applied to a few others. FAMILY CHELONID^, $ Description. Shell smooth, slightly keeled in the centre ; composed of thirteen plates, viz. five vertical plates which are hexagonal, and four lateral plates on each side. Marginal plates twenty-seven ; the anterior broader than long ; the posterior pointed behind, and the last two emarginate. Sternum convex, composed of six pair, with three supplementary ones on each side. Head elongated, compressed at the sides. Fore feet in the shape of fins, longer than those behind. Two nails, flat, 0*75 long, on the anterior edge of each fore foot ; two similar but shorter nails on the posterior feet. Tail very short, conical. Color. A dull greenish, inclining to olive brown. Length, 23-0. Transverse diameter, 20*0. Foreleg, 13-0. Hind leg, lO'O. The above notes were made from an individual which came on shore near my residence, September, 1840, on the northern coast of Long Island. It is certain that this species is a native of the tropical seas, and of course such an occurrence must be considered as purely acciden- tal. In reference to the geographical distribution of animals, the enumeration of this species as an inhabitant of the waters of the coast of New- York would lead us into error, by enlarging unnecessarily its ordinary geographical limits. In preparing, however, a work designed to illustrate the Fauna of this State, and for the instruction of the student who may accidentally meet with other specimens, we have deemed it useful to insert this brief notice. My friend Mr. I. Cozzens, a well known practical naturalist and excellent observer, informs me that he has, on several occasions, seen them in the New- York Market, which had been captured off Sandy Hook, and near Coney Island. The Green Turtle is well known to the epicure for its delicious steaks, and the savory soup which it affords. Along the coast of Florida, it approaches the shores in the early part of summer, and deposits its eggs in a hole scraped in the sand, where they are hatched by the heat of the sun in the course of two or three weeks. {EXTRA-LIMITAL.) C.careUa. Hawksbill Turtle. (Holbrook, Vol.2, pi. 4.) Orbicular; carinated above. Head very large ; when young, the nose elongated. Gulf of Mexico. C. imbricata. Tortoise-shell Turtle. (Holbrook, Vol. 2, pi. 5.) Subcordate ; scales imbricate, yel- low rayed and spotted with brown. Gulf of Mexico. NEW-YORK FAUNA. GENUS SPHARGIS. Merrem. Body covered above by a leathery skin instead of scales. The ribs not soldered together, and not united to the almost membranous sternum by the marginal plates. This covering is tubercular in the young, but elevated into distinct ridges in the adult. Feet fin-shaped, without nails. Obs. This genus was first indicated by Merrem. The names of Corindo, Dermochelis and Dermatochelys have been succesMvely proposed by Fleming, De Blainville and Wagler. THE LEATHER TURTLE. SfBAROIS CORIACEi. (PLATE V. FIG. 9.) Tatudo coriacea. LiN. 12 ed. p. 350. Tortue luch. Dacd. HUt. Kept. Vol. 2, p. 62, pi. 18, fig. 1. T. coriacea. MiTCHiLL, Med. Rep. New Series, 1812, p. 191, and 1813, figure. Sphargis id. Griffith, Cuv. Vol. 9, p. 17, and 88 plate. Gray, Synops. p. 20. S. id. BoNAP. Faun. Ital. figure. (Young.) S. id. Storee. Mass. Rep. p. 217, plate 4. Holbrook, N. Am. Herp. Vol. 2, p. 45, pi 6. Characteristics. Shell with seven longitudinal ridges, truncated in front, pointed behind. Length 6-8 feet. Description. Upper surface smooth and polished, of a leathery appearance, truncate, emar- ginate in front, with a rather elongated process on the sides of the neck, obtusely pointed behind. Surface of the shield divided into separate oblong compartments by seven equidis- tant longitudinal ridges, which are obsoletely nodulous, becoming more indistinct behind: The first runs along the dorsal ridge ; the next on each side commencing in advance of the dorsal ridge, and approaches it behind ; the third pair on each side begins posterior to the first ; the last ridge is formed by the margin of the shell. These ridges are acute, slightly interrupted on the edge. Beneath, smooth, of a somewhat softer consistence. Head smooth, compressed nearly to an edge anterior to the eyes. Jaws sharp, the upper emarginate in front to receive the acute hooked point of the lower jaw ; on each side of the central notch is another, not quite as deep, and more rounded. Strong spinous processes in the roof of the mouth, and in the oesophagus. Nostrils small, circular, and placed behind the tip of the snout. Eyes large, opening obUquely. Anterior feet smooth, elongated, ending in a blunt point, and twice the length of the posterior pair. Posterior feet rounded, or rather obliquely truncated behind, with a softer margin. Tail p)n:amidal, compressed laterally, pointed, and extending beyond the shell. Color, of the head and buckler, dull blackish brown, and in the fresh state with a bluish tinge. Extremities obsoletely spotted with greyish. The under parts marbled with blackish, on a yellowish or soiled whitish ground. FAMILY CHELONID^. 5 Total length, 70-0, Ditto of the shield, 68-0, The young of this species presents strong and numerous variations from the adult. The skin, instead of being smooth, is roughened with tubercles. The ridges are composed of a series of rounded tubercles. The head is larger in proportion ; the pupil vertical, and the sternum VFith five longitudinal ridges. This gigantic species, which breeds on the Tortugas or Turtle islands, and on the Bahama islands and keys, visits our coast sufficiently often to entitle it to a place in our Fauna. It was first noticed on our coast in 1811, and described and figured by Dr. Mitchill. In 1816, another individual of a large size was captured ofi" Sandy Hook, and is now in the American Museum of New- York, set up in a very false and grotesque manner. A third species was taken in 1824, in Massachusetts Bay, and is described in the Report cited above by Dr. Storer. A fourth specimen was taken September 7, 1826, in Long Island Sound ; and another in 1840, in Chesapeake Bay. The Leather Turtle, although a native of tropical American seas, is a great wanderer : it has been seen on the coast of England, and in the Mediterranean. We are not in possession of sufficient evidence to determine whether the large leather turtle seen in the Pacific and Indian oceans belong to this species. The food of our turtle is said to consist of fish, shells and marine plants. Lesueur is said to have described another species ? under the name of Dermochelis atlantica ; but I have been unable to find the description. GENUS TRIONYX. Geoffroy. Shell without scales, and, together with the sternum, cartilaginous, and extending over the edges into a flexible margin. Feet palmated, with three sharp claws. A corneous beak, covered with fleshy lips. Nose produced. Vent near the extremity of the tail. Obs. The coverings of the animals of this genus are even softer and more pliable than the preceding. The expanded ribs which form the upper shell do not extend to the margin, and the under portion is equally undeveloped. They all live in fresh-water streams, and have the reputation of being exceedingly voracious. 6 NEW-YORK FAUNA. THE SOFT-SHELLED TURTLE. Triontx ferox. PLATE VI. PIG. n. YODNO. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) Tettudo ferox et cartSagmta. Gmelin, Syst. Nat. The Sqfi-ehetled Tortoiee. Gaedkn, Phil. Transac. 1771, p. 228. River Tortoise. Penn. Aret. Zoology, Supplement, p. 78. Za Tortue de Pennant. Daudin, Hist. Rept. Vol. 2, p. 68, pi. 18, fig. 2. Trianyx spiniferus. LssuEUR, Mem. Mus. Vol. 15, p. 258, pi. 6, a, b, c. T. ferox. Say, Ac. Sc. Vol. 4, p, 218. Le Conte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 3, p. 93. Hablan, Med. and Phys. p. 158. T. plalypeltis. Fitzino. T. amyda. ScHWEIoo. Trimyx ferox. HoLBSOOK, Am. Herpetology, Vol. 2, p. 11, pi. 1. T. ferox. KiETLANO, Report on the Zoology of Ohio. Characteristics. Dusky brown. Orbicular ; little elevated ; the anterior margin with cuticu- lar processes. Fore feet with three squamous folds in front, and two oblong tubercles behind. Young, with ocellate spots. Length 9-12 inches. Description. Shell entire, orbicular, bony in the central parts, and cartilaginous on the mar- gins. The anterior margin in the adult with numerous pointed tubercles, which may be faintly and distantly traced in the young. A series of raised and tuberculated lines on the disk in the adult. Under a lens, the surface of the shell appears divided into minute compartments, in which there are two concentric rings, including a small rounded central elevation ; these are barely sensible to the touch. Sternum cruciform, osseous in the middle. Head large, tapering acutely to the nose, which is long and flexible, with the nostrils nearly terminal. Eyes prominent, contiguous, and almost vertical. Mouth cleft behind the eyes ; jaws narrow, partly covered by the lips, which are thickened on the sides. Neck long, smooth, with a gular fold. Legs long and slender, palmate, five-toed ; the web extending over the two clawless toes on both feet, and high up along the posterior margin of the hind foot. Tail short, thick, suddenly contracting to a point, and extending beyond the shell. Vent within 0'5 of the extremity of the tail. Claws robust, subtrigonal, nearly straight, the intermediate one on the hind foot longest. Color. Shell dark slate, with numerous large ocellate spots, and with black dots chiefly along the margin.- Beneath, soiled white. Head slate, punctate with black on the summit and sides. Nose light, or flesh-colored ; a white stripe, margined on each side with black, proceeds from the posterior margin of the eyes, and is lost in the marblings on each side of the neck. Chin and sides of the lower jaw, together with the feet and tail, varied with black and white. Irides yellow, with a black medial stripe. Total length, 9-0. Length of shell, 5-3. Ditto of head and neck, 3-0. Diameter of shell, 5'0. Ditto of tail, 1'7. Height of same r4. FAMILY CHELONIDJE. 7 The Soft-shelled Tortoise was not generally known as an inhabitant of New- York, until after the completion of the Erie canal, connecting the Great Lakes with the Ocean. Pre- vious to that period, it was supposed to belong exclusively to the southern and western waters. The description given above was taken several years since, from a specimen obtained in the Mohawk river. Subsequently, several individuals, as I understand, have been taken from the Hudson river near Albany. The specimen, as I then thought, varied so much from any description of the ferox within my reach, that I considered it to be new, and named it ocel- latus. An examination of many specimens, both of ferox and muticus, (which I suspect to be identical,) since that period, together with a recent reexamination of the specimens in the Cabinet of the Lyceum, satisfies me that my ocellatus was nothing but the young of xhe ferox, the premiere variete of Lesueur (Op. sup. cit. p. 261). It is, however, so peculiar, that I deemed it worthy of being drawn. The color of the adult is of a uniform dusky brown, occasionally with a few obsolete darker spots. I am not acquainted with any other locality in this State, though I have heard of their being taken in Chautauque and Ca)ruga lakes. I have been assured by persons in Cattaraugus county, that they have been taken in the Allegany river, a tributary of the Ohio. Major Le Conte informs me that they are abundant both in Lake Ontario and Erie. Dr. Kirtland mentions this species as very abundant in all the streams both of the Ohio and Lake Erie. In calm weather, during summer, he observes, great numbers may be seen floating near the surface of the water. At such times, they were closely followed by several of the black bass (C. ohioensis); but he could not ascertain what attracted this usually coy fish about them. It is much esteemed as a wholesome and nutritious article of food. They are said to feed on fish, and the smaller aquatic reptiles. The statements regarding their ferocity, which has given them their specific name, appear to vary. According to Mr. Speakman cited by Say, it is only the young who attempt to bite ; and Major Le Conte observes, that they are not more inclined to bite than any other species. Dr. Eights, on the other hand, asserts that he saw " a large one from Cayuga lake dart out its head ferociously at a dog which had been " purposely brought near, and take from its side a mouthful of hair in the attempt." They are chiefly taken with a hook baited with flesh, and sometimes speared. When they show themselves above water, they are killed by the rifle. (EXTRA-LIMITAL.) T. muticus. (Les. Mem. Mus. Vol. 15, pi. 7. Holb. Vol. 2, pi. 3.) Shell elliptical, confounded with the neck, not tuberculated or spinous in front. Sternal callosities four ; the two hinder large, united. Length 7 to 8 inches. Ohio River. T. bartrami. (Le Conte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 3, p. 96.) Head and neck iiirnished with retractile tuber- culated appendages. East Florida. T. harlani (Bell, Monog.) Body more ventricose, and the soft portions of the shell less extensive than in the other species. East Florida. 8 * NEW-YORK FAUNA. GENUS CHELONURA. Fleming. Head large, with small plates. Both jaws strongly hooked. Sternum small, cruciform, immovable. Tail long, and furnished with a scaly or tuberculated crest. Anterior feet with five claws ; posterior with four. Obs. This genus is identical with the Emysaurus of Dumeril & Bibron, Rapara of Gray, and Saurochelys of Latreille. The Chelydra of Schweigget appears to have been founded on the young of the C. serpentina. I am acquainted with but one species in the United States, Dr. Harlan, in his Medical and Physical Researches, has indicated the existence of another from Tennessee, but has given no detailed description. THE SNAPPING TURTLE. Chelokusa serpentina. PLATE m. FIG. 6. YocHO. Ttatudo ttrptntina. L. Sysk. p. 354. T. id. Daudin, Vol. 2, p. 98, pi. 20, fig, 2. CheUmwra terpentina. Sat, Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 4, p. 217. Chelydra lacertma. ScHWKIOG. Monog. (Young.) Testudo serpentina. Le C. Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. Vol. 3, p. 127. Emys (Chelydra) serpentina. Gray, Synopsis Rept. apud Griff. Cut. Vol. 9, p. 14. Clielydra serpentina. Hakl. Med. & Phys. p. 157. Emysaurus id. Dumeril & Bib. Vol. 2, p. 350. Emysaurus id. Stober, Mass. Rep. p. 213. Chelomira id. Holbeook, Am. Herp. Vol. 4, p. 21, pi. 3; and Vol. 1, p. 139, pi. 23, of the 2d Ed. Characteristics. Shell oval, more or less carinate, three-toothed on its posterior margin. Upper jaw hooked, acute. Head long and wide. Snout attenuated. Length 2-4 feet. Description. Shell oval, little elevated, with a dorsal ridge produced by the elevation of the posterior margin of the vertebral plates. Five vertebral, eight lateral and twenty-five marginal plates. The first lateral plate triangular, with its outer base rounded ; the remainder sub- quadrate, the posterior smallest. The marginal plates small, oblong, and gradually enlarging on the sides ; the posterior largest, and of these, three and occasionally four with strong spi- nous angles. The vertebral plates are quadrate, except the last, which is pentagonal. Sternum composed of ten plates ; the anterior pair small, the two following pair gradually larger. The wing or supplementary plates long and narrow, united to the marginal plates by two small plates ; these wing plates are attached beneath to the pectoral and femoral pair. Caudal plates long, narrow and triangular. Head exceedingly large, scaly above. Skin of the neck loose, and thickly covered above with fleshy warts, somewhat smoother beneath. Jaws stout, the upper jaw largest. Legs robust. Fore feet covered above by series of scales, of which those on the posterior edge are largest. Hind legs with similar large scales beneath. Toes FAMILY CHELONID^. 9 partially webbed ; those of the fore feet almost entirely so. The claws are robust, channelled beneath, moderately curved. Tail very long, cylindrical at the base, slightly compressed on the sides, and tapering to an acute tip ; its dorsal surface crested by numerous compressed elevated scales, becoming smaller behind ; a series of large flat scales on the sides. Young. The lateral plates form a prominent ridge on each side, becoming more elevated behind, and separated from the dorsal ridge by a broad and deep furrow. All the plates of the shell strongly marked with elevated lines radiating forwards, with slight concentric fur- rows. In the adult, these are obsolete. The supplementary or wing plates are united to the margin by three small plates. Color. Dusky brown or olivaceous green above. The sternum, under side of the marginal plates, and of the neck, feet and tail, bright yellow, which becomes dull with age. Eyes brown. In a specimen from Lake Janet, Hamilton county, the under sides of the marginal plates were of a beautiful light green. Total length, 12-0 -48-0. Ditto of tail, 4-0- 16-0. This is one of our largest turtles. It is common in every part of the State, and inhabits equally the clearest and muddiest streams. It is occasionally met with at a distance from the water, probably in search of food, or of a suitable place of deposit for its eggs. On the Raquet river, Franklin county, I found them laying their eggs in June, and we were frequently indebted to these deposits for a precarious meal. They scoop out a hole in the sand a short distance from the water, a few inches deep ; and by probing with a short stick in places indi- cated by the tracks of the animal, we frequently obtained as many as sixty or seventy eggs from one spot. The eggs, as well as the animal, afford a very nutritious and savory food. The larger and older jinimals have a strong musky flavor, which renders them unpalatable. They feed upon frogs and fishes, and snap greedily at ducks in ponds, dragging them under water to be devoured at leisure. It is this propensity to snap at every thing within its reach, which has obtained for it its popular name. In other sections, it is known under the names of Loggerhead, Alligator Turtle and Couta. I have frequently observed a small leech (Clepsina scabra) adhering to it. This species appears to extend over the whole Union, but its precise geographical limits are not yet ascertained. (EXTRA-LIMITAL.) C. temmincki, (Holb. Vol. 1, pi. 24.) Head enormously large, covered above and on the sides with plates. Upper jaw hooked in front; lower jaw with a strong tooth-like process received in a cavity in the upper jaw. Shell tricarinate, concave in front, deeply emarginate and dentate behind ; mar- ginal plates 31, placed in two rows at the flanks. Tail not crested. Length of head and neck 12 inches ; of sheU, 22 inches ; tail, 1 4 • 0. Mississippi. Fauna — Part 3. 2 10 NEW-YORK FAUNA. GENUS EMYS. Brongniart. Shell not much elevated, solid, covered with homy plates. Sternum solid, broad, immovable ; of six pair and four supplemental plates. Feet palmate ; anterior with five claws, posterior with four. This genus comprises nearly all the fresh water tortoises discovered in America. In this State, we enumerate nine species. THE SALT-WATER TERRAPIN. Emts palitstris. PLATE ra. FIG. 5. — (STATE COLLECTION.) Testudo palustris. LiN. Omel. Tortue a Ugnts concentriques. Dacd. Hist. Nat. Rep. Vol. 2, p. 153. Emys centrata. Say, Acad. Sc. Nat. Philad. Vol. 4, p. 211. Habl. Med. and Phys, p. 153. T. pabutru. Le Contx, Annals of the Lye. Nat Hist Vol. 3, p. 113. Characteristics. Shell oval, obtusely carinate ; the plates with numerous deeply impressed concentric striae ; the last vertebral plate rounded in front. Beneath, red- dish or orange, dusky, irregular stripes or rings. Length 5-7 inches. Description. Shell emarginate behind, depressed, but the extent of this depression varies in different individuals ; occasionally quite elevated, and as if distinctly carinated along the vertebral plates. Each plate is very distinctly marked, particularly in the males, by five to seven or eight regularly concentric lines, parallel with the direction of the sides of the plate : varieties occur, in which the plates are nearly smooth. The first vertebral plate quadrate, the remainder six sided ; the last polygonal, the anterior margins forming nearly a curved line. Lateral plates, the three first pentagonal; the last small, subquadrate. Marginal plates twenty-five, unequal in size ; the intermediate small, oblong, linear, the outer edge occasionally emarginate, sometimes triangular, truncate ; the posterior plates small, somewhat upturned. Sternum of six pair ; the gular plates small, triangular, with impressed concentric angular Unes ; the next pair larger, subquadrate, enlarged on the outer margin ; the three following subequal, the caudal pair rounded behind, where they form a broad emargination. Extre- mities virith separate scales. Color. Usually of a dull ash brown above, varying in intensity in different individuals, sometimes approaching to black. Beneath, reddish or orange, occasionally pale and dull yel- lowish, with dusky dashes and rings on the sternal plates and lower side of the marginal plates. Head, neck and extremities dull bluish ash, with numerous spots of black. Length, 5-0-7-0. Height, rO-2-5. FAMILY CHELONIDjE. 11 This species is the well known and justly prized Terrapin of epicures. It is well distin- guished as the Salt-water Terrapin, for it is found exclusively in salt or brackish streams near the seashore. They bury themselves in the mud during the winter, from which they are taken in great numbers, and are then very fat. The geographical limits of this species extend from the Gulf of Mexico, along the Atlantic, to New- York. They are found along the northern shores of Long Island to its extremity, but I am not informed whether it occurs on the opposite main shore. Dr. Storer does not mention it in his valuable Report on the Reptiles of Massachusetts. The Prince of Canino has intro- duced this species into Italy, but I have not learned with what success, THE SMOOTH TERRAPIN. Emys terrapin. PLATE XXin. FIG. 63. — FIG. 65. Postekiok vebtibbai. plate. —(STATE COLLECTION.) Testiuio lerrapm. Schcepff, Hist. Testud. p. 64, pi. 15. La Tortut i Ugnes amcnUriques, variety 3me. Dadd. Hist. Rept. VoL 2, p. 157. Emys amcmtrica. Gray, Synopsis apud Griff, p. 11. Emya terrapm. HoLBROOK, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 2, p. 13, pi. 2, (excl. »yn.) Ed. Ima ; Vol. 1, p. 87, pi. 12, Ed. 2da. Characteristics. Shell smooth, not sculptured vnth concentric marks ; posterior vertebral plate regularly pentagonal. Length 5*0 - 7" 0. Description. In the skull, the occipital process is more slender and longer than in the pre- ceding. No striking differences are observable in the shell, except that it is never so much carinated as in the preceding species, and it has only a few concentric striae on the lateral plates ; the last vertebral plate distinctly pentagonal. Color. Shell grey, with black concentric marks on each plate. Skin grey, speckled, and spotted Mrith black. I am indebted to Major Le Conte for a figure and note, pointing out the distinctive marks between this and the preceding species, which had been confounded by Daudin, and not con- tradistinguished by subsequent observers. They are both brought to our markets at the same time, and sold under the common name of terrapin. The specimens of the two species of the same size, examined by Major Le Conte, were both females. I had noticed the two, and supposed them to be sexual varieties. The market people say that they are caught in the same localities ; but as Schoepff derived his specimens (the present species) from Muhlenberg, I am inclined to believe that the T. terrapin inhabits indifferently fresh and salt water. Schoepff himself found one on Long Island, in water which was almost fresh. The figure and description of the Emys terrapin of my friend Dr. Holbrook, clearly point out this species. His specimens are obscurely carinate on the vertebral line, and he is entirely silent respecting the deep concentric marks which distinguish the other species. According to Holbrook, this species occurs as far east as Rhode-Island. . 12 NEW-yORK FAimA. THE PAINTED TORTOISE. Emts picta. plate v. fig. 10. — (state collection.) Tatudo piaa. Gh. Scrneid. Scbildkrof p. 348. T. id. ScHCEPPF, Hist. Test. p. 23, pi. 4. (Adult.) T. dnerea. Id. pi. 3. fig. 3. (Young.) Tartiupeinti. Dadd. Hist. Kept. Vol. 2, p. 164. E.pieta. Sav, Ac. Sc. Vol. 4, p. 211. Le Conte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 3, p. 115. JS. id. Harlan, Med. & Phys. p. 151. JB. betlii Gray, Synops. p. 12. E. picta et belUi. DuMER. & BiB. Hist. Rep. Vol. 2, p. 297 and 302. E.pieta. HoLBROOK, N. Am. Herp. Vol. 2, p. 19, pi. 3. Storek, Mass. Rep. p. 208. B. id. Id. N. Am. Herp. Ed. 2da, Vol. 1, p. 75, pi. 10. Characteristics. Shell oblong, oval, smooth ; olive, with a yellow stripe along the sutures. Head with yellow lines along the sides. Neck and feet with red stripes. Length 5-9 inches. Description. Shell oblong, oval, not carinated, smooth, minutely notched behind. First vertebral plate with projecting acute lateral angles in front, rounded or sinuous behind ; the two following irregularly quadrate ; the third having a small projection forward on its anterior margin ; the fourth hexagonal, with sinuous sides ; the last obscurely hexagonal. Of the lateral plates, the first is irregularly four-sided, the margin contiguous to the second vertebral plate shortest ; the second is by far the largest, and the posterior smallest. The intermediate marginal plate linear, often doubly notched or bidentate in front ; the first and second pair, together with the eighth and ninth on each side, largest. Sternum solid, elliptical, oval, finely serrate in front, the medial line often irregular ; scapular plates triangular, with a slight knob- like process at the exterior angles, which project beyond the margin ; pectoral plates narrow. Head moderate ; upper jaw notched, with a slight process on each side of the emargination. Feet palmate, with five slender, acute and nearly straight claws in front, and four behind. Tail short, scaly, cylindrical. Independent of the sutures indicated externally on the shell by the markings, there are others concealed by the scaly epidermis. Color. This varies exceedingly in diflferent individuals, but the following is the most usual distribution : Shell olive brown or blackish, with irregularly dilated yellow lines, bordered with black along the suture. A very narrow yellow dorsal line from the margin of the inter- mediate plate, to the space between the two posterior marginal plates. The upper surfaces of the marginal plates with parallel vertical yellow lines, or else with concentric lines of the same color ; occasionally these lines become abbreviated, disconnected, and sometimes small orbicular yellow or reddish spots margined with black ; the under side of these plates yellow or reddish, with rounded or sub-quadrate dark spots. Sternum yellow or deep orange ; all the plates towards the medial line with irregular concentric approximated dusky Hues ; these lines becoming occasionally confluent, and extending irregularly along the sutures toward the FAMILY CHELONIO^. 13 outer margins, form a dark blotch, with a few lighter spots within. Neck, feet and tail black, more or less distinctly striped with red intermixed with yellowish. Sides of the head striped with yellow, and with four yellow blotches above. Eyes small ; pupil black, with golden irides, and a black stripe running horizontally through their centres. Totallength, 5-0-6-5. Height, 2-0. For the variety and beauty of its markings, this is unquestionably the handsomest of our fresh-water species. It is a timid, inoffensive animal, and dies in a few days when kept out of the water. It feeds on insects and the smaller aquatic reptiles, and also eats the leaves of the Alisma plantago, or water plantain. It is found in every part of the State, and next to the guttata or Spotted Tortoise, is the most common, preferring tranquil ponds of water to clear running streams. Although occasionally eaten, it is not much esteemed. It ranges from Canada to Georgia along the coast, and has been observed near Lake Superior. It is enu- merated by Kirtland among the Reptiles of Ohio. THE SPOTTED TORTOISE. Emys guttata. PLATE VI. FIG. 12.— (STATE COLLECTION.) Testvdo guttata. ScHNEID. Naturforsch. Vol. 4, p. 264. T.punetata. ScHtEPFF, p. 25, pi. 5. T. punctata. Le Cohte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 3. p. 117. Say, Ac, Sc. Vol. 4, p. 212. Harlan, Med. and Phys. p. 151. CUmys jnmctata. Waoler, Nat. Syst. der Amph. p. 137. Emyi guttata. HoLBEOOK, N. Am. Herp. Vol. 2, p. 25, pi. 4; Vol. 1, p. 81, pi. 11, Ed. 2da. E. guttata. DoM. & Bib. Hist. Rep. Vol. 2, p. 295. Storeb, Mass. Rep. Vol. 1, p. 295. Characteristics. Black, with rounded distant dots above ; varied with black and yellow beneath. Length 3-4 inches. Description. Shell ovate, (in the young, narrowed before, and widely emarginate in front ;) slightly emarginate behind ; higher behind than in front. First vertebral plate pentagonal, the following hexagonal, the last seven-sided, all subequal. Of the four lateral plates on each side, the anterior is irregularly quadrate, the others pentagonal. Marginal plates twenty-five ; the anterior impair, small, linear ; (in the young, broader ;) the others sub-quadrate ; the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh on each side smallest, and more vertical. The sutures are accompa- nied with deep concentric furrows, which in the adult become nearly or completely effaced. Sternum emarginate behind ; the anterior pair triangular, with the external angle projecting beyond the margin ; the next pair irregularly triangular, and larger ; the two following pair oblong ; the femoral pair enlarged on their outer margins ; caudal pair trapezoidal. The junction of the sternum with the shell occurs with the fourth to the seventh marginal pair in- clusive. All the sternal plates have angular concentric lines near the sutures. Head mode- 14 NEW-YORK FAUNA. rate, depressed above ; upper jaw emarginate. Legs scaly. Fore feet with five slightly incurred, brownish or black claws, channelled beneath. Of the four hind claws, the one next to the interior is longest. Tail pyramidal, pointed, with a slight prominence along the dorsal line. Young. The plates of the sternum and shell with deeply impressed concentric angular lines, covering each plate. Upper surface, when moistened, deep shining black ; the yellow dots confined to the marginal plates, of which there is one on each. Sternum and under sides of the marginal plates rosaceous, or flesh-colored. Color. Black or deep brownish black, with distant rounded yellow dots, occasionally with a few orange spots. Head with two or more reddish spots above. Chin and neck dark brown, with irregular reddish spots. Feet dark-colored, reddish vrithin. Sternum yellow horn-color, with dusky brown nearly covering each plate. Marginal plates yellowish beneath. Tail black above, reddish about the region of the vent. Length of the shell, 4*0- 5'0. Ditto of the tail, TO - 1'3. This is one of our most common tortoises, and ofiers great varieties in the distribution of its spots. Most generally the. lateral plates have but a single spot on each. " They vary also exceedingly in the convexity of the shell. Under the name of Speckled Turtle, this httle animal is found throughout the Union. It inhabits streams and ponds, giving a preference to such as have a deep muddy bottom. On a warm day, they may be seen on a log or rock, closely huddled together, and basking in the sun ; from this they shp suddenly into the water, on the approach of man. They feed on insects, frogs and worms ; and bury themselves, on the approach of winter, in the mud at the bottom of ponds. It is rare in the Western States. THE WOOD TERRAPIN. Emts insculpta. PLATE rv. FIG. 8. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) Bmyt teabra. Sat, Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. Vol. 4, p. 210. Terrapem scabra. Bonap. Oss. p. 157. Testudo iiuculpta. Le Conte, Ann. Lye. N. Y. Vol. 3, p. 112. Hahlab, Med. and Phys. p. 152. Emys pukhelta. DoM. and Bibe. Hist. Nat. des Rept. Vol. 2, p. 251. Wood Tortoise. Storer, Mass. Report, p. 209. E. iiucttlpta. HoLBBOOK, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 3, p. 17, pi. 2; and Vol. 1, p. 87, pi. 13 of 2nd Ed. Characteristics. Shell carinate, deeply furrowed by concentric and radiating lines. Plates of the sternum black at the angle formed by their exterior and posterior angles ; emarginate behind. Length 8-10 inches. Description. Shell oval, emarginate behind, depressed on the back, with a distinct carina, more prominent on the anterior and posterior vertebral plate. The surface of all the plates FAMILY CHELONID.E. 15 deeply sculptured by radiating and concentric lines, the latter somewhat waved, which gives to the whole surface a minutely reticulated aspect. The first vertebral plate pentagonal, smooth on the centre of its posterior margin ; the others sub-pentagonal. The first lateral plate four-sided, the internal margin short; the centre of the posterior margin of the last occasionally elevated. Marginal plates twenty-five ; the intermediate one hnear, prominent, often projecting ; the next obscurely pentagonal, projecting at the external angle, the second dilated along the outer margin. The outer edges of the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh plates slightly upturned ; the largest are the ninth, tenth and eleventh, with their posterior angles shghtly projecting. Sternum of twelve plates widely and deeply notched behind, depressed in the centre, and with obsolete angular concentric striae on the sides towards the medial line. Scapular plates with a sUght acute tip at the outer angles, projecting a little beyond the mar- gin, as does likewise the femoral beyond the caudal ; the humeral and abdominal plates united to the meirginal, without any intermediate plates. Head moderate, flattened above ; upper jaw emarginate, robust, the lower hooked. Neck rather long. Legs robust, scaly ; feet pal- mate, the anterior with five and the posterior with four very stout claws. Tail short, large at the base, cylindrical, scaly, tapering, sub-compressed to an acute tip. Color, of the whole shell, brown, tinged with reddish, and with radiating, abbreviated yellow lines ; edges of the marginal plates horn-color. Sternum and under side, the marginal plates yellow, with black blotches near their posterior and lateral margins. Under portions of the neck, feet and tail, red, speckled with black ; often a yellow line on each side of the neck. Eyes with a black pupil and brown irides, surrounded by a yellow ring. Total length, ITO. Length of the tail, .. . TG. Lengthof the shell,. 6*5. Height of the shell, . . 2*7. This is not one of the largest dimensions. Mr. Say speaks of one of which the shell was nine inches long, and I have heard of another which measured twelve inches. We are indebted to Major Le Conte for the first elimination of this species. It is not so exclusively aquatic as most of its congeners, for it is frequently met with in woods at some distance from the water : hence one of its popular names. It is also called the Fresh-water Terrapin, to distinguish it from the E. palustris before described, and which it is thought to resemble in flavor. It is a northern species, extending from near Canada to Pennsylvania. I observed it along the banks of the Raquet and Saranac rivers, in the northern part of the State. In one- specimen S'O long, the caudal plates were serrated on their posterior margin by the extension of the deep angular impressed fines ; the lateral plates were hollowed in their centres ; neck furnished with warts ; color dark greenish, with interrupted radiating yellow lines ; throat and lower side of the legs bright orange. In another, found on a sand beach of Cedar river, one of the sources of the Hudson, with a shell 8 • 5 long, it was more convex, although the vertebral plates were more depressed, and the keel nearly effaced; the sutures were wide, and the plates elevated at the sutures. It is a harmless species ; but when irritated, it will snap repeatedly at the offiender. Little is known of its habits. 16 NEW-YORK FAUNA. THE RED-BELLIED TERRAPIN. Emts rdbbiventri*. PLATE VII. FIG. 14. — (STATE COLLECTION.) Emy) serrata. Say, Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 4, p. 208 (excl. syn.) Haelan, Ac. Sc. Vol. 4, p. 204. Ttstudo nUmvmtris. Le Conte, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. Vol. 3, p. 101. Hablak, Med. and Phys. Res. p. 154, E. irrigata. BsLL, Gray's Synops. Kept. p. 29. E. id. DOHSRIL et BiB. Hist. Nat. Rep. Vol. 2, p. 276. JE. rubrmntru. Holbrook, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 2, p. 37, pi. 6; and Vol. 1, p. 55, pi. 6, of Ed. 2da. Characteristics. Very large. Shell oblong, gibbous, ecarinate. Intermediate plate linear, often serrate. Shell wrinkled along the side. Jaws serrated. Beneath red. Length 10-17 inches. Description. Shell oblong, elliptical, restricted, opposite to the abdominal plates, emarginate behind ; the sides with longitudinal wrinkles, which extend over the posterior marginal plates. The first vertebral plate obscurely six-sided, shorter than the others ; the three following, oblong, the anterior margin of the first of these concave, the next nearly straight, the suc- ceeding one convex, the lateral angles of all acutely pointed ; the posterior plate narrow in front, its lateral margins wide, its posterior margins subdivided into four concave surfaces. The lateral plates very large ; the posterior plate smallest, quadrate. Marginal plates twenty- five ; the intermediate often serrate, the next slightly projecting ; the eighth, ninth, tenth and eleventh also projecting at their external posterior angles. Sternum smooth, of twelve plates, emarginate behind. Scapular plates projecting; occasionally a small supplementary plate between the external angle of this and the following pair. Pectorals narrow, and united to the third, fourth and fifth marginal plate by an accessory plate. Abdominal pair large, and united by a triangular accessory plate at its posterior margin, to the seventh and eighth marginal pairs. Femoral plates project beyond the succeeding pair. Posterior angles of the caudal pair rounded. Upper jaw emarginate, and receiving the middle tooth of the under jaw. Legs and tail scaly, the former with robust claws. Color. Dusky, with reddish confluent spots, and broad reddish lines. Sternum often of a uniform lake red ; the under side of the marginal plates of the same color, with large dusky splashes or spots. Head dark brown or black, and with the throat striped with reddish or yellow. Eyes yellow, with a horizontal broad and black stripe through the middle. Legs and tail dusky, spotted, and occasionally striped with red. This is one of' the largest of the genus, and the neighborhood of the city of New- York appears to be its extreme northern limit. I have never seen it in the western parts of the State, and it appears to be unknown in Ohio. They are brought to our markets from New- Jersey, where they are very numerous in running streams. As an article of food, they are equally prized with the preceding. It is not found farther south than Virginia, and with its western limits I am unacquainted. It may be well to note, that in cabinet specimens, its rich coloring almost entirely disappears, and the briUiant red sternum is changed to a wax yellow. Its history is yet incomplete. FAMILY CHELONID-E. 17 MUHLENBERG'S TORTOISE. Emys mchlenberoii. PLATE VIII. FIG. 15. — (STATE COLLECTION.) Teatudo punctata, var. ScHCEPPF, Hist. Testud. p. 132, pi. 31. Chersine muhleniergii. Merrem, Syst. p. 30. Ctemmys? Wagler, p. 136. Emys bigvttata. Say, Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 4, p. 205. Terrapene. BoNAP. T. muhlaibergii. Lk Conte, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. Vol. 3, p. 119. E. id. Hablan, Medical and Physical Researches, p. 152. E. id. Homrook, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 1, pi. 5 ; and Vol. 1, p. 45, pi. 4, of Ed. 2da. Characteristics. Shell elevated, carinate. Neck with one or more orange spots on the side. Length 4 inches. Description. Head moderate, depressed above ; upper jaw deeply notched, the lower with an acute tip. Membrane of the neck rugose, with unequal papillae and a large fold. Fore feet scaly ; the five toes divided from the claws nearly to their bases. Claws subequal, the external and internal being somewhat shorter. Hind legs longer than those before, with four toes, cmd one obsolete on the inner side. Tail sub-triangular, with about fourteen pair of sub- caudal plates. Shell elevated, carinate, dilated behind, narrowed in the middle ; anterior margin scolloped, the posterior emarginate. The intermediate marginal plate sub-linear and very small, projecting slightly beyond its neighbors ; the four next on each side nearly hori- zontal ; the three following more vertical, and the remainder horizontal, the most posterior declivous. First vertebral plate pentagonal, the three next hexagonal, the fifth irregularly four-sided, the remainder pentagonal. All the scales with concentric angular striae and corres- ponding ridges, except on the middle marginal plates, where they become almost obsolete ; in old individuals, they become partially or entirely obliterated. Sternum emarginate behind. Scapular plates triangular, with their external angles projecting and rounded within, as shown on the plate above referred to. The remaining plates sub-quadrate ; abdominal largest ; femoral with its posterior angle projecting beyond the caudal, which is rhomboidal ; all have concentric striae. Color. Head dark-colored above, with darker dashes and crimson dots on the cheeks. Irides brown. Chin and sides of the jaw with bright red streaks and spots. Two large irregular orange or yellow spots, often confluent, on each side of the back part of the head. Inside of the feet and under side of the tail, red ; this is also the predominant color of the exterior parts, but it is of a darker hue. Shell dark brovra, with irregular sub-radiating lines of a dingy yellow. Sternum blackish, with yellow or flesh-color along the medial hne. Claws of a dark horn-color. Length of shell, „ 3' 5. Height, 1-8. Length of the head and neck from the intermediate plate, . 1 • 4. Fadna — Pakt 3, 3 18 NEW-YOEK FAUNA. It is with hesitation that I refer this rare species to the present genus. It is decidedly terrestrial in its habits ; preferring, however, moist places, and the neighborhood of running streams. The foregoing description was made from a hving specimen presented to me by Mr. J. W. Hill, who obtained two of them from a meadow near Clarkstown, Rockland county, in the early part of May. Their movements, unlike most of the genus, are very sluggish ; and in captivity, they attempt to burrow. Its hitherto known geographic range is very re- stricted, being limited to New- Jersey and the eastern part of Pennsylvania : it may now be extended to the State of New- York. ' THE GEOGRAPHIC TORTOISE. Emys oeographica. plate iv. fig. 7. — (state collection.) Talvdo geographica et gtometrica. Les. Mem. Mus, Vol. 15, p. 267. Teatudo geographica. Id. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. Vol. 1, p. 87, fig. 5. Testudo id. Le Conte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 3, p. 108. Haelan, Med. and Phys. Res. p. 152. Ttttudo id. HoLBEoOK, N. Am. Herp. Vol. 4; and Vol. 1, p. 99, pi. 14 of Ed. 2da. Characteristics. Head very large. Shell not elevated, smooth, ecarinate, serrated behind, with irregular meandering yellow lines. Feet and tail striped with yellow. Head with yellow stripes, but no spots. Length six inches. Description. Shell oval, smooth, widely emarginate in front, more narrowly notched behind. The vertebral plates scarcely approach a carinate form : The first, hexagonal, rounded in front, with a slight central elevation continued along the intermediate marginal plate ; the three following larger, subequal, hexagonal. The two intermediate lateral plates largest, pentagonal ; the posterior rhomboidal. Marginal plates twenty-five ; the three first on each side continuous with the direction of the vertebral and lateral plates ; the three following re- stricted, with their outer margins turned upwards ; the seventh and eighth largest ; the four remaining ones on each side two-toothed on the outer margins, the bidentation becoming gra- dually more distinct to the last. Sternum deeply notched behind ; the scapular plates small, triangular, with a small projection at the outer angle, directed forward ; brachial plates, triangular; femoral and caudal pair subquadrate. Head large, more than twice the size of the succeeding species ; jaws acute. Legs rather long, scaly ; feet palmate, well adapted for swimming. A series of rather large flat scales on the upper margin of the fore legs, which are furnished with fi.ve long, sharp, incurved claws. A broad palmation on the hind feet, posterior to the outer claw, margined with flat scales. Tail short, pointed, cylindrical at the base, compressed towards the tip. Color. Shell olive brown, with paler narrow meandering lines intersecting each other. Marginal plates beneath, and the processes of the pectoral and abdominal plates, yellowish, with broad, brownish, concentric striae. Sternum yellowish, with brownish variegations. Upper part of the head, feet and tail, brownish black. Head and neck striped with yellow. y FAMILY CHELONID^. 19 occasionally with orange or red ; these stripes are irregular, waved, confluent. Chin and throat dusky, with irregular yellowish longitudinal lines in a double series. The under sides of the legs yellowish, with similar duplicated lines above, dusky with narrow yellow stripes. Tail with narrow yellow longitudinal stripes. Eyes yellow, with a horizontal black stripe. Totallength, 10-5. Height of shell, 3-0. Ditto of shell, 6*5. ' Breadth, 5-0. Ditto of tail, 1-3. This species, which is not uncommon in the counties of Chautauque and Erie, in the streams falhng into the great lake, .is more abundant in the western waters. I have never tasted their flesh, but am assured that it is very palatable. They are exceedingly active and vigorous. Until recently separated by Dr. Holbrook, two species have been confounded under one name. THE PSEUDO-GEOGRAPHIC TORTOISE. EmTS FSEUDOGEOORiPBICA. PLATE n. FIG. 3.— (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) Tatudo geographica, Yar. b, Les. Mem. Mus. Vol. 15, p. 268. Emyt geographka. Say, Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. Vol. 4, p. 210. Emy id. Var. a. Le Conte, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. Vol. 3, p. 110. E.Utueuri? Geay, Synop. Rept. p. 12, apud Griffith. Emy fteudogeographica. Holbbooe, N, Am. Herp. Vol. 1, p. 103, pi. 15. Characteristics. Shell elevated, carinate. Head moderate, with yellow stripes and large confluent blotches. Size of the preceding. Description. Shell much more elevated than in the preceding species. First vertebral plate smallest, elevated in the middle, somewhat pentagonal ; the following three six-sided, and the last three-sided. A prominent dark-colored tubercle on the central line of the posterior verte- bral plate, projecting backwards, and almost imbricated over the next succeeding plate ; these tubercles are largest on the second and third plates, becoming effaced on the last. The other plates of the shell present nothing distinctive. Sternum oblong, elliptic, of six pair, and widely emarginate behind : The anterior or scapular pair small, triangular, with a small tubercular process at the outer angle ; brachial plates truncate, triangular ; abdominal plates largest, and united by lateral processes and an intermediate plate to the fifth, sixth and seventh marginal plates ; femoral plates four-sided, the posterior angle projecting beyond the lateral margins of the caudal pair. Color. Very much like the preceding, both in its general color and the distribution of its markings. Edge of the marginal plates yellow. Sternum of a uniform yellowish color. Head with numerous yellow lines, frequently forming one or more large rounded spots on the sides of the head. Length, 5-0 -7-0. 20 NEW- YORK FAUNA. I have never met with this species in this State, but am assured by Major Le Conte that he has seen it in Lake Erie, from which it is reasonable to suppose that it occurs in this State. The specimen affording the above description, was one sent to the Lyceum by Mr. Schoolcraft, from the Sault St. Marie, several years ago. (EXTRA-LIMITAL.) E.ftoridana. (Holbrook, Vol. 2, p. 47, pi. 8; and Vol. 1, pi. 8 of 2d Ed) Shell gibbous, entire, ecarinate, very large, roughened longitudinally. Brown, with numerous dashes of dusky. Length of shell 15 inches. Florida. E. reticulata. (Holbrook, Vol. 2, pi. 7 ; and Vol. 1, pi. 7 of 2d Ed) Gibbous, ecarinate, entire, rugose longitudinally. Dark brown yellow lines, and a dorsal yellow line ; neck very long ; feet striped with yellow. Length of shell 9 inches. Carolina, Georgia. E. serrata. (Id. Vol. 2, pi. 5; and Vol. 1, pi. 7 of 2d Ed.) Gibbous, carinate, almost round, longi- tudinally rugose. Dusky, virith irregular yellowish lines ; a large yellow spot on the cheek. The five posterior marginal plates deeply serrate behind. Length 12 inches. Virginia, Georgia. E. concinna. (Id. Vol. 1, pi. 19.) Smooth, ecarinate, emarginate behind. Dusky brown, with con- fluent yellow spots and hnes, more or less reticulated ; legs and neck striped with yellow ; a bi- fiurcate stripe on the sides of the head. Length 8 inches. Georgia, Carolina. E. mobilensis. (Id. Vol. 2, pi. 9; and Vol. 1, pi. 9 of 2d Ed.) Large, oval, convex and entire in front, emarginate and sub-serrate behind. Jaws serrate ; inferior writh a hook. Brown, with largely reticulated yellow lines. Shell 15 inches. Alabama. E. oregonensis. (Harlan, Am. Jour. Vol. 31, pi. 31. Holbrook, VoL 1, pi. 16.) Shell ecarinate, oUve, with irregular bright yellow lines margined with black ; anterior marginal plates serrsUed in front. Length 8 inches. Columbia River. E. hieroglyphica. (Holbrook, Vol. 1, pi. 2; pi. 17 of Ed. 2.) Shell ecarinate, smooth, elongate and imperfectly serrate behind. Sternum emarginate behind. Upper jaw slightly notched ; lower with a tooth. Shell dusky, with broad sub-concentric yellow lines. Claws very long. Length 12 inches. Tennessee. E. megacephala. (Id. Vol. 1, pi. 3.) Shell carinate, serrate and acute behind. Sternum oblong, emarginate. Head very large ; jaws entire. Shell dark olive green ; sternum dingy yellow ; head and neck with greenish yellow stripes. Length 8 inches. Tennessee, Ohio. E. troosti (Id. Vol. 1, pi. 4; Vol. 1, pi. 20 of Ed 2.) Shell depressed, ecarinate, shghtly serrate behind. Head long and narrow. Upper jaw notched ; lower jaw with a toothhke process. Shell dark green ; sternum yellow, vidth a large black blotch near the centre of each plate. Length 8 inches. Tennessee. E. cumberlandensis. (Id. Vol. 1, pi. 18.) Head moderate; upper jaw slightly emarginate ; lower with a small hook in front Shell rather rounded, indistinctly carinate, shghtly notched in front, and serrated behind Shell brown, with radiating yellow lines. Length of shell 8 inches. TenMssee. FAMILY CHELONID^. 21 GENUS KINOSTERNON. Spix. Head sub-quadrangular, pyramidal, covered with a single plate. Jaws slightly hooked. Warts at the chin. Marginal plates twenty-three. Sternum subdivided into three sec- tions; the anterior and posterior movable, the central fixed. Plates of the sternum eleven. Supplemental plates very large. Tail moderate or long. THE MUD TORTOISE. KiNOSTERNON PENSYLVANICCM. PLATE II. FIG. 4. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) Tatudo pemylvanica. Edwaeds, Gleanings, pi. 287. Penn. Arct. Zool. Suppl. p. 80. Im Tortue rougeitre. Daud. Vol. 2, p. 182, pi. 24, fig. 1, 2. Ciituda pemylvanica. Say, Ac. Sc. Vol. 4, p. 206. Le Conte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 3, p. 120. Kinoslermm id. Bell, Zoological Journal, Vol. 2, p. 304. Emi/3 id. Harlan, Med. and Phys. Researches, p. 155. Kmostenwn pmsylvimiaim. Holbrook, N. Am. Herpet. Vol. 2, p. 23, pi. 3; and Vol. 1, p. 127, pi. 21 of 2d Ed. Cimstamon. Wagl. Bonap. Chel. Tab. analytica, p. 7. Characteristics. Dusky brown. Shell vaulted. Upper and lower jaw hooked. The penul- timate marginal plate on each side, dilated. Tail with a horny point. Length foxir inches. Description. Shell oval, smooth, elevated behind, flattened above, descending rapidly behind, where it is minutely emarginate ; the surface is covered with numerous obsolete angularly concentric furrows. First vertebral plate triangular, with a truncate apex behind ; the second, third and fourth, hexagonal; the third smallest: all sub-imbricate behind. Lateral plates large, imbricate. Marginal plates elevated above the plane of the lateral plates, and sepa- rated from them by a deep furrow as far as the tenth pair, which, together with the eleventh, is continuous with the plane of the lateral and vertebral plates, and much higher than the others ; the intermediate plate small, linear, dilated beneath. The sternum of eleven plates, somewhat concave, notched behind, with a joint at the pectoral plates, and another joint more or less obvious at the posterior margin of the abdominal plates. Gular plates united into one, triangular. Brachial plates obliquely four-sided ; the thoracic triangular, smaller : both pair united to each other, and attached by a ligamentous hinge to the fixed abdominal pair, which is largest. This last pair connects to the marginal plates by two accessory plates, of which the posterior is largest, subtriangular. The posterior angle of the femoral plates forms a notch with the border of the caudal plates, which are emarginate. All the plates of the sternum with deeply sculptured angular and parallel lines. Head large. Upper and lower jaw with a hooked tooth. Skin of the neck with four series of cutaneous papillae ; two others larger, approximated beneath the chin. Fore feet naked, with two large scaly folds on the upper side, and small scales beneath, with five robust but short claws. A few scattering 22 NEW-YORK FAUNA. tubercles on the under side of the leg. Hind legs with four claws ; the fifth toe distinct, but clawless. Tail short, very robust at base, and terminating in a stout blunt homy point ; the sides of the tail with from four to six series of short tubercular processes, which are hkewise numerous around the vent. Color. Shell olive brown. Sternum yellow or orange and darker, occasionally black in the vicinity of the sutures. Head brownish, with irregular lines, streaks and spots of a lighter color, which also extend to the sides of the neck. Irides dark brown. Feet and tail dusky brown ; beneath lighter. Total length, 6-0. Length of the tail, 0-6. Ditto of the shell, 4-0. Height, 1-8. . New-Jersey has hitherto been considered as the highest eastern limit of this species ; but it is (although sparingly) found in the southern counties of this State, west of the Hudson. I find no mention of it in Storer's Report on the Reptiles of Massachusetts, although it is cited in Hitchcock's Catalogue. It extends to Florida, and I presume through the Western States. It inhabits ditches and muddy ponds, and often takes the hook. It preys on fish and the smaller aquatic reptiles. Like the odoratus, it has a strong musky smell, and it cannot readily be confounded with any known species. GENUS STERNOTH^RUS. Bell. Head sub-quadrangular, pyramidal in front, covered in front with a single plate. Warts on the chin. Twenty-three marginal plates. Sternum cruciform, bivalve, anterior valve only movable. Supplemental plates contiguous, placed on the sterno-costal suture. THE MUSK TORTOISE. StERNOTH^HUS ODOEATnS. PLATE VII. FIG. 13. — (STATE COLLECTION.) Teshulo pensyhanica. Schcepff, Hist. Test. p. 110. T. odoranU. Lat. Hist. Rep. Vol. 1, p. 122. T. odorata. Daddin, Hist. Reptiles, Vol. 2, p. 18D, pi. 24, fig. 3. (Sternum.) CUtuda odorata. Say, Ac. Sc. Nat. Vol. 4, p. 206 and 216. StemothcBrus. Bell, Zool. Jour. p. 209. Kinostenwn odorata. Gray, Synops. apud Griffith, Vol. 9, p. 13. Meerem, Syst, Amphib. p. 27. Le Conte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 3, p. 122. Harlan, Med. and Phys. p. 156. Bon. Oss. p. 169. Chelon. Tab. analyt. Ddm. et Bib. Vol. 2, p. 358. Storee, Ma.s3. Report, p. 210. HotBROOK, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 3, p. 29, pi. 4 ; and Vol. 1, p. 133, pi. 22 of 2d Ed. Characteristics. Very small. Shell gibbous, subcarinate ; first vertebral plate pointed behind. Small, brownish, with darker radiating streaks on a dark oHve green ground. A disagreeable odor. Length 3^ inches. Terrapene id. Tatudo id. Stemotheerus id. Kinostemum id. StaUTOtypus id. Stermtherus id. Stemothartu id. FAMILY CHELONID.E. 23 Description. Shell oblong, narrow in front, broader and more erected behind ; the dorsal outline descends rather more abruptly behind ; slightly carinated on the dorsal ridge. The first vertebral plate triangular, with its truncated axis behind ; the three following hexagonal, the last smaller than the two preceding ; the posterior plate sub-pentagonal, the posterior plates distinctly imbricated. Lateral plates large, the anterior irregularly subquadrate ; the two following higher than broad, pentagonal ; the last smallest, and also pentagonal ; the interme- diate marginal plate smallest, sub-quadrate ; the remainder oblong, the four posterior largest ; all, except the last two, separated from the shell by a groove. Sternum small, narrow, widely emarginate behind, composed of eleven plates, all with concentric angular striae, and minute radiating strias ; the anterior intermediate or united ; gular very small, triangular ; brachial small ; abdominal plates largest, and apparently immovable. Head and neck capable of pro- trusion an inch and a half from the shell. Head very large, pyramidal, four-sided, pointed, and slightly truncate in front. Eyes moderate. Nostrils large, contiguous, and placed at the extremity of the snout. Two short yellow fleshy tentacula under the chin, and two rather larger behind. Skin of the throat and neck granulate. All the feet with acute incurved claws, distinctly webbed ; the place of the fifth claw on the posterior foot supplied by a broad web. The outer and inner margins of the feet furnished with a cuticular membrane, elevated into points. Scaly plates on the anterior surface of the fore feet, and on the under side of the hind feet. Tail very robust at the root, with several series of pointed processes, often with a homy tip. Color. The color and markings of this species not easily detected in the recently caught animal, as it is usually covered with an agglutination of mud and aquatic plants ; when cleansed, the shell appears of an oUve brown or green, obscure, radiating dark stripes on the lateral plates, and similar longitudinal ones on the marginal plates. Sternum reddish brown or flesh-color, with a few indistinct dark blotches. Pupils black ; iris golden. Head black or deep olive green. A yellow line on each side passes from the nostrils over the eye upon the neck ; another somewhat broader, from beneath the nostrils, and meeting in front, passes backward under the eye upon the neck ; a third, shorter, proceeds from near the symphysis of the chin, extending on each side of the lower jaw. Feet and tail reddish brown. Length, 2' 5. Ditto of tail, 0-8. Height, 1-2. These dimensions are from a small specimen ; the ordinary size is three inches : it is the smallest of our tortoises yet discovered. This species is one upon which modern systematists have expended much labor, the result of which may be seen in the list of synonimes. The Musk Tortoise or Mud Turtle, Mud Terrapin or Stink-pot, (with other equally savory popular names,) is to be found in most of our ponds and ditches. It occurs from Maine to Florida, but its western limits are unknown. We know from Kirtland, that it occurs in the northern waters of Ohio. It appears to be an active, vigorous animal, biting with considera- ble vigor when irritated. There appears to be two varieties, of which one is smooth on the shell, while the other is sub-carinate. 24 NEW-YORK FAUNA. GENUS CISTUDA. Fleming. Shell gibbous, stout. Marginal plates twenty-four to twenty-Jive. Sternum oval, with twelve plates, bivalve ; both valves movable on the same axis, and connected together by ligament. Anterior feet with Jive nails ; posterior with four. THE COMMON BOX TORTOISE. CiSTUDA CAROLINA. PLATE 1. FIG. 1. — (STATE COLLECTION.) Teatudo Carolina. L. 12 Ed. p. 352. T. claua. Schcepff, Hist. Test. pi. 7. Checkered Tortoise. Penn. Arct. Zool. Supp. p. 79. T. clausa et virgulala. DiUD. Hist. Rept. Vol. 2, p. 207, pi. 23, fig. 1, 2. Cistuda clausa. Say, Ac. Sc. Vol. 2, p. 205. C. Carolina. Le Conte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 3, p. 124. C clausa. Haklan, Med. & Phys. Res. p. 149. C. caroUna. DuM. & BiBRON, Vol. 2, p. 210. C. id. Stoker, Mass. Rep. Holbbook, Herpet. Vol. 3, p. 9, pi. I ; and Vol. 1, p. 31, pi. 2, of Ed. 2da. C. clausa. Kibtland, Zool. Report of Ohio, p. 188. Characteristics. Shell hemispherical, elevated. Upper jaw hooked. Vertebral plates sub- carinate. Sternum entire behind. Length 5-7 inches. Description. Anterior vertebral plate carinate ; the three middle vertebral plates hexagonal, sub-carinate ; the fifth pentagonal, smallest. First lateral plate quadrilateral ; the second largest. Marginal plates in this speciinen, twenty-four ; this is noticed by Merrem as unusual, but I have seen it in three or four specimens. The anterior marginal plate very small, linear. Sternum smooth, entire behind ; the plates on the anterior lid smallest ; scapular and brachial plates triangular ; the others oblong, sub-quadrate. Posterior valve CQncave, not quite so flexible as the anterior, but sufficiently so as to enclose completely the animal. Fore feet with large and strong scales in front, and smaller ones behind, with short robust claws, of which the two medial were longest. Hind feet also with large scales, and four somewhat longer claws. Head stout, nostrils contiguous with the upper jaw, sometimes emarginate. Neck long. Tail short, conical. Color. Shell with a dark brown ground, upon which are numerous irregular stellated marks and dashes, with occasional confluent blotches. Head, neck and extremities of a light lemon yellow, with irregular black stripes on the summit of the head. Sternum rosaceous, with broad irregular blotches of black. Length of shell, 6-0. Breadth, 4-0. Height, 2-5. FAMILY CHELONID^. 25 This beautiful species, which is designated in this State under the names of Box Tortoise and Land Turtle, and in the west by the name of Lock Tortoise, is a very gentle and timid animal. It varies so much in its colors, that it is difficult to find any two alike. Major Le Conte has a series of drawings, exhibiting many remarkable varieties in color : One was of a uniform black ; and from this to the brilliant colored individual figured in the plate, a regular transition could be traced. He has enumerated five varieties, but they are almost innumerable. In common with many observers, I had considered the angular and concentric striae on the plates as constant characters. I have lately seen (May 1) a specimen, apparently of an adult, measuring six inches, in which the thin corneous laminas covering the plates were gradually dropping oflf, or shed ; leaving the new epidermis completely smooth beneath, with colors of renewed brilliancy, while the old laminae were dull and strongly corrugated. How often does this desquamation occur ? Is it the effect of disease, or is it an annual or periodical process ? In this case, the desquamation was confined to the two middle dorsal, and to two lateral plates on one side, and to three on the other. The sutures between the plates, which had not desquamated, were of that deep character usually supposed to designate old age ; but at the places where the desquamation had occurred, the sutures were as narrow and as little profound as in young individuals. The Box Tortoise is common every where on dry land, although it is also occasionally met with in swamps and moist places. It never takes to the water from choice, and indeed would be drowned if retained there. It is frequently kept in cellars, under the notion that it drives away or destroys rats and other domestic vermin. One which I kept in my cellar, was found in the spring, eaten up by the rats. It feeds on insects, fruit, and the edible mushrooms. Its geographical range appears to be from Canada to Florida. It is rare in Ohio. In this lati- tude, it usually goes into winter quarters in the latter part of September. BLANDING'S BOX TORTOISE. CiSTUDA BLJINDINGII. PLATE I. FIG. 2. Cittuda blandingii. HoLBHOOK, N. Am. Herpetol. Vol. 3, p. 34, pi. 5 ; and Vol. 1. pi. 39, pi, 3 of 2d Ed. Blandmg't Cutuda. Stoker, Massachusetts Report, p. 215. Characteristics. Shell less elevated than the preceding, ecarinate ; margin entire. Sternum emarginate behind. Lower jaw hooked. Length 7-8 inches. Description. Shell smooth, ecarinate. The first vertebral plate pentagonal ; the second and third, hexagonal ; the fourth with seven sides, the last octagonal. Anterior and posterior late- ral plates four-sided, rounded beneath ; the second and third, pentagonal. Marginal plates twenty-five, with an interrupted margin ; the intermediate small ; the first, third, fourth, sixth, eighth, tenth and twelfth plates quadrilateral ; the second, fifth, seventh and ninth, pentago- nal : all are smooth in their centres, with indistinct concentric striae near their borders. Ster- Fauna — Part 3. 4 26 NEW-YORK FAUNA. num bivalve, of twelve plates, full and rounded in front, deeply emarginate behind, and when closed entirely conceal tlie animal. Head moderate. Nostrils anterior, contiguous. Eyes large, prominent. Upper jaw broad, with its cutting edge sharp, and deeply emarginate in" front. Lower jaw with a small hook. Neck long, and slightly contracted behind the head. Fore legs robust, with imbricated scales in front, and smaller ones behind. Toes palmated, with five short curved claws. Hind legs covered with small scales and granulations, and fur- nished with five palmated toes, the posterior clawless. Color. Shell jet black, marked with numerous oblong and round yellow spots. Sternum dusky yellow ; each plate with a large quadrangular dark blotch at its outer posterior angle. Head black, with oblong yellow spots. Lower jaw and chin bright yellow. Throat yellow, but clouded with dusky. Fore legs olive yellow in front ; dusky, vrith yellow spots behind. Hind legs dusky above, and soiled yellowish behind.. Tail black above, with two obscure yellowish lines ; dusky beneath. Length of shell, 7- 0-8-0. This species, which has been hitherto doubtless taken for a mere variety of the C. Carolina, was first accurately described and figured by Dr. Holbrook in the work cited above. It was obtained by him from the prairies of Illinois and Wisconsin, and for some time this was the only locality. More recently it has been detected by Dr. Storer as far north as Haverhill, New-Hampshire, in 44° north latitude. It ranges unquestionably through all the northern and middle States; and hence, although not yet actually observed, must necessarily be included in our list of the Reptiles of New- York. {EXTRALIMITAL.) Genus Testudo, Brongniart. Shell solid. Sternum soUd, immovable. Extremities short, thick and clavate. Toes short, and closely connected as far as the nails. T. Carolina. (Holbrook, Herp. pi. 1.) Shell very convex, depressed above ; the last two marginal plates united,- scapular plates projecting forward in a spade-like process. Tail very short. Length 12 inches. Georgia, Florida. FAMILY EMYSAURIDiE. 37 ORDER II. SAURIA. Body long, cylindrical, covered with scales varying in size, or with small scaly granulations. Extremities four. Tail usually very long, thick at the base. Mouth not capable of dila- tation, armed with teeth. Oviparous, Carnivorous. This order comprises about three hundred species, but as they are for the most part inha- bitants of the torrid zone, we have but twelve living and four fossil species in the United States. The State of New- York has but two living representatives of this order, (EXTRALIMITAL.) FAMILY EMYSAURID^. Body lizard-shaped, large. Body furnished with large bony plates, often carinated, and forming two elevated crests on the tail. Sides of the body with small scales ; beneath square, slender, smooth. Feet palmate. Head large, often elongated. Fluviatile. Carnivorous. This family corresponds with the order Loricata of Merrem and Fitzinger, and Emydosaurus of Blainville. It appears to be a link connecting the Chelonidce virith the order Sauria : it con- tains many extinct species. Genus Alligator, Cuvier. Nostrils separated by a bony partition ; forehead divided by a short pro- minent carina. Four large tubercles on the neck, arranged in rows on each side of the vertebral line. Muzzle elongated, broad and obtuse. Teeth unequal. Feet semipalmated, and without indentation. A. mississippiensis. (Am. Tr. N. S. Vol. 2, p. 216. Holbrook, Vol. 2, pi. 7.) Dark ash brown above ; Ughter beneath. Four carinate plates on the neck, disposed in a square. Genus Crocodilus, Cuvier. Muzzle oblong, depressed. Teeth unequal; the fourth passing into grooves, and not into notches, in the upper jaw. Feet palmated. We have no living representative of this genus in the United States. Dr. Harlan has described and figured, in the Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Vol. 4, p. 15, pi. 1, a fossil species from the greensand of New- Jersey. C. macrorhyncus. Jaw excessively thick. Teeth thick, short and blunt. Genus Gavialis, Cuvier. Head produced into an elongated snout. Teeth subequal, the fourth passing into grooves, and not into holes, in the upper jaw. Hind feet palmated to the end of the toe, and indented at the external edge. Two large holes in the cranium behind the eyes, which may be perceived through the skin. This group has no living representative in the United States. I have described, in the Annals of the Lyceum, Vol. 3, a portion of a fossil species from New- Jersey. «a NEW-YORK FAUNA. G. neocesariensis. (Plate 22, fig. 59.) With from fifteen to eighteen distant, conical teeth. Length 9-10 feet. Genus Mosasaurus, Conybeare. Teeth smooth, with two sharp crests, elevated from the jaw hy an osseous support, pyramidal, slightly recurved, 12 - 15 on each side ahove and helow. This genus was first indicated hy Cuvier, and the name imposed hy Conybeare on a huge fossil aquatic reptile, long known in the books under the name of "the Animal of Maestricht." It was treated by various naturalists as a crocodile, a fish, or as a cetaceous animal. In this country, I am acquainted with but two localities of this fossil genus. Consult Mitchill, N. Y. Ed. of Cuvier's Theory of the Earth; Harlan, Ac. Sc. Vol. 4, p. 235, pi. 14; De Kay, Ann. Lye. "Vol. 3, p. 135. M. major. (Plate 22, figs. 57, 58.) Closely alhed to the typical species. 14-15 feet long. New- Jersey, Alabama. Genus Geosaurus, Cuvier. Teeth resembling the preceding in their system of dentition, but com- pressed, and divided by sharp indistinctly serrated edges into two surfaces, each of which are subdivided into 4-5 facets. This group of large fossil reptiles has also a representative in this country. It is from the greensand of New- Jersey, and fragments of its remains have been described and figured by me, in the Annals of the Lyceum, Vol. 3, p. 138. G. mitchilli. (Plate 22, fig. 59.) Fifteen to twenty feet long. FAMILY IGUANID^. Small. Tongue short and thick. Teeth in the palate. Scales on the abdomen not imbricated. Tail long and slender. Genus Anolius, Cuvier. Head elongated. Jaws and palate with small sharp notched teeth. Tongue soft, fleshy, neither cleft nor extensile. Body with minute scales. Tail cylindrical, very long, verticillate. Skin on the penultimate joints of the fingers and toes extending into an oval disk, transversely striate. A. carolinensis. (Holbrook, Vol. 2, pi. 8.) Head flattened, and covered with minute scales ; nostrils distant from the end of the snout ; a dilatable sac under the throat. Tail nearly twice the length of the body. Length 6-8 inches. FAMILY SCINCWM. All the scales on the body and tail smooth, shining, equal, imbricated. Feet two tofour, and with the toes very short, sometimes rudimentary. Tongue scarcely retractile. No gular pouch. Obs. Of this family, we know at present four living species in the United States, one of which extends to our State, and even farther east. FAMILY SCINCID^. 29 GENUS SCINCUS. Daudin. Head oblong, pointed, covered with plates. Jaws furnished with closely set teeth ; two rows of teeth on the palate. Tongue fleshy, slightly extensible, emarginate. Tympanum appa- rent. Neck as large as the head. Body elongated. Tail conical. Body and tail cmered with small imbricated scales. Extremities with free and nailed claws. THE BLUE-TAILED SKINK. SciNCns PASCIATUS. PLATE VIII. FIG. 17. — (CiBINET OF THE LYCEUM.) Lacertafatciata. LiN. Sjrs. Nat. p. 209. Blue-tailed Lizard. Penn. Arct. Zool. Vol. 2, p. 334. Scincra quinquelineatus ? Daud. Hist. Nat. Rept. Vol. 4, p. 272, and Var. p. 275. Lacerta quinqueUneaia. Green, Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol.1, p. 348. Scinaa id. Harlan, Med. and Phys. Researches, p. 138. S. bicchr? Id. lb. p. 139. Sdncusfatciatvs. HoLBROOK, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 3, p. 45, pi. 7; and Vol. 2, p. 127, pi. 18, of Ed. 2 (Holbrook, ined.) C. doliatus. ' GENUS TROPIDONOTUS. Kuhl. Head oblong ovate, depressed, distinct. Two nasal plates. Eyes moderate ; pupil round. Loral plate single ; anterior orbital plate the same. Scales sub-hexagonal, notched poste- riorly, elongated and strongly carinated. Obs. The animals of this genus possess the power of elevating the ribs, and are thus ena- bled to flatten the body. This enables them to swim well, and hence they are all more or less aquatic. In this State four species have been observed. Fauna — Part 3. 42 iftrW-YORK FAUNA. , THE WATER SNAKE. Tbopidonotds sipedon. PLATE XIV. FIG. 31. — {STATE COLLECTION.) Coluber tipedm. LiK. Syst. p. 379. C.poTcatus? Dahd. Hist. Reptiles, Vol.7, p. 204. Broum Water Snake. Haklan, Med. & Phya. Researches, p. 114. The Water Adder. Storer, Mass. Report, p. 228. Tropidonotus sipedon. Holbrook, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 4, p. 29, pi. 6. Characteristics. Dark brown, or obscurely banded with darker ; beneath white, varied with brown or rufous. Abdominal plates, 130-35 ; caudal, 70 - 75. Scales strongly carinate. Length two to five feet. Description. Body robust. Tail rather abruptly tapering. Scales sub-imbricate, carinate ; those on the three or four series adjacent to the middle of the back, so conspicuously carinated as to exhibit the appearance of deep grooves between them. The tail ends in a consolidated corneous tip, popularly termed a horn. Plate on the head large, the vertical or central pair largest ; labial plates above sixteen, beneath eighteen. Color. This is exceedingly variable, and does not appear to depend on age ; for in very small ones of the same size, the markings are often dissimilar. Usually of uniform dull brown color above, dark mahogany colored sides, and white varied with reddish beneath. In the spe- cimen figured on the plate, which was two feet and a half long, the following was the arrange- ment of the colors : Back dark ash ; on the sides a series of dark chocolate-colored vertical bands, fifty-seven in number, dilated over the back, narrowed on the flanks, and margined yrith blackish, the intervening spaces ash-colored. Beneath, marbled with cinereous and coppery. Chin white ; sides of the jaws whitish ; numerous short, dark, vertical stripes. A black spot in front on the chin. Upper surface of the head uniform, polished, dark brown. Abdominal plates, 140. Total length, 30-0. Caudal ditto, 75. Length of tail, 8"0. All the colubrine snakes take to the water more or less, and move about in it with great ease ; but this species may be said to live in it habitually. It is called indifi"erently the Water Snake or Water Adder, and is erroneously said to be poisonous. It is frequently found in fields which are occasionally overflowed, feeding upon frogs and fishes. One was found to have swallowed a small pike. A correspondent of the Monthly American Journal of Geology asserts that he once saw a water snake lying on a bush over a stream, under which some chubs were swimming ; he watched the snake, and saw it fall or plunge into the water from the bush, and seize a chub. Although of a sullen vicious temper, and with a threaten- ing aspect, it is completely harmless. The Water Snake is found in this and the States adjacent to us on the east. It also occurs in Pennsylvania and Ohio, but I am unacquainted with its southern geographical limits. FAMILY COLUBERIDjE. 43 THE STRIPED SNAKE. TrOPIDONOTUS TEtllA. PLATE XIII. FIG. 27. Vaeiety. — (STATE COLLECTION.) Coluber sirtalis ? LlN. C triple rang''. Lacepede, Vol. 2, p. 131, pi. 4, fig. 2. C. Umia. Die Band SMange. ScHCEPFF, Reise, Vol. 1, p. 496. C. terordmatxisi Latreille, Hist. Reptiles, Vol. 4, p. 70. C. triple rang. Daudin, Vol.7, p. 151. La Cotdemre sirlale. Dacd. Hist. Reptiles, Vol. 7, p. 146. C. sirtalis. Harlan, Med. and Phys. Researches, p. 116. Stoeee, Mass. Report, p. 221. Tnpidmotiu tirtalit. HoLBROOE, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 4, p. 41, pi. 11. KirtlAnd, Ohio, p. 188. Characteristics. Body robust ; tail short, suddenly tapering, one-sixth of the total length. Greenish brown, with three light-colored stripes along the body. Length 2-4 feet. Description. Body stout, covered with oblong strongly carinate scales, with the exception of a series of what may be termed accessory abdominal plates along the flanks ; these, how- ever, under the lens, show a slight carination. Head pyramidal, flattened above, with four series of plates behind the rostral plate, the posterior or occipital largest. Rostral plate rather more upturned than in the following species. Fifteen labial, including the rostral plate, above, and twenty-one beneath. The intermediate plates between the second pair of gular plates, narrow, subequal. Numerous minute recurved teeth, in the jaws and palate. Tail short, rapidly attenuated to the tip ; often calcarate, or with a horny tip. Color. Above darkish brown, and in some lights an olive green.* Three greenish yellow stripes along the whole length of the body ; one on the centre of the body, and one along each side. The dorsal stripe commences a short distance behind the occipital plates. The lateral stripes, after passing the vent, become confounded with the general color of the tail. A row of obsolete black spots (in spirits usually very manifest) on each side of the dorsal stripes, and a similar series on the upper margin of the lateral stripes. These spots are fre- quently alternate, occasionally confluent. Beneath, neck yellowish white ; abdomen and tail greenish yellow, with occasionally irregular black spots on the upper edges of the abdominal plates ; these are sometimes effaced, and their places supplied by a cloud of brownish : this is, however, rare. In the young the stripes are greenish (blue in spirits), the dark dorsal * It is rare to find, among the ophidian reptiles, any two of exactly the same shade of color, even when alive ; this appearing to depend upon the latitude, season, and plentiful or scanty supply of food. In cabinet specimens, these discrepancies are still greater; and colors, which in the living subject are scarcely apparent, become very conspicuous after having been immersed in liquors of different strength and qualities. A good guide is much wanted to exhibit the changes which certain colors undergo after immersion in spirits. It has been ascertained that the brilliant green of reptiles changes to dull blue ; yellow changes to white ; the black, brown and metallic colors remain unaltered ; red becomes brownish, or is finally obliterated. It may not be unimportant to add, that by exposing a reptile which has been for some time in spirits, for a short time to the rays of the sun, we may, by the reflected light, form some judgment of the original markings. 44 NEW- YORK FAUNA. spots more obvious, and the two large black ovate spots behind the occipital plates ; the tail more slender than in the adult, but its relative proportions are the same. We reduce all the various appearances presented by different individuals observed in this State, to the following varieties, but doubtless many others may be observed : Var. a. Reddish above ; spotted between the scales with dusky ; the dorsal stripe bright red, the lateral ones yellowish. Var. b. Light-colored above, with a row of dark spots in place of dorsal and lateral stripes. We suppose this may have been possibly intended for the triple rang of Lacepede, cited above. Var. c. The dorsal stripe alone visible, with two series of alternate black spots on each side. It is this variety which we have selected, as it has often been confounded with another species not found in these latitudes. Var. d. The whole under surface of a deep mahogany color. Abdominal plates, . . 145-155. Length, 42'0. Caudal plates, 55- 65. Ditto of tail, I'O. The short linnean description of C. sirtalis, from a specimen furnished by Kalm, may pos- sibly have been intended for this species ; but the characters are too insufficient and too in- accurate to authorize the adoption of that name. On the authority of my lamented friend, the late Mr. Say, (in letters to me,) I had been disposed to refer the species under consideration to the ordinatus. Linneus, however, had evidently some small southern species in view ; and this is evident from his reference to the 52d plate of Catesby, which is entirely inapplicable to our species. The accompanying text of Catesby, throws no light on the subject : " Green spotted plate ; these grow to four times " the bigness of the figure. I would wiUingly avoid mistakes by describing the same serpent " twice, and multiplying this kind to more than there are ; and I am diffident in determinating " whether this be a different species from the spotted ribbon snake (pi. 51), which somewhat " resembles it, though of a different color." It is remarkable that Linneus no where cites this plate 51, which Catesby accompanies with the following text : "A slender snake ; the " upper part brown, spotted with black ; belly white ; on the ridge of the back, extends a list " (band) of white the whole length of it." In the Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles (Edition de Levrault), the sirtalis is arranged among the species which are too little known to merit transcribing, or which have been con- founded with others, and the ordinatus is passed over in silence. We leave it to our southern naturalists to determine what species was intended by ordinatus, or whether that and sirtalis should not be expunged from the systems.* * Since writing tlie above, I perceive that the troe ordinatus ha« been re^diacovered by Dr. Holbrook. FAMILY COLUBERID^. 45 The first positive notice which I have been enabled to find of this species, is contained in the Travels of Schoepff.* The foUow^ing extract indicates plainly enough this species : " Die " Band Schlange, Garter Snake, Coluber tcenia. (Scut, abdom. 145 - 148 ; squam. sub- " caud. 60 - 65.) About three to three and a half feet long ; the blackish brown back has " three handsome pale yellow (blatzgelbe) narrow stripes running straight from the head to the " tail, by which these serpents are readily recognized." The Striped Snake is of a robust clumsy make, and is comparatively sluggish in its move- ments. It is known under various popular names, such as Green Garter-snake, Slow Garter, Swamp Garter, Water Garter, Striped Adder, <^c. It feeds on frogs, toads, and the smaller quadrupeds. It takes the water readily in pursuit of its prey, and chiefly affects low marshy places. When irritated without the means of escape, it elevates its scales in such a manner as to give the whole body a peculiarly roughened appearance ; and under such circumstances, will bite, and leave a troublesome though not dangerous wound. In Ohio, according to Kirt- land, its numbers are rapidly decreasing ; as it is eaten by hawks, owls, hogs, and in some instances by fowls, ducks and turkeys. It is our most common species, and I have even noticed it in the northern parts of the State at an elevation of two thousand feet above the tide water. It extends to Canada. It is fre- quently found in great numbers, and sometimes in company with rattlesnakes, under peat moss, at a sufiicient depth to protect them from frost. In the neighborhood of New-York, they retire about the beginning of October, and reappear about the last of May, although their times of appearance and retreat vary very much with the nature of the season. THE YELLOW-BELLIED SNAKE. Tbofidonotus leberis. PLATE XI. FIG. S3. Cohtber leberis. Kalh, Travelg in the U. S. LiNNEUs, Syst. Nat. Vipera id.? Daddin, Hist. Reptiles, Vol.6, p. 218. C. leptemvittatus. Say, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 4, p. 240. Harlan, Med. & Phys. Res. p. 118. Tropidonotus leberis. HoLBKOOK, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 4, p. 49, pi. 13. Characteristics. Olive brown, with three black lines ; beneath yellow, with four distant lon- gitudinal series of quadrate spots. Length two to three feet. Description. Head small, rounded in front. Vertical plate pentagonal, broadest in front ; frontal plates hexagonal, descending on the sides of the head so as to join the loral plate. Rostral plate six-sided ; occipital pentagonal, smaller, notched behind. Nasal plates two, quadrilateral, subequal. Nostrils lateral, near the snout. Neck contracted, covered with ♦ Schoepff came out to this country as surgeon to a band of German mercenaries employed by England during the Revolution- ary war. He is favorably known by his various papers in the Transactions of the Berlin Natural History Society, on the Fishes of New-York; and by his Historia Testudinum, and a work on the Mineralogy of North America. 46 NEW- YORK FAUNA. small carinate scales. Body above with hexagonal strongly carinate scales, slightly notched behind. Tail long and slender. Color. Head above olive-brown ; lips yellowish. Body above olive-brown, with three lon- gitudinal dusky lines ; beneath with four parallel dusky longitudinal lines. Abdominal plates, - 143. Subcaudal, . 70. Length, 25-0 -36-0. I have never seen this serpent in the State of New- York ; but Dr. Holbrook, whose descrip- tion I have availed myself of, has observed it not only in this State, but in New-Jersey, Penn- sylvania, Ohio and Michigan. Little is knovra of its habits. It is said to affect water and moist places. THE SMALL BROWN SNAKE. Tropidonotus dekayi. PLATE XIV. FIG. 30. -►(STATK COLLECTION.) Coluber dekayi. Holbrook, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 4, p. 53, pi. 14. Characteristics. Reddish brown ; a lighter colored dorsal stripe, with a double row of small blackish spots. Length 12-15 inches. Description. Head somewhat elongated, slightly larger than the neck. Body slender, covered with small hexagonal scales, and an accessory row near the abdominal plates much larger. Supra-orbital plates elongated, projecting. Nasal plates two, quadrate, subequal. Frontal plates broad and pentagonal, shortest on their lower margins. Anterior orbital plate single and large ; posterior two, subequal. Upper labial plates fifteen ; lower, thirteen. Anal plate frequently divided. Color. Reddish brovra, with a darker spot beneath the eye, and another at the angle of the mouth ; with two oblong blackish spots on the sides of the occiput. A pale yellowish grey longitudinal stripe extends from the head nearly to the extremity of the tail ; on each side of this stripe is a double row of small blackish spots, alternating with each other. Beneath dull yellowish tinged with green, with numerous minute black dots approaching a regular series. Abdominal plates, 125-135. Subcaudal, 35- 45. Total length, 10-5- 15-5. I observed this species many years since, and was for some time disposed to consider it as the young of T. tcenia. Recently my friend Dr. Holbrook has examined it, and determined it to be a new species. All the specimens which I have seen, were either in or near the water. For the specimen figured in the plate, I am indebted to John Crumby, Esq., a zealous sports- FAMILY COLUBERIDiE. 47 man and acute observer, who captured it as it was swimming across a large bay on the northern coast of Long Island. It has been noticed in Massachusetts, Michigan and Louisiana. {EXTRA-LIMITAL.) T. ordinatus. (Holbrook, Vol. 4, pi. 12.) Five series of small, alternate, subquadrate, dark spots on the sides. Scales carinate. Abdominal plates, 143 ; caudal, 66. Length 2 - 3 feet. Mary- land and South. T. erythrogaster. (Id. Vol. 4, pi. 7.) Brick-dust color, tinged with green at the sides; beneath copper- colored. Abdominal plates, 147; caudal, 60. Length 3 - 4 feet. Carolina. T. niger. (Id. Vol. 4, pi. 9.) Elongated. Dusky brown, almost black; throat and neck milky white; beneath, slate. Abdominal plates, 143; caudal, 64. Length 2-3 feet. Found in Massa- chusetts and Maine, and probably in New- York. T. rigidus. (Id. Vol.4, pi. 10.) Brovra; beneath brownish yellow. Two contiguous series of oblong dark spots on the centre of the abdomen. Abdominal plates, 133 ; caudal, 51. Pennsylvania. T. fasciatus. (Id. Vol. 4, pi. 5.) Carinate. Body robust ; brownish above, with about thirty oblong red marks on the flanks. Abdominal plates, 140; caudal, 42. Length 2^ feet. Carolina, Loui- siana. T. taxispilotus. (Id. Vol. 4, pi. 8.) Carinate. Body robust; above light chocolate, with a triple series of subquadrate and oblong black spots. Abdominal plates, 144; Caudal, 79. Length three feet South Carolina, Georgia. GENUS LEPTOPHIS. Bell. Head much elongated, suboval, narrow, covered with plates as in Coluber. Loral plate sin- gle ; one anterior and two posterior orbital plates. Body long and very slender, covered with sub-hexagonal carinate scales. Tail very long. Obs. Hitherto, but two species have been observed in the United States. They are remarkable for their extreme activity. THE RIBBON SNAKE. Leftofhis saurita. plate xi. fig. 24. — (state collection.) Coluber lavrita. Lm. Gmel. Catesby, Vol. 2, p. 50. pi. 50. Le Saurite. Lacepede, Hist. Nat. de« Serpens, Vol. 2, p. 101. Daudin, Vol. 7, p. 104, pi. 81, fig. 2. Angvis eryx. Williams, Nat. Hist. Vermont. A. saurita. Harlan, Med. and Phys. Res. p. 115. The Riband Snake, Stoker, Mass. Rep. p. 229. Holbrook^ N. A. Herpetology, Vol. 4, p. 21, pi. 4; and Vol. 4, p. 21, pi. 4, of 2d Ed. Characteristics. Body slender. Tail filiform, nearly half the length of the body. Chocolate- brown, with three yellowish stripes. Length one to two feet. 48 ' NEW-YORK FAUNA. Description. Body exceedingly slender, rarely exceeding half an inch in diameter ; covered with small oblong hexagonal carinate scales. Head small, slightly larger than the neck. Plates on the head, 2.2.3.2, smooth. Labial plates above, fifteen; twenty-one beneath. The intermediate plates between the second gular pair, unequal ; the posterior broad, and largest. Vertical plate narrower than in the preceding species. Eyes prominent, conspicuous. Color. Above chesnut brown or bay, with three narrow bright-yellowish or white longitu- dinal stripes ; the central or dorsal stripe extending to the posterior plates of the head, and the lateral ones passing under the orbits, and dilated into the white of the lower jaw. Beneath dull white, immaculate, verging to greenish under the tail. Lateral portions of the abdominal plates dull chesnut ; lower half, as far as the fifth orbital, 'and the inferior post-orbital plates, white. There are two varieties which seem to merit description : Var. a. Small black and distinct dots on each side of the dorsal stripe, and along the upper margin of the lateral stripes. Var. h. The black dots on each side of the dorsal stripe confluent, and forming a black border. Abdominal plates,.. 155-165. Length, 12-0-24-0. Caudal plates, 110-120. Ditto of tail, 4-0- 6-0. This delicate and graceful little snake is far less common than the preceding. It is more exclusively a southern species, although found sparingly in Massachusetts, and possibly as far east as Vermont. We are indebted to Linneus for the first authentic account of this snake, under the name of saurita. This name indicates its resemblance to a striped lizard ; for as the observer views it gliding rapidly among the herbage, he is in doubt whether it is a serpent or a lizard. The characters assigned by Linneus are, however, inaccurate ; partly owing to his having trusted to the execrable figure of Catesby, or to altered specimens. " Scutellis 21 " is obviously a misprint, which is corrected in the twelfth edition. " Virescens lineis tribus virescentibus," could only have been derived from cabinet specimens, or from a badly colored plate of Catesby. Catesby's notice itself is very meagre, and scarcely accurate : " Short Ribbon Snake. Slender, " not much bigger than the figure. Upper part of the body dark brown, with three parallel " white lines extending the whole length of the body ; belly white." The Ribbon Snake, or as it is frequently called in this State, the Little Garter Snake, is an exceedingly nirtible animal. It climbs trees, and feeds on toads, frogs, and even the larger insects. It is a gentle animal. It has been confounded with the C. richardii, Bory (An. Sc. Nat. Vol. 1 , p. 408, pi. 24), but is very distinct. In Ohio, according to Kirtland, it seeks the most retired woods for its residence. (EXTRA-LIMITAL.) L. cestivus. (Holbrook, Vol. 4, pi. 3.) Carinate. Green above, yellowish white beneath. Abdo- minal plates 160; caudal 140. Length two feet Delaware, Maryland, Louisiana. FAMILY COLUBERID^. GENUS CALAMARIA. Bote, Wagler. Head small. Two frontal plates descending to form part of the orbit. One antenor and one posterior orbital plate ; no loral plate. THE RED SNAKE. Calimaru amcena. Cobtber amoKus. Say, Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol.4, p. 237 C. id. Haslan, Med.and Phys. Res.p. 118. Zacholut id. Wagleb. The Red Smie. Stoeer, Mass. Rep. p. 226. Calamaria amama. HoLBEoaK, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol.4, pi. 27. Characteristics. Small. Reddish brown ; beneath red. Scales smooth. Tail short, abrupt. Length 6-12 inches. Description. Body small, 'cyUndrical, with smooth polished elongated obscurely pentagonal scales. Tail about one-seventh of the total length, abruptly attenuated to a sohd corneous tip. Head small, obtusely rounded ; terminal plate curving slightly on the top of the head, so as to be nearly horizontal above. The first pair of plates short, broader than long ; second pair rather large, oblique, the posterior outer angle reaching the eyes. Vertical plate convex, rounded, sub-triangular, wide before, and angulated on the anterior middle ; the posterior angle acute. Posterior plates a little convex, with a single scale between their tips. Eyes with one scale behind ; one before, twice as long as the posterior one ; small plate above the eye, less than half the length of the central plate. Teeth very minute. Color. Reddish brown or dark slate above ; beneath bright red, or rosaceous. Abdominal plates 125-135. Length, 5-0-10-0. Caudal plates, 25- 35. Tail, I'O- 2-0. This is a beautiful little serpent, found under stones and logs. I have not met with it, but have taken Say's description. Its present geographical limits extend from New-Hampshire to Pennsylvania. {EXTRA-LIMITAL.) C. elapsoidea. (Holbrook, "Vol. 4, pi. 28.) Small. Body scarlet, with 18 - 20 white rings, broadly bordered on each side with black. Abdominal plates, 170 ; caudal, 38. Length 12-0. CaroliTM, Georgia. C. striatula. (Id. Vol. 4, pi. 29.) Fauna — Part 3. 7 50 NEW-YORK FAUNA. , Qenm Psammophis, Holbrook. Plates of the head as in Coluber. Body excessively long and slender. Scales over the tail, not imbricated. Obs. Under this name, Dr. Holbrook proposes to arrange a group of serpents characterized by various peculiarities. P.flagelliformis. (Holbrook, Vol. 1, pi. 19, Ed. prima; Vol. 4, pi. 2, Ed. secunda.) Supra-orbital plate projecting over the eye. Body long and slender ; the anterior part deep black, both above and below ; the middle varied with brown and white. Tail one-fourth of the length. Abdominal plates, 203 ; caudal, 109. South Carolina, Florida. Genus'HELicops, Wagler. Head depressed, smaller than the neck. Loral plate wanting ; two poste- rior, and one anterior orbital plate. Mouth inferior, ascending at the angle ; posterior tooth on each side longest. Body elongated, robust, with smooth scales. H. erythrogrammus. (Holbrook, Vol. 4, pi. 25.) Smooth. Bluish black, with three longitudinal red lines and a series of bluish black spots on each side of the abdomen. Abdominal plates, 178; caudal, 39. Length three and a half feet. Carolina. H. abacurus. (Id. Vol. 4, pi. 26.) Smooth. Bluish black above; flanks with transverse bright red bands. Beneath red, with somewhat regularly arranged black spots. Abdominal plates, 195 ; caudal, 34. Length four feet. Carolina, Louisiana. Genus Rhinostoha, Wagler, partim. Posterior maxillary tooth long, cylindrical, pointed, fixed. Head not as large as the body. Rostral plate not carinate, but sub-acuminate. R. coccinea. (Holbrook, Vol. 4, pi. 30.) Scarlet, with jet black rings in pairs, not surrounding the body ; the black rings separated by yellowish white spaces. Length 2-3 feet. Carolina, Georgia. Genus Pituophis, Holbrook. Head elongated, oval, four-sided; the snout prolonged. Frontal plates four, in a transverse row. Rostral plate an isosceles triangle ; basis rounded and prolonged ; apex pointed, and received between the anterior frontal plates. Two anterior and three posterior orbital plates. Teeth rather larger in front. Scales strongly carinated. P. melanoleucus. (Holbrook, Vol. 4, pi. 1.) White, with sub-rotund black or dusky blotches. Abdo- men pale cream, with a series of subquadrate black blotches. Abdominal scales, 216 ; subcaudal, 60, bifid. Length 6-7 feet. Jersey to Florida. Will probably be found in this State. FAMILY COLUBERIDjE. 51 GENUS HETERODON. Pal. de Beauvois. Teeth unequal ; the posterior maxillary teeth largest. Head triangular, pointed. Rostral plate pyramidal, triangular, ridged above, and pointed at the tip. THE HOG-NOSED SNAKE. Heterodon platyrhinos. PLATE Xlll. FIG. 28, i. Platss or thk head. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) Heterodon a large nez. Latrsille, Hist. Kept. Vol. 4, p. 32. Heterodon. Dauo. Vol. 7, p. 153. Coluber heterodon. Say, Am. Jour. Vol. 1, p. 261. Harlan, Med. and Phys. Res. p. 120. Heterodon platyrhinot. HoLBROOK, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 2, p. 97, pi. 21. H. id. Storee, Mas<. Rep. p. 231. Troost, Ann. Lye. Vol.3, p. 183. Characteristics. Greyish tinged with yellowish, and a triple series of blackish blotches. Dorsal series largest, bordered with black ; lateral series smaller, and irregularly rounded. A dark band through the eyes. Length two feet. Description. Body robust, and covered with oval-oblong carinate scales ; the two or three series next to the abdominal plates, smooth. The body tapers rather suddenly from the vent. Tail short, one-sixth of the total length, ending in an acute tip. Ventral scale divided. Head large, triangular, flattened above, with a pointed snout. Teeth in the posterior part of the jaw long, hollow, not perforated, and four in number. The plates cover but a small portion of the head. Central plate irregularly six-sided, the lateral margins being longest, and the anterior meeting at an obtuse angle ; supra-orbital oblong, broadest behind, and projecting over the eye. Around the eye are arranged ten small orbital plates ; besides these, there are two pair of anterior nasal plates, of which the superior are largest, the lower plate being behind the posterior nasal plate, and furrowed in its centre. Nasal plates two on each side ; the anterior lunated behind, the posterior excavated in front to complete the nostril. Occipital plates triangular, with the apices truncated at their junction with the vertical plate. Frontal plate uniting laterally with the anterior and posterior nasal plates ; between the frontal plates is a long narrow azygous plate, ridged above, and uniting in a sub-imbricate manner on nearly the centre of this plate with the rostral plate. Rostral plate triangular, upturned in front, with a strong carina on its upper surface, and excavated beneath. Labial plates above eight on each side of the lower jaw ; nineteen in all. Nostrils large, lateral, and near the rostrum. Eyes large, prominent. Head in repose not much larger than the neck ; but when irritated, it distends to twice its usual breadth, the summit becoming flattened. Color. Brassy yellow above, with three series of irregular subquadrate or rounded deep chesnut, blackish or ash grey blotches, occasionally united on the posterior part of the body and tail, forming rings ; the series on the sides much smaller, and alternating with the larger ones. Summit of the head dark rufous, with irregular blotches and dots of dark brown. A 52 NEW-YORK FAUNA. black dash extends obliquely backwards from the eye to the angle of the jaws. A rounded black spot behind the occiput. Beneath dusky yellowish, or dull whitish. Young, of a uniform light ashen grey, with the lateral series of spots black, subquadrate, and united with each other across the back by dark-colored bands, with intervening lighter' ones. Beneath greenish grey, varied with dusky. A short rufous transverse band in front of the eyes. Over the eyes, a rufous band ; becomes dilated on the sides of the neck. Abdominal plates, . 1 30 - 142. Length, 1 2 • 0 - 25 • 0. Caudal plates, 42- 48. Tail, 2-5- 4*0. This well known species has a venomous aspect, particularly when irritated, but is entirely harmless. In this State, it has various popular names : Blauser, by the early Dutch settlers, from its habit of distending or blowing up the skin of its head and neck ; this property I have noticed in very young individuals which I have kept for some time. It is also called Deaf Adder, Spreading Adder, Hog-nose and Buckwheat-nose ; the latter from some fancied resemblance between that grain and its rostral plate. It is found frequently in dry sandy soils ; but I have observed them also in low and wet meadows, apparently in pursuit of frogs, etc. It is rather common in the southern parts of this State. It has been noticed in New- Hampshire and Massachusetts. It occurs in Michigan, Tennessee, and throughout the Western States. Southward it extends to Florida. (EXTRALIMITAL.) H. simus. (HoLBRooK, Vol. 4, pi. 15.) Azygous plate between the frontal, surrounded by 6 - 8 smaller plates. Grey, with a vertebral series of subquadrate or rounded black spots on transverse bars; tail fawn-colored. Abdominal plates, 132; caudal, 39. Length 12-13 inches. Caro- linas, Georgia. H. niger. (Id. 'Vol.4, pi. 16.) Entirely black; beneath greyish, Body thick and clumsy. Abdo- minal plates, 135 - 145; caudal, 50 - 55. Length three feet. Tennessee, Georgia. H. annulatus. (Troost, Ann. Lye. Vol. 3, p. 188.) Slender. Body surrounded with black and yellow rings. Beneath yellowish white. Length 29 inches. Tennessee. H. tigrinus. (Id. lb. p. 189.) Smaller than preceding. Varied with black and ashen grey. A black horseshoe band runs through the eyes to the angle of each jaw. Length 16 inches. An jur? Tennessee, Obs. Dr. Holbrook considers the two last as varieties of H. platyrhinos. FAMILY CROTALID^, 53 FAMILY CROTALIDJE. With poisonous movable fangs m the upper jaw ; no other teeth in the upper jaw. A pit or fossa between the eye and nostril. Terrestrial. Obs. In this State we have but two venomous serpents belonging to this family; and neither of them, except in the unsettled districts, are numerous. ^' M^ GENUS TRIGONOCEPHALUS. Oppel. Head large, triangular ; covered with plates in front and on the vertex to behind the orbits, and beyond this with scales. A deep fosset between the eyes and nostrils. Body robust. Tail with plates, simple, unarmed ; its plates occasionally divided. THE COPPER-HEAD. Trigonocephalub contortrix. PLATE IX. FIG. 18, A. Summit or the head. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) Bm anUortrix. Lin. Syst. N»t. 12 Ed. p. 373. Angkittrodm mokesm. Pal. de Beau v. Am. Transact. Vol 4, p. 381. Cmchrit contortrix. Dadd. Hist. Reptiles, Vol. 5, p. 358, pi. 50, fig. 25. (Head.) SeytaU cupreus. Harl. Med. and Phys. Res. p. 120. TrigonocephtdvLt contortrix. HoLBROOK, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 2, p. 69, pi. 14, Ed. prima ; Vol. 3, p. 39, pi. 8, Ed. secunda. Characteristics. Copper-colored. Reddish brown blotches over the back, dilated on the sides. Series of irregular rounded black blotches on each side of the abdominal plates. Length two to three feet. Description. Body robust and thick, and covered with oblong hexagonal carinate scales ; those on the flanks larger and smooth. The posterior part of the head covered with smooth oval scales, which become carinate on the neck. Head large and very distinct from the neck, (in the plate, the head is represented disproportionately small,) and flattened above. Rostral plate emarginate beneath ; the two pair of frontal plates four-sided, the posterior pair largest ; supra-orbital plate oblong, obscurely triangular, prominent over the eyes ; vertical plate sub- pentagonal, with an acute process directed backwards, and separating the occipital pair. Rostral plate large, triangular. The fosset or pit lies between the second labial and one of the anterior orbitals. Mouth very large, with long yellowish white venomous fangs in the upper jaw. Abdomen vride and flat. Tail short, one-eighth of the total length, tapering rather suddenly, and ending in a solid homy tip : the caudal plates irregularly bifid ; and this division occurs either at the commencement, middle, or more rarely near the end- of the tail. Ventral plate wide, subquadrate. 54 NEW-YORK FAUNA. Colm: Above copper-brown, which is much brighter on the sides. Across the bick are about sixteen reddish brown bands, bordered with dusky, and becoming irregularly dilated on the flanks. These bands or blotches may be traced also over the tail, which is dusky towards the tip ; between these bands, are irregularly interspersed rounded spots of the same color. Beneath, the abdominal plates pale cupreous, with a series of about thirty-five large, rounded or subquadrate dusky blotches on each side, and alternating with each other. They become irregular, and more numerous towards the tail ; occasionally a few dusky spots are interposed between these series, on the centre of the abdominal plates. Head somewhat brighter colored than the upper part of the body. Abdominal plates, . . 145 - 155. Total length, 25 • 0 - 36 • 0. Caudal ditto, 35- 45. Ditto of tail, 3-5- 4-5. The Copper-head is a vicious reptile, and its bite is justly dreaded. Its poison is considered as deadly as that of a rattlesnake ; and an instance is recorded, where a horse, struck by one of these reptiles, died in a few hours. It has various popular names in different districts ; the most common of these are, in this State, Copper-head, Red Adder and Dumb Rattle- snake. In other districts, it is called Copper-belly, Red Viper, Deaf Adder and Chunk- head. Its motions are sluggish ; and when approached, it assumes a threatening aspect, raising its head and throwing out its tongue. It chiefly occurs in pastures and low meadow grounds, feeding on field mice, frogs, and the smaller disabled birds. Many vegetable antidotes have been proposed against the venomous bite of this and the rattlesnake, but they all seem to depend mainly upon their being infused in large quantities of fluid. Nothing is more effectual than scarifying extensively, and cupping the wound. When the parts cannot be reached, after the application of a ligature, sucking the wound, if long continued, is commonly suffi- cient, together with copious draughts of oil, milk, or even warm water. Arsenic is said to have been used with great success. In a paper in the Medico-chirurgical Transactions, this remedy, combined with cathartic clysters, and frictions of oil of turpentine and spirits of ammonia on the wound, is said to have cured four very bad cases arising from the bite of a serpent. The arsenic was given in this form : Two drachms of Fowler's solution, with ten drops of laudanum and half an ounce of lime juice, in peppermint, formed a dose taken every half hour. From six to eight doses of the solution was found to be sufficient. The debility which ensued was counteracted by continuing the remedies in gradually diminished doses. The Prenanthes serpentaria or lion's-foot, the Alisma plantago or water plantain, and the Hieraceum venenosum or hawk-weed, have each had their vogue as remedies against this poison, but they can scarcely be depended on without the aid of the other remedies sug- gested above. An interesting series of experiments on the poison of the rattlesnake will be found in the Medical and Physical Researches of Dr. Harlan, to which we refer our reader. Although the Copper-head is found in the western district of the State, yet I noticed them most numerous in the meadows of Columbia and Dutchess counties. Its geographical range extends from 45° north latitude to Florida. It does not seem to occur abundantly east of this FAMILY CROTAUDiE. 55 State ; for I do not see it mentioned eitlier in Hitchcock's Catalogue, or in the Report of Dr. Storer on the Reptiles of Massachusetts. Dr. Holbrook, however, has seen it in the neigh- borhood of Northampton, Massachusetts, and has received specimens from Vermont. It occurs in Ohio. {EXTRALIMITAL.) T. piscivoTus. (Holbrook, Herpet. Vol. 3, pi. 7, of 2d Ed.) Dusky greenish brown tinged with yellow, with irregidar black bands. Abdominal plates, 130; caudal, 40. Length one to two feet. Toxicophis leucostomus of Troost. North-Carolina, Louisiana. T. atrofuscus. (Id. Vol. 3, pi. 9.) Scales smooth on the neck. Caudal plates: 25 subcaudal plates at the base, and 18 pairs of scales at the apex; black, varied with brown. Head black, bordered with grey; upper lip white. Abdominal plates, 133. Length two feet. Tennessee. GENUS CROTALUS. Linneus. Head large, triangular, rounded in front, and covered with plates only on its anterior part ; vertex and occiput with scales. A deep pit or fosset between the eye and nostril. Upper jaw with poison fangs. Tail short and thick, ending in a rattle, which is a horny produc- tion of the epidermis. Caudal plates undivided. Obs. This genus is pecuhar to America. THE NORTHERN RATTLESNAKE. CrOTALUS DURI8SC8. PLATE IX. FIG. 19. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) Cnlaba dttrisms. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 372. Hablan, Med. and Phys. p. 132. C. cmfiuentis? Say, Long's Expedition, Vol. 1, p. 48. CnuUut dxirumu. Holbeook, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 2, p. 81, pi. 17; and Vol. 3, p. 9. pi. 1, Ed. 2da, / The Banded Rattlesnake. Storer, Mass. Report, p. 233. Kirtlard, Zoology of Ohio, p. 188. Characteristics. Reddish brown or chesnut to black, with irregular rhomboidal black blotches. Abdominal plates, 173 ; caudal, 25. Length three feet. Description. Body robust, and covered with elongate rhomboidal scales, distinctly carinate above, but less obviously so on the sides, although these latter are larger. Head large, trian- gular, obtusely pointed, flattened above. Rostral plate large, truncate above, triangular, with a quadrangular plate on each side ; posterior to these a smaller plate, and in the suture between them are placed the nostrils. The superior orbital plates project strongly over the eye. A deep fosset or pit midway between the eye and nostrils, but on a lower plane. Throat with two very large plates. Neck small. Tail short, less than one-eighth of the total length. 56 NEW-YORK FAUNA. Rattles varying in number, in general varying from five to twelve.* The rattle, as it is called, is composed of several horny enlargements loosely attached to each other, and resounding against each other when shaken. Color. Usually yellowish brown, and occasionally bright chesnut red. I have seen some individuals in this State, of nearly a uniform brownish black. On the upper part of the head and neck, it is frequently of a lighter color, margined on each side with dusky. A series of black rhomboidal blotches, disposed in an angular form, extends along the back and over the sides ; often a distinct reddish vertebral line. Caudal portion uniform dusky, and occasionally deep black. Beneath dull yellowish, with glossy reflections, and minutely and irregularly dotted and blotched with brownish black. Abdominal plates, 170-177. Totallength, 36-0 -48-0. Caudal plates, 20- 25. Length of tail, 2-5- 3*5. As this species is found farther north than any other of the genus, I have ventured to desig- nate it by the name of the Northern Rattlesnake, although it is found as far south as the Gulf of Mexico, and throughout the Western States, and to the base of the Rocky Moun- tains. Although furnished with such deadly weapons, the rattlesnake can scarcely be termed a vicious animal ; for he rarely strikes, unless almost trodden upon. When suddenly dis- turbed, he throws himself into a coil, and warns the aggressor by rapidly vibrating his rattles ; these can scarcely be heard beyond the distance of a few yards.t This is most usually the case, but they occasionally strike without the slightest warning. Some years since, I was at an Indian settlement in the western part of the State, when, as we passed through a thick under- growth of bushes, one of the Indians was struck in this sudden manner ; but as his legs were enveloped in thick leggings, the stroke was harmless. The other Indians immediately hunted down and killed the reptile. They assured me, that whenever a rattlesnake sprung his rattle, it was a sign that he himself was alarmed, and that in ^uch cases they invariably spared his life. It is a popular but erroneous belief, that a rattle is added each year. This is contro- verted by Dr. Holbrook, who has known two rattles added in one year, and Dr. Bachman has observed four produced in the same period. The upper jaw is furnished with long curved acute and hollowed fangs, which are replaced by others in the rear when broken off. A poison bag, which occupies the whole length of the jaw beneath the skin, communicates with these fangs at their bases. At the moment the snake strikes, he ejects the venom forcibly into the ♦ In the Columbian Magazine or Monthly Miscellany for November, 1786, is figured and described the tail of a rattlesnake, with an almost incredible number of rattles. " The common number of fibulas seldom exceeds fourteen or fifteen in a rattle ; but the one given (fig. 4) is certainly a very great curiosity, even to a person who has seen a great number of this genus of snakes. The fibula are forty-four in number. The snake from which this rattle was taken, was not, as might be expected, of a size pro- portionate to the prodigious length of its rattle, but rather a middling sized snake. It was killed some time in the summer of this year, at Fort Allen." The greatest number ever seen by Dr. Holbrook, as he has assured me in conversation, was twenty-one. t t At the commencement of the War of Independence, the naval flag of Massachusetts displayed a Pine Tree, at the root of which was a coiled Rattlesnake, with the words "Don't tread on me !" or sometimes "Caveant moniti!" Let those who are warned beware ! This was rather more appropriate than the ornithological monster who brandishes arrows and olive branches on our present armorial bearings. FAMILY CROTALIDiE. 57 wound. In an instance of a very large rattlesnake from Florida (the C. adamanteus), which was irritated, he struck violently against the iron wire on the side of the cage, and ejected the venom to the distance of three feet. The absurd notion of fascination is entertained by few at the present day : it is alluded to under the article Copper-head. The Rattlesnake is common in various parts of the State, and in the northern States gene- rally appears to prefer rocky situations. They abound in Clinton, Essex and Warren coun- ties, along the shores of Lakes Champlain and George. Some idea may be formed of their numbers in certain districts in this State, by the following extract from the Clarion news- paper published in Warren county : " Two men, in three days, killed eleven hundred and four " rattlesnakes on the east side of Tongue mountain in the town of Bolton. Some of the rep- " tiles were very large, carrying from fifteen to twenty rattles. They were killed for their " oil, or grease, which is said to be very valuable." Although numerous in the rocky mountainous districts of this State, they are rare or entirely wanting in those elevated regions which give rise to the Moose, the Raquet and the Hudson rivers. They are found in the counties of Sullivan, Ulster, Orange and Greene. A few still linger in the swamps of Suffolk county. It is a popular belief that hogs are particularly desttuctive to these reptiles. This may be true to a certain extent ; but neither their bristly hide, nor their thick teguments, afford them perfect immunity from the stroke of this serpent. I was informed by a respectable farmer in Dutchess county, that he lost three hogs in one season by the poison either of the copper- head or rattlesnake. The more probable explanation is, that the rattlesnake gradually dis- appears, and is finally extirpated, before the progress of cultivation. The C. harridus, which frequently appears in the list of our reptiles, is not found in North America. {EXTRA-LIMITAL.) C. adamanteus. (Holbrook, Herpet. VoL 2, pi. 16; and Vol. 3, pi. 2, Ed. 2da.) Very large. Dusky brown, with rhomboidal dark spots margined with grey. Length six to eight feet. Caro- Una, Florida. C. oregonus. (Id. Vol. 3, pi. 3.) A broad white bar between the orbits, and two others on each side of the head. Back with two white zigzag lines. Abdominal plates, 177; subcaudal, 22. Oregon. Genus Crotalophorus, Gray. Head covered with plates above. Rattles few in number, and not much developed. Subcaudal plates mostly entire. C. miliarius. (Holbrook, Vol. 2, pi. 15; and Vol. 3, pi. 4, Ed. 2da.) Small. Grey, with a dorsal yellowish stripe, on which is a series of large black spots margined with yellowish white. Length 12-14 inches. Carolina, Michigan. Louisiana. C. tergeminus. (Id. Vol. 3, pi. 5, Ed. 2da.) Ash brown, with a triple row of brown spots bordered with lighter. Sides spotted with alternate fuscous series. Length two feet. Allied to miliarius. Western Territories. C. kirtlandi. (Id. Vol. 3, pi. 6.) Massasagua. Black, varied slightly with brown. A series of light brown rings on the back, and vertical lines on the flanks. Abdominal plates, 152 ; caudal, 27, bifid 2. Length 27 inches. Michigan. Fauna — Part 3. 8 58 NEW-YORK FAUNA. FAMILY ELAPSIDiE. With venomous fangs, and permanently fixed ; other teeth in the upper maxillary, and on the palate. Head not distinct from the body. Jaws not dilatable. Nofosset between the eye and nostril. Genus El aps. Schneider. Head scarcely larger than the hody ; no fosset between the eye and nostril ; upper jaw with a fixed and permanently erect poison fang. Resembles Coluberidce. E.fulvius. (HoLBROOK, Herpet. Vol. 2, pi. 18.) Red, encircled with broad black bands bordered with yellow. Abdominal plates, 212; caudal, 32. Length twenty inches. Carolina, Louisiana, Upper Missouri R CLASS IV. AMPHIBIA. MORE OR LESS DISTINCTLY VERTEBRATED. WITH COLD RED BLOOD. HEART UNILOCULAR, OR WITH ONE AURICLE AND ONE VENTRICLE. EXTREMITIES FOUR, TWO OR NONE ; OCCA- SIONALLY DISAPPEARING WITH AGE. SKIN NAKED, DESTITUTE OP SCALES. RIBS SHORT OR WANTING. RESPIRATION BY GILLS OR LUNGS, OR BOTH CO-EXISTENT. FORM IN SOME FAMI- LIES UNDERGOES A COMPLETE METAMORPHOSIS. AQUATIC OR TERRESTRIAL. CARNIVOROUS. EGGS IMPREGNATED AFTER EXCLUSION. The Amphibia or Amphibians have, until recently, been treated as an order of Reptiles ; but they present so many and such important variations from the character assigned to that class, that modem naturalists have almost unanimously agreed to consider them a distinct class, forming a group allied on the one hand to the Reptiles by the Cacilidce, and on the other to the Fishes by the Sirenidee. As early as 1816, De Blainville published a system of classification, which he had publicly taught in his lectures for several years previous. In this he indicated the propriety of sepa- rating the animals under consideration from the Reptiles. Of these he made a class, which he designated as Nudipelliferes or Ichthyoides nuds. This he divided into four orders : 1. Batraciens, Frogs ; 2. Pseudosauriens, or Salamanders ; 3. Amphibians, as Proteus, Siren, &c. ; 4. Pseudophydiens, as Csecilia. This was afterwards modified and enlarged in his " Principes d' Anatomic Compar^e," published in 1822, when he designated his third class under the name of Subichthyens. The characters assigned to this class must be taken with some limitations. Some of the genera undergo no metamorphosis whatsoever, either in form or respiration ; at least none has hitherto been observed. Nor is the phrase " unilocular heart" literally exact ; for although the auricle is externally single, yet dissections have proved that internally it is in some genera separated into two distinct auricles. The Amphibians present such a variety of changes, and such modifications of structure, as to have given rise to many systematic arrangements. From the various systems proposed, we select that of Mr. Bell, as detailed in his admirable work on the British Reptiles, with such modifications as are necessary to produce uniformity with the general plan of this Report. 60 NEW-YORK FAUNA. FAMILY RANIDjE. Body short and broad. Feet (in the young) wanting ; afterwards four, the hind ones long, formed for leaping and swimming. Tail {in the young) long, compressed; afterwards wanting. No ribs ; vertebrce few. Tympanum open. Respiration at first aquatic by gills, afterwards atmospheric by lungs. Gills at first external, but withdrawn within the chest before the metamorphosis. Impregnation after the exclusion of the eggs. This family corresponds with a part of the order Caducibranchia of Bonaparte, and entirely with the order Anoura of Bell. It also agrees with the family Ecaudata of Oppel, the order Salientia of Merrem, and a part of the order Mutabilia of Gray. GENUS RANA. Linneus. Upper jaw with a row of minute teeth ; a transverse interrupted row in the middle of the palate. Tongue large, fleshy, notched behind, where it is alone movable. No post-tym- panal glands. Hind legs long, palmated ; four toes before, five behind. Young, with elongated bodies, and gills ; without feet, and with a long compressed tail, THE BULLFROG. Rana pipiens. PLATE XIX, FIG. 48. — (STATE collection.) Rana pipiens. LiN. Syst, Nat. Latreille, Hist. Nat. Rept. Vol. 2, p. 153. R. id. Harl. Med. & Phys. Res. p. 101. R. acapidam, (young.) Id. lb. p. 103. R. mvsiens. DuMER. & BiBRON, Vol. 8, p. 370, R. pipiens. HoLBROOK, N, Am. Herpetology, Vol.3, p. 81, pi, 15; and Vol. 4, p. 77, pi. 18, 2d Ed. Stoker, Mass, Rep. p. 235. Characteristics. Large. Head green ; body greenish olive, with dusky blotches ; legs spotted or barred. Length 6 to 12 inches. Description. Body robust, smooth. Head very large. Nostrils lateral, very small, mid- way between the snout and orbits. Eyes large and prominent. Tympanum large and rounded, resembling a scale attached to the side of the head. Mouth large, with numerous minute acute teeth in the upper jaw. Tongue large and fleshy. Fore feet short, robust, with four short toes; the one next to the exterior longest ; all with small tubercles at the joints. Hind legs long, more then twice the length of the fore legs. Under surface of the thighs partly granulated. Toes largely webbed, with tubercles at the joints ; the one next to the exterior, longest. Color. Body dusky with a greenish hue, and varied with irregular darker blotches. Head green above ; throat yellow or yellowish white ; lower jaw white ; upper jaw green. Pupil FAMILY RANIDiE. 61 of the eye black ; irides green. Tympanum green, with an outer circle of brown. Abdomen yellowish white. Fore legs greenish brown above, with dusky spots occasionally assuming the form of transverse bars. Hind legs brownish or dusky green above, yellowish white beneath, with obscure irregular dusky bars, or spotted with the same. Length of the body, 4-0 - 12'0, Ditto of hind legs, 2-5- T-O. The Bullfrog is one of the largest of the family in this State, and appears to be generally distributed throughout the Union. It is well known by its hoarse voice, compared by many to the roaring of a bull, and which is so loud as to be heard at a great distance. It is entirely aquatic, although it occasionally comes to land. In the adult state, it feeds on insects, craw- fish, helices, and small fish. The Tadpole, on the other hand, appears to be exclusively her bivorous. I have noticed this species some distance below Montreal, and I think in the vicinity of Trois Rivieres. With its southern limits I am unacquainted. It occurs in Ohio. THE LARGE NORTHERN BULLFROG. Rana bobiconensis. plate xxii. fig. 62. Ram horicoTumis. HoLBBOOK, N. Am. Herpetology, Vo). 3, p. 91, pi. 18 ; Vol, 4, p. 83, pi. 19, 2d Ed. Characteristics. Dark olive, with irregular black blotches. A longitudinal cuticular fold on each side. Length three to four inches. Description. Body very stout, with an elevated cuticular fold running from the orbits on the sides of the posterior extremities. Nostrils small, lateral, and placed nearer the snout than to the orbits. Eyes large and prominent. Tympanum large, circular. Fore legs robust, four-toed. Hind legs much longer, the posterior part of the thigh granulated ; five-toed, and fully palmated. Color. Body dark olive brown, varied with irregular black spots above ; silvery white beneath. An indistinct bluish band extends from near the snout, under the tympanum, to the shoulders. Chin and throat white. Fore legs dusky above. Hind legs dark olive, with narrow dusky bars. Pupil black ; iris golden, reticulated with black. Length 3 '5. For a knowledge of this species we are indebted to Dr. Holbrook, who obtained his speci mens from Lake George in this State. The Indian name of that lake (Horicon), suggested the trivial name. I saw them in great numbers in the lakes emptying into the Raquet river, but until I met with Holbrook's description, had supposed them to be varieties of the preced- ing. To this it is closely allied in size, voice and habits ; but its cuticular fold is a strong distinctive mark. Its note is more sonorous, and in a lower key. It is believed to be strictly a northern species. The melanota of Harlan, appears closely allied. Dr. Harlan, it would seem, never saw the species, and the author he cites is utterly unworthy of credit. 62 NEW-YORK FAUNA. THE SPRING FROG. Rana fontinalis. PLATE XXI. FIG. M, A. Ranafontinalis, Common Spring Frog. Le Conte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 1, p. 282. R. flavi-viridis, var. Harlan, Am. Jour. Vol. 10; Acad. Sc. Vol. 5, p. 338. R. id. Haelan, Med. and Phys. Res. p. 103 and 220. Smith, Hitchcock's Catologue, p. 14. R. fontinalis. HoLBBooK, N. Am. Herp. Vol. 3, p. 85, pi. 16; and Vol. 4, p. 87, pL 21 of 2d Ed. Storkr, Mass. Rep. p. . 237. Characteristics. Bright green, with obsolete dark-colored spots on the flanks ; throat yellow. Beneath white. Length 3-4 inches. Description. Body robust. Snout somewhat obtusely pointed. Orbits very prominent. Tympanum large, suboval, with a central elevation. Skin smooth on the dorsal and abdomi- nal surfaces, obsoletely granulated on the sides. On each side of the back is a strong cuti- cular fold, extending from the posterior part of the orbit, touching the upper margin of the tyriipanum, and reaching to the posterior part of the body. Color. Brilliant green above, which also extends with a somewhat darker shade over the posterior parts of the body, and the outer parts of the extremities. Belly pearly white. Throat yellow, somewhat passing into orange. Tympanum chesnut or chocolate-brown, the central elevation green. Thighs obscurely barred with black, or in their place interrupted series of dusky spots. Buttocks and posterior part of the thighs mottled with black. Irides golden, with a bright yellow ring. Length 3-0 -4-0. The Spring Frog is one of our commonest species, and is that usually eaten as a dehcacy. It lives in the vicinity of clear pools and running streams, and leaps into them when disturbed. It feeds upon water insects, and such others as may approach its neighborhood. It is one of the earliest that appears in spring. In its geographical range it must be considered as a northern species, being found in all the northern and middle States. Dr. Holbrook informs me that it is not found south of Virginia. THE MARSH FROG. Rana palustris. PLATE XXH. FIG. 60. — (STATE COLLECTION.) Rana palustrif. Le Contb, Ann. Lye. Vol.1, p. 282. R. pardalis. Harlan, Am. Jour. Vol. 10, p. 50. R. palustris. Id. Ac. Sc. Vol. 5, p. 339 ; Med. and Phys. Res. p. 104 and 222. R. id. Holbrook, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 1, p. 93, pi. 14; and Vol. 4, p. 95, pi. 23 of 2d Ed. Pickerel Frog. Storer, Mass. Report, p. 238. Characteristics. Four rows of dark quadrate spots on the back and sides. Under sides of the thighs yellow. Length three inches. FAMILY RANID.E. 63 Description. Head short ; snout obtusely rounded. Nostrils equidistant between the eyes and snout. Eyes large and prominent. Tympanum small, rounded and polished. Buttocks granulated. Joints of the toes with fleshy tubercles. Color. This appears to vary considerably with age : In the young, the general color of the upper part of the body is frequently of a brilliant golden green ; the adult is usually pale brown. The spots along the back vary with age from rufous brown to deep black ; these are more or less of a quadrate form, and larger than the row on the sides, which are often rounded. The spots of the dorsal series become occasionally confluent, producing a dark longitudinal band on each side. A dusky line, more or less obvious, proceeds from the eye to the snout ; other lines parallel with this on the sides of the head. A greenish or yellow longitudinal hne proceeds from the orbit to the posterior part of the body on each side, separating the dorsal from the lateral series. Tympanum of the general color of the body. Beneath soiled white, or tinged with yellow, which increases in intensity towards the tail. Fore legs short, brownish, with dark subocellate spots. Posterior extremities yellow beneath, brown or rufous above, with twelve to thirteen black annular bands margined with lighter ; these bands are more usually uniform dusky greenish or brown. Similar, but oblique bands or spots on the fore legs. Eyes black, with a golden lustrous ring. Length 2-0 -3-0. This is one of our most beautiful frogs, and is remarkably active. It has a strong and dis- agreeable odor ; and from being used as bait, it is called, in various districts. Pickerel Frog, and also Tiger and Leopard Frog. It occurs along salt marshes, and in wet meadows near ponds and streams. I observed it in the most elevated regions in the northern part of the State. Its geographical range, along the coast, extends from Maine to Virginia. Westward, it has been noticed in Ohio. THE SHAD FROG. Rana halecina. plate xx. fig. 49. — (cabinet of the lyceum.) Rima halecina. Kalm. Daddin, Hist. Rept. Vol. 8, p. 122. Shad Frog. Baetbah, Travels, p. 274. R. haUdna. Hablan, Ac. Sciences, Vol. 5, p. 337 ; Med. and Phys. Res. p. 102, and p. 224. R. id. HOLBBOOK, Herpetology, Vol. 1, p. 89, pi. 13 ; and Vol. 4, p. 91, pi. 13, 2d Ed. Stoeee, Mass. Rep. p. 237. Characteristics. Green, with dark brown ovate spots bordered with yellow ; beneath yellowish white. Length three to four inches. Description. Head small, obtusely rounded in front. Eyes prominent. Upper part of the body roughened by several cuticular folds ; posterior part of the thighs granulated. Tym- panum large, plane, circular. Toes palmated. Fingers distinct ; the thumb of the male with a distinct tubercle. Posterior extremities scarcely twice the length of the head and body ; the fourth toe exceedingly long. 64 NEW-YORK FAUNA. Color. Brassy or bronze green above. Orbits above, virith an oval black spot. On the dorsal surface, two series of large irregular roundish dark olive spots, margined with yellow ; these spots are occasionally confluent. A bronzed or yellow stripe on each side, proceeds from the eye to the posterior extremity ; another yellow stripe extends from the eye to the angle of the mouth. The thighs and legs with dark olive oblong transverse patches, resem- bling bands. A few oblique dark oblong bars on the fore legs. Tympanum bronzed ; yel- lowish in the centre. Beneath silvery, becoming tinged with yellow on the abdomen. Eyes black, with a golden ring. Length, 3-0 -4-0. This beautiful species is extensively distributed over the whole Union. It abounds in moist places, and feeds chiefly on insects. From its simultaneous appearance in the spring with our common Shad {A. sapidissima), it is frequently called Shad Frog. In Massachusetts, they are better known under the name of Leopard Frogs. The Swedish colonists named them Sill-hoppetosser, or Herring-hoppers, from their appearance at the commencement of the herring season ; and this, we presume, suggested the latin trivial name. THE WOOD FROG. Rana bylvatica. PLATE XXI. FIG. 54. Adult. — PLATE XX. FIG. 50. Young. — (STATE COLLECTION.) Rana sylvatica. Le Conte, Ann. Lyceum, N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 282. R. pemylvanica. Harlan, Am. Jcur. Vol. 10, p. 60. R. sylvatica. Id. Med. and Phys. Res. p. 221 . R. id. HoLBROOK, N. Am. Herp. Vol. 1, p. 95, pL 15 ; and Vol. 4, p. 99, pi. 24, 2d Ed. Storee, Mass. Rep. p. 239. Wood Frog, R. Sylvatica. KiRTLANP, Zoology of Ohio, p. 190. Characteristics. Reddish brown ; a dark dilated stripe from the snout through the eye, and including the tympanum. Young, olive brown or green. Length two and a half inches. Description. Body slender. Head small ; nose obtusely rounded. Eyes large and promi- nent; tympanum small, circular. Thighs granulated behind. Posterior extremities twice the length of the head and body, palmated. Color. Reddish, brown above, resembling in color a withered leaf; this color is bounded on each side by a yellow and often interrupted narrow line from the orbits to the posterior extre- mity of the body. Flanks mottled with greenish and yellow. A dark brown band proceeds from the snout, and dilating backwards, includes half the eye and all the tympanum ; this band is bordered below with a light yellowish line. Fore legs reddish brown, with obscure darker blotches. Hind legs of a similar color above, with two or more distinct transverse dark bands ; beneath soiled white. Under side of the extremities light brown. FAMILY RANID^. QS Young. Olive brown, verging on green above ; the lateral stripe yellow, margined with interrupted black lines ; the ocular stripe black, bordered beneath with white. Thighs, legs and tarsus barred with black ; palms reddish. Beneath pure white. Length 2-5. This small species can at once be recognized in the woods by its amazing and quickly repeated leaps, which render its capture difficult. It occurs from Massachusetts to Virginia, and is smaller than the Marsh Frog. It is said by some authors to be confined to the Atlantic States in its range ; but we learn from Dr. Kirtland, that they are so abundant in the woods in Ohio, that it is almost impossible to move without stepping on them. It is allied to the R. temporaria of Europe, but is smaller, with the head less pointed and tympanum smaller. (EXTRA-LIMITAL.) R. clamitans. (Holbrook, Vol. 3, pi. 17 ; and Vol. 4, pi. 20, 2d Ed.) Slender. Reddish brown above, darker behind, silvery white beneath ; upper jaw green. Lateral cuticular folds. Length three inches. Carolina, Georgia. Genus Cystignathus, Wagler. A sub-gular vocal vesicle, communicating with the mouth on each side of the tongue. Fingers and toes all distinct. Tympanum very small. C. ornatus. (Holbrook, Vol. 1, pi. 16; and Vol. 4, pi. 25, 2d Ed.) Small. Dove-colored above, with oblong spots of dark brown, margined with yellow. Toes not palmate ; the two outer united at the base. South Carolina. C. nigritus. (Id. Vol. 3, pi. 19; and VoL 4, pi. 26, 2d Ed.) Small. OUve brown; an interrupted black vertebral line, with blackish blotches along the sides ; legs barred ; upper lip white. Length 1| inches. Carolina, Georgia. Genus Enoystoma. Fitzinger. Body oval, and covered with a smooth skin. Head small, pointed; mouth minute. Tongue long, only movable behind. Jaws and palate without teeth. No parotids ; tyropanum concealed. Fore legs with four, hind legs with five toes not palmated. Obs. The animals of this genus bear a general resemblance to the Frog. Only one species has been as yet observed in the United States. Dr. Holbrook thinks it possible that a species may be found in this State, for he has heard its pecuhar noise in the neighorhood of New- York ; and Major Le Conte informs me that he has seen a species of Engystoma, said to have been found in a sandy district of this State. E. carolinense. Holbrook, Vol. 1, pi. 1 1.) Chesnut above, and thickly mottled with blackish specks beneath. South Carolina. ' Fauna — Part 3. 66 NEW-YORK FAUNA. GENUS SCAPHIOPUS. Holhook. Body short, thick swollen. Head short. Minute teeth in the upper jaw and on the palate. A small parotid gland behind the ear, from which a watery fluid can be pressed. Poste- rior extremities short, stout and muscular. Legs shorter than the thigh. A spade-like homy process occupies the position of a sixth toe, and is used by the animal in excavating. HERMIT SPADE-FOOT. SCAFBIOFDS SOLITARIOS. PLATE XIX. FIG. 47. — (STATE COLLECTION.) Scttphicipui soiitariiis. Holbbooe, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 1, p. 85, pi. 12. Rana holbrookii. Harlan, Med. and Pbjrs. Researches, p. 105. Characteristics. Ash grey, with two yellow curved lines from the eyes, dilated, and subse- quently united at the vent. Length two inches. Description. Head short, obtuse. Nostrils subterminal. Eyes very large, and placed in very prominent orbits. Tympanum small, and behind it a small parotid gland, which upon pressure exudes an acrid fluid. Fore feet long, four-toed ; posterior with five toes, and a long black horny process on the metatarsus. Color. Back ashen grey, passing into dark brown, with dark brownish and reddish tubercles on the flanks. Irides golden ; and in a modified light, the iris is seen divided into four parts by a vertical and horizontal line, giving a lozenge shape to the black pupil. Tympanum dull yellow. From the eye on each side there runs a yellowish line, punctate with black, approaching each other, then diverging in a curved direction, and finally uniting on the rump ; the position of these two lines resembles the outline of the antique lyre. A bar of a similar color, but interrupted on the flanks. Coccyx with a broad longitudinal yellow stripe. Upper surfaces of the extremities brown, with yellowish blotches. Body beneath greyish white. Length, 2-0. Breadth of the head, O'T. This singular animal, whose structure is so remarkable as to have required a separate genus, was first detected by our eminent Herpetologist, Dr. Holbrook. With the teeth of a Frog, and parotid glands of a Toad, its natural place is between these two genera. It was first detected in South-Carolina, and subsequently found in Tennessee, and its geographical range was considered to be quite restricted. We have now the pleasure to include it in the Fauna of New- York. Specimens of this animal were found by Mr. Hill, in a garden near Clarkstown, Rockland county. It lives in small holes, in damp earth, a few inches below the surface, which it excavates with great ease by means of its spade-like processes. In these holes it lies in wait for such insects as may approach, and I suspect can spring forth to seize whatever may be passing incautiously near its hiding place. I remarked, at least in those which I had alive, that it leaped with great apparent ease to a considerable distance. To FAMILY RANID^. g^ judge from those in my possession, although completely identical with the solitarius, I should be disposed to believe that our northern variety is less briUiant in its markings, and its general color is of a more grave and sombre hue. Dr. Pickering, I learn, has recently seen it in the neighborhood of Salem, where they appear in great numbers, at distant periods, after rains of long continuance. GENUS BUFO. Laurenti. Body thick swollen, covered with warts or papillcB. Jaws without teeth. Behind the ear a large glandular tumor, having visible pores. Head short. Posterior extremities but slightly elongated. THE COMMON AMERICAN TOAD. BUFO AMERICANCS. PLATE XK. FIG. 46. Yoosa. — PLATE XX. FIG. 52. Adult. Bufa amnicanus. Le Conte, Cat. in McMurtrie's Trans, of Cuvier's Rigne Animal. B. nauicws. Hablan, Ac. Nat. Sc. Vol. 5, p. 344 (excl. syn.) ; Med. and Phys. Res. p. 109. B. ameriamus. HoLBBOoE, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 1. p. 75, pi. 9 ; and Vol. 5, pi. 4, 2d Ed. TTu Common Toad. Stoeee, Massachusetts Report, p. 244. Kiktland, Zoology of Ohio, p. 168. Characteristics. Body moderately verrucose. Post-tjrmpanal gland long and narrow. Pos- terior toes semipalmate. Greyish mottled with dusky, and dark bars across the feet. Length three inches. Description. Body corpulent, covered with numerous reddish warts irregularly distributed ; granular beneath. Head short, but wide ; channelled above by the prominence of the su- perciliary ridges. Eyes large and prominent ; the eyelids tuberculated. Nostrils small, rounded, and nearer to the nose than the eyes. Parotids prominent, tuberculated, reniform. Fore feet vrith four short free toes. Hind feet with its five toes connected at their bases. Inner toe shortest ; thence gradually increasing in length to the penultimate, or second from the outer toe : a large tubercle beneath. Color. This is subject to many variations, dependent upon age, season, scanty or abundant supply of food, and even varies at the will of the animal. It may be described generally as grey brown or ash, with irregular but well defined dark blotches, and a pale ash dorsal stripe extending from between the eyes to the posterior part of the body. Eyes black ; irides varied with yellow and black. On the extremities are dark brown bars, extending over the toes. Beneath soiled white. Young, at first dull reddish brown, but by the end of the season become mottled and barred as in the figure. There is a variety occasionally found of a bright red or brick-dust color^ but which in other respects resembles this species. Length 2-3 inches. 68 NEW-YORK FAUNA. The habits of this animal are somewhat nocturnal ; coming out of its hole in the dusk of tlie evening, and hopping about in search of food. I have also noticed it during the day time, crouched in a shallow cavity, with its body so much depressed as to appear nearly orbicular, and apparently on the look-out for its prey. Although according to our notions of beauty he is considered to be a disgusting looking animal, yet we are not to overlook his value in di- minishing the number of noxious insects ; and I have been assured that his flesh is as deUcate an article of food, as the frog itself. It is a timid, inoffensive, and entirely harmless animal, and has even been domesticated. The popular belief in its poisonous properties, is unfounded. There is, it is true, an acrid secretion from the follicles of the skin, which may serve as a protection against some of its enemies. Dr. Davy supposes that it may be excrementitious, carrying off a portion of carbon from the blood, and thus be auxiliary to the functions of the lungs. They live upon insects, earthworms, etc., which they always seize when in motion, refusing to touch any dead food. In their turn, they are preyed upon by the larger reptiles, especially by the two striped snakes and the other species. Like the frog, its young are developed in water, and pass through the tadpole state ; and it is also furnished with a sac for holding the water obtained through the cutaneous absorbents. It sheds its skin at certain intervals, and according to the observations of Mr. Bell, swallows it as soon as it is detached. Dr. Holbrook informs me that he has seen this species as far north as the River Saco, TNfew- Hampshire, and probably it will be found still farther. Its southern and western limits appear to be defined by the hilly regions, as contradistinguished from the alluvial lands bordering on the Atlantic. Kirtland notices it in Ohio. (EXTRA-LIMITAL.) B. lentiginosus. (Holbrook, Vol. 1, pi. 9; and Vol. 4, pi. 1, 2d Ed.) Upper jaw emarginate; lower with a process in front. Head large ; superciliary ridge much elevated. Rufous brown. Length three inches. Southern States. B. erythronotus. (L). Vol. 3, pi- 21 ; and Vol. 5, pi. 2, 2d Ed.) Brickdust color abo%'e; yellowish white beneath. Head short, rather pointed. Length one and a half inches. South Carolina. B. guercicus. (Id. Vol. 5, pi. 3, 2d Ed.) Very small. Head short, pointed; supercihary orbits slightly elevated. Body very flat, rounded at the flanks. A yellowish vertebral line. Length 0-75. Carolina!. B. cognatus. (Id. Vol. 5, pi. 5.) Channelled posteriorly between the orbits, but efiaced in front. A vertebral line, and oblique lateral yellowish lines. Foot with a spade-like process. Length three inches. Upper Missouri. FAMILY RANID^. 69 GENUS HYLODES. Fitzinger. Teethin the upper maocillary, and palatines. A tympanum. Extremities slender. Tips of the fingers and toes terminating in slightly developed tubercles. Mouth with a large sub- cordiform tongue. No bony sternum. Obs. This genus comprises several small species, and is intermediate between Rana and Hyla, partaking of the habits of both. PICKERING'S HYLODES. Hylodes pickeringi. PLATE XX. FIG. 51. Hyloda pickeringi. Holbbook, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol.4, p. 135, pi. 34. H. id. Essex Nat. Hist. Society, Vol. 1. Pickering's Hylodes. Stoker, Report on the Reptiles of Massachusetts, p. 240. Characteristics. Reddish brown or blackish brown ; two angular dusky lines above ; hind legs barred with dusky. Length one inch. Description. Body somewhat ventricose, with its surface slightly granulate. Head trian- gular, obtusely pointed. Granulated beneath on the belly and thighs. Fore legs half the length of the head and body. Thigh and tibia slightly exceeding the tarsus and toes, and equalling in length the head and body. Tongue fleshy, retractile. A row of exceedingly minute teeth in the upper jaw, and similar ones in two rounded patches in the middle of the palate. Color. This varies apparently at the will of the animal. One which I kept for several days, presented constantly the following appearances : Color of the head, body and legs above a light reddish brown, tinged with yellowish on the side ; upper lip yellowish white ; a dark tri- angular spot on the back part of the head. Irides golden ; pupil black. On the anterior part of the back, two angular dusky lines en chevron, touching at their apices, and forming the figure of a cross ; posterior to this, another angular mark across the back ; a dusky blotch on the posterior part of the body ; a dark lateral stripe on the side. Thighs and legs with broad dusky bands ; a dusky longitudinal line on the fore and hind legs, separating the two colors above and beneath. Beneath dull whitish, with numerous black dots sprinkled on the yellowish throat. At other times the general color is a uniform dark brown, with the mark- ings on the upper part of the body as described above, deep black. Length of head and body, I'O. To the ends of the toes, 3"0. This species is common in the neighborhood of New- York, and is frequently found on indian com, grape vines, and also in green houses, under the leaves of plants during the heats of 70 NEW-YORK FAUNA. summer : feeds on small flies. Its present known geographical range is from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania. THE CRICKET HYLODES. Htlodes obtllus. PLATK XXII. FIG. 61. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) Ramgryllut. Le Cokte, Ann. Lye. Nat. History, Vol. 1, p. 282. R. id. Harlan, Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 5, p. 340. R. dorsalis. Id. Med. and Phys. Res. p. 105. Acrys gryllus. DoM. et BiBRON, Hist. Nat. Rept. Vol. 8, p. 507. Hyla gryllus. HoLBRoOE, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 3, p. 75, pi. 13. Hyloda gryUua. Id. lb. Vol.4, p. 131, pi. 33, 2d Ed. Characteristics. Cinereous, v?ith a green or red vertebral line, and two or three black blotches bordered with white. Head green above. Length one and a half inches. Description. Body slender. Head somewhat elongated. Eyes large and prominent, the supra-orbital ridge being much elevated. Nostrils lateral, midway between the orbits and snout. Fore feet small, with slender fingers, which are slightly enlarged at their tips. Hind legs nearly twice the length of the body, with five long slender palmated toes. Color. Head greenish above, with a black triangular spot between the orbits. Irides golden above, blackish beneath ; pupil black. Body dusky above, with a greenish or reddish line extending backward to the vent ; this becomes bifurcated in front, a branch being directed to each orbit. The blotches on the sides are dusky or blackish, obsoletely bordered with white. Thighs yellowish behind, with a few semi-bars of brown. Beneath silvery white. Length 1-0- 1 '2. This species is known imder the names of Peeper and Cricket Frog, in New- York. At the South, it is called Savannah Cricket. It is very lively and noisy, frequenting moist wooded places and the borders of ponds, and is often seen on aquatic plants. It was first dis- tinctly indicated by Major Le Conte, who regarded it as a true Frog. I have followed Dr. Holbrook, in arranging it under Hylodes. It is never found on trees, and cannot adhere to the under side of smooth surfaces. . • (EXTRA-LIMITAL.) H. ocularis. (Holbrook, Vol. 3, pi. 14 ; and Vol. 4, pi. 35, 2d Ed.) Very small. Reddish brown; a black band from near the end of the snout, runs through the eyes and along the flanks. Length three quarters of an inch. South Carolina, Georgia. • FAMILY RANIDiE. 71 GENUS HYLA. Laurenti. Body somewhat tapering. Teeth in the upper jaw and palate. A tympanum. No parotids. Fingers long, and with the toes terminating in rounded viscous pellets. Males with a vocal vesicle. Obs. The skin above, in most of the American species, is smooth. THE NORTHERN TREE-TOAD. Htla vebsicolob. plate xxi. fig. 53, a.— (state collection.) Hyla verticolor. Lk Conte, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. Vol. 1, p. 281. H. id. Haelan, Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 5, p. 343. Id. Med. and Phys. Res. p. 108. H. id. HoLBEOOK, N. Am. Herp. Vol. 1, pi. 17 ; and Vol. 4, p. 115, pi. 28, 2d Ed. Stoeee, Mass. Rep. p. 241. Characteristics. Broad. Leg shorter than the thigh. Grey. Small warts above ; granulate beneath. Posterior parts of the thighs bright yellow. Length two inches. Description. Body robust and broad, covered with numerous small warts. Head broad, and terminating in a blunt snout. Fore feet with four toes terminating in rounded pellets ; the internal toe shortest. Hind feet with five toes terminating in the same manner, but semi- pahnate. Under side of the body and thighs granulate. Eyes large and prominent. Color. This varies, as is well known, at the vnll of the animal, from grey to green. The more usual color is ash above, with a dusky acute-angled cross made up of irregular blotches, which also extend over the sides of the body and across the extremities. Eyes with black pupils and golden irides. Beneath whitish ; the chin speckled with cinereous. Legs beneath yellowish ; posterior part of the thighs yellow, barred with black. Length 2'0. This is universally distributed through the State, and is a northern species. The surface is covered with a viscid acrid secretion, which, as in the case of the common toad, has led to the popular belief in its being poisonous. It lives almost exclusively on trees ; and during damp weather, it is particularly clamorous. It feeds on insects. I have been assured by many credible persons that it possesses ventriloquial powers in no inconsiderable degree, and often deceives the most attentive observers. This, together with its faculty of assimilating its color with that of the tree on which it rests, renders its capture very difficult. Extends from Maine to Virginia, and is also found in Tennessee and Ohio. 72 NEW-yORK FAUNA, THE SQUIRREL TREE-TOAD. HyLA SaUIRELLA. ' PLATE XXI. FIG 53. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) Jiyla squirtUa. Bosc, NouT. Diet. Sc. NaturellfS, Vol. 29, p. 543. Rainette squirelU. Diddin, Hist. Nat. Rept. Vol. 8, p. 34, pi. 93, fig. 2. H. aquirella. Le Conte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 1, p. 279. Harlan, Med. and Phys. Res. p. 109. H. id. HOLBROOK, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 1, p. 105, pi. 18. Characteristics. Brown or ash. A dusky band from the nostrils to the eyes. The white of the upper hp reaches almost to the insertion of the fore legs. Length one inch and a quarter. Description. Body symmetrical, somewhat elongated. Skin smooth, or at the most with slightly elevated papillae. Head conic. Snout acute ; its sides vertical, and giving it a pyra- midal form. Orbits somewhat elevated. Anterior feet short, four-toed. Hind legs long, five-toed, semi-palmate ; all with rounded pellets at their extremities. Color. Brownish or light ash above, changing to light green ; blotched, and lined with dusky stripes on the surface of the body in a very irregular manner. On the anterior part, more usually abbreviated longitudinal lines, and unequal sized blotches on its posterior portions. A dusky stripe extends from the nostrils to the ej'^es ; occasionally a large triangular dusky blotch between and behind the eyes. Thighs and legs barred with dusky. Beneath whitish. , I have met with this species in the neighborhood of New-York, and supposed it at first to be distinct from the southern squirella. From a careful comparison of our specimens with those in the Cabinet of the Lyceum deposited by Major Le Conte, the only observable dis- tinction was in the smaller size of the northern animal. After a rigorous comparison, Major Le Conte decided it to be identical with the southern species. I am under obligations to him for the drawing which illustrates this pretty little tree-toad. According to Major Le Conte, it inhabits under logs and bark of decaying trees. While these pages are passing through the press. Dr. Holbrook is engaged in publishing a second edition of his Herpetology. He is still of the opinion that the squirella is exclusively a southern species. (EXTRA-LIMITAL.) H.femoralis. (Holbrook, Vol. 4, pi. 31.) Dark ash, with a few dusky blotches between the eyes ; a black line from the eyes to the hind legs, £ind another to those in front. Length 1^ inches. Carolina and Georgia. H. delitescens. (Id. Vol. 4, pL 32.) Ash, irregularly speckled with darker ; lips whitish, speckled with brown; vent varied with cinerejius. Length If inches. Georgia and South-Carolina. H. viridis. (Id. Vol. 3, pi. 20; and Vol. 4, pi. 29 of 2d Ed.) Bright green, with a yellow hne on each side from the snout to the posterior extremities. Length If inches. From Lat. 30" N. to Mississippi. I FAMILY SALAMANDRID^. 73 FAMILY SALAMANDRIDM. Body long and slender. Feet always four. Tail long, rounded or compressed, persistent. Ribs very short. Vertebra numerous and movable. Respiration, at first aquatic by exter- nal gills, which are never concealed in the chest; afterwards atmospheric by lungs. Tympanum concealed. Obs. This family corresponds with the order Urodela of Bell. It is a very natural family, and is in this country prolific in species. We separate it into two genera. GENUS SALAMANDRA. Brongniart, Holbrook. Jaws with numerous small teeth, and two rows of similar teeth in the palate. Tongue short thick, enlarged above, free, attached by a very slender root in the centre. Without a third eyelid. Ribs rudimentary; no sternum. Pelvis suspended by ligaments. Tail either cylindrical or compressed towards the tip. These are the Land Salamanders, although found occasionally in water. THE YELLOW-BELLIED SALAMANDER. Salamandra symmetrica. PLATE XV. FIG. 33. Salamandra stetlio. Am. Jour. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 264. iS. tymmetrica. Haelan, Ac. Sc. Vol. 5, p. 158. Med. and Phys. Res. p. 98. & id. Holbrook, N. Am. Herp. Vol 2, p. 59, pi. 11. Storer, Mass. Rep. p, 246. Characteristics. Reddish brown above, with a series of crimson spots on the sides ; beneath reddish orange. Tail longer than the body, small compressed. Length three inches. Description. Body cylindrical, and covered with a rough cuticle. Head short, obtusely pointed. Fore feet slender, with four toes ; hind legs more robust, with five toes. Tail slen- der, sub-cylindrical at base, then compressed, and terminating in a point. Color. Upper part of the head, body and tail, reddish brown ; this color extends over the upper part of the extremities, and surrounds the lower part of the tail. On each side of the body a series of brilliant vermillion spots, each bordered with black ; these spots vary in number from three to five, and even seven have been observed on each side. Throat and abdomen oreinge, with minute black dots extending to the end of the tail. Total length, 2-9. Length of the head and body, 2*0. Tail measured from the vent, 0*9. Fauna— Part 3. 10 74 NEW-YORK FAUNA. The Yellow-bellied Salamander is extensively distributed throughout the Union, from Maine to Florida, and in Ohio westwardly. It is closely allied by its markings with the following species, from which it was first accurately distinguished by Dr. Harlan. It is frequently found under stones and decayed wood. THE VIOLET-COLORED SALAMANDER. SaLAMANDRA 8UBTI0LACEA. PLATE XVI. FIG. 36. — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) Salamimdra vmeiwsa. Barton, apud Daod. Hist. Rept. Vol. 8, p. 229. 8. subviolacea. Id. Trans. Am. Phil. Society, Vol. 6, p. 112, pi. 4, fig. 6. S. id. Harlan, Acad. Nat. So. Vol. 5, p, 327; Med. and Phys. Res p. 93. S. id. HoLBEOOK, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 3, p. 10,1, pi. 24. Storer, Mass. Rep. p. 247. Characteristics. Bluish black, with round yellow spots ; beneath immaculate. Tail cylin- drical, compressed towards the tip. Length 6-7 inches. Description. Body robust, tapering regularly to the end of the tail. Head large ; snout rounded. Eyes small, but prominent. A strong cervical fold. Fore feet slender, four-toed ; hind feet more robust, five-toed. Tail confounded with the body, cylindrical at base, then becomes compressed, and tapers to a point. Color. Bluish-black or purplish, with large round subequal bright-yellow spots irregularly distributed over the upper part of the head, body and tail, and occasionally on the upper parts of the legs ; these spots sometimes assume somewhat the appearance of two regular series on each side of the vertebral line. A small round spot usually over each eye. Beneath lighter, sprinkled with numerous white points extending beneath the tail. Length 5-0 - 7-0. This species extends along the Atlantic from Maine to Maryland, and has likewise been noticed in the western States. Of the two names proposed by the same author, we are at liberty to reject the name which conveys a false idea, and to adopt that which the author applied to his more complete and detailed description. It appears to be nocturnal, and is found under rocks, stones and decaying trees ; and in spite of one of its names, is entirely harmless. FAMILY SALAMANDRID^. 19 THE RED-BACKED SALAMANDER. Salamandha ertthronota. PLATE XVI. FIG. 38. — (STATE COLLECTION.) Salamandra erythroTwta et cinerea. Green, Joum. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 356. jS. m/lhronota. Haklan, Med. and Phys. Researches, p. 95. S. cinerea f Id. lb. S. trythronota. HoLBRoOK, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 3, p. 113, pi. 27. The Red-backed Salanumder. Stober, Mass. Report, p. 245. Characteristics. Small. A distinct vertebral stripe, varying with age from scarlet to reddish brown. Length 2-3 inches. Description. Body slender, cylindrical. Tail cylindrical, tapering towards the extremity, where it becomes compressed, more particularly in the younger individuals, and pointed. Snout obtusely rounded, Eyes small, moderately prominent. Nostrils lateral, near the snout. Cervical fold indistinct. Legs feeble ; the fourth toe on the fore foot rudimentary. Color. Head above brownish ; chin and throat whitish, (according to Green, with a few dots of crimson.) Sides dull white, thickly punctate with brown, and lustrous. Eyes black. A broad vertebral stripe extending from the snout (occasionally from the occiput) towards the end of the tail ; this stripe is of a deep or Ughter red color, varying with age. In very young individuals 0*8 long, this stripe is of a briUiant scarlet or crimson. Total length, 3-0- 3-5. Prof. Green, after a careful revision and comparison of his cinerea and erythronota, came to the conclusion that the former was an aged individual of the latter, in which the dorsal stripe had become obsolete. The Red-backed Salamander is a very numerous and widely distributed species. It is among the first which appears in the spring, and I have seen it as early as the middle of April. It runs with great rapidity among the leaves, in moist wooded districts, and conceals itself under stones and decayed trees. It has been noticed by Dr. Blanding at Camden, South Carolina, and by Mr. Say at Louisville, Kentucky. The most northerly limit of this species observed by me, was on the islands of the Saranac lake. THE PAINTED SALAMANDER. Salamandra ficta. Satmandra picta. Harlan, Joum. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol.5, p. 136. ^ S. mtermixta. Greek, Macl. Lyceum, Vol. 1, (fide Harlan.) IS. ficta. Harlan, Med. and Phys. Researches, p. 98 and 177. Stoeeb, Mass. Rep. p. 251. Characteristics. Dark slate or blackish ; yellowish or orange beneath. Tail abruptly com- pressed towards the tip, slightly shorter than the body. Length four inches. 76 NEW-YORK FAUNA. Description. Head large, rather flat ; occiput broad, slightly protuberant ; snout obtuse, rounded posteriorly ; rictus of the mouth wide, extending to the eyes. A cervical fold. Legs short, strong, thick. Tail sub-quadrangular for the first two-thirds ; the remaining portion abruptly compressed, pointed, with the edges carinate. Color. Blackish, or dark slate above ; inferior portion of the body obsoletely punctured with dark spots, more evident on the sides. Legs externally of the color of the back. Length, 4' 5. Inhabits shallow streams. I am indebted to Dr. Harlan for the above description. It is introduced here, as it has been seen both in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, and of course may be presumed to inhabit this State. THE SALMON-COLORED SALAMANDER. Salamandra salmonea. PLA.TE XVl. FIG. 39. — (STATE COLLECTION.) SalaTnandra talmonea. HoLBOOOK, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol.3, p. 101, pi. 22. The Salmon-colored Salamander. Storer, Mass. Report, p. 248. Characteristics. Reddish brown ; sides salmon-colored. A bright salmon-colored line from the eye to the snout. Length six to seven inches. Description, from a specimen preserved in spirits. Head flattened above, with the eyes prominent and far apart. Teeth exceedingly numerous, acute and_ recurved in both jaws. Tongue doubled back in the mouth, with a fold. Gular fold large, distinct. A vertebral furrow, extending from behind the eyes to a point opposite the vent. Tail compressed, distinctly carinate above, moderately so beneath. Color, from the description given by Dr. Storer, the original describer of this species. Whole upper part of the body, head, legs and tail, yellowish brown ; sides of a salmon-color. The entire surface of all the upper portion, as well as the sides, spotted with irregular greyish markings, which are more obvious on the lighter colored sides. Beneath, head and body white ; light salmon-color beneath the tail. From the edge of the upper lip, just exterior lo the nostrils, arises a salmon-colored line, about a fourth of a line in width, which runs back to the inner angle of the eye, and passing up over the eye, loses itself upon the middle of the back part. Total length, 5*7. Length of fore feet, 0*5. Length of head and body,. 3 "4. Ditto of the hind feet, 0-7. Ditto of the tail, 2-3. This beautifully colored Salamander was obligingly communicated to me by Prof. Emmons, to whom I am under many similar obligations. All its beautiful tints disappear in spirits, when it presents the following colors : Above mottled grey and brown, the former predomi- FAMILY SALAMANDRID^. fj nating. On the flanks beneath, dull yellowish, punctate with brown. Sides of the tail similar to the dorsal surface. Chin whitish ; the lower lip dotted with brown ; a light colored stripe from the nostrils to each eye. I have been particular in noting these appearances, as it may serve as a guide to closet naturalists, and exhibits the futility of creating species from cabinet specimens. I had fallen into this error myself in relation to the species under consideration ; and previous to the publi- cation of Dr. Storer's description, had entered it in my list of species as new, with an appro- priate name. I am indebted to my friend Dr. Holbrook for correcting my description. * Dr. Emmons found it under a stone at Newcomb, Essex county, in this State. It has been seen in Massachusetts and Vermont. THE BLOTCHED SALAMANDER. Salahandra fasciata, PLATE XVII. FIG. 40. — (COLLECTION OF MAJOR LE CONTE.) Salamandra fasciata. Green, Joum. Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 1, p. 350. iS. id. Harlan, Medical and Phys. Researches, p. 94. S. id. HolbrooE, N. Am. Herpet. Vol. 4, p. 103, pi. 23. Storer, Mass. Rep. p. 247. Characteristics. Grey, with large bluish black blotches on the upper part of the body and tail ; beneath deep blue. Length five inches. Description. Body robust. Head moderately broad, short, thick and rounded. Mouth large. Eyes large and prominent. Nostrils lateral, and near the snout. Legs robust ; anterior four-toed, the posterior five-toed and longer ; all with separate toes. Tail shorter than the head and body, subcompressed, ending in rather an obtuse point. Color. Grey above, with irregular transverse bluish black patches on the head and body. A large triangular spot on the head. On the tail, the patches are so arranged as to cause the tail to appear annulate with grey and black. Summit of the head ash, punctate with dusky. Irides varied with greyish. Abdomen uniform blue-black. Toes annulate with blue and grey. Length, 5*2. , Of tail, 2-3. I am indebted to Major Le Conte for the drawing of this remarkable species, which he had observed in the western part of this State. It has been observed from Massachusetts to Carolina. It has also been noticed in Ohio. 78 NEW-YORK FAUNA. THE LONG-TAILED SALAMANDER. Salamandra longicauda. PLATE XVII. FIG. 41. — (CABINET QF THE LYCEUM.) Salaaumdra longicauda. Gebbn, Joum. Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 1, p. 351. S. longkaudata, Harlan, Med. and Phys. Researches, p. 96. 8. longicauda. HoLBROOK, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 3, p. 111, pi. 26. Characteristics. Yellow ; with numerous small black spots, becoming transverse bars on the tail. Tail more than twice the length of the body. Length 6 inches. Description. Body slender, cylindrical. Head short ; snout obtuse. Nostrils lateral, and near the end of the snout. Eyes small, but prominent. Palatine teeth in a diverging series. Tongue pediculated. Chin and neck smooth, with a slight gular fold. Tail compressed at the sides, slender, ending in a delicate point. Fore legs long and slender, with four slender subequal toes. Color. The general color throughout is yellow. Head, body, chin and throat lemon-color ; breast and abdomen yellowish white ; under side of the fore and hind legs straw-colored. Head and body above, and on the sides, sprinkled with numerous small irregular black spots, points and dashes ; these become confluent on the posterior part of the body and sides of the tail, forming vertical bars : all beneath immaculate. Pupil black ; iris golden. Length, 5-0- 6*0. Ofthetail, 3-2-3-5. The only specimen I have seen of this animal, is that in the Cabinet of the Lyceum, obtained near this city. Professor Green, its original describer, observed it near Albany. It is essentially aquatic, and is among the most beautiful of the genus. It usually affects deep caverns containing running water, and in this respect is associated in its habits with the Proteus of Carniola. It has been found at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and in Ohio ; but its southern limits have not been ascertained. THE GRANULATED SALAMANDER. Salamandra granulata. PLATE XXIU. FIG. 66. — (STATE COLLECTION.) Salamandra granuhla. HoLBROOK, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 5. Characteristics. Greenish slate above, varied with grey and brown beneath. Tail slightly longer than the head and body. Length 6-7 inches. Description. Upper surface of the body and head as far as the eyes smooth, but under the lens, exhibiting an appearance hke shagreen. Head above flattened, sub-truncate in front. I FAMILY SALAMANDRIDiE. f$ Tongue pediculate. Eyes prominent, with the upper margins of the orbits very projecting. Gular fold very distinct. Fore feet 0'5 in length, four-toed, very feeble in comparison with the hind feet, which are 0'8 in length, and furnished with five toes. Tail long and slender, very slightly compressed, and ending in a slender acute point. Color. Above, a lustrous dark-greenish slate of a uniform hue. Chin and abdomen mottled with brown and grey. Lower surface of the tail uniform ashen grey. Gular fold soiled white. Soles of the fore and hind feet white. , Length of the head to the fold, .. 0'7. Length of the tail from the vent,. 3 "6. From the cervical fold to the vent, 2*5. Total length, 6'9. The colors of this species must be received with some reserve, as it was derived from a specimen in spirits, sent to me by Dr. Emmons from the northern district of this State. That gentleman, however, saw it alive, and the colors were little changed. In the same vessel were specimens with a total length of 3 ' 3, which I suppose to be younger individuals of the same species. It had the same markings, and the same granulated appearance, although not quite so obvious. The greatest observed difference was in the length and shape of the tail, which was 1 • 5 in length, compressed, carinate above, and pointed. It need scarcely be added, that a more extended series of observations, and a more thorough knowledge of the changes effected by age, season and sex, are necessary before we shall be enabled to pronounce with certainty upon the specific identity of many of the animals of this genus. This species is allied to the subfusca of Green ; from which, however, it may be distin- guished by the length of its tail, and the absence of spots on the upper part of the body. We beheve, however, that subfusca was dropped as a species by its author. Dr. Holbrook informs me that he has observed the granulate in Pennsylvania. THE STRIPED-BACK SALAMANDER. (Salamandra bilineata.) PLATE XXIH. FIG. 67. Salamandra buUneata. Geeen, Joam. Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 1, p. 352, 1818. S.flavuiima. Harlan, Am. Jour. 1825 ; Med. aud Phys. Res. p. 98, 177. a. bilimata. Holbbook, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 5. Characteristics. Cinereous or brownish yellow ; back with two or three black lines ; beneath yellow. Tail longer than the head and body. Length three inches. Description. Body slender, elongate. Head broader than the body, rather depressed ; snout oval. Eyes prominent. A cervical fold. Tail tapering, compressed, pointed, longer than the head and body. 80 NEW-YORK FAUNA. Color. Back cinereous (Green), brownish yellow (Harlan). Clear bright yellow or whitish beneath. A broad black hne on each side, extending from behind the eyes to the end of the tail ; a narrow vertebral black Hne from the occiput to the base of the tail : this third line is occasionally absent or nearly eflfaced. Iris yellow. Length, 3-0. Although this species is said to be very common, both by Green and Harlan, I have never had the good fortune to meet with it, and have consequently been compelled to use their description. It is said to be very active ; found in shallow water, beneath stones in moist places, or on the borders of brooks in. shady situations. Dr. Eights obtained several speci- mens from the Dripping Well near Albany, while engaged in digging up a soft bed of earth, marl and decomposed vegetable matter, which had accumulated beneath. He states that some of them were beyond the usual size, and in these the longitudinal lines could scarcely be detected. The geographic limits of this species, thus far ascertained, extend from New- York and Pennsylvania to Ohio. THE RED SALAMANDER. Salamamdra rubra, plate xvn. fig. 43. — (state collection.) Salamandra rubra. Daudin, Hist. Rept. Vol. 8, p. 227, pi. 97, fig. 2. S. maculata et nibriventris. Green, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 350 and 353. S. macuXata et rubriventris, var? HiRLAN, Med. and Phys. Researches, p. 96 and 97. iS. macuUUa. Brown Spotted Salamander. Storer, Mass. Rep. p. 253. S. Tuhra. HoLBROOE, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 4. Characteristics. Red, (in cabinets dull salmon,) with numerous black dots. Tail nearly as long as the body, 4-6 inches. Description. Body robust, cylindrical, smooth, shmy. Head moderate, flattened above ; snout rounded. Nostrils small, anterior. Tongue pediculate. Teeth diverging on the pala- tines. Fore legs moderately robust, with four small subequal toes; hind legs very stout, with five toes, the interior shortest. Tail continuous with the body, rapidly diminishing towards the acute tip, and compressed on the sides ; a prominent ridge on the upper edge, which may be traced more or less distinctly to a point vertical to the vent. Color. In cabinet specimens, light brownish or dusky yellowish, sprinkled on the head, body and extremities, with reddish brown spots. In the living specimens, the general color above and beneath is red, more or less vivid, and the roundish spots are black ; these spots are usually larger and more crowded on the summit of the head and along the dorsal line, smaller and more scattered on the sides of the body and tail. Beneath almost immaculate, except under the throat and breast. Length, 3-0-5-0. Tail, r3-2-2. FAMILY SALAMANDRID^. 81 This is one of our commonest species, and is usually found under stones in shallow streams. If this be indeed the S. rubra of Daudin, as Holbrook maintains, I must suppose the " bande longitudinale assez large, noiratre et comme brulee," on the under side of the body, to have been accidental, as I have never seen it in the many individuals which I have examined. THE SCARLET SALAMANDER. S. COCCINEA. PLATB XXI. FIG. 54. B. — (STATE COLLECTION.) Characteristics. Scarlet, with two or more ocellate spots on the sides. Length 2-6 inches. Description. Body cyhndrical, smooth. Tail rounded, tapering, and, measured from the vent, equalling the head and body in length. Color. Bright scarlet, passing insensibly into bright orange red beneath. Three inequi- distant rounded vermilion spots, margined with black, on each side of the dorsal ridge. Eyes black, with a metaUic golden margin under the superciliary ridge. A dark longitudinal abbre- viated stripe passes through the eye. Length of the head and body, i'9. Ditto of the tail, ._ r9. This is a species which appears to dwell almost constantly on land. It was first seen by me near Lake Pleasant, Hamilton county, in a forest, just after a shower. Mr. I. Cozzens states that he has observed this species on Anthony's Nose ; and Major Le Conte informs me that he has seen it from four to six inches long, under stones in Chenango county. Its brilliant coloring, however carefully kept, disappears, and fades into a uniform dark olive-brown ; the spots remaining unchanged, unless kept for a long time in alcohol. THE BLUE-SPOTTED SALAMANDER. SlLAMANDRA GLUTINOSi. PLATE xvn. FIG. 42.— (STATE COLLECTION.) Salamandra gltiiinma. Green, Joum. Acad. Sciences, Vol. 1, p. 357. S. variolata. GlLLUMS, Ac. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 480, pi. 18, fig. 1. S. cyliniracea. Haelar, Med. and Phys. Researches, p. 94. S. glvtmota. Storeb, Has«. Report, p. 253. Kirtland, Zoology of Ohio, p. 168. Characteristics. Small, smooth, polished. Bluish black, with small irregular bluish white spots. Length 4-6 inches. Fauna — Part 3. 11 82 NEW-YORK FAUNA. Description. Snout blunt and rounded. Gular fold distinct. Nostrils small, nearer the snout than to the eyes. Eyes large, prominent and distant. Fore legs 0"38 long, slender, four-toed; the two middle ones longest, subequal. Hind feet more robust, 0"4 long, five- toed. Tail plump and rounded when alive, and continuous with the body, tapering to a blunt point. In spirits, the tail appears compressed, ancipital. Color. Above, polished, plumbaginous ; towards the end of the snout, marbled with ash. Neck and body sprinkled with numerous irregular minute transparent bluish spots, and a series of rather larger ones along the body ; in spirits, these become ash-colored. Upper edge of the tail with a similar series of large transparent bluish spots, extending sometimes to its extremity. Head and body beneath paler. Axilla of the anterior extremities whitish. Toes annulate with dusky and pale flesh-color. Length, 1-80. Of tail, 0-75. Of body from the vent, 0-80. The specimens from which the above description was drawn, were procured by Mr. I. Coz- zens from dry elevated grounds near this city. It is to be observed that this species, which when alive had a rounded cylindrical and tapering tail, in spirits the same part became com- pressed and edged above and beneath. This should lead to great caution in receiving descrip- tions of species of this family, drawn up from cabinet specimens. The Blue-spotted Salamander appears to be allied in a measure to the nigra, as far as we judge by the brief description of Green. I am inclined to suspect S. jeffersoni of the same author to be a variety of this species. It sometimes is found six inches long. It has been observed from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania, and also in Ohio. (EXTRA-LIMITAL.) S. cirrigera. (Holbrook, N.Am. Harp. Vol.5, plate.) Yellow speckled with white; two short fleshy cirri above the upper lip ; a black line on each side, edged with white. Length three inches. Louisiana. An Var. S. bilineatce ? S. sinciput-albida. (Green, Ac. So. Vol. 1, p. 352.) Above dusky ferruginous ; beneath yellowish ; nose white. Tail short, thick, tapering, shorter than the body. Length three inches. New-Jersey. S.fusca. (Id. lb.) Yellowish brown ; beneath white, with a line on each side of black spots. Tail slightly compressed, as long as the body. Length three inches. New-Jersey. S. gutiolineata. (Holbrook, Herp. Vol. 2, pi. 12; and Vol. 5, 2d Ed.) Straw-colored, with a verte- bral line of black bifurcating behind the occiput ; a lateral black band, in which is a row of white spots, and beneath this a white line. Length six or seven inches. Carolina. S. auriculata. (Id. lb. Vol. 3, pi. 28; and Vol. 5, 2d Ed.) Dusky brown; greyish with minute spots beneath, and a series of small reddish brown spots on each side ; a reddish brown spot behind the place of the ear. Length five inches. Georgia. FAMILY SALAMaNDRID^. 83 S. talpoidea. (Id. lb. Vol. 5.) Unifonn dusky throughout ; body short and thick; head large, with a contracted neck. Tail continuous, compressed towards the tip. Length three inches. Sea islands, S. C. S. quadrimaculaia. (Id. lb. Vol. 5, plate.) Head rather large ; snout rounded. Body elongated, stout, dusky above, tinged with purple, and with two series of elongated subquadrate red spots. Tail of a similar color, with a red central line. Length three and a half inches. Pennsylvania to Georgia. S. haldemani. (Id. lb. Vol 5.) Head flattened above ; snout rounded. Body and tail pale yellow above, slightly olive at the flanks, marked with dusky spots and blotches disposed in three irregular longitudinal series. Length four inches. Pennsylvania to Virginia. GENUS TRITON. Laurenti, Holbrook partim. Tongue fish-like, attached more or less at its borders, only free at its anterior extremity. Tail compressed. Length various. Obs. This genus is composed strictly of aquatic species ; occasionally, however, they are found on land. THE TIGER TRITON. (Triton tigrinds.) plate xv. fig. 3s— (state collection.) SalanuaidTa tigrina. Grksn, Jour. Acad. Nat. So. Vol. 5, p. 116. r S. id. Harlah, Med. and Phys. Researches, p. 93. B. id. Holbrook, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 3, p. 109, pi. 25. Characteristics. Bluish black, with numerous irregular yellowish blotches over the head, body, tail and extremities. Tail compressed from its origin. Length six inches. Description. Body robust, cylindrical, smooth. Head broad and rounded. Nostrils small, lateral. Eyes large and prominent. Mouth wide. Neck contracted with a fold. Fore feet short, with four toes. Tail longer than the body, and compressed to a very thin edge above and beneath. Beneath granulate. Color. Above bluish black ; in a modified light, lustrous. The spots on the upper surface pale ochre or lemon yellow, rounded or oblong ; their general direction is vertical to the axis of the body. Chin dusky yellow. Abdomen greyish, with dull yellow blotches. Pupil black ; irides brown and yellow. Tail unspotted beneath. Length, 6-0 -7-0. I am unacquainted with the habits of this species, except that it is occasionally found in decayed hollow trees. Those which I obtained, were from the vicinity of Oneida lake. It resembles, in some respects, the S. subviolacea ; but a slight attention to its characters will show it to be specifically distinct. 84 NEW-YORK FAUNA. THE CRIMSON-SPOTTED TRITON. Triton milleponctaths. plate xv. fig. 34. — (state collection.) Salamandra dorsalis. Harlan, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 6, p. 101 ; Med. and Phys. Res. p. 99. S. id. HoLBRooK, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 2, p. 57, pi. 10. iS. milUpunctata. Many-spotted Salamander. Stoker, Mass. Report, p. 249. Characteristics. Olive, with crimson spots; the two colors above and beneath distinctly separated. Tail compressed, tapering. Length 3-4 inches. Description. Body cylindrical, granulated as in the preceding. Tail much compressed, its edges almost membranaceous, longer than the body. Fore feet long and slender, with four toes, one rudimentary. Hind feet more robust ; outer toes small. Color. Above, olive brown, varying in hue from light brown to deep olive green. On the flanks, sometimes on the sides of the throat, and occasionally for some distance along the sides of the tail, with a row of crimson circular spots bordered with black ; these spots vary in number from two to ten, at least this is the greatest number that has fallen under my notice. Beneath yellowish, punctured with black, and separated distinctly from the brown of the parts above ; the punctures extend over the belly, inside of the legs, and upper parts of the body and tail. In long preserved cabinet specimens, the line of separation between the colors above and beneath become eflaced, and the crimson spots change to white. Length, 3-0 -4-0. This species had originally the misfortune to be so badly named, and the description, which was taken from a changed cabinet specimen, gave such an imperfect and false idea of the animal, that we have adopted the name originally applied by Dr. Storer, both as more descrip- tive in itself, and as being the first true description of the species. We presume this to be a case where the law of priority can have no force, and where the original describer we imagine would cheerfully agree to the change. In some parts of the State it is called Evet, which name is also applied to several other species, and is evidently a corruption of eft. I have met with this animal in brooks, and in every part of the State. It is capable of withstanding a low temperature, for Holbrook saw them swimming about with great vivacity under ice an inch thick. It feeds on insects, and, according to Dr. Storer, casts its skin in June. FAMILY SALAMANDRIDiE. 85 THE DUSKY TRITON. Triton nigeh. plate xv. fig. 35. — (state collection.) SatamandranigeT. Green, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 352. S. id. Haelan, Med. and Phys. Res. p. 97. Eights, Zodiac, Albany, 1835. Triton niger, Holbbooe, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 5, plate. Characteristics. Back black ; sides with small white spots. Tail compressed, as long as the body. Length 4-6 inches. Description. Body smooth, tapering. Head large, broadly rounded in front. Eyes approxi- mated, prominent. Two or three series of mucous pores between the eyes and nostrils. A moderate fold under the neck. Toes unusually long. Tail sub-cylindrical at its origin, becoming gradually compressed, and tapering to a point, with moderately acute edges. Tongue with numerous papillae. Color. Uniform dark brown or black ; somewhat whiter beneath, especially on the lower edge of the tail. Three or four obsolete whitish dots on the chin. Length, 5-0-6-0. Forelegs, 8-80. Head and body, 3-0. Hind legs, 1-10. Tail, 2-8. Longest toe of the hind foot, . 0*45. Dr. Eights observed many of this species, " in wet springy places near running streams," in the neighborhood of Albany. Prof. Green assigns shallow waters as their usual habitat. The young are yellowish brown, especially along the back. This was noticed by Dr. Eights, who observed them " to vary from the original description, being as universally yellowish " brown as black." I am indebted to Prof. Emmons for specimens from Peru, Clinton county. THE GREY-SPOTTED TRITON. Triton poRPHTHiTicns. PLATE XVI. FIG. 37. — (STATE COLLECTION.) SaUmandra jxnfhyritica. Green, Maclurian Lyceum, Vol.1, p. 3, pi. 1. S. id. Haelan, Med. and Phys. Researches, p. 98. Characteristics. Glossy black, slimy, with minute irregular greyish spots. Length seven inches. Description. Body smooth, robust, and tapering insensibly to the extremity of the tail ; covered with a viscid secretion. Head ovate, depressed. Rictus wide. Eyes very promi- nent, and black. Anterior feet four-toed, half the size of the hind feet, which are furnished with five. Tail cylindrical, scarcely compressed. 86 NEW-YORK FAUNA. Color. Shining black above, with numerous minute irregular grey or pale-ash spots distri- buted over the head, back and tail ; the spots on the flanks are larger, and inclined to brownish. Belly uniform plumbeous ; inferior and posterior portions of the tail rather lighter. Total length, 7-0. Of tail, 4-0. This large Triton, which in its form resembles the last described species, was captured by Mr. I. Cozzens in the neighborhood of New- York. I had referred it originally to the glutinosa of Green ; from which, liowever, it is obviously distinct by its shorter tail. The brief notice of porphyritica is very unsatisfactory ; but I prefer placing it provisionally under that name, rather than to introduce a new nominal species. The suprafusca of Green may have been derived from a cabinet specimen. The Grey-spotted Triton conceals itself under rocks and stones in moist places, and is exceedingly active in its movements. (EXTRA-LIMITAL.) T. ingens. (Green. Ac. Sc. Vol. 6, p. 256. Holbrook, Herp. Vol. 5.) Ferruginous throughout, with dark bluish blotches. Tail compressed, and more than half the total length. Edge of the external toes of the hind legs fimbriated. Total length eleven inches. New-Orleans. T. jeffersoni. (Green, Mac. Lye.) Light brown, sprinkled with azure blue points. Tail sub- compressed, as long as the body. Length seven inches. Pennsylvania. FAMILY SIRENID^. Body elongate, formed for swimming. Feet either four, or two anterior only. Tail com- pressed, persistent. Respiration aquatic by gills throughout life, coexistent with rudi- mentary lungs. Gills external, persistent. Eyes with palpehrce. This group corresponds with the order Amphipneusta of Bell, and the sub-class Biplopneu- mena of Hogg. It comprises the genera Siredon, Siren and Menobranchus ; of the latter genus, we have a representative in this State. GENUS MENOBRANCHUS. Harlan. Head large, flattened, truncate. Two rows of small conical teeth in the upper jaw ; one row beneath. Four feet, with four free toes on each. Although the t3rpe of this genus has received a variety of names, yet we are indebted to Dr. Harlan for the first clear and distinct account founded on its anatomical characters. It has been vaguely called Salamandra, Triton, Proteus and Necturus, without sufficiently eliminating or restricting its characters. The name proposed by Harlan must therefore be considered as firmly established. FAMILY sraENIDiE. ~ 87 THE BANDED PROTEUS. Menoeranchcs lateralis. PLATE XVIII. FIG. 45. — (STATE COLLECTION.) Triton Uaeralis. Sat, Long's Eipedition,. Vol. 1, p. 5. Proleua of Ihe Lakes. MlTCHILL, Sill. Jour. Sc. Vol. 4, p. 181 ; and Vol. 7, p. 62, pi. 2. Mmotranchus lateralis. Harlan, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. Vol. I, p. 233, pi. 16 ; Med. and Phys. Res. p. 89 and 165. CoviEE, R^gne Animal, Griffith's translat. Vol. 9, p. 412 and 475, pi. copied. Proteus lateralis. Barnes, Am. Joum. Sc. Vol. 11, p. 285. P. macvhtus. Id. lb. Vol. 13, p. 68. M. lateralis. Holbrook, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 3, p. 119, pi. 30. Characteristics. Brownish, with blackish spots ; often a dark lateral line. Length one to two feet. Description. Body robust, cylindrical, smooth. Head broad, depressed and attenuated in front, where it is truncate and shghtly emarginate. Eyes small. Nostrils very minute, and placed in the margin of the upper lip. Jaws covered with loose fleshy hps. Teeth minute, conic, obtuse and separated ; two series in the upper jaw, and one in the lower jaw. Tongue broad, and free near the tip. Gills, three on each side, ramified and fringed, with two branchial apertures. Throat with a fold of skin beneath. Anterior extremities slender, placed near the gills, and with four clawless toes. Hind legs similar, and with four similar toes. Vent a longitudinal fissure. Tail robust, compressed, lanceolate, ancipital. Color, of the body and tail dull brownish, spotted with black or blackish brown ; on the back these are rounded, but on the sides of the body and tail become indistinct brownish blotches. Beneath lighter. Frequently a dark stripe from the nostrils through the eyes, and becoming effaced behind. Gills blood-red. Length, 12-0 -24-0. This curious and interesting aquatic animal is common in the northern and western parts of the State. It is found in Lake Champlain, and is particularly abundant at the falls of Onion river and at the outlet of Lake George. It inhabits Lake Erie, Seneca and the other lakes in the western districts of New-York. It has been found in the Erie canal, and will doubtless ere long be found to have reached the Hudson river. It occurs in all the streams in Ohio emptying into Lake Erie, and sometimes in the tributaries of the Ohio. Their movements in the water are usually slow ; but from their broad and powerful tail, they must occasionally move with great celerity. They are said to come occasionally on land. It is often taken with the hook, and frequently speared. The Menobranchus, or Big Water-lizard as it is occasionally called in this State, feeds on fluviatile shells, Crustacea, and the smaller fishes. Its flesh is white, and doubtless very savory, but is never eaten by the ignorant fishermen, who regard them with great disgust and detestation. A closely allied animal, the Axolotl of Mexico (Siredon pisciformis), is consi- dered a great delicacy ; and indeed almost the whole class of reptiles and amphibia furnishes a delicate and savory food. 88 NEW-YORK FAUNA. (EXTRALIMITAL.) Genus Siren, Linneus, Auct. Body eel-shaped Two anterior legs. Teeth in the palate and jaws. Obs. The two last species of this genus have been arranged by some authors under the genus Pseudobranchus. S. lacertina. Black above ; dusky beneath. Toes four. Length two to three feet. South Carolina, Florida. S. intermedia. (Le Conte, Ann. Lye. Vol. 2, pi. 1.) Similar to the preceding, but smaller. Gills included in a fleshy trilobate covering. Length, one foot. S. striata. (Id. lb. Vol. 1, pi. 4.) Dusky, with two longitudinal stripes on each side. Gills as in the preceding. Length, seven to nine inches. FAMILY AMPHIUMID^. Body long, formed for swimming. Feet four. Cranium solid. Tail compressed. Respi- ration by means of lungs only. No gills, but only cervical orifices. No metamorphosis known. This family is equivalent to the order Abranchia of Bell, and to the families Menopomatida. and AmphiumidcB of Hogg and Bonaparte. (EXTRALIMITAL.) Genus Amphiuma, Garden, Harlan. Body eel-shaped. Head and neck continuous. Legs feeble, rudimentary, with two or three jointless toes. No ribs. Two rows of teeth in the upper, and one in the lower jaw. A. means. (Harlan, Ann. Lye. Vol. 1, pi. 22.) Dark brown. Feet bifid at the extremities. Length one to three feet. South Carolina to Mexico. A. tridactylum. (Cuvier, Tr. Acad. Sc. 1826, pi.) Similar to the preceding. Feet trifid. Alabama, Arkansas. GENUS MENOPOMA. Harlan. Body robust. Head distinct from the neck. Tail broad, compressed. Loiver jaw with a single row of teeth; upper jaw with an additional row. Ribs rudimentary. Legs stout, with four toes before and five behind. Obs. This genus was first distinctly established by Dr. Harlan, under the name of Abran- chus, which having been discovered to be preoccupied, he changed it to Menopoma. Others have proposed new names either erroneous in themselves, or unaccompanied with descriptions. Such are those proposed, but not defined by Prof. Barton, under the names of Salamandra horrida, gigantea, maodma, and Protonopsis horrida. FAMILY AMPHTOMIDiE. S9 THE ALLEGANY HELL-BENDER. MeNOPOMA ALLEGHINIENSIS. PLATE XVIII. FIO. 44 — (CABINET OF THE LYCEUM.) Sahmandra aUeghmimsis, Sonnini. Lateeille, Hist. Nat. Rept. Vol. 2, p. 253, fig. 1. Le Salamandre des MorUs AUiganies. Dahd. Hist. Nat. Rept. Vol. 8, p. 231 . Abranchui alUghaniensis. Haelan, Ann. Lye. Vol. 1, p. 233, pi. 17 and 18. Mmopoma. Id. lb. p. 270. Menopoma alUgharUensis. Baenes, Am. Joum. Science and Arts, Vol. 11, p. 278. M. id. Harlan, Med. and Phys. Res. p. 87 and 174. Griffith's Cuvier, Vol. 9, p. 410, 475, plate. Molge. Meebeh. Cryptobranckus. Leueabd & FiTZINOEE. Young Alligator. Kirtland, Zoo). Ohio, p. 190. Characteristics. Slate-colored, mottled with dusky. Head broad. Tail iiearly as long as the body. A dark hne through the eye. Two outer toes of the hind feet palmate. Length one to two feet. Description. Body robust, cylindrical, smooth. Tail vertically compressed, and nearly as long as the body. Vent a small longitudinal slit. Head wide, depressed, especially towards the snout, which is obtusely rounded. Nostrils prominent. Eyes small. Legs robust, short; the fore legs with four free subequal toes. Hind feet with five toes, the two outer palmate ; the outer edge of the outer toe with a broad membrane to assist in swimming. Tail much compressed, obtusely pointed, membranous on its upper edge, which extends some distance along the back. The cervical aperture covered with a simple fold. Lungs vesicular, elastic, vascular as in the tortoise. Vertebrae nineteen. Tongue free in front. Color. Dark slate or greyish with darker spots. A dusky abbreviated line passes through the eyes. Length 12-0 -24-0. I have never met with this animal myself in this State ; but Prof. Hall assures me that he has seen it in the Allegany river, one of the tributaries of the Ohio, within the limits of this State. It feeds on worms, crayfish, fishes and aquatic reptiles. It is said to be extremely voracious. Dr. Kirtland states, that in the State of Ohio, it occurs in all the tributaries of the Ohio, but not in those of Lake Erie. Fauna — Part 3. 12 INDEX OF THE POPULAR NAMES OF THE REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS. Paoi. Alligator, 27 Black Snake,.- 35 Blanding's Box Tortoise, 25 Blauser, 52 Blue-tailed Lizard, 29 Blue-tailed Skink, 29 Brown Scorpion, 33 Brown Swift, 31 Buckwheat nose, 52 Chain Snake, 37 Checkered Adder, 39 Chicken Snake, 39 Chunk-head, 54 Common Box Tortoise,. . 24 Copper-head, 53 Crocodile, 27 Dumb Rattlesnake, 54 Fresh-water Terrapin, 15 Gavial, 27 Geographic Tortoise, 18 Glass-snake, 34 Grass Snake, 40 REPTILES. Pasi. Green Garter-snaJke, 45 Green Snake, 40 Green Turtle, 2 Hawksbill Turtle, 3 Hog-nosed Snake, 51 House Snake, 39 Land Turtle, 25 Leather Turtle, 4 Loggerhead, 9 MassasagTia Rattlesnake,. 57 Milk Snake, 38 Monitor, 28 Muhlenberg's Tortoise,.. 17 Mud Tortoise, 21 Musk Tortoise, 21 Painted Tortoise,. 12 Pilot, 36 Pilot Black-snake, 36 Pine Lizard, 33 Pseudo-geographic Tortoise, 19 Racer, 36,37,38 Rattlesnake, 55 Piax. RedSnake, _. 49 Red Viper, 54 Red-bellied Terrapin, .. . 16 Ribbon-Snake, 47 Ring Snake, 39 Sachem Snake, 39 Salt-water Terrapin, 10 Sand-king, 39 Small Brown Snake 46 Smooth Terrapin, 11 Snapping Turtle, 8 Soft-shelled Turtle, 7 Speckled Turtle, 14 Spotted Tortoise, . 13 Striped Adder, 45 Striped Lizard, 29 Striped Snake, 43 Swift, 33 Tortoise-shell Turtle, ... 3 Water Snake, 42 Wood Terrapin, 14 Yellow-bellied Snake, ... 45 'P 92 ENGLISH INDEX. Piox. Allegany Hell-bender, 89 Banded Proteus, 87 Blotched Salamander, 77 Blue-spotted Salamander, . 8 1 Bullfrog, _ 60 Common American Toad, 67 Cricket Frog, 70 Cricket Hylodes, 70 Crimson-spotted Triton,. . 84 Dusky Triton, 85 Evet, 84 Granulated Salamander, . 78 AMPHIBIANS. Paoe. Grey-spotted Triton, 85 Hermit Spade-foot, 66 Large Northern Bullfrog, 61 Leopard Frog, 63 Long-tailed Salamander, . 78 Marsh Frog, .-- 62 Northern Tree-toad, 71 Painted Salamander, 75 Peeper, 70 Pickerel Frog, _. 63 Pickering's Hylodes, 69 Red Salamander, 80 Pus. Red-backed Salamander, . 75 Salmon-colored Salamander, 76 Scarlet Salamander, 81 ShadFrog, .__ ._. 63 Spring Frog, 62 Squirrel Tree-toad, 72 Striped-back Salamander, 79 Tiger Frog,-.. 63 Tiger Triton, 83 Violet-colored Salamander, 74 Wood Frog, 64 Yellow-bellied Salamander, 73 LATIN INDEX TO THE REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS. [Those in italic are extia-limital.] Tkos. AOAMIDJE, 31 Alligator mississippieTisis, 27 Ameiva sexlineata, 30 — tessellata, 30 Anouid^, 34 Anolius carolinensis, 28 Calamaria amoena, 49 — elapsoidea, 49 — striatula, 49 Cheloma mydas, 2 — earetta, 3 — imbricata, 3 Chelonidje, 2 Chelonura serpentina, 8 — iemmincki, 9 Chirotes lumbricoides, 33 Cistuda Carolina, 24 — blandingii, 25 Coluber alleghaniensis, . . 36 — constrictor, 35 — couperi, 41 — doliatus, 41 — eximius, 38 REPTILIA. Faoe. Coluber getulus, 37 — guttatus, 41 — obsoletus, 41 — occipitomaculatus, 41 — punctatus, 39 — quadrivittatus, . 41 — rhombomaculatus, 41 — sayi, 41 — testaceus, 41 — vemalis, 40 COLUBERIDJS, 35 Crocodilus macrorhyncus, 37 Crotalid^, 53 Crotalophorus kirtlandi,. 57 — miliarius, . 57 — tergeminus, 57 Crotalus adamanteus, 57 — durissus, 55 — oregonus, 57 Elaps fulvius, 58 Elapsid*, 58 Emys concinna, 20 — cumberlajidensis,. . 20 Pass. Erays floridana, 20 — geographica, 18 — guttata, 13 — hieroglyphica, 20 — insculpta, 14 — megacephala, 20 — mobihnsis, 20 — muhlenbergii, 17 — oregonensis, 20 — palustris, 10 ^ — picta, 12 — pseudogeographica, 19 — reticulata, 20 — rubriventris,.. 16 — serrata, 20 — terrapin, U — troosti, 20 Gavialis neocesariensis, . 28 Geosaurus mitchilli, 28 Helicops abacurus, 50 — erythrogrammus, 50 Heterodon annulatus, — 52 — niger, 52 94 Paoi. Heterodon platyihinos, . - 51 — simus, 52 — tigrinus, 52 IotJANID£, 28 Kjnostemon pensylvanicum, 21 Lacertidje, 30 Leptophis saurita, 47 — astivus, 48 hygosoma laterale, 30 — quinquelineatum, 30 Mosasaurus major, 28 OPHIDIA, 34 OpHIOSAURIDiB, 33 Ophiosaurus ventralis, .. 34 Phrynosoma cornutum,. . 31 — coronatum,. 31 LATIN INDEX. Paok. Phryjiosoma douglasii,- . 31 — orbicular e, . 31 Pituophis melanoleucus, . 50 Plestiodon erythrocephalus, 30 Psammophis flagelliformis, 50 Rhinostoma coccinea, — 50 SAURIA, 27 SCINCID^, 28 Scincus fasciatus, 29 Sphargis coriacea, 4 Sternothserus odoratus, . . 22 TESTUDINATA, 1 Testudo Carolina, 26 Trigonocephalus contortrix, 53 — piscivorus, 55 — atrofuscus, 55 Paox. Trionyx bartrami, 7 — ferox, 6 — harlani, 7 — muticus, 7 Tropidolepis undulatus, . . 31 — umbra, 33 Tropidonotus dekayi, 46 — erythrogaster, 47 — fasciatus, .. 47 — leberis, 45 — niger, 47 — ordinatus, . 47 — rigidus, 47 — sipedon, 42 — taenia, 43 — taxispiloius, 47 Amphiuma means, 88 — trydactylum,. 88 Amphicmidje, 88 Bufo americanus, 67 — cognatus, 68 — erythronotus, 68 — lentiginosus, 68 — quercicus, 68 Cystignathus ornatus, 65 — nigritus, .. 65 Engystoma carolinense, . 65 Hyla delitescens, -72 — femoralis, 72 • — squirella, 72 — versicolor, 71 — viridis, 72 Hylodes gryllus, 70 — ocularis, .' 70 — pickeringi, 69 Menobranchus lateralis,. . 87 Menopoma alleghaniensis, 89 AMPHIBIA. TS^ana. clamitans, 65 — fontinalis, 62 — halecina, 63 — horiconensis, 61 — palustris, 62 — pipiens, 60 — sylvatica, 64 Ranid^, 60 Salamandra auriculata,. . 82 — bilineatEi, 79 — cirrigera, 82 — coccinea, 81 — erythronota, . 75 — fasciata, 77 — fusca, 82 — glutinosa, 81 — granulata, 78 — guUolineata,- 82 — haldemani,. . 83 — longicauda,. . 78 — picta, 75 Salamandra quadrimacu- lata, 83 — rubra, 80 — salmonea, 76 — sinciput-albida, 82 — subviolacea, . 74 — symmetrica, - 73 — talpoidea, . . 83 Salamandrid^, 73 Scaphiopus solitarius, 66 Siren intermedia, 88 — lacertina, 88 — ■ striata, 88 SiRENIDiE, 86 Triton ingens, 86 — jeffersoni, 86 — millepunctatus, 84 — niger, 85 — porphyriticus, 85 — tigrinus, 83 LIST OF PLATES i OF THE REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS. Plate I. Fig. 1. The American Box Tortoise (Cistuda Carolina). 2. Blanding's Box Tortoise (Cistuda blandingii). Plate II. The Pseudo-geographic Tortoise (Emys pseudogeographica). The Mud Tortoise (Kinostemon pensylvanicum). Plate III. The Salt-water Terrapin (Emys palustris). The Snapping Turtle, young, (Chelonura serpentina). Plate IV. The Geographic Tortoise (Emys geograph;ca). The Wood Terrapin (Emys insculpta). Plate V. The Leather Turtle (Sphargis coriacea). The Painted Tortoise (Emys picta). Plate VI. The Soft-shelled Turtle (Trionyx ferox). The Spotted Tortoise (Emys guttata). Fig. 3. 4. Fig. 5. 6. Fig. 7. 8. Fig. 9. 10. Fig. 11. 12. 96 LIST OF PLATES. Plate VII. Fig. 13. The Musk Tortoise (Stemothaeras odoratus). 14. The Red-bellied Terrapin (Emys rubriventris). Plate VIII. Fig. 15. Muhlenberg's Tortoise (Emys muhlenbergi). 16. The Brown Swift (Tropidolepis undulatus). 17. The Blue-tailed Skink (Scincus fasciatus). ^ Plate IX. Fig. 18. The Copper-head (Trigonocephalus contortrix). 19. The Northern Rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus). Plate X. Fig. 20. The Black Snake (Coluber constrictor). 21. The Chain Snake (Coluber getulus). Plate XL Fig. 22. The Grass Snake (Coluber vemalis). 23. The Yellow-bellied Snake (Tropidonotus leberis). 24. The Ribbon Snake (Leptophis saurita). Plate XII. Fig. 25. The Milk Snake (Coluber eximius). 26. The Pilot Black-snake (Coluber alleghaniensis). Plate XIII. Fig. 27. The Striped Snake, variety, (Tropidonotus taenia). 28. The Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platyrhinos). Plate XIV. Fig. 29. The Ring Snake (Coluber punctatus). 30. The Small Brown Snake (Tropidonotus dekayi). 31. The Water Snake (Tropidonotus sipedon). Plate XV. Fig. 32. The Tiger Triton (Triton tigrinus). 33. The Yellow-bellied Salamander (Salamandra symmetrica). 34. The Crimson-spotted Triton (Triton millepimctatus). 35. The Dusky Triton (Triton niger). UiST OF PLATES. 97 Plate XVI. Fig. 36. The Violet-colored Salamander (Salamandra subviolacea). 37. The Grey-spotted Triton (Triton porphyriticus). 38. The Red-backed Salamander (Salamandra erythronota). 39. The Salmon-colored Salamander (Salamandra salamnea). Plate XVII. Fig. 40. The Blotched Salamander (Salamandra fasciata). 41. The Long-tailed Salamander (Salamandra longicauda). 42. The Blue-spotted Salamander (Salamandra glutinosa). 43. The Red Salamander (Salamandra rubra). Plate XVIII. Fig. 44. The Hell-bender (Menopoma alleghaniensis). 45. The Banded Proteus (Menobranchus lateralis). Plate XIX. Fig. 46. The Common Toad, young, (Bufo americanus). 47. The Hermit Spade-foot (Scaphiopus solitarius). 48. The Bullfrog (Rana pipiens). Plate XX. Fig. 49. The Shad Frog (Rana halecina). 50. The Wood Frog, young, (Rana sylvatica). 51. Pickering's Hylodes (Hylodes pickeringi). 52. The American Toad, adult, (Bufo americanus). Plate XXI. Fig. 53. The Squirrel Tree-toad (Hyla squirella). 53. a. The Northern Tree-toad (Hyla versicolor). 54. The Wood Frog, adult, (Rana sylvatica). 54. a. The Spring Frog (Rana fontinalis). 54. b. The Scarlet Salamander (Salamandra coccinea). Plate XXH. Fig. 55. Tooth of the fossil Geosaurus (Geosaurus mitchilli). 56. Section of a tooth. 57. Tooth of the fossil Monitor (Mosasaurus major). 58. Section of a tooth. 59. Portion of the lower jaw of the Jersey Gavial (Gavialis neocesariensis). 60. The Marsh Tree-toad (Rana palustris). 61. The Cricket Tree-toad (Hylodes gryllus). 62. The Northern Bullfrog (Rana horiconensis). Fauna — Part 3. 13 98 LIST OF PLATES. Plate XXIII. Fig. 63. The Smooth Terrapin (Emys terrapin). 64. Outline of the last vertebral plate. 65. Do. of do of E. palustris. 66. The Granulated Salamander (Salamandra granulata). 67. The Striped-back Salamander (Salamandra bilineata). I ZOOLOGY OF NEW-YORK, OR THE NEW-YORK FAUNA; COMPRISING DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL THE ANIMALS HITHERTO OBSERVED WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW-YORK, WITH BRIEF NOTICES OF THOSE OCCASIONALLY FOUND NEAR ITS BORDERS, AND ACCOMPANIED BY APPROPRIATE ILLUSTRATIONS. BY JAMES E. DE KAY. PART IV. FISHES. ALBANY : PRINTED BV W. & A. WHITE &. i. VISSCHER. 1842. i PREFACE. In the General Introduction to this work, a few facts were noted, to illustrate the peculiar position of this State in reference to the number and variety of its animal species. In continuation of this subject we may remark, that by means of the great lakes Ontario and Erie on our northern and western borders, we have numerous northern lacustrine fishes. Through Lake Champlain we have many northern fluviatile species ; by the Alleghany river ascend numerous wes- tern species ; and while our numerous rivers teem with those of fresh vvrater, our extensive sea-board furnishes us with marine species ranging from the coast of Labrador to the shores of Brazil. It cannot therefore fail to be perceived that the Ichthyology of New- York will embrace a very large proportion of the Fishes of the United States ; and that the following pages can only be considered in the light of an outline, to be filled up, and enlarged and modified by the labors of future naturalists. The study of Fishes, or that branch of natural science which is termed Ich- thyology, has, until recently, attracted in this country less attention than any other. Almost the first positive knowledge of our fishes is derived from Linneus, who received many through Dr. Garden of Charleston, South Carolina. From the letters of Garden, we gather that he was an indefatigable collector in all departments of Natural History, and a man of eminent attainments. Cotempo- raneously with Garden, appeared the work of Catesby on the Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands. This work is imposing in its form, Fauna, Part IV. b IV PREFACE. but is of little real practical value. The plates are grossly colored, and some of them are apparently drawn from memory. The text is meagre and insignificant.* In an unexpected quarter, appeared in 1787 an original work on the Fishes of America. We allude to the Natural History of Cuba, by Antonio Parra, the title of which will be found in our list of cited works. It is not exclusively con- fined to fishes, but embraces Crustacea, marine plants, etc. There are forty plates, illustrating seventy-one species of fishes, coarsely but vigorously executed by his son ; and as far as we have had occasion to compare them with the origi- nals, they are very correct. This work is exceedingly rare, and the copy in my possession is believed to be the only one in the United States. The text is brief, and of a popular character, without any attempt at classification or scientific arrangement. Notwithstanding these defects, it will always remain, from its original figures and its descriptions drawn from the recent specimens, a work of great value to naturalists, and more especially to those of the Southern Atlantic States. Pennant, an English writer on natural history, published in 1787 a supplement to his Arctic Zoology, which contains an enumeration of one hundred and thirty species of fishes, compiled chiefly from Linneus and Catesby. They are prin- cipally from the waters of South-CaroHna and the Gulf of Mexico. A very few, scarcely exceeding six new species, are noticed more in detail, and these are chiefly from the collection of Mrs. Anne Blackburne, whose brother appears to have been a zealous collector for several years at Hempstead, Long island. In 1788, Schoepff, an army surgeon, who was in this country during the war of the revolution, published in the Transactions of the Friends of Natural History at Berlin, a memoir entitled " Descriptions of North American Fishes, chiefly from the waters of New- York." His paper is for the most part a meagre cata- logue of species from New- York and the gulf of Mexico, mostly identical with those previously described by Linneus. In common with many of the observers of that period, he had such a slavish deference to the great reformer of natural science, that he scarcely dared to pronounce upon the validity of a species unless * In taking a review of what has been done in American ichthyology up to the period at which he wrote, Pennant breaks out into the following apostrophe: " How email a part is this of the zoology of our lost dominions ! May what I have " done be an inducement for some learned native to resume the subject ! and I shall without envy see my trivial labors lost '■ in the immensity of new discoveries. Vain thought! for ages must pass, ere the necessary perfection can be given, " ere the animated nature which fdls the space between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans can be investigated. Ages must " pass, before new colpnization can push its progress westwardly ; and even then, civilization, ease and luxury must take " place ere those studies in which use and amusement are so intimately blended can be carried into effect." PREFACE. it had received the Linnean stamp of authority. One hundred and twenty spe- cies are enumerated, of which thirty only are accompanied with detailed descrip- tions. The celebrated ichthyologist Bloch added a few notes to this memoir.* Bosc, and a few other naturalists, had communicated to Lacepede some isolated species after this period ; and Dr. Peck had described, in the Transactions of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences at Boston, a few more ; but, with these exceptions, our knowledge on this subject remained nearly stationary until 1814, when Dr. Mitchill published a small tract, which may be said to have given a new impulse to the study of American ichthyology. It contains original and detailed descriptions of forty -nine species, with a simple catalogue of twenty-one more. On the titlepage of this little tract, he states that " a very considerable number of these beginnings of an attempt are not even named in the present list, because they have not come to hand during the few weeks that have elapsed since its commencement." It does not, however, appear to have attracted much attention abroad, and is only cited in the latter volumes of the great work on Fishes of Cuvier and Valenciennes. About the same period he published in the American Medical and Philosophical Register, conducted by Drs. Hosack and Francis, a paper on the Cod-fishes of New- York, in which he enumerates eleven species and six varieties of that family. In December of the same year, he read before the Literary and Philosophical Society of New- York, a paper entitled " The Fishes of New- York, described and arranged ;" which was shortly after published in the Transactions of that Society. In this paper, which at that period was the most important and valuable essay on the fishes of the United States, he describes (deducting the foreign and doubtful fishes) one hundred and thirty-four species, illustrated by six copperplates, containing seventy small but quite recognizable figures.f In February, 1818, he published a supplement to • Schoepff appears to have been a man of varied attainments, and has left several works relating to the natural history of this country, the most important of which is his Historia Tcstudinum. He is the author of two volumes of travels in the United States, and of a work on its geology, under the following titles : 1. Reise durch einige der mittlem und sudlichen vereinigten Nord Americanischer Staaten. 2 vols. 8vo. Eriangen, 1788. 2. Beytrage sur mineriilogischen kentniss der ostliohen theil von Nord America und seiner geburge. pp. 194. Eriangen, 1787. Neither of these, we believe, have been translated into our language. t This memoir is spoken of by Cuvier in the following terms ; " Thus there had scarcely been in the eighteenth century any thing on the fishes of North America, except the work of Catesby, and what had been inserted by Pennant in his Arctic Zoology. But in 1815, Dr. Mitchill, a learned physician of New-York, gave a history of the fishes in the vicinity of that city, in which he described one hundred ond forty-nme species, distributed after the system of Linneus, with well VI PREFACE. this paper in the American Monthly Magazine, in which he describes forty-two species, some of which had been figured in the previous essay, but without any description. If we subtract from these, four as doubtful or mere varieties, and eight from the Bahama islands, we have thirty additional species, making with those previously published a total of one hundred and sixty-four fishes from the coast of New-York. The work in which this supplement appeared was a lite- rary magazine of considerable reputation, but its circulation was limited, and it appears to have been little known or consulted either by our own or by foreign naturalists. Subsequent to this period, the communications of Dr. Mitchill on ichthyology were distributed through periodicals of every description, not even excepting weekly magazines and daily newspapers. As a matter of interest to the Ame- rican naturalist, we have, in Appendix A, given a list of Mitchill's species, col- lated from all these sources, and accompanied them with the names which they bear in the present work. It is no reflection upon the reputation of this natu- ralist, that these changes have been rendered necessary ; for at that day, ichthy- ology was little studied, and it was far from having attained its present accuracy. He appears to have trusted too much to the vague descriptions of foreign writers, and referred too hastily, descriptions of European to American species. In his case, however, it did not amount to a servile deference to authority; for even in his preliminary essay, he indicates new generic forms, some of which have been adopted in the great standard work of the present day. Nearly simultaneous with the first essays of Dr. Mitchill, appeared a new and important laborer in the field of American ichthyology. We allude to Mr. Charles A. Lesueur, an eminent French naturalist, who had accompanied Daudin as a draftsman in his exploring expedition. He lived several years in Philadel- phia, subsequently removed to the settlement of Mr. Owen at New-Harmony, and finally returned to France. His contributions are chiefly to be found in the Journal of the Academy of Natural Science, and the Transactions of the Ame- rican Philosophical Society. He also contributed a few articles to the Annales executed though small figures of the most interesting. As he adopted but two of the genera subsequent to Linneus his species are sometimes placed a little at random ; in the genus Esox, for example, he includes many heterogeneous species. Nor has he always unravelled the true nomenclature in the often confused works of European naturalists ; but he has himself furnished in his descriptions the means of rectifying the errors which had escaped him, and his memoir is certainly the best which has appeared in this century on the fishes of the new world." Histoire d'Ic/Uhyologie, p. 202. PREFACE. vii du Museum d'Histoire Naturelle of Paris. M. I^esueur at one time contemplated publishing a history of North American fishes, but I believe never advanced far- ther than to prepare a few plates and a few pages of letter press. Through the kindness of Mrs. Say, the estimable widow of our great American naturalist, I am indebted for a copy of this work as far as published. The part in my possession contains descriptions of Petromyzon americanus and nigricans, Ammocetes hicolor, and Acipenser ruUcundus ; the plates illustrate these species, and also Petromyzon lamottenii, Acipenser maculosus, measius, and two other sturgeons not named on the plate. Most of these are reproduced in the following pages ; and as the work of Lesueur is probably in few hands, I should have copied them all, had they been accompanied with the requisite descriptions. Pursuing a chronological order, we have next to mention a work which may be said to have created a new epoch in this department of science. We allude to the Natural History of Fishes, by Cuvier and Valenciennes, of which the first volume appeared in 1828, and which has now reached the sixteenth volume. To judge by the field already explored, it will probably require ten more volumes to complete the work. In this History, which may well serve as a model to future observers for its philosophical spirit and unrivalled accuracy of detail, are to be found many excellent descriptions of North American species. The many obligations I owe to this standard work, will be apparent in the following pages. In 1836, Dr. Richardson published a work, which, although limited to the fishes of the northern regions of America, is of great value to the ichthyologist of the United States. It contains original and elaborate descriptions of about sixty species, illustrated by twenty-four beautiful plates, and is one of the most important contributions to this department. This work is published at the ex- pense of the English government, and we may be allowed to hope that a similar enlighjened liberality will be displayed by the government of the United States, in the publication of the results of the late Antarctic exploring expedition. The attention of the various Commonwealths of the Union having been di- rected to the examination and description of their various natural products, almost one of its first fruits appeared in 1835, in the form of a copious catalogue of the animals and plants of Massachusetts. In 1838, appeared under the aus- pices of the State of Ohio, a report by Dr. J. P. Kirdand on the Zoology of that State. It contains a catalogue of seventy-two species of fish ; all, of course, fluviatile or lacustrine. It is accompanied by numerous and valuable notes, illus- VUl PREFACE. trating the habits and characters of fishes. To the same author, we are indebted for several important papers in the Boston Journal of Natural History. In 1839, Dr. D. H. Storer, who had previously furnished several valuable papers on ichthy- ology in the Journal just alluded to, published a masterly report on the Fishes of Massachusetts. In this report, the author has enumerated one hundred and nine species, of which one hundred and four are accompanied by original and care- fully drawn up descriptions. This report is an invaluable document to the Ame- rican ichthyologist, and is every way worthy of its eminent author. Among the i casual contributors to this department of science, we have to enumerate the name of a former Governor of this State, De Witt Clinton ; of Mr. Wood of Phi- ladelphia ; of Messrs. Redfield, father and son ; and quite recently, of Mr. Hal- deman, of Pennsylvania. Having thus briefly alluded to the various sources from whence is derived our knowledge of the fishes of this country, the pleasing duty remains, of expressing my obligations to those who have assisted me in my solitary and arduous under- taking. Several years since, my friend Dr. Holbrook, so favorably known for his work on the Reptiles of the United States, contemplated publishing a work on the Fishes of Carolina. He collected many species, and caused them to be carefully drawn under his own eye, by the same artist who had so successfully figured the reptiles. These drawings, illustrative of fifty-two species, he placed in the kindest manner at my disposal, and they have enabled me to extend our acquaintance with the geographical distribution of many species. I feel much indebted to Dr. Storer for the instruction I have derived from his correspondence, and for the prompt and liberal aid he has afforded by furnishing me with several specimens for illustration and comparison. To Mr. I. Cozzens, Librarian of the Lyceum of Natural History, I am under many obligations for his assistance in collecting, and his accurate and practical discrimination of species. My thanks are also due, for several specimens from Lake Champlain, to Mr. Z. Thompson of Burlington (Vermont), who is occupied in publishing a work on the Natural History of Vermont, at the moment these sheets are passing through the press. In no department of the natural sciences is the want of good illustrations more strikingly felt than in the class now before us. Those which relate to American fishes are distributed through so many rare and expensive volumes as to render them difficult of access, and indeed entirely beyond the reach of a large majority of students. We hope, therefore, that the figures of two hundred and fifty spe- cies, which appear in this work, will not be unacceptable to the American ich- PREFACE. IX thyologist. They are taken for the most part from living specimens, and care- fully colored on the spot. For those which are copied, due credit is given in the text, and the twelve last plates are almost entirely of this character. Where we have been unable to draw from a living specimen, and have been compelled to make use of a cabinet specimen, we have given merely an outline. Exclusive of the fossil fishes, we enumerate in the work four hundred and forty species, comprised under one hundred and fifty-six genera and thirty-two fami- lies. Of these, two hundred and ninety-four species belonging to this State, or the adjacent waters, are accompanied by detailed descriptions. In preparing the following pages, we have endeavored to compress our descriptions within the shortest possible compass consistent with clearness. Had this been the only department entrusted to us, we should have dwelt more on the anatomical details, and perhaps have been more diffuse on the habits and peculiarities of species. Too little, however, is positively known of their habits, and that little is mixed up with too much of the marvellous, to render it desirable or profitable to intro- duce them here. When it is, moreover, recollected that we are to traverse through the whole animal kingdom, we would fain indulge the hope that this imperfect attempt to enlarge our acquaintance with a single class may be received with a favor proportionate to the difficulties and extent of the task. J. E. DE KAY. The Locusts, Queens County. July 1, 1842. LIST OF WORKS REFERRED TO IN THE DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FISHES. Ac. Sc. Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. 8vo. Philadelphia, 1817 et seq. Alb. Iiist. Transactions of the Albany Institute. 8vo. Albany, 1828-9. Ann. Lye. Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of New- York. 8vo. New- York, 1824 et seq. Am. Acad. Memoirs of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. 4to. Boston, 1785 et seq. Am. Phil. Transactions of the American Philosophical Society for promoting useful knowledge. 4to. Philadelphia, 1785 et seq. Am. Monih. Mag. The American Monthly Magazine and Critical Review, edited by H. Bigelow and 0. L. Holley. 4 vols. 8vo. New- York, 1817 et 1818. Blochii, M. E. Systema Ichthyologiis Iconibus ex. illustrata, correxit J. G. Schneider. Bcrolini, 1801. Akerly, S. Economical History of the Fishes sold in the Markets of New- York. (Am. Month. Mag. Vol. 2.) CiTESBY, M. Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands. Folio. London, 1731-43. Clinton, De Witt. Some Remarks on the Fishes of the Western Waters of the State of New- York. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. 493. " " Description of a new species of fish (Clupea hudsonia). Ann. Lye. Vol. 1, p. 49, (figure.) " " Account of the Otsego Basse. Med. and Phil. Register, Vol. 3, p. 188, (figure.) CcTiEB et Valenciennes. Histoire Naturelle des Poissons. 8vo. Paris, 1828 et seq. IG vols. 1842. Hitchcock, E. Report on the Geology, Botany and Zoology of Massachusetts. 8vo. Amherst, 1835. Catalogue of the Fishes. KiRTLAND, J. P. Report on the Zoology of Ohio. 8vo. Columbus, 1838. Lathobe. Description of the Clupea tyrannus, etc. Am. Phil. Soc. Vol. 5, p. 77, (figure.) LrauEnR, C. A. Descriptions of three new species of the genus Raia. Jour. Ac. Vol. 1, p. 41. " Short descriptions of five (supposed) new species of the genus Murena. lb. Vol. 1, p. 81. " Descriptions of two new species of the genus Gadus. lb. Vol. 1 , p. 83. " Description of a new species of the genus Cyprinus. lb. Vol. 1, p. 85. " A new genus of fishes proposed under the name of Catostomus, and the characters of this genus, with those of its species indicated. lb. Vol. 1, pp. 88 and 102. " Description of four new species and two var'etios of the genus Hydrargira. lb. Vol. 1, p. 126. " Descriptions of several new species (Squalus, Salmo) of North American fishes. lb. Vol. 1, pp. 223 and 359. " Descriptions of several species of the genus Esox of North America. lb. yol. 1, p. 413. Fauna — Part 4. c ^ Xll LIST OF BOOKS. Lesceub, C. a. Description of a new genus, and of several new species of fresh water fish, indigenous to the TTnited States. lb. Vol. 2, p. 2. " Descriptions of two new species of Exocetus. lb. Vol. 2, p. 8. " Observations on several genera and species of fishes belonging to the natural family of Esoces, lb. Vol. 2, p. 124. " Descriptions of five new species of the genus Cichia of Cuvier. lb. Vol. 2, p. 214. " Description of three new species of the genus Selena. lb. Vol. 2, p. 251. " Description of a Squalus of a very large size, which was taken on the coast of New- Jersey. lb. XdL 2, p. 343. " Description of two new species of the genus Batrachoid of Lacepede. lb. Vol. 3, p. 395. " Description of several species of the Linnean genus Raia of North America. lb. Vol. 4, p. 100. " Description of two new species of the Linnean genus Blennius. lb. Vol. 4, p. 3G1. " Description of several species of Chondropterygious Fishes of North America, with their varieties. Am. Philos. Soc. new series, Vol. 1, p. 380. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Transactions of the Literary and Philosophical Society of New- York. 4to. 1815 ct seq. Mease, J. Facts respecting the Rockfish or Streaked Bass (Labrax lineatus). Lit. and fhil. Soc. Vol. 1, p. bOH. Med. aitd Phil. licg. The American Medical and Philosophical Register, edited by Drs. Hosack and Francis. 4 vols. 8vo. New- York, 1814. MiTCHiLL, S. L. Report in part on the Fishes of New-York. 12mo. p. 28, New-York, January, 1814. " Arrangement and Description of the Codfishes of New- York. Med. and Phil. Reg. Vol. 4, p. 618. " Memoir on Ichthyology. Lit. and Phil. Soc. Vol. 1. " The Fishes of New- York described and arranged. In a supplement to the memoir on the same subject in the Literary and Philosophical Society of New-York. Am. Month. Magazine, Vol. 2, pp. 240 and 321. " Descriptions of three species of fish. Journ. Ac. Nat. Sc. Vol. 1, p. 407. " Description of a new and gigantic species of the genus Cephalopterus. Ann. Lye. Vol. 1, p. 23. " Description of an extraordinary fish resembling the Stylcphorus of Shaw. lb. Vol. 1, p. 82. " Description of th3 Raia erinaeea or Hedgehog Ray. Am. Jour. Sc. Vol. 9, p. 290. Parra, Antonio. Descripcion de diferentcs piezas de historia natural, las mas del ramo maritimo representadas en setento y cinco laminas. 4to. En la Havana, 1787. Peck, W. D. Description of four remarkable fishes taken near the Piscataqua in New-Hampshire. Am. Acad. Vol. 2, part 2, p. 46, (figures.) RjciiiEDSON, J. Fauna Boreali-americana, or the Zoology of the northern parts of British America. Part 3, the Fish. 4to. p. 327, London, 1836. " Report on North American Zoology. (Report of the Sixth meeting of the British Association. 8to. London, 1837.) Redpield, W. C. Short notices of American fossil fishes. Am. Jour. Vol. 41. Redpield, J. H. Fossil fishes of Connecticut and Massachusetts, with a notice of an undescribed genus. Ann. Lyc. New-York, Vol. 4. ScHCEPPF, J. D. Descriptions of North American fishes chiefly from the waters of New-York. (Beobachtungen, &c. von der Qesellschaft naturforschendcr. Freunde zu Berlin zweiten bande, drittcs stuck.) 8vo. Berlin, 1788. Smith, J. V. C. Natural History of the Fishes of Massachusetts, embracing a practical treatise on angling. 12ma Boston, 1833. Storer, D. H. Report on the Ichthyology of Massachusetts. 8vo. p. 202, Boston, 1839. Valenciennes. Sur le sous-genre Marteau (Zygajna). Mem. du Mus. d'Hist. Nat. Vol. 9, p. 222. Wood, W. W. Descriptions of four new species of the Linnean genus Blennius, and a new species of Exocetus. Ac. Sc. Vol. 4, p. 278. YiRREL. History of British Fishes. 2 vols, 8vo. and Suppl. London, 1836. SYNOPSIS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN FAMILIES AND GENERA OF FISHES DESCRIBED IN THIS WORK. \ I. BONY FISHES. A. PECTINIBRANCHII. (a). Spine-rayed. C Perca, Labrax, Huro, Pileoma, Lucioperca, Serranus, Centropristes, 1. Percid^, < Grystes, Centrarchus, Pomotis, Bryttus, Aphredoderus, Uranoscopus, ^ Sphyraena, Boleosoma. 9 T I TD« ^ Trigla, Prionotus, Dactylopterus, Cottus, Hemitripterus, Scorpena, Sebas- ' ( tes, Uranidea, Aspidophorus, Cryptacanlhodes, Gasterosteus. , (J { Corvina, Leiostomus, Otolithus, Umbrina, Pogonias, Micropogon, Hemu- 6. bciENiDiE, . . .. . ^ jgjj^ Pristipoma, Lcbotes. 4. SPARID.E, Sargus, Chrysophrys, Pagrus. 5. Chetodontidx, Ephippus, Pimelepterus. 'Scomber, Thynnus, Pelamys, Cybium, Trichiurus, Xiphias, Naucrates, Elacale, Lii;hia, Trachinotus, Palinurus, Caranx, Blepharis, Argyreyo- sus, Vomer, Seriola, Temnodon, Coryphena, Lampugus, Rhombus, Pteraclis. 7. Teuthid^:, Acanthurus. 8. ATHERINID.E, '. Atherioa. 9. MUGILIDJE, Mugil. 10. GoBiDiE, Blennius, Pholis, Chasmodes, Gunnellus, Zoarces, Anarrhicas, Gobius. 11. LophiDjE,.. Lophius, Chironectes, Malthea, Batrachus. 12. Labridx, Ctenolabrus, Tautoga, Xirichthys. (i). Soft-rayed. 1. AsDOMrNAL. 13. SnuRiDJE, Galeichthys, Arius, Pimelodus, Amblyopsis. 6. SCOMBRIDJE, •■ XIV SYNOPSIS OF FISHES. , . „ ( Cyprinus, Gobio, Abratnis, Labeo, Catostoraus, Stilbe, Leuciscus, Poecilia, U. OYPRiNiD^, ^ Lebias, Fundulus, Hydrargira, Molinesia. 15. EsociD^E, Esox, Belone, Scomberesox, Exocetus. 16. FisTULARiD.*, Fistularia. 17. Salmonid*, Salmo, Osmerus, Baione, Scopelus, Corregonus. 18. C1.UPID.K, Clupea, Alosa, Chatcessus, Elops, Butirinus, Amia. 19. Saurid.1:, Lepisosteus. 2. SuB-BRACniAL. 20. Gadid^, -- Morrhua, Merlucius, Lota, Merlangus, Brosmius, Phycis. 21. Planid^e, Hippoglossus, Pleuronectes, Achirus, Plagusia. 22. CYCLOPTERiDiE, Lumpus. Liparis. 23. EcHENEiD.*;, Echeneis. 3. Apodal. 24. ANoniLLiD.E, Anguilla, Conger, Ophidium, Fierasfcr, Ammodytes. B. LOPHOBRANCHII. 25. SyngnathidjE, Syngnathus, Hippocampus. C. PLECTOGNATHI. 26. GYMNODONTID.E, — Diodon, Tetraodon, Acanthosoma, Orthagoriscus. 27. Balistid^, Monocanthus, Aluteres, Balistes. 28. OsTnAcioNiD.a;, Lactophrys. IL CARTILAGINOUS FISHES. D. ELEUTHEROPOMI. 29. SxrRioNiD^, Acipenser, Platirostra. E. PLAGIOSTOMI. 30 SauALiDiE \ Carcharias, Lamna, Mustelus, Selachus, Spinax, Scymnus, Zygsena, ' I Squatina, Pristis. 31. Raiid^:, Raia, Pastinaca, Myliobatis, Cephaloptera. P. CYCLOSTOMI. 32. Petromyzonid^, — Petromyzon, Ammocetes. ERRATA. [Owing to the absence of the author while these pages were being printed, several inaccuracies have occurred. The reader is requested to correct the following more important errors.] Page 99, for "PI. XXIIl. fig. 74," read "PI. XXIH. fig. 71." 100, for "PL XX. fig. 66," read "PI. XX. fig. 56." 101, insert under "Spring Mackerel," "Scomber vernalis." 124, for "PI. LXV." read "PL LXXV." 194, insert "PL LXXVIL fig. 243." 202, insert « PL LXXVIL fig. 242." 220, for "atricadua," read •" atricauda." 231, for " Cyprilurus," read " Cypsilurus." 247, for "PL LX fig. 198," read "PL LXXVI fig. 240." 257, 28th line, for "spears," read "spars." 297, for "PL XLIIL" read "PL XLVIIL" 325, for "PL LV." read "PL LVL" i THE NEW-YORK FAUNA. CLASS V. FISHES. VERTEBRATED ANIMALS WITH COLD RED BLOOD ; BREATHING BY GILLS THROUGH THE MEDIUM OF WATER ; WITHOUT LUNGS. BODY COVERED MOSTLY WITH IMBRICATED SCALES OR PLATES, OR WITH A SMOOTH MUCOUS SKIN. MOVE IN WATER BY MEANS OF FINS INSTEAD OF FEET, WHICH VARY IN NUMBER. REPRODUCTION BY EGGS, WHICH ARB USUALLY FECUN- DATED AFTER EXCLUSION. HEART UNILOCULAR, OR COMPOSED OF ONE AURICLE AND ONE VENTRICLE. HEAD VARIOUS ; NO NECK. AQUATIC. CHIEFLY CARNIVOROUS. Obs. The animals of this class are very numerous, and are readily distinguished from all others. About four thousand were assembled together by Cuvier when he first began to study them, but the actual number now known is supposed to reach double that amount. Fishes have been divided into two great groups, viz. the Bony, and the Cartilaginous. The first comprises by far the greatest number of species. SUB-CLASS I. BONY FISH. Skeleton bony, the osseous matter being deposited in fibres. Sutures of the cranium distinct. With maocillary or intermaodllary bones, always one and generally both, present. Gill membrane with rays. Section 1. Pectinibranchii. Gills arranged in continuous rows like the teeth of a comb. Furnished with an opercle or gill cover, which is bordered with a loose membrane supported by rays. Jaws complete and free. Obs. This section embraces two orders, characterized chiefly by the presence or absence of spinous rays. Fauna — Part 4. 1 NEW-YORK FAUNA. ORDER I. SPINE-RAYED. Tlie first rays of the dorsal fin, or the entire first dorsal when two are present, with simple spinous rays. The first ray of the anal fin always spinous, and the ventral fins have also one or more of the anterior rays almost universally spinous. Obs. This order, which is designated in ichthyological works under the name of Acan- ihopterygii, comprises seventeen families. In the waters of this State, we have the repre- sentatives of ten famiHes. We commence with FAMILY I. PERCID^. Edges of the opercle or gill-cover, or of the preopercle (^anterior gill-cover), and sometimes both, denticulated, or armed with spines. The cheeks not cuirassed. Both jaws, the vomer and palatine bones, armed with teeth. Obs. a family rich in species, amounting nearly to six hundred; a number of species greater than is to be found in the last edition of Linneus, including the whole class of fishes. The genera of this family alone are fifty-five in number, nearly equaUing the genera employed by Linneus for his entire class. The characters assigned above are sufficiently distinctive, but we may here add, in more general terms, the following remarks on this family : Body oblong, more or less compressed ; covered with scales, generally hard, with their exposed surfaces roughened, and their free edges denticulated or serrated. Mouth moderately large. Gills well divided, and their mem- branes sustained by several rays, never less than five, and rarely above seven. Teeth in the jaws on a transverse line in front of the vomer, and almost invariably a longitudinal band on each palatine, and rounded patches on the pharyngeals ; occasionally on the tongue. No barbules, nor cirri or beards. Ventral fins for the most part under the pectorals ; occasion- ally in advance of it ; and in a few genera only, are they abdominal, or behind the ventrals. This family is remarkable for their beautiful forms, and the excellence of their flesh as an article of food. About one-fifth of the whole number of species inhabit fresh-water streams, or occasionally ascend them ; and it is observable that some genera, which contain chiefly marine species, have a few fluviatile species, while the facts are reversed in other genera. All the fishes of this family, found in the United States or along its shores, are included by Cuvier in his great work under the following genera, containing in the aggregate about forty species : FAMILY PERCIDiE — PERCA. Perca, Centropristes, DULES, Labrax, Grystes, ASPREDODORTJS, HURO, POMOTIS, Uranoscopcs, LUCIOPERCA, Centrarchus, SPHYRiBNA. Serranus, Bryttus, To these we have ventured to add indications of three others. GENUS PERCA. Body oblong, subcompressed. Ventrals beneath the pectorals. Gill membrane loith seven rays ; opercle spiny ; preopercle with the posterior and basal margins toothed. Scales rough, not easily detached. Five soft rays to the ventral Jins. Two dorsals, or so deeply notched as to appear double. Teeth all minute, equal. Suborbital faintly serrated. Tongue smooth. THE AMERICAN YELLOW PERCH. Ferca flatescens, PLATE I. FIG 1. Morme Jlmescm. MiTCHiLL, Report on the Fishes of N. Y. Bodiama flavacmt. Id. Trans. Lit.iind Phil. Soc. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 421. La Perclte jaundtre (TAmirique. CuT. et ViL. Hist, des Poissons, VoL 2, p. 46. TTie American Perch. RiCHAEDSON, Fauna BoreaL Amer. Vol. 3, p. 1, pi. 74. The Common Perch. Stoker, Massachusetts Report, p. 5. The YeUoui Perch. K:etland, Report on Zoology of Ohio, p. 168 and 190. Characteristics. Sides yellow ; six to eight dark vertical bands over the back. Pectorals, ventrals and anal, orange. Length 6-12 inches. Description. Body compressed, elongated, with a somewhat gibbous dorsal outline. Scales small, adherent, ciliated on their free edges. Head above, and between the eyes, smooth. Lateral line, a series of tubes concurrent with the hne of the back. Head sub-depressed ; and in the larger and older fish, the rostrum becomes more elongated, producing a concavity in the facial outline. The first dorsal commences above the base of the pectorals. The first ray much shorter than the second ; the fourth, fifth and sixth rays longest, thence gra- dually diminishing to the last, which is very short. The space between the first and second dorsals is about 0-3 in extent. The second dorsal is composed of fifteen or sixteen rays ; the first two short and spinous ; in many individuals, there is but one spinous ray. The remaining rays are articulated, branched, very gradually subsiding from the anterior part. Pectorals moderate ; posterior margin slightly rounded, and composed of fifteen articulated 4 NEW-YORK FAUNA. rays. Ventrals slightly behind the pectorals. Anal beneath the second dorsal, of two spinous and eight articulated rays ; the first spinous ray shorter than the second. Caudal forked, or rather notched, with the tips somewhat rounded. Mouth moderate ; jaws even. Preopercle strongly toothed. The opercle serrated beneath, and with a spine on its posterior angle. Humeral bones grooved. Color. Above greenish and gold, with dark olive green. Vertical bands across the back, usually longest about the middle of the body, and gradually smaller towards the tail. Chin flesh-colored. Sides and abdomen golden yellow. Ventrals and anals bright orange. Pec- torals yellowish orange. Dorsals and caudal dusky brown ; the anterior dorsal tinged with light yellow, and with dark brown dashes along its length above the base of the fin. Pupils black ; irides golden. Length, 6-0- 12-0. Fin rays, D. 13.2.15; V. 1.5; A. 2.8; C. 17 |. The common Yellow Perch is one of the best known and widely distributed of all our fluviatile fishes. It may be considered as a northern fish, extending to the fiftieth parallel. Its geographical distribution has been much extended within a few years, by the artificial water channels created by the enterprise of several of our sister republics. Thus, in the State of Ohio, it was common in the small lakes in the northern parts of the State only, and in Lake Erie. Since the construction of the Ohio canal, we learn from Kirtland that it has found its way into the Ohio river, and may soon be observed in the Mississippi. It is com- mon in almost every pond and stream throughout the northern and middle States, and in all the great lakes. It is very closely allied to the P. jluviatilis of Europe ; and like that fish, is much esteemed by those who can not obtain salt-water species. It has occasionally been transported from one pond to another, with complete success. In 1790, Dr. Mitchill trans- ferred some of them from Ronkonkama to Success pond, a distance of forty miles, where they soon multiplied. In 1825, a similar experiment was made by transporting perch from Skaneateles to Otisco lake and Onondaga lake. In this latter case, the perch increased remarkably ; while pickerel, which were introduced at the same time, did not appear to thrive as well. The common dace and eel pout have also been transferred with complete success. They vary considerably in size in different localities. I have caught them in Otsego lake, weighing nearly three pounds, and have heard of them exceeding this weight. Cuvier has describe.d two or three other species, wliich seem scarcely distinguishable from the perch just described. FAMILY PERCIDiE — PERCA. fj) THE ROUGH YELLOW PERCH. Perca serrato-grandlata. PLATE XXII. FIG. 64. Laperche a opermUs gremis. Cnv. et Val. Hist Poiss. Vol. 2, p. 47. Characteristics. With roughened radiated lines on the head. In other respects, resembUng the preceding species. Description. I have apphed this name to a yellow perch from Rockland county, which appeared to present the characters assigned to it by Cuvier. I have nothing to add to the description given by that author. It is thicker than P. fluviatilis ; its cranium larger, and with roughened radiating striae. The opercle has likewise roughened radiating striae, and is strongly toothed on its lower margin ; its upper lobe almost eifaced, but its point is very acute. In some individuals, the preopercle is smooth on two-thirds of its height, and has only a few near the angle ; whilst in others, there are teeth throughout the whole extent. Those on the lower margin are always more minute and numerous than in the European species. The subopercle is toothed on two-thirds of its margin. Length, 6-0- 12-0. Fin rays, D. 14.2.13; P. 13 or 14; V. 1.5; A. 2.7; C. 17. The colors oflFer nothing essentially different from those of the preceding species, except that the dark blotches on the first dorsal are scarcely visible. THE ROUGH-HEADED YELLOW PERCH. Perca granulata. PLATE LXVin. FIG. 220. Lapmhta tite grmue. Cut. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 2, p. 48, pi. 9. Characteristics. Head roughened by granulations, disposed in radiating striae on the parietals. A black spot on the four last rays of the first dorsal. Description. Teeth of the vomer more robust than in P. fluviatilis. Scales nearly smooth on their margins : The opercle feebly striated, and with few dentations. Six distinct and well defined bands. If the figure may be trusted for its coloring, the lower half of the ventrals, and the whole caudal, are blood red. The vent is near the anal fin. Fin rays, D. 15.2.13; P. 15; V. 1.5; A. 2.8; C. 17. I have never met with this species, and insert it on the authority of Cuvier, who received it from New- York through MM. Milbert and Lesueur. 6 NEW-YORK FAUNA. THE SHARP-NOSED YELLOW PERCH. Pkrca acuta. PLATE LXVm. FIG. 282. Im Perche a rmueau pointu. Cdv, et Val. Hist. Poiss. ■Vol.2, p. 49, pi. 10. The Sharp-nosed Perch. RiCHABDSON, Fauna Bor. Am. Vol. 3, p. 4. Characteristics. With seven dark bands, between which are an equal number of spots or irregular bands. Description. Lower jaw elongated ; snout pointed. Minute dentations on the preopercle, and even on its lower edge ; a few, moderately strong, on the preopercle, immediately be- neath its point. The last ray of the first dorsal, and the first of the second dorsal, very short. The vent nearly equidistant between the ventral and anal fins. Color. Seven dark vertical bands descending on the sides ; and between them, seven half bands more or less regular, or merely spots on the dorsal region. Length, 8-0. Fin rays, D. 13 or 14.2.14; P. 14; V, 1.5; A. 2.7; C. 17. Sent to Cuvier from Lake Ontario. THE SLENDER YELLOW PERCH. Ferca gracilis. La Perche grefe. Cnv. et Val. Hist, des Poissons, Vol. 2, p. 50. Characteristics. Body elongated, with a small black spot on its first dorsal. Opercle not dentated. Length four inches. Description. Body less elevated than in the preceding species, and its facial outline less concave. No dentations on the opercle, and those on the preopercle very minute. Spinous ray of the second dorsal extremely feeble and short. Its bands and half bands as in the preceding, but less unequal among themselves. Length, 4'0. Fin rays, D. 12.1.13; P. 12; V. 1.5; A. 2.8; C. 19. This species was obtained from Skaneateles lake, Onondaga county, by Cuvier. It is doubtless mixed there with the true Yellow Perch, of which I have obtained specimens from that lake. FAMILY PERCIDiE — LABRAX. *}( EXTRA-LIMITAL. P. nebulosa. (Haldeman, Ac. Sc. Vol. 8, p. 330.) Body slender, slightly compressed; scales small, strongly serrated; tail truncated; pectorals very long; branchial rays 6; lateral line straight; yellowish brown, with dark transverse bands. D. 14.15; P. 14; V. 7; A. II; C. 18. Length 5*5. Susquehannah River. P. minima. (Id. ib. p. 330.) Spots instead of bands. Dorsal with nine rays. Length 2-0. Sus- quehannah. Obs. Both these species are arranged by Mr. Haldeman under a subgenus of Percidas, which he terms Percina, characterized by six branchial rays ; preopercle smooth on its margin ; opercle ends in a spine, and with the cheeks scaly ; teeth all fine, and placed on the maxillaries and vomer. GENUS LABRAX. Cuvier. A disk or hands of teeth on the tongue. Suborbital and humerus without denticulations. Two points on the opercle. Two dorsal fins distant and separated. Teeth on both jaws, on the vomer and palatines . Cheeks, preopercle and opercle scaly. Preopercle notched or denticulated below, serrated behind. THE STRIPED SEA BASS. Labbax lineatus. PLATE I. FIG. 3. — (STATE COLLECTION.) Sciena Untata. Bloch, pi. 304. Perca, Rock-fish, Striked Baaa at New-York. SoBOEPPF, Beobachtungen, etc. p. 160. Perca taxatilU. Bloch, Schneid. p. 89. P. leplaitrionalis. Id. p. 90, pi. 20. Centropome raye. Lacepede, Hist. Nat. des Poissons, Vol. 4, p. 255. Roccus striata!. Mitchill, Report in part on the Fishes of New-York, p. 25. Perca milchiUi. Id. Trans. Lit. and Phil. Society of New- York, Vol. 1, p. 413, pi. 3, fig. 4. Rock-fish. Mease, Ib. Vol. I, p. 502. Le Bar raye, Labrax lineatus. Cov. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 2, p. 79. The Striped Bass, L. lineatus. Stoeer, Massachusetts Report, p. 7. Characteristics. Brown above, silvery beneath. From seven to nine blackish longitudinal stripes on each side of the body. Length from one to four feet. Description. Body cylindrical, tapering. Head and body covered with large adhesive scales. Lateral line obvious, running through the fourth stripe and nearly straight. Head somewhat obtusely pointed. Eyes large, and about two diameters apart. Nostrils double, the posterior largest. Gill openings ample. Lower jaw longest. Teeth numerous in the jaws and palatines. Teeth on the tongue most obvious on its sides. Opercle with two spines on its posterior margin, of which the inferior is largest. Preopercle finely denticulated along its lower margin. The first dorsal commences behind the pectoral, and above the latter rays of 8 NEW-YORK FAUNA. the ventral fins : it is composed of nine spinous rays, of which the first is very short, the second longer, the third and fourth longest, subequal ; thence rather suddenly decreasing to the last. A simple ray is interposed in the very short interval between this and the second dorsal, which is composed of twelve branched rays. The first branched ray is longest ; the others gradually become smaller to its termination, which is anterior to the end of the anal fin. The pectoral fins arise a short distance behind the branchial aperture ; are short, obliquely subtruncate, and composed of sixteen rays. The ventral fins originate shghtly behind the pectorals, with the first ray short, robust and spinous. The anal fin arises under the fourth ray of the second dorsal ; the three first rays are short, spinous and robust. The portion with branched rays resembles in shape the second dorsal, but extends beyond it. Caudal fin broadly lunate. Color. Bluish-brown or bluish above, silvery on the sides and beneath. Along each side are from seven to nine inequidistant black parallel stripes ; the upper series of stripes pro- ceed directly to the base of the caudal fin, the lower ones terminate above the anal. These stripes are occasionally indistinct, sometimes interrupted in their course, and more rarely each alternately a continuous stripe, and a row of abbreviated lines or dots. Pupils black ; irides silvery. Length, 6-0 -48-0. Weight one to seventy pounds, and even more. Fin rays, D. 9.1.12; P. 16; V. 1.5; A. 3.11 ; C. 17 |. This is a pretty generally distributed species among us, and affords a savory article of food. They take the hook with great freedom, and afford much sport to the angler. They are more frequently, however, taken with the seine. They may be seen in our markets during the whole year ; and although the larger fish may be considered as coarse and dry, yet the smaller ones are exceedingly delicate eating. The geographical limits of the Striped Bass appear to extend from the capes of Delaware bay to the coast of Massachusetts. I am strongly inclined to suspect the Bar-fish of Richard- son to be merely the first Var. P. mitchilli, interrupta, of Mitchill, characterized by rows of spots, five above and five below ; the lateral line so regularly interrupted and transposed as to appear like " ancient church music." Mitchill's variety has " the parallelism of the lines " broken ; and their integrant parts, the specks and spots, resemble confused rows of printing " types." Should the supposition of their identity be correct, the geographical range of the Striped Bass extends from Delaware bay to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Dr. Mitchill has truly and concisely remarked that this bass is a salt-water fish, ascending fresh-water streams to breed during the spring, and for shelter during the winter. According to the observations of Mease, they make their appearance along the coast in large scholes,* ♦ Schole, a word of Saxon origin, denoting a company of fish, and frequently corrupted into school and shoal. We take this occasion to state that the word bass is probably of Dutch origin, and applied to sea perches ; and it appears to have been adopted into our language anterior to the time of Willughby. In itself, it may have been corrupted from paartch or ptrch. FAMILY PERCIDiE — LABRAX. 9 about the beginning of September. They keep between the outer bar and the beach, where they are caught by the seine in large quantities for the New-York and Philadelphia markets. From the same writer, we learn that they ascend rivers as far as the depth of water will per- mit, and He among the bushes. Sometimes, from heavy rains, or the sudden melting of snow, the fish are forced from their abode back again to the salt water, and remain there until the freshet subsides, when they invariably reascend. They ascend high up the Hudson river, and have been taken under the Cohoes falls of the Mohawk. The larger individuals, called Green-heads, never ascend fresh-water streams. Along the coast, they enter creeks and inlets at night with the flood tide, in order to feed, and return with the ebb. Advantage is taken of this circumstance, by stretching a seine across the outlet, when great numbers are taken. As the weather grows colder, they penetrate into bays and ponds connected with the sea, where they imbed themselves in the mud. Near Sag-harbor, Sufi'olk county, I noticed one of these ponds, which was a source of great annual profit to the owner. This species, it will be noticed above, has had the fortune to receive many names. Dr. Mitchill, who was unacquainted with the labors of his predecessors, imposed upon this spe- cies, with characteristic simphcity, his own name. It is known under the various popular names of Striped and Streaked Bass, Rock-fish, and oftener Rock. Schoepff observes of this species, that " it is very common, and caught during the whole " year on the coast of New-York. They are brought into the market (dead) in great abun- " dance during the winter." " There are other fish in the same waters, which in shape, size " and color, completely resemble the striped bass, except that they have no lateral stripes " whatever. It is supposed that they are the same, and that they do not, until they are two " or three years old, take those stripes which sufficiently distinguish them from all others. " The linnean characters of Perca aspera apply to the above named fish, but it is clearly a " new species." It is probable, that in the latter paragraph, SchcepfF alludes to some species of Pogonias. From the avidity with which the striped bass seizes a hook baited with soft crab, clams, and the smaller Crustacea, it is probable that they form no inconsiderable portion of its food. , THE RUDDY BASS. LlBRAX RUFU8, PLATE lU. FIG. 7. — (STATE COLLECTION.) Perca, River Perch at New-York. ScHffiPFF, Beobachtungen, &0. 1788, p. 159. Mormte rufa. Mitchill, Report in part, p. 18.' Bodiama rufiu. Id. Phil. Tr. Vol. 1, p. 420. Le petit Bar d'Ammjue, Labrax mucronatxu. CcT. et Val. Hist. Poiis. Vol. 2, p. 86, pi. 12. Labrax mttcrmatui. Storer, Massachusetts Report, p. 8. Characteristics. Dark bluish above, with a reddish hue over the whole body, fading into a reddish on the sides ; no lateral stripes. Length eight to ten inches. Fauna — Part 4. 2 10 NEW-YORK FAUNA. Description. Body deep, compressed. Dorsal outline somewhat gibbous. Head small, with a sloping facial outline. Nostrils double, the posterior much the largest. Scales den- ticulate; all minutely punctured. Lateral line distinct, and nearly concurrent with the dorsal outUne. Scales on the suborbital and opercle. Preopercle serrate on its posterior and inferior margins. Opercle with a flat acute point beneath, and a more obtuse one above, separated from each other by a deep emargination ; its edge membranous. A deep straight suture behind the orbit. Upper jaw protractile ; a band of minute teeth on the lower jaw and intermaxil- laries. Tongue subacute, punctate with black, smooth in the centre and at the tip ; a band of velvet-like teeth on the sides. The two dorsals connected by a shght membrane. The first dorsal composed of stout spines, more or less curved ; the first very short, the second twice its length, and the third still longer ; the fourth and fifth longest of all. The second dorsal longer than high ; the first ray straight, spinous, about two-thirds of the length of the next branched rays : the form of this fin is quadrangular, the rays diminishing very gradually in length to the last. Pectorals broad ; the upper rays longest. Ventrals in advance of the origin of the first dorsal ; its first ray stoutly spinous. Anal fin with three spines, the first of which is very short, and capable of being directed forwards. Caudal fin deeply emarginate. Color. Dark bluish above, with a reddish hue over the whole, fading into yellowish or orange on the sides. Head with brilliant metallic reflections. Lips and chin rosaceous. The base of the pectorals dark brown, the fins themselves being yellowish. Ventrals reddish at their bases ; the remaining fins brown. Length, 8-0 - 10-0. Depth, 2-0 - 3'0. Fins, D. 9.1.12; P. 15; V. 1,5; A. 3-10; C. 17 f. This is a very common fish in our markets during the winter months, and early in the spring. They come into our markets from New-Jersey and Long Island, where they are obtained in brackish streams. Dr. Akerly, in his economical history of the fishes sold in the New- York markets, states that it is only fit for chowder. I have very little doubt but that is the species described by Schcepff ; and as his memoir on the fishes of New- York is not easily attainable in this country, and has never been translated, the following notice of this species may be acceptable to our ichthyologists. " Perca — Perch, River Perch at New-York. "Head sloping; front scaly. Nostrils two, the largest near the inner angle of the eye. Eyes yellow. Upper jaw movable ; the under somewhat projecting. In both jaws, and in the fore part of the palate, are small bristly teeth. Tongue oblong, triangular, rounded at the point, and rough on both edges. Gill covers scaly ; the upper dentate on its margin. Br. rays 7. Body compressed, oblong, and broadest between the first rays of the dorsal and the ventrals. Back brown, changing to blue and green. Belly white and shining. The under lip, throat, gill membranes (often the pectoral and anal) red : this is occasioned by the blood shining through the tender membrane. Tail trifurcate. Ventrals placed at the extremity of the breast bone. Lateral line straight. All the scales fringed on their mar- gins (ciliatae). Dorsals two. D. 9.13; P. 15; V. 1.6; A. 3.12; C. 18. FAMILY PERCIDiE — LABRAX. 11 " This perch, which nearly equals in size our river perch, inhabits the coast of New- York and Long Island, in and at the mouths of fresh-water streams. It wants the six black lines and the black mark at the end of the dorsal, which characterize the European fresh-water perch. The first dorsal, more- over, has but thirteen (nine?) rays." THE LITTLE WHITE BASS. Labrax pallidds. PLATE I. FIG. 2. — (STATE COLLECTION.) MoTone pallida. Mitchill, Report on the Fishes of N. Y. p. 18. Bodianus paUidus. Id. Trans. Lit. and Phil. See. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 420. Characteristics. Body compressed, small, light-colored. First ray of the posterior dorsal nearly as long as the second. Opercle with a single spine. Length 3-4 inches. Description. Body much compressed. The back, anterior to the dorsal fin, carinate ; head declivous ; scales rounded, minutely pectinate, readily detached, extending over the cheeks and to the interobital space. Lateral line concurrent with the back. Nostrils double ; the posterior obliquely ovate. Fine velvet teeth on the maxillaries, intermaxillaries and palatines ; and with a strong lens, a band of teeth may be traced on each edge of the tongue. Opercle with a single flat spine, and a pointed membrane extending beyond it. Preopercle angular, serrated. Interopercle with a minute flattened spine ; humerus without a spine. Dorsal ap- parently double, but connected by a low membrane : the anterior portion consists of nine spinous rays, of which the fourth is longest ; the first very short, the second and eighth subequal. The first ray of the posterior portion spinous, long, nearly equalling in height the first branched ray ; the upper margin of this fin descends more abruptly than in the preceding species. Pectorals placed just anterior to the origin of the ventrals, feeble ; the first ray short and rudimentary, the second long and simple, the remainder branched. Ventrals situated beneath the first rays of the dorsal fin ; its first ray spinous, shorter than the second, third longest. Anal fin with three spinous rays, of which the first equals in length the first ray of the anterior dorsal ; the second and third more than double the length of the first. Caudal fin deeply emarginate. Air-bladder simple. Color. Light bluish above, and paler beneath ; sides and abdomen white. Base of the ventrals and anal fins faint pinkish. Some of the scales dark-colored, so as to represent a few irregular, interrupted horizontal bands along the sides ; this appearance, however, is scarcely perceptible when the fish is just drawn from the water. Length, 4*5. Depth, I'S. Fins, D. 9.13; P. 17; V. 1.5; A. 3.7; C. 17 f 12 NEW-YORK FAUNA. This pigmy bass is commonly known with us under the name of White Perch. I have the authority of Dr. Mitchill himself for the identity of the species. There are, however, several grave errors in his description, some of which he assured me were typographical. I am inclined to suspect that it has been confounded by preceding vnriters with the mucronatus just described. Cuvier's figure of this last named species agrees better with the pallidus, with the exception of the first ray of the second dorsal, which is represented as short ; while the description, " L'epine de sa seconde dorsale est presque aussi longue que le premier rayon " mou qui la suit," corresponds entirely with the characters of the White Perch. There are other discrepancies, such as the want of ciliae or dentations to the scales, which scarcely apply to either species. Like the preceding species, it inhabits salt and brackish waters ; but as far as my observations have extended, is invariably a smaller species, being in fact a diminutive fish, and rarely brought to market for food. It occurs only in the spring, while the Ruddy Bass, or Salt-water Perch as it is sometimes called, is very robust, and is common throughout autumn and winter. The Little White Bass, or White Perch, may be readily distinguished from the other by its light color, small size, and very compressed body. THE SMALL BLACK BASS. LiBRAX NIGRICANS. PLATE L. FIG. 160. — (STATE COLLECTION.) Characteristics. Dark colored, vnth a tinge of yellowish. First dorsal more elevated than the second. Length, 6-10 inches. Description. Body compressed ; back elevated. It has the general form of the Yellow Perch, but the frontal outline is more abruptly descending. Scales subquadrate, rounded behind, and minutely denticulated on their free margins (see figure). They extend over the opercular bones and suborbital, rising upon the soft rays of the dorsal, anal and caudal fins ; on the nape, they extend anterior to the eyes. Lateral hne very distinct, and nearly concur- rent with the dorsal outline, from which it is distant about one-third of the depth of the body. Eyes very large, and near the facial outline. In a preserved specimen, a straight suture is observed extending backwards from the eye towards the upper portion of the branchial aper- ture. This is not visible, or but indistinctly, in the living individual. The upper portion ,'of the orbit prominent. Nostrils double : the posterior obliquely oval, largest ; the anterior round, and furnished with a valvular membrane, Preopercle with its angle rounded, and strongly serrate on its horizontal and ascending margins. Opercle with a flat spine or point, separated by an emargination from an indistinct point above it. On the posterior part of the opercle, is a distinct vertical bony suture, near the ascending branch, and parallel with the preopercle. A band of velvet-like teeth in the upper and lower jaws ; a semilunar patch of teeth on the vomer ; a narrow band on the palatines, and a group of similar teeth on the pharyngeals. Tongue broad, and punctate with black, with rounded patches of excessively minute teeth on its sides and tip. The first branchial are pectinate. FAMILY PERCID^ — LABRAX. 13 The first portion of the dorsal fin stoutly spinous ; the first ray very short ; the second as high again ; the third, fourth and fifth highest : in individuals of a small size, the fourth ray is highest. The spinous portion is connected with that behind by a low membrane ; its first ray is long and spinous, the remaining rays branched, and ending a short distance before the termination of the anal : the upper edge of this fin emarginate. Pectoral fins long and nar- row, arising anterior to the origin of the first dorsal fin, and its tip extending as far back as the eighth spinous ray of that fin. Ventral fins stout and broad ; the first ray spinous, the second ray with a short filament. Anal fin emarginate, with three spinous rays, the first very short ; the first four branched rays longer than the last spinous ray. Caudal fin furcate ; its tips subacutely rounded. Color. The general hue is deep brownish-black, more intense on the head and upper part of the body. In the older specimens, there is a strong brassy hue throughout ; occasionally dark longitudinal parallel streaks on the upper part of the body. Pupils black ; irides yellow. Base of the fins light greenish-yellow ; edge of the membrane of the spinous dorsal black. Upper portion of the membrane of the posterior dorsal fin transparent, and separated from the yellow portion at the base by a tolerably well defined dark band. Membrane of the anal fin dark towards the tips of the rays. Length, 6-0- 12-0. Depth, 1-5 - 3-5. Fins, D. 9 or 10,1.12; P. 16; V. 1.5; A. 3.8; C. 15 |. This species, which is apparently undescribed, is commonly known under the name of Black Perch, and is found in various deep fresh-water ponds in Queens and Suffolk counties. When weighing one or two pounds, they are esteemed good eating. They, however, rarely reach this size, being for the most part about six inches in length. Individuals have, how- ever, been taken fifteen inches long. They rise to the fly, and afford much amusement to the sportsman. THE WHITE LAKE BASS. LaBRAX ALBIDUI. PLATE LI. FIO. 165. Characteristics. Bluish white, with a few narrow dusky lines. Anal fin with twelve soft rays. Second dorsal scarcely emarginate. Length 10-15 inches. Description. Body compressed ; back arched ; the portion anterior to the dorsal fin convex to the nape, where it becomes slightly concave, with the rostrum produced. Scales extending over the opercular pieces to the interorbital space, and on the base of the second dorsal, pec- toral, anal and caudal fins. The scales (see figure) are large, subquadrate, rounded and ciUated on the free margins, reticulated on the exposed surface ; truncated in front with four- teen radiating plaits on the concealed portion. Lateral line rather straight, not concurrent % 14 NEW- YORK FAUNA. with the dorsal outline. Head small and pointed. Eyes large, 0-5 in diameter, and slightly more than their diameters apart. Nostrils double, contiguous, vertical, shghtly in advance of the orbits. Suborbital scaly. Preopercle with about fifty stout teeth on the posterior margin, more robust on the rounded angle, smooth beneath. Opercle with two small spines separated by a deep notch, which is filled up by membrane. Lower jaw shghtly longest ; both with bands of small subequal acute teeth : similar, but smaller teeth on the vomer and palatines ; a small oblong patch of minute teeth on each side of the tongue, and a larger rounded patch of similar teeth at its base. The first dorsal fin composed of nine spinous rays, arisujg at a point vertical to the origin of the ventral : the first spine short, not exceeding a quarter of an inch in length ; the second twice the length of the first ; the third more than twice the length of the second ; the fourth and fifth subequal, longest ; thence gradually diminishing in size to the last, which is more slender and rather longer than the first. The second dorsal arises a short distance behind, and perfectly distinct from the first ; composed of one spinous and thirteen branched rays. The spinous ray is robust, and half the length of the first articulated ray, which, with the two following, are longest ; the last ray longer than the two or three preceding : this is not faithfully rendered in the figure. Pectoral fins small, pointed, of seventeen rays ; the upper simple, short ; the third and fourth longest. Ventral fins slightly behind the base of the pectorals, robust, with one stout sharp spine and five branched rays ; the tips with a tendency to filamentous. Anal slightly emarginate, with three spinous and twelve branched rays ; these rays, as well as those of the second dorsal fin, have elongated scales extending towards the tips. The first spine is short, the second twice the length of the first, and the third rather longer than the second, but not more than half the length of the first soft ray. Caudal fin deeply lunate, with scales ascending high on the rays. Color. Bluish white above the lateral line, with a few narrow parallel dusky streaks above and beneath this hne. Sides and belly white. Pupils black ; irides white, intermixed with a little brown. Dorsal, caudal and anal fins brownish, tinged with blue. Pectoral fins whitish, tinged with olive green. Ventral fins light transparent bluish, tipped with white. Length, 10-5. Depth, 3-0. Fins, D. 9.1.13; P. 17; V. 1.5; A. 3.12; C. 17 |. This is a very common fish in Lake Erie, and is known at Buffalo under the name of White Bass. It readily takes the hook, and is esteemed as an article of food. (EXTRA-LIMITAL.) L. notatus. (Richardson, F. B. A. p. 8.) Ten parallel series of lines, forming regularly abbre- viated spots. D. 9.1.12; V. 1.6; A. 1.12; C. 17. Length one to two feet. River St. Law- rence. L. multilineatus. (Cuvier & Valkn. Vol. 3, p. 488.) Sixteen longitudinal lines along the sides. D. 9.1.13; P. 14; V. 1.5; A. 3.12; C. 17. Length 15 inches. River Wabash. FAMILY PERCIDiE. 15 GENUS HURO. Cuvier. With most of the characters of the Germs Perca, hut wanting denticulations on the bones of the head, and more especially on the preopercle. Opercle with two small flat points. THE BLACK HURON. HUEO NIGRICANS. PLATE LXIX. FIG. 224. Hvo mgriams. Cnv. & Val. Hist, des Poissons, Vol. 2, p. 124, pi. 17. Perca (ifuro) nigricans. Richardson, Faun. Boreal. Am. Vol. 3, p. 4. Characteristics. Back and sides dark, with a faint greyish longitudinal streak through each row of scales. Length sixteen inches. Description. General form that of the Perch. Greatest depth of the body under the first dorsal, and equal to one-third of the length of the body. Scales large, smooth, covering the head as far as the orbit, and extending also on the opercles. Lateral line tubular, concurrent with the dorsal outline. Head flattened above, with striae diverging to the orbits. Lower jaw directed obliquely upwards, and projecting 0 • 25 beyond the upper. Velvet-like teeth on the jaws, vomer and palatines. Tongue . The bony opercle has an acute oblique notch on its posterior margin, producing two thin points. The branchial membrane, according to Cuvier, with seven rays. Richardson enumerates but six. The first dorsal small ; its third ray longest, the fourth and fifth nearly as long. The second dorsal an inch behind the first, and one-third higher ; the two first rays spinous, short ; the first ray articulated, simple ; the remainder branched. In the only specimen hitherto examined, the rays of this fin were in- jured, but Cuvier supposes that there must have been twelve or thirteen : only eight were visible. Pectorals with the first ray very short. Ventrals immediately beneath them. Anal, with its branched rays, equal in height to those of the second dorsal. Caudal shghtly emar- ginate, with its tips rounded. Color, taken from a dried specimen. Back and sides dark, with a faint longitudinal streak through the centre of each row of scales. Belly yellowish white. Length, 17' 5. Fins, D. 6.2.8 or 12; P. 15; V. 1.5; A. 3.11 ; C. 17 f This is a remarkably firm and well-flavored fish, taken readily with the hook during the summer months in Lake Huron, where it is called Black Bass. It will probably be found in Lake Erie, and of course within the limits of the State. As I have not seen it, I have availed myself of the description and figure given by Cuvier and Valenciennes. Its history is yet imperfect ; nor, with our present knowledge, can we assign it positively its proper place in the family. fS NEW-YORK FAUNA. GENUS PILEOMA. With two distinct dorsals. Preopercle smooth. Opercle pointed, with a feeble flattened spine, Ventrals with five soft rays. Teeth uniform in size. Obs. In order to prevent confusion, I have deemed it proper to place this small species in a separate group ; believing, with Cuvier, that such a course is to be preferred, rather than to change the characters of another genus in order to force it into a group to which, in other respects, it may be a total stranger. I am unable to satisfy myself as to its true position in this family, but its smooth opercle would seem to indicate its vicinity to the genus Huro. THE CHAMPLAIN PICKERING. PiLEOMA SEMIFASCUTUM. PLATE L. FIG. 162. — (STATE COLLECTION.) Characteristics. Small. Olive green, with numerous bands of a darker hue over the back. Length two to four inches. Description. Body oblong, cylindrical. Scales moderate, denticulated, very small on the preopercle, larger on the opercle, nearly uniform on the remaining parts of the body ; thir- teen rows above and eight below the lateral hne, enumerated in the centre of the body. Lateral line distinct and nearly straight. Head small, sloping. Eyes rather large, with the supra-orbital margins prominent.B ranchial membrane with seven flattened rays. Preopercle nearly rectangular, smooth. Opercle terminating in a soft flat point ; just anterior to this point, is a small flat spine. Lower jaw shortest ; gape moderate. Jaws armed with feeble subequal teeth ; indistinct vestiges of teeth on the vomer and palatines, more manifest on the pharyngeals. The first dorsal fin commences above the base of the ventrals, and is composed of eleven subequal spinous rays, the posterior rays gradually diminishing in length. At an interval of 0*2, commences the second dorsal, higher than the first, and containing fifteen branched rays. Pectoral fins broad and rounded. Slightly behind this fin, arises the ventral, which is long and pointed. Anal fin longer than high, originating a little behind the commencement of the second dorsal, and composed of twelve annulated rays. Caudal broad, and very slightly emarginated ; in some individuals, iiearly even. Color. The general hue is pale greenish-olive, becoming lighter towards the abdomen. A series of about twenty dark olive or brownish stripes across the back, alternately but not regularly longer, and becoming dilated on the vertebral line. Gill-covers metallic green and gold. Pupils purplish ; irides silvery. A dark round spot at the base of the caudal. Dorsals dark brownish, resulting from numerous minute dark spots on their membranes. Caudal fin with four or five dark vertical bands. ^ FAMILY PERCIDiE — LUCIOPERCA. , IV Length, 2-0 -4-0. Depth, 0-3 -0-5. Fin rays, D. 13.15; P. 15; V. 1.5; A. 12; C. 15 |. I obtained this beautiful little fish at Westport on Lake Champlain, where it appeared to be very abundant. It is numerous also in many streams in that vicinity. It readily takes the hook, and is extremely active and voracious. Its popular name in that district is the Little Pickerel, or Pickering, which is also applied to many other species. GENUS LUCIOPERCA. Gesner, Cuvier. Ventrals beneath the pectorals, with Jive soft rays. Two dorsal fins. Canine or long teeth mixed with smaller ones. This genus includes a few fresh-water fishes from the northeastern parts of Europe, from Asia and North America. Its name indicates the united characters of a perch and pike. In this State, we describe two species. THE YELLOW PIKE-PERCH. LUCIOFERCA AMERICANA. PLATE L. FIG. 163. — (STATE COLLECTION.) Perca vilrea. The GUut-tye. MiTCHILL, Suppl. Am. Month. Mag. Vol. 2, p. 247. Ludoperca amtricana, Le Sandre cCAmiruiue. CoT. et Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 2, p. 122. pi. 16. L. id.. The Amirican Sandre. RiCHARDsoN, F. B. A. Fishes, p. 10. The Okow or Horn-fish. Id. lb. p. 14. L. ludoperca, Salmon of the Ohio, Pike of the Lake. Kirtland, Zool. Ohio, p. 190. Characteristics. Greyish tinged with yellow. A black mark on the posterior part of the spinous dorsal. Lower edge of the opercle smooth. Length, 12 to 18 inches. Description. Body elongated, cylindrical, tapering ; profile of the head in a gently sloping straight line to the extremity of the snout. Scales moderate, subquadrate, ciliate on the rounded free margin, -with six radiating plaits in front. Lateral line nearly straight from the upper edge of the gill-cover to the tail, including in its course ninety-five scales. Orbits large, oval, 0.7 in their antero-posterior diameters. Nostrils double; the anterior with a valvular orifice. Preopercle serrated by a series of distant spines, directed upwards on the posterior margin, and forward, beneath. Opercle with a slender flat terminal spine, beyond which is a pointed membrane. Branchial rays seven. Mouth wide, extensible ; the lower jaw received into the upper. A series of acute recurved teeth in both jaws, and on the vomer and palatines. Two very long and conspicuous teeth, resembling canines, in front of each jaw ; those of the lower received into cavities above. Teeth on the vomer minute ; the anterior on each pala- tine very large and conspicuous. Tongue smooth, pointed, free. Fauna — Part 4. 3 18 NEW-YORK FAUNA. The first dorsal fin arises at a point vertical to a line between the bases of the pectoral and ventral fins, and is composed of thirteen long and slender spinous rays : some authors have enumerated fourteen. The first rays are an inch long ; the second, nearly a third longer ; thence subequal to the eighth, when they rapidly subside to the last, which is attached to the body by a broad black membrane. The second dorsal fin with one short simple subspinous ray, and twenty-one articulated rays : it arises half an inch behind the first dorsal ; its ante- rior soft rays longest, thence gradually diminishing, and ending half an inch posterior to the termination of the anal fin. Pectorals somewhat pointed, 1 • 8 long, and composed of fourteen rays, the tip reaching beneath the eighth ray of the spinous dorsal fin. Ventral fins placed slightly behind the pectorals, and composed of one stout spine of five branched rays ; its tips reach a point equidistant between its base and the vent. Caudal fin furcate, with numerous accessory rays. Color. Yellowish olive above the lateral line ; lighter on the sides ; silvery beneath. Head and gill-covers mottled with green, brownish and white. Chin pale flesh-color. Pupil dark and vitreous ; irides mottled with black and yellowish. Membrane of the spinous dorsal transparent, with a few dark dashes ; the upper part of the membrane tipped with black ; posterior portion of the membrane, including the two last rays, black. The soft dorsal fin light yellowish, spotted with brown in such a manner as to form irregular longitudinal dusky bars. Pectoral fins yellowish olive, with maculated brownish bars. Ventral fins transparent yellowish. Anal fin of the same color, with a broad whitish margin. Caudal fin with irre- gular dusky bars. Total length, 14-5. Greatest depth, 2-2. Length from the snout to the point of the opercle, 3 • 5. Fins, D. 13.1.21; P. 15; V. 1.5; A. 1.14; C. 17 |. This is the Common Pike, Pickerel, Pickering, Glass-eye and Yellow Pike of the Great Lakes, and of most of the streams and inland lakes in the western parts of the State. In Ohio it has received the name of Salmon. The ordinary common names give no correct idea of its character. It is a true Perch, although its form and habits suggest very naturally the idea of a Pike. I have therefore applied to it a name which indicates its true position, and is a translation of its classical appellation. The Pike-perch is exceedingly voracious, and is highly prized as food. It is caught readily with the hook, and appears to prefer as bait the conunon fresh-water cray-fish {Astacus hartoni). The best time for fishing is in the dusk of the evening, with a great length of line out, and keeping it gently in motion. The foot of rapids, or beneath mill-dams, appears to be its favorite haunts. In the heat of summer, it seeks the deepest parts of lakes, or in streams in the coolest parts concealed under weeds or grass. According to Dr. Kirtland, it is one of the most valuable fishes for the table, found in the western waters, and sells readily at a high price. It is found in such quantities about the Maumee river, as to induce fisher- men to take it as an article of commerce. At Lake Huron, it spawns in April or May. It is occasionally much larger than the dimensions of the one described above. In Chautauque FAMILY PERCIDjE — LUCIOPERCA. W lake, I was informed of one which was thirty inches long. Tt had swallowed a duck, which had thrust its head through the gill openings of the fish, and having thus destroyed it, both were found dead on the shore. The Pike-perch is found from the Ohio, through all the great lakes, and through the rivers of the fur countries up to the fifty-eighth parallel of latitude. Fishermen enumerate in our State three species or kinds : The Blue Pike, which I have seen, and consider as an aged individual of the present species ; the Yellow Pike, just described ; and the Grey Pike, which I consider as specifically distinct. Under the name of Perca vitrea, Mitchill has described a species which may apply to this or the following, but the description is too vague to enable me to adopt his previous name. THE GRAY PIKE-PERCH. LCCIOPERCA GRISEl. (STATE COLLECTION.) Characteristics. General hue greyish. Membrane of the spinous dorsal fin without the black spot. Invariably smaller than the preceding. Length ten to twelve inches. Description. Form of the head, body and opercles resembling entirely the preceding. The first dorsal with fourteen, and the second with eighteen rays. Anal with thirteen rays. Color. Color yellowish, strongly tinged with grey. Opercular bones, and summit of the head greyish. The first dorsal fin light-colored, tinged with yellowish, and with a rounded or irregular blue-black spot on the membrane between each ray. The second dorsal of the same color, with a series of similar spots forming two or more irregular bars. Pectoral fins yellowish, with a few dark spots. Ventrals yellowish, immaculate. Anal whitish, transpa- rent. Caudal fin with alternate transverse bars of bluish brown and faint yellowish. Length, 10-0- 12-0. Fins, D. 14.1.17; P. 15; V. 1,5; A. 13; C. 17 |. This species is found with the preceding, but is never larger than as given above. It is equally prized as an article of food. {EXTRA-LIMITAL.) L. canadensis. (Griffith's Cuv. Vol. 10, pi. 1, p. 275. PI. 68, fig. 221.) Dark olive green above, beneath whitish ; a few pale yellow spots on the sides below the lateral line. Lower margin of the opercle with five acute spines. Length 1 4 inches. River St. Lawrence. so NEW-YORE FAUNA. GENUS BOLEOSOMA.* Two dorsal fins. Opercle scaly, with a single spine. Preopercle smooth on the margin. Six branchial rays. Nape depressed, contracted. THE TESSELLATED DARTER BoLEOSOMA TESSELLATUM. PLATE XX. FIG. S7. — (STATE COLLECTION.) Characteristics. Small, brownish, with oblong quadrate spots on its back and sides. Length two to three inches. Description. Body cylindrical, tapering, covered with rough scales, which extend over the opercular bones. Scales moderately large for the size of the fish, rounded ; truncated and plaited in front, ciliate on the free margin. Lateral line tubular, broadly and regularly con- cave, nearly medial. Head small. Nape smooth, and depressed at the basal line as if strangulated ; thence ascending to the interorbital space, and descending rapidly to the tip of the snout. Eyes large, contiguous, 0'12 in diameter, and less than their diameters apart; the space between deeply furrowed. Nostrils double ; the posterior near the edge of the orbit, the anterior with valvular margins. Opercle with a pointed membrane behind ; and in advance of this, a small but robust spine. The preopercle with a smooth margin, and rounded at its angle. Branchial membrane with six rays. Mouth small, terminal, shghtly protractile. Very minute card-hke teeth in the jaws, forming two or more series. Equally minute teeth on the vomer, and anterior portion of the palatines. Tongue smooth. No swim-bladder. Dorsal fins two ; the first commencing on the anterior third of the head and body ; the first dorsal with nine spinous rays ; the first ray slightly shorter than the second ; the third, fourth and fifth, subequal, longest ; thence gradually diminishing to the last, which is supine, and nearly hidden in the depression which contains the fin. The second dorsal fin arises 0 • 2 behind this last, and contains fourteen branched rays longer than high ; highest in front, where it exceeds in height the spinous dorsal, and gradually diminishing behind, ending beyond the termination of the anal. Pectorals pointed, hastate, the tip reaching the end of the first dorsal,; composed of thirteen rays, the fifth and sixth longest, the inferior ray shortest. Ven- trals small, arising posterior to the base of the pectorals ; composed of one simple and five branched rays, of which the third is longest. Anal nearly as long as high, composed of ten rays, of which the first two are short. Vent under the origin of the second dorsal fin. Caudal fin even, and is a powerful instrument, 0 • 45 in length. • From /3oXi.c, a dart or javelin, and tfufAa, body. FAMILY PERCIDiE — SERRANUS. 21 Color. Olive brown, with from five to seven oblong quadrate black spots on the back along each side of the dorsal fin. Another series of spots, similar in shape, size and color, along the lateral line, and varying in number from seven to nine on each side. A short vertical black line from the eye, directed obhquely forward, and a similar black dash extending from the eye to the nose. Fins transparent ; the rays spotted with light brownish, forming narrow bars. Pupil black ; irides brown. Length, 2-5. Depth, 0-4. Fin rays, D. 9.14; P. 13; V. 1.5; A. 10; C. 17 |. This singular and beautiful little fish does not appear to have been hitherto described. It is usually seen at the bottom of clear springs or streams, lying for a while perfectly still near the bottom, and then suddenly darts off with great velocity at its prey. This habit has ac- quired for it the popular name of Darter. Another name, Grand-oranchee, is given to it in this State by the descendants of the Dutch colonists, but of its meaning I have obtained no satisfactory explanation. It occurs in most of the fresh-water streams of the State. I find among the Percida, no genus with which this can be satisfactorily arranged, nor indeed is there any combining the characters of two dorsals with six branchial rays. Ethe- ostoma, a loosely constructed genus, which is cited by Kirtland (Boston Journal, Vol. 3, p. 347), approaches it in the form of its head, but its opercles are said not to be scaly. GENUS SERRANUS. Cuvier. With a single dorsal. Canine teeth mingled with others, Preopercle minutely denticulate. Opercle with one or two spines ; generally with scales on the jaws. Obs. This genus, established by Cuvier, embraces at present about one hundred and ten marine species. The preopercle, in many species, becomes so minutely denticulate as to appear entirely smooth. The jaws also present remarkable varieties ; some species having them covered with large scales, whilst in others they are scarcely visible. This and all the succeeding genera of the family Percidae have a single dorsal fin. THE GROPER. Serbanvs ertthrooaster. PLATE XIX. FIG. 52. Characteristics. Olive brown above ; beneath red. Dorsal and caudal, ventral and anal fins bordered with blue, and edged with dusky. Length two feet. Description. Body oblong, subcompressed, deepest at the origin of the dorsal fin, thence tapering gradually to the tail. Height, to its length, as one to three and a half. Body covered with small quadrate oblong rough scales, ciliated on the margin with about eight 82 NEW-YORK FAUNA. radiating plates on the anterior surface. The scales cover the opercular bones, and the lower jaw, where they are small, long, narrow and elliptical, and are also on the bases of the fins. Lateral line concurrent with the dorsal outline. Head large ; its outline sloping in a regular but slight curve to the snout, and, measured to the point of the opercle, is one-third of the total length. Eyes large, near the facial outline, and 1 -0 in diameter. Nostrils double, con- tiguous, subequal ; the anterior with a valvular membrane on its posterior margin. Pre- opercle denticulated minutely on the upper part of the ascending branch, more strongly towards the angle, which is rounded, and, with the lower margin, smooth. Opercle terminat- ing in a flat membranous point : on its surface, 0 • 5 in advance of its tip, is a flat lancet-shaped spine ; beneath this, and slightly in advance, is a second spine of the same size and shape ; and near the upper angle of the branchial aperture is a third, more obscure, and rounded. Mouth large, protractile, extending back beneath the orbits. Lips fleshy. Teeth small, acute, conic, recurved, distributed in two bands in the jaws, with an intervening free space in the centre ; the teeth in the posterior series are larger as they approach the centre of the jaw ; the exterior series is composed of longer, very acute, more robust, and distant teeth- Vomer, palatines, pharyngeals, and branchial arcs covered with acute bristly teeth. The dorsal fin commences eight inches from the end of the snout, or above the point of the opercle, and contains eleven robust spinous rays received into a furrow, and sixteen flexible rays : the first spinous ray short, less than half the length of the second ; the third longest ; the tenth shorter than the eleventh. The soft portion of the dorsal rounded, equalling in height the longest spinous rays ; it terminates beyond the end of the anal. Pectorals placed low down, roimded, with one simple and fifteen branched rays, with a scaly fold on the superior part of its base behind. Ventrals placed slightly behind the base of the pectorals, pointed, triangular, with one robust spine and five branched rays ; the posterior ray attached to the abdomen by a membrane. Vent about an inch in front of the anal fin, which has two spines and ten soft rays : the first short, robust, acute ; the third simple, scarcely spinous, and enveloped in membrane ; the remainder branched. This fin commences under the second ray of the soft portion of the dorsal, and is high and rounded, equalling in height the longest spinous rays of the dorsal. Caudal broad, crescent-shaped, and composed of sixteen rays. Color. Brownish olive, with a reddish tinge. Jaws, chin, branchial membrane, abdomen, pectoral and ventral fins, and base of the anal fin, of a beautiful salmon-red, more or less brilliant. Interior of the mouth of a bright blood-red. Dorsal, anal and caudal fins brownish- black, with a bluish submargin bordered with black more or less deep : this black color is more intense on the- caudal fin. Pupils black ; irides yellow. This is the general distribu- tion of the colors in the particular individual described above ; but in thirty or forty others which I have examined, the general color is brownish, shghtly tinged with red, the abdomen exhibiting most of the latter color. Length, 24-0. Greatest depth, 7*0. Fins, D. 11.16; P. 16; V. 1.5; A. 2.10; C. 16. FAMILY PERCIDiE — SERRANUS. 23 This beautiful fish, which is not unusual in our markets in June and July, where it sells from six to twelve cents per pound, is called by the fishermen, Groper and Red Groper. It is a southern species, and is brought hither from the reefs of Florida; but I have been assured by intelligent fishermen, that it is occasionally, but very rarely, taken oiF our coast. Dr. Holbrook informs me that it is brought into the Charleston market from Florida, in the months of January, February and March. It bears a general resemblance to Hemulon ; but all its characters combine to place it in this family, and under Serranus, or rather to that subdivision (Merou) which has not yet received a distinct appellation, but which is charac- terized by the lower jaws being covered with fine scales. Its flesh is rather tough, and held in little estimation. (EXTRA-LIMITAL.) S. morio. (Cuv. and Val. Vol. 2, p. 285.) Brownish above, reddish beneath; maxillaries and branchial membrane red; pectorals orange; ventral spotted with red; anal with three spines. Length two and a half feet. Antilles. Obs. This appears closely allied to the preceding. Cuvier states that he has received it from New- York, through Mr. Milbert. S. aeutirostris. (Id. VoL 2, p. 286.) Entirely brown. Snout more elongated than in the other species. Preopercle very minutely denticulated. Length two feet. Charleston. Obs. In the collection of drawings of the fishes of Carolina, obhgingly communicated by Dr. Holbrook, are two species similar to the above, but apparently undescribed. S. faseicularis. (Id. VoL 2, p. 245.) With 5-6 longitudinal bands. Preopercle with two groups of radiating spines on the lower part of its posterior margin. Three transverse lines on the summit of the head. Length 6-10 inches. Charleston, S. C. 24 NEW-YORK FAUNA. GENUS CENTROPRISTES. Cuvier. A single dorsal Jin. All the teeth on the jaws, vomer and palatines, velvet-like. Preopercle serrated. Opercle spinous. The snout, jaw and branchial membrane without scales. THE BLACK SEA BASS. CeNTROPHISTES NiaRICANS. PLATE II. FIG. 5. — (STATE COLLECTION.) Perca, Black-fish in New-York. ScHtEPFF, Beobacht. Naturf. Fr. Vol. 8, p. 164. Coryphtem nigrescens. Bloch, Syst. posth. p. 297. Lutianus trilobus. Lacepkce, Hist. Poisa. Vol. 4, p. 246, pi. IC, fig. 3. Perca varia. MiTCHiLL, Report in part, etc. p. 10. P. id., Sea Basse. Id. Lit. and Phil. See. N. Y. Vol. 1, p. 415, pi. 3, fig. 6. Ia CerUropriste noir, Centropristes nigricans. Cov. ct Val. Hist. Poiss. Vol. 3, p. 37, pi. 44. C. id.. The Black Perch. Stoker, Fishes of Massachusetts, p. 9. Characteristics. Uniform bluish-black. Dorsal fin mottled with white. Caudal fin, when perfect, trilobate. Length, 6-12 inches. Description. Body oblong, compressed, somewhat carinated on the back before the dorsal fin. Scales subquadrate, ciliate, with radiating plaits on the radical surface, and festooned on the anterior margin ; they extend over the opercle, suborbitals, and high up on the caudal fin ; eighteen are counted vertically, and fifty-four along the lateral line : this line is concur- rent with the dorsal outline. Preopercle distinctly denticulated on its whole margin. Opercle with a sharp spine, and above it another, which in young individuals is almost effaced. Eyes large, and near the frontal outline. The nostrils are double, in the same plane with the upper border of the orbits, and nearer to the orbits than to the snout ; the posterior largest, oval ; the anterior with a valve. Teeth velvet-like throughout ; several series on the jaw, of which the outer row is largest. Tongue pointed, smooth, free. The dorsal fin commences above the base of the pectorals, and ends beyond the termination of the anal. The spinous rays have each of them a membranous slip attached to their tips ; this portion of the fin is lower than the branched rays, which form an elevated and rounded fin. The first two spinous rays are short ; the third longest. A series of scales rise up on the membrane between the rays of this fin, for nearly one-fifth of its height ; and the same occurs on the anal and caudal fins. The pectorals broad, and reaching to the vent. Ventrals rounded. Anal fin with three spines and seven branched rays, which latter are high and obtusely rounded. The caudal fin, although usually described as rounded, is in fact trilobed ; but the rays of the tips are so exceedingly delicate, that they usually present a ragged appear- ance diflicult to describe. I searched among many individuals, before I could find one as complete as the imperfect one figured above. In the youngest and smallest specimens, this imperfection is quite as manifest as in others. When perfect, the tips end in a deUcate elongated point, and the middle of the fin is rounded. FAMILY PERCIDiE — CENTROPRISTES. 185 The stomach of the Black Sea Bass has four caecal appendages. The generative organs are double, both in the male and female. The air-bladder is large and simple. There are twenty-four vertebrae. Color. A uniform bluish-black, sometimes with a bronzed appearance. Dr. Mitchill describes this species as " regularly speckled with black and white from the head to the tail." The deeper color of the edges of the scales gives a regularly reticulated appearance to the whole surface of the body. The fins, excepting the pectoral, are of a light blue color. The dorsal fin distinctly, and the anal fin more faintly, mottled with pale blue. Length, 6-0- 12-0. Fin rays, D. 10.11 ; P. 18 ; V. 1.5; A. 3.7; C. 17 |. This is one of the most savory and delicate of the fishes which appear in our markets from May to July. Its most usual name with us is Sea Bass, although it is sometimes called Blue-fish, Black Harry, Hannahills and Black Bass. Farther south, it is named Black- fish. Its geographical range appears to be extensive along our coast. It is found on the coast of Florida, and its northern limits appear to be bounded by Cape Cod on the coast of Massa- chusetts. We learn from Dr. Storer, that it is caught in great numbers at Martha's Vineyard, for the New- York market. It is a southern species, ranging northward in the early part of the sunmier, and returning in the autumn. From causes which we are unable to explain, it sometimes happens that its northern migration is obstructed to a considerable extent. (EXTRALIMITAL.) C. trifwca. (Cuv. et Val., Vol. 3, p. 43.) With seven blue bands. The third and fourth dorsal spines with fleshy slips, as long as the spines themselves. S. Ca/rolina. Fauna — Part 4. 26 NEW-VORK FAUNA. GENUS GRYSTES. Cuvier. Opercle spinous. Preopercle entire. A single dorsal. All the teeth uniform, velvet-like. THE GROWLER. GrYSTES 8ALMOIDE8. PLATE LXIX. FIG. 823. White Salmon. SMITH, Hist. Virginia, Labre tdlmmdt. Lacep. Vol. 4, p. 716, pi. 5, fig. 2. Cichla variabilis. Lesueue, Acad. Sc. as cited by Cuvier. Chyttes talmoides, Le growler salmdide. Gut. et Val. Vol. 3, p. 54, pi. 45. Characteristics. Deep greenish brown, with a bluish spot on the point of the opercle. Young, with numerous longitudinal lines. Length 6-24 inches. Description. Greatest depth, to its length, as one to four nearly ; its thickness not quite half of its depth. Profile not very declivous. Lower jaw longest, with four or five pores under 'each of its branches. Minute teeth in broad bands. Opercle terminates in two mode- rate points, of which the uppermost is short. Branchial rays six, and occasionally seven ; a notable variation, but which is positively established. Humeral bone smooth. Scales ciliate, moderate ; ninety in a longitudinal series, and thirtv-six to forty in a vertical line. Scales only on the opercular bones and cheeks ; small ones on the soft portions of the dorsal, anal and caudal fins. Lateral line concurrent with the back. Dorsal fin commences about the middle of the pectorals ; the fourth ray highest. Pectoral and ventral fins small. Caudal fin slightly crescent-shaped. Color, in the adult, deep greenish-brown, with a bluish-black spot on the point of the opercle. Young, with from twenty-five to thirty brownish longitudinal bands, which appear to become effaced with age. Length, 6-0 — 24*0. Fin rays, D. 10.13 or 14; P. 16; V. 1.5; A. 3.11 or 12; C. 17. The above description, from Cuvier, would seem to imply the existence of two species. He received them from New- York, from Carolina, and from the Wabash (Indiana). Those from New- York varied from six to nine inches, and had six branchial and fourteen soft dorsal rays. The Wabash specimens varied from five to sixteen inches in length. In Carolina, it attains a length of two feet, is considered as excellent food, and passes under the name of Trout. I have seen neither the species nor the description of C. variabilis, cited by Cuvier. FAMILY PERCID^. 27 GENUS CENTRARCHUS. Cuvier. Preopercle not denticulated. Velvet-like teeth in the jaws, front of the vomer, on the pala- tines, and base of the tongue. Angle of the opercle divided into two flat points. Anal spines usually numerous. Body oval, compressed. A single dorsal. Obs. This is a numerous group in the United States. FRESH-WATER BASS. CeNTEARCHUS ilNEUS. PLATE U. FIG. 4. — (STATE COLLECTION.) Cichla tmea. Lesoeue, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 2, p. 214, pi. 12. Centraraa