fF EE<2PO0 TOED D WM AA IOHM/181N | » bestia GY ar Mae ned ; er gt Pind iat ‘ vas are ey i‘ nee ty Aas Palate aT yUt ule eh vent Si Bastar Dad hd be - ; py! ; amity end en Ay mf fi " t nee brag Perey vata si Atel apr he te are ey rd aan ee et ah y w ee pe! 4 te ; ieee ban ARUN A y 4 Wye ‘ q ‘ “f ? \ PAE f\) a Hy iF f ' Kf Wn irs r Ph tres ‘ I thas te Nae Seats é *: Ai hea eat poe he io ‘* : t y Pi a al 33d CONGRESS, SENATE. Ex. Doc. 2d Session. No. 78. REPORTS OF EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS, ASCERTAIN THE MOST PRACTICABLE AND ECONOMICAL ROUTE FOR A RAILROAD FROM THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN. MADE UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR, IN 1853-6, ACCORDING TO ACTS OF CONGRESS OF MARCH 3, 1853, MAY 31, 1854, AND AUGUST 5, 1854, ’ VOLUME X. WASHINGTON: BEVERLEY TUCKER, PRINTER. 1S Oe ae IN SENATE—Feprvuary 24, 1855. Resolved, That there be printed, for the use of the Senate, ten thousand copies of the several reports of surveys for a rail- road to the Pacific, made under the direction of the Secretary of War; and also of the report of F. W. Lander, civil engi- neer, of a survey of a railroad route from Puget’s Sound, by Fort Hall and the Great Salt lake, to the Mississippi river ; and the report of John C. Frémont, of a route for a railroad from the headwaters of the Arkansas river into the State of Cali- fornia ; together with the maps and plates accompanying said reports necessary to illustrate the same; and that five hundred copies be printed for the use of the Secretary of War, and fifty copies for each of the commanding officers engaged in said service. Attest : ASBURY DICKINS, Secretary. THIRTY-SECOND CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION—Cuaprrer 98. Secr. 10. And be it further enacted, That the Secretary of War be, and he is hereby, authorized, under the direction of the President of the United States, to employ such portion of the Corps of Topographical Engineers, and such other persons as he may deem necessary, to make such explorations and surveys as he may deem advisable, to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi river to the Pacific ocean; and that the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be, and the same is hereby, appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, to defray the expense of such explorations and surveys. Approved March 3, 1853. THIRTY-THIRD CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION—Cuaprer 60. Appropriation : > an for the railroad surveys between the Mississippi river and the Pacific ocean, forty thou- sand dollars. “- Approved May 31, 1854. THIRTY-THIRD CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION—Cuaprer 267. Appropriation : For continuing the explorations and surveys to ascertain the best route for a railway to the Pacific, and for completing the reports of surveys already made, the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Approved August 5, 1854. CONTENTS OF VOLUME X., PARTS IIf, 1V.—GENERAL REPORT UPON THE ZOOLOGY OF THE SEVERAL PACIFIC RAILROAD ROUTES. ZOOLOGICAL PORTION OF THE REPORTS, BY LIEUTENANT E. G. BECKWITH, THIRD ARTILLERY,:UPON THE ROUTE NEAR THE THIRTY-EIGHTH AND THIRTY-NINTH PARALLELS, SURVEYED BY CAPTAIN J. W. GUNNISON, AND UPON THE ROUTE NEAR THE FORTY-FIRST PARALLEL, SURVEYED BY HIMSELF. Nos. 2-5 OF PART VI OF THE REPORT, BY LIEUTENANT A. W. WHIPPLE, CORPS OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, UPON THE ROUTE NEAR THE THIRTY-FIFTH PARALLEL. ZOOLOGICAL PORTION OF THE REPORT, BY LIEUTENANT J. G. PARKE, CORPS OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, UPON THE ROUTE NEAR THE THIRTY-SECOND PARALLEL, FROM THE RIO GRANDE TO THE PIMAS VILLAGES. 1853-'4. : PART IV OF THE REPORT, BY LIEUTENANT R. S. WILLIAMSON, CORPS OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, UPON ROUTES IN CALIFORNIA TO CONNECT WITH ROUTES NEAR THE THIRTY-FIFTH AND THIRTY- SECOND PARALLELS. No. 4 OF PART IV OF THE REPORT, BY LIEUTENANT HENRY L. ABBOT, CORPS OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGI- ~ NEERS, UPON THE ROUTES IN OREGON AND CALIFORNIA, EXPLORED BY PARTIES UNDER THE COMMAND OF LIEUTENANT R. 8. WILLIAMSON, CORPS OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, IN 1855. 28057 77 iy f ; wo | ng ¥ "e suze ae Pian ache ara ' re. hula all ra “ : pirtiani wie . ii ne acral ae wD dae bs | 5a ie | Teer ov) ana why aeons 4 a : sr - r: EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR A RAILROAD ROUTE FROM THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN. WAR DEPARTMENT. GENERAL REPORT UPON Ta Z00-LOGY OF THE SEVERAL PACIFIC RAILROAD ROUTES. WASHINGTON, D. C. Ie Ws peek kel b. EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR A RAILROAD ROUTE FROM THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN. WAR DEPARTMENT, REPEL ES: BY SPENCER F. BAIRD, ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. WASHINGTON, D. C. 1859. 2A War DEPARTMENT, Office of Explorations and Surveys, February 14, 1859. The General Natural History Reports having been extended so much beyond the limits originally contemplated, the War Department has considered it advisable to omit the publica- tion of the Report on Reptiles. The plates to accompany this report having been prepared and printed, they, with a brief explanation of the figures composing them, are herewith given. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Captain Topographical Engineers, in charge. —) mit uae 4 ogrrees ee & lorebe 1 HID elie wll howesd dea os bebemtad. wind’ 9 cleat Mie l enelt "total ‘muscles wdiviy Gly His oP iitedl ¢Ga a] bahicens oail tovwitipentt iW oj nlaty atetinig: “af * GAN Gem ayty oeel yal rat sony os otk + coeaae ol eotghy HIT eviliyall ae teogalt tay ts intl : eenD Piet ih. nel? Yates yl el wohapekin’s ‘ite? « pte. eh Ce lie) ee “~ Sposa evn) Skye) earl) iyo! pe a qi , . EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES. As the general report on the reptiles of western North America, observed by the different exploring parties, has been excluded from the series for want of room, all that can be given here is an explanation of the plates prepared for this report. These represent the details of external form in different species of North American serpents. All the outlines from the same specimen have a common number, to which is added a system of lettering common to all, and indicating the several details, as follows: u, the upper surface of the head. 1, the lower surface of the head. s, the side of the head, (usually the left.) J, the head from before. a, the anal region, showing the peculiar scutellation. sc, the scales on the side of the body, showing several oblique rows, with the upper portion of the abdominal scales. Each figure illustrates usually the median dorsal row and those between it and the abdominal plates on the left side. The entire number of dorsal rows of scales will therefore be twice the number represented, less one. The figure is generally taken at about the posterior end of the anterior third of the length of body, including head and tail. In some cases a different series of letters has been adopted ; these are explained in their place. The figures have, as far as possible, been taken from the type specimens of the species, especially those described in the catalogue of serpents in the museum of the Smithsonian Institution, (1853,) to which the page column refers. 14 Plate. DOAN Ao 2.8.9) "A CSS XXVII.- -- XXVIII. - a aa anrnaurt ww 42 42 bis. 43 ea ew wn EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES. Name. Page. Crotalus durissus, L. p--------------- ac 1 --do.. adamanteus, Beauv, --..-------- 3 S2dO5— aor bate On eee ween ae nes sam 5 --do.- confluentus, Say. -------------- 8 --do.. molossus, B, & G....--------+- 10 -=d0.. oregonus, Holb...... --..-----~ 145 Crotalophorus miliarius, Holb.-.----.---- 11 sso en ory ba occ Sossca se 12 Crotalophorus tergeminus, Holb---- --- as 14 sot O0 sae edwardsii, B. & G.-------- 15 ----do...--kirllandit, Holb ------ sacs 16 = othe sasccc do..-.(young) ------- 16 Ancistrodon contortriz, B. & G..--------- 17 Toxicophis piscivorus, B. & G.--.-------- 19 ---d0.-. plignat, B.& G_-----....-.-- 20 Elaps fulvius, Cuy....---------------- 21 pedo stene. Bs Oi GQianasacceecme=== == 22 SAC Ep Te (ea 23 Dipsas septentrionalis, Kennicott? --------------- Eutaenia saurita, B. & G.-------------- 24 SedO---/atreyi,. bs Gates == eer ee 25 --do..-prozima?, B. & G..---.- --..-- 25 ~sd0:..0rnala, B.& G. 22-2 -cces aceon 28 On = SETTER Ese) Ol] Ch ee Scee 30 =2d0\ --ordinata. DB. & (Gan. = S- seee ee 32 eeOO nna TAMty,) Be ames eee eae 34 =oA0. o=Marciand, (Bei Gsoasamominic en ae 36 Nerodia transversa, B. & G------------- 148 Eutaenia dorsalis, B. & G-.------------- 31 =.00=--ordtnoides, 1B. & Gs nm casccnnn== 33 Nerodia sipedon, B. & G----.----------- 38 .-do.. erythrogaster, B,& G..---------- 40 =-d0.- danspilota, (1B. .6)G--------nnmn == 43 =-d0-- holbrookit; Bo&iGs o.scaccne-=< 43 =sd0== migers BiG@i Gs wens oe seeeee = 147 Regina leberis, B. & G.....------------ 45 SeOOsenigida, (bi0 Giaaseeeala eee e eee 46 BEOOS-GTanamit, bs 100 | Cacnaes= sees 47 SLOG Ee aClarkthb.100 dena e alee ee 48 SdoLemnlands, Kenn’ *. oo. osc ancece ee niene Ninia diademata, B. & G..-.----------- 49 Heterodon platyrhinos, Latr. -.---------- 51 Be ee OOnncogndiis,) B.0h0) Grate eee em 54 mane COSATGOr, ML LOOBU ema aeiee cee em ein law 55 See edOr aioe, 5.107 anneal 57 aocsOO5.8nts, OID: Kc cncecccccccsus 59 -.--d0..simus, (second spec.) - -------- 59 Sen eOO LNAI D.C) Came eo eneeaens 61 U. S. Boundary Report, II, 1859; Reptiles, p. 16. U. 8. Boundary Report, II, 1859; Reptiles, 16: Hutaenia parietalis, Catal. Serpents, 28. a, head from above; b, do. from side; c, do. from below; d, anal region; e, side scales. Kennicort, Pr. A. N. Sc. VIII, April, 1856, 95. Locality. Details given. Carlisle, Pennsylvania -.....--.----.- All. Pensacola, Mlorida =~ 22 aeeeee All. Riceboro’, Georgias..soscseose=scese All. Racine; SWURCODSIN 6 saan ee eee ete All. Rediniiveri-aa-seoeseas eo arene eet ene Delos tieG. REM IVel ie soem sesame ore ae nee All. LA ee a All. California: (= Scs-= sc2an-keeceeseee ee All. Carlisle, Pennsylvania -.....-.--...-- All. Red'yiver, Louisiana>---~-<---eecce nn u. Ls. f. se. Liberty county, Georgia...-------..-- All. Red river, Louisiana..==-.-2-..-.<.% - All. Massachusetts) o> scene = se seee—eee eee All. Carlisle, Pennsylvania.-.--.--------.--- All. PRennsylvanidue =-se= 25>) eee eee All. Mes ee mei eS OC ES aa All. Indianola osceseece cece see ae ee u. 1.8. f. se. WINGS eon amiqeesiciee= sane m seca aes All. Orizaba; "Mexico. <2. osencceamees s. Ue Carlisle, Pennsylvania-....---..--.--- All. Indianola ~2s2.cc-ceate scenes eee All. Carlisle, Pennsylvania........-..--... All, nasal pl. Charleston, South Carolina ...-.....-- All, n. p. Boones Be secn = Glee eoaS. oceoscaon= All. eonn ee OOnenee ae US onosenss aesoee u. Eagle Pass, Texas ...........-....... All, n. p Plate. XXIX.. -. 2D OR XXXI -.-- XXXII- -- XXXII -. Figure. 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 7 78 EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES, 1b: Name. Page Locality. Details given. Pityophis melanoleucus, Holb.....------- Gime Carolingrss=aeeenea mesa ae ano aee u. Ls. f. se. 6 ec eGSAC TOI OC? Crease Sseeeeso nese low KortiSnelling ss ses --mecte === eee All. ee COS DEON ef Obl Crea alm ainieta ais aiate 6G) RIO: Grandes no aesonaeeme sce aae sees All. SEP AOE ATA CHUAN SCs Op ee eee ac 68" “Rediriver’=..cs2ccs Bal Ws) Gianna a= saa ie 116) “Sonora, Mexico)--2- cence o---—5--=— All. Taeniophis imperialis, B. & G2 ...--------------- Browneville, Texas ~..--------------- All. Sonora semi-annulata, B. & G ---------- i SOnOw === ase == cnocecocsnossece 8,U Rhinostoma coccinea, Holb..------------ DISS Ricebora’, Georgiaioas----4-4s—<< === All. Rhinocheilus lecontii, B. & G.----- Snes 5 UP) (Pte a esccceescacesccecstecad u. 1.8. f. sc. ATE * References as in plate XXVI, figure 1.—3. — ee Cy 1 Tuaeniophis imperialis, B. & G., Mexican Boundary Report, II, 1859; Reptiles, 23. ‘ “ Aw 16 EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES. Plate. Fig. Name. Page. Locality. Details given. b.S.@.4 0 ener jk Haldea striatula, B. & G..-.0.---- ----- 122 Richmond, Virginia, 2 diam......._-_u. 1.3. f. 8c. 92 Farancia abacura, B. & G@ ..---.------- 123 ‘Red river, Louisiana.---....--..<2-2- LT Ob Orem 93 Abastor erythrogrammus, Gray ..-------- 125 Southern States....-.-.........--<<5 u, Ll. s. f. se. 94 Virgwid valerie, BieiG aos saceneson= 12, Masyiand, 2 diame a ae eea nen seen eee 1. 1./8945 8c. 95 Celia amoena, B. & Gis. 2. -----<---08 129) ‘Carlisle; 2tdiam = —-2-22_-<- san eee -u. 1.8. f. se. 96 Tantilla coronata, B. & G..-----..------ 131 Kemper county, Mississippi, 2 diam----u. s. 97 Osceola elapsoidea, B. & G.--.---------- 133 Charleston, South Carolina, 2 diam----u. s. 98 Storeria dekayi, B. & G...-.----------- 135 Framingham, Massachusetts, 2 diam.-_-_u.s. 99 --do-. occipito-maculata, B. & G..---.--- 137 Madrid, New York, 2 diam--........- u. 8. 100 Reng dulce Banca accccenenancuss 142 San Pedro, Can. Sp., Tex., 3 diam ...--u. 1.5. OE IN 5 I Georgia couperi, B. & G....----------=- OPA COIR ose oscccssaosace ssaseceed a. b,c. d. e.2 2 Nerodia rhombifer, B. & G....---------- 147° ‘Arkansas. — << ssccs-acenccaewoteo 3 As in fig. 1. 3 --do.. woodhousii, B, & G.-...---.---- Aci MUOXAS tecea mommion cals = sae a atm eae = As in fig. 1. 4 ==C0 cs fasciaid, Banga a ans on 39 SSo0nth,? 2s. so0. seen ene oeen ae ase As in fig. 1 2 5 Putaenia radiz, B. & G.....----------- SL “WISCONSIN fh oon see maga sa ee As in fig. 1. Gee fiiheropsilineatus; Halls>oo02 -oocesaneeseee eee Fort Chadbourne, Texas.....--_--- ---As in fig. 1. 7 —_——-- Eee eC CEE Sac > cet ey ee 9-B.O-Nf ee Crotalusjagris; Kennicoute...<..ssc=sta252Gise stones seen cee wee eee As in fig. 1. 2 CROLMUS oe ele tele Sa ea ame aes aa ne ae Colorado ‘Bottom>- =~ = --~--nc--ccsee As in fig. 1. 3 (Di PETE Ye pa A pal OPENER aE etary SPP eS es Sierra Verde, California.............. As in fig. 1 4 Crotatus'corastes, MHallOW 8 a2 sone cind cua as on aes omc aS eRe See a ees As in fig. 1 5 etQ0 waae a ew ontan ccc ear a naar se een ace ane Sierra Verde, California............-- As in fig. 1. 6 Lamprosoma occipitale, Hall® -...-------~------- Colorado Desert...--.-.-- scacsoosese As in fig. 1. 7 Lamprosoma} occipitale, Hall7.....--....--------- California\<- a-ha secesceesceneocns= As in fig. 1. 8 Toluca lineata, Kenn® -.. oo eos nas wosse cusses = Walley of eMeniCOten ene aam ene ene As in fig. 1. XXXVI... 1 Crotalus lucifer) Bi 6i\Geooneasssesnsae= 6 (Oregon <.- se oasswcnncenscnnssnccs As in fig. 1. 2 Lutaenia leptocephala, B. & G@ ----------- 29 JOrefon = seoen acer eee enone As in fig. 1. 3 SH eco Leh es (Cy eae 21 OTe GON). ccemerasccaacmeeneesseoe==5 As in fig. 1. 4 Pityophis catenifer, B. & G.-..---------- 69) Califomin)——- onee nema an eee een As in fig. 1. 5 HOO = Ss tOhent, 1B: to Gecuacaneacsco~ TL, Oregon o-ss0c-5o—=snccnescacsccans As in fig. 1. 6 Bascanion veustus, B. & G...----.------ 9% ‘Qregon’ -=..2-52-==5--% atessesaeces As in fig. 1. 7 Contanmise: B60 esenc maces ancsouan TLOeOrezgon; 2 diame.-scsecem cs aseeee== As in fig. 1. 8 Lodia tenuis, B. & G...--..0----0 caenap SLUG sOrecon sa diame se seoe anatase ee ..As in fig. 1. 1 All, except head from front. * Add f. dorsal scales ; g, side view of ditto, showing a peculiar serration of the carination. * HarioweLn, Pr. A. N. 8c. VII, 1856, 240. 4 Mex. Bound, Rep. II, 1839; Reptiles, 14. © Hatzowe1t, Pr.,A. N. Sc. VII, June, 1854, 95. 6 U.S. Mex. Bound. II, 1859; Reptiles, 21. 7 HALioweL., Pr. A. N. Sc. ut supra. ® KeEnnrcorr, ut supra, 23. < cts BESS Fo ae LL Ph i iy CER nes es! OY aul a va Beene piety a8 1p SNs as AE iS SEZ, “ > = A ai | NAO Sac AEN: PE ‘ e5; hi " ¥ SSSae. oS oS J + ) Laos awe CS ponanen ATT 9) ss 0) y, 4 9, Wage ys ( AY Ne ANN f nin re My guy Wy Hitt Feary PRR : SOR AR RHONA BIAS FF ee. ” 3 5 be US.P RR, Ex-& Surveys. Reptiles: ——. Plate XXVI | Sd nt | War meee WOOLNIIIN wes Beara ae j KK | A ath ue Oxia?) i Wid) AY ACI WH vi i DOORN dy) { cous | ued SA SS ( aay any ; aa “a ~ a ? : : P 4 ; ya, K +” ad 4 ' . 5 “ roewe® - , 7 US PRAREx& Surveys aie “% BA, Reptiles :. —— Plate XXVII ——— esi Hine eth fanaa Y CPPS p Nar ui) acts Dey wy. a CTs sesh 0 3) Ci SS 2 S Ss ile () OR Oay XK Cag CS CS — LY\/S ten SPR REx & Surveys ee Reptiles: —— Plate XXIX ees ea ree Y i f \ Oss i, hi \ ilipses a ica ial )) Maen foe oe sosetiatacoces xo ) : SYD 447 8, We . Ove) SY RS RRR v) at A < EL | WERT SEBO RISER VERRY SEHBRSRY 0 a iS Cl z oa GES) MCL CRT) CRESS a. a : °4 ELSES OO: SS Wy 62,£ 4 Su SS BSc es “ET VS TOF Yay Coy if SY c i) ser Zaz BSH Heacesdeace i os 05) Eo ee ae ~ . *; a" | | > vce <3 . Reptiles: a lellgane: XXXII. % 6 aie te: WSZY, UK an Yonex Ses, XX .% . Reptiles: —— Plate JOXIV + Xf Y Nee \ i 4 XK A <= a LE Ss Mir ; Cy wen nM me inst ‘ly UUs OUURUeUUGN. aN Arh tT iT Trae orien at ain Ru” LIN ion) Oy i Lisi oes Los ) J] hy AL Oh | Ax Pool Ae Rtas bake 9) uhh a MK? é bea alle <—<— Y) ey Noes SoS st | ét rs ey ey Cres ao QD Lee a NG! Yu! /, Hy ens vo be 1 Y.. ql ’ 7 . = ry . q : - i* o a ' *s F > ee he, niet? glee b ae fend ; af - F 7 aa > 5 i” an 4 oR “ “ —_ a + ' . 7 » 3 7 €. _* 4 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR A RAILROAD ROUTE FROM THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN. WAR DEPARTMENT. Fol S:.H E Se: BY CHARLES GIRARD, M. D. WASHINGTON, D. c. I68i5:S:. 1% wT) ORs es Phiten Agee BOGe brine a. ousted «tere HET TOTS and, he ‘ B s® 7 “4 . We awtcaies Bw ee oe 7 oe -owierpiumake¥a> 7 OG # eT a 7 Yn ; se Wwe ea ra CONTENTS. TEBE OCLC LOR VEG IMDS ater termi alate ete eee ll era a ale ene oa ae me aaa nana eas (Orderly 2A Gan GHODLCE <= se ee ae ne oan ene aa ea aaa oe aa eee oo ncinaa eee eae eceseaecanesae Hamily, Percidaes = 2---——em—==— SRE RO Seecd cose st oSacoae other SOSH ECeSe Sone OSE RHES Saccoseeccsees Dioplites\s—scnemeceme et aa ee aca eee ee aise oe ce eee eee eno sale oseeie o Dioplites-nuecensish.os---—-ssacinane noose SaaS eese~ acer co cssa.cecne ae cc socanascaossesees ROTORS pero tees tee tm ar re al ct i} PomoxXis|sparoldes so-sjce so so— = wea ee es a So en - ete Eaeesccoseseus= 2° Pomoxisinigro maculatus! —-.--+- ses Mena sa so ao- sooo ne ashoatonseoeccenneeeeeeee Sp LOMA CHM CIN) CESS SSdbas Sage CoCo SS AS COSS ESBS SO SSS eee c Ecc ee SesHasseeceosesa Ay LOMOXIS) NOUS Saree clea oan ae ale a mi claltne re ee cea eee ee eee eee J Nin My) MES conc cSae Som CHS ane SCE EC COTES SEES “Sree See See soos ea seessaecseeeeeEES im Ampbloplitestaeneusecaonna soa ees= see soecee cose eae acae a eeeccot cases escaeccee 2. Ambloplites interruptus Calliurus SdSorio cscs Geo Ces Son oHe bee SoS SSS Ee Code BE sotiond ode Goede neo ceo DedeE sere ile CITE TASH a cop ses tesHa cee Sssote Sas ade GadacSSb en acbocécceHHessoasosoeas Pas (CIMT RES CLA CMEC 5 oo eee gcse esses ote SneosoaeS Sas OSHS eSSESbSSSeccsonSEeS Sh CMlinnme ton T IS He SASS ees SRodods CASE BS SoSH SOS ESE RS OES E RE SESE eoeSHsoeeae 4b, COM TIMIS Mey eONE) Aa eé esas eHee SeesscSnSSr Sco oe sc eseS e556 Bae RESseHooSsooseee Dee CALIETUS BIN ClODS ars states eeinie mie se reeie ate repaints eee eeca en tema eae see see mee Ose Cold orca UnNUS meee sete nen ea aa een anemone een nee naan o celeeecee LINES) eesccosc cere te coscSodonsessocs ests este ce daceacidecssesse sSsctSees cede sc becesecnees ThA ODT oH Set ocaanSbetce SSS ORS Goe Ho SES CHES eH CE SHS Sse SesSEeesoceeDaeas A PEL LUS IP NUC i annenteenta sate ale amale eee ate mere oe asa aa ses cnianencaas cece teats cue Sis Laine) |AMCONNE) sos 5 co cones SHOR O aS ROHS SSeS HSCS SES RAHeHSE CoSeoeccHscoesoNcere P2cemmike OAT OGLE 8 [DEG 1O Bet ea tee i ee ate SeeROMOVISEL CLO Se mets ata tein satiate see a ee see eae ate ane eee eee ae Sees . Pomotis popii 3 4. Pomotis aquilensis 5 6 co APTOS WEN tO etiiScee_ooeSSeEHStoS SRA ReSRmSESSHERSESSoeS BSS SEUSS EOE (lot IRON EEN AIG) OS ee pap aS ASSEN BOOS OOM OOC ERED EE TON OH OOSeROReeorreconc mSSsemee! WF OR mm Se eee CORSO SS COND C COS S CERES ricco oO reT one EoLaccoocomcooscnanouresneeccEacecan ILE SESS COWS oe aoe coc Seer SSeS SC ocSSota mabe meer oseoncenome ce pncoomseremasaosocs SHORE, St oe oS eG ogo SaseoS nos eso cenpoossaomenogSsonsass. csossssscenssosseseans Paralabrax so-sseseo eee eee il baralabraxmep Wlikenmaen see tes ae eee eee a ae area nem emceene eee ees eass cscs ce. 2. Paralabrax clathratus-....-.-------- : See ee wena aaa seaee cece cane tn ee cee ectceces RAN VMOU LAC DNA CRE aed tes aoa e ee aia aetna ean ee ae aaa eels io soci ae ase 1 GGHSIMO NUE). Sa POSSESSES ESR OS OBO SENOS SC CODOCIDCOC DEED OSSHOCCHn SR eSCOAEeE ese eeac EGE RO OMT TOS TEE Soap eres SRE OS Cem eC SOO COOCOOCCE RCH SES ERoShosHoaESOsees asses Family Sphyraenidae .--..------ SPIRO C cere Se ce ecb escoo hoes Senos] DomeDcOK OC GOSS SOO SEO SCORES SEC cao eSemEOSaS Sphyraena argentea riba Ob Oncap inaction On mn Alec GHEe ks miata seer aetceaial annie anne alan areolar mieten= aia )a/atelollw eimlntm iatmte 19 CONTENTS. Order I. Acanthopteri—Continued. Bamily, Hetexrclepidse so oe. < eee = emer ame eee ee oe ee ee CG) Ey en i Se eS oo Se SSS ces ses SSE cone so See Sess sta CRP a ee JIE (GJ SEN ee Ep N En Te i SSeS Eee cei Sono SRE EES ray Obey Cay (ENE So Se OS SEIS SIA ODOT EEE SOT DOTS ee eeese = Sees SFG DER ODBIS | CL GOD fe ate nes ee le Sose = == EC HITOPSIS/ DED LOSUS San ae eee e oe ae ee ee ee ee ea OGM TE a6 5 Se Soo ace eo teSSeg S aS Sasa sescs SS sceo tosses ssesitaeecsose Oplopoma pantherina --.......-......---.---- ee ls lees me (Ojai (0) Vo ee ee eS ees So coe ce Sac Hoe one Tne SCE eC ESSE SSeS sce eee Oyoabtoelen ihe a 55 Se SS SS SO SO I SSS SE eS RES Re eae = Mamily \Cottidse-so--csssse eee cesenn eae saa aces a pee pee ee ON Pt no oo se sa Cece oneSS a seaSS S555 Sse Sa SS S052 SS SSS SSeS SS SSSSso Ssesess He (Of avy yas ee eee a Sea oss SSS aces see teens = = Se Se ee SE SEE Sess 2), Onna pl Gee saeco Sos cee OSS ce sac CHR Seon SSeS SS Ses SSseessese 3. Cottopsis parvus ~~ ~~ <2 - non een nem meee an enon aeaeasae==== US CO CLS Sm es ma 1. Oligocottus' maculosus< an aon nee enn eee eecenn nee ase==s=—e=n eee Py MON Sore) nie pe ME a ee SO OS ae ae DTS DO SOU SESH S SE SS SRS SS SSS e Sane S ROU POcOntnnI lO DIGG DE seamen ee ee Te PEO CO GEIB ju wm mm we lem es me ll Leptocottus armatus|---<~ <5 6 no aa on een enews ene enna eee TPM ne eso oe Pe be Se SESE ES SES SER DOS ROE CCS SOI SH SC Se On Aree SES IE ofereynqelslan yl) oe ome to sense aS Sn SS Se a Se A Sse Ses seSsscs Scorpaenichthys_-.------ == ne SBC OOS Se SSS Ca a HS SS SE eeSose Scorpaenichthys marmoratus...----------------------------------------------------- PASDICOUGIB ome ee me ra MSE SS SS SEES SSS Ssaissee ssssssas Aspicottus bison.---.------------------------------------------------ assess sss5s25= Hemilepidotus -------.------ -- eo n-ne ne oe nn ne nnn nnn nnn nn nn nnn enn nnn eee ee Hemilepidotus spinosus ----..-----------------+------------------------------------- Artedius scone soocsceee cee Sasa ec eceaessaeer Sasa eee eaewe cer ee= nose ane === e=e eee - 1. Artedius lateralis......-.------ <2 one enna n nnn --.<2-anenteepeeeeeeeatceoescaeeedee cere ReneRaee a 164 EMbIOtO0S 35 oo sew sccnawancaacee ees nace e cee S tee eee eee seee ee enon seer 168 CONTENTS, IX Order III. Pharyngegnathi—Continued. oe Teak D pio FOCa ACK GONTae= eset ae ele eae eee ane ee ee lnelaa aein 169 PRREIOODIOCOC ARCH SS CMe ee eee ras a el ea ll le 7 Bs, Wierd onol ole yes We Ae ee ne See ae moe cic Soares ae Spo peeing Te LDV EOL EET IM NGI Ve Bie Se ee GaSe BBCI OCEANA SO NED ESe BAe ae ese cee 174 Gy, Bhaalonanteree) Ol Che ee BO SE ee onic Be GOSS SOC EDA Sn DE BOS SEISOoH ae 176 (Helen spayferesh pases CN WO ae a Re oa moa SeCEI SDSS eEEE, Cane oriESoaaaeoe 178 7. Embiotoca argyrosoma -~-2---.------------------~<--------.-------.-- 180 Damalich th ys! a se eam hm lamin ete a ee ie ee =S50Re 181 SBD Spr eC Gy Sip iC a et eo lel nm 182 1a hn Gea Moe See ee eRe R Oe a SEERA Se cic OSD SCR OCOD See E MSEC Ene See 183 Tova Gyeoysloy years] oe Re RE ee See cece sennaSsenee 184 PNP ORI eae ee Oe Ace eRe ene Sse ER Se ese iS Sere cease 186 FADE GHANERO WDC Olas eis = le meteors air lam nat arte oe ater 186 ina aciden) We = os one ee Sot oe eee er eee eae be re scs cE eere ne oe roe Sear 188 ISinaycord MTS ORs 2e Hee eeenoeeSees are a eo Serra tone See Sao Se See 188 Hysterocarpus ..----------------------~------------ ---------------------- 190 Py SUCTOGA NUS bets ICUs oa le le 190 TR GliconOlae Se ee pee hue oe Bae one red eceric case eaoe eae 193 (Ho lcosotusemhOd ten OS sas arse te ey ate lea ee le iad 193 Ennichthys -.---.-------------- -----~--- ------------------------2------- 196 1b Viovsnielsqdon ts) aC NO) sh oe ae sca eee OAC EC SEO SIE ee mae SesQS ae mone 197 Zee ho hy Senn vO eee ae iain ee oa ll 199 Amphistichus- = 2... 22 5~ -< See on = = ie em ns in ee en enna nee 201 Ty Amphistichusiargenteuss2=---2--5=—s--5>2—-—15=— bee ee ee Sea ee eS 201 Yoes Atom} MAH MS ple ee ee air bes SOen ase moO OMe e 203 IN ajo speisbb.< {roy t oles IDieella)(o} Kelso) tel} GSAS Sere Se See eO So See OOS SN a5 Ser SSeS Sereno aS 205 Order LV. Physostomi or Malacopteri .---...--.----.-------5 --- === 25 5 nnn nn en eee nen nnn 206 Sineeyelie NG © Wesel) Se Aa Race ite Se sete a Ses SS Seon osiae eer none mee sec OeiSe nme 206 Sul troy leye THis oMovelepeathoe (eis: AS ee ee i eae Ror SABO SOE So BOE EeE oe 206 inbyromihy (Ses Ree es oS Se Ss se eo se See o nee See eraee eee soca 207 PiMelod USS eee ae ae eee ne ee ee ae alo naa oie anita sina 207 Tes eS OHS Gori Ae 5 ee BOC REO Ss SS SE SSM Se 208 Porodethaehel Voahots; 182] VEN RS A ae SAO SEAS ORIN Ie Se SS 209 Sper pEDINE LOCUS eb EO ALE SUS tee nr tc a 209 ZA VET A CG Wy MTS eS ee AS Oe Gees cO oe aoe 210 Ey aeanaeG hie ity Sh s- be sane oa ope nce Bene = soos aes 56 211 O--Pimelodustolivateuss ses ss= aoe ne eae ee eee a Renee 211 Hamily- CypriniGae sen a-(a= ese = ara me aa me ae ee le een al 212 Mi wdele: st (Oyo) ao ee Oe Sane mee EO Saee See aspera ero 213 Mylocheilus: -- 22 22---- =~ Magi Do) af 0825 01D ae a i EE Se Ieee 3) Dionda plum bea =a — se ea ee aan nee eae eee ZA pO DN overs yy ge G lites) See a Sa ae SSS ses esses ess on Hyborhynchus ---. .--- 2. <2 ooo nn on oe cnn nn nn nnn a wn nnn 6 IDO AGH) PM eS ose edo SS SS SoS Se SS 5 SS sae Se ses Sst see by Tb Ycloy ask parlenntsiiee elon eRe eR ae ee Sse Sea 5 Pep Vehye aden me(darel py ROO PRES ea Baan Sa aoe SoS eee Seema S25 3: Hyborhynchus)punicens ooo eee en ee eee ene n enna AP ELy DOU YACHUs (COOLS NOUS == aera See ae ae ee et re eer Pimephales J}, Pimephales) macnlosu8i---s-s-an——es qe ee nee ee ane eae e Maen 2. Pimephales fasciatus Hybognathus GME teppiChn dstechgen pete ee es see ee 25 Ly DOS RAUDUS /CVONSl = oem aaa Seen en a= a= =e R eR eee ee : 3. Hybognathus placitus ---.... SASS 55 a SRA nh SSS Orthodon Orthodonimmicrole pid ous! s— =e eee ee ae ee ee ee Algansea It SNIPS ENS) yee) Fee ee SSS Sag So s55- se sos SsoSSsesSosas: = 2, PAIS ANECR HODESA maim seein ea ale cinta te me Se ae Sa ae eee sees Ps eeNS Ge AIMS OMY RONAN OSE et tt et Lavinia 1, bayinia ©xCadde woccccmamessnensceroereenesse eee e scare ese eee Pee LTPLTG OS ERY LEAS 01 Se ee et Tribe of Pogonichthi Argyreus ff ATP VIOUNGUICIN conc onan 5 ooo fan conse enn Ro ee ee eee ote Pi AN Ee OUTLINE ae ete mie stm a= am = 9 = woe el ee le eee eet Pogonichthys coon kpeea eR eRe ose Re eee ee ens eee ae 1. Pogonichthys inaequlopbngs so aeseeeee eee seas ann Sakae bane ea 2. Pogonichthys symmetricus......---.. OEE ae eerie 3: Pogonichthys arryrelosns) = enenaee aes bo eee eee oe ne nse ae sae 4. Pogonichthys communis...-....--....-....- Oa So ee ae (0 fo) (3 eee eae he oscanne apt ns ie ale eT ai S558 i; Gobi gelidass 25-22 se eae a harem ge aE ee 2+ GODIOVernBlS .. oma nna na ediatenns bem Cassis Unhin han cea ee oe See CONTENTS. xT Order IV, Physostomi or Malacopteri—Continued. pi IDS Gaya a ASR eee Ser Sie eR r> SEER Se or rpoe tool Co Seen rescore sea 250 Lo G essay oso PEE ntt eee oe ese oS eigen mt Ore re er sooo Sresece 250 2. UAaTeP OME PANGS Sooke Sosa ce Sooo ocho cdo E ceoceS Se =eSeerace 251 Be WeSC eGR ee ee ee tS eee Setar Oe mee er meee 252 4-) HeUcOSOMuUs: Maclocephalus| = sa sen eae oe nn ee ale eeinnal— 252 (CEA Gaul ise ceoe- oes poe ceneSosee Sarena SeeScdaeS Sasa Se esSasereeeesasces 253 INOGOTIS ieee aes se ee ee oes omen aoe alae awn alaaetel 254 INU COMINI SP OLO EN SCO NAST Stes st ar en etal lone 254 ISI Net Soe eo cone Same SSO COS eS D SSA SO o SoIsiss SOS OES THOSE SEerEeBemecnace 255 Pribevon Alb trate esate hee a ea ei le a ela nS a ile ini a a 255 lRCOPA WN Bee actos eee SOLE SOce JE eek SOS Han OSOO! COD SH OSeE Oe SebeHeSeS rere 255 Exoglossum mirabile —2-------2 2-2-2226 eee 256 (CHG) By a ise ee RECA aS4 Bane BORE EE Oe Sne Pee DB OSSS MEE soncercoccEmoce Hes 256 ins Cliglanwigilaxe qos sar oe ae on oe ae ene eae eee ee = eae maataten 257 . (Gia bial 5 ce sseesaceos eer bee Of nee Se Soococr- Eosperecase soe 258 Be OLUP Wah Sle A ees ro Jone oes) Se SOS COREE OC SC DOG SErEcaac) 258 Al bores cose p eee eet =o sea = Be te ete clea ee a tala ein is 259 IL Ano ROE Ghent Be Ee ee os epee SESS a SSe ceo aes 259 YA, IM lot qetenl els, see. oe oo erie Sone SOS USSU SESE 260 ASU Fart 35ya OY ss alee 260 ia Plo i AG yg N Gans one Roe ERS emo pO OUoco SeCOCOOUSE Oo oebeeeEene = 261 Yo UVa eae oy evsaW ere ROH ee ee ee Beam CEE SOS oS cao eE SPaeSreae 261 Sy Jj Mlle oa oo HOSS oe tases eoneeseeorercr assestecs 262 TAMER AFOR econ Seema See ceSe coree SS nk ce oomoSce dee pe peEEodeodedocmossee 263 INE TEV RUE! SOnwGMd Lc ebobeen sree oncoobc] cos Hebesbes Soecaoteesogse 263 (Ch orntO o as iceomese one sas -boserec ccenccnneneon scar cet asdeccomessac 264 Ip CAgouinGE aA he SOS Ces eer onceeear COnr CCC Cr CECrnoeeEeSeeEeEes 265 221 Oy prinella um bTOsaie cesar ee sap wise cies aati ae Siete eeenos 266 SUCK ew ES Tau than NS Rea oe pee ee nie BOGS One e Oe Ce eecooemeE oan 267 aso Cyprine la beck wilthina=- scat aoa ea a oe eee aes seer alan oe 267 5, Cyprinella guavisico 2 -sesesscecese cen ane pian 8 Ripe een ee sates 268 6. Cyprinella lepida ----.--.. ee ee etal matte AE Ren iete es were annie aie rare 268 Uo OX fo rnbae bE gee OR Re ee Een Co ee SOUS Oe EE eC nO bEcoEeee 269 85 Cyprinella whippliti:—) =~ ae ances poeta doce e en ecacesemeeoss shee 270 Gea G@ynrine lanl ou Drs ee aes eee are al nee eae aes aoe a 271 OSs Cyprinellaslidi bund gases eee steal aeaan acces a eeen ees 271 WW ONCE eee csc BeOS OEE Oe ee ene ene Be SEDO HOE EBSCO SE OSHeCOHIS 272 ie Moma na Lo brenisis see aes ape in ae eS tee aioe omitonm siermte ae areata 272 2. Moniana leonina---.. Seas sabe seot ats eck Us tS aeeescsabeceeseee 273 See WLOV eA LOLI CL OR eae ae tes hattae m h iiat ote eee 274 He AUI@ aia IEGNA ONG) Se eee ees ac OR Coe oE CS Gane One pee tSeseseeeeros 275 bs Moniena, pulchella oss seseesse seas < soe aaa eee es eee eeese 275 rene ME Cora SAY iE Ca ee 276 Wee Mominnae tris tises ssa. Sane See acts ae ee ean aaa eee ee ae emma 277 SERGE EUTC) SOT ENS eal lee eo em ee ee 278 1. Richardsonius balteatus....-.....---.---.. Seria CO aROS a LOE CHOBE EES 278 2p SRICHATGEONIUS A Ate Ca A eee ee ee anette el te = lll at 279 TRIE Sone a aca a Sea ee cae on a oan aa ane eee een nee cram aw aaa, 280 Tepe 8 OCCIO ENS I= mae eee late ae re allele il ism 280 2 uXT Si RCCOns aa nee BEER COS ne nase Sen ReSeePceae 281 3. Luxilus lucidus ...---..-... Stee eee = SE OIE DO Da TE SSS SS 1 bhychochellns:oreponensis/-sese= eee ee Se ee ee ae ae ee ee Pom EY CHOC REIS HoT CIS fos mre ate eta ee ae a ce Delo Rd ovayd Veh ieyaeshelro go = oS Pe ea ee Ae btychocheilus voraxe==- =e Heee ee Ree eee eee eae eae eee eee Clincstemusi=s = eee se eae eee le ee ee ile ae ee KanlyiCyprnodontidas,.—-= sae ae eee sea e oe ane ee eee ee nen Rea VOTE OE ge rn pe ee OS ORS ES SOC ROC EE OS San Satan Sees Sse ondulnsspanvipinnisicsso>se cee ae = eee eee een a ee ae - MamilysMsocidae..o- oc oseo aeons cone e eee see ree ones Soe eae te a ele em Mamily;Salmonidse=--o.occnan--seoeee come eee oe ee ae ae eae ee eel ele ete am ll, sSalmo.seouleri: ae OSE ee See aEcect esac 348 HWamily, Amiadae == oo en oe noe eae a a on oe enn een nnn nse 348 IME A= ROSS SE CSc COE COS CE SOT ee CS Boer Bee Cero BS ses ec SESS Er SE SES SHE ceCraaaene 349 li, Janie, (@HITENIGD a - pene ees tea tbos cate sbcbooect see eect ecesccecmrbeseresecon 349 Ph MEY. CHG DUE se Se ee eR OOO CUS LIOOO SO eR esse Doscie= BEBE ECSSreSDcULcosoe 350 Hamil y, Saunders san= eases seem oeee sees cca Se a ee a aie in elaine ota wintoin = Stats 350 WWEPIGOStCUS toast a= ee ee kane ens See am mien ee lnnin wlan allemaal icine 350 1; Lepidosteus leptorhynchus -------+-+--.-.-.-.---.---------------------- ~~~ - 5 == 351 2. Lepidosteus (Cylindrosteus) latirostris.---.--.------------------------------------ 352 3. Lepidosteus (Atractosteus) berlandicri-.-.----------------------------------------- 353 Wamily Stuntonidacls*=-sssseass2 enn ocean e eee cee ae see cen an aoe e en ee anna 354 ACIP ese ee ee same Seen nae ee Ree e ee eee See ee ae anna ae sleet anc en el fs 354 Acipenser brachyrhynchus .----. SSS ERS LP ESoeSe aSSene SSeS sebescoccunagcocSncs Saco 355 1. Acipenser transmontanus -...-.------------------------------------------------ 355 2: Acipenser acutirostris.---.---------..------------------------------ Scececca soos 355 3. Acipenser medirostris..-.--.--------------------------- 22-22-22 eee nese nee 356 Scaphirhynchusttesssseeesa=s>s 22252 ss522 22 cecneceasssene tes seeee= == s—S eae anae— en 357 Scaphirhynchus platirhynchus-_......---------------------------------------------- 357 POlyOGOM a= aos oacsaae sae ee enon nes aeneae neces =n asa saann ene Cec teeecmemenecece 357 Polyodon folium .-.------------------------. ---------2 22-222 0------ +2 2-22-22 ---- 358 Order VIII. Holocephali...---.-.------------------- 20 ---- 2-22 - nn nnn nn nnn nn nee eens 359 Family Chimacridae -.---- ---------------------------------- 2-22 2-2 n nee n nen nen reeeern-e- 359 @hinidern 2 oo sees seen coe cots eo ae eee ee eae aia Seneca aeaielee aa ana a= oneal mae eee am 359 Chimaera colliei_...---.....-.--- eee ne ee eee nota a sceceema=ssses an aeane 360 Order IX. Plagiostomi-....-.-..---.------------------------- ee ee ate sae en eee naa 361 361 Sub-order I Squali-.... OE Ee eee peg oak de Pale ee SEE EEE USC Or Ronee morEEooancone XIV CONTENTS. Order IX. Plagiostomi—Continued. BBearea aly: Scey LBS Coch ra GCA a me em nl a dea SWE) ee a 8 5 5 Sa Soa ste ee Re ye ee SSE IS SSR ee = Ghul We Cyee yy ine poerss cay SSS SSeS Soe SSO SIE So DE SoD Sp sosteasses FRamily, Miuste lide ee ee ro at em pa en es le eo wie et iis Gini Sa. see Sens Sess SESE ST FEE SS SS oe Ss SSeS ste ss = S522 555- Family Cestraciontidae...- = nn .enn-nceween en name mennnn scene ewensesnee nce ce = sneanenenenances (OIE RO VAR sos 5 ooc Je ESS CONE Ste Ste SSeS HSS sE op Seer SSS Se eee sees Or resateyel dene ee ee eee = 8 59 Soc gene 9 soe ee UERYUEL YIN OAR Ga re me eo nl ae we a Heptanchus maculatus. .-------- - --- 2-0 25 oe nn nn nn we enn Family Spinacidae.-——- oo nn i i oo en ne wn a aan enn anes PNG ee 5 oe Oe I Cn nena JISC aises SSeS sSS+ SSS Sees ss sesso is = PM y ull RAN NN Sess 8S Ses Se Soe sea OSS ae aoe ee Se ase Shien ye ME IMCs Pebtromiy2on LiVIGUS 2 oo - oS esenn see eneece Semana nee ane aa eee eee tes ooa5 moo pe » Detromyzon plumbeusi--acee~cemccs- Use sane eeee eee nasa ena =e eee eee ER Ae nvoseeh fay oWr | SE Oe ee et ye ROO ISO MSC ITO Snne = = See ee Sec ceoce Tchthvomy Zon a= sees ee ae ee TE DOr Sag Rese AD Sma sas Sock oss =e oee Le Ichthyomyzon) \casteneus s= ae space aa ee eerie 2. Ichthyomyzon hirudo -.....---..- See Jost osencioc seo ce Se Ss SSS aces, ATNINGCOGLES Sacena a eee eee eee Sa Sa SSS 8 SSE a Seas 5 BUSES Gat eA 999 EUS oe a tte et same ll ce ol Re ee cic 5 Alphabetical index.....-..... Sasa ae eRe See eee a SU eRaar ap Senate aenee Pe ee er ee INT ROD C LORY. RMA RK Ss. Tun fishes of western North America are as yet too little known, and the amount! of new materials for further investigations too great, also, to warrant anything like an attempt on the present occasion to establish a natural series. After treating of the various groups in a series of monographs, as already begun by us,* we shall be better prepared to do justice to that part of our subject. We have spoken at some length upon two groups—the Cataphracti, or mailed cheeks, and the Embiotocoids, or viviparous family, both of them having numerous representatives along the Pacific coast. They constitute the most predominant feature of the ichthyic fauna of that region of the North American continent, together with the Trachinids and the Heterolepids, which seem to bring into closer relationships the Percoids and the Cottoids, properly so called. The true Percoids, themselves, appear isolated west of the Rocky Mountain range. The Sphyraenid family is represented by one species of the genus Sphyraena. The Sciaenoids, so far as observed, are few in numbers, and remind us of the Atlantic types. Not a single species of Sparoid has as yet come to our knowledge from the coast of Oregon and California. As to the Atherinoid family, we find in California a rather large species designated by the settlers under the name of ‘‘smelt,’’ probably on account of its delicacy, and which is, truly speaking, an ally of the ‘‘silver-side’’ or ‘‘silver-fish’’ of our Atlantic coast, and ‘‘ pesce del Rey’’ and ‘ pescadilla del Rey’’ of Central and South America, The “‘silver-fish’’ being of a diminutive size, even when fully grown, its esculent qualities have remained unnoticed by either fishermen or gastronomers. The ‘‘pesce del Rey”’ tells its own story. The scarcity of Scomberoids is a curous feature in the fauna of our western coast: a Mackerel, (Scomber), a Bonito (Pelamys), and two Caranz, constitute so far the entire known list. But we venture to say that further researches will bring to light many more of them. The only species of Chetodonts we are acquainted with from the western coast was obtained in the southern part of the State of California. The Blennioids appear to be more numerous than the preceding ones, new generic types having been found (Neoclinus, Xiphidion, Apodichthys, Cebidichthys, and Anarrichthys) along with species of known genera (Blennius, Gunnellus, Lumpenus). The Gobioids, properly so called, are comparatively scarce, two species of the genus Gobius constituting the entire known list. The Cyclopterids, or Discoboli, are represented by two species also, one of which is a Lepadogaster, the other a Cyclogaster. The Batrachoid or toad-fish family has given one species to the fauna, and which we have erected into a new genus. The Labroids, properly so called, are anything but numerous, if the Embiotocoids are considered as a separate family. We think, however, that many more will be found hereafter, especially along the southern coast of California. %See ‘Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge,’’ vol. II, 1852. 2 U. §& P. R R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. The Pomacentrid family, or marine labroids, with pectinated scales, has given us one species, which we have placed in the genus Glyphisodon, not having the means of determining it more accurately. The Chromids, or fresh water labroids, with pectinated scales, have not yet been met with along the Pacific range of North America, We have evidences of their presence in the basin of the Rio Grande del Norte (Rio Bravo), one species of which being figured and described in the ‘‘Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey.’’ The Scomberesocids, on the other hand, are represented, so far, by a species of the genus Belone. The Gadoid family has given us a cod, a whiting, and acusk ; the latter we have not examined. The Pleuronectids, or flat-fishes, are tolerably well represented, though we observe as yet no turbots (?hombus), properly so called. The halibut (Hippoglossus) is spoken of as occurring along the coast, but we have not examined it as yet. The Ophidioid family is represented by two known genera, Ophidion and Ammodytes, whilst the true eels have not yet been heard of. The Salmonids are rather abundant, especially in species of the Linnean genus Salmo, to which may be added a white-fish (Coregonus) and two smelts, properly so called (Osmerus and Thaleichthys). No Characinids are known north of the valley of the Rio Grande del Norte, (Rio Bravo), where one species was collected by the United States and Mexican Boundary Commission, and in whose report it is figured and described. The Scopelids have furnished us, so far, with one species of the genus Saurus along the Pacific coast. The fresh waters teem with Cyprinoids and Percoids, the former east and west of the Rocky Mountains, the latter only eastwardly, in the shape of sun-fishes (Pomotis) and bass (Ambloplites and Centrarchus), a single species of the bass having been met with in California. Of the Cyprinodont family we have mentioned but one species, an inhabitant of the fresh waters of California. Those collected in the interior of the continent we propose to investigate at some future time. The Etheostomoids are likewise left aside for the present. A few pickerels or Esocids have been observed in the Hydrographic basin of the Arkansas. A few catfishes (Pimelodus) were procured at the initial point of the exploration of the 35th and the 47th parallels; none having been found west of the Rocky Mountains, Of the herring family, we meet with two herrings (Clupea and Meletta), and several anchovies (Engraulis), but as yet no shads (Alosa) have been seen in the collections made. The Plectognaths have furnished a Balistes and a balloon-fish. The Lophobranchs are represented by a few pipe-fishes and a sea-horse, The Ganoids of the western coast consist of sturgeons, of which peculiar forms are met with in the fresh waters of the interior of the continent, where we find also a few mud-fishes, and have obtained some gar-pikes, The cartilaginous fishes, so far as observed, are anything but numerous; a few sharks, skates, and lampreys constitute the list we are for the present acquainted with. Amongst sharks and skates there are curious genera: Cestracion, Triakis; Rhinobatis, Uraptera, and Rhinoptera, whilst amongst lampreys we meet the ordinary genera, Petromyzon and Ammocoetes. The elephant-fish (Chimaera) was also observed as far as Puget’s Sound. INTRODUCTORY iv AhKS: Tux fishes of North America are as yet too little known, and the amount of new materials for further investigations too great, also, to warrant anything like an attempt on the present occasion to establish a natural series. After the various groups have been treated of in a series of monographs, as already begun by us,* we shall be better prepared to do justice to that part of our subject. We have spoken at some length upon two groups—the cataphracti, or mailed cheeks, and the embiotocoids, or viviparous family, both of them having numerous representatives along the Pacific coast. They constitute the most predominant feature of the ichthyic fauna of that region of the North American continent, together with the trachinids and the heterolepids, which seem to bring into closer relationships the percoids and the cottoids, properly so called. The _ true percoids themselves appear isolated west of the Rocky Mountain range. The family of Sphyraenide is represented by one species of Sphyraena. The scianoids, so far as observed, are few in numbers, and remind us of the Atlantic types ; whilst other families present several new genera. Not a single species of sparoid has as yet come to our knowledge. The scarcity of scomberoids is a curious feature in the fauna of our western coast. But we venture to say that further researches will bring to light many more of them. As to the atherinoid family, we find in California a rather large species designated under the name of ‘‘smelt’’ by the settlers, probably on account of its delicacy, and which is, truly speaking, an ally of the “‘silver-side’’ or ‘‘ silver-fish’’ of our Atlantic coast, and ‘‘ pesce del rey ’’ and ‘‘ pescadilla del rey ’’ of Centra] and South America. The ‘‘silver-fish’’ being of a diminutive size, even when fully grown, its esculent qualities have remained unnoticed by either fishermen or gastronomers. The ‘‘ pesce del rey’’ tells its own story; an allied species has been described and figured in vol. II of Lieutenant Gilliss’ ‘‘ Report.’’ The blennioids appear to be more numerous than the preceding ones, new generic types having been found (Xiphidion, Apodichthys, Cebidichthys, and Anarrichthys) along with species of known genera (Blennius, Gunnellus.) The gobioids, properly so called, are comparatively scarce, two species of the genus Gobius constituting the entire known list. The cyclopterids, or Discoboli, are represented by two species also, one of which is a Lepadogaster, the other a Liparis. The labroids, properly so called, are anything but numerous, if the embiotocoids are considered as a separate family. We think, however, that many more will be found hereafter. The pomacentrid family, or marine labroids, with pectinated scales, numbers one species, * See ‘‘Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge,’’ vol. III, 1852. la 2 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZO0OOLOGY—GENERAL REPOKT. which we have placed in the genus Glyphisodon, not having the means of determining it more accurately, The chromids, or fresh water labroids, with pectinated scales, have not yet been met with along the Pacific range of North America. We have evidences of their presence in the basin of the Rio Grande del Norte or Rio Bravo, figured and described in Major Emory’s ‘‘ Report on the United States and Mexico Boundary Survey.”’ The scomberesocids, on the other hand, are represented, so far, by a species of the genus Belone. The gadoid family has given us a cod and a whiting. The pleuronectids, or flat fishes, are tolerably well represented, though we observe as yet neither turbots (Zhombus) nor halibuts (Hippoglossus). The ophidioid family is represented by two known genera, Ophidium and Ammodytes, whilst the true eels have not yet been heard of. The salmonids are rather abundant, especially in species of the Linnean genus Salmo, to which may be added a white fish (Coregonus), and two smelts, properly so called (Osmerus and Argentina). No characini are known north of the valley of the Rio Grande del Norte (Rio Bravo), where one species was collected by the United States and Mexico Boundary Commission, and in whose report it will be figured and described. The scopelini have furnished us, so far, with one species of the genus Saurus or Lauwrida along the Pacific coast. The fresh waters teem with cyprinoids and percoids, the former east and west of the Rocky mountains, the latter only eastwardly, in the shape of sun-fishes (Pomotis) and bass, (Centrar- chus,) a single species of the bass having been met with in California. Of the cyprinodont family we have mentioned but one species, an inhabitant of the fresh waters of California. Those collected in the interior of the continent we propose to investigate at some future time. The etheostomoids are likewise left aside for the present. Neither pikes, nor pickerels, or esocids have been observed west of the Mississippi valley. A few catfishes (Pimelodus) were procured at the initial point of the exploration of the 35th and the 47th parallels, none having been found west of the Rocky mountains. Of the herring family, we meet with a true herring (Meletta), and two anchovies (Zngraulis), but as yet no shads (Alosa) have been seen in the collections made. The lophobranchs are represented by a few pipe fishes. So much for the osseous fishes. The cartilaginous, so far as observed, are anything but numerous ; a few sturgeons, sharks, skates, and lampreys constitute the list we are for the present acquainted with. Amongst sharks and skates there are curious genera: Cestracion, Triakis, Rhinobatis, and Rhinoptera, whilst amongst lampreys we meet the ordinary genus Petromyzon. ORDER. ACANTHOPTERI. This order embraces a large number of fishes having either one, two, or three dorsal fins. In the case of one dorsal fin being present, its anterior portion is always composed of inarticu- lated and undivided spiny rays, whilst the remaining portion consist of soft, articulated, and often. divided or bifurcated ones. When two dorsals exist, the anterior is spinous, and the posterior soft. The ventral fins are mostly near the pectorals, being situated beneath or anteriorly to the base of these latter fins, and whenever fully developed, they are composed of an external, inarticulated, spiny ray, and rarely more than six articulated and branched ones, the latter being generally five in number, and occasionally less. The swimming bladder is without air duct to the throat. The inferior pharyngeals exist throughout as independent bones. Family PERCIDAE, Bonap. The percoid or perch family has always been looked upon as typifying best the order of acanthopterians at the head of the osseous fishes. It comprehends numerous tribes and genera both from the marine and fresh waters, all characterized by a body more or less elongated, in most cases protected by pectinated scales, generally rough to the touch, occasionally, however, appearing rather smooth, owing to the deciduous nature of their prickles or pectinations. Regarding the fins, we observe that the dorsal is always well developed, sometimes single, at others subdivided into two distinct fins. The anterior portion, or anterior fin, just as the occurrence may be, being spinous—that is, composed of osseous and rigid rays—resembling more common bones than ordinary rays. The anal exhibits a variable number of spiny rays at its anterior margin, and which, in a few instances, are entirely wanting. The caudal fin is either truncated posteriorly or more or less emarginated. The ventrals are inserted posteriorly to the base of the pectorals, and composed of an external stoutish spine, and five soft and dichotomised rays. Generally speaking, the preopercle and opercle exhibit various spinous or serrated edges, while in a few only they are perfectly smooth and entire. The jaws, the front of the vomer, and often the palatine bones also, are furnished with teeth of various kinds: velvet-like, card- like, or of the canine type; the canines occurring occasionally intermingled with the former two kinds. The yellow perch, so common in the fresh waters of the eastern States, has not been brought to notice beyond the main bed of the Mississippi basin, and hence was not met with by any of the parties whose collections we investigate in the present report. Most of the percoids are fishes which appear upon our tables, some as delicacies, others as ordinary staples. The less esteemed are the sunfish or pond perch, owing, mayhap, somewhat to their diminutive size. 4 U. 8S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. DIOPLITES, Rafin. Gen. Cuar—Body elongated, sub-fusiform in profie ,compressed. Head well developed. Preopercle smooth and entire. Mouth lurge ; lower jaw longest. Velvet-like teeth on the jaws, front of yomer, and palatine bones. Tongue smooth. Cheeks and opercular apparatus scaly. Branchial apertures continuous under the throat. Two dorsal fins contiguous upon their base. Three small anal spines. Insertiun of ventrals on a line immediately behind the base of pectorals. Caudal fin posteriorly sub- crescentic. Scales well developed and posteriorly ciliated. Syn.—Dioplites, Rarin. Ichth. Ohiens. 1820, 35. Grystes, Cuy. & Vat. Hist. Nat. P iss. LIT, 1829, 54. The fishes of this genus are not uncommon in the localities where they occur. They resemble, in general appearance, the common or yellow perch, though often reaching a much larger size. They are esteemed as an article of food, and known under the general appellation of ‘‘ trouts”’ or *‘bass.’? Exclusively of fresh water habits, they are met with in ponds and rivers, asso- ciated with various kinds of suckers, chubs, daces, minnows, &c., upon which they feed. They are remarkable in the percoid family for their general smooth appearance, having neither spines nor serratures upon the opercular apparatus. The scales themselves are but slightly pectinated, and the few pectinations are quite deciduous or falling off with the epidermis. Their teeth are all uniform and velvet-like, and exist upon the palatine bones as well as upon the vomer, premaxillaries (upper jaw), and dentaries (lower jaw). The mouth is generally large, with its gape slightly oblique upwards, and the lower jaw protruding beyond the upper. The tongue is generally smooth anteriorly, but an elongated and narrow patch of velvet-like teeth is occasionally observed upon the middle line at the base of that organ. A feature peculiarly characteristic of this genus, when associated with its other natural characters, consists in the separation of the spinous portion of the dorsal from the soft portion, by a wide gap, so that we have in reality two fins, contiguous upon their base only. This fea- ture appears to constitute the chief difference between Dioplites and Calliurus, not taking into account the gencral aspect of the body, which has a subordinate value. The species enumerated below appears to be very common in Texas, and even south of the Rio Grande del Norte (Rio Bravo), as proved by the specimen collected by Lieutenant D. N. Couch, United States army, in the Rio San Juan, near Cadereita, province of New Leon. We have examined two immature specimens of another species—perhaps D. salmoides ; one collected at New Braunfels, Texas, by Dr. Lindheimer, the other in the Rio Brazos, Texas, by Dr. G. C. Shumard, and which must await another opportunity for a more critical determination. DIOPLITES NUECENSIS, Grd. Trout, or River Bass. Spec. Cuar.—Body elongated, sub-fusiform. Head constituting a little less than the third of the entire length. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the orbit. Scales on the cheeks nearly equal in size to those on the gill covers. Origin of ventrals posterior to the bese of pectorals. Upper regions reddish brown, maculated. A lateral dark band. Inferior regions whitish, unicolor. Syn.—Grystes nuecencis, B. & G., in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 25. Trout, or River Bass, VERNACULAR. A full description and a figure of this species will be found in the Ichthyology of the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey. It is closely related to, if not identical with, Grystes nobilis, Agass., from the southern bend of the Tennessee river. FISHES—PERCIDAE—DIOPLITES NUECENSIS —POMOXIS List of specimens. 5 It has, also, much greater affinities with D. fasciatus than with D. | | | Locality. | | | When collected. | Whence obtained. Original number. Nature of specimen. Collected by— salmoides. < z Sls i eakey = 2\i| 3 S12] # Oe nm 396 | 2) Adt. 397 1 |.. da. 398 | 1 |.. do- 399 | 12 | Yg.... 400 3: |= do: 401 i |Sado- 402 Ip feado- 403 | 2) Adt. 371 TE eedor 372 | 12 | Yg.. 387 1 ee 388 1} Adt. 320) || ae 390 Wes or 391 1 Le 392 | 6| Yg.. 393 | 4°|.. do... SOA Dbli— yee 395 Br tasaeise 303) |), 1 | Xp. 304 | 4 |\.. do. 305 1#\22do'-2 306 | 1 |..do. Rio Blanco and Frio. ....|-.-1853...) Lt. A. W. Whipple... Gen. Cuar.—Body very much compressed ; dorsal and ventral outlines arched. lower jaw longest. opercular apparatus scaly. Branchial apertures continuous under the throat. Rio Frio, Texas ......-- (Rae devas ewer eet one .| Leon river, Texas . seers -e- dO. -- Loses doe tesacses Rio Seco, Texas .---.--. eeedon eee teases doseeracos- Rio Blanco, Texas ...--. ----d0 - -.|.--. -.-- Om seiesrentes Rio Medina, Texas...--.|....do. al es A d0=G22 acnea Coal Creek, Ark....---- |eeedovee PACASH Aa doseesccons OR BTAZ Ose ase seater .--.do . --| Dr. G. C. Shumard .- Indianola to Nueces - ..-. |.. -1856. | Capt. Pope .-..---. a | pesatwalereee (Wises -aoaeose Booctle collesocee noc (ec deecas Delaware creek .....---. SamoGhYe cellscoa eset GMecccennes Rio Frio, Texas ....-.-- ee le5iees|| Cola Jaa Grahantec|eossae es Rio Nueces, Texas..---- saan Oy Scllmosice ars = COeidece Re Salida cee ses Live-oak creek, Texas...|....do- cejeeeeee ee C0 wransc sent |soctente, see's Turkey creek, Texas----|---.do- --|.-.-.. -- doses22-2-. Rio Leona, Texas..c-o--|----d0 - eee ere ee doeencei-noe Elm creek, Texas ..---- [esa dOtets| st4neeces G0: Ss shs2e5 Moxa gested nae Ae dorecel|ns See h doses San Juan river, N. Leon -| 1853.---. Lt. D. N. Couch... Rio Sabinal, Texas...... Nov. 1854 | Major Emory...---. IDR Vicreeks UOxae=-ceeea|| sa C0l-tael|scce =o dO: ss2c000 San Pedro creek, Texas .|....do - ..|.... .... G0t.cete secs Minnevilla river, Texas..|....do.-..|...--. -- d0vsenacese POMOXIS, Rafin. Head moderate in size. Dr. Kennerly -.... H. B. Mollhausen- Dr. G. C. Shumard. Captain Pope .... secoce dowa-eea=e = John H. Clark.... Lieut. Couch..... Dr. Kennerly ..-.- Mouth very large ; Velvet-like teeth on the jaws, the vomer, and palatines, and on the base of the tongue also. Cheeks and Dorsal and anal fins elevated; their spinous portion rising gradually from the anterior spine to the soft portion, without any depression. Anal spiny rays, six or more. Insertion of ventral fins situated a little behind the base of the pectorals. Scales well developed and ciliated posteriorly. sub-concave. Caudal fin either even upon its posterior margin or Syv.—Pomoris, Rarin. Jour. Acad. Nat. Se. Phila. 1, 1818, 417, and, Ichth. Ohiens. 1820, 33.—Acass. Amer. Jour. of Se. and Arts, XVII, 1854, 298. The genus Pomozis, as here circumscribed, embraces already several species. The most anciently known is that described by Lacépéde under the name of Labrus sparoides, specimens of which having been obtained in South Carolina; hence: 6 U Ss. P. R R. EXP AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOG Y—GENERAL REPORY., 1. POMOXIS SPAROIDES, Grd. Syx.—Labrus sparoides, Lacer. Hist. Nat. des Poiss. III, 1819, pp. 432 & 479. Centrarchus sparoides, Cuy. & Vau. Hist. Nat. des Poiss. VII, 1831, 459. —Srorer, Synops. 1846, 38. Centrarchus hexacanthus, Hour. Ichth. of So. Car.; plate vi, fig. 1. The second species of this genus was first observed in the river Wabash by Lesueur, and by him sent to Paris, under the name of Cantharus nigromaculatus. Therefore: 2. POMOXIS NIGROMACULATUS, Grd. Syn.—Cantharus nigromaculatus, Lesueur fide Cuy. & Vax. Hist. Nat. Poiss. ITI, 1829, 88. Centrarchus sparoides, Cuy. & Va. Hist. Nat. des Poiss. III, 1829, 88.; pl. xlviii. Centrarchus hexacanthus, Cuy. & Vau. Hist. Nat. Poiss. VII, 1831, 459.—Kirri. Journ. Bost. Nat. Hist. III, 1840, 480.; pl. xxix, fig. 2—DeKay, Fauna of New Y.1V, 1842, 31—Agass. Amer. Jour. of Se. XVII, 1854, 299. Cichla storeria, Kirti. Rep. Zool. Ohio, 191. A third species is described, or rather recorded, by Rafinesque, under the name of 3. POMOXIS ANNULARIS, Rafin. Syy.—Pomovzis annularis, Rar. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc Philad. I, 1818, 417; pl. xvii, fig. 1; & Ichth. Ohiens. 1820, 33. .Acass. Amer. Jour. Sc. XVI, 1854, 298. We propose now to describe a fourth species, under the name of 4. POMOXIS NITIDUS, Grd. Puate II, Fires. 5—8. Spec. Cuar.—Posterior extremity of maxillary corresponding to a line intersecting the pupil. Insertion of ventrals situated opposite the inferior edge of the base of the pectorals. Anterior spiny ray of anal fin under the fourth dorsal one. Posterior margin of caudal fin sub-concave. Upper regions reddish, spotted and fasciated with brown ; inferior regions silver and golden, Syx.—Pomozis nitidus, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. Nov. 1857. The largest specimens of this species which we have examined and caused to be figured measure nearly six inches anda half. The body is very much compressed, arched above and below, sub-clliptical in a profile view. Its greatest depth, which corresponds to the origin of the dorsal fin, is about the third of the entire length, since it enters three times in the latter from the tip of the snout to the emargination of the caudal fin. The greatest thickness is rather less than the third of the depth just alluded to. The head is contained three times and a half in the total length of the fish. The mouth is deeply cleft, obliquely directed upwards, the lower jaw being the longest, and the posterior extremity of the maxillary reaches a vertical line drawn through the middle of the eye. The teeth are velvet-like, the maxillary ones being scarcely more conspicuous than those on the vomer, pala- tines, and tongue. The eyes are quite large and sub-circular, their horizontal diameter entering a little more than four times in the length of the side of the head. The margin of the opercular bones are neither spiny nor crenated. The cheeks and opercle are scaly, the scales on the cheeks being smaller than on the opercle. Thirteen branchiostegals (seven on the right side and six on the left), may be observed within the branchial membrane. The branchial apertures themselves are continuous under the throat. The origin of the dorsal fin is nearly equidistant between the extremity of the snout and the base of the caudal fin. There are six spiny rays, increasing in height from the first to the last, FISHES—PERCIDAE—POMOXIS NITIDUS. ff which is nearly equal to the first soft and articulated ray. Of the latter we observe fifteen, the posterior five diminishing gradually in height. The soft portion of that fin is a great deal more developed than the spinous portion. The same is the case with the anal, which has like- wise six spiny rays, increasing in depth from the first to the sixth, which is shorter than th first articulated ray. The external margin of the fin is rounded. Its anterior spine is situate opposite the fourth dorsal one ; but since the entire base of the anal fin is equal to that of the dorsal, the posterior margin of the anal extends further backwards than the dorsal. The caudal fin enters four times and a half in the total length ; its posterior margin is sub-concave, and its lobes sub-angular. The origin of the ventral fins is opposite the inferior edge of the insertion of the pectorals, hence situated slightly backwards with reference to the latter. A stont and acerated spine may be observed upon their anterior or external margin, considerably shorter than the first soft ray. When these fins are brought into contact with the abdomen, their extremities project beyond the origin of the anal fin, and consequently overlap.the vent. Even the tips of the ventrals extend beyond a vertical line drawn through the origin of the anal fin.— Wye, Wile \ANMLS ID WAL 1b} 8 GS WY Ilr SONS TUS teh Wig te 8 an aye der aly. The soft rays of the dorsal and anal fins bifurcate twice, whilst those of the caudal, ventrals, and pectorals exhibit subdivisions of the third degree. The lateral line is arched, following in that respect the curve of the back. The scales are well developed and ciliated upon their external (posterior) margin. They differ considerably in shape, according to the regions to which they belong. In the lateral line (fig. 7) they are longer than deep, and upon the dorsal and abdominal regions deeper than long, (figs. 6 and 8). Diverging grooves are observed upon the anterior section of the scale only. Exiguous or attenuated scales may be observed upon the base of the caudal, extending to a certain distance along the rays, a feature not represented on the figure. The upper regions of the head and body are reddish or brownish, the head uniformly so, the back presenting obsolete, transverse blackish bands of fasciee, composed of agglomerated small spots. The same spots may be traced upon the dorsal and caudal fins. The inferior regions are yellowish brown, with either a silver or a golden hue. The anal fin is occasionally spotted ; the ventrals and pectorals are unicolor, A black spot may be seen upon the upper and posterior part of the opercle. References to the figures.—Plate II, fig. 5, represents a profile view of Pomowis nitidus. Fig. 6 is a scale from the dorsal region; fig. 7 a scale of the lateral line, and fig. 8 a scale from the abdominal region. The scales are somewhat magnified for the purpose of exhibiting their structure. They are taken upon the same vertical line, corresponding, generally speaking, to the greatest depth of the body. List of specimens. | Collected by— Locality. Whence obtained. Catalogue number. Cortesponding No. of. No. of specimens. Sex and age. When collected. Original number. Nature of specim’s. Arse Aa Houston river, Ky.-...--| 1854 | E. L. Berthoud... ea eeeree| Acoholic -| B. L. Berthoud 8 U. S. P. RR, EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOULOGY—GENERAL REPORT. AMBLCPLITES, Rafin. Gex. Cuan.—Body compressed; dorsal and ventral outlines sub-depressed. Head large. Mouth large also; lower jaw longest. Velvet-like teeth on the jaws, the vomer, palatines, and tongue. Cheeks and opercular apparatus scaly. Branchial apertures continuous under the throat. Spinous portion of dorsal fin lower than the soft, and extends upon a longer base. Anal fin provided with five or more spiny rays. Insertion of ventral fins a little behind the base of the pectorals. Caudal fin posteriorly sub-concave. Scales well developed, and generally ciliated posteriorly. Syn.—Amloplites, Rarin. Ichth. Ohiens. 1820, 33.—Acass. Amer. Journ. of Sc. XVII, 1854, 299. This genus is very closely allied to the preceding one, from which it is to be distinguished by the conformation of its dorsal fin. The latter is composed of a greater number of spiny rays, occupying a base of a greater extent than the soft and articulated rays. The spines themselves are lower than the soft rays, so that a kind of depression may be said to exist between the two portions of that fin. Two species are referred to this genus, 4. ichtheloides and A. aeneus. Of the latter we give the following figure and description. 1. AMBLOPLITES ANEUS, Agass. Rock Bass, &c. Prats 1. Spec. Cuan.—Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line intersecting the pupil. Insertion of ventrals oppo- site the base of the pectorals. Anterior spiny ray of anal fin under the ninth dorsal one. Posterior margin of caudal fin slightly emarginated. Upper regions of head and body of a coppery brown ; inferior regions, yellowish brown. Syn.—Cichla wnea, Lesvu. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1822, 214, fig —Kirti. Rep. Zool. Ohio, 168, 191. Centrarchus aeneus, Cuy. & Var. Hist. Nat. Poiss. II], 1829, 84.—Ricu. Faun. Bor. Amer. IJI, 1836, 18. Pl. Ixxv.— DeKay, New Y. Fauna, 1842, 27, Pl. ii, fig. 4 Kirt. Bost. Jour. Nat. Hist. 1V. 1842, 229. Pl. xi, fig. 1. Storer, Synops. 1846, 37. Rock Bass, Goggle-eyed Bass, Black Sun Fish, VERNACULAR. The general aspect of this species is sub-elliptical when seen in profile; the dorsal and abdominal outlines being sub-depressed. The greatest depth of the body is more than the third of the total length. The greatest thickness holds the same relations towards the depth as the latter holds towards the length. The head is very large, though constituting something less than the third of the total length. Its occipito-frontal declivity is gradual towards the snout, which assumes a wedge-shaped appearance upon the plate. The lower jaw is longest and protrudes slightly beyond the upper. The cleft of the mouth is large and obliquely directed upwards. The posterior extremity of the maxillary extends to a vertical line intersecting the pupil. The tongue is very large and fleshy, bearing a sub-elliptical patch of velvet-like teeth almost as conspicuous as those situated upon the palatine bones, the front of the vomer, and upon the jaws. The eye is large and circular ; its diameter entering nearly four times and a half in the length of the side of the head. The anterior nostril is equidistant between the anterior rim of the orbit and the margin of the upper jaw; the posterior nostril is equal in development with the former and lies between it and the orbit. The external margin of the opercular bones is without spines or serratures of any kind; the opercle, sub-opercle, and inter-opercle are covered with scales considerably larger than those which may be observed on the cheeks. The branchial apertures are continuous under the throat ; there are six branchial rays. FISHES—PERCIDAE—AMBLOPLITES ANEUS, 9 The dorsal fin extends to the entire dorsal region properly so called. The spinous portion is composed of ten rays, increasing slightly in height from the first to the last, which is shorter than the following soft articulated rays. The latter, thirteen in number, occupy the third of the base of the entire fin. The anal terminates almost evenly with the dorsal ; its soft portion, composed of twelve rays, resembles the dorsal in its general appearance. It is preceded by five spines, shorter than the soft rays, and diminishing in depth forwards. The anterior spiny ray of this fin is situated opposite the seventh dorsal spine. The caudal fin constitutes about the fifth of the total length; it is posteriorly emarginated, with the extremity of its lobes rounded. The origin of the ventral fins is situated a little in advance of the origin of the dorsal and opposite the inferior edge of the base of the pectorals. Their extremities will extend to the vent when bent backwards alongside the abdomen, but not as far as the origin of the anal fin. The vent itself is situated somewhat anteriorly to the origin of the anal fin. The pectorals are broad and of medium size; their extremities not extending quite as far posteriorly as those of the ventrals. iBT ee Vile VoD lS AU, plas C eal sere elie a Valley oes Pilibg The lateral line is arched and almost parallel to the outline of the back. The scales are deeper than long on the dorsal and abdominal regions (figs, 2 and 4), and longer than deep in the lateral line (fig. 3). Their posterior margin is entire; radiating furrows exist upon the anterior section only. We observe twenty-two longitudinal series of scales upon the line of greatest depth: sixteen between the lateral line and the mesial line of the belly, and five above the lateral line, and a few irregular series along the base of the dorsal fin. The scales are considerably reduced in size on the nuchal and pectoral regions. Hlongated and attenuated scales may likewise be observed along the articulated rays of both the dorsal and anal fins up to their first bifurcation. Upon the caudal fins they assume a still greater development. The upper regions are of a coppery brown, darkest upon the dorsal region, becoming lighter towards the sides, whilst the inferior regions are yellowish brown. A blackish spot at the base of each scale gives the appearance of longitudinal darker streaks. These spots, however, are sometimes very obsolete. A jet black patch may be seen towards the upper and posterior angle of the opercle. The fins are unicolor, partaking of the general hue of the region to which they belong. References to the figures.—Plate I, fig. 1 represents Ambloplites ceneus somewhat reduced in size. Fig. 2 is a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 3, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 4, a scale from the abdominal region. The scales are magnified. List of specimens. A a B ; . s A 3 \% g e 3 5 a to Co) 2 q oI a 3 a g Locality. 3 Whence and how ob- = a “By whom col- = AME OsCel (rR 3 tained e S lected Ele. Se a = 8 ained. a = ected. ° 2 om qa qd f= Go S 2 3° s ° “hp =] $8 6 i = 2] 2 Sit) yi R = fo) a 162) ees 1 | Adt. | Fort Snelling, Minn--.--- 1852 | Goy. Stevens__-.--_-|.----- Alcoholic. |Dr.Geo.Suckley. 2a 10 U. Ss. P. R RB. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. 2. AMBLOPLITES INTERRUPTUS, Grd. The Perch of the San Franciscans. Puate II, Fras. 1—4. Spec. Cuar.—Posterior extremity of maxillary reaching a vertical line drawn back of the pupil. Posterior margin of caudal fin sub-emarginated. Origin of anal fin opposite the eleventh ray of the dorsal. Interrupted dark bands on the sides. Two streaks diverging from the eye—one running towards the opercular spot, the other obliquely downwards. Syn.—Centrarchus interruptus, Gro. Proc. Acad. Nat. Se. Philad. VII, 1854, 129, and VIII, 1856, 132. Centrarchus maculosus, Ayres, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Se. I, 1854, 8; & in Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. V, 1855, 99. Perch in San Francisco. . The general form is rather elongated, and very much compressed. The nuchal region is convex, whilst the oculo-cephalic is depressed or sub-concave. The head forms a little less than the third of the total length. The snout is tapering, and the lower jaw the longest.. The mouth is rather large; its cleft oblique upwards. The posterior extremity of the maxillary, which is considerably dilated, reaches a vertical line drawn back of the pupil. The eye is large and circular, comprised about four times, or a little more, in the length of the side of the head. The opercular apparatus has neither spines nor serratures. The gill openings are continuous under the head, and there are six branchial rays. The origin of the dorsal nearly corresponds with a line passing along the margin of the opercular flap ; it is composed of thirteen spiny rays and eight to eleven soft and articulated ones. The base of the spinous portion is twice the length of the soft ; the latter is higher than any of the spines. The first, or anterior spine, is exceedingly small, the second is twice as high; the others increase till the sixth, seventh, and eighth, when they again diminish to the twelfth ; the thirteenth is a little higher than the few preceding ones. The lobes of the caudal are rounded; the middle of the posterior margin is slightly concave. The fin itself constitutes nearly the sixth of the entire length. The origin of the anal is placed opposite the eleventh dorsal spine ; it is composed of six or seven spines, and nine or ten articulated rays; the space occupied by the spines is equal in length to that over which the soft rays are inserted. The vent is situated somewhat in advance of the anal fin. The origin of the ventrals corresponds to the vertical line passing in front of the base of the pectorals; their spine is long and acute, and the tips of the soft rays overlap the vent. The tips of the pectorals extend a little further backwards than that of the ventrals; the origin of both the ventrals and pectorals, is a little in advance of the origin of the dorsal. Br. VI—VI. D XIII, 8—11; A VI or VII, 9 or 10; C5, 1, 8,7, 1,4; V1I,5; P13. The scales are of moderate development, higher than long, provided upon their posterior margin with several series of minute spines. The lateral line is concurrent with the dorsal outline. The scales on the cheeks are a little smaller than on the opercular apparatus, either of which being almost entirely smooth upon their posterior margin. The upper surface of the head and jaw are smooth and naked. Ground color greyish brown above, silvery grey beneath. Irregular transverse bands of dark brown or black, interrupted along the lateral line, the portion of the band above it being some- what alternating with the portion beneath it. A large black spot may be observed at the upper and posterior angle of the opercle. Two vitte or streaks diverge from the eye backwards. References to the figures.—P late II, fig. 1, represents Ambloplites interruptus in profile and size of life. Fig. 2 is a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 3, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 4, a scale from the abdominal region. FISHES—PERCIDAE—CALLIURUS MELANOPS. it List of specimens. m n . 3 | 9 E: . Fe s Biol woes 3 = Locality. 3 Whence and how ob- 5 2 By whom col- o = 2 § 6 = os S tained. | = 6 lected. oo a = 2 3 Sees eS lad 2 | 2 5 ee | Sul os S Bod eee Oko A R al iS Zi PH Sin eee 6 |Adult. | San Joaquin river, Cal__--| 1853 | Lieut. Williamson -.-|.----- Alcoholic.| Dr. Heermann~ 29 lnoceen 2 |.-do..| Sacramento river, Ca] ....| 1855 |_...-. O0ecaceadaneee ae ewas ----do__--| Dr. Newberry - PAA a a ae 2 |.-do_-| San Francisco, California..| 1853 | Lieut. Whipple------ eee ----do....| Dr. Kennerly-- CALLIURUS, Rafin. Gen. Cuar.—Body generally elongated and sub-elliptical ; compressed. Head of moderate development. Mouth large ; jaws sub-equal, lower one longest. Velvet-like teeth on the jaws, front of vomer, and palatines. Tongue generally smooth. Cheeks and opercular apparatus scaly. Edge of preopercle occasionally serrated. Branchial apertures continuous under the throat. Spinous portion of dorsal fin longer and lower than the soft portion, with a depression between them. Anal fin with three spiny rays only. Insertion of ventral fins placed behind e base of the pectorals. Caudal fin posteriorly sub-emarginated Scales large, or of moderate development. Syn.—Calliurus, Rarin. Ichth. Ohiens. 1820, 26—Acass. Amer. Journ. of Sc. XVIII, 1854, 300. In general appearance the species of this genus resemble those of Ambloplites very closely ; they are elongated without being slender, and but very seldom short and deep like Bryttus and Pomotis. The only prominent difference between Calliurus and Ambloplites consists in the presence of three anal spines in Calliurus, instead of five, as is the case in Ambloplites. From Dioplites it differs by the two dorsal fins not being separated as is the case in the latter. The cheeks, as well as the opercular apparatus, are covered with scales, and a black patch marks the posterior portion of the opercle, as in Dioplites, Pomoxis, Ambloplites, Bryttus, and Pomotis. 1. CALLIURUS MELANOPS, Grd. Puate III. Spec. Cuar.—Mouth very large ; cleft directed obliquely upwards. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a ver- tical line drawn posteriorly to the orbit. Eye large. Insertion of ventrals situated opposite the base of the pectorals, a little in advance of the origin of the dorsal; their tips not extending to the vent. Scales very jarge. Ground color reddish brown, with a blackish spot upon the centre of each scale. A black patch at the upper and posterior margin of the opercle. Soft portion of dorsal and anal spotted at their base. Syn.—Calliurus melanops, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat, Sc. Philad. November 1857. This species establishes a transition between Ambloplites and Calliwrus, and naturalists may place it in either of these genera. It has the general physiognomy of Ambloplites: its large scales, and its teeth upon the tongue; whilst it approximates Calliwrus by the presence of three spiny rays to the anal fin. Its form is graceful, elongated, with the dorsal and abdominal outlines regularly curved. The body is quite compressed posteriorly ; the nape is swollen and rounded. The greatest depth is equal to the length of the head, and contained about three times in the total length. The head, therefore, constitutes about the third of the total length. The mouth is very large ; 12 U. 8S. P. Re. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. its cleft directed obliquely upwards ; the lower jaw longest, as in Ambloplites. The posterior extremity of the maxillary is broadly expanded, extending to a vertical line drawn immediately behind the orbit. The outer maxillary teeth form quite a conspicuous row in either jaw. The tongue is broad and fleshy ; the teeth along its middle surface constitute an irregular band. The posterior nostril is much larger than the anterior one, and is situated close to the orbit, whilst the latter is nearly midway between the anterior rim of the orbit and the margin of the upper jaw. The eye is large and circular ; its diameter enters a little short of five times in the length of the side of the head. The external edge of the opercular bones is entire and smooth ; their surface is covered by large scales. The whole surface of the cheeks is similarly scaly, the scales being but a little smaller than on the opercular apparatus. The branchial apertures are continuous under the throat ; the branchiostegals number six on the right side and five on the left. The dorsal fin is composed of ten spiny rays and ten soft and articulated ones, although the spinous portion occupies the two-thirds of the base of the fin. The spines increase slightly in height towards the fourth, fifth, and sixth ; hence, posteriorly, they are nearly equal. The soft rays are a good deal higher than the spines; and so are the soft rays of the anal, nine in number, preceded by three stoutish spines only. The caudal fin constitutes the sixth of the entire length ; it is sub-emarginated posteriorly, and composed of seventeen rays and a few rudi- ments. ‘The insertion of the ventrals takes place opposite the base of the pectorals, and some- what in advance the origin of the dorsal fin. When brought backwards, their extremities do not extend as far as the vent, which is placed near the anterior margin of the anal. Five soft and articulated rays, with one spine, are the usual number in these fins. The pectorals are longer than the ventrals, for, their posterior extremities reach almost to a vertical line intersect- ing the vent. Bre Vit. VD Xe 106 29: Cod. a Siete Va. Bi wl dpe The scales, inconspicuously pectinated, are quite large, deeper than long, subciliated pos- teriorly, and provided with diverging furrows upon their anterior section only. Twenty-two series may be observed upon the line of greatest depth, fifteen below the lateral line, and six above. The lateral line itself is arched and concurrent with the dorsal line, and nearer to it posteriorly than anteriorly. The scales upon the nape or fronto-occipital region, are but a little smaller than on the dorsal region properly so called. Under the thorax they are likewise well developed, though smaller than elsewhere. The soft portions of both the dorsal and anal fins are provided with irregularly attenuated scales upon their base, in the same manner as the caudal. The ground color is reddish brown, darker above than beneath. The head is irregularly spotted with darker brown. The centre of each scale being provided with a blackish spot, the general appearance of the fish is quite dark. The fins themselves are dark and obsoletely spotted. A large black patch is to be seen at the upper and posterior angle of the operculum. References to figures.—Plate III represents Calliurus melanops size of life, adult and young. Fig. 1, the adult from Leon river. Fig. 5, the young, from Rio Medina. Figs, 3 and 6, scales from the dorsal region. Figs. 2 and 7, scales from the lateral line. Figs. 4 and 8, scales from the abdominal region, FISHES—PERCIDAE—CALLIURUS DIAFHANUS. 13 Lust of specimens. ' a ‘ . wa a | § 3 2 a | & $ 3 A ow| 8 2 Localities. = | Whence and how obtained... = | Nature of speci-|Collected by— 35/ o& = 3} a | bo 3 a = mens. | ° oS a qd 3 Fad ee $ 2 = Bure | Ps E z = pe ee 281 1 | Adult_-| Leon river, Texas -.....- 1853 | Lieut. Whipple-----...-- 11 | Alcoholic... -- Dr. Kennedy. 373 2 | Young -| Rio Medina, Texas-...-.- 1868) |see=== Omer = Saami leh |ecese! Glpaseice wae dOsesa== 410 I |==-do---| Dry creek, Texas -----=- - 1854 | Major Emory---.--...--- Ihe fon | ersten doemena= BoecCOS sno 411 1 |..-do...| San Pedro creek, Texas. -| 1854 |.....- (i (0 ee ae ee a BB sesaee dostaoc et (0) | 2. CALLIURUS DIAPHANUS, Grd. Prats IV, Fries. 1—4. Spec. Cuar.—Mouth large ; gape oblique upwards. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn in advance of the pupil. Eye large. Insertion of ventrals situated posteriorly to the base of pectorals, and the origin of the dorsal ; their tips overlapping the vent. Scales large. Greyish olive above ; yellowish or whitish beneath. “Soft portion of dorsal and anal fins provided with a black spot. Syn.—Calliurus diapkanus, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. November 1857. The general form of this species is more slender than C. melanops, although the two species resemble each other in the size of the mouth, eyes, and scales. The greatest depth is equal to the length of the head. The head enters about three times and a half in the total length. The mouth is not so deeply cleft as in the preceding species, but the lower jaw is quite as prominent and protruding beyond the upper. The posterior extremity of the maxillary extending only to a vertical line drawn immediately in advance of the pupil. The palatine teeth constitute a very narrow band. The tongue is rather thin and perfectly smooth or toothless. The diameter of the eye enters about four times and a half in the total length. We observe three nasal apertures on each side, disposed upon a triangle on the left side and upon a curve on the right. The external edge of the opercular bones is smooth. The branchios- tegals are six on each side. The soft portion of the dorsal fin is more developed than in C. melanops. Slender and exiguous scales may be observed upon its base, as also upon the base of the caudal and soft portion of the anal fin. The insertion of the ventrals is situated posteriorly to the base of the pectorals, and a little posterior also to the origin of the dorsal fin. The outermost soft ray terminates into a filiform appendage which protrudes beyond the vent; the vent itself being placed at a short distance from the origin of the anal fin. The pectorals are of moderate development, and do not extend as far back as the ventrals. The formula of the rays is as follows : Breve vele DX. ili CAC LUE dO) Cavell Siia l Servi Lydian ss The scales are large and very inconspicuously pectinated, the serratures being quite deciduous, thus explaining their absence on the figures of Plate IV. The diverging furrows are quite numerous, and extend upon the anterior section of the scale only. The scales themselves are deeper than long, sub-truncated anteriorly, and rounded upon the remaining three edges, The ground color is greyish olive above ; yellowish or whitish beneath. The soft portion of 14 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. the dorsal and anal fins exhibit a black spot or patch at the base of their posterior margin. Black dots are scattered all over the body, but may not occur in all the specimens. The pectoral fins are of a light olive ; the ventrals, olivaceous upon their base, are greyish towards their extremities. The other fins are greyish olive. References to the figures.—Plate IV, fig. 1, represents Calliurus diaphanus, size of life. Fig. 2, a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 3, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 4, a scale from the abdominal region. List of specimens. 4 | ; S| =a ae 3 4 Dan : z | © 3/98 Locality. = | Whence and how obtained.) & | Nature of speci- Collected by— 5 5 3 = bos 38 a E | men. rearal cies = S 8 S 2 Sica = 3 374 | Rio Blanco, Tex..------- 1852 | Lt. Whipple -..---.----- 23 | Alcoholic..------ Dr; Kennerly ----.--s= | | | : 3. CALLIURUS FORMOSUS, Grd. ? Puate V, Fies. 1—4. Spec. Cuan —Mouth large, gape oblique upwards. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line passing beyond the middle of the pupil. Eye moderate. Insertion of vectrals situated under the base of pectorals and a little posteriorly to the anterior margin of the dorsal, their tips reaching the vent. Scales moderate. Reddish brown above, spotted with black ; greyish beneath. Soft portion of dorsal and anal fins provided with a black patch. Syn.—Calliurus formosus, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. November 1857. This species, we venture to say, will prove very closely allied to, if not identical with, C. punctulatus of Rafinesque. But not being able to establish the fact with any degree of certainty, we send it forth under the above appellation. The general form of the body is intermediate between that of C. melanops and C. diaphanus. Proportionally as deep anteriorly as C. melanops, it tapers much more rapidly backwards. The cleft of the mouth and the extension of the maxillary bone resemble C. diaphanus most. The eye is smaller than in either of the preceding species. The greatest depth of the body, measured upon the thoracic region, is a little more than the third of the entire length, and a little greater also than the length of the head. The nape ig quite convex, and the upper surface of the head very declivous. The head itself constitutes a little less than the third of the length. The upper jaw, though longer than the upper, is less protruding than in C. melanops and C. diaphanus. The gape of the mouth is less oblique upwards, and the posterior extremity of the maxillary extends to a vertical line which would pass posteriorly to the middle of the pupil. The tongue is broad, fleshy, and toothless. The eye is of moderate size, sub-circular in shape ; its diameter entering five times in the length of the side of the head. The spinous portion of the dorsal fin is lower, or else less arched in its upper outline, than in the two preceding species, whilst the soft portion of the same fin is even more developed than in (. diaphanus ; the posterior extremities of the longest rays being even with those of the anal, and reaching a vertical line which would intersect the insertion of the caudal. The caudal itself is but slightly emarginated posteriorly, and enters about five times and a half in FISHES—PERCIDAE—CALLIURUS FORMOSUS. 15 the total length. The insertion of the ventrals takes place opposite the inferior margin of the base of the pectorals, and a little posteriorly to the origin of the dorsal ; their tips overlap the vent, which is situated near the origin of the anal fin. The pectorals are subovate, of moderate development, and extending as far back as the ventrals. aT VAli av) ey ENG Ue ACIS OF O-35 0857, Lyte Tb SP 13: The external spiny ray of the ventral fins is rather slender and acute, closely approximating the first soft ray, and apparently confounded with it, upon a superficial examination. The scales are moderate in their development, a little deeper than long, with radiating furrows upon their anterior section, and so very deciduously pectinated that the serratures fall off in the handling of the specimens. They are considerably smaller upon the nape and dorsal region generally than towards the flanks, and a good deal smaller also upon the cheeks than upon the opercular apparatus. Under the throat their size is likewise reduced. The caudal and the soft rays of both the dorsal and anal fins are provided upon their base with exiguous and irregularly shaped scales. The upper region of the head and body is reddish brown ; the dorsal region, the middle of the flanks, and the side of the head being spotted with black. Beneath, the color is uniformly greyish. The dorsal and anal fins exhibit a large black patch at the base of their posterior margin. The fins otherwise are greyish olive, the external margin of the dorsal, caudal, and anal being yellowish white, whilst the ventrals and pectorals are unicolor—the former yellowish, the latter greyish. The black patch at the posterior portion of the opercle is surrounded by a yellowish or whitish ring. References to the figures.—Plate V, fig. 1, represents Calliurus formosus, size of life. Fig. 2 is a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 3, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 4, a scale from the abdominal region. List of specimens. gis | ¢ 5 Bisbah| (Ebils « g el ae A = m 2 bo Locality. 2 Whence obtained. 3 é Collected by— eae ie & A 5 i a ‘ 2 Lo) iS) a wm i= So z a1) lane 1 |Adult. | Tributary of Gypsum creek,| 1853 | Lieut. Whipple..-.| XV. | Alcoholic. | H. B. Mollhausen. Canadian. BC ee jo eee Headwaters of Brazos | 1853 | Capt. Pope -..----|------ e2=d0s= =e Captain Pope. river. BVI) eee ee Coed Se cl eee dos -sasees dostanns [S550 (Paes s dosseesses—5|2=-5—— Sener See do2222 5% 378 |..-..- PE | etl (ae doe.2 5 =e Ge =a 2 1853: |wocos doses een pana S00 ae Se alaeeer dos=-ea=s= gn fan = 1 CERES Headwaters of Colorado, | 1853 |_____- Oe seceeae caleeoe oe PocCl\5e 7 selene do-sa4ea = Texas. 380 |...... 1 | See dozesa—aae dosas== [S539 sae e dogee se teae es |e eee On ae | eae dos=.aaaee Stal eee "||, SSeee Fort Washita, Red river --| 1853 |...._- (3 (oj aes Eta | te gs Ee 200n sc s||-s> se dotase seas eez |2 Si Pepege Fort Smith, Arkansas ----| 1853 | Lieut. Whipple_...|---.-- a idone=s- Dr. Shumard. 42.0) |Seexce! (3 Bp Seco geel Seaeee dotwepins doeseeau Hite? | Se eeeer ome ia les ih cemtyy Be tdoseens H. B. Mollhausen. agg eee Gils eee RioyBrazossees = Sess b= 1853 | Dr. Shumard_....-|-.-..- essdos==-2 Dr. Shumard. 16 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. 4. CALLIURUS LONGULUS, Grd. Prater V, Fries. 5—8, and Prats VI, Fias. 5—8. Srzc. Cuan.—Mouth moderate, gape oblique upwards. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line intersecting the pupil. Eyes moderate. Insertion of ventrals situated opposite the inferior edge of the base of the pectorals and posteriorly to the origin-of the dorsal, their tips extending to the vent. Scales moderate. Reddish brown above ; greyish beneath. Soft portion of dorsal and anal fins provided with a black patch. Sxx.—Pomotis longulus, B. & G. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad. VI, 1853, 391; and, in Marcy’s Expl. Red River, Ia., 1853, 245, pl. xii. Bryltus longulus, B. & G., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad. VII, 1854, 25. Successively placed by us in the genera Pomotis and Bryttus, this species is now referred to Calliurus, the genus to which it properly belongs. It is not without a certain general resemblance with C. formosus, and the inquiries respecting C. punctulatus are applicable to it as well as to C. formosus. One point in regard to C. punctu- latus strikes us as desirable to be known in order to settle this question: the black patch upon the posterior portion of the dorsal and anal fins, and about which Rafinesque is silent. Is the inference to be drawn that, since Rafinesque omits to inform us on that point, the black patches alluded to do not exist ? The traits by which this species is to be distinguished from C. formosus consist chiefly in the structure of the mouth, which is not so deeply cleft as in the latter; hence the posterior extremity of the maxillary does not extend so far back with reference to the orbit. The general aspect of the fish, when seen in profile, is sub-elliptical, and occasionally quite regularly so. The greatest depth is equal to the third of the total length, in which the head enters about three times and a half. The jaws are sub-equal, the lower one projecting but slightly beyond the upper. The posterior extremity of the maxillary reaching a vertical line drawn through the middle of the pupil. The tongue is smooth. The eye is rather moderate in size and sub-circular in shape; its horizontal diameter entering about four times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Br. Vi. Vie DX, 125° AIT, 93704; 1, 871, oy Vor The scales are deeper than long, seemingly identical with those of C. formosus, except that the pectinations are more strongly marked. The color is reddish brown above and greyish beneath. Sometimes the flanks appear as if streaked with light bands corresponding to the rows of scales, and owing to the periphery of the scale being darker than its middle. The sides of the head are variegated with sinuous light lines. The dorsal and anal are provided with a black patch upon the posterior portion of their base. References to the figures.—Plate V, fig. 5, represents Calliwrus longulus, size of life, from the Rio Cibolo. Fig. 6 isa scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 7 is a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 8, a scale from the abdominal region. Plate VI, fig. 5, represents the same species, size of life, from the Rio Seco. Figs. 6, 7, and 8, are enlarged scales from the dorsal region, the lateral line, and the abdominal region, The species is more correctly illustrated on plate V than on plate VI. FISHES—-PERCIDAE—CALLIURUS MICROPS, We, List of specimens. | | | | | : : a. } 8 s 3 E 2 B Locality. 3 Whence obtained. a < Collected by— al) eS a a 2 cal ae : S| 8 | 4 E § Zz 404 1 | Otter creek, Arkansas ----| 1851 | Capts. Marcy and McClelland. |- ----- Alcoholic-| Captain Marcy ---- 405 2 | Rio Cibolo, Texas....---- T8651) >| ColoneliGraham==s---- == =-)|--=—-—— pee donee John H. Clark ---- 406 4 | Mineville, Texas -..-. ..-- 1853 | Major Emory.--...---.....|.....- BRE OSSaee Dr. Kennerly ----- 407 65 | Rio Seco, Texas'.-_------ 1853 | Lieutenant Whipple. ------- 1!) IE SEG sealer R C@asdecsisss< 408 2 | Platte river-----..-.---- 1856 |(Captain Pope ~ <------- 5-2 |_- == - == One an = Captain Pope.-.--- 409 45, || RiovPecoss=-==-<=-- = =-= 1856) lo=-2s2 (ilo aee iene ee | ee 2 =d0.2=25|lasos<6 doseeeeeea== 5. CALLIURUS MICROPS, Grd. Prate lV, Frias. 5—8. Spec. Cuar.—Mouth moderate ; gape oblique upwards. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn midway between the anterior rim of the orbit and the pupil. Eye small. Insertion of ventrals situated posteriorly to the base of pectorals and the origin of the dorsal; their tips not reaching the vent. Scales moderate. Reddish brown above, with centre of scales lighter ; greyish beneath. Soft portion of dorsal provided with a black patch. Syn.—Calliurus microps, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. November, 1857. This species is very characteristic, owing to the comparatively small size of its eyes and the reduced cleft of its mouth, to which might be added the disproportional size between the scales on the cheeks and those on the opercular apparatus. The posterior extremities of both the dorsal and anal fins do not extend as far back as the insertion of the caudal. The head constitutes a little less than the third of the total length, which is exactly three times the greatest depth. The outline of the body is rather regularly elliptical. The edge of the preopercle is minutely serrated. The scales are higher than long ; the pectinations of their posterior margin being altogether obliterated. Bees VAle ile xen As TOs Crs Sif, 25, Vila bs E13. The extremities of the pectorals are nearly even with the tips of the ventrals, which do not reach the vent, situated a little way in advance of the anterior margin of the anal fin. The dorsal region is dark reddish brown, as well as the upper surface of the head. The sides of the head and flanks are of a lighter hue; and since the middle of the scales on the latter region are marked with a very light spot, the sides of the body appear as if provided with longitudinal white stripes. The inferior region is greyish or whitish. The fins are unicolor, of a greyish olive; the posterior portion of the dorsal fin alone exhibiting a dark or jet black spot. ; References to the figures.—Plate IV, fig. 5, represents Calliurus microps, size of life. Fig. 6, is a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 7, a scale from the lateral line; and, Fig. 8, a scale from the abdominal region. 3a 18 U. S. P. R. R. EXPL. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT, List of specimens. aa a seal | 8 = = 3 5 © 2 Locality. = Whence obtained. oe Collected by—- bo | z | ° 53 2 |% psc hepa A a S = e io) A = A | “|| 412 2a OCU VY BBD GE tere lose erate 1853. .}\Captain Popes==-—.i=2s2s2. =~ Alcoholic. Captain Pope---- 413 6 Rio Brazos, lexse soon =< —-sa-e) 1854 DrvGaiG "shumards =) seer 2=2-00-45-|SDr/Shumardisses 414 Gy |= ado: s2---- dot tsas casera W854 iss: Ss dows= == Feeie tos es pet edonose teres dou ses= 6. CALLIURUS MURINUS, Grd. Prate VII, Fies. 1—4. Spec. Cuar.—Mouth moderate; gape oblique upwards. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn inwardly to the anterior rim of the orbit. Eye moderate. Insertion of ventrals situated posteriorly to the base of pectorals and opposite the origin of the dorsal; their tips reaching the vent. Scales large. Dark blackish brown. Soft portion of dorsal fin provided with a black patch. Syn.—Calliurus murinus, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. November, 1857. This species is closely allied to C. microps, from which it differs chiefly by its larger eye, a more elevated spinous dorsal, the insertion of the ventrals opposite the origin of the dorsal fin, instead of being placed posteriorly to it, the tips of the ventrals reaching the vent, and larger scales also. Besides, the latter are possessed with rather conspicuous pectinations. The edge of the preopercle is finely serrated, and the scales on the cheeks are but a little smaller than those on the opercular apparatus. Bry Wil VI5 2D x4. 125 A, 10 C4. aaa. dS oW Jb se enedels The color is blackish brown above, lighter beneath; sometimes obsoletely banded transver- sally ; the sides of the head exhibiting sometimes sinuating bluish lines. The fins are of a dark greyish hue, unicolor except the dorsal, which is provided with a black blotch upon the posterior portion of its base. Rteferences to the figures.—Plate VII, fig. 1, represents Calliwrus murinus, size of life. Fg. 2, is a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 3, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 4, a scale from the abdominal region. List of specimens. z a 5 3 8 & : e | E & a 3 a S 3 Locality. = Whence obtained. £ Collected by— g\s F g £ S | ne} 3 a os) a = A 415 1 | Indianola to Nueces, Texas-..--.- 1856 | Captain Pope- -...----------| Alcoholic.) Captain Pope---~ 416 2: || Delaware creek-.--.2 .2..0....- 1856" |e Li tey al ee 5 ca ea Seo ee Ce docseenaee 417 Of es sano dosseese Seen sees 1856" "|a5eeee GOSS Lt cece eae cease et Lees Beh ares Gres ee eee 418 1 | Headwaters of Rio Brazos ......- 1864, \-aeee alee ESS Fe seaccdses|o2eedotce oe ot eedO eee eure FISHES—PERCIDAE—BRYTTUS ALBULUS. 19 BRYT CWSI viens’. Val, Gey. Cuar.—Body sub-elliptical, compressed. Head moderate ; mouth small ; jaws equal. Velvet-like teeth on the jaws, front of vomer, and palatine bones. Tongue smooth. Cheeks and opercular apparatus scaly. Edge of preopercle smooth and entire. Branchial apertures continuous under the throat. Spinous portion of dorsal fin longer than the soft, and nearly as high, with scarcely any depression between the two. Three anal spines. Insertion of ventral fins, situated posteriorly to the base of the pectorals. Caudal fin posteriorly emarginated. Scales well developed. Syn.—Bryttus, Cuv. & Vau. Hist. nat. des Poiss. VII, 1831, 461.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 43. ? *¢ It is impossible,’’ says Cuvier, ‘‘ to find a greater resemblance than that observed between these fishes (Bryttus) and the Pomotis. The small narrow band of velvet-like teeth which exists along the external edge of each palatine bone is the only character by which they may be distinguished.”’ Now the same thing is almost true with reference to Calliwrus, and at first we were at a loss to draw a limit between the latter and Bryttus. Upon comparing, however, the various species which have come under our notice, we have traced a few characters which may be regarded as generical features in Bryttus. Thus, the general shape of the body resembles Pomotis most, being rather sub-elliptical and deep, than elongated. The mouth is smaller than in Calliwrus, and the jaws equal, as in Pomotis, likewise. The spinous portion of the dorsal fin is more elevated than in Calliwrus, and again resembling that of Pomotis. So we may truly say that the species of Bryttus are Pomotis provided with a narrow band of palatine teeth. The geographic range of this genus is more restricted yet than that of Pomotis, its species, so far, having only been found in the south and southwestern portions of the area inhabited by the Pomotis. 1. BRYTTUS ALBULUS, Grd. Prats VI, Fras. 1—4. Spec. Cuar.—Body sub-elliptical, rather contracted and deep. Nape convex, and snout sub-conical. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to the anterior rim of the orbit. Insertion of ventrals situated posteriorly to the base of the pectorals and the anterior margin of the dorsal; their tips overlapping the vent. Scales rather large. Pale reddish brown, lighter beneath than above. Fins greyish olive; dorsal with a black patch. Syn.—Bryttus albulus, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. November, 1857. The body is very much compressed ; the head entering three times and a half in the total length, whilst the greatest depth enters in the same length twice and a halftime. The eye is well developed, sub-circular, its diameter being contained about four times in the length of the side of the head. The posterior extremity of the maxillary reaches a vertical line intersecting the anterior rim of the orbit. The tips of the posterior rays of the anal project a little beyond those of the dorsal; the posterior extremity of the caudal being but slightly emarginated. The second and third anal spines are stout and deep; the first is short and slender. The tips of the ventrals do not extend to the anterior margin of the anal, though overlapping the vent, which is situated somewhat in advance of the latter. The posterior extremity of the pectoral fins does not extend as far back as that of the ventrals. Isic, WE V9 10) 0. TEE NOL A OME th ys ile Bie WIGS sale asp The scales are well developed, and deeper than long; twenty-three rows of them may be counted upon the line of greatest depth ; sixteen below, and six above the lateral line. On the cheeks the scales are smaller than on the opercle. Rudimentary scales may be observed upon the caudal fin and soft portion of the dorsal and anal. 20 U. Ss. Pp. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. The color is pale reddish brown above, lighter beneath. The fins are greyish olive, the dorsal being provided with a black patch upon its posterior basal margin. The opercular patch is large, margined posteriorly with a white membranous flap. References to the figures.—Plate VI, fig. 1, represents Bryttus albulus, size of life. Fig. 2, a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 3, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 4, a scale from the abdominal region. List of specimens. . | | | _ . . a \z Z 3 3 el» | é E Z 9 5 A 8 S eal A = Whence obtained. S Nature of spe- | = © as a 3 | Locality. 3 A i = 3 ° a oa | ° = cimens, 3 op =¥) =) S +. fe) a os ag | r=] q ° ra 2 ° 3 | a) {3 2 38 Ss | 8 Ss = 3 6 (5 A a | = fs) S) Be Eee 4 | Ad’t.| Rio Blanco, Texas ----- 1853 | Lieut. A, W. Whipple- 20 | Alcoholic--.--- Dr. Kennerly. 2. BRYTTUS SIGNIFER, Grd. Prats VII, Fires. 5—8. Spec. Cuar.—Body contracted and deep. Nape convex, and snout sub-conical. Posterior extremity of maxillary ex- tending to a vertical line drawn in advance of the pupil. Insertion of ventrals situated posteriorly to the base of pectorals and the origin of dorsal, their tips overlapping the vent. Scales moderate. Reddish brown, lighter beneath than above. dorsal and anal fins provided with a black patch. Syn.—Bryltus signifer, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat Sc. Philad November, 1857. This species may easily be distinguished from the preceding one by its mouth being more deeply cleft, and its caudal fin more emarginated. The outline of the spinous portion of the, dorsal fin is more arched and the scales somewhat smaller, though, as usual, deeper than long. The scales on the cheeks are smaller than on the opercle, although the average difference in size between the two is not so great asin B. albulus. The posterior extremities of the dorsal and anal fins are nearly even, but do not extend to the insertion of the caudal. Bre V 20); De TTA ee eS, aes halen eee ee talon Color reddish brown, lighter beneath. The fins being greyish, the dorsal, and occasionally the anal, are provided with a black patch upon their basal posterior margin. The opercular black patch is margined with a white membranous flap. References to the figures.—P late VII, fig. 5, represents Bryttus signifer, size of life. Fig. 6 is a dorsal scale. Fig. 7, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 8, a scale from the abdominal region. List of specimens. Nature of spe- | Locality. Whence obtained. | Collected by— mens. Catalogue number. No. of specimens When collected. Original number. 2 6 | Rio Medina, Texas....... 1853__-| Lieut. A. W. Whipple ---- | Alooholic. . | Dr. Kennerly - - - ~ S — oo FISHES—PERCIDAE—BRYTTUS HUMILIS. 21 3. BRYTTUS HUMILIS, Grd. Prats VII, Fras. 9—24. Spec. Cuar.—Body sub-elliptical. Nape convex, and snout sub-conical. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending beyond the anterior rim of the orbit. Insertion of the ventrals situated posteriorly to the base of pectorals, and a little in adyance of the origin of the dorsal, their tips overlapping the vent. Scales large. - Reddish brown or dusky, maculated. Fins unicolor ; dorsal sometimes blotched. Syn.—Bryttus humilis, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. November, 1857. This species hasa greater affinity with B. albulus than with B. signifer. The spinous portion of the dorsal resembles more, it is true, that of B. signifer, but the structure of the head and the size of the scales remind us of the same traits in B. albulus. The snout being sub-conical and rather pointed, the mouth has room for a wider gape than in the case of a truncated or rounded head. The maxillary teeth are quite apparent, though exiguous. The posterior extremity of the maxillary bone extends to a vertical line drawn inwardly of the anterior rim of the orbit. The eye is sub-circular and proportionally larger than in B. signifer ; its diameter enters four times in the length of the side of the head. The latter constitutes the third of the total length, the caudal fin excluded. The preopercle and suborbital bones exhibit a very cavernous structure, a feature rather uncommon in the Ichthyic group now under consideration. The opercular flap has a tendency towards assuming a greater development than in either of the species of Bryttus we are, so far, acquainted with. The dorsal fin is higher upon its spinous portion than in B. signifer. The ventrals are of but moderate development, although their extremities overlap the vent, without, however, reaching the anal fin. On the other hand, the pectorals are slender and elongated, extending posteriorly beyond a vertical line intersecting the origin of the anal fin. The ventrals themselves are in- serted a little in advance of the origin of the dorsal. Brevis) cor wie Ore A TT 9; C3, 1,8, 7,1, 25 V1, 05 P ta: The enlarged figures of the scales speak for themselves; wherever the pectinations of their posterior margin are missing, it is owing to their exiguity or else their deciduous character. Their anterior margin is rather abruptly truncated. The color is reddish brown or dusky, mostentimes maculated, or rather spotted with black, especially upon the posterior half of the body (fig. 13). The fins are unicolor. Fig. 21 ought to exhibit a dorsal spot, which may be seen upon the specimen. References to the figures.—Plate VII, fig. 9, represents size of life, Bryttus humilis, caught near Rock Mary. Fig. 10, a dorsal scale. Fig. 11, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 12, a scale from the abdominal region. Fig. 13 represents a specimen, size of life, from Sugar Loaf creek, Arkansas. Fig. 14 is a dorsal scale of the same. Fig. 15, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 16, a scale from the abdominal region. Figs. 17 and 21, immature specimens, size of life, from Sugar Loaf creek also. Figs. 18 and 22, scales from the dorsal region. Figs. 19 and 23, scales from the lateral line. Figs. 20 and 24, scales from the abdominal region. 22 s. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. List of specimens. z Fs od | 5 } ge ie 8 |} 2 | g | 8 3 {Ac lol 3 a eges e o| & Locality. 3 Whence obtained. ie Nature of spe- Collected by— g ltt = q E cimens. (le = pace! .) A = co) 423 | 1] Near Rock Mary-...----- 1853 | Lieutenant A. W. Whipple| 17 | Alcoholic ...-| H. B. Méllhausen -- 424 1 | Old Fort Arbuckle-..-.-- SDS aa see ots setedOlensamcnes ese vielen Reems Co ee ee re dos c2s eee 425 1 | Sugar Loaf creek, Arkansas} 1853 |------------ dots-2e eee ee ade wieithey doe 25 Aa] cas Oe do. AIG |eosecsos d0jtieecsacecese 1863) ||25eo don tase Hise s4esse58 re Pe eee do-t A. Sees LOVE DN eee DOs a= sean eae 1853 92225 2522-523 MOL secs [oa peee =s| coe COze tele ene doz=) U. 8 PB. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. List of specimens. s| 3 ; Z - r- 2 3 3 | eI 5 : a} | = =| 3) & . 3 ° = Be 2 a o Locality. = Whence obtained. A aw Collected by— Eb Be as] 8 S S = || g a q 2 a\e|s Z| e| 2 oO} 4 zB S| S) iz ross _ 446 1 Young _| Eagle Pass.....----.-.-- 1808' >) "Maj. Emory seein oe | eee Alcoholic.) A. Schott -... 447 1 |..-do...| San Felipe, Texas -....-- 1851 Gol. fDi Grahames=.e.a| sane ....do0...-| John H. Clark. 448 | 5 | Adult_.| Rio Cibolo, Tex ..-...-.- USb lies Seoe~ Ose era ree a (oe ee (oe 449 | 10 Young -| Rio Nueces, Tex..-.----- PBS es-22 dows sacecenaeesoeos | See =e on 2200. s2| 52500 senceees 450 | 24 |..-do.-.| Rio Sabinal, Tex .-.....- 1854 | Maj. Emory -..----....- 62 |..--do..--| Dr. Kennerly. A) RT Soleo dove lsmeh acto 8 Sie nescuss ig Re | oe 614|...ido. 22.1.1. 2ao er 452 10 | Adult..| San Pedro, near San An- peatOnio wlexo. ae aaa 1853 | Lieut. Whipple.---.....- Be!).222d0. 2.5)- 5 ssdoesesaaes 453 1 |---do...| Near San Antonio, Tex-..| 1853 |...-.- do. = =2s-thcecseecee 10° |p-2-do.S22|-=2 -dose-—eeee 454 1 |.--do.--| Leon river, Tex-...----- 1853! Tieess= dOa 2252202 = oe Ti) o> -=do.2=-|--5-00=a0—e——ee 455 eee Gone) hio bianco. Dexa ona. sa MEF amet does. = see eo aeons Be Rms eee! eesti. 481 3 Young -| Sugar Loaf creek, Ark.--| 1853 |....- dO. 2s -saeecsemnce.||seeons ----do...-| Méllhausen- ~~ 456 1 | Adult..| Rio Nueces, Tex--..----- 1856 | Capt. John Pope-.-.-.---|-----.|--.- do..--| Capt. Po .-. 5. POMOTIS POPEII, Grd. Srec. Cuar.—Body sub-elliptical in profile. Head and mouth small; snout bluntly sub-conical. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line scarcely intersecting the anterior rim of the orbit. Eye small. Edge of preopercle not denticulated. Opercular flap moderate. Tips of ventrals overlapping the vent without reaching the anterior margin of the anal. Extremities of pectorals not extending as far back as the ventrals. Origin of dorsal fin situated opposite the insertion of tho ventrals. Uniform reddish brown ; fins olivaceous. In its general aspect this species greatly resembles P. aquilensis, from which it differs by a proportionally smaller head, hence a smaller mouth, for, the posterior extremity of the maxillary, reaches a vertical line falling a little in advance of the anterior rim of the orbit. The edge of the preopercle is perfectly smooth. A vertical line drawn from the origin of the dorsal fin intersects the origin of the ventrals in passing behind the base of the pectoral fins. The head constitutes a little less than the fourth, not quite the third of the entire length. The posterior margin of the caudal is sub-crescentic, being more deeply emarginated than in P. aquilensis. The branchiostegal rays are five on either side. The fins rays number as in the preceding species. The scales are well developed, especially upon the middle of the flanks, being quite reduced in size under the thoracic arch; they are finely, though conspicuously, pecti- nated posteriorly. The color is of a reddish-brown hue, rather pale upon the specimens preserved in alcohol. An obsolete black patch may be observed upon the posterior and basal portion of the dorsal fin. This patch, in all probability, is more apparent on the living specimens. The fins otherwise are olivaceous, the inferior ones being tinged with grey. FISHES—PERCIDAE—POMOTIS FALLAX. 27 List of specimens. ice fee alles 4 A ee | rd 3 EI | $0 a 2 ra 3) Fie liesh 2 tceeeee time 8 5 2 Sy 92) Ge S| a Locality. | = Whence obtained. a a Collected by— ae es 58/3 | 8 eres 3 = 3s |g § | a i 2 $ 5 5 4 4 ay te; So |. Rn ize 3 s | | | | _—.- ——- 28s c= 2- 2 |Adult.| Headwaters of Colorado | | | | | | DIGS ane AScecesose | 1854 | Captain Pope ----- Rereaees Alcoholic. Captain Pope. | | | | 6. POMOTIS FALLAX, B. & G. Prats VIII, Fies. 9—12; Puate IX, Fries. 5—12, & Puate X, Frias. 1—7. Spec. Coar.—Body sub-circular or sub-elliptical. Head moderate ; snout bluntly sub-conical. Mouth large ; posterio, extremity of maxillary extending to the anterior rim of the pupil. Eye moderate. Edge of preopercle not crenated. Opercular flap very large. Spinous portion of dorsal fin of medium height; its origin situated opposite the base of the pectorals. Caudal emarginated posteriorly. Tips of ventrals extending to the anterior margin of the anal. Blackich or reddish brown ; lighter beneath than above. Sides of head provided with bluish spots, sometimes confluent into irregular lines. A black patch upon the base of the dorsal fin. Syn.—Pomotis fallax, B. & G. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philad., VIII, 1854, 24. Pomotis convexifrons, B. & G. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philad., VII, 1854, 24. This is the most polymorphic species which we have so far met with amongst fresh water fishes. We have caused it to be fully illustrated in order to give a correct idea of its most prominent variations. The species which we had formerly enumerated under the name of P. con- vexifrons is one of these. A comparison of the figures on Plate X will show that the upper outline of the head and body both are subject to very great variations, and that the dorsal fin itself participates in giving to the region it belongs its diversified aspect. Again the snout is more or less protruding, affecting considerably the physiognomy of the species, as well as the opercular flap, which, in some specimens, reaches most abnormal proportions. (Fig. 5.) This species was first collected by the United States and Mexican boundary commission, to whose Report we would refer our readers. References to the figures.—Plate VIII, fig. 9, exhibits, size of life, an immature specimen of Pomotis fallax, from Rio Seco, Texas. Fig. 10is a dorsal scale. Fig. 11, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 12, a scale from the abdominal region. Plate IX, fig. 5, represents, size of life, Pomotis fallax, from Sans Bois creek, a tributary of Canadian river. Fig. 6 is adorsal scale. Fig. 7,a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 8, a scale from the abdominal region. Fig. 9, of the same Plate, exhibits an immature specimen, size of life, from Rio Medina, Texas. Fig. 10, a dorsal scale. Fig. 11, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 12, a scale from the abdominal region. Plate X, figs. 1, 5, 6 and 7 represent various outlines of the same species, all from a tribu- tary of Gypsum creek, itself an affluent of the Canadian river. Fig. 2 is a dorsal-scale. Fig. 3, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 4, a scale from the abdominal region. 28 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. List of specimens. | ‘oF ait ° | . *e A 2. 3 3 =] wa “ > a. g : 3 g 2 |? &0 Locality. 3 Wiens obtained A Nature of Collected by— fo 2/5 yg oF | ‘ 2 specimens. Bale | & Sas 4 a . 3 Z nD = °o es = EEE 462 4 | Yg ..| Camanche spring, Texas---.----- 1858) Lt..Parke....<<.: AMSEC. SUES ai, dose els Dicer Ss Ke eh oer S Gf & 14. The scales are of moderate development, deeper than long, except in the lateral line. They are minutely pectinated upon their posterior section. Sub-truncated anteriorly, they are rounded upon the remaining three edges. Diverging furrows are observed upon the anterior section only. The base of the soft portion of both the second dorsal and anal fins, as also the caudal to a great extent, are covered with scales. The cranial region is likewise scaly. The ground color of the dorsal region is reddish olive, olivaceous upon the sides, and yellowish or whitish beneath. The back and upper part of the flanks are spotted or blotched with black or brown. The belly and inferior surface of the tail are unicolor. The side of the head is mottled or barred in the young, in which we also observe upon the dorsal region, in addition to the marking already alluded to, three transversely oblique and large blotches. The pectorals are spotted with black upon their base, otherwise they are unicolor, yellowish, like the ventrals and anal. The dorsals and caudal are transversely spotted with black. References to the figures.—Plate XI, fig. 5, represents Stizostedion boreus, somewhat reduced in size. Fig. 6 is a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 7, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 8, a scale from the abdominal region. List of specimens. p |: g 5 o rs) Locality. ° Whence obtained. Nature of specimens. |Collected by— a 8 Sp 2 o Q ~] i Boel nies z 8 2|2|8 : a sea = io} A n = 385 1 | Adult| Fort Sarpy, Nebraska ....---- 1854 | Colonel Vaughan....-- Alcoholic .......- Dr. Hayden.. 586 1 VE -dosal Mole tiver, MIsEOUTL. 225 =... .- 1853 | Governor Stevens---..-|.----- Gl See see Dr. Suckley-. 510 1 |..do.-| Fort Union, Missouri........- 1856 | Lieut. G. K. Warren--.|------ TRS 2545 - Dr. Hayden-. FISHES—PERCIDAE—PARALABRAX NEBULIFER, 33 PARALABRAX, Girard. Gey. Cuar.—Géneral physiognomy that of Labraz, but the first dorsal fin is contiguous to the second, as in Serranus. The profile of body is sub-fusiform ; the caudal fin sul-trunated or slightly emarginated posteriorly. The head is sub- conieal ; the lower jaw alittle longer than the upper. Mouth rather large ; card-like teeth on the pre maxillaries, dentaries, yomer and palatines, with a row of small canine teeth along the edge of the jaws. Tongue, smooth. Small and homo- genous spines upon the outer curve of the preopercle. Two small and inconspicuous spines upon the edge of the opercle. Edge of sub-orbitar entire ; humerus denticulated. Opercular apparatus and cheeks covered with scales, smaller on the cheeks than on the opercles. Gill openings continuous under the head; branchiostegal rays six in number, Scales minutely serrated posteriorly. Syn.—Paralabrax, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1856, 131. The diminutive size of the canine teeth has been the cause of the misunderstanding, on a former occasion, of the true generic affinities of this genus. Its relationships, indeed, are more with Serranus than with Labrax, and it is in the vicinities of the former that it ought to be placed in the ichthyic method. From Serranus it may be distinguished by the outline of the spinous dorsal fin and the relative development of the canine teeth. 1. PARALABRAX NEBULIFER, Grd. Puate XII, Fires. 1—4. Spec. Cuar.—Snout sub-conical; extremity of maxillary reaching the anterior edge of the pupil. Eyes moderate. Base of pectorals a little in advance of that of the ventrals. Irregular dark blotches distributed over the dorsal region. Sxn.—Labrax nebulifer, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 142. Paralabraz nebulifer, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 132. The general form is stoutish, and the profile sub-fusiform. The greatest depth of the body, which corresponds to the origin of the anterior dorsal, is contained about four times in the total length. The greatest thickness, measured in the same region as the depth, is somewhat more than the half of the latter. The body therefore is, as usual, compressed from head to tail. The head, which is contained three times and a half in the total length, has a sub-conical appearance, since its upper surface is rounded or sub-convex and gradually sloping towards the snout. The posterior extremity of the maxillary extends backwards to a line intersecting the anterior rim of the pupil. The eye is sub-circular ; its horizontal diameter being contained about six times in the length of the side of the head. The nostrils are nearer to the eye than the extremity of the snout. The preopercular spines are very uniform in size and shape, being small, sub-conical, and acute. The edge of the opercle exhibits two flattened and inconspicuous spines, especially the uppermost, which is scarcely perce tible. Seven branchiostegals may be observed within the gill membrane. The spinous portion of the dorsal is not quite as long as the soft; its origin is somewhat behind the base of the pectorals and composed of nine rays, the third of which being the highest, whilst the second and first are the smallest; the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth, diminish gradually in the order enumerated, so as to give the upper margin of that fin a con- cave outline. A tenth spine, higher than the ninth, may be observed at the anterior margin of the soft portion of that fin which is composed of fourteen articulated and subdivided rays. The caudal is sub-crescentic or else sub-truncated. Three well developed spines may be observed at the anterior margin of the anal fin, the origin of which may be said to be opposite the second articulated ray of the dorsal. There are seven (or eight if the last, which is double, counts two) articulated and bifurcated rays, deepest upon the 5a 34 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. middle of that fin. The origin of the ventrals is situated opposite the anterior spine of the dorsal and a little posterior to the base of the pectorals. They are composed of one spine and five articulated and subdivided rays. The posterior or outer margin of those fins is nearly straight. The pectorals, composed of seventeen soft rays, are rounded posteriorly, and extend further back than the ventrals, though neither the ventrals nor the pectorals reach the anus, which is nearly three-eighths of an inch in advance of the anterior margin of the anal. The fins and branchiostegals may thus be formulated : Brey VTLS ee Ta ATE, FeO ay eG S ea Vly oe, Bala The scales are of medium size, a little longer than deep, and posteriorly serrated or provided with minute spines. They are larger on the flanks than on the dorsal and abdominal regions’ The lateral line is nearly concurrent with the dorsal outline. Minute scales may be observed upon the base of the dorsal, caudal, and pectoral fins. The upper surface of the head, cheeks, and opercular apparatus are likewise scaly ; the scales being smaller on the head and cheeks than on the opercle, where they are even larger than on the back, properly so called. The ground color is reddish brown above, and yellowish beneath ; the upper part of the body being provided with large, cloud-like, purplish black blotches. A dark purplish streak extends ob- liquely downwards and backwards from the inferior rim of the orbit to the throat, across the cheeks and branchiostegal apparatus. The fins are purplish, very intensely so on the ventrals, the base of second dorsal, and the space between the third and fourth spines of the dorsal. The snout exhibits small roundish spots. References to the figures. —Plate XII, fig. 1, represents Paralabrax nebulifer, in profile, two-thirds its natural size. Fig. 2,isascale from the dorsal region. Fig. 3,a scale of the ventral region. Fig. 4, is taken from the lateral line. List of specimens. 8 aj 2/4 2 a Locality. Whence obtained. Nature of specimens. Collected by— aig 2 |° 5 6 | a ated tee edie Soe 282 2. | Monterey, Cal -.--.....- Lieut. Trowbridge -------- Alcoholic, 4). 2/2 ee Se Lieut. Trowbridge----. 2. PARALABRAX CLATHRATUS, Grd. Puate XII, Fras. 5—8. Spec. Cuar.—Snout rather pointed; extremity of maxillary intersecting the middle of the pupil. Eyes rather large. Base of pectorals even with the base of ventrals. Blotches of dorsal region assuming a fenestrated disposition. Syn.—Labraz clathratus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 143. Paralabrax clathratus, Gxp. Proc, Acad, Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 132. The most striking difference between this species and the preceeding one consists in the gen- eral profile of the body, which is less elongated, and, especially in that of the head, which is more pointed and conical. The eye also is much larger, and contributes for a share in giving this fish its specific physiognomy. } The body is very much compressed, its greatest depth is to be measured across the middle of . FISHES—PERCIDAE—PARALABRAX CLATHRATUS. 35 the abdomen, instead at the origin of the dorsal fin. That depth enters nearly four times in the entire length. The head is contained three times and a half in the total length. The pos- terior extremity of the maxillary extends to a vertical line, intersecting the middle of the pupil. The eye is large and circular, its diameter entering five times only in the length of the side of the head. The preopercular spines have the same appearance as in the preceeding species, but those at the edge of the opercle are somewhat more conspicuous. The origin of the dorsal fin is placed at a small distance back of a vertical line, which would pass through the insertion of the pectorals. The number of spines is the same as in P. nebulifer ; but the fourth spine is highest, instead of the third, hence a marked difference in the outline of these fins. The base of the spinous portion is longer than that of the soft, whilst the reverse is the case in the pre- ceeding species. The posterior margin of the caudal fin is slightly more emarginated, and pro- portionally longer compared to the entire length. The base of the anal is comprised six times and a half in the entire length of the fish, and thus proportionally longer than in P. nebulifer, in whose entire length the base of its anal enters seven times and a half. A vertical line drawn from the origin of the dorsal, passes immediately in advance of the base of the ventrals, and in- tersects the base of the pectorals. The tips of the pectorals reach a vertical line which would pass in advance of the vent. The latter is nearer to the anterior margin of the anal than in the preceeding species. The formula of the rays is very similar to that of the preceding species : eran Velie VLE =D SOX rs) PAL TL 7 C35 aT, 6, lice Ved yoo P 16) The scales have the same general shape and structure as in P. nebulifer. The course of the lateral line, however, is more distant from the dorsal outline. Minute scales may be observed upon the base of all the fins, with the exception of the ventrals. The ground color is purplish brown above, whitish beneath. The-upper part of the back and sides are covered with darker blotches, assuming an irregular fenestrated appearance. The pectorals are yellowish. The other fins have a purplish hue; the soft dorsal is spotted. A sub-ocular vitta, as in the preceding species, though passing nearer the angle of the mouth. References to the figures.—Plate XII, fig. 5, represents the profile of Paralabrax clathratus, size of life. Fig. 6, a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 7, a scale from the abdominal region. Fig. 8, a scale from the lateral line. List of specimens. Bolg g Oo a | & a So 2 = Locality. Whence obtained. Nature of specimens. Collected by-— San ies 3 3 5 6 | 4 283 1) Sam Diero; Cal... -=.-- =. Lt. Trowbridge.-....------- Alcoholic -,. .—.---- Ac (Casgidync-=a0--=-=5 Family TRACHINIDAE, Bonap. This family, a subdivision of that of Percidae, is characterized by the dorsal fin occupying nearly the whole length of the back; by the position of the ventrals, the insertion of which is 36 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. situated in advance of the base of the pectoral fins; and in being provided mostly with velvet- like teeth, and sometimes with canine teeth intermingled. The representatives of this family are all of marine habits; those recorded below are new to science, and peculiar to the fauna of our western coast. Like most of the percoids, they are esteemed upon European tables. How far the species described below is savorous, the settlers of western America alone are prepared to tell. Its compressed and thin body may not be deemed worthy of the trouble of culinary skill, unless it should reach a larger size than we at present know. HETEROSTICHUS, Girard. Gey. Cuan.—Body very compress«d, and thin posteriorly. Mouth moderate, lower jaw longest ; canine teeth upon the jaws, velvet-like teeth upon the vomer and palatines. Opercular apparatus without either spines or denticulations. Branchi- ostegal rays six in number. One continuous dorsal fin, occupying nearly the whole length of the back, with its upper outline variously depressed ; soft portion much shorter than the spinous. Anal fin very long, provided anteriorly with but few spinous rays, and extending posteriorly near the base of the caudal. Caudal fin slender. Scales very small. Lateral line arched above the pectorals. Syn.—Heterostichus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 143. The most prominent feature of this genus, which is allied to Percis, Pinguipes, and Per- cophis, consists in its very compressed body ; also in the development and structure of its dorsal fin. The latter originates near the occipital region, and extends to near the base of the caudal. The line described by its upper edge is undulating, owing to the diversity of the rays composing it. The extent of the anal fin, as also the reduced size of the scales, may likewise rank amongst characters of no minor importance. So far we are acquainted with but one species of this genus, a description of which is here offered, accompanied by a very accurate figure, HETEROSTICHUS ROSTRATUS, Grd. Prusate XIII. Spec. Cuar.—Head conical, tapering towards the snout; lower jaw longest. Canine teeth small and slender, disposed upon one single row. Caudal fin small, posteriorly emarginated. Anal fin very long, deepest posteriorly. Articulated rays of dorsal highest. Scales minute. Yellowish brown, with irregular transverse blackish blotches. A postocular, triangu- lar, blackish brown blotch. Syn.—Heterostichus rostralus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad VII, 1854, 143. The head is rather small and sub-conical, continuous with a compressed body, anteriorly deep, tapering posteriorly to a caudal peduncle, the least depth of which is about the fourth of the greatest depth. The latter, measured across the pectorals, is contained five times in the entire length. The greatest width, anteriorly, is about the half of the greatest depth: fig. 2 will give an idea of its gradual decline posteriorly. The head constitutes about the fourth of the total length, or a little less; its upper outline is very much depressed and slighly concave. The snout being elongated, and the mouth cleft almost to the anterior rim of the orbit. The mouth is rather above the medium size, and might almost be called large. The lower jaw is the longest, and protrudes beyond the upper one. The posterior extremity of the maxillaries reach a vertical line passing in advance of the pupil, and are toothless. The premaxillaries are broadly developed, bearing exteriorly one row of conical and slender teeth, and inwardly an oblong patch (one on each, and closely approximating) of velvet-like teeth ; a patch of similar teeth FISHES—TR ACHINIDAE—HETEROSTICHUS ROSTRATUS. 37 may be observed upon the anterior part of the vomer and the palatine bones, transverse and triangular, with the summit directed forwards on the former, longitudinal and oblong on the latter. A very narrow space separates the palatine patches from the vomerine one. On the dentaries, or lower jaw, there is one row of conical teeth, altogether similar in shape to those on the upper jaw, or premaxillaries, but are somewhat larger. The eye is of moderate develop- ment, sub-eliptical in shape; its horizontal diameter is contained seven times in the length of the side of the head, and about twice anteriorly to the orbit. The various pieces constituting the opercular apparatus are perfectly smooth, and unprovided with either spines or serratures upon their posterior edges. The branchiostegal rays, six on either side, are very much devel- oped ; the branchiostegal membrane being torn off in the specimen before us, we are at a loss to know whether there was an isthmus, or whether the branchial aperture from either side met under the throat. At any rate, if an isthmus was present, it could not have been very wide. We are inclined, however, to think that the apertures were continuous. The cheeks and the upper portion of the opercle are covered with very small scales. _ Most of the dorsal region is occupied by a fin, spinous in structure for the four-fifths of its length ; a vertical line drawn from its origin would intersect the opercle through about its middle. The anterior seven rays are situated along the declivity of the nape; the first is the highest of all, and the seventh the smallest, giving to that portion of the fin a sub-triangular shape. The rest of the spinous portion, composed of thirty rays, maintains a uniform height throughout, and is less elevated than the soft portion. The latter, composed of thirteen or four- teen articulated but undivided rays, is convex upon its upper margin. The posterior rays, when bent backwards, do not quite reach the base of the caudal fin. The caudal fin consti- tutes the ninth of the total length; its posterior margin is concave, and its lobes are rounded. The rays composing it are simple, or else not bifurcated like those of the dorsal fin. The anal is quite long, and deeper than the dorsal. Its base extends somewhat more posteriorly than that of the latter, and its posterior rays, when bent backwards, nearly approximate the base of the caudal. The anterior two rays are spinous, and shorter than the rest, which remain simple or undivided, as in the caudal and dorsal. The portion of that fin placed opposite the soft rays of the dorsal is a little deeper than the remaining portion. The base of the anal fin is somewhat less than the half of the entire length of the fish. The insertion of the ventrals is situated much in advance of the insertion of the pectorals, immediately under the throat. They are long an] slender, composed of four undivided rays, the external of which in a rather rudimentary state. The insertion of the pectorals is placed in advance of a vertical line, which would be drawn from the seventh dorsal spine. They are composed of thirteen undivided rays. Br. Vile Vig Pex XV IE, 13); VA 13450 45 1,5,.4, 1,3) V1, 35 Pts. The scales are exceedingly small, unimbricated, and but very imperfectly arranged into series. They are a little longer than deep, anteriorly almost straight, laterally rounded, and convex posteriorly. Radiating grooves run in all directions from the centre to the periphery. The lateral ‘line is composed of a series of very conspicuous tubes: starting from the upper and posterior angle of the opercle, it forms an undulated arch above the pectoral fins, reaching the middle line of the flanks opposite the origin of the anal, hence straightway to the base of the caudal. Under the abdomen the scales are minute, almost imperceptible. It has already been remarked that the cheeks and the upper portion of the opercle were covered with minute scales. We find the latter extending over the rays of the caudal to a considerable extent ; also 38 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. along the rays of the dorsal and anal fins. They may be observed, smaller still, on the base of the pectorals. The ground color is yeltowish brown above, and olivaceous along the lower half of the flanks. There are irregularly transverse, blackish brown blotches, sometimes interrupted, when they constitute longitudinal bands or vittwe. 'The head is deep brown above. An elongated, trian- gular, deep brown blotch, may be observed extending from the posterior rim of the orbit, its summit, across the upper part of the opercular apparatus, its termination. The sides, and the lower surface of the head are yellowish. The abdomen is dull yellow. The fins have the general hue of the regions to which they belong. The dorsal and anal are blotched in the direction of the transverse bands; the pectorals and caudal are olivaceous, with traces of trans- verse narrow blackish bars, the ventrals being unicolor. The entire length of the specimen figured and described is about eleven inches. References to the figures.—Plate XIII, fig. 1, represents Heterostichus rostratus somewhat reduced in size. Fig. 2 is an outline from above. Fig. 3, a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 4, a tube from the lateral line. Fig. 5, a scale from the abdominal region. List of specimens. a a - o z & 3 Nature of spe- © 3 2 Locality. Whence obtained. s P Collected by— = a = cimens. ° ny Aa a) 3 a s - = Ss 3 iS) A Rn | 284 1 | Ad’t.| San Diego, California ...-.....- | Lieut. Trowbridge. ---.-- Alcoholic. ---- |) 2A Cassidy_.-----. Family SPHYRAENIDAE, Bonap. We come now to a family composed, so far, of very few generic representatives, in which the body, being covered with scales cycloid in structure, assumes an elongated and rather slender aspect, though some species grow to a very large size. To give an idea of this, we need but mention that the ‘‘barracuda’’ of our southern States, a fish attaining seven or eight feet in total length, is one of its members. The snout is quite elongated and tapering forwards, the jaws being provided with sharp teeth. There are two dorsal fins, widely sepa- rated from each other, the first occupying about the middle of the back, the second about half way between the latter and the caudal. The anal is opposite the second dorsal, and the ven- trals are inserted under the first dorsal. The cheeks and opercular apparatus are covered with scales. The fishes of this family are all marine, and of rather voracious propensities, they being carnivorous, strong, and swift. Their flesh is not held in very great esteem. SPHYRAENA, Artedi. Gey. @nar.—Long and acute teeth upon the premaxillaries, dentaries, vomer and palatines; lower jaw longer than the upper. Premaxillaries forming the external margin of the upper arcade of the mouth. Caudal fin strongly bifurcated. Second dorsal fin well developed, and composed of conspicuous and articulated, or soft rays. Scales small. Syn.—Sphyraena, Arrepr, Gen. Pisc. Append., 1738. Editio emend. Walbaum, 1792, 576.—Cov. & Vat., Hist. nat. Poiss. III, 1829, 325.—Srorer, Synops., 1846, 47. FISHES—SPHYRAENIDAE—SPHYRAENA ARGENTEA. 39 This genus is distinguished from Paralepis by the protrusion of the lower jaw beyond the upper, the more advanced position of both dorsal fins, and hence of the ventrals. In Paralepis the second dorsal being rather small, composed of inconspicuous rays. SPHYRAENA ARGENTEA, Grd. Pratt XIV. Spec. CHar.—Head constituting a little more than the fourth of total length. Origin of anal under middle of second dorsal. Origin of ventrals a little in advance of middle of second dorsal. Bluish black above, whitish on the sides, yellowish beneath. Lateral line dark. Argentine reflect all over. Syn.—Sphyraena argentea, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 144. The body is stoutish, thickest upon the middle of its length and somewhat compressed, the depth being about one-third more than the thickness. The head, constituting a little more than the fourth of the entire length, which, in the specimen figured and described, is thirty-five inches. The snout is conical and pointed, and the mouth of moderate size; the posterior extremity of the maxillary leaves a distance of three-fourths of an inch between it and a vertical line made to pass in advance of the anterior rim of the orbit. The premaxillary teeth are very small; those on the dentary (lower jaw) are moderately developed; on the vomer and palatines they are conspicuous and strong. The eye is sub-elliptical in shape and of medium development; its anterior rim is a little nearer to the tip of the lower jaw than the posterior edge of the opercular apparatus. The posterior margin of the first dorsal fin is nearly equidistant between the extremity of the lower jaw and the base of the central rays of the caudal. It is higher than long, and composed of five spiny rays, the posterior one of which being the smallest and the second the highest. The second dorsal is composed of eleven soft rays, the anterior being quite small; its upper margin is concave; its anterior margin more than twice the height of the pos- terior, and a little higher than the length of its base. The caudal is deeply forked, composed of eighteen strongly developed rays, and a few rudimentary ones exteriorly to each lobe. The anal has the shape and structure of the second dorsal; its origin is situated opposite the middle of the fin just mentioned. The insertion of the ventrals is about opposite the middle of the first dorsal, mayhap somewhat in advance. Their external spine is strong and acerated. The pec- torals are somewhat longer than the ventrals. Bravilh: Vidi Vol: AOC 4, 1. 8) 8.1. 3: V5.5 > P13, The scales are rather small, especially on the dorsal region ; they are largest in the lateral line. Their shape is quite irregular, being higher than long on the back and belly, and longer than high on the lateral line, which is straight. The opercular apparatus and the temporal region are densely covered with scales. The upper surface of the head is smooth. The color of the upper region of the head and the body above the lateral line is bluish-black, whitish on the sides and yellowish on the abdomen. The scales exhibit an argentine reflection, which extends to the sides of the head and lower jaw. The lateral line is blackish. The interradial membrane of the dorsal, caudal, anal, and pectorals, is yellowish, whilst the rays themselves are greyish. The ventrals exhibit a uniform yellowish hue. References to the figures.—Plate XIV, fig. 1, represents the profile of Sphyraena argentea, natural size. Fig. 2,a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 3,a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 4, a scale from the abdominal region. 40 U. Ss. S R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. List of specimens. Ps . a | & Bast Ze ihe c= 2 | 3 Locality. Whence obtained. Nature of specimens. Collected by— = 77 ec laie fe : & | 2 |-—— SS ee 286 | 1 | San Diego, Cal -----....- Lieut. Towbridge-------- Alcoholic. .<-=-===----.-- A. Cassidy.-.< --s-cce= | Tribe of Cataphracti, or mailed cheeks. A feature common to all the ‘‘ mailed cheeks ’”’ consists in the extension backwards of one, and sometimes two, of the sub-orbital bones as far as the limb of the preopercle, thus con- stituting a bridge, or else a bony buttress across the cheeks. We begin the series with the Heterolepid family, which, by its general aspect, reminds us of the Trachinids of the percoid tribe, thus bringing the two groups in closer union. The family of Zriglide, of exclusively marine habits, and which is composed of the gurnards, sea-robins, and sea-swallows of the Atlantic coast, has furnished no representatives along the Pacific coast. The cottoids, or sculpins, and bull-heads, on the other hand, seem to compensate for the absence of the former in the fresh waters of the western slope of the Rocky mountains, and especially in the sea. The scorpaenids, or sea scorpions, and rose fishes, exclusively marine also, are well represented, particularly in species of the rose-fish genus, or Norway haddock. The gasterosteid, or sticklebacks, of the fresh and brackish waters are likewise quite numerous. Family HETEROLEPIDAE, Girard. The natural characters which may be assigned to this family, in order to distinguish it from the other groups of Cataphracti, or mailed cheeks, consist in an elongated, sub-fusiform, and rather compressed body, covered with small scales, varying in size, shape, and structure, being either ctenoid or cycloid. The dorsal region is almost entirely occupied by a long and continuous fin, or two distinct fins, more or less contiguous, composed of undivided rays in the former case, of undivided and of articulated ones in the second. The anal fin is elongated, and, generally speaking, resembles the soft portion of the dorsal, with the exception that the interradial membrane is more or less emarginated. The ventral fins are situated under the pectorals. Canine teeth exist upon the jaws; either canine, or velvet-like ones, or both kinds upon the vomer and palatines. The head above is spineless, provided sometimes with membranous flaps, like Scorpaena. The opercle and preopercle are either smooth or provided with small spines. A bony arcade, formed by the sub-orbitals, may be traced across the cheek, concealed under the flesh, skin, and scales of that region, and which tells of the affinities of this family with the tribe of Cataphracti. FISH ES—HETEROLEPIDAE—CHIRUS—CHIROPSIS. 41 Species of this family were first made known by Pallas, in 1810,* under the names of Labrax lagocephalus, L. decagrammus, L. superciliosus, L. monopterygius, L. octogrammus, and L. hexa- grammus, The latter is figured in the illustrated edition of Cuvier’s Animal Kingdom, plate Ixxxiii, fig. 2, under the head of Chirus, a generical name attributed to Steller. We regret to say that we have had no access to the Memoirs of the Academy of St. Peters- burg, above alluded to, and therefore we remain very imperfectly acquainted with the specific descriptions of Pallas, and ignore totally the origin of the genus Chirus, as well as its generical characters as formulated by its author. On a former occasion,{ when we described the three following species under the name of Chirus, we attempted to circonscribe that genus. Subsequently we thought the range ascribed to it too wide, and availed ourselves of the opportunity to subdivide it, preserving the n me of CHIRUS, Steller. for those species which are characterized by an elongated body, a small head, and a mouth but little cleft. The jaws being provided with small, conical, and unequal teeth. The opercular apparatus smooth and without spiny processes. A single and continuous dorsal fin occupying most of the dorsal region, and composed of undivided rays. The insertion of the ventral fins being situated immediately posterior to the base of the pectorals. Lateral lines multiple. This character of the presence of several lateral lines, which Chirus has in common with Chiropsis, is one of the most curious in the class of fishes, and known to occur in but few instances out of the present family ; such the genus Chela, a cyprinoid inhabiting the fresh waters of Hast India. We would mention Porrichthys, of the toad.fish family, as another instance, and, perhaps, Peprilus of the Scomberoid family. The fishes of the present family are of a tolerable size, being brought to the San Francisco market, and sell pretty well, especially the species of Chiropsis, which are notuncommon. We are inclined to think the flesh of Ophiodon and Oplopoma more delicate and more highly flavored than in the one just alluded to. They are all inhabitants of the sea. CHIROPSIS, Girard. Gen. Cuar.—Body sub-fusiform ; head well developed ; mouth of medium size. Slender canine teeth on both jaws; velvet- like teeth on the front of the yomer and on the palatines. Opercle and preopercle without either spines or serratures. Cheeks, opercular apparatus, and upper surface of head covered with small scales. A supraocular, abrorescent, membranous flap. Gill openings continuous under the throat. Branchiostegal rays six innumber. Two dorsal fins, a spinous and an articulated one, occupying most of the dorsal region. Insertion of ventrals situated behind that of the pectorals. Caudal posteriorly rounded or sub-truncated. Scales finely serrated posteriorly, Several lateral lines. Syn.—Chiropsis, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. November, 1587, 201. This genus may be distinguished from that of Chirus of Steller by a more compact body, a larger head, and larger mouth, two dorsal fins, the anterior alone composed of undivided rays, and perhaps also by the presence above the orbits of a membranous arborescent flap. All the species of Chiropsis known to us up to the present day have the latter character more or less conspicuously developed. The lips are rather thickish and well developed, the mouth more or less protractile, and the pectorals broad, with their inferior rays thick and not dichotomised, and the interradial membrane emarginated. The scales might almost be termed polymorphic in their outline, so great are the variations observed among them. * Mem. de 1’Académie de St. Pétersbourg, vol. XI. } Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philada, VII, 1854, 132. 6a 42 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. 1, CHIROPSIS CONSTELLATUS, Grd. Puate XIX. Spec. Cuar.—Dorsal fins contiguous. Caudal fin posteriorly sub-concave. Anal exteriorly rounded, or convex. Scales on the middle of the flanks conspicuously larger than elsewhere. Greenish-brown with groups of black dots on the anterior part of body and sides of head. Pectorals densely dotted with black. Syw.—Chirus constellatus, Gro. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 141. The body is sub-fusiform, compressed, deepest upon the thoracic region, and diminishing posteriorly towards the base of the tail. The greatest depth is greater than the length of the head, and a little more than the fourth of the total length. The head is contained four times and a half in the total length. The snout is sub-conical, the mouth moderately cleft, and the extremity of the maxillary extends to a vertical line drawn somewhat inwardly to the anterior rim of the orbit. The eye is sub-elliptical, its horizontal diameter being contained a little over four~ times in the length of the side of the head. The supra-orbital membranous flap is but mode- rately developed, inserted nearly at right angle with the rim of the orbit, just above the posterior third of the latter. The edge of the flap is fringed, though not so represented on the figure. The branchiostegals are six on either side, and all well developed. The anterior dorsal is somewhat higher than the second, though shorter upon its base. Both fins are contiguous, a feature which the figure fails to represent. The posterior margin of the caudal is likewise sub-concave or sub-emarginated, contrarily to its aspect in the figure published. The caudal fin enters about six times and a half in the total length. The anal is nearly as long as the soft dorsal, but not quite so deep. The tips of the ventrals and pectorals are nearly even, but do not extend quite as far as the vent, which is situated somewhat in advance of the origin of the anal fin. Br. Vic Vi XXL 25: A244: Cb. 18,1, 14s Ves elo. The scales are disposed upon distinct series, which may be traced obliquely or longitudinally. In shape, they are much longer than deep, somewhat irregular in their outline, and, generally speaking, ciliated upon their posterior margin, in part (fig.5), or whole (figs. 7 and 8). Diverging furrows exist upon the anterior section of the scale only. We observe five lateral lines; the uppermost meets its fellow of the opposite side upon the occipital region ; hence they diverge and follow the base of the dorsal fin as far as the middle of the soft portion, and there termi- nate. The second of these lines starts from the nape, and runs along the dorsal region to the base of the caudal fin. Anteriorly, four longitudinal series of scales may be observed between the first and second lines. The third line occupies the usual region ; it originates above the opercle, and, concurrent with the dorsal outline, runs towards the middle of the caudal fin. Eight longitudinal series of scales may be counted within the area included between the second and third lines, at their origin. The fourth line may be traced along the lower portion of the flanks from the edge of the branchial fissures, passing beneath the base of the pectorals, hence above the insertion of the ventrals, to disappear towards the peduncle of the tail. Thus the area enclosed by the third and fourth lines embraces the entiré side of the abdomen, which is provided with the largest scales. Finally, the fifth line is observed along the mesial line of the thorax and abdomen, commencing near the thoracic belt, branching off right and left one- third of the way between the insertion of the ventrals and the origin of the anal, to terminate near the base of the caudal. The figure does not give an accurate view of the direction of this fifth line. Small scales may be observed upon the base of the caudal, dorsal, and pectoral fins, The upper part of the head, the opercular apparatus, and the cheeks are densely covered with — EE EEO FISHE8—HETEROLEPIDAE—CHIROPSIS PICTUS. 43 small scales similar in size and shape to those observed upon the thoracic and abdominal regions. The snout and region in advance of the orbit is perfectly smooth, as also the chin, interopercle and branchial apparatus. The color is greenish or yellowish brown, lighter beneath than above; obsolete, cloud-like patches appear occasionally on the sides of the body ; black dots, disposed in groups varying in number, occupy the anterior and upper region of the back and sides of the head, irregularly arranged in each group around a central whitish or yellowish spot; blackish macule may also be observed upon the cheeks and opercular apparatus; the pectorals and ventrals are spotted with yellow and black ; the other fins are greyish or blackish. References to the figures.—Plate XIX, figure 1, represents Chiropsis constellatus, somewhat reduced in size. Figure 2 is an outline of an upper view, showing the comparative thickness of the fish, as well as the three upper lateral lines. Figure 3, is a section of the body across the line of greatest depth. Figure 4, a scale of the uppermost line. Figure 5, a scale from the area between the first and second lines. Figure 6, a scale from the second line. Figure 7, a scale between the second and third lines. Figure 8, a scale between the third and fourth lines. Figure 9, a scale from the fourth line; and figure 10 a scale from the fifth line. List of specimens. a | S a : 5 | | | j 5 leer nineiy | = 3 E B | 3 Ge 3 | &§ 3 @ ep Se Bp Locality. <= | Whence obtained. | 3 Ey Collected by— (= ie) mo fe) aS ol on a m uc} 3 a o fo} Q GH a dq =| o 4 ey 3 a ® “bo 5 3 |8 $s | & = = 3 SY oli) A na Ee fo) i 263) |socn—- 1 Adult} San Francisco, Cal------- 1853 | Lieut. Whipple ---|_....- Alcoholic-| Dr. Kennerly --.. 264 | Sosa 1 ==doL-| SEARS dose aa eee ea --do_.| Lieut. Williamson sjno--- ----do----| Dr. Heermann-~_-_ F153 a ASe Za =adose|) bresigio; Caleseeass=ss a6 --do.-| Lieut. Trowbridge -|.----- .---do...-| Lieut. Trowbridge 2. CHIROPSIS PICTUS, Grd. Puate XX, Fias. 1—4. Spec. CHar.—Dorsal fins contiguous ; caudal fin sub-truncated posteriorly. Ground color dark brown, with numerous vermillion spots, bordered with black, upon the sides and lower fins. Under surface of head, throat, and belly whitish or yellowish. Syn.—Chirus pictus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 132. Grystes lineatus, Ayres, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1854, 9. The dorsal outline is more depressed than in the other species of this genus. The greatest depth, which is equa} to the length of the head, is, as usual, upon the thoracic region, but it diminishes very gradually towards the peduncle of the tail. The head enters about four times and a half in the total length, as in C. constellatus, but the caudal fin, instead of being contained six times and a half in the total length, enters in it seven and a half times. The eye is sub- circular, smaller than in the preceding species, for, its diameter is contained five times in the length of the side of the head. The lips are very fleshy, and the teeth less conspicuous than in C. constellatus. The supraocular flaps are well developed, and fringed upon their edges. The base of the first dorsal is a little shorter than that of the second, which is equal to the base of the anal. The fins, as a general feature, are less developed than in OQ. constellatus. 41 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. BriV Tis) Vile DRL 23 ¢ HAC 1s, C4, oy eB selesoe Vik. bee 19: The scales are more uniform than in (C. constellatus; they are much smaller upon the opercular apparatus and cheeks than in the latter species. The interopercle, snout, branchiostegal appa- tus, are smooth. The type of scales is the same as in the other species of this genus: ciliated posteriorly, and furrowed upon the anterior section only. Those constituting the lateral lines haying no ciliz; and, besides, distinguishable by their pyriform outline, the attenuated ex- tremity being the posterior one. The ordinary scales are much longer than deep. There are five lateral lines, as in the preceding species; the uppermost is not quite so near the dorsal line, and hence closer to the second. No marked differences are observed in their direction, origin, and termination, except that in the fifth, the point of divergence begins at a little distance behind the origin of the ventrals. The diverging curve is elongated. Small scales may be seen upon the base of the caudal, dorsal, and pectoral fins. The ground color is dark brown above; lighter beneath. Numerous vermillion spots, mar- gined with black, and varying in size, are distributed without system all over the body. The dorsals and caudal fin are blackish brown, unicolor in the adult, blotched in the young. The anal is bluish black, with a series of large vermillion spots. The ventrals are similarly bluish black, but the spots are smaller. The base of the pectorals is brown, with three black crescents ; exteriorly yellowish. References to the figures.—Plate XX, fig. 1, represents Chiropsis pictus, somewhat reduced. Fig. 2 isascale from the abdominal region. Fig. 3 ascale from the middle lateral line. Fig. 4 a scale from the dorsal region. List of specimens. . | g : Ee ei tet dt |g < Z| 8 | a | g S 2 5] = se | oO . 5 * g Be 5 BS 2 bp Locality. s Whence obtained. = = Collected by— = 2. we Bt 3 S "“ 2 = 2 S 3 a 2 a a 8 s| 4 = 5 5 i) oO a wm = °o 7 ZEGilsaracsos 2 | Adult} San Francisco, Cal........|.----- Lieut. Williamson -.|..---. Aleoholic. Dr. Heermann.. ort [Bae Ges Ie Edo =e |po cone DOs setesee ence en a= |ceeoes | eeeee WSR esos 205) booccs ----do. ..| Dr. Newberry. - 200! |\ewaeierss 3 |--do..| Humboldt Bay, Cal ....---|..---- Lieut. Trowbridge -.|.----- ----do . .. Lt. Trowbridge - 3. CHIROPSIS GUTTATUS, Grd. Puate XX, Fras. 5-8. Srzo. Cuan.—Dorsal fins contiguous. Caudal fin posteriorly sub-concave. Ground color olivaceous ; upper regions with crowded small black spots; fins blackish brown. Syn.—Chirus guttatus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 132. The body in its general outline is intermediate in form between C. constellatus and C. pictus, though more like the latter in its general bearing, the dorsal and ventral outlines being more arched, The greatest depth is somewhat greater than the length of the head and contained about four times in the total length. The head is proportionally larger than in the two foregoing species. The caudal fin, on the other hand, enters nearly seven times and a half in the total length, as is the case in O. pictus. The eye is larger than in C. pictus, since its diameter is contained but four times in the length of the side of the head. The supraocular flaps are FISHES—HETEROLEPIDAE—CHIROPSIS NEBULOSUS 45 quite small, and, as usual, fringed. The base of the first dorsal is a little longer than that of the second, which is nearly equal to the base of the anal. The first dorsal is more elevated ante- riorly than in C. pictus. The posterior extremity of the pectoral fins does not extend quite a far back as the tips of the ventrals, which approximate the vent, without, however, reaching it. Bri Vim XX E) 25.3) Altes C5, LT 6, Lis NE .Se PB 19. The scales are somewhat larger than in C. pictus, but similar in shape and structure. There are also five lateral lines, the uppermost of which running nearer the dorsal line than in C. pictus. The point of divergence of the fifth of these lines begins nearly midway between the origin of the ventrals and the vent. The curve is also more open. The scales covering the opercular apparatus are larger than in C. pictus. The base of the caudal, pectorals, and dorsals exhibit small scales, as in the foregoing species. The ground color is olivaceous ; the sides and upper part of the head are clouded with dusky brown or red. The upper region of the body exhibits crowded, small, blackish spots, extending likewise over the head. The dorsal, caudal, and pectorals are clouded with brown, the anal and ventrals being blackish. The inferior region of the head and belly is unicolor, and of a lighter hue than the back. References to the figures.—Plate XX, fig. 5 represents Chiropsis guttatus, somewhat reduced in size. Fig. 6 is a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 7, a scale from the middle lateral line. Fig. 8, a scale from the sides of the body. List of specimens. als g |e = t=] ad a lew a g og Locality. 3 Whence obtained. Nature of specimens. Collected by— Me 2 |g" : al : o A = 269 | 3 | San Francisco, Cal.-..-.-- 1853 | Lt. Williamson --.-...-- Alcoholich== sees a. -aee= Dr. Heermann-.---- HOM els | bxresidig; Calen----cccma= 1853 | Lt. Trowbridge-----.-.-- meme dOsaseenceeenncw ance Lt. Trowbridge. ---- 271 | 1 | Astoria, Oregon ----.---- 1Sb3%|easa (Ones name o naam Seer Ob nae a ese maceee tela dosee-eees=a— 4. CHIROPSIS NEBULOSUS, Grd. Speco. Cuar.—Dorsal fins contiguous. Caudal posteriorly sub-concave. Lower portion of cheeks and opercular apparatus scaleless. Base of anal longer than soft dorsal. Upper region black ; inferior region olivaceous. ¢ This species has the general appearance of C. constellatus, though a good deal more elongated. The greatest depth is equal to the length of the head, which is contained four times and a half in the total length, in which the caudal enters seven times and a half. The lower half of the cheeks and opercular apparatus is scaleless. The eye is of moderate development, sub-elliptical in shape, its horizontal diameter being contained five times in the length of the side of the head. The supraocular flap is very slender and fimbriated. The spinous portion of the dorsal fin is a good deal longer than the soft portion. The latter is also shorter than the anal, the origin of which is situated in advance of the junction of the two dorsals. The pectorals are very bread ; their extremities do not extend quite as far back as the tips of the ventrals, which remain at a considerable distance from the vent. BroW MVE eX, 19: A 25; OC 6,1, 7.6, 1,5; Vi, 6; P19. 46 U. S. P. R. Re EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. The branchiostegals are seven in number. The base of the dorsals is scaleless; that of the caudal and pectorals exhibit, as usual, small scales. The upper lateral line does not extend beyond the middle of the spinous portion of the dorsal; the fourth is lost about the anal region; the divergence of the fifth takes place somewhat nearer the origin of the ventrals than the vent. The scales, at large, are of moderate development. The upper region of the head and body is almost black; the lower portions of the flanks are clouded with black, upon an olivaceous ground. The inferior region of the head and body is olivaceous, punctated with black. The fins are olivaceous, maculated with black, the maculz upon the anal fin being fewer and much larger than upon the dorsals. List of specimens. 5 2 w . gale g A f 3 Locality. 3 Whence obtained. | Nature of speci- | Collected by— Co) 2 Ey oa mens. f& | 2 3 8 s iS) a 8 22 ome: s iS} A nD = 272 1 | Adult | Fort Steilacoom, Puget’s Sound| 1856 | Governor Stevens---.-| Alcoholic...--.- Dr. Suckley --- 273 7 ie) Pee (oer ese dosa25-5-2.258 doz=—--~ 1856) joss se3e6 dosscisie ce ees edOs goes eacdlseen dows sas OPLOPOMA, Girard. Gen. Cuar.—Body elongated. Membranous flaps above the orbits; preopercle spinous; snout conical; mouth large ; lower jaw longest. Canine teeth upon the premaxillaries, dentaries, front of vomer, and the palatines. Gill openings continuous ; branchiostegals, six on either side. Dorsal fins continuous. Caudal posteriorly sub-crescentic or else concave. Insertion of ventrals a little posterior to the pectorals. Body covered with small, cycloid scales. Syn.—Oplopoma, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philda. VIII, 1856, 135. With the general aspect of Chirus and Chiropsis, in the shape of the body, cut of the fins, and the presence of a supraocular flap; this genus is related to Ophiodon by the shape of the head, the presence of one lateral line only, and the structure of the scales, which are of the cycloid type. Indeed, there is a closer affinity between Oplopoma and Ophiodon than between the other members of the same group. The pectoral fins resemble those of Chiropsis more than those of Ophiodon. OPLOPOMA PANTHERINA, Grd. Prats XVIII, Fras. 1—3. Spec. Cuan.—Body elongated and tapering. Upper surface and sides of head granular. Preopercular spines few, small and blunt. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending beyond the orbit. Origin of anterior dorsal fin situated in advance of the convexity of the preopercle. Scales extending over the base of both the caudal and pectoral fins. Blackish brown above, reddish brown beneath. Dorsal and lateral regions spotted with black. Syn.—Oplopoma pantherina, Gro. Proc, Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1856, 135. The body is very elongated, deepest anteriorly, and tapering gradually from the thoracic region backwards. It is compressed, much deeper than broad throughout its entire length ; its profile is sub-fusiform. The head, which constitutes a little more than the fourth of the total length, is elongated and conical, slightly depressed upon the occipital region and between the orbits, sloping rapidly towards the snout. A foliated membranous appendage is to be observed FISHES—HETE ROLEPIDAE—OPLOPOMA PANTHERINA. 47 upon the superior posterior part of the orbit, being about three-eighths of an inch long and half as broad where broadest, inserted transversely, so as to lean backwards and slightly downwards along the orbit. The lower jaw is longer than the upper. The mouth is slightly oblique upwards and rather large, since the posterior extremity of the maxillary extends to a vertical line drawn somewhat posterior to the entire orbit. The jaws are furnished with canine teeth of different size ; the largest may be observed upon the branches of the dentaries and upon the vomer ; the next in size are on the premaxillaries and the palatines. All these are accompanied by small conical and acerated teeth, irregularly distributed over the bones upon which they are inserted ; a group of them may be seen on each side of the symphysis of the premaxillaries. The surface of the tongue is perfectly smooth, thin, and pointed anteriorly. The eye is well developed; sub-elliptical in shape; its longitudinal diameter entering about six times in the length of the side of the head. There are two nostril openings on either side, quite apart from one another ; the anterior, which is the largest, is situated in advance of the eye, being much nearer the orbit than the extremity of the upper jaw; the posterior is placed upon the anterior superior rim of the orbit. The convexity of the preopercle is provided with some short and obtuse spines, or rather obtuse processes, mostly hidden under the skin. The rest of the opercular bones are smooth and without spines ; the opercle has the shape of an acute triangle, with its summit pointing obliquely towards the back, having at its inferior edge a prominent subopercle, extending beyond the summit of the opercle, and likewise in a very oblique position. The interopercle is also a well developed bone. The gill openings are very widely open, in the shape of an obtuse curve, extending beneath to the hyoide apparatus, and continuous from both sides. The branchiostegals are well developed, six in number, on either side, The anterior dorsal is nearly twice the length of the posterior, and a little higher upon its middle. It commences at a short distance from the occiput, in advance of a vertical line which would intersect the limb of the preopercle. It is composed of twenty-four spinous and acerated rays, the four anterior being shorter than the sixth and the following, simulating together an independent fin, though much less distinctly than in Heterostichus rostratus. The second dorsal, which is united to the first at its base, is composed of twenty-one articulated rays, with two rudimentary ones and a small spine upon its anterior margin, from which a membrane is sent to the posterior spine of the first dorsal. Most of the articulated rays of the second dorsal are bifurcated twice. The caudal fin, which constitutes a little less than the eighth of the total length, is posteriorly concave or sub-crescentic, and composed of twelve branched and two undi- vided rays, with a few rudiments on each side. The origin of the anal is nearly opposite the anterior margin of the second dorsal, with which it is even posteriorly. It is a lower fin, com- posed of twenty-one articulated rays and a small spine concealed in the skin at its anterior margin. Most of the rays are bifurcated, and the interradial membrane emarginated through- out. The ventrals are well developed, composed of five branched rays and a rather strong “spine, though covered by the integuments. Their insertion takes place posteriorly to a vertical line passing immediately behind the base of the pectorals. Their posterior extremity does not extend as far as the tips of the latter fins, and leaves the vent far off. The insertion of the pectorals is quite oblique and reaches the inferior surface of the thorax ; they are very large, broad, and long, composed of seventeen articulated and branched rays, the inferior ones stouter and shorter, with their interradial membrane emarginated. Bree UD Keehy.,.28> AT, 2 CO 2,.1,.6; Gy 23 Wy hs P17: The vent is laced considerably in advance of the anterior margin of the anal, and provided posteriorly with a fleshy, sub-conical appendage. 48 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. The scales are small, cycloid in structure, elongated, sub-elliptical, much longer than deep ; rudimentary or very small ones may be observed upon the base of the pectorals and caudal and extending to a certain distance along their rays. The upper surface of the head is scaleless, but finely granular. The temporal and facial regions are also granular, whilst over the opercular apparatus the skin is perfectly smooth. The lateral line is composed of a series of membranous tubes. The ground color is blackish brown above, and reddish brown beneath. The dorsal and lateral regions are scattered all over with small black spots, which may be observed on the oper- cular apparatus and cheeks. The inferior regions are unicolor. References to the jigures.—Plate XVIII, fig. 1, represents Oplopoma pantherina, somewhat reduced in size. Fig. 2, a dorsal scale. Fig. 3, a scale from the abdominal region. List of specimens. 5 i 2 q rd 2 I 3 Locality. 3 Whence obtained. Nature of specimen. Seo | ih 3 Le | 2 oO € $ 3 = 5 = A = Inches. 275 22 1 Cape Flattery, W. T. --...=--..- 1855 | Lieut. Trowbridge._.......-..- Alcoholic. ......—. OPHIODON, Girard. Gen. Cuoar.—Mouth deeply cleft ; canine teeth on both jaws ; very long patches of velvet-like teeth on the vomer and on the palatines. Convexity of preopercle provided with small spines. Minute scattered scales on the head, cheeks, and opercular apparatus. No membranous flap above the orbit. Gill openings continuous under the throat; isthmus, therefore, absent. Branchiostegal rays six in number. Scales very small, not serrated posteriorly. Lateral line concurrent with the dorsal outline. Syn.—Ophiodon, Grp. in Proc, Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 133. The body and head are more slender than in Chiropsis ; the mouth more deeply cleft and the canine teeth much more developed. The velvet-like teeth constitute longer patches. There is one continuous dorsal fin, the spinous portion of which is longer than the soft and articulated portion, whilst in Chiropsis the spinous portion constitutes a separate fin, and is shorter or equal to the soft portion. The absence of a membranous flap above the orbit and the presence of small spines on the preopercle will likewise distinguish Ophiodon from Chiropsis. The scales, pectinated in one and smooth in the other, will afford the means of discriminating very readily between both genera. OPHIODON ELONGATUS, Grd. Prats XVIII, Fras. 4-7. Spec. Cuar.—Body lanceolated; head sub-conical, depressed. Mouth deeply cleft; posterior extremity of maxillary extending to the vertical of the posterior rim of the orbit. Spinous portion of dorsal fin much longer than the articulated one. Anal somewhat longer than soft portion of dorsal. Caudal slightly emarginated posteriorly. Extremities of the pectorals nearly even with the tips of the ventrals, Color above olivaceous brown, scattered all over with blackish, Sub-circular spots. Beneath yellowish. Sxn.—Ophiodon elongatus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 133. FISHES—HETEROLEPIDAE—OPHIODON ELONGATUS. 49 The largest specimen observed is about twelve inches in total length, the head forming wearly the fourth of it. The greatest depth of the body, taken across the middle of the abdominal region, enters about six times in the total length ; the greatest thickness is one-third less than the depth. Both, depth and thickness, taper posteriorly, giving the body a sub-fusiform profile and & compressed shape. The peduncle of the tail is slender and short. The head is sub-conical ; its upper surface depressed and sloping forwards. The eye, situated towards the upper portion of the side of the head, is rather large and sub-elliptical in shape. Its horizontal diameter is contained five times in the length of the side of the head, once and a half in advance of the orbit. The nostrils are nearer to the orbit than to the tip of snout. The mouth is deeply cleft; the posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line which would pass behind the orbit. The lower jaw is somewhat longer than the upper. The maxillaries are toothless; canine teeth, slender and curved backwards, are observed on both of the jaws, on the vomer, and on the palatines. The largest may be observed distant along the dentaries (lower jaw), where they constitute a series, with smaller ones between. They are equally large at the inner and anterior extremity of the premaxillaries (upper jaw), but the rows which they constitute along the branch of these bones are rather slender. On the vomer they are of various sizes, and intermingled, constituting a patch convex forwards. A narrow and elongated band exists along the palatines, small and exiguous, somewhat similar to those occupying the extreme external margin of the upper jaw. The tongue is smooth, thin, cochleitorm. The bony arcade across the cheeks is narrow, but more conspicuous than in Chiropsis. The cheeks and upper part of the opercle exhibit streaks of minute scales. The limb of the preopercle is provided with small spinous processes, the uppermost directed backwards, the lowermost forwards. The opercle is sub-triangular, terminating into a point posteriorly. The subopercle is very long, well developed, extending a thin blade beyond the opercle. The branchiostegal rays, six on either side, are well developed; the branchial apertures are continuous under the throat. ‘ There is a long and continuous dorsal fin, extending from a line intersecting the posterior curve of the preopercle to a short distance from the base of the caudal. It is composed anteriorly of slender spinous rays, occupying the five-eighths of the entire base; the spines are mostly the deepest anteriorly, diminishing gradually posteriorly ; and since the fins extend over that portion of the body which is declivous forwards, this circumstance gives to the upper edge of this portion of the fin a sub-convex outline. The soft or articulated portion is deepest in the middle with a sub-convex outline sloping anteriorly just as the spinous portion is sloping posteriorly, the two lines meeting at the junction of the two portions of the fin where the outline is most depressed. A space of about an inch and a quarter separates the posterior rays of the dorsal from the base of the central rays of the caudal. The latter fin is of moderate development, slightly emarginated posteriorly ; it is contained about eleven times in the total length. Its middle rays biturcate three times upon their length. The anal, convex exteriorly, is somewhat deeper than the dorsal, and a little longer than the soft portion of the latter. Posteriorly they are nearly even. The rays are all soft or articulated, the three anterior short and slender, bifurcating only once towards their extremity. The insertion of the ventrals is situated behind the base of the pectorals ; there are five, twice bifurcated rays, and an external slender spine closely united to the next articulated ray. The rays of the pectorals bifurcate but once; the nine uppermost are more slender than the eight remaining ones. The posterior Ta 50 U. 8S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. extremities of these fins are nearly even with the extremities of the ventrals, leaving a distance of an inch and three-quarters between them and the vent. Br. Vi; Vi; DAVE 225 A amen lero seOsgl Or esy icone lL (2 The scales are very small, truly cycloid in structure, elongated in shape, sub-ovoid, with their anterior margin undulated by the presence of a few radiating grooves. Those of the lateral line are smaller than those on either the back and abdominal region ; the mucous tubes are greatly developed. The upper surface of the head is spread over with minute scales. The latter may likewise be observed along the rays of the caudal fin to nearly the half of their length. The ground color of the upper regions of the body and head is olivaceous brown ; there are irregular or sub-circular blackish spots scattered all over the back and sides, the head and cheeks ; also over the dorsal and caudal fins, the ground color of which is the same as that of the back. The lower region of the flanks and the belly are uniform yellowish or dull whitish. The anal and ventrals are generally unicolor, and sometimes yellowish at the base, and brownish or blackish exteriorly. The ventrals are barred transversely with dark brown or black on a yellowish or olivaceous ground. References to the jigures.—Plate XVIII, fig. 4, represents Ophiodon elongatus, somewhat reduced in size. Fig. 5 isa scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 6, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 7, ascale from the sides of the abdomen. List of specimens. U wo . ale 3 a 8 3 2g 2 Locality. =I Whence obtained. Nature of speci- Collected by— m2} ° mens. on we r| 3 ° © & | 2 E 276 2 | San Francisco, California ---| 1853 | Lieut. Williamson.--.-~.-- Alcoholic. -..... Dr. Heermann ..-..- 277 2 | Humboldt bay, Cal. -..--- 1855 | Lieut. Trowbridge --------- Siler Bes Se Lieut, Trowbridge... Family COTTIDAH, Girard. A trait belonging to all cottoids, properly so called, consists in the absence of true scales, and which we have found so diversified in the foregoing family. The skin, however, does not con- stitute a smooth and uniform covering to the head and body throughout all the members of the present family, and in that respect we meet with almost the same diversity of dermic produc- tions. In some genera the skin, indeed, is perfectly smooth; in others, it is studded with minute prickles, either simple or compound, rendering it very rough to the touch; others, again, exhibit longitudinal series of bony shields; and, still, others are provided with parallel rows of small scale-like plates of various forms and structure. The head is always very large; the body very thick anteriorly, and tapering rapidly posteriorly. Its upper surface, in most instances, exhibits spines or tuberosities. The opercular apparatus is likewise provided with spines, larger still, thus well deserving the name of ‘¢ sculpins,’’ by which these fishes are commonly designated. There are two dorsal fins, sometimes contiguous upon their base, sometimes wpe The anterior fin is always composed of spiny rays. The anal is situated opposite the second dorsal FISHES—COTTIDAE-—COTTOPSIS ASPER. oil and generally well developed. The ventrals are situated under the pectorals, posteriorly to the base of the latter fins, and composed of a small number of rays. The pectorals themselves are very large, broad, or expanded, with their inferior rays undivided (though articulated) and pro- jecting beyond the interradial membrane, which is emarginated. We observe three complete gills and a half one; the last gill aperture being wanting. The complete gills are those which are composed of two branchial combs ; the half gill having but one of these. The teeth are mostly of the velvet-like type, varying but little according to the genera. They occur upon the jaws in all; but the palate may be either entirely smooth, or else velvet- like teeth may occur upon the front of the vomer, or along the palatine bones also. Were it not for their large and spiny head, and the repugnance of fishermen of handling them, the cottoids would be seen oftener in our markets, particularly the large marine species, which are quite palatable, especially when stewed or made into chowders. The wounds which they may inflict with their spines, supposed venomous, being the chief cause why the American seacoast people are unwilling to have anything to do with them. On a few occasions, however, when other fishes were scarce, we have seen the ‘‘sculpin’’ caught with hook and line, decapi- tated on being hauled up, and thus carried home; a safe method, indeed. Another reason for the antipathy of fishermen towards the “‘ sculpin,’’ is the mischief caused to their nets when- ever it gets entangled into them. COTTOPSIS, Girard. Gey. Cuar.—Head perfectly smooth ; small spines upon the opercular apparatus, especially the preopercle. Mouth mode- rately cleft ; jaws equal. Teeth upon the premaxillaries, dentaries, front of vomer, and palatines. Gill openings separated beneath by an isthmus; branchiostegals six in number. Dorsal fins contiguous upon their base ; anterior one lower than the posterior. Caudal sub-convex posteriorly. Insertion of ventrals under the base of pectorals. Skin beset with minute prickles. Lateral line continuous from head to tail, sometimes falling slightly upon the peduncle of the tail. Syn.—Cottopsis, Grp. Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. II, 1850, 303.; Smith. Contr. to Knowled. III, 1852, 61.; &, Nouv. Mém Soc. Helv. Se. Nat. XIJ, 1851, 185. The natural characters of this fresh water genus approximate it closely to Leptocottus of marine habits. The chief points in which they differ are observed in the gape of the mouth, the relative length of the jaws, and the structure of the skin. The spines on the preopercle might afford some minor distinctive marks; but so far as the physiognomy of these two genera is concerned, nothing is more distinct. 1. COTTOPSIS ASPER, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Origin of first dorsal opposite the insertion of the upper ray of pectorals. First ray of anal under the fourth of second dorsal. Tip of pectorals extending toa vertical line passing posterior to the vent. Skin generally prickly ; lateral line slight!y deflected upon the peduncle of the tail. Greyish white, studded with clove-brown spots ; beneath speckled. Syy.—Cottus asper, Ricu. Faun. Bor. Amer. III, 1836, 295 and 313, Pl. xev, fig. 1. Trachidermis richardsoni, Hzox. Ann. Wien. Mus. II, 1837, 162. Centridermichthys asper, Ricu. Voy. Sulph. Ichthyol. 1844, 74 ;°&, Rep. Ichthyol. China and Japan (Rep. Brit. Assoc. ) Cottopsis asper, Grp. Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. III, 1850, 303 ; Nouv. Mém. Soe. Helv. Sc. Nat. XII, 1851, 185; &, Smith. Contrib. to Knowled. III, 1852, 62. Some years ago, while preparing for publication the fresh water sHerabae of the cottoid group, it was with a sense of deep regret that we saw the work passing through the press without having had an opportunity of studying from nature the species at that time known to inhabit Columbia river. A succession of fortunate events have placed in my hands a series of specimens of 52 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. the ‘‘ prickly bullhead,’’ some of which collected near Astoria, others above the Cascades, at Fort Dalles. Their average size is between six and seven inches, a few inches smaller than those described by Sir John Richardson. The body, viewed in profile, is sub-fusiform, tapering gradually backwards ; it is compressed and deeper than broad throughout the whole length, though the difference in height and depth become greater posteriorly. The dorsal line is slightly arched, whilst the abdominal is nearly straight. The head, which is broader than deep, forms the third of the entire length, the caudal fin excluded. The upper surface is depressed, the cranial region widely concave, without the least trace of ridges, tubercles, or spines, except the minute spines of the turbinal bones which are hidden under the skin. The snont is sub-convex above, and rounded upon its periphery. ‘The jaws are of equal length, though the inferior lip may project somewhat beyond the upper when the mouth is closed. The latter is broad ; the posterior extremity of the maxillary extends to a vertical line intersecting the posterior edge of the pupil. The eyes are of medium size, sub-circular or elliptical in shape, contained, by their longest diameter, five times in the length of the side of the head ; the interocular space is about one of their diameter ; the rostral distance is greater of one-fifth or sixth. The anterior nostril is situated nearly mid- ways between the rim of the orbit and the margin of the upper jaw. The convexity of the preopercle is armed with an acute spine, curved upwards and covered by the skin so as scarcely to be seen exteriorly. The inferior edge of the same bony piece exhibits two minor spines entirely buried under the integuments. The inferior angle of the opercle has a similar spine directed forwards. Finally, the scapular terminates into an acute point concealed under the skin and perceptible only to the touch. The origin of the first dorsal is situated on a vertical line intersecting the base of the upper ray of the pectorals; it is comrosed of nine, sometimes ten, rays implanted upon a base not quite half the length of the second dorsal, to which it is connected by a low membrane ; the sixth and seventh spines are the longest; the outline of the fin forms a convex, somewhat depressed line. The second dorsal commences a little in advance of the anus, extending also somewhat further back than the anal ; it is composed of twenty-one or two undivided rays, projecting beyond their membrane. The caudal is slightly rounded posteriorly ; it is contained six times and a half in the total length, composed of nine branched rays and a few simple ones. The origin of the anal is situated opposite the fourth ray of the second dorsal; it is not quite so deep as the latter is high; seventeen undivided rays may be observed in it. The interradial membrane is more deeply emarginated than in the second dorsal. The ventrals are situated posterior to the three inferior rays of the pectorals, and anterior to the upper ones. The extremities do not reach the anus. The pectorals are broad, obliquely obovate, composed of sixteen or seventeen undivided rays, with the interradial membrane emarginated between all of them, though less deeply between the upper rays, which are also more slender than the lowerones. Their extremity reaches a vertical line intersecting the anterior margin of the anal. Br. VI—VI, DIX, 21; AIT; Cs,4,,6,.4,1;,2; Vd, 4; Edy, Br. VI—Vi; DX, 22; ATT: C3; 1, b, 4, 1392 ; Wea are aos Showing a very slight difference between the rays in specimens of different localities. The lateral line is conspicuous, in the shape of a furrow exhibiting a series of contractions. From the upper angle of the thoracic arch it takes its course along the flanks, keeping nearer the dorsal than abdominal outlines, sometimes deflected under the posterior portion of the second dorsal, as in Cottus proper. There are no scales ; the skin of the head i is perfectly smooth ; the vertex, however, i is provided FISHES —COTTIDAE—COTTOPSIS GULOSUS. 53 with soft, very small warts. The abdominal region, an area adjoining the base of the anal and caudal, and the interscapular space in advance of the first dorsal, are perfectly smooth ; the skin covering the rest of the body is thickly studded with very small, subulate, acute spines directed backwards. These spines are too minute to be seen with the naked eye, but will resist the finger when drawn against their points. The ground color of the upper and lateral regions is yellowish brown, with black dots and spots; the head and fins being greyish white, with crowded spots and dots of black. The abdomen and inferior region of the head are whitish, with crowded black dots. The species inhabit the fresh waters of Oregon and Washington Territories. List of specimens. Hic | ; Es | : 5 |4 a J 3 A £ | eo Ss 2 F ce Sal Sie sal tess : 2 2 o |S % See Locality. = | Whence obtained. iS ey Collected by— Bi2 |2|-% 8 g S = 8 ° 3 a “hp g SSE cst | ae a | = B S| 9° le | @ | = | fo) 3 LoS) } wD | A | eo = eae —_ eT | = | | } 287 —— 6 ‘aat, Astoria, Oregon _..------ 1855| Lieut. Trowbridge .-...-. ----| Alcoholic. | Lieut. Trowbridge... QBS lens 2c. 1 | do | Fort Dalles, Oregon.-.--- 1856; Governor Stevens....-.-- Seee eee aO One|) Dri ceo suckilevense= Att) | 1 | do | Ft. Steilacoon, Puget’s $’d, | Wiel) acesenecscas ccs L856 \eeesee CORES AS a ASo Senne Selatan Osea sl aeeteiale Cosa sem eee 2. COTTOPSIS GULOSUS, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Origin of anterior dorsal fin situated opposite the insertion of the upper ray of pectorals. First ray of anal fin placed under the fourth of second dorsal. Extremities of pectorals extending beyond the origin of the anal. Skin generally smooth; lateral Jine undergoing a sudden fall upon the peduncle of the tail. Reddish brown, spotted, and transversally barred with black ; beneath unicolor. Syn.—Coltopsis gulosus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 129. The most distinctive characteristic of this species consists in the general smoothness of the skin and the interruption of the lateral line upon the peduncle of the tail, features which lead to the genus Cottus proper, from which, however, this species differs by the presence of a well developed band of teeth upon the palatine bones. The general aspect of grown specimens is rather contracted, thickish and short ; the head is especially thick, and constitutes the third of the length, the caudal fin excluded. The body is compressed, as deep as broad upon the insertion of the pectorals, and deeper than broad posteriorly. The upper surface of the head is flattened, the snout slightly declivous and rounded anteriorly. The mouth is broad, the jaws equal, and the lips conspicuously developed. The eye is rather small and circular, as usual near the upper surface of the head, and contained five times in the length of the sides of the head. The upper preopercular spine, the largest, is visible externally, conical, acute, and directed backwards and upwards, whilst two much smaller ones, situated upon the inferior limb of the same bone, are directed downwards and forwards. The branchiostegal rays are all well developed ; the widsth of the isthmus enters about three times in the distance between it and the extremity of tne lower jaw. The origin and relative position of the fins have nothing peculiarly different from C. asper. The extremity of the posterior rays of both the second dorsal and anal, however, extend nearly 54 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. evenly as far as the insertion of the caudal ; the base of the anal, as usual, ending before that of its opposite fin. The rays are all undivided. Br. VI—VI; D IX, 18; A l4 or 15; C3,1,5,4,1,2; VI,4; P 15. The skin is smooth all over, except on a space immediately behind the pectorals, where the characteristic prickles of the genus may be seen, of a minuteness to deceive a superficial observer. The lateral line runs straightway from the upper part of the thoracic arch to opposite the last ray of the second dorsal, where it makes a sudden fall to reach the middle of the peduncle of the tail ; hence straight again towards the base of the caudal. Along the flanks it is much nearer the dorsal than the abdominal outlines. Large mucous pores are observed along the inferior surface of the dentaries and along the lateral line also. The ground color of the upper regions is of a reddish brown, dotted or maculated, and some- times even transversally banded with black. Beneath, unicolor, whitish, or dull yellowish. Fins blackish brown ; caudal and pectorals variegated with black; external edge of ventrals whitish ; upper margin of dorsal yellowish. The species inhabits the fresh waters of California. List of specimens. : p a 2\% | 3 3 Let us eye Te to < Meck ae 5 | eset | Poul ee Locality. = Whence obtained. A a Collected by— |S | 2 |g 8 ra ) o | & = | 4a s | A 2 PN a ee Rh g = B a\s |s|% 5 z 3 0 |S Ala =e < oO 7, A eae 2 |Adt.| San Matteo creek, Cal -...|1854| R. D. Cutts ......-.-.-.-|----| Alcoholic. | R. D. Cutts ...-.--- 29s |e sox 2 2 Ye. San Joaquin river, Cal...- 1853) Lieut. Williamson -.--...- |-oaa|-2=-do-.2|\ Dr.) Heermann.2asee— 9038|-. gees 1 | Yg.| Upper Pitt river, Or..---- 1866/2525 Povo cores oes _<22|----do2s=|'Drii Newberry <-see ae | | | 3. COTTOPSIS PARVUS, Grd. Spro. Cuar.—Origin of first dorsal situated posteriorly to the insertion of the upper ray of pectorals. First ray of anal placed under the fourth of second dorsal. Extremities of pectorals extending to the anterior margin of the anal. Skin generally prickly ; lateral line slightly deflected upon the peduncle of the tail. Olivaceous, maculated with blackish. Syn.—Cotlopsis parvus, Gro. Proc, Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIT, 1854, 144. This species may readily be distinguished from C. gulosus by a body more fusiform and a head more depressed, in which particulars it resembles C. asper most. The head forms exactly the fourth of the total length ; its upper surface is gradually sloping towards the snout, which is obtusely rounded. The jaws are equal in length, and the cleft of the mouth oblique upwards ; the posterior extremity of the maxillary reaching a vertical line intersecting the pupil nearly through its middle. The eye is of medium size, elliptical in shape ; its horizontal and greatest diameter entering nearly five times in the length of the side of the head. The preopercular spines are quite inconspicuous, The origin of the first dorsal is situated a little backwards of the insertion of the upper ray of the pectorals; its upper margin forms a depressed convexity ; it is connected by a membrane to the second dorsal. The rays are eight in number, inserted upon a base entering twice and a half in the length of the second dorsal, The latter is composed of twenty or twenty-one undivided rays, the tips of the posterior ones not reaching the insertion of the caudal, It is FISHES—COTTIDAE—OLIGOCOTTUS. 55 also much higher than the anterior dorsal. The caudal is subtruncated or rounded posteriorly, and constitutes a little less than the sixth of the entire length. The anterior ray of the anal is situated opposite to the fourth ray of the second dorsal. The tips of the posterior rays of that fin terminate almost evenly with those of the dorsal, although its base does not extend quite as far. The interradial membrane is,as usual, deeply emarginated. The tips of the pectorals extend to a vertical line passing immediately in advance of the anal. The inferior eight rays having their interradial membrane emarginated and are somewhat thicker than the upper ones. Bee ve vos VIL os a ly C4 rb 2, Los VV Les Pb t6. Ce oe AS Oe ae cele doa ne bart. The head, a small area on each side of the anterior edge of the first dorsal, a narrow band on each side of the base of the anal, a space about the caudal fin and the belly, are perfectly smooth. The rest of the surface ofthe body is densely beset with minute prickles, which in the young are more developed above the lateral line than beneath it. The lateral line itself is very con- spicuous, running straightway from the upper part of the thoracic arch to near the termination of the second dorsal, hence, falling somewhat, reassumes a direct course to the base of the caudal. The ground color of the body, head, and fins, is olivaceous, maculated with blackish ; occasion- ally the macule, in running into each other, will assume a sinuous aspect, especially on the sides of the head and towards the lower part of the flanks. The inferior regions are generally unicolor, with the exception of the lower jaw over which the macule may extend. The fins are all—some transversely, others obliquely—barred with a series of black confluent spots. A conspicuous black patch is observed at the upper and posterior portion of the first dorsal. This species, like the preceding, inhabits the fresh waters of California. List of specimens. a) ¢ | g| # 3 2 Locality. Whence obtained. Nature of specimens. . Collected by— Bal $i cs i) A 293 3 | Monterey, Cal_..---- It: Trow bridges 2.22222. Alcoholic: sotsosecsts sake Lt Trowbridge.-.--.---- 294 2 Teiyeste bo 4 CNS See ee ee 1 Oe ee, Sa! EERE PST Ee oie ee ee ee ee He GOs Sato see 295 4 | Fort Reading, Cal ---| Dr. J. F. Hammond.....-.- ewes <1 ON tanta eee Dr. J. F. Hammond --.-- 296 12 | Petaluma, Cal .....- IE Samuelsesassecns aeaae ages COM seine een ae ae ee If. Samuels\oo a= s5 eee OLIGOCOTTUS, Girard. Gen. Cuar.—Head smooth, with the exception of a few spines upon the preopercle and snout. Upper jaw slightly the longest. Teeth upon the premaxillaries, dentaries, front of vomer, and palatines. Gill openings continuous under the throat ; branchiostegals, six. Anterior dorsal lower than the posterior. Caudal posteriorly rounded. Insertion of ventrals backwards of the base of pectorals. Skin smooth or slightly prickly. Lateral line continuous for the whole length of the body. Syn.—Oligocottus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 132. The genus which we institute under the above denomination is the smallest we know of in the cottoid group, the stickle-backs excepted. It bears close affinities to both Leiocottus and 56 U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. Leptocottus. From the former it differs by the presence of teeth on the palatine bones and the absence of maxillary barbels ; from the latter by the continuity of the gill openings, the inser- tion of the ventrals ; and, finally, from both, as well as from all the genera of this family, by the structure of the anal fin, the three anterior rays of which are stouter, more developed, and somewhat isolated from the rest, especially in the male sex. 1. OLIGOCOTTUS MACULOSUS, Grd. Spec. Cuan.—Head sub-conical. Mouth moderately cleft; postericr extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line intersecting the pupil. A stoutish bicuspid process on the convexity of the preopercle. Two acute nasal spines. Dorsal fins contiguous. Origin of anal in advance of the anterior margin of second dorsal. Yellowish brown above, mottled or variegated with blackish ; along the dorsal region a series of blotches of a deeper hue; lower half of sides vermiculated. Abdomen of a bright saffron hue in the male. Inferior surface of head with traces of black markings ; throat and abdomen unicolor, as also the ventrals and anal. Dorsals, caudals, and pectorals transversely barred. Syn.— Oligocottus maculosus, Grp. Pro. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 133; &, Journ. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. VI, 1857. Plate xxiv, Fig. 7. Among all the specimens which we have examined, none attained an absolute size of three inches; and what gives us to think that we deal with adult individuals is the fact that the females are full of ripe spawn, and both sexes clothed with the brilliant hue peculiar to that eventful period in ichthyic life. The head is but very slightly broader than deep ; its upper surface is depressed and smooth, the interocular space grooved, the snout very declivous, and consequently short, narrow, and rounded upon its periphery. The upper jaw protrudes slightly beyond the lower one; the mouth is small, being but moderately cleft ; the posterior extremity of the maxillaries extending to a vertical line intersecting the pupil. The eye is sub-circular, and its diameter contained four times in the length of the side of the head, exactly once in advance of its anterior rim, The head itself forms a little less than the fourth of the entire length. A rather stout bicuspid process arises from the convexity of the preopercle with its acute spines directed obliquely upwards. No other spines are apparent upon the opercular apparatus. We omitted, in speaking of the upper surface of the head, to mextion two prominent and acute nasal spines ; the nostrils being, as usual, placed one behind, and the other beneath, each spine. The branchial apertures are continuous under the throat, and the branchiostegal rays six in number. The body is very much compressed, sub-fusiform, and deeper than broad even anteriorly. The anterior dorsal is lower than the posterior one, and contiguous to the latter near its base ; its origin is situated in advance of the base of the pectorals, and consequently close to the occiput. It is composed of eight slender spines nearly equal in height, giving the outline of the fin the appearance of a depressed curve. Its base is somewhat more than the half of that of the second dorsal. The latter is composed of sixteen or seventeen slender and undivided rays, diminishing slightly in height from the second backwards, the first ray being a little shorter than the second. The extremities of the posterior rays do not quite reach the base of the caudal. The caudal fin is slender and proportionally well developed ; it constitutes a little less than the fifth of the total length, being comprised three times on the space between its base and the thoracic belt. The origin of the anal fin is situated a little in advance of the anterior ray of the second dorsal, composed of thirteen undivided rays, the three anterior of which being decper and stouter than the rest, particularly in the male, where they project beyond the general outline of the fin. The interradial membrane is deeply emarginated. The extremities of the posterior rays do not extend so far back as those of the dorsal opposite. The ventrals are —_—"* FISHES —COTTIDAE—OLIGOCOTTUS ANALIS. 57 slender, composed of three soft rays and one spine. Their origin is situated posteriorly to the insertion of the pectorals, and their tip reaches, and slightly overlaps the vent, which is situated near the anterior margin of the anal fin, and provided upon its posterior edge with a double membranous flap. The pectorals, composed of thirteen undivided rays, the eight inferior of which, stouter with their membrane emarginated, are well developed. Their insertion is unusually oblique, and extends towards the inferior surface of the thorax, while their extremi- ties project beyond the origin of both the anal and the second dorsal. BesVilso Whe dD Va 17 5) Als 31035 Bed Ap 2igy Vid 830k 48, The skin is perfectly smooth and the lateral line well marked, running from the upper part of the thoracic arch to the base of the caudal, making a downward inflection or curve upon the middle of the flanks. The ground color of the upper region of head and body is yellowish brown, mottled or varigeated with blackish ; along the dorsal region a series of blotches of a deeper hue may be observed from the occiput to the base of the caudal; the lower half of the sides is rather vermiculated than mottled in the male, and the abdomen of a bright saffron or yellow hue. The inferior surface of the head presents traces of black markings ; the throat and abdomen are unicolor, as also the ventrals and anal. The dorsals, caudal, and pectorals are transversely barred upon a yellowish ground, This species inhabits the salt waters of the Pacific coast from California to Washington Ter. List of specimens. ele. |. | pakicnd siz |3 | 3 a) 3 q |. oot 4 3) = 21ES Ey h Locality. Ss Whence obtained. A & Collected by— 218 |2|% s Eos ca) Oe ee ee g | 5 eis S a aS B Bos. ye |g | — 8 Zi PANG | ee 4 |Adt.| Tomales bay, California-.-| 1855 | E. Samuels -.---..------ ----| Alcoholic. .| E. Samuels. ---..-- 298d ee oe oe 6 |-do-| San Francisco bay, Cal..-.| 1853 | Lieut. Trowbridge ---.--- ----|----do.-.-| Lieut. Trowbridge. - PRM) (ese 1 |.do-| Ft. Steilacoom, Puget’s 8’d 1853 | Gov. Stevens------------ Seen |e = 00 n= =| Dra puckleyne === 2. OLIGOCOTTUS ANALIS, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Head sub-conical. Mouth moderately cleft; posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn across the posterior rim of the pupil. Preopercular spines moderate. Two acute nasal spines. Dorsal fins contiguous. Origin of anal situated posteriorly to the anterior margin of the second dorsal. Dorsal region prickly. Greenish olive, maculated and spotted with black. Abdomen whitish, unicolor. Syn.—Oligocottus analis, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. November, 1857, 201. The present species seems to be more closely allied to O. maculosus than to O. globiceps in the shape of its head and in the approximation of its dorsal fins. It, however, resembles more O. globiceps by the structure and position of the anal fin. From both it differs by the situation of the vent, and the presence along the dorsal region of very minute prickles, such as are some- times observed in other genera of the cottoid group. The largest specimen before us measures nearly three inches and a half in total length. The head, which is sub-conical, constitutes about the fifth of it. Its upper surface is rounded, whilst it is nearly flat beneath, with the upper jaw slightly overlapping the lower, giving the mouth a nearly horizontal gape. The preopercular spines are moderate, less developed than in O. maculosus. 8a 58 U. S P. Re. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. The body is very much compressed, darter-shaped in its profile, the back being quite arched The origin of the dorsal fin corresponds to a vertical line which would intersect the inferior edge of the base of the pectorals; it is contiguous to the second, the posterior rays of which, when inclined backwards, approximate the base of the caudal. The origin of the anal fin is situated opposite the third ray of the second dorsal. It is slightly convex exteriorly, the mem- brane between the rays being emarginated, and the depth of the fin itself less than the height of the second dorsal, its posterior rays not extending quite as far back. The posterior margin of the caudal is sub-truncated, or slightly rounded ; it is a little shorter than the head. The tips of the ventrals reach the anterior margin of the anal. The ventis situated about midway between the insertion of the ventrals and the anterior margin of the anal, thus quite in advance of the latter fin, a character quite peculiar to this species. The pectorals are very large, their extremi~ ties extending somewhat beyond the origin of the anal. BreViei Vi bya Vy eA Cay ie 4gals 2s Va 85h ab: The dorsal region above the lateral line is beset with minute prickles, whilst the region beneath is quite smooth. The ground color is greenish olive, the upper surface of the head being nearly black. The dorsal region exhibits a series of black blotches or spots, the intervening spaces, as well as the inferior region of the flanks, being dotted with black. The belly is whitish and unicolor, whilst the inferior surface of the head, being white also, is maculated with black. The dorsal fins are greyish black, occasionally spotted ; the caudal, anal, and pectorals are olive, and barred with black, whilst the ventrals are dull yellow, or white, and unicolor. This species has been observed on the coast of California. List of specimens. eaheg BhAGs 3 a # 3 Locality. aS) Whence obtained. | Nature of speci- | Collected by— 3) bo = co) o ) = mens. r=] rom 3 Bo 7) ino] ° ro} o a cd 3 ° s o % S K | Ss) A R =e 486 7 |Adult| Monterey, California. ...----- 1856 | A. §. Taylor.......- Alcoholic. ..-.-- A. §. Taylor... 3. OLIGOCOTTUS GLOBICEPS, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Head rounded anteriorly. Mouth moderately cleft; posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the pupil. Rudimentary spines upon the preopercle. Two acute nasal spines. Dorsal fins separated. Origin of anal situated somewhat posteriorly to the anterior margin of the second dorsal fin. Reddish brown ; upper regions maculated with black ; beneath unicolor, and lighter than above. The general physiognomy of this species reminds us forcibly of certain species of blennies and gobies, owing to its peculiarly rounded head, a feature not common in the cottoid group. The head is as deep as broad; its upper surface is convex and smooth, the snout very abruptly truncated, rounded, hence broad and very short. The upper jaw is slightly pro- tracted beyond the lower. The mouth is moderate, though proportionally broad ; its short gape is in harmony with the abbreviated snout; the posterior extremities of the maxillary extend to a vertical line passing behind the pupil. The eye is circular, of moderate develop- ment, situated towards the upper surface of the head, above which the orbit is slightly raised. a FISHES—COTTIDAE—LEPTOCOTTUS. 59 Its diameter is contained three times and a half in the length of the side of the head, less than @nce in advance of the anterior rim of the orbit. The head itself forms about the fifth of the total length. A blunt and inconspicuous spine may be observed upon the convexity of the preopercle, with its apex directed obliquely upwards. The upper and posterior angle of the opercle terminates into a flat process. The nasal spines are exiguous and acerated. These are the only spines observed about the cephalic region. The branchial fissures are continuous under the throat, and the branchiostegal rays six in number, as in the preceding species. The body is very much compressed, sub-fusiform in its outline, swollen upon the thoracic region, and tapering posteriorly. 4 The anterior dorsal, which is lower than the second, is separated from the latter by a narrow space. The tips of the posterior rays of the second dorsal approximate very closely the base of the caudal. The base of the first dorsal is contained once and a half in that of the second. The caudal fin enters five times and a half in the total length; its posterior margin is sub- convex or rounded. ‘The origin of the anal fin is situated a little posteriorly to the anterior margin of the second dorsal, and does not extend as far back as the latter; its depth is about equal to the height of the second dorsal, its opposite. The ventrals are slender, overlap the vent, and reach the anterior margin of the anal; their origin is situated backwards of the base of the pectorals. The base of the pectorals is oblique; its lower end corresponds to a vertical line drawn somewhat in advance of the anterior margin of the first dorsal fin. Their extremi- ties extend beyond the tips of the ventrals, and beyond the anterior margin of the anal also. Brews Vil ela lore AGL Gunster by 4p. Bs V Look Le, The skin is perfectly smooth, the lateral line very conspicuous ; from the upper edge of the opercular apparatus, it slopes down the thoracic region towards the middle of the flanks, hence straightway towards the base of the caudal. The ground color is reddish brown, the head and back maculated and spotted with black, the lower half of the flanks and belly unicolor. The fins are olivaceous, spotted and dotted with black. This species occurs on the coast of California. List of specimens. Whence obtained. | Nature of spe- | Collected by— Locality. cimens. Catalogue number. No. of specimens Sex and age. When collected. 300 4 Oy A@) S. Farallones, Cal --------- 1855 | Lt. Trowbridge --------- Alcoholic. ---- Lt. Trowbridge - ui 8 eS SS SS eee LEPTOCOTTUS, Girard. Gev. Cuar.—Head perfectly smooth ; spines upon the preopercle only. Mouth deeply cleft, upper jaw longer than the lower one. Teeth upon the premaxillaries, dentaries, front of vomer, and palatines. Gill openings separated beneath by an isthmus ; branchiostegal rays’six in number. Dorsal fins separated. Caudal sub-truncated posteriorly. Insertion of ventrals immediately under the base of pectorals. Skin smooth. Lateral line continuous for the whole length of the body. Syn.—Leptocotlus, Gro. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 130. 60 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. The affinities of this genus with Cotlopsis have already been alluded to above. From the marine genera it differs by well marked characters, one of which is the preopercular sping process and its rather small anterior dorsal fin. The upper aspect of the head is smooth, as in Leiocottus, and partly also as in Scorpaenichthys, but it has none of the cutaneous flaps which the latter is provided with. LEPTOCOTTUS ARMATUS, Grd. Pruate XV, Fie. 2. * Spec. Cuar.—Head much depressed ; upper jaw longer than the lower ; posterior extremity of maxillary extending some- what beyond the vertical of the posterior rim of the orbit. A preopercular process provided with three spines directed upwards. Blackish brown above ; whitish beneath ; dorsals, caudal, and pectorals yellowish, barred with black ; anterior dorsal with a black sj;ot posteriorly. Ventrals and anal whitish. Syn.—Teplocottus armatus, Gro. Proc. Acad. Nat. Se. Philad. VII, 1854, 131 & 145; &, VIII, 1856, 133. Acanthocottus inermis, Ayres, MSS. The general physiognomy of this species is quite peculiar by its head and anterior portion of the body being broader than deep; at the origin of the first dorsal the depth is equal to the width, the latter diminishing more rapidly backwards than the former, so as to measure considerably less. The head forms a little less than the third of the whole length ; its upper surface is very much depressed, and grooved upon its middle. The snout is broad and flattened, the upper jaw protruding over the lower one. The mouth is broad and rather large ; the posterior extremity of the maxillary extending somewhat beyond a vertical line drawn across the posterior rim of the orbit. The anterior and tubular nostril is nearly midway between the margin of the upper jaw and the anterior rim of the orbit. The eyes are of medium size, and partly situated on the upper surface of the head; their shape is sub-elliptical, and their longitudinal diameter comprised about six times and a half in the length of the sides of the head. A stout and horizontal process may be observed upon the convexity of the preopercle, and terminated by three acute and hook-like spines curved upwards. Another process, small and obtuse, exists beneath upon the inferior limb of the same opercular bone. The head otherwise is smooth ; the bones of the scull slightly perceptible, the middle sub-orbital inconspicuous, and the opercle margined by a loose membrane. The isthmus is broad ; its width is contained nearly four times in the distance extending between its angle and the extremity of the lower jaw. The branchi- ostegals are well developed, and six on either side. _ The first dorsal fin is lower than the second, and much longer than high ; its upper margin forms a convex curve ; it is composed of seven or eight slender spines, the third and fourth of which being the highest. The origin of that fin meets a vertical line drawn immediately behind the superior portion of the insertion of the pectorals. The second dorsal is nearly contiguous to the first at its base; it is composed of seventeen or eighteen slender and undivided rays, gradually diminishing in height posteriorly from the fifth, which is the highest. The caudal is slender and sub-truncated, constituting a little less than the seventh of the entire length, and composed of nine bifurcated rays, two simple ones, and a few rudiments above and below. The origin of the anal takes place nearly opposite the fifth ray of the second dorsal, extending posteriorly as far as the latter; its terminal rays, mayhap, projecting a little further backwards. Its shape is the counterpart of the second dorsal, but not quite so deep as the latter is high ; it is composed of sixteen or seventeen slender and undivided rays, the membrane intervening which being slightly emarginated. The vent is situated at a short disstance from the anterior FISHES—COTTIDAE—LEPTOCOTTUS ARMATUS. 61 margin of that fin, and provided posteriorly with a small flap. The ventrals are small and slender, composed of four soft and one spinous rays. Their origin is but very little behind the inferior portion of the insertion of the pectorals. The distance between their posterior extremity and the vent is equal to the length of the same fins. The pectorals are broad and well developed ; their extremities extend as far backwards as the third or fourth ray of the second dorsal, and consequently near the origin of the anal and stretching beyond the vent. They are composed of nineteen or twenty undivided rays, the inferior ones shorter and stouter than the — upper, and their intervening membrane emarginated. B ViVi Davi ASA bis CG. 4 les Val 4s B20. The skin is perfectly smooth; the lateral line conspicuous, nearer the dorsal than the ventral outline along the anterior half of the flank, but running along its middle posteriorly, and thus reach the base of the caudal fin. The ground color is of a coffee brown above, maculated or clouded with deep black. The inferior surface of the head, the extremity of the maxillaries, the inferior part of the opercular apparatus, the entire branchiostegal apparatus, the belly, ventral fins, the anal, and inferior part of the tail, are of a uniform whitish or yellow, with a metallic reflect, which extends even to the sides. The caudal and pectoral fins are yellowish, transversely barred with large bands of black. The dorsals are likewise yellow, longitudino-obliquely barred with black. A jet black spot, moreover, is to be observed upon the upper and posterior margin of the anterior dorsal fin. This species seems to be quite common along the Pacific coast, from Puget’s Sound, Oregon, to San Diego, California. The largest specimens were those from fort Steilacoom and the bay of Monterey, and measured from twelve to fourteen inches. Reference to the jfigure.—Plate XV, fig. 2, represents Leptocottus armatus, size of life. List of specimens. n2 Z| ¢ flog 2 : a I Locality. 8 Whence obtained. Nature of spe- | Collected by— 2 a, 3 cimens. a x) g sg S a o | & = 301 6 | Cape Flattery, W. T---.-------- 1853 | Governor Stevens---------- Alcoholic. ---- Dr. Suckley ---. 302 4 | Fort Steilacoom, W. 'T ---------- eb 3h Paes d0cstes=-ssesee25 JeedOs. 22 ons tee see dozesae-8 303 | 12 | Shoal Water bay, W. T.--------- TSS SR seer ee (OS asco secese ene Senile = ac8 Dr, Cooper = === 304 3, 2 | SHtumboldtubays Cali 2222252. 2252 1853 | Lieut. Trowbridge--------- a= Oe tee Lt. Trowbridge - - 305 1 | San Francisco, Cal.......-.-..-- 18534) se ae Glopeae os eae SE PE Ess ena = C0 nant oe doses. # . = 306 2)? | Monterey {Calc J... 02.2. 222 TCE cetera doweeee 2a ----d0.---.---|--..-. dost2=.552 307 daly SanaBedro, Galool- 2252-225 aes: 1 ae ea SO 2 eee cesses ss asa Qeapcae ba|e5 252 doles es 308 2a) PortabointOaly~ 1.2 s<=- 2-254 ee ees Ok. seen ae ae Snoci\ns aarp oss doz=sesen- 309 Zee San Dieros Oak... -s-<5-5-- IEG BY eee Boece do== =a seeaeae ees sooniMessecase A. Cassidy_----- 310 20} an Krancisco; Calo. =.--=-25- 1853 | Lieut. Williamson --------- Peecut epee one Dr. Heermann ~-- 311 Seniapaneiirancisco) Cal-==_=-2--.s=<- ISS Gre sachs dosent eee ee dO se aes Dr. Newberry--- 312 meevomalessBay, Cals 22sc-se=s5<-- 1855 | BH. Samuels ---.-.-.......- peeedOatanss== E, Samuels ----- 502 1 | Sands of Monterey Beach -------- 1866.,|, A. Si fPaylorssos-a2 asec. - b-esdoves-e as" A. §. Taylor -.-- 62 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. LELOCOTTUS, Girard. Gen. Cusr —Head perfectly smooth ; spines upon the preopercle only. Mouth moderately cleft; jaws equal. Teeth upon the premaxillaries, dentaries, and front of vomer; none on the palatines. Barbules at the maxillaries. Gill openings con- tinuous under the throat; branchiostegal rays, five. Dorsals nearly contiguous upon their bases. Ventrals inserted backwards of the base of the pectorals. Caudal posteriorly subtruncated. Skin perfectly smooth, bearing neither prickles nor scales. Lateral line well marked, and continuous from head to tail. Syn.—Leiocotlus,Grpo. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad. VIII, 1856, 133. This genus is allied to Leptocottus, of which it has the general physiognomy. It is, however, distinguished from it by a smaller mouth and equal jaws; by the absence of teeth upon the palatine bones, the continuity of the gill openings, and the presence of five branchiostegals, instead of six. It differs from Scorpaenichthys by a smooth head and the absence of teeth on the palatine bones. ; LEIOCOTTUS HIRUNDO, Grd. Prats XVI, Fies. 2 & 3. Srrc. CHar.—Snout declivous and rather pointed; posterior extremity of maxillary provided with two or three barbules, and reaching a vertical line drawn a little beyond the anterior rim of the orbit. Superior regions blackish brown; whitish under the abdomen, and yellow under the tail. Sxyn.—Leiocottus hirundo, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad. VIII, 1856, 133. The general aspect of this species is elongated ; sub-fusiform when viewed in profile. The body is compressed, deeper than broad upon its whole length. The head enters about three times in the length of the body and caudal fin ; its upper surface is depressed, nearly flat ; the fronto-nasal region very declivous, and the snout prominent. The mouth is but moderately cleft ; the posterior extremity of the maxillary upon which two or three thread-like barbels may be observed, reaches posteriorly a line which would be drawn a little inwardly of the anterior rim of the orbit. Teeth exist upon the premaxillaries, dentaries, and front of the vomer, whilst the palatine bones are smooth and toothless. The jaws are equal, and surrounded by conspicuous lips. The nostrils are situated towards the upper surface of the snout, much nearer to the orbit than the extremity of the snout, and preceded by a small, inconspicuous spine. The eyes are large and sub-circular, approximating the upper surface of the scull. Their longitudinal diameter enters about four times in the length of the side of the head. A bifurcated spine may be observed upon the convexity of the preopercle, with the points turned upwards. Two smaller and obtuse spines exist along the inferior margin of the same bone. A vertical line drawn from the origin of the first dorsal fin would strike the middle of the base of the pectorals, and therefore a portion of the opercle also. It is composed of nine spiny rays, the anterior one being the highest of all the dorsal rays. The second is next in size, and somewhat shorter than the highest rays of the second dorsal. The remaining rays are all much shorter than the second dorsal, and that portion of the fin which they constitute is convex upon its upper margin. The membrane of the posterior ray of the first dorsal does not quite extend to the anterior ray of the second dorsal. The second dorsal is composed of seventeen undivided rays, diminishing slightly in height posteriorly. The caudal is subtruncated, composed of nine bifurcated rays, and two undivided, together ,with a few rudimentary ones above and below. That fin forms about the fifth of the total length. The origin of the anal is situated opposite FISHES—COTTIDAE—SCORPAENICHTHYS. 63 the fourth ray of the second dorsal ; it is composed of sixteen undivided rays less deep, and the membrane by which they are united, emarginated between all of them. The posterior extremi- ties of the rays are even with those of the second dorsal. The vent is a little nearer to the insertion of the ventrals than the anterior margin of the anal fin. Uponits posterior margin isa fleshy tongue-shaped appendage. The origin of the ventrals is somewhat backwards of the base of the pectorals. They are slender, composed of one spine and three soft rays, overlapping considerably the anus, but not reaching the anal. The pectorals are quite large; their posterior extremity reaches a vertical line drawn in front of the fourth ray of the anal fin. It is com- posed of eighteen undivided rays, the nine inferior ones being shorter and stouter ; the mem- brane between all is indentated or emarginated. Brew VL tk ulin: Andy C4. 1, 4,,65.1, 35 V1 3: EP 18. The body is perfectly smooth and scaleless. The lateral line, formed of a series of small tubes, is very conspicuous, uninterrupted from head to the tail. It starts from the upper part of the opercle, hence descends along the abdomen, forming an open curve convex downwards, then follows a straight course along the middle of the tail. ; The ground color of the upper part of the head and body is dark brown, blotched with black. The inferior region of the head is greyish; the abdomen dull whitish, with greyish spots or dots, and the tail yellowish. The fins are of a greenish olive hue, spotted or maculated with black. References to the figures.—Plate XVI, figure 2, represents, in profile, Letocoltus hirundo, size of life. Figure 3 is a view of the under surface of the head. List of specimens. Locality. Whence obtained. | Nature of spe- | Collected by— cimen. Catalogue number. No. of specimens. 313 _ Island of San Miguel, Cal --.------- Lieut. ‘Trowbridgei-2=-<+5--c--- | Alcoholic. ---- Lt. Trowbridge-- SCORPAENICHTHYS, Girard. Gen. CuAr.—Upper surface of head bony, corrugated. A membranous flap above the orbit, another upon the snout. A few small spines upon the preopercle. Mouth deeply cleft; jaws equal. Teeth on the premaxillaries, dentaries, front of vomer, and palatines. Gill opening continuous under the head; branchiostegal rays six in number. Dorsal fins contig- uous upon their bases. Caudal truncated. Ventrals inserted back of the base of pectorals. Skin smooth, without either scales or plates. Lateral line distinct and continuous for the whole length of the body. Syn.—Scorpaenichthys, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 131. This genus is very closely allied to Hemitripterus, having, like the latter, teeth upon the vomer and palatines, as well as upon the jaws. The membranous flaps which are observed on the head constitute another feature, reminding us of Hemitripterus. It differs, however, from it by the insertion more backwards of the ventral fins, the structure of the anterior dorsal, which is as high upon its posterior half than anteriorly, although a slight depression exists towards its middle, indicating its affinities with Hemitripterus. The second dorsal is longer than the first, the reverse of what it is in Hemitripterus, whilst the anal is proportionally shorter. 64 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZONOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT, SCORPAENICHTHYS MARMORATUS, Grd. Prats XVI, Fra. 1. Spec. Cuar.—Membranous flaps upon the upper and posterior part of the orbit, upon the snout, and at the posterior extremity of the maxillary bones. The latter extending to a vertical line passing immediately behind the eye. Two spines of moderate development upon the preopercle. Fins all well developed. Ground color either light or dark brown, marmorated with black. Syn.—Scorpaenichthys marmoratus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 131 and 145; &, VIII, 1856, 133. Hemitripterus marmoratus, Ayres, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1854, 4. The head is very large and robustly built, constituting the third of the whole length, the caudal fin excluded. It is nearly as deep as broad upon the occipital region; the cranial region is sub-depressed and sloping towards the orbits; hence very declivous to the end of the snout, which is obtusely rounded. The region of the scull, as also the suborbital, temporal, and opercular regions, exhibit the corrugated surface of the bones. The orbital flap is fringed somewhat arborescent, and the largest; the rostral is flat, triangular, and entire, implanted vertically upon the snout. Those upon the posterior extremity of the maxillaries are smaller still, and fringed. The eye is well developed and sub-circular near the upper surface of the head, above which the rim of the orbit is slightly raised. Their longitudinal diameter is con- tained six times in the length of the side of the head. The nostrils are nearer the orbit than the margin of the upper jaw ; as usual, the posterior opening is situated inwardly in advance of the orbit behind the spinous turbinal, whilst the anterior opens on the sides of the snout. The mouth is large, which might be inferred from the development of the head, and the fact that the posterior extremity of the maxillary extends backwards to a vertical line drawn across the posterior rim of the orbit. Two spines, of rather moderate size, may be observed upon the convexity of the preopercle, the uppermost being the largest of the two. The gill openings are continuous under the throat ; the branchiostegals are six on either side. The body is compressed much deeper than broad, even anteriorly, with a profile either sub-fusi- form or somewhat thickish, according to sexes and age. The fins are all well developed. The first dorsal, which is composed of eleven spines of nearly equal depth, has about the same height as the second dorsal; the interradial membrane is emarginated. The origin of the fin is near the occiput, even with a vertical line drawn across the insertion of the last ray but one of the lower part of the pectoral fins. The base of the same fin is a little less than the fourth of the entire length. The second dorsal, which is contiguous to the first, is composed of nineteen bifurcated rays, inserted over a base somewhat longer than the third of the total length. The caudal is subtruncated posteriorly, and contained about five times in the entire length; it is composed of nine branched and two simple rays and rudimentary ones. The origin of the anal is situated opposite the fifth ray of the second dorsal, and is not quite so deep as the latter is high ; its base is a little less than that of the first dorsal ; composed of thirteen, some of which bifurcated rays, with the interradial membrane deeply indentated. The extremity of the posterior rays projects slightly beyond those of the dorsal. The origin of the ventrals takes place posterior altogether to the insertion of the pectorals; these fins are rather long and slender, composed of one spine and five articulated rays; their extremity does not reach as far back as the vent, neither as fur as the extremity of the pectorals. The latter are very broad, inserted upon the oblique margin of the gill opening, and extending to the inferior surface of the heaa, The rays are sixteen in number; the nine inferior ones thick and simple, with the FISHES —COTTIDAE—ASPICOTTUS. 65 interradial membrane emarginated ; whilst the upper ones are more slender and bifurcated upon their extremity, which is even with their membrane. Brave eprs 19 ACTS © Gl Wa 4k Ss) VAT, &5. P16. The skin is perfectly smooth ; the lateral line runs uninterrupted from the upper part of the thoracic arch to the base of the caudal, following the middle of the flanks from the origin of the second dorsal backwards. The ground color of the head, body, and fins is either of a light or a dark chocolate brown, over which are spread, without any apparent order, black patches and streaks, giving the whole a marmorated appearance. Reference to the jfigure.—Plate XVI, figure 1, represents the profile view of Scorpenichthys marmoratus, somewhat reduced in size, and caught in the bay of San Francisco, California. List of specimens. gle> |e | § Blo |3 3 Ble all 2 We [ea | = g © fo gem ard beet Locality. = Whence obtained. 5 = Collected by — Bia |2\2 E Z| 2 28 6 | & 5 si ee ae SE eo eal = @| 3 oO |S Az aA = Sli = 24 aaa ——— _= Pie ae ee | rile |! SaaS | 3 Adt. San Francisco, California. .|1853| Lieut. Williamson ------- .---| Alcoholic’.| Dr. Heermann --..--- Cif eee | 2 (eee es ee dos seaee a) doesn se HG Be Secl dOfsas senses easens|Sces[esce do....| Dr. Newberry ------- 0) | eae 1 ‘Adt., Presidio, California_..-.-- =d0u|Mienh.UroOwbndee!. a= a—| |= == do.-.-| Lieut. Trowbridge ---- | | BOY |e. | 1 |...) $. Farallones, California /1855|.....- lo ail aoe eee geen Edo e-|2- ek dot eae 318 |--.--- 2 eee Monterey, California ----- 1853/2 ee—-— Osea ee ae setaan eaee eee dgusi asec @Oncsesccasees SG) eee | 6 \Adt.| Humboldt bay, California |1854)....-- do Soh sass EA SS soo REREOee eros doneaaen aaa 3204)22 22 Wired |--.-| Astoria, Oregon --------- fep4| 22s 3 dos. 2 Sees alli? jecost@=ces||- sec doves 2522255 By Pea 3 | Yg.| Tomales bay, California. --|1855) E. Samuels=saeesseeee=-|-— == |2eedosea|H Samnela eases if ASPICOTTUS, Girard. Guy. Cuar.—Bones of the head exposed and corrugated. Opercular apparatus armed with strong spines. Mouth mode- rately cleft; jaws equal. Teeth on the premaxillaries, dentaries, and front of the vomer; none on the palatines. Gill openings separated beneath by an isthmus; branchiostegal rays six in number. Dorsal fins distinctly separated. Caudal posteriorly rounded. Insertion of ventrals opposite the base of pectorals. Lateral line formed by a series of bony scutellae extending from head to tail. Skin otherwise smooth. Syn.—Aspicollus, np. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854,130; &, VIII, 1856, 133. Clypeocottus, AyReES, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1854, 12. To this genus is to be referred Cottus bubalis, of Euphrasen, an inhabitant of the Baltic and Norwegian seas. The latter species is so closely related to A. bison, described below, that it is only upon a careful comparison that the two can be distinguished. The genus is well characterized by the great development of the suborbital bones and the presence of a lateral series of bony shields altogether different from the scale-like plates of He- mitripterus and Artedius. 9a 66 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP, AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. ASPICOTTUS BISON, Grd. Prats XV, Fie. 1. Spec, Cuar.—The posterior extremity of the maxillary extends to a vertical line drawn midway between the posterior edge of the pupil and the posterior rim of the orbit. The scutellae constituting the lateral line are crowded, vertically elongated. Upper regions dark brown, mottled or blotched with black. Beneath dull yellowish, with meandric dark lines under the head and throat. Ventrals uniform yellowish white; other fins mottled yellow and black. Syn.—Aspicottus bison, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854,130; &, VIII, 1856, 133. Clypeocottus robustus, Ayres, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1854, 11 The head, which constitutes about the third of the whole length, the caudal fin excluded, is very large, and much broader than deep. The body in being likewise broader than deep upon its anterior third, the consequence is the short and stoutish appearance of this species. The upper surface of the head is corrugated, the orbital region is convex and raised above the general surface ; the cranium is slightly depressed between two parieto-occipital ridges. The eyes are sub-circular, of moderate development; their longitudinal diameter enters about five times in the length of the sides of the head. The posterior nostril is the smallest, and is situated imme- diately in advance of the orbit and behind the turbinal bone on the upper surface of the snout. The anterior nostril opens on the side of the snout exteriorly to the turbinal and nearer the orbit than the margin of the jaw; its posterior margin is provided with a fringed m6émbranous expansion. The snout is declivous and rounded; the jaws are equal, and the mouth broad though not deeply cleft, since the posterior extremity of the maxillary does not extend as far back as the posterior rim of the orbit. The middle suborbital is stout and conspicuous, termi- nating into a flattened point at the concavity of the preopercle. The latter is provided with four spines, the uppermost being very long, and extending backwards to the posterior edge of the opercle, which it sometimes overlaps; the two next ones are small and directed obliquely downwards ; the fourth may be seen at the lower extremity of that bone and directed obliquely forwards. The opercle has three spines—one, rather stout, along the upper margin of that bone, and two small ones towards its inferior margin, and directed obliquely downwards. Finally, the posterior extremity of the interopercle exhibits the last and smallest spine of the opercular apparatus. The isthmus is rather large, being equal to about the third of the dis- tance between its angle and the extremity of the lower jaw. The branchiostegals are six in number, all well developed. The origin of the first dorsal corresponds to a vertical line drawn immediately behind the upper portion of the insertion of the pectorals, and, consequently, at a very short distance from the occiput. It is composed of eight rather slender spines, the fourth and fifth of which being the highest; the fin itself is lower than the second dorsal, and its upper outline sub-convex. It is separated by a narrow space from the second dorsal, which is composed of twelve rays inserted upon a base one-third longer than that of the first. The caudal, which constitutes about the sixth of the entire length, is posteriorly sub-truncated, composed of nine bifurcated and two un- divided rays, with several rudimentary ones above and below. The origin of the anal is situ- ated opposite the fourth ray of the second dorsal, and does not extend as far back as the latter, although the tips of the last rays may be even, owing to the greater length of the posterior rays of the anal, The fin itself is not quite so deep as the second dorsal; the membrane between the rays is deeply emarginated. The insertion of the ventrals is nearly opposite the middle of the base of the pectorals; they are elongated, but do not reach the vent, which is situated a uf \ — FISHES—COTTIDAK—HEMILEPIDOTUS, 67 little in advance of the anal fin. These fins are proportionally more developed than in its con- gener of the seas of northern Hurope, A. bubalis. The insertion of the pectorals is very long, extending almost to the inferior surface, along the branchial aperture, towards the isthmus. These fins are composed of sixteen or seventeen rays, very thick and short inferiorly, with the interradial membrane emarginated. The tips of the longest rays extend posteriorly to a vertical line drawn across the insertion of the second ray of the second dorsal. Ibm, WATS. WAGE ADE WADE EIS 0) che et ay Tota) So \Wed le Ship det aie The course of the lateral line is occupied by a series of oblong and vertically elongated bony plates, from thirty to thirty-three in number, diminishing gradually in size posteriorly. Ante- riorly, the series is contiguous to the humerus, and for the distance occupied by the anterior dorsal it lies upon the dorsal region ; further behind it falls a little towards the flanks, but re- mains throughout nearer the dorsal outline. The skin otherwise is perfectly smooth. The ground color of the upper regions is dark olive, or brown, dotted, blotched or mottled with jet black. The inferior regions are dull yellow or olive, with crowded meandric, dark streaks under the head, throat, lower part of the flanks, and tail. The ventrals, and generally the anal, are unicolor, like the inferior abdominal region. The anal, however, is sometimes black- ish upon its periphery. The ground color of the other fins is yellow or olive, upon which are spread black spots and blotches similar to those distributed over the body. Reference to the figure.—Plate XV, fig. 1, represents, somewhat reduced, Aspicottus bison, from the bay of San Francisco, California. List of specimens. A ] Ns a |; 8 g 2 Locality. Whence obtained. Nature of specimens. Collected by— oo | ees, Boh | aed Ne | —— = FO | | 322 1 Fort Steilacoom, Puget’s Sound.-! Gov. Stevens_....------- Alcoholie==----=-= Dr sSuckley2oe ses s=-— 323 1 Hontjbomts Cale ss acmc sess ese | Lieut. Trowbridge------- Pee Oui cas seceoee Lieut. Trowbridge ---- 324 1) San Prancisco;, Calite2s2is52--- | Lieut. Williamson----_.- See CO ESS ae See SSoe| Dr. Heermann2-----=- 325 ea |wEomales!bay, Calooscssss-ss- == |eHe ‘Samuels oss. sess === Peedolw. 2! lee: \eRa Samicels === eee | HEMILEPIDOTUS, Cuv. Gey. Cuar.—Head rough and prickly, with membranous flaps on various parts; opercular apparatus spinous. Mouth mode- rately cleft; jaws equal. Teeth upon the premaxillaries, dentaries, front of yomer, and palatines. Gill openings separated beneath by an isthmus ; branchiostegals, six on either side. Dorsal fins contiguous. Caudal rounded or sub-truncated pos- teriorly. Insertion of ventrals opposite the base of pectorals. Longitudinal bands of scales alternating with smooth or naked areas ; scales themselves finely denticulated. Sxn.—Hemilepidotus, Cuv. Regn. Anim. 2d ed. II, 1829.—Cuv. & Vat. Hist. nat. Poiss. lV, 1829, 275.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 59.—Grop. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, Philad. VIII, 1856, 134. Calyctlepidotus (in part), Ayres, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Se. I, 1855, 76. The genus Hemilepidotus was established by Cuvier upon the very characters which we have just endeavored to diagnosticate, and as such it has been adopted by the subsequent writers. 68 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. HEMILEPIDOTUS SPINOSUS, Ayres. Spec. Cuar.—Upper surface and sides of head provided with membranous flaps. Eye quite large. Posterior free extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn across the posterior rim of the pupil. Dorsal band of scales cc mposed of six rows or series; lateral band, of seven, five below and two above the lateral line. Ground color dark reddish brown, with darker transverse bands and blotches. Syn.—ZHemilepidotus spinosus, Ayres, MSS.—Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 134. Calycilepidotus spinosus, Ayres, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1855, 76. The head in this species constitutes the third of the whole length, not including the caudal. It is depressed, broader than deep, grooved between the orbits, slightly depressed upon the skull, and covered with small spinous processes and membranous flaps. A fringed pair of the latter (one on each side) may be observed upon the occipitals, the upper and posterior rim of the orbit, the upper angle of the opercle, and upon the cheeks.- A similar, but not fringed, flap is seen at the posterior free extremity of the maxillary. A narrow and rather elongated pair exist upon the chin near the symphysis of the dentaries. The eyes are large, sub circular, and slightly turned upwards ; their longitudinal diameter enters about three times and a half in the length of the sides of the head, and not quite once in advance of their anterior rim. The interocular space is narrow. The anterior nostril is tubular and nearer to the eye than the extremity of the upper jaw. The turbinals are conspicuously spinous; the snout blunt and rounded. The posterior extremity of the maxillaries extend backwards to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the pupil. The limb of the preopercle is provided with four spines; the two uppermost being the largest and more close together than the remaining two, which occupy the inferior branch of that bone. The preopercle exhibits two spines—an elongated one, buried in its upper margin, and another rather short, at the inferior angle of the same bone. The branchial apertures are separated under the throat by an isthmus, the width of which is contained about five times in the distance, comprised between its edge and the extremity of the lower jaw. The branchioste- gals are six on either side, the inferior one being rather small and slender. The body, anteriorly, is almost as wide as deep ; it becomes, however, soon compressed pos- teriorly, soas to be deeper than broad. The profile is sub-fusiform in specimens of medium size. The origin of the anterior dorsal fin is situated in advance of a vertical line intersecting the base of the pectorals. It is composed of eleven spinous rays distributed over a space some- what less than the half of the base of the second dorsal. The three first rays are nearly equal and shorter than the fourth and all the succeeding ones, except the two last ; it results from this structure that the outline of the fin is depressed between the third and fourth rays. The second dorsal is contiguous to the first at their bases; it is composed of twenty articulated but undivided rays, constituting a fin higher than the anterior, and extending to very nearly the base of the caudal, for, the tips of the terminal rays overlap slightly the insertion of the caudal rays. The caudal itself is rather small, rounded, or sub-convex upon its posterior margin, and contained six times and a half in the total length; it is composed of nine bifurcated and two undivided rays and rudiments of rays. The origin of the anal is situated opposite the fifth ray of the second dorsal; it is not quite so deep as the latter is high, and does not extend quite so far posteriorly. The sixteen rays of which it is composed are all undivided, the interradial membrane being deeply emarginated. The insertion of the ventrals takes place immediately opposite the upper portion of the base of the pectorals ; they are elongated and slender, com- posed of four soft and one spinous rays, the extremities of which do not reach the vent. The FISHES—COTTIDAE—ARTEDIUS.. 69 pectorals are broad, composed of fifteen rays ; the extremity of the middle and longest reaching a vertical line which would intersect the anus and the fourth ray of the second dorsal. The interradial membrane is emarginated between all, but more deeply below than above. Ba valeeoVil Dp Nel e2Ols sAW Gt 4-91 1b 45 1 Sit) Vi dos, Pal be The dorsal band of scales is composed anteriorly of six, tapering posteriorly into two longi- tudinal rows or series. The band of either side meets its fellow in advance of the dorsal fin. The scales themselves are concave or funnel-shaped, with their free margin finely denticulated or serrated ; they are directed obliquely upwards, largest upon the inferior row, and diminishing gradually to the upper row; the sixth is quite irregular, existing only upon a short distance. The scales of the lateral band have the same general structure as those just referred to, though generally larger ; we observe one row above and two below the lateral line, upon the distance covered by the pectorals; upon the middle of the flanks successively five, four, three, and two, as we proceed towards the peduncle of the tail, below the lateral line and one above it, to half- way along the tail. The series constituting the lateral line itself is the largest of the whole set, and continuous from the head to the base of the caudal. Elsewhere the skin is perfectly smooth. The ground color is dark reddish brown, with darker or blackish blotches, assuming sometimes the shape of transverse bands upon the upper region of the body, the head, and the fins. The inferior surface is unicolor, but the anal is barred or blotched like the other fins, and the ventrals are greyish. List of specimens. eather | 2 a 5 Locality. Whence obtained. | g Nature of specimens. Collected by— o & | =] 5 77 | = ae | oa a a i Wags . a=) ee 32] 6 A | °o | a | 326 6 | San Francisco, California. --| Lieut. Williamson------- ee Alcoholic. ~.------ Dr. Newberry.----- 327, | 2 | Humboldt bay, Cal_---..--- Lieut. Trowbridge- ------|.--..- See eee Licut. Trowbridge-- Bit ege| lo ak San Francisco, California -..| Dr. Ayres -------------- WS ah tee eidgzeseee/ Soe Dr; Ayress:o 2b eee | | ARTEDIUS, Girard. Gen. Cuan —Head rough, with supraorbital membranous flaps. Spines upon the preopercle only. Mouth moderately cleft ; lower jaw slightly overlapped by the upper. Teeth upon the premaxillaries, dentaries, front of the vomer, and palatines. Gill openings continuous under the throat ; branchiostegals five on either side. Dorsal fins separated. Caudal sub-truncated posteriorly. Insertion of ventrals opposite the base of the pectorals. A dorsal band of pectinated scales. Syn.—Artedius, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 134. Calycilepidotus (in part), Ayres, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1855, 76. The genus which we here inscribe to the memory of an ichthyologist whose works prepared the road towards a clear and concise zodlogical nomenclature, is intermediate between Aspicottus and Hemilepidotus. It differs from the former by the presence of teeth on the palatine bones, the absence of spines upon the opercle, and the existence along its dorsal region of a band of small denticulated scales, disposed upon several series. ‘The fact that there are five branchi- ostegals instead of six may also be taken into consideration. From Hemilepidotus it is distin- 70 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS——ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. guished by the absence also of spines upon the opercle and membranous flaps upon the head ; by the lower jaw being overlapped by the upper ; by the existence of an isthmus separating the gill openings; by the presence of five branchiostegals instead of six ; by the separation of the dorsal fins ; and, finally, by the fact that there is but one longitudinal band of denticulated scales along the dorsal region. Its affinities with Scorpenichthys are much closer than apparent. The membranous flaps above the orbits, the continuity of the gill openings under the throat, the presence of spines upon the preopercle only, are sufficient proofs of it. Indeed, it can be distinguished from Scorpenichthys simply by the presence of its dorsal band of scales, its five branchiostegals instead of six, its anterior dorsal lower than the second, the insertion of the ventrals under the pectorals, and which are composed of three soft rays, instead of five. The external aspect of Artedius will remind the fresh water bullheads to the most superficial observers. The head is large, depressed, and broader than deep, as also the anterior portion of the body, whilst posteriorly it is compressed, and very much tapering towards the caudal fin. 1. ARTEDIUS LATERALIS, Grd. Pratt XXII a, Fries. 5 & 6. Spec. Guar.—Surface of head smooth. Preopercle armed with a flat bicuspid spine. Band of dorsal scales narrow, origin ating at the thoracic arch and extending to near the terminus of the base of second dorsal. Anterior margin of first dorsal situated in advance of the thoracic arch. Deep chestnut brown above, maculated with yellowish ; beneath yellowish. Syn.—Scorpaenichthys lateralis, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 145, Hemilepidotus nebulosus, Ayres, MSS. Calycilepidotus lateralis, Ayres, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1855, 77. Artedius lateralis, Gro. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 134. The head of the specimen before us enters about three times in the length, excluding the caudal fin. The occipital region is flattened; the interocular space, which is quite narrow, is convex, and the rostral distance declivous. The mouth is broad ; the posterior extremity of the maxillary extends to a vertical line drawn posterior to the pupil. The eye is well developed, sub-circular in shape, and situated towards the summit of the head ; its horizontal diameter is contained a little over four times in the length of the side of the head ; about once in advance of the anterior margin of the orbit. The anterior nostril is a little nearer the orbit than the extremity of the snout, whilst the posterior is situated posteriorly and inwardly of the latter, in a little depression behind a small and acerated spine, terminating the turbinal bones. A short and flat bicuspid process may be observed upon the convexity of the preopercle, the spines being slightly bent upwards. The rest of the opercular apparatus is perfectly smooth. The first dorsal is much longer than high, and its anterior margin is situated anterior to the upper part of the insertion of the pectorals, being almost even with a line passing through the suprascapular bone ; in advance, therefore, of the posterior and membranous flap of the opercle. It is composed of nine slender rays. The second dorsal, which is higher than the first, extends from alittle distance of the latter to near the insertion of the caudal, the extremities of the posterior rays at least reaching almost to the base of that fin. Its rays, seventeen in number, are articu- lated but undivided. The caudal fin, posteriorly sub-convex, composed of nine bifurcated and two simple rays, with several rudiments. The fin itself is contained about five times and a half in the total length. The origin of the anal is situated opposite the fourth ray of the second dorsal, and does not extend quite as far posteriorly ; it is composed of eleven slender and undivided rays an ft FISHES—COTTIDAE—ARTEDIUS NOTOSPILOTUS. 71 somewhat shorter than in the opposite fin. The insertion of the ventrals takes place in advance of a line intersecting the middle of the base of the pectorals. These fins are rather slender, their tips not reaching the vent. They are composed of a spine and three articulated but undivided rays. The base of the pectorals is quite oblique, sub-crescentic, and following the outline of the gill apertures, so that its inferior portion reaches the inferior surface of the head. The fins themselves are broad, the inferior rays much stouter than the rest, and the middle ones con- siderably longer than the upper and lower; their extremities extending somewhat beyond a line intersecting the anterior margin of the anal. The rays, fifteen in number, are all undivided, though articulated. IBGE EVE ae DONC Te AN ee Cadeulero 4 amles Ze eiVinlbcd talevulley. The upper surface and sides of the head are perfectly smooth ; a small membranous flap is to be seen above the superior and posterior rim of the orbit. The body is smooth, also, save a narrow band of ciliated scales extending along the dorsal region from the upper portion of the thoracic arch to near the terminus of the second dorsal fin, where it approximates that fin, hence diverges from it anteriorly. The area thus covered by the scales is broader anteriorly than posteriorly ; the scales are disposed upon transverse oblique series of eight scales each ante- riorly, and reduced to less than half that number posteriorly. The lateral line is conspicuous, undergoing a slight inflection downwards upon the middle of the flanks. The ground color of the upper region is deep chestnut brown, maculated with yellowish. The lower part of the sides below the lateral line is ocellated with yellowish roundish spots of various sizes. The inferior region is unicolor, as well as the anal and ventrals. The other fins are spotted or barred with blackish. The chin is maculated with greyish. References to the jigures.—Plate XXIla, fig. 5, represents Artedius lateralis, from San Francisco, California, and size of life. Fig. 6, a dorsal scale-like shield, magnified. List of specimens. Locality. Whence obtained. Nature of specimens. Collected by— Catalogue number. No. of specimens Original number. 328 i San Luis Obispo, Cal-_---- Lieut. Trowbridge -------|------ | Alcoholic. -------- Lieut. Trowbridge ---- 366 1 San Francisco, Cal-.....- IDA AGS S-ececmeeseece AS Ilesceae Oe eae ies AWS) Saeqe ees os 2, ARTEDIUS NOTOSPILOTUS, Grd. Puatzs XXII 6b, Fies. 5 & 6. Spec. CuAr.—Surface of head sub-tuberculous and scaly. Preopercle armed with a flat tricuspid spine. Anterior margin of first dorsal situated in advance of the beginning of the dorsal band of scales, which is broad, and extends from the thoracic arch to near the terminus of the base of the second dorsal. Olivaceous, with a series of saddle-like black patches. Abdomen dull yellow or white. Syn.—Artedius notospilotus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad. VIII, 1856, 134; &, in Bost. Jour. Nat. Hist. VI, 1857 ; Pl. xxiv, figs. 5 and 6. Calycilepidotus lateralis, Ayres, Proc, Cal. Acad. Nat. Sci. I, 1855, 77. The specimen which we propose to describe, somewhat smaller than the preceding, measures 72 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. about three inches and a quarter in total length, the head constituting also the third of it, the caudal fin excluded. The occipital region is depressed, and the interocular region, which is broader than in the preceding species, instead of being convex, is groove-like. The rostral distance is gently sloping towards the extremity of the snout, exhibiting two stout and con- spicuous nasal spines, behind which is a depression for a tubular posterior nostril, the anterior nostril being, as usual, on the side of the snout nearer the orbit than the extremity of the ros- trum. The posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line passing rather posterior to the middle of the pupil. The eye is large, sub-circular, placed towards the upper surface of the head ; its horizontal diameter is contained four times in the length of the sides of the head, not quite once in advance of the anterior rim of the orbit. A short and flattened tricuspid process may be observed upon the convexity of the preopercle, two of the spines pointing upwards, the third downwards. Upon the inferior branch of the same bone there are two minute spines, whilst a third one, directed forwards, is inserted upon the interopercle. The general disposition and structure of the fins is the same as in the preceding species ; the origin of the anal, however, is opposite the third ray of the second dorsal, and not as deep as the latter is high, and the insertion of the ventrals situated upon a vertical line intersecting the middle of the base of the pectorals. Br. Vise Ve. Dix, 16/0 As 105, Qa again eV Se ae sin A membranous flap may be seen upon the posterior superior rim of the orbit. The occipital region is provided with small spines and tubercles, symmetrically disposed, whilst the entire surface is spread over with small scales, similar to those of the dorsal region, with the only difference that the ciliated edge is less conspicuous. These scales extend over the temporal region, opercular apparatus, and between the orbits. The dorsal band has the same disposition as in the preceding species, but it is broader, though composed of a smaller number of scales ; the latter are more apart and their edge more strongly ciliated, or rather spinous. The lateral line is very conspicuous, and its curve depressed upon the middle of the flanks. The ground color is olivaceous, darker above than beneath. A series of four black, saddle- like spots, may be observed along the back—the first one across the anterior dorsa], the second and third over the second dorsal, and the fourth upon the peduncle of the tail, between the two fins. The lower half of the sides, below the lateral line, is ocellated with dull white or yellow. The inferior surface is unicolor. The fins are unicolor, of the general hue of the region to which they respectively belong. References to the figures.—Plate XXII }, fig. 5, represents Artedius notospilotus, from San Francisco, California, and size of life. Fig. 6, a dorsal scale-like shield, magnified. ‘ List of specimens. . I a S |e 4 ‘ > FA Bites 2 ¢ a: ele 81 ¢ 3 E 3 | alle eles ee Locality. = Whence obtained. A = Collected by— fp | Be los Ss = os o | 2 ‘S & r=] =I 2 = 2 ° oS o st = 2/5 S| % Ss 2 = O20ni eon aa 1 lYg.- Tomales bay. Cal -.-.---. 1856.-.| E. Samuels.....-. oe) wnnelaene Alcoholic.., E. Samuels ---- SOfplasen= 1 |Adt.| San Francisco, Cal -..-..- 185722. |Dr aA yreso ste oete aoe 86, )2--.do-.+.|\ Dr Avrest =o = Bio! |S2eeee 1 Yg.-| Ft Townsend, Puget’s 8’d| July, 1856 | Capt. Murden ~.-..------|.--- ---2d0---- Capt. Murden. — FISHES—COTTIDAE—ZANIOLEPIS LATIPINNIS. 73 ZANIOLEPIS, Girard. Gen. Cuar.—Upper surface of head spineless. Preopercle spinous. Mouth moderate, with its gape horizontal and the jaws sub-equal. Card-like teeth upon the premaxillaries, dentaries, front of vomer, and palatines. Gill openings con- tinuous under the throat; branchiostegals six on either side. Dorsal fins contiguous; anterior one longer than the second. Caudal posteriorly sub-crescentic. Insertion of ventrals situated posteriorly to the base of pectorals. Dermic productions comb-like. Syn.—Zaniodermis, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad. November, 1857, 202. A very peculiar genus, and related to Blepsias and Trachidermis. The prickles of the skin, however, assume a compound character in the shape of comb-like scales. It may, furthermore, be distinguished from Blepsias by a much larger anterior dorsal fin; by the structure of its pectorals, the outer inferior margin of which is not scalloped; by the presence of an isthmus under the throat, and five branchiostegals instead of six, and by the upper surface of the head, which is spineless. ZANIOLEPIS LATIPINNIS, Grd. Pratt XVII, Fies. 5 & 6. Spec. Cuar.—Three small spines upon the convexity of the preopercle. First dorsal much longer than the second, with its two anterior rays protracted beyond the others. Anal fin longer than the soft dorsal and provided with three spinous rays. Upper surface and sides of head prickly and rough like the surface of the body. Color, yellowish brown; fins spotted or barred with black. Syn.—Zaniolepis latipinnis, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Se. Philad Novembar, 1857, 202. The greatest depth of the body corresponds to the thoracic region ; hence it is tapering con- siderably towards the peduncle of the tail. The thickness is somewhat more than half the depth. The total length of the specimen described is nine inches. The head constitutes about the fifth of the total length ; its upper surface is very declivous towards a sub-conical snout. The jaws are sub-equal, the mouth moderate in size, with its gape quite horizontal. The posterior extremity of the maxillary extends to a vertical line intersecting the pupil. The eye is large, sub-elliptical, its horizontal diameter entering about three times and a half, or a little more, in the length of the side of the head, and exactly once in advance of the anterior rim of the orbit. Three small spines may be observed upon the convexity of the pre- opercle, two of which directed upwards, the third downwards. The other bones of the opercular apparatus are deprived of cither spines or serratures. The supra-scapular exhibits a minute spine. The branchial fissures are continuous under the throat; there are six branchiostegals on either side. The fins are conspicuously developed. The origin of the dorsal is situated in advance of the insertion of the pectorals near the occipital region. It is highest anteriorly, and diminishes gradually from the first to the last spine, with the exception of the second, which is protracted beyond the rest of them. The first and second rays are but slightly connected by the inter- radial membrane. The soft dorsal is contiguous to the former; its anterior margin raises abruptly above the last spine of the first dorsal, diminishing also gradually backwards. The anal fin is much longer than the soft dorsal ; its origin is situated somewhat posteriorly to the middle of the spinous dorsal, but does not extend quite so far back as the soft dorsal. It is composed anteriorly of three slender spines, shorter than the rest of the rays, which increase gradually in depth to the penultimate, which is shorter than the ante-penultimate. The last ray alone is smaller than the anterior spines. The caudal, which is sub-crescentic upon its lda , 74 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. posterior margin, constitutes about the seventh of the total length. The origin of the ventrals takes place on a line immediately behind the base of the pectorals. Their extremities extend beyond the origin of the anal fin, consequently overlapping the vent. The second articulated ray is longer than the rest. The extremity of the pectorals corresponds to a line intersecting the origin of the anal fin. Br Vile OV PRON nlo eA DLS MielG Sal Opn ec eValeap ee meal The scales are very small, firmly imbedded in a tough skin. Their structure is very simple: neither concentric lines nor radiating furrows ; a uniform granular appearance of the entire scale is exhibited under the microscope. The comb-like posterior margin is provided with a variable number (from four to eleven) of processes, too large to be called cilia; these are the enly parts protruding from the skin, giving the body a shagreened appearance, and quite rough to the touch. The lateral line is concurrent with the dorsal outline, but is not composed of any particular scales. The upper surface and sides of the head are covered with minute scales similar in structure to those of the body. The snout alone is smooth. There are no scales on the base of the fins. The head and body are of a soiled yellowish-brown hue, darker above than beneath. The base of the dorsal fins is maculated with black ; the caudal and pectorals, barred with the same ; and the anal and ventrals are uniformly black upon their external half, the edge of the fins alone being whitish. References to the figures.—Plate XVII, fig. 5, represents Zaniolepis latipinnis, reduced from a specimen nine inches long. Fig. 6 is a scale from the middle of the flanks, considerably magnified. List of specimens. Locality. Whence obtained. Catalogue number. Corresponding No. of No. of specimens. When collected. Original number. Sex and age. Nature of specimen. Adult | Fort Steilacoom, Puget’s Sound} 1856 | Dr. Suckley-....------------|.----- i) ~~ ~ ' ' ' ' ' ' ’ ' = Alcoholic. NAUTICHTHYS, Girard. Gen. Cuar.—Upper surface of head and opercular apparatus spinous. Mouth moderate, with its gape nearly horizontal ; the jaws being sub-equal. Velvet-like teeth upon the premaxillaries, dentaries, front of vomer, and palatines. Gill aper- tures separated under the throat by an isthmus; branchiostegal rays, five on either side. Dorsal fins contiguous upon their base; first one shorter than the second. Caudal fin posteriorly rounded. Ventrals slender and elongated, inserted under the base of the pectorals, which are large and broad, with the infeiror rays projecting beyond the interradial membrane. Skin studded with minute prickles. This genus, like the preceding, is related to Blepsias and Trachidermis, by its prickly skin. From the former it differs by the absence of membranous or filiform appendages, recalling to mind Scorpena ; by its anterior dorsal, which is higher than the second ; by the depth of the anal, which is less deep than the second dorsal is high ; by the branchial apertures, which are separated by a wide isthmus ; and by its ventrals, which are longer and more slender. Its true affinities with Zrachidermis we are not prepared to trace, since no specimens of the latter are at our command, FISHES—COTTIDAE—NAUTICHTHYS OCULO-FASCIATUS. 75 NAUTICHTHYS OCULO-FASCIATUS, Grd. Spro. Cuar.—Posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn across the anterior rim of the pupil. First dorsal anteriorly filiform. Extremities of posterior rays of both the dorsal and anal projecting beyond the insertion of the caudal. Anal fin shorter than the second dorsal, and not as deep as the latter is high. Ground color of a uniform rusty red. A black band crosses the eye, through the pupil, and extends across the cheeks. Syn.—Blepsias oculo-fasciatus, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. November, 1857, 202. The body is elongated, rather slender and compressed ; its greatest depth upon the thoracic region being about the fifth of the total length; hence it gradually diminishes towards the peduncle of the tail, which is about the third of the greatest depth. The specimen before us is four inches and a quarter in total length, in which the head enters four times, the caudal fin excluded ; the latter being a little shorter than the head. The upper surface of the head has quite an uneven appearance, caused, in the first place, by the elevation of the upper rim of the orbit, which not only raises above the surface of the head but is provided with small conical processes. Thus we have a very narrow and deeply grooved interocular region. The occipital region, which is depressed, exhibits, right and left, two conical spine-like processes. Again, upon the snout, are two more spines, one right and one left, the projection of the turbinal bones. The snout, otherwise, is declivous and sub-conical. The eye is large and subcircular ; its diameter entering about three times in the length of the side of the head, and less than once in advance of its anterior rim. The mouth is moderately cleft, with its gape nearly hori- zontal, and the posterior extremity of the maxillary bone extending to a vertical line which would intersect the anterior rim of the pupil. The teeth are very minute and veivet-like. Four small conical processes may be observed upon the convexity of the preopercle ; two directed upwards and backwards, and the other two downwards and forwards. ‘The preopercle is spine- less, whilst the suprascapular exhibits two conical processes resembling those upon the occiput. The gill apertures do not communicate together, but are separated under the throat by a very wide isthmus ; the branchiostegal rays are five on either side, all tolerably well developed. The origin of the anterior dorsal takes place at the occiput, and thus anteriorly to the base of the pectorals. The three anterior rays are long and filiform, and inclined forwards ; the remaining rays diminish rapidly in height, and although both dorsals are contiguous upon their base, a very wide gap exists between them. The second dorsal is well developed, extending as far as the insertion of the caudal, beyond which its posterior rays project. Anteriorly it is about equal in height to the two-thirds of the depth of the body upon the same region, but posteriorly it is much higher than the body is deep. The rays are dichotomised, and so are the rays of the caudal. The latter fin, as already stated, is shorter than the head, and rounded upon its posterior margin. The origin of the anal is situated a little nearer the extremity of the snout than the base of the caudal fin. It is less deep than the second dorsal is high, and does not extend so far posteriorly, though the tips of its posterior rays reach the insertion of the caudal. All the rays of the anal are soft or articulated, but the posterior ones alone are dichotomised. The ventrals are elongated and slender, inserted under the base of the pectorals, and projecting beyond the vent; the latter being placed quite in advance of the anterior margin of the anal, which is not reached by those fins. Their rays are simple. The pectorals are broad, inserted upon an oblique base, and when brought backwards alongside the body, their longest rays are made to project beyond the origin of the anal; the upper rays alone being dichotomised. Bey Ve Vicn en par WALA = Cid, 15.5,.4, 1,.25°¥ 13 3 P i: 76 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT, Instead of scales, the skin is studded all over with minute prickles, extending somewhat along the rays of the fins. The ground color is of a uniform rusty red, with a black band through the middle region of the orbit, and directed obliquely downwards and backwards across the cheeks. The anterior portion of the dorsal being blackish ; the dorsal, caudal, and pectorals obsoletely barred with black ; the anal blackish also ; and, the ventrals preserving the hue of the ground color. List of specimens. ee 2 | § FI 3 Locality. When Whence obtained. Nature of speci-| Collected by— o vo me ital a collected. mens. alics | } | zm | ——| es 512 1 | FortSteilacoom, Puget’sSound) Nov. 1854 | Dr. Geo. Suckley, U. 8. A.} Alcoholic----- Dr. Suckley. | Family SCORPAENIDAE, Swains. The body is always covered with scales ctenoid in structure, and the dorsal fin unique, the spinous portion combining closely with the soft portion. The head is large, and more or less spinous, a trait most develoyed in cottoids; and, the genus Scorpaena, in addition to spines, exhibits membranous or cutaneous flaps or appendages, which give to it a very unprepossessing appearance. Similar,'though less numerous appendages, we have observed in some heterolevids and cottoids also. Another feature, peculiar to the genus Sebastes, it is true, resul.;, . som the fact that small scales extend all over the head to its upper surface, as well as the sides, to the very tip of the snout and along the jaws. There are seven branchial rays in all, and the branchial apertures or gill openings, whichever called, are continuous under the throat. The gills them- selves are three and a half on either side, the fourth having but one branchial comb developed. The last branchial split, consequently, does not exist. The fishes of this family are all marine. The species of Sebastes are marketable fishes, and are sold at San Francisco under the names of rock-fish and rock-cod. Some of them reach a considerable size, weighing from one to four pounds, and quite esteemed as an article of food, hence one of the great resources on the coast of California, SCORPAENA, Art. Gen. Cuar.—Surface of head spinous, scaleless, covered with a soft and spongy skin, and provided also with cutaneous flaps. Mouth largo, though moderately cleft; jaws sub-equal; lower one slightly projecting. Teeth upon the premax- illaries, dentaries, front of the vomer, and along the palatines. Gill openings continuous under the throat ; branchiostegal rays seven on either side, One dorsal fin; anterior portion spinous. Caudal fin rounded off posteriorly. Ventrals inserted somewhat behind the base of the pectorals. Body covered with pectinated scales. Lateral line concurrent with the dorsal outline. Syn.—Scorpana, Arrapi, Gen. Pisc. 1738; edit. Walbawm, 1792, 374.—Lann. Syst. Nat. ed. VI91748; &, ed. Xal, 1758, 266.—Cuv. & Van. Hist. nat. Poiss. IV, 1829, 286.—Srormr. Synops. 1846, 59. FISHES—SCORPAENIDAE—SCORPAENA GUTTATA. SC SCORPAENA GUTTATA, Grd. Prats XVII, Fras. 1—4. Spec. Cuar.—Posterior extremity of maxillary reaching a vertical line intersecting the posterior rim of the orbit. Soft portion of dorsal fin nearly as high as the spinous portion. Posterior extremities of dorsal and anal fins terminating evenly. Above, reddish brown; beneath, yellowish brown. Black patches and spots disseminate 1 over the upper regions of head and body. Syn.—Scorpaena gutlata, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 145, The body is about eleven inches in total length, the head forming the third of it. The head has a pretty rough appearance: in the first place, the orbits seem as if upheaved from the upper part of the scull, the middle line of which exhibits an excavated groove. Three spines are observed along the upper edge of the orbit, behind which three more may be seen on either side of the occipital region and nape. Several supra-tympanic spines, though small; two diverging ones upon the opercle, and four upon the limb of the preopercle, the uppermost of which being much the stoutest and longest. Next we see four other spines irradiating downwards from the sub-orbitals, and finally the nasal bones terminate into a sharp and acute point, directed upwards and slightly backwards. Intermingled with these numerous spines there are but two pairs of small membranous and arborescent flaps—we were going to say—adorning the head, but in reality contributing to render it still more repulsive to an eye unitiated to scientific pursuits : the first pair is situated above the posterior part of the orbit, whilst the second occupies the inner upper edge of the anterior nostril. The eye is large and elliptical, its horizontal diameter being comprised nearly five times in the length of the side of the head. The poste- rior extremity of the upper maxillary reaches a vertical line which would intersect the posterior rim of the orbit. The soft portion of the dorsal has nearly the same height as the spinous portion. The caudal is sub-rounded posteriorly. The tips of the posterior rays of the anal are even with those of the soft dorsal. The insertion of the ventrals is under the base of the pectorals ; they are elongated. The pectorals are broad and very much developed, their poste- rior extremity extending considerably beyond that of the ventrals. Brats Ms WX lO ALUM b> C6516 6,:b, 1; 3c, V1 bey P 18. The scales of the body are of medium size, and very small upon the occipital region and the head. The opercular apparatus is naked; scales being observed upon the posterior flap of the opercle only. The ground color is deep reddish brown above, yellowish brown beneath. The anterior por- tion of the back and head is almost black. Cloud-like patches of blackish, here and there, with numerous small black spots, more defined on the head than on the body, and much larger on the fins. The belly is of a dull white; the throat yellowish ; the inferior surface of the head whitish and brownish. References to the figures.—Plate XVII, fig. 1, represents Scorpaena guttata, somewhat reduced in size. Fig. 2 is a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 3, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 4, a scale from the middle of the abdomen. 78 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. List of specimens. | =a] E |g 3 aA |S : 3 ; ‘ 2 | 2 Locality. = Whence obtained. Nature of speci- | Collected by— 5 177) i = 3 men. s o 2 | E O14 ls par = 350) 1 | Monterey, California. --.-.--- 1853 | Lieutenant Trowbridge------- Alcoholic. .--.-- Lt. Trowbridge. SEBASTES, Cuv. Gen. Cuar.—Body rather short and contracted. Head largely developed; upper surface with or without spines. Mouth large ; inferior jaw the longest; velvet or card-like teeth upon the premaxillaries, dentaries, the front of the vomer, and the palatines. Surface of the tongue smooth. Spines upon the preopercle and opercle. Gill openings continueus under the throat ; branchiostegals seven on either side. Dorsal fins united at their base. Caudal posteriorly sub-crescentic or concave. Insertion of ventrals posterior to the pectorals. Body covered with well developed pectinated scales, which extend over the head, opercular apparatus, cheeks and jaws, and also over a portion of the fins. Syw.—Sebastes, Cuv. Regn. anim, (2d ed.) II, 1829.—Cuv. & Var. Hist. nat. Poiss. 1V, 1829, 326.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 60. Three of the species described below, S. rosaceus, fasciatus, and melanops, present the remark- able peculiarity of small elongated and slender scales, situated in the interstices of the scales of the ordinary type. The same small scales are observed upon the cheeks and opercular appa- ratus, though fewer than elsewhere. 1. SEBASTES ROSACEUS, Grd. Prats XXI. Spec. Cuar.—Upper surface of head provided with horizontal and acute ridges. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line intersecting the pupil. Origin of dorsal fin situated in advance of the base of the pectorals. Uniform reddish, lighter beneath than above. 3 Syn.—Sebastes rosaceus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 146. Sebastes ruber, Avnes, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1854, 7; and, Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. V, 1855, 97. The general form of this species might at first be suggestive of S. norvegicus, were the central rays of the first dorsal not so much higher than in the latter species, giving to the upper margin of the fin alluded to, a decided convexity. The fish is rather stout than elongated, though much compressed, the greatest depth of the body being equal to the third of the entire length, which is about fourteen inches, and nearly equal to the length of the head. The upper surface of the head exhibits but two pairs of small and horizontal spines, whilst the preopercle is provided with five of them, rather stout and conspicuous. We observe, like- wise, two spines upon the edge of the opercle, the uppermost of which being the largest. Two more spines may be seen upon the supra-scapular region. The eye is large and sub-circular, the orbit being even with the upper surface of the head. Its horizontal diameter is contained four times in the length of the side of the head, once in advance of the anterior rim of the orbit, and twice posteriorly to the entire orbit. The mouth is broad; but the posterior extremity of the maxillary does not extend beyond a vertical line drawn through the centre of the pupil. FISHES—SCORPAENIDAE—SEBASTES FASCIATUS. 79 The second dorsal, or rather the soft portion of the dorsal fin, is scarcely higher than the first or spinous portion. The posterior margin of the caudal is sub-concave, a feature which the figure fails to represent. The anterior spine of the anal is more developed than in 9. melanops, though the shortest of the three which precede the articulated rays of that fin; the tips of the posterior soft rays extend somewhat further back than those of the dorsal, but do not reach the base or insertion of the caudal. The insertion of the ventrals is situated immediately posterior to the base pectorals ; the pectorals, themselves, being elongated, their tips extending beyond those of the ventrals, and reaching a vertical line which would fall between the two portions of the dorsal. Br VLE VL sD ee AS A, 7 oC. 1525595505 CieeV 5. Plt The scales which cover the body are of medium size, those upon the head, cheeks, opercular apparatus, and throat being quite small. The accessory scales are very numerous. The course of the lateral line is parallel to the outline of the back. The normal scales are deeper than long ; the accessory ones are lanceolated and much longer than deep, The color is of a uniform reddish or crimson tint, lighter beneath than above. The upper region of the opercle exhibits a large elongated spot of a much deeper hue. References to the figures.—Puats X XI, fig. 1, represents Sebastes rosaceus, somewhat reduced in size. Fig. 2 exhibits a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 3, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 4, a scale from the middle of abdomen. Figs. 5 and 6 being accessory scales. Figs. 2—6 are magnified. List of specimens. Locality. Whence obtained. Nature of specimens. Collected by— Catalogue number. No. of specimens When collected. 343 PT |SansDieroriCal==-2-=5--- Lieut. Trowbridge-...--- 18535 PAlcoholich=-n=-=2—-ssee A. Cassidy -.-. San Francisco, Cal..-...- Lieut. Williamson. --.--- 1856 |.---do jw rs is _ soe cicncuadesmeckicin Dr. Newberry. 2. SEBASTES FASCIATUS, Grd. Pruate XXII. Spec. Cuar.—Upper surface of head provided with large spinous ridges. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending beyond the pupil. Origin of dorsal fin situated in advance of the base of the pectorals. Ground color gréenish yellow or sulphur yellow, clouded with dark patches, spotted with whitish ; a dorsal fasciole of the ground color extends from the third or fourth dorsal spine to the base of the caudal. Syn.—Sebastes faciatus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 146. Sebastes nebulosus, Ayres, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1854, 5; &, Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. V, 1854, 96. The body, anteriorly, is very stout and deep, the head being more rounded, with its upper surface, from the occiput to the snout, more inclined than in the preceding species. The total length of the fish here described and figured is about eleven inches, of which the head forms more than the third. The greatest depth is equal to the length of the head. The upper surface of the latter exhibits spiny ridges, or processes, very acute posteriorly: one prenasal pair, two supra-orbital pairs, and an occipital one, by far the most elongated. Five triangular spines 80 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. occupy the limb of the preopercle, and two the upper and posterior edge of the opercle. The supra-scapular region exhibits likewise three such spines. The posterior extremity of the max- illary reaches a vertical line drawn behind the pupil. The lower jaw is a little longer than the upper. The outline of the spinous portion of the dorsal fin is convex, the highest spines being higher than any of the soft rays. The caudal is rounded off upon its posterior margin. The tips of the posterior rays of the anal are even with those of the posterior rays of the caudal, both fins approximating the base of the caudal. The anterior spiny ray of the anal is situated upon the right side of the second ray, and thus not exhibited upon the accompanying plate ; it is, as usual, the shortest. The ventrals are elongated, inserted immediately behind the base of the pectorals, and reaching the vent with the tip of the longest rays. The pectorals are broad and well developed, since their posterior extremity extends a little further back than the ventrals. The ten inferior rays are stout and undivided, with the interradial membrane deeply indentated. Br. Ville s Valles D Exa Se AGT CRC 2 MIESG rDseligis) Vial cpa Se The scales are rather above the middle size, those on the head and opercular apparatus being comparatively more developed than in the preceding species. ‘They are quite regular in shape, a little longer than deep, posteriorly ciliated, with diverging grooves upon the anterior section only. The accessory scales are quite numerous. The lateral line is parallel with the outline of the back. The ground color is greenish sulphur yellow; purplish black patches over the head, sides of body, and fins, in the midst of which patches appear crowded whitish spots. An area of ground color may be traced from the third and fourth dorsal spines obliquely downwards and backwards, towards the base of the caudal, in an oblique direction from the dorsal fin to the lateral line; then along the course of lateral line to the base of caudal fin. The throat is deep sulphur yellow ; the inferior surface of the head and belly is spread all over with a duller tint. References to the jigures.—Plate XXII, fig. 1, represents Sebastes faciatus, somewhat reduced in size. Fig. 2, ascale from the dorsal region. Fig. 3, ascale from the lateral line. Fig. 4,4 scale from the abdominal region. Fig. 5, an accessory scale. Figs. 2—5, are magnified. List of specimens. Bese 5 Siz |¢ r e 3 5 3 3 | 8 | to z ‘ 3 2 B= a | a 3 | & 8 : 2 2. By Ey oh 2 e Locality. =| Whence obtained. a 2 Collected by— Ble | 2/3 S aM) Lae = o | © e a aI H S35. e.8 = a ees oO |o Alon = ° z B46) soe 2 | adt.| Presidio, Cal .....---.--- 1853 | Lieut. Trowbridge --.----- ----|Alcoholic--} Lieut. Trowbridge. Sh6 uae 1 | yg. | San Francisco, Cal-.--.-- 1856 | Lieut. Williamson -.-..-- S6oe|o=sa00 one BPODy ENEW DENY = =- 55 3. SEBASTES AURICULATUS, Grd. Srro. Cuxan.—Upper surface of head provided with small horizontal and acute spines. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the orbit. Origin of dorsal fin situated in advance of the base of the pectorals. Blackish brown above, lighter beneath. A black spot upon the upper part of the opercle. Swn.—Sebastes auriculatus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 131 and 146. This species is allied to S. inermis, of the Japanese seas, in the structure of the upper surface FISHES—SCORPAENIDAEK—SEBASTES MELANOPS. 81 of the head, the spines of which, instead of being raised, are reduced to mere horizontal ridges, terminating posteriorly into acute points. The largest specimens which we have seen measure about eight inches in total length, the head forming a little more than the fourth of it. The greatest depth, which corresponds to the thoracic region, is equal to the length of the head. The general aspect of the body is rather elongated than compact. The upper surface of the head exhibits the following pairs of spines or spiny ridges: an internasal or prenasal ; an anterior and a posterior supra-orbital ; a tympa- nic; a post-parieto-frontal, and an occipital ; in all six pairs. The supra-scapular region is provided with three spines, the opercle with two, and the preopercle with five. The most developed may be seen upon the convexity of the preopercle. The mouth is large, for, the pos- terior extremity of the maxillary reaches a vertical line drawn a little beyond the posterior rim of the orbit. The lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper. The eye is circular; its diameter enters four times in the length of the side of the head. The spinous portion of the dorsal is about the height of the soft portion ; its outline is regu- larly convex. The posterior extremities of the articulated rays extend further back than those of the anal fin. The second anal spine is much stouter than the other two, and deeper also. The posterior margin of the caudal is sub-truncated ; the entire fin is contained about four times and a half in the total length of the fish. The ventrals are inserted at a small distance from the base of the pectorals. The latter are broadly developed, and their extremity extends as far as, perhaps farther than, the tip of the ventrals which reach the vent. There are seven branchiostegal rays. Br Vie Le Dee Bike Abb oy ena, 6 bs dai Vi lib PTS ir The scales are of moderate development, a little longer than deep, and, as usual, ciliated upon their posterior margin. The lateral line follows the curve of the back, to which it is parallel. The color is reddish brown above, as also on the sides, becoming lighter and somewhat yellowish towards the abdomen. The back is clouded with blackish. A large black spot covers the upper region of the opercle. Two narrow bands of the same hue extend obliquely from the orbit to the edge of the gill cover, more conspicuously, however, in the young than in the adult. List of specimens. en les ; a ee) s Ee & g | an I o 2 # ala isis 8 g 3 elas|2|e2 Locality. EI Whence obtained. 5 ay Collected by— ele |2\% S cI 3S 2|s 3o|8 FI s 2 | i= ages ES = 4 =| 00 te! a | Ss 3 5 = 5 |5 a | oa = S is 57! 6 |Adt.| Presidio, Cal _-...--....- 1853 | Lieut. Trowbridge---.-.-- ----| Alcoholic-| Lieut. Trowbridge. Es aaa 2 |.---| San Francisco, Cal ---.--- 1853 | Lieut. Williamson ------- ----|----do...-| Dr. Heermann -.-- Gt seer 7 | a dose eee LESGR|ese 4 23 Oe see eecmg ceo perc aoc! do..--]} Dr. Newberry.---- 4. SEBASTES MELANOPS, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Upper surface of head generally spineless. Posterior extremity of maxillary reaching a vertical line drawn anteriorly to the posterior rim of the orbit. Origin of dorsal fin opposite to, or slightly in advance of, the base of pectorals Upper regions blackish brown ; sides brownish, spotted with black ; beneath greyish brown. Syn.—Sebastes melanops, Gro. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 135. : Sebastes variabilis, Ayres (non Cuvier), Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1854, 7; and, Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. V, 1855, 9. Ila 82 U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. We have seen specimens of this species measuring from eighteen to twenty inches in total length. We take the former as basis to our description. The greatest depth, which corresponds to the thoracic region, enters a little more than three times and a half in the total length ; hence the body tapers rather rapidly towards the peduncle of the tail. The head constitutes about the two-sevenths of the total length ; its upper surface — is spineless and covered with minute scales. A small spine upon the supra-scapular bone, two others upon the edge of the opercle, and from five to seven upon the limb of the preopercle, are all that is observed upon the side of the head, and since they are diminutive in size, the entire head assumes quite an unarmed appearance. The largest are those upon the convexity of the preopercle. The opercular apparatus is covered with scales a good deal larger than upon the cheeks and sides of the snout. The sub-orbital bone, which extends over the cheek, is rather small and inconspicuous. The eye is large and circular, its diameter entering about four times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Both nostrils are situated nearer the anterior rim of the orbit than the edge of the upper jaw. The lower jaw is very prominent, projecting considerably beyond the upper; the gape of the mouth is oblique upwards; the posterior extremity of the maxillary, very much dilated, extends to a vertical line drawn inwardly to the posterior rim of the orbit. The origin of the dorsal fin is situated opposite, or else slightly in advance of a line drawn in front of the base of the pectoral fins. Its spinous portion, although occupying a greater extent of the base than the soft portion, is lower than the latter. It is composed of thirteen spiny rays, the anterior one of which is the smallest; they increase in height to the sixth and seventh, hence diminish to the twelfth ; the last spine is again higher, though but half the height of the anterior articulated ray. Of the latter kind we observe fifteen which diminish in height posteriorly. The caudal fin enters a little more than five times and a half in the total length ; its posterior margin is concave or semilunar. Three spiny rays (the first one quite small, the other two, stout) and nine articulated ones compose the anal fin. Its anterior margin is situated posteriorly to the anterior margin of the soft portion of the dorsal. The posterior extremity of the ventrals does not extend to the vent. The pectorals are broad ; the ten lower rays are simple, and stouter than the remaining upper ones; the tip of these fins extends almost as far as the tip of the ventrals. Br. Vals VoL: DA Ibs ANT, 8.200 4.45 GG) loics Vict eeeees A smaller specimen than the one from which the above formula was taken, and likewise from Astoria, exhibits thirteen soft and articulated rays to the dorsal fin. The rudimentary rays of the caudal are also more numerous. In the two specimens from Cape Flattery we find in one fifteen, and in the other sixteen, articulated rays in the dorsal fin. The scales are large and very much imbricated, since two-thirds of each scale is covered by its neighbor. The small accessory scales seem to be less numerous than in the foregoing species. The upper surface of the head and the dorsal region above the lateral line are almost black, or else of a purplish black. The side of the body is yellowish, with an irregular purplish black spot upon nearly all the scales. The side of the head is of a lighter purplish black, The inferior region is of a soiled yellow, though of a metallic hue. The fins are unicolor, of a dark purple tint, FISHES—SCORPAENIDAE—SEBASTES PAUCISPINIS. 83 List of specimens. Fal FS =| | a: 5 == 5) ese bi i | 8 gC els |] x es \ Tes | eae et = as 3 Fa Locality. = Whence obtained. aes a | Collected by— a | 6 Jat} ay re) Ee cS to] | | o | 3 o | @ | & 4 acto o S| ae = |e | 38 |8 wi) a = |S = | 34E fc se-- 2 |Adt.| Cape Flattery, W. T.-..-- 1853 | Lieut. Trowbridge --...--|---- Alcoholic..) Lieut. Trowbridga. 342) |-2 ee 2 |.do.| Astoria, Oregon.--..--.-- 1854 }|22s- 2252 002 a sae se ee = se | sae Go d0bsse|-- aa ae= dole aee eae | 5. SEBASTES PAUCISPINIS, Ayres. Pirate XXIJa, Fras. 1—4. Spec. Coar.—Head and body very much compressed ; former, wedge shape ; tip of lower jaw very prominent. Spines of the upper surface of scull inconspicuous. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the orbit. Opercle and preopercle spinous. Origin of dorsal a little in advance of the base of the pectorals. Reddish brown above, lighter beneath. Syn.—Sebastes paucispinis, Ayres, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1854, 6; &, Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. V, 1854, 94. An authentic specimen of this species now before us measures thirteen inches and a half from the extremity of the lower jaw to the end of the caudal fin. The general aspect of the fish is elongated, the head and body being very much compressed ; the former constituting nearly the third of the entire length. The outline from the origin of the dorsal is regularly sloping towards the snout ; it is nearly straight aloug the base of the spinous dorsal, hence descending towards the peduncle of the tail. The mouth is deeply cleft, the lower jaw projecting considera- bly beyond the upper, and provided with a conspicuous knob upon its symphysis. The posterior extremity of the maxillary is quite dilated, its margin sloping inwardly downwards, being itself even with a vertical line which would be drawn somewhat posteriorly to the orbit. Card-like teeth upon the premaxillaries, dentaries, front of the vomer and palatines. The eye is large and sub-circular ; its diameter entering five times and a half in the absolute length of the side of the head. The nostrils are situated towards the upper surface of the snout, a good deal nearer the orbit than the edge of the upper jaw. The upper surface of the head presents but two hori- zontal, very small, acerated occipital spines at the posterior extremity of the occipital ridges. Upon the limb of the preopercle we observe five flattened, sometimes bifurcated, spinous pro- cesses, largest at the convexity. The subopercle is spineless, but the posterior edge of the opercle exhibits two flattened and diverging spines. The suprascapular bone terminates likewise into an inconspicuous spine. The anterior dorsal is regularly arched in its outline, and simply contiguous to the second, between which and the former there is a much greater depression than usual. The caudal fin enters a little short of six times in the total length. Its posterior margin is sub-erescentic. The anal is as deep as the soft dorsal is high, but shorter upon its base; the tips of its rays extend- ing likewise further back. The origin of the ventrals takes place almost opposite the base of the pectorals, and, although well developed and elongated, their extremities are far away from the vent. The pectorals are elongated, sub-lanceolated ; their extremities extending some- what beyond those of the ventrals. Biv vihD XT, 14; A TIL, 930%, 1, 6,6, 1,4; V 1,6; P 14. 84 U Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. The scales on the body are small, longer than deep; as usual, pectinated posteriorly and grooved upon their anterior section. Those under the throat, on the opercular apparatus and cheeks, are still smaller, and upon the head, snout, jaws, very small indeed. The base of the pectorals, second dorsal, and caudal, exhibit some very exiguous scales. The color is of a uniform reddish brown above, along the dorsal region,a good deal lighter beneath the lateral line. The upper surface of the head being much darker than the back. The inferior surface of the head exhibits a silvery hue, whilst the belly is dull yellow or whitish. References to the figures.—Puatn XXIla, fig. 1, represents Sebastes paucispinis, somewhat reduced in size. Fig. 2, a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 3, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 4, a scale from the abdominal region. List of specimens. FI S ees fhigre 8 Ss a | ; 5 | g op a | | 3 = 3S - | ca eri | 3 E 2, © Se a (sa Locality. ~ Whence obtained. a oe Collected by-- cr ere ee a 3 © i) a = | i=} d rs r= 3 2 ri | s “bo £ 3 5 ° Rak 1 ore 1 se 3 Oe w| wo | = |S a CE (| eee Se 1 | Adt. | San Francisco, California_.| 1856 | Dr. W. O. Ayres.-.----.-- 4 | Alcoholic -| Dr. Ayres.--.. Family GASTEROSTEIDAE, Bonap. The spinous rays of the dorsal region, instead of being united together by a membrane into an anterior fin, are isolated from one another. Hach spine has a very small membrane at the posterior edge of its base. The spines are variable in number, transversally flattened upon their base, and acerated upon their extremities ; either smooth upon their edges or denticulated. They can be brought backwards in an horizontal position, and lie upon the back. The ventral fins, situated about the middle of the abdomen, are composed almost exclusively, to a few exceptions, of one stout spine. The pelvic bones are external, and united to the thoracic belt. There are but three branchiostegal rays, the gill openings being separated beneath by an isthmus. The gills, four in number on each side, are complete; that is, composed of two perfect branchial combs. The last gill opening, situated between the fourth gill and the inferior pharyngeal bones, is also fully developed. There are no scales, properly so called ; the body is sometimes nacked, at others plated in part or entirely. Being of a diminutive size, these fishes do not appear on our tables. If brought to the market, it is more as an object of curiosity than otherwise. They are, however, well known to the people on account of their common occurrence in pools, marshes, ponds, and rivulets. Congregating in their habits, there are seasons in the year when they may be seen by myriads together. . The Indians of California are said to catch these fishes during the summer season, and to store them up for winter food ; being scooped out of the water by means of baskets made for that purpose, afterwards simply exposed to the sun and allowed to dry. FISHES—GASTEROSTEIDAE—GASTEROSTEUS. 85 GASTEROSTHUS, Artedi. Gey. Cuar.—Upper surface of head plane, either smooth or corrugated. Opercular apparatus without any spines. Mouth rather small, oblique ; posterior extremity of maxillary not extending as far as a vertical line drawn in advance of the anterior rim of the orbit. Minute velvet-like teeth upon the dentaries and premaxillaries ; none on either the vomer or the palatines. Gill openings separated beneath by a narrow isthmus; branchiostegals three on either side. First dorsal represented by a series of isolated spines, varying in number. Belly shielded. Caudal fin sub-truncated or sub-crescentic posteriorly. Insertion of ventrals situated opposite the second dorsal spine, therefore abdominal. Body either covered with a smooth skin, or partly or totally covered with transversally elongated plates. Lateral line very obsolete. Syn.—Gasterosteus, Anrepi, Gen. Pisc. 1738.—Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. VI, 1748.—Cuy. & Vat. Hist. nat. des Poiss. IV, 1829, 479.—Srorer, Synops, 1846, 62. The genus Gasterosteus is met with in most of the fresh waters of the cold region of the boreal temperate zone of both hemispheres. Although amongst the smallest fishes inhabiting the fresh waters, they have not passed unnoticed in any country. They attract the attention of the people partly on account of their great multitudes at certain periods, and partly owing to the fact of their being provided with spines more or less numerous, which, added to their small size, render them unfit for the table. The popular appellation of sticklebacks is most characteristic. Besides the dorsal spines, which vary in number from three to eighteen, the ventrals are almost exclusively composed, each, of strong and acute spines, which may be brought at right angles with the body. Fishes thus armed, though small, have but few enemies ; for, it is only necessary for these little creatures to straighten their spines to defy the voracity of most of the tyrants of the fresh waters. From the rivers, these fishes extend to the brackish estuaries, and even to the genuine salt waters of the bays. In many instances, how- ever, the species inhabiting the salt waters are different from those occurring in the rivers. The inferior surface of the abdomen exhibits a bony shield formed partly by the ossa innominata, and partly by the bones of the thoracic arch, the latter diverging from the isthmus to the insertion of the ventrals, which are abdominal, so as to leave a middle naked area, the former extending from behind the base of the ventrals, posteriorly, in the shape of a spear, more or less pointed. In some, the body is covered with a perfectly smooth skin ; in others, a series of transversely elongated plates may be observed from the thoracic arch to the base of the caudal, diminishing in size posteriorly, and reduced to a narrow keel upon the peduncle of the tail. In others still, these plates are restricted to the anterior part of the body, from the opercular apparatus to about the second dorsal spine. It would be an interesting point to ascertain how far the presence or absence of these plates are specific. In many instances no tangible difference is observed between specimens entirely smooth and others plated all over, beyond the fact just referred to, in which, when plates are present, the peduncle of the tail is keeled, whilst it is smooth and plane when the plates are either entirely absent, or exist upon the anterior part of the body alone. The habits of each group ought to be carefully investigated, the growth of the young watched, and broods kept isolated until they have reached their full development. One fact already must appear evident to the mest superficial observer: the species with a complete series of plates, or scutella, are much less numerous than the others. So far, all the species of the western coast of North America which have come to our knowledge, belong to the type represented by G@. biaculeatus, provided with two distinct dorsal spines, more or less developed, and a small and inconspicuous one at the anterior margin of the second dorsal fin. The types of G. apeltes and G. occidentalis have, so far at least, not been noticed there. 86 U. S. P. R. R, EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. The anterior dorsal spine is situated either in advance of the base of the pectorals or behind it, according to the species. The anterior margin of the anal is always provided with a small spine, similar to the one in advance of the second dorsal. The ventrals, which are abdominal, are composed of a stout, more or less serrated, spine, and a small soft ray, scarcely perceptible. The body is always very much compressed and sub-fusiform in its profile. The head constitutes sometimes the fourth, and sometimes the two-sevenths of the entire length. The upper surface is either smooth or corrugated ; the sides of the head are always smooth, no spines being ever extant upon the opercular apparatus. As to the sub-orbitals, they are sometimes entirely concealed under the skin. A narrow isthmus exists under the throat, separating the gill openings ; the branchiostegal rays are well developed, and three in number on either side. The investigator into the habits of these fishes will bear in mind the astonishing fact that a European species of this genus constructs a genuine nest into which the spawn is deposited and watched. It is related that the male is the sole architect in the construction of the nest ; there are two openings to it, an entrance and an exit. At the breeding season the male compels the female to enter the nest, there to deposit her spawn, when, so soon as done, he drives her away, to come back afterwards and keep a constant watch over the progeny, which otherwise would be eaten by the female. 1. GASTEROSTEUS PLEBEIUS, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Body partly plated ; peduncle of tail not keeled. Dorsal spines three ; of moderate development, and strongly serrated upon their edges, insertion of anterior one taking place immediately behind the base of the pectorals. Insertion of ventrals placed slightly in advance of the second dorsal spine; ventral spine serrated on both edges, and its extremity not reaching the tips of the ossa innominata. Posterior margin of caudai fin sub-crescentic. Syn.— Gasterosteus plebetus, Gro. Proc. Acad. Nat. Se. Philad. VII, 1854, 147. The largest of the numerous specimens of this species which we have examined measured about two inches, the head forming the two-seventh, or a little more, of that length. The upper surface of the head is corrugated, but apparently smooth as long as the slime rests upon it ; its sides exhibit diverging minute granular ridges upon the opercular and sub-orbital bones. The lower jaw is slightly longer than the upper one, since it protrudes beyond it when the mouth is shut. The posterior extremity of the maxillary does not extend to a vertical line drawn across the anterior rim of the orbit. The teeth are exceedingly minute. The nostrils are nearer the orbit than the extremity of the snout. The eyes, circular and well developed, enter four times in the length of the side of the head by their diameter; the distance between their anterior rim and the extremity of the snout is greater than one of their diameter. The greatest depth of the body, which corresponds to a vertical line drawn from the middle of the space between the first and second dorsal spines, enters about five times in the total length. The insertion of the first dorsal spine takes place immediately behind a vertical line drawn pos- teriorly to the base of the pectorals. When placed horizontally, its extremity stretches beyond the insertion of the second spine. The latter is larger than the first ; both are of but moderate development, conspicuously serrated, or rather prickly, upon both edges. The second spine, when brought horizontally backwards, does not reach the third and very small spines at the anterior margin of the second dorsal ; the distance, therefore, between the third and second spines is much greater than between the second and the first. The origin of the soft dorsal is nearly opposite the tips of the ossa innominata. The latter fin is sub-triangular, highest anteriorly, and diminishing gradually backwards ; it is composed of eleven, sometimes of thirteen, rays, the middle ones being bifurcated upon their extremity. The caudal fin, which constitutes about FISHES—GASTEROSTEIDAE—GASTEROSTEUS PLEBEIUS. R7 the seventh of the total length, is composed of ten bifurcated and two undivided rays, together with several rudiments above and below. The anal has the same general outline as the second dorsal, but is much shorter, since its origin is opposite the fifth ray of the fin just mentioned, and extends no further posteriorly ; the posterior rays of both being perfectly even. Composed of nine or ten rays, the middle ones are likewise bifurcated upon their extremity. It is pre- ceded anteriorly by a small spine, similar to that at the anterior margin of the second dorsal. The insertion of the ventral) spine is situated in advance of a vertical line drawn anteriorly to the second dorsal spine ; it is acerated, conspicuously serrated, or prickly upon both edges, and, when bent backwards, its extremity does not extend as far as the tips of the ossa innominata. A minute, soft, and undivided ray, may be observed within the membrane at the inner surface of the spine. The base of the pectorals, with reference to the first dorsal spine, has already been alluded to. These fins are broad, rather short and rounded exteriorly ; they are composed of ten undivided rays, with an interradial membrane even with their tips. Bev llle el Dri s e133; eAyhO s( C35 if by. 59 15 .2:3) VoL iL 50: The anterior portion of the body, from the scapular region to the second dorsal spine—that is, the thoracic region—is covered with bony plates, or scutelle, transversely elongated. The three anterior, or supra-scapulars, are quite reduced, but the four succeeding ones occupy all the space between the dorsal plates and the ventral shields ; the last of the four just referred to, situated posteriorly to the second dorsal spine, does not reach the ventral line; the cubital pro- cess, ascending from the ossa innominata, overlaps the extremities of the three remaining ones. The rest of the body is covered by a smooth skin. ‘ The ground color of the upper region is light brown, and silvery white beneath, sometimes of a dull appearance when the slimy mucous is still adherent. The upper surface and part of the sides of the head is maculated with blackish or brownish. The back and sides are likewise blotched, sometimes irregularly, oftentimes disposed in transverse bands or fasciz, which, upon a minute examination, are found to consist of crowded dots. The fins are all unicolor, yel- lowish or olivaceous brown. Specimens were obtained from the salt marshes about Presidio, near San Francisco, California, by Lieutenant W. P. Trowbridge and Ur. John S. Newberry. We have observed other specimens, a little stouter than the preceding, with the serratures of both the ventral and dorsal spines less conspicuously developed, and occasionally with one _thoracic plate less, and which were procured at San José, California, by A. G. Grayson, Esq., and at Petaluma, Sonoma county, California, by E. Samuels. List of specimens. aQ m e be 8 | eo 5 3 s f as ls 3 EI Ey eae |S |e Locality. = Whence obtained. 5 Z Collected by— Si/s | =|% S 3 5 2|8 = nes a & £ a mm v ‘0 =) 2/5 s | 8 = = a 6 |5 Z| on | & fe) Pe 330 |--.--- 1 | adt.| San Francisco, Cal-.-.---- 1853 | Trowbridge ..--.----.-.- ----| Alcoholic.-| Trowbridge ~--.... 33) \peoeas CN) Gee eae Oso anon een deta 1853 | Williamson ~....--...... -=--|....d0..<-| Dr, Newherry/<==.: 3320) oaeee 24 | do.-| San Jose, Cal....-.--.--- 1854 | A. G. Grayson..-.-....-- See a = O04 3A. G: Giavsone = 335) [eo anns 11 | do.-| Petaluma, Cal..-.------- 1855 | E. Samuels_..-.........- -==-|----do--_-| E, Samuels______ = - 88 U. Ss. P. R R. EXP. AND SURVEYS——-ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. 2. GASTEROSTEUS SERRATUS, Ayres. Spec. Coar.—Body entirely plated ; peduncle of tail keeled. Dorsal spines three, high and slender, conspicuously serrated upon their edges ; anterior one inserted a little in advance of the base of the pectorals. Insertion of ventrals situated somewhat in advance of the second dorsal spine, their own spines being serrated upon both edges, more conspicuously above than below, and extending beyond the tips of the ossa innominata. Posterior margin of caudal fin concave. Syn —Gasterosteus serratus, Ayres, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1855, 47. Closely allied to the preceding is G. serratus ; indeed, the only striking chracteristic consists in the presence of bony scutellae along the whole length of the flanks. The few specimens before us measure a little more than two inches, the head forming the fourth of the entire length. Thé upper surface of the head, the opercular and sub-orbital bones, are finely granular. The nostrils are situated midway between the anterior rim of the orbit and the extremity of the snout. The eyes are large and circular, their diameter entering three times and a half in the length of the sides of the head, exactly once in advance of their anterior rim. The dorsal spines are slender, and higher than in the preceding species; the second is a little larger than the first, and both are conspicuously serrated upon their edges. The first spine, when bent hori- zontally backwards, extends a little beyond the second, whilst the latter, in a similar position, reaches the base of the third and very small spine at the anterior margin of the second dorsal fin. The first dorsal spine is situated above the base of the pectorals. The origin of the second dorsal takes place anteriorly to a vertical line met by the tips of the ossa innominata ; it is composed of eleven rays, the middle ones of which, bifurcated. The origin of the anal takes place under the fifth of the second dorsal, and terminates evenly with the latter at a short distance from the base of the caudal. The rays, nine in number, besides the anterior spine, have the same structure as those of the second dorsal. The caudal is posteriorly sub-crescentic, or concave, constitutes about the seventh of the total length, and composed of ten bifurcated and two undivided rays, together with many rudimentary ones. The insertion of the ventral spine is situated entirely in advance of a vertical line passing before the second dorsal spine ; it is elongated, slender, acerated, projecting beyond the tips of the ossa innominata, and reaching the vent. The serratures or prickles of its upper edge are much more developed than upon the lower. The pectoral rays are slender, but all well developed, though undivided, constituting a broad fin, exteriorly sub-convex. Be U0 2 IGS Dold, Es A, LD eee bahoubs beak, A540) Tek) Bola: f As already stated, the sides of the body are provided with a series of thirty-two to thirty- three plates, or scutellae, extending from the supra-scapular region to the base of the caudal fin. The three anterior are supra-scapular altogether, small and irregular; the next twenty- five are transversely elongated, occupying the middléof the flanks, whilst the four or five remaining ones constitute a sharp ridge along the peduncle of the tail. The surface of these scutellae is granular, in diverging lines from a central point on each plate. There is an abdominal and a dorsal area, which are not covered by the extremities of the lateral plates or shields. Ground color, greyish brown above, with numerous minute blackish dots; dorsal region darker than the sides; abdominal region lighter; a blackish band along the keel on the peduncle of the tail. A specimen of this species from the marshes of the bay of San Francisco, labelled by Dr. Ayres himself, leaves no doubt as to its identity; it was brought home by Dr. John 8. New- FISHES—GASTEROSTEIDAE—GASTEROSTEUS INTERMEDIUS. 89 berry. Others from Shoalwater Bay, Washington Territory, collected by Dr. J. G. Cooper, exhibit no difference in structure from the one just alluded to. List of specimens. Sif x ee a ° Bees ls a alae | Gell SS) SS ene op Locality. = Whence obtained. q eS Collected by— Fy || oe lhc 8 CI | 6 | eee | S| a g ss hibiabos ie = El Reale A Soiliameeh » | 3 S| Z| w = Ss) || Zs } | | na | > aaa ; 334 | acere 1 |Adt.| Bay of San Francisco ---- | 1856 | Lt. R. S, Williamson ----- aaae | Alcoholic. | Dr. Newberry -.-.. SoS | oe 4 | do.| Shoalwater Bay, W. T----| 1853 | Gov. I. I. Stevens.-..----|---- |Seee doneee | Dr. Cooper_..----- 3. GASTEROSTEUS INTERMEDIUS, Grd. Spec. Coar.—Body plated all over ; peduncle of the tail keeled. Dorsal spines three, moderate in development and incon- spicuously serrated upon their edges ; anterior one inserted immediately behind the base of pectorals. Insertion of ventrals under the second dorsal spine, their own spine being serrated upon both edges, more conspicuously above than below, and their extremities not extending as far as the tips of the ossa innominata. Posterior margin of caudal fin concave. Syn.—Gasterosteus intermedius, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 135. But we have received from Cape Flattery specimens of this genus which bear, mayhap, a still closer affinity towards G. plebeius than even G. serratus. With the latter it agrees in having the sides of the body plated all over, whilst it differs by the proportional size of the head, the eye, and the spines, both dorsal and ventral. Their size is a little over two inches, agreeing in that respect with G. serratus, but the head is contained three times and a half only in the total length, in other words, constituting the two-sevenths of the latter, and thus resembling more G. plebeius. The upper surface of the head is corrugated or granular, and the opercular, as well as the sub-orbital bones, exhibit con- spicuous series of granulated ridges. The nostrils are nearer the anterior rim of the orbit than to the extremity of the snout. The eyes are circular and well developed, their diameter entering four times in the length of the sides of the head, and a little more than once in advance of their anterior rim. The dorsal spines are intermediate in development between those of G. plebeius and G. serra- tus ; their edges are rather inconspicuously serrated. The anterior one is inserted on a vertical line passing immediately behind the base of the pectorals, and when bent horizontally backwards it reaches the base of the second spine. The latter, when in a similar position, will not extend to the third and small spine in advance of the soft fin. The origin of the latter or second dorsal takes place in advance of the ossa innominata; its structure, as well as that of the anal, presents nothing peculiarly distinct from the same fins in G. serratus, except that the middle rays are not quite as deeply bifurcated. The caudal constitutes nearly the eighth of the total length ; it is posteriorly concave, and constructed as in the preceding species. The ventrals are inserted under the second dorsal spine, and when bent backwards their extremities do not extend as far as the tips of the ossa innominata. The formula of the rays dves not differ from that of G. serratus. Bree elie il ACK: Si2.0..5,. 050s Ve Dy ls P10, 12a 90 U. Ss. P, R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. As regard to the plates on the sides of the body, their number and arrangement is the same as in the preceding species. The ground color of the dorsal region is greyish, rendered almost black by crowded dots of the latter hue; the sides are lighter and silvery. The base of the caudal fin is marked by a transverse jet black band, sometimes reduced to two patches, one to either lobe. List of specimens. . | 5 2B | olen 3 s a> = a 5 2 2 Locality. = Whence obtained. ‘Nature of specimens. Collected by— bo a 3 £ 3 | fis E ey = 336 4 Cape Flattery, W. T.-.-- 1854 | Lt. Trowbridge -.------- Alcoholic! ===s==—— Lt. Trowbridge -.-... 4, GASTEROSTEUS INOPINATUS, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Body partly plated; peduncle of tail consequently not keeled. Dorsal spines three, slender, and slightly serrated upon their edges, insertion of the anterior one taking place above the base of the pectorals. Insertion of ventrals placed imme- diately in advance of the second dorsal spine ; ventral spine serrated on both edges, but less conspicuously below than above, and its extremity terminating about evenly with the tips of the ossainnominata. Posterior margin of caudal fin sub-crescentic. Syn.—Gasterosteus inopinatus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad. VII, 1854, 147. In many respects this species might be considered more closely allied to G. plebetus than either G. serratus or G. intermedius. In the first place, the anterior or thoracic region alone is plated ; the insertion of the ventralsin advance of the second dorsal spine is another similarity between it and G. plebeius. The general aspect is slender, elongated, considerably tapering from the origin of the anal backwards ; the peduncle of the tail especially is long and slender. The greatest depth of the body, measured across the origin of the ventrals, is contained five times in the entire length. The head itself constitutes the fourth of the same length. The eyes are large and circular, and their diameter is contained three times and a half in the length of the sides of the head, exactly once in advance of their anterior rim. The mouth is somewhat smaller than in @. plebeius, equally oblique, but the lower jaw is less protruding beyond the upper. The anterior dorsal spine, which is inserted immediately above the base of the pectorals, does simply reach the base of the second spine when brought horizontally backwards. Furthermore, there are instances in which it does not extend even so far. The tip of the second spine leaves quite a space between it and the third spine. The spines themselves are very slender and acute, and not, or but slightly, serrated upon their edges. The origin of the second dorsal takes place quite posteriorly to a vertical line intersecting the tips of the ossa innominata, The beginning of the anal is situated opposite the fifth or sixth soft ray of the second dorsal, the middle rays of both of these fins being bifureated. The posterior rays terminate evenly, at a considerable distance from the base of the caudal fin. The anal spine is very exiguous. The caudal fin, which constitutes the seventh of the total length, is concave posteriorly, composed of ten bifurcated and two undivided rays, with rudimentary ones above and below. ‘The insertion of the ventral spine takes place immediately in advance of the second dorsal spine ; it is minutely serrated on FISHES—GASTEROSTEIDAE—GASTEROSTEUS MICROCEPHILUS. 91 both edges, more conspicuously above than below, acerated upon its extremity, which either reaches the tips of the ossa innominata or falls a littleshort of them. The formula of the fins’ rays has nothing peculiarly striking. eae 2 PAST ORCA 5s 65 1, 35 V Ty. 1s PLO: The upper surface of the head is corrugated ; the opercular, supra-scapular, and sub-orbital bones exhibit radiating, sub-granular ridges. There are but three well developed plates, ex- tending from the dorsal spines to the cubital process; a rather small one may be observed anterior to these, and occasionally another, quiterudimentary. Their surface is minutely granu- lar, the granules being disposed upon irradiating series, from a sub-central point corresponding to the lateral line, which is not traceable beyond the plates. The skin covering the rest of the body is perfectly smooth. The ground color is yellowish brown above; the abdomen is silvery ; innumerable blackish dots are scattered allover the head and body, more densely upon the upper regions, where cloud- like spots may occasionally be seen, the result of the aggregation of those dots. All the specimens observed fall short of two inches, with the exception of one, which measures two inches and four-tenths. They were collected in a fresh water lagoon, about one mile back of Presidio on the bay of San Francisco. List of specimens. A 3 & 5 3 3 3 3 2 Locality. = Whence obtained. a Collected by— RD mal Bhs 4 : a 2 5 or = is 337 | 24 | Presidio, California ...--..-.. 1853 | Lt. Trowbridge_--.----.----- ed Lieut. Trowbridge---- | 5. GASTEROSTEUS MICROCEPHALUS, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Body partly plated ; peduncle of tail not keeled. Dorsal spines three, stoutish, slightly serrated upon their edges ; insertion of anterior one situated opposite the upper part of the base of the pectorals. Insertion of ventrals in advance of second dorsal spine, their own spine being very large, serrated upon its upper edge, and extending beyond the tips of the ossa innominata. Posterior margin of caudal sub-crescentic. Syn.—Gasterosteus microcephalus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 133. In the fresh waters of the Tulare basin there is a species whose general aspect is entirely different from any of those hitherto described from either California or Oregon. To those acquainted with the eastern representatives of the genus, it will remind them of G. quadracus, or apeltes, better than any others. It has the same sub-fusiform outline, great development of the middle region of the body, tapering tail and diminutive head. The dorsal spines, the thoracic plates, and the conformation of the ossa innominata, however, with other minor differences, will be sufficient to distinguish the two species. The head is sub-quadrangularly sub-pyramidal, pointing forwards, and contained about four times in the total length. Its upper surface is apparently smooth, but a magnifying glass shows it to be finely granular. The eyes are large and circular; their diameter being contained three times and a half in the length of the side of the head, exactly once in advance of the anterior 92 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. rim of the orbit. The mouth is oblique, and the lower jaw protruding beyond the upper. The greatest depth of the body, taken under the second dorsal spine, is equal to the length of the head. The peduncle of the tail is very narrow. The dorsal spines are well developed, acerated, and quite inconspicuously serrated upon their edges. The anterior one is inserted opposite the upper edge of the base of the pectorals; it is smaller than the second, and, when bent horizontally backwards, its extremity is made to extend beyond the base of the latter, which, in its turn, barely reaches the insertion of the third, when in a similar position. The second dorsal is composed of ten deeply bifurcated rays ; the origin of that fin is situated posteriorly to the tips of the ossa innominata. he caudal, which enters seven times and a half in the total length, is emarginated posteriorly, and composed, as usual, of ten bifurcated, two simple rays, and several rudiments. The anal spine is of the same size as the third dorsal ; it is followed by six or seven articulated or soft rays, the posterior extremities of which falling evenly with those of the opposite fin, the central ones being slightly bifurcated. The ventral spine is the largest of all, acerated, serrated upon its upper edge, and its extremity projecting considerably beyond the tips of the ossa innominata, reaching a vertical line dropped from the origin of the soft dorsal fin. The insertion of the ventrals is situated in advance of the second dorsal spine. The pectorals are exteriorly rounded or sub-truncated, and composed of ten undivided rays. 1G) yea Ie aie ad BP oSiegat Or gat Capcom Cae Lea cat TCO There are seven plates upon the thoracic region ; the three anterior are very small, and situated above the suprascapular ; the two next are the most developed, extending under the cubital process, whilst the remaining two are somewhat shorter, and placed posteriorly to that same process. The surface of the plates themselves is minutely granular. The ground color is yellowish brown, spotted or else transversally banded with greyish black, the spots or bands being the result of crowded dots. The dorsal region is darker than the sides, and so also the upper portion of the head. Beneath, dull yellow, occasionally dotted. Specimens, the largest of which measures one inch and three quarters, were taken in Ka-wee- ya river, sometimes known as the Four creeks, and is a tributary of the northernmost of the Tulare lakes. List of specimens, 8 E Maine! . v alles 3 z 214 E | 3 o e. Locality. | = Whence obtained. | a Collected by— Bll ii 3 | a) ° =| S BP li og E E 3 A | - 1s 338 | 12 | Four creeks, Tulare Valley---.| 1853 | Lt. R. 8. Williamson......--- Alcoholic.| Dr. Heermann ~-..--- | I 6. GASTEROSTEUS PUGETTI, Grd. Spec. Cuan.—Body partly plated ; peduncle of tail not keeled. Dorsal spines three, slender, not serrated upon their edges ; anterior inserted immediately behind the base of pectorals. Insertion of ventrals in advance of the second dorsal spine, their own spine being slender, serrated upon its edges, and extending beyond the tips of the ossa innominata. Posterior margin of caudal slightly emarginated. Syn.—Gasterosteus pugetti, Gro. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 135. The species here introduced is, so far, the smallest of all the species observed in California and FISHES—GASTEROSTEIDAE—GASTEROSTEUS WILLIAMSONI. 93 Oregon. In its general appearance it resembles G'‘. microcephalus most, and what has just been stated in regard to the latter, with reference to G. quadracus, applies equally to it. It is much to our regret that the state of keeping of the specimens will not permit a thorough description of the soft fins. The species differs from G. microcephalus by a larger head, much smaller spines, and fewer plates upon the thoracic region. The head enters three times and a half in the total length ; the eyes are circular and very large, since their diameter enters but a little over three times in the length of the sides of the head, and not quite once in advance of the anterior rim of the orbit. The dorsal spines are slender, acute, and smooth upon their edges ; the anterior one is inserted immediately behind a vertical line drawn across the base of the pectorals. In being brought horizontally backwards, its extremity would hardly reach the second dorsal spine; the latter, at any rate, remains considerably behind the third in that respect. The origin of the second dorsal is even with a vertical line passing by the extremity of the ossainnominata. The insertion of the ventrals is entirely in advance of the second dorsal spine ; their spine exhibits a very slight serrature upon its edges, and its extremity extends beyond the tips of the ossa innominata. The plates or shields are but four in number, occupying the space between the first and second dorsal spines. The three longest converge towards the vertical process of the ossa innominata. The ground color is brownish, rather dark along the dorsal region; the sides are transversely barred with black, the bars or bands being composed of crowded dots. The belly is unicolor. The largest specimens measure an inch and a quarter, List of specimens. Locality. Whence obtained. Collected by— Catalogue number. No. of specimens Nature of specimens. When collected. io) ic) 9 ao Fort Steilacoom, Puget’s Sound | 1853 | Goy. I. I. Stevens ----------- Alcoholic. | Dr. Suckley 7. GASTEROSTEUS WILLIAMSONI, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Body smooth all over ; peduncle of tail not keeled. Dorsal spines three, exiguous and slender, and not serrated ; insertion of anterior one situated above the base of the pectorals. Insertion of ventrals slightly in advance of the second dorsal spine ; their own spines are serrated upon both edges, and their extremities do not reach the tips of the ossa innominata. Posterior margin of caudal fin sub-crescentic. Syn.— Gasterosteous williamsoni, Gro. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 133. This is the most slender, and, consequently, the most elongated and graceful of all the species of the genus above described. The body is sub-fusiform in profile, and, as usual, compressed. The greatest depth, taken across the base of the pectorals, is a little more than the fifth of the total length. The upper surface and the sides of the head are corrugated, the head itself forming the third of the total length, the caudal fin excluded. The eyes are large and circular, and their diameter is contained three times and a half in the length of the sides of the head. The mouth is slightly oblique and the lower jaw longer than the upper, the free extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line intersecting the nostril. 94 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. The dorsal spines are slender, exiguous, and smooth upon their edges; the anterior one is inserted immediately above the base of the pectorals, and when bent horizontally backwards, it does not quite reach the base of the second. The same is true of the second with reference to the third. The origin of the second dorsal is a little nearer to the extremity of the caudal than the tip of the snout ; it is also placed somewhat posteriorly to a vertical line reached by the tips of the ossa innominata. The fin itself is composed of eleven articulated rays, the central ones being slightly bifurcated. The caudal, which enters six times and a half in the total length, is posteriorly sub-crescentic ; it is composed of the usual number of rays. The origin of the anal fin is opposite the fifth or sixth ray of the second dorsal; it is composed of seven articulated rays, the central ones being but very slightly bifurcated. The anal spine is inconspicuous and somewhat smaller than the third dorsal at the anterior margin of the soft fin. The ventral spine is of moderate development, serrated upon both edges, more conspicuously above and near its base than below. Its origin or insertion is a little in advance of the second dorsal spine, and its extremity does not extend as far as the tips of the ossa innominata. The pectoral fins are well developed, broadly sub-truncated upon their periphery, and composed of ten undivided rays. The ossa innominata constitutes beneath a rather small spear-shaped shield, the ex- tremity of which does not reach the vent; the vertical process is narrow and slender. The cubital expansion is well developed. Dil TTP Ae TS MONS a OS ore ay Hy. Teale. . The surface of the body is perfectly smooth ; in that respect G. williamsoni may at once be distinguished from the foregoing species, which are either entirely or partially protected with bony shields. The lateral line follows the middle of the flanks from the origin of the second dorsal fin posteriorly ; anteriorly it is somewhat nearer the back than the belly. The ground color is olivaceous brown, darker on the dorsal region than along the sides, which are spotted with black ; beneath, of a soiled yellow. Specimens of this species were collected at Williamson’s Pass, California. The waters from this place reach the Pacific during the rainy season. In the dry season the waters remain in isolated pools. List of specimens. Locality. Whence obtained. Collected by— Catalogue number. No. of specimens. When collected. Nature of specimens. | | 340 8 | Williamson’s Pass, Cal.....--- 1853 | Lieut. R. S. Williamson --.-..- | Alcoholic.| Dr. Heermann.-...--.. a FISHES—SCIAENIDAE—AMBLODON. 95 Family SCIAENIDAE, Bonap. The sciaenoids present mostly a general external appearance, not unlike that of the percoids. Their body is protected with pectinated else ctenoid scales, which extend likewise over the head, and along a portion of the fins also. There are either one or two dorsal fins, presenting the same general modifications of forms and of combinations, as in the percoids. The head has a peculiar physiognomy, owing to the convexity of its upper surface, and especially to the con- vexity or bluntness of the snout ; the bones of the head aud scull being cavernous, and otherwise provided with crests or ridges. The suborbital bones do not extend across the cheeks, as in the cataphracti, from which the sciaenoids are thus at once distinguished. The mouth is but little protractile; barbels are sometimes observed under the lower jaw about the mouth. The palatines and vomer are toothless, a character by which sciaenoids can always be easily dis- tinguished from the percoids, The maxillary teeth are various. The opercular apparatus exhibits either spines or serratures upon the edge of its bony pieces; the preopercle being, however, occasionally smooth. The swimming bladder is peculiar, by the horn-like processes it exhibits. Syn.—Sciaenidae, Bonar. Sagg. distr. anim. vertebr. 1831, 104.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 65.—Horsr. Ichth. of So. Ca, 1856, 112. Sciwenotdes, Cuy. Regn. anim., 2d ed. II, 1829; &, ed. illustr. Poiss. 77—Cuy. & Vat. Hist. nat. Poiss. V, 1830, 1. Sciaenoideae, Ricuarps. Faun. Bor, Amer. III, 1836, 61. Most of the sciaenoids are esculent fishes, some of which being of exquisite taste. The king fish (Umbrina), weak fish (Otolithus), drum fish (Pogonias), and others, speak for themselves. They live both in seas and rivers; the marine species being, however, much more numerous than those of the fresh waters. The majority of the genera, moreover, are exclusively of marine habits. There is no genus exclusively limited to the fresh waters, at least, in the actual state of the method, the fresh water species belonging to the genera Amblodon and Johnius. Species of the genera Ololithus, Umbrina, Johnius, Micropogon, Homoprion, and Pogonias will be found annexed to the Report of the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey. AMBLODON, Rafin. Gen. Cuar.—Body rather short and deep, more or less subfusiform in profile. Head of medium size; snout thickish, and protruding beyond the lower jaw. Mouth moderate ; velvet-like teeth upon the jaws, with the eaternal row conspicuously larger than the rest. Palate toothless. Edge of preopercle slightly denticulated ; opercular apparatus otherwise smooth. Branchial apertures continuous under the throat. Two dorsal fins contiguous upon their base ; anterior one spinous. Anal fin provided anteriorly with one, two, or three spines. Posterior margin of caudal fin convex or linear. Insertion of ventrals situated posteriorly to the base of the pectorals. Upper surface of head, cheeks, and opercular apparatus covered with scales, which are well developed all over the body. Smaller scales may be seen at the base of most of the fins. Syn.—Amblodon, Rarin. Ichthyol. Ohiens. 1820, 24. Corvina, Cuy. Regn. anim. (2d edit.), II, 1829.—Cuvy. & Vat. Hist. nat. Poiss. V, 1830, 86.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 67. The genus Amblodon was first denominated Aplodinotus by Rafinesque himself, who states that the latter name had been framed upon an erroneous opinion of his, which brought him to change it to its present appellation. 96 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. The species of this genus inhabit both the fresh and salt waters. The fresh water represen- tatives occurring as far north as the great lakes of Canada, whilst the marine ones belong to a more southern latitude, for, Corvina argyroleuca, De Kay, as will be seen further on, does not come under this heading. Now, A. richardsoni (Corvina richardsonii, Cuv. & Vau. Hist. nat. des Poiss. V, 1830, 100.— Ricnarps. Faun. Bor. Amer. III, 1836, 64. Plate rxxvir.—Dr Kay, New Y. Fauna, IV, 1842, 76.—Storer, Synops. 1846, 72), appears to be peculiar to Lake Huron, at least has, so far, not been met with anywhere else. Still, further researches into the ichthyology of the British possessions in North America may pring to light other localities where the same species may also occur. A. grunniens, figured in the present work, is known to exist in the Lakes Ontario and Erie, also in the hydrographic basins of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Closely allied to the latter is A. concinnus, from the brackish waters of the Rio Grande del Norte (Rio Bravo), a specimen of which having been secured by the United States and Mexican Boundary Commission. Finally, the Smithsonian Institution has just received a very characteristic species collected in the bay of San Diego, California, a brief description of which is annexed further on. There are yet various species recorded in the method under the head of Corvina, the generical affinities of which have not yet been critically determined. We refer to those occurring in the seas and rivers of the Hast Indies, as well as those of the western coast of the Atlantic ocean. Those in which the second anal spine is slender and much shorter than the following soft and articulated rays of the same fin have been placed in the genus which Schneider, the commen- tator of Bloch, has long since named Johnius, the latter appearing to be synonymous with Bola of Buchanan: Corvina ocellata, of our southern Atlantic coast, belonging to it. Again, there are some in which the limb of the preopercular bone, instead of being slightly serrated, exhibits spines of greater or lesser development: these may finally come under the head of Homoprion, a genus recently framed by Dr. Holbrook, to include analogous species observed on the coast of South Carolina. The genera just alluded to, however, require a more thorough examination before the classifi- cation of all these species can be attempted. 1. AMBLODON GRUNNIENS, Rafin. Buffalo Perch, Grunting Perch, &c. Puate XXIII. Spec. Cuar.—Profile of the head depressed on the nape. Snout thick, blunt, and short. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line intersecting the anterior rim of the pupil. Extremities of pectorals almost even with the tips of ventrals, or else projecting slightly beyond them. First anal spine diminutive ; second one stout and well developed. Caudal fin posteriorly convex. Color bluish-grey, lighter beneath than above. Fins greyish-olive ; anal maculated. Syn.—Amblodon grunniens, Rarin. Ichthyol. Ohiens. 1820, 24. Sciaena oscula, Lesv. in Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. II, 1822, 252. Plate xm.—Kuirti. Rep. Zool. Ohio. 168, 192. Sciaena grisea, Lesv. in Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. II, 1822, 254. Corvina oscula, Cuy. & Var. Hist. nat. des Poiss. V, 1830, 98.—Ricuarps. Faun. Bor. Amer. III, 1836, 68.— De Kay, New Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 73. Plate xxi, fig. 63.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 67. Corvina grisea, Dexay, New Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 76. White perch of the Ohio, lake sheepshead, buffalo perch, grunting perch, &c., VERNACULAR. FISHES—SCIAENIDAE—AMBLODON GRUNNIENS. 97 Though elongated, the general aspect of this fish is anything but slender. Its dorsal outline is quite arched, and the profile of the head very sloping. The greatest depth, measured under the first dorsal fin, constitutes a little less than the third of the total length, in which it is not contained quite three times anda half. The body is very much compressed, particularly the dorsal and caudal regions ; from the lateral line upwards the thickness tapers away towards the insertion of the dorsal fin. The peduncle of the tail is comparatively slender. The head enters about four times in the total length. Its external aspect is rounded off, the snout being very blunt, rather thick, and projecting beyond the lower jaw. The profile, over the interocular region, is slightly depressed, though the surface preserves its convexity. The mouth is rather above than below the moderate size. The teeth are of the velvet-like type, the outer premaxil- lary row alone being rather large, conical, and canine-like. The eye is well developed, subcircular in shape, its diameter entering a little over five times in the length of the side of the head. The nostrils are much nearer the anterior rim of the orbit than the extremity of the snout. The limb of the preopercle is prominently convex and subcrenated ; the opercular apparatus is otherwise spineless. The branchial apertures are continuous under the throat, and the branchiostegals number seven on either side. The anterior dorsal fin is subtriangular and higher than the second. ‘The first spine is very small and inconspicuous; the second and third spines are the highest. Nine spines compose that fin ; a tenth spine belongs to the second fin, the base of which is nearly double that of the first. A vertical line dropped from tke origin of the anterior dorsal would intersect the origin of the ventrals, and pass immediately behind the base of the pectorals. The second dorsal fin is higher posteriorly than anteriorly. The caudal fin coustitutes nearly the fifth of the total length ; its posterior margin is subtruncated or convex. The anal fin is comparatively small, provided anteriorly with two spiny rays, the first of which being quite diminutive and rudi- mentary, whilst the second is very stout, though not so long as the adjoining soft rays. The spine at the external margin of the ventrals is of moderate development; the tips of the latter fins are far from reaching the vent, which itself ‘: situated at a short distance in advance of the anterior margin of the anal fin. The pectorals are quite elongated and sublanceolated. lobe, WAS \WWlUbs ID IDs Ih B35 JN ILS (Che WAS 15 APIS AY Mata 12 Ny core Te) The scales are of medium size, deeper than long; posteriorly pectinated, and provided with radiating furrows upon their anterior section only. The lateral line is nearly parallel with the dorsal outline, follows the middle of the peduncle of the tail, and extends to the very margin of the caudal fin. The color is of a silvery bluish grey appearance, darker along the dorsal region and upper surface of the head than beneath. The fins are greyish olive; and in the specimen before us the anal is maculated. References to the figures.—Plate XXIII, fig. 1, represents Amblodon grunniens, somewhat reduced in size. Fig. 2 is a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 3, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 4, a scale from the abdominal region. Vas iC 13a 48 U. S. P. R. R, EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. List of specimens. ~ Es bas = : #] 3 : : © 2 rE) Locality. = Whence obtained. at Collected by— =] fa ° Ge So ray, | Lo] ° ° S te 9g qd © a ° os i) 5 a | ¢ 3 E = o A n es A | | —_ 483 1 Adult_..-| St. Louis, Missouri------- 1852 | Dr. George Engelmann..-.| Alcoholic...| Dr. Engelmann . 621 1 Young ---| Ark. river, near Ft. Smith-| 1853 | Lieut. A. W. Whipple----|-...do.-..-- Dr. Shumard-..-- 624 Ls) do-<~ =~ Near mouth of Poteau river| 1853 |-....- Opens e55-banenss saced0se-teulpo deme do... a) FISHES—BLENNIDAE—APODIGHTHYS FLAVIDUS. ata lis The scales are very minute, sub-elliptical or rather ovoid in their outline, cycloid in structure, with a few radiating furrows upon their posterior and lateral sections. No lateral line being discernible. The ground color is yellowish brown; the dorsal region exhibiting twelve or thirteen saddle- like blotches of deep brown, margined with black, two of which being situated in advance of the dorsal fin. About eighteen vertically elongated, squarrish blotches, of a light brown in their centre and darker upon their margins, may be observed along the flanks, and a vertical bar or a spot in the intervening space. An interoculo occipital black vitta, extending from the upper rim of the orbit to the occiput, and continued vertically downwards from beneath the orbit to the hyoidian apparatus. Sometimes, instead of a vitta, we observe a double black filet. The lips are blackish. The pectorals and anal yellowish, and the caudal greyish yellow. References to the figures.—Plate XXVb, fig. 6, represents Guwnnellus ornatus, size of life. Fig. 7, is an enlarged scale of the same. List of specimens. Catal. | No.of Sex and Locality. When Whence obtained. Nature of | Collected by— No. | specs. age. collected. specimens. | 490 1 | eocevee| Presidio, Cal. .ccccesseon| 1853 Lt. W. P. Trowbridge...| Alcoholic . .| Lt. Trowbridge..... | | 491 4 |....e+.| Shoalwater Bay, W.T....| 1853 Gov. I. I. Stevens.......|....do......| Dr. J. G. Cooper.... 492 4 | Adult..| Fort Steilacoom, W.T....| 1855 Weeando’ datvencedsece oonandosetes.| Dee Gecet Suckley... | APODICHTEYS. Girard. Gen. Cuar.—Body very elongated and very much compressed. Head moderate and oblong; snout obtuse ; mouth large. Small and conical teeth upon the jaws and front of vomer ; maxillar teeth disposed upon a double row. Palatines toothless. Branchial apertures continuous under the throat. Dorsal and anal fins uniting with the caudal, which is exteriorly rounded. Dorsal composed exclusively ef spiny rays and occupying most of the dorsal region. Anal provided anteriorly with a large, acutely triangular, and excavated spine. No ventral fins. Scales pectinated and very small; no lateral line perceptible. Syn.—Apodichthys, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 150. This genus is closely allied to Gunnellus, from which it differs by the total absence of ventral fins, the presence, at the anterior margin of the anal fin, of a large, acutely triangular, and excavated spine; and, finally, by its dentition, which consists of small conical teeth instead of being card or velvet-like. To it must be referred Blennius gunnellus apos of Tilesius, observed by the latter in the sea of Kamtschatka. 1. APODICHTHYS FLAVIDUS, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Exterior row of maxillar teeth larger than the internal row, which is sometimes rudimentary. Mouth large ; posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the orbit. Origin of dorsal fin situated opposite the base of the pectorals. Caudal fin small. Uniform greyish yellow. A black filet extending from the occiput to the upper rim of the orbit, and from beneath the orbit obliquely to the angle of the mouth. Syn.—Apodichthys flavidus, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 150. The specimen before us is between eleven and twelve inches long. Its head, which is rounded anteriorly, is contained about nine times in the total length. The snout is obtuse. The mouth - 118 U. 8S. P. R. R, EXP, AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. is quite large, its gape being obliquely directed upwards, and the posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn behind the orbit. The external row of teeth are large in proportion to those of the inner row, which are small and exiguous, and oftentimes obsolete. The vomerine teeth constitute a conspicuous patch. The eye is moderate, sub-circular ; its diameter entering about seven times in the length of the side of the head. The branchios- tegal rays are well developed, flattened, and enclosed in a tough membrane ; posteriorly even, There is no isthmus. The origin of the dorsal fin is situated opposite the base of the pectorals, hence not far from the occiput, and extends all along the back to the caudal fin, to which it is united. It is quite low, though composed of stoutest spines. The depth of the anal is nearly equal to the height of the dorsal, and likewise united to the caudal. It is composed of articulated and bifurcated rays preceded anteriorly by a stylet-shaped bone much resembling a slender metallic pen, the insertion of which is situated a little nearer the extremity of the caudal fin than the base of the pectorals. The caudal itself is small and rounded upon its periphery, entering about eighteen times in the total length. The pectorals are moderate in development; rather short and rounded, ‘The rays, as nearly as we could ascertain, number as follows: Br. 1V; IV;.D LXXXVI-XO; AI, 40-43; 04, 1,11, 10, 1,3; V0;P 4% The scales are exceedingly small, posteriorly pectinated, and without any lateral line appar- ently. The head, cheeks, and opercular apparatus, are scaleless. The color is uniform greyish yellow throughout. A black filet may be traced from the occi- pital region to the superior rim of tle orbit; also, from the inferior rim of the orbit obliquely, backwards and downwards, as far as the extremity of the maxillar bone. List of specimens. Catal. INo. of | Sex and Locality. When Whence obtained. | Orig.| Natureof | Collected by— No. | spec. | age. collected. No. | specimens. 494 1 | Adult...) Presidio, Bay of San Fran- cisco, California..... ee} 1853 Lt.W. P. Trowbridge |......| Alcoholic ..| Lt. Trowbridge... 495 1 |........| San Francisco, Cal.......| 1856 | Dr.W.O. Ayres....| 22 |..-.do......| Dr. Ayres...ceees 2. APODICHTHYS VIRESCENS, Ayres. Spec. Cuar.—Exterior row of maxillar teeth larger than the internal row. Mouth moderate ; posterior extremity of max- illar bone extending to a vertical line drawn within the posterior rim of the orbit, Origin of dorsal fin situated in advance of the base of the pectorals. Caudal fin moderate. Color, greenish olive, or bright pea green, maculated with black. A black filet from the occiput to the upper edge of the eye, and from beneath the eye obliquely backwards and downwards to the angle of the mouth. Syn.—Apodichthys virescens, Ayres, in Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Se. I, 1855, 55. Weare not altogether satisfied of the specific difference between this and the foregoing species. Out of three specimens sent by Dr. Ayres to the Smithsonian Institution, and labelled 4, virescens, one we referred, without hesitation, to 4. flavidus, though similar in coloring to the remaining two specimens which we record here under the appellation of A. virescens, Their length is from ten to eleven inches, just such as was desirable for comparison with our specimen of A. flavidus. The chief differences observed are pointed out in the above diagnosis, which will bear com- FISHES—BLENNIDAE—XIPHIDION MUCOSUM. 119 parison with that of A. flavidus. The head is contained nearly ten times in the total length, thus seemingly smaller than in A. flavidus, a feature also indicated by the fact that the mouth is smaller. The posterior extremity of the maxillar bone is said, by Dr. Ayres, to correspond to a vertical line which would intersect the pupil, whilst I find, upon the specimens now before me, that the said vertical line would have to be drawn rather more posteriorly. The origin of the dorsal is situated a little more forwards than in A. /lavidus, the caudal fin being also some- what larger. The structure of the fins is, otherwise, identical in both species. There is no marked difference in the size of the scales, which are conspicuously pectinated, though so very small. As to the coloration, Dr. Ayres tells us that it is ‘‘almost uniform greenish olive, in some instances bright pea green. A narrow, vertical, black vitta runs from the lower border of the eye downwards; another, of similar breadth, from the upper border inwards and backwards to the occiput.’’ We observe, moreover, small blackish spots and dots irregularly dispersed over the sides of the body, and a double regular series of similar spots along the base and edge of the dorsal and anal fins. List of specimens. | Catal. | No.of | Sex and Locality. | When | Whence obtained. | Orig. | Nature of Collected by— No. |specs.| age. | collected. | No. | specimens. == aaa aaa a a | 496 2 | Adult..| San Francisco, Cal.......| 1856 | Dr. W. O. Ayres...| 22 | Alcoholic...) Dr. Ayres... Sires | XIPHIDION, Girard. Gen. Cuar.—Body very much elongated and very much compressed. Head small and sub-ovoid. Mouth large. Canine teeth in front of the jaws; small and conical ones upon the branches of the premaxillaries (upper jaw) and dentaries {lower jaw), disposed upon a double row on the upper jaw anda single row on the lower jaw. Palatines and vomer toothless. Branchial apertures continuous under the throat. Dorsal fin spinous, and occupying nearly the whole length of the back, and contiguous to the caudal. Anal soft, without spinous rays anteriorly, and contiguous tothe caudalalso. Caudal small, exteriorly rounded. Ventral fins wanting. Pectorals very small. Scales, none ; several mucous lines. This genus resembles Gwnnellus in its general appearance. The shape of the body and the structure of the dorsal fin are alike in every respect. The absence of spiny rays in advance of the anal is a feature peculiar, neither met with in Gunnellus nor in Apodichthys. It approxi- mates the latter, however, by the non-existence of the ventral fins. The pectorals themselves are a good deal smaller than in the genera just mentioned. As regards the dentition, it resem- bles more that of Apodichthys than that of Gunnellus, but still differing from the former by the presence of canine upon the extremity of both jaws. The vomer and palatines, on the other hand, are toothless. The absence of scales, upon which we are left somewhat in doubt, would constitute another distinguishing feature. XIPHIDION MUCOSUM, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Three lateral and one abdominal mucous ducts. Head sub-conical ; mouth large ; posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn across the posterior rim of the orbit. Ground color olivaceous, clouded or macu- lated with blackish brown. Two post-ocular dark vittae crossing the cheek. The largest specimens before us measure seven inches in total length, and the smallest two inches, none of which being in a perfect state of preservation. Their number, however, has enabled us to form a correct idea of the general fascies of the present species. 120 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. The body, as already stated, resembles that of Gunnellus to a very high degree ; it is very much compressed, deepest upon its anterior third, and diminishing gradually backwards. The thoracic region itself tapers towards the head, which is sub-conical and contained about seven times and a half in the total length. The mouth is proportionally large and its gape nearly horizontal. The posterior branch of the maxillary is curved rather abruptly downwards, its posterior extremity falling evenly with a vertical line intersecting the posterior rim of the eye. The teeth are conspicuous ; upon the extremity of both jaws we notice sub-conical, nearly erect, teeth, much larger than the rest, and which we have designated as the canines. Two may be seen upon the upper jaw and four upon the lower, the outermost of which being much larger than the inner, and larger also than those of the upper jaw. The branches of the jaws exhibit each one series of sub-conical teeth, largest upon the middle of the series. Upon the upper jaw (premaxillaries) we observe a second and inner series of much smaller, more numerous, and very slender teeth. The eye is sub-circular, its diameter entering nearly five times in the length of the side of the head. There are six slender branchi- ostegal rays on either side, and the branchial apertures being continuous under the throat without longitudinal splitting towards the hyoidian apparation. The dorsal fin commences at a short distance from the occiput, is quite low and composed of spiny rays exclusively, and terminates at the base of the caudal to which it is contiguous. The anal, on the other hand, is composed exclusively of very slender, soft, and articulated rays, being likewise contiguous to the caudal. Its origin is situated a little nearer the end of the snout than the extremity of the caudal fin. The latter is moderately developed and rounded upon its periphery. The ventrals are wanting, and the pectorals quite diminutive. We can detect no traces of scales ; but we observe three lateral mucous ducts extending from the head to the base of the caudal fin ; they are equidistant, though the upper and the lower approximate more the dorsal and ventral outlines than the middle one. A fourth duct may be seen extending from the base of the pectoral fin to the vent ; it is connected to its neighbor of the sides by a common branch which, from under the pectorals, extends to the hyoidian apparatus. The two uppermost ducts are connected anteriorly by a thoracico-occipital bent, which from the middle of the occiput sends a branch to the origin of the dorsal fin. All these ducts have small alternating lateral branches, which correspond to the myocoms of the great lateral muscle. The main ducts themselves occupying the bents or curvatures of those very same myocomma, The opercular bones and jaws are very porous also. The ground color is dark olive ; dorsal region and posterior half of the body clouded, macu- lated or marmorated with brown or blackish brown. Abdomen unicolor. Two post-ocular blackish vittae may be seen crossing the cheek. List of specimens. Catal. | No. of | Sex and Locality. When col-| Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. | specs.| age. lected. specimens. 493 | 17 lave y's) S. Faralones, Cal......-- 1856 Lt. W. P. Trowbridge-| Alcoholic ...| Lt. Trowbridge.... FISHES—BLENNIDAE—CEBIDICHTHYS VIOLACEUS. 121 CEBIDICHTHYS, Ayres. Gen. Cuar.—Body very elongated and very much compressed. Head moderate and oblong; snout obtuse ; mouth large. Conical maxillar teeth, disposed upon a double series. Velvet-like teeth upon the vomer and palatines. Tongue smooth. Branchial apertures continuous under the throat. Dorsal and anal fins contiguous to the caudal, which is exteriorly rounded. An anterior spiny dorsal fin lower than the soft, and continuous with it. Anal fin spineless. Ventral fins wanting. Scales very small ; lateral line approximating the back. Syn.—Cebidichthys, Ayres, in Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1855, 59. The absence of ventral fins in this genus will distinguish it from Gunnellus, and the structure of the dorsal fin from Apodichthys, to which it is otherwise related by the want of ventrals. The presence of teeth on the palatine bones and the spineless anal fin are other traits by which it may be distinguished from the latter. It is yet doubttul whether Blennius alectrolophus of Pallas (Zoogr. Rosso-Asiatica, 111, 1831, 174), is specifically distinct from the species described further on. Should it prove identical, the name of C. alectrolophus must be restored to it, otherwise, stand as a second species in the present genus. CEBIDICHTHYS VIOLACEUS, Grd. Pirate XXVb, Figs. 4 and 5. Spec. Cuar.—Upper surface of head narrow, declivous laterally. A fleshy crest along the cranial ridge. Mouth large ; posterior extremity of maxillaries extending to a line drawn across the posterior rim of the orbit. Origin of anal fin situated opposite the anterior margin of the soft dorsal. Ground color uniform brownish violet. An occipito-ocular vitta of deep purplish violet. Two other vittae of the same hue extend, one from the postero-inferior rim of the orbit, the other from the anterior rim, obliquely backwards across the cheeks and opercular apparatus. Syn.—Apodichthys violaceus, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Se. Philad. VII, 1854, 150. Cebidichthys cristagalli, Ayres, in Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1855, 58. PI. I, figs. 1-3. Since this species was first described we have had an opportunity of examining a specimen measuring fifteen inches, sent to the Smithsonian Institution by Dr. Ayres. The head constitutes the seventh or eighth of the total length, the seventh in the young, the eighth in the adult. Its upper surface is narrow and ridge-like, sloping sideways outwardly towards a rather broad inferior surface. A cutaneous or fleshy crest may be seen extending from the occiput to the extremity of the snout. The latter is so inconspicuous in the immature individuals that it escaped our notice when we first described the species. The gape of the mouth is slightly oblique upwards; the posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line intersecting the posterior rim of the orbit. The teeth constituting the outer row are much larger than the rest, which are rather irregularly disposed, and upon the upper jaw assuming a more card-like appearance than anything else. Upon the vomer and palatines they are velvet-like altogether. The lips are fleshy. The eye is rather small and sub-circular, its diameter entering six or seven times in the length of the side of the head. The branchiostegal rays, six in number on either side, are rather stoutish and contained in a quite tough membrane. The branchial aperture is very wide, its external outline being quite emarginated under the hyoid apparatus. The dorsal fin commences opposite or somewhat posterior to the base of the pectorals. It is composed of about twenty-five spiny rays extending to a line intersecting the origin of the anal, where the fin raises a little, and instead of spiny rays is composed of soft, articulated, and branched ones to its termination. The origin of the anal is nearer the extremity of the snout l6a 122 U. 8S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. than the insertion of the caudal; the rays of which it is composed are all soft, articulated, and branched. It increases slightly in depth from its origin to its terminus. The caudal fin is slender, being enclosed for half its length by both the dorsal and anal fins. The pectorals are small and sub-ovoid in shape. Bri, VeVi eo et a PALA Oy 25 As ieebs onan Walch & LO The scales are very small, imbedded, not imbricated; they are elongated, narrowest anteriorly, exhibiting concentric striae, but no diverging grooves. The entire head is smooth and scaleless. The lateral line, from the upper and posterior angle of the opercle, ascends by a gradual curve, extends along the upper region of the back, nearer the base of the dorsal than the middle of the flanks, and terminates before it reaches the caudal fin. It is composed of two irregular parallel rows of pores in communication with a main tube. From the origin of the lateral line, near the thoracic belt, a series of pores proceeds along the temporal region, and when half way it bifurcates, one series going to the occiput, the other to the orbit, which it surrounds. Another series extends along the limb of the preopercle and dentar bone (lower jaw). The anterior portion of body and head is of a uniform deep brownish violet; the posterior portion exhibits a somewhat more brownish hue, over which is spread a violaceous tint; the fins are all deep violet. A deep purplish violet crescent-shaped vitta extends from either eye to the occiput. Two oblique vittz on the sides of head, margined with a white filet, start, one from the anterior rim, the other from the posterior half of the orbit to the branchiostegal apparatus. References to the figures.—Plate XXVb, fig. 4, represents Cebidichthys violaceus, size of life, from Monterey, California, Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of a scale taken upon the middle of the flanks, List of specimens. Catal. No. of} Sex and Locality. When col- | Whence obtained. |Orign’l) Nature of | Collected by— No. | specs.| age. lected. No. |specimens. | 497 1 | Adult_-| San Francisco, Cal_...- 1856 Dr, Wi. 0: Ayres=- 28 | Alcoholic. nS Ayres -..<<= 498 | 2 | Young -| Monterey, Cal----.-.-- 1855 AD S.. Raylor gus o—ee |e in = San=G0--enil| Avis.) Laylonones 499 1 |---do---| San Luis Obispo, Cal--- 1853 Lt. W. P. Trowbridge-].....- ----do....| Lt. Trowbridge. . 500 2 |.--do.-.| Fort Steilacoom, W. T. - 1854 Gov. I. I. Stevens ---}.....- ----do....| Dr. G. Suckley-- 501 1 |---do..-| Sands of Monterey beach 1856 A Sa LV LON, URC am | mom ~---d0....| AUS) Wavlorsces LUMPENUS, Reinh. Gen. Cuar.—Body very elongated, compressed, or sub-cylindrical. Head moderate ; snout sub-conical ; mouth moderate. Canine and card-like teeth upon the jaws; card or yelvet-like teeth upon the palatines. Vomer toothless. Tongue smooth. Branchial apertures continuous under the throat. Dorsal rays all spinous; anal rays all soft. Caudal lanceolated not contiguous to either the dorsal or anal. Ventral fins slender, inserted under the throat, in advance of the base of the pectorals. Pectorals. large, fan-like. Scales quite small ; lateral line inconspicuous. Syx.—Lumpenus, Reiwu. in Overs. Vidensk. Selsk. Forh. 1835-’36—Kroyer, in Kong. Danske Vidensk. Selsk. Naturw. og Mathem. Afhandl. VII, 1838, 194; &, Danm. Fiske. I, 1840, 332.—Nixss. Skand. Faun. IV, 1852, 190. Leptogunnellus, Ayres, in Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1855, 26. Species of this genus are not uncommon in the northern seas. Many years ago a tolerably good figure was given of one of them by Walbaum in his edition of Artedi’s ‘Genera of Fishes,’ under the name of Blennius lampraetiformis (Blennius islandicus, Mohr.). Several 9 FISHES—BLENNIDAE—LUMPENUS ANGUILLARIS. 123 other species have been referred to the genus Clinus, whence removed by Kroyer and placed in Reinhardt’s genus. Nilsson sub-divides still further the species heretofore referred to Luwmpenus, proposing the genus Ctenodon for Clinus maculatus of Fries, Lumpenus aculeatus, Reinh., and allied species. LUMPENUS ANGUILLARIS, Grd. Prats XXVb, Fig. 1-3. Spec. Cuar.—Head slender, continuous with the outline of the body. Gape of mouth slightly oblique. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn midway between the anterior rim of the orbit and the pupil. Origin of dorsal fin situated opposite the base of the pectorals. Pectorals and caudal spear-shaped ; greenish olive, upper regions maculated. Caudal fin transversely barred. Syvy.—Blennius anguillaris, Patz. Zoogr. Ross. Asiat. IIl, 1831, 176. Gunnellus anguillaris, Cuy. & Vau. Hist. nat. Poiss. XI, 1836, 437.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 121. Leptogunnellus gracilis, Ayres, in Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1855, 26. The largest specimen before us is thirteen inches and a half in total length; it is the one which we have caused to be figured. Its body is very much compressed, a good deal more so, posteriorly to the origin of the anal fin, than anteriorly. The greatest depth is across the middle of the abdomen, and tapers gradually backwards. The thickness is about the two- thirds of the depth. The head constitutes about the eighth or ninth of the entire length. Its upper surface is smooth and scaleless, slightly sloping towards the snout, which is sub-conical. The gape of the mouth is slightly oblique, the jaws being nearly even anteriorly (inferior one slightly shortest), and the posterior extremity of the maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn midway between the anterior rim of the orbit and the pupil. Exiguous, canine-like, or conical and slender teeth may be seen upon both jaws, constituting a double row upon the symphysis of the dentary (lower jaw). On the premaxillaries we observe but one external series of this type, though several internal series of card-like ones may be distinctly traced upon the body of these bones. The vomer is toothless, whilst the palatines are provided each with an elongated patch of velvet-like teeth. The eye is large, sub-elliptical in shape, approximating the upper surface of the head. Its horizontal diameter enters about five times and a half in the length of the side . of the head, a little more than once in advance of their anterior rim. The cheeks are scaly ; the opercular apparatus smooth and scaleless ; the branchial apertures wide and continuous under the throat, being produced forwards to the base of the hyoid apparatus. The branchiostegal rays themselves are slender, well developed, and six on either side. The dorsal fin is spinous throughout ; its origin takes place immediately opposite the upper edge of the base of the pectorals. The first ray is quite small and exiguous, rather detached from the fin, since there is but a rudimentary membrane at its base. The second, third, and fourth spines increase slightly in height without being bound to the fin, From the fifth to the twelfth the rays still go on increasing slightly in height, and the interradial membrane now connects the two adjoining rays, although quite emarginated. This emargination of the interradial membrane of the dorsal fin is traceable to its entire length, although to a lesser degree. The fin itself terminates at a short distance from the base of the caudal fin. The anal fin is composed almost exclusively of articulated and dichotomised rays, there being but one rudimentary spine at its anterior margin, which is a good deal nearer the extremity of the snout than the base 124 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. of the caudal fin. It terminates almost evenly with the dorsal, though its posterior rays project a little further backwards. The depth of the anal is nearly equal to the height of the dorsal, with the interradial membrane, mayhap, more deeply emarginated yet. The caudal fin is well developed, spear-shaped, and nearly equal to the head in length. The ventrals are slender and exiguous, inserted under the throat, in advance of the base of the pectorals. The pectorals themselves are broad, well developed, also spear-shaped and composed of dichotomised rays. Lope) WAS WLS) Del PU Oo Nein: te Olay base ls Sy NP aches allay. The scales are small, sub-elliptical, broadest anteriorly, cycloid in structure, exhibiting diverging grooves upon their anterior section only. The lateral line is made of a very incon- spicuous series of mucous pores ; from the thoracic arch it slightly descends until it reaches the middle of the flanks, hence runs straightway to the base of the caudal. The ground color is greenish olive, the upper region of the head and body exhibiting longi- tudinally elongated small dark blotches resembling broken up bands. A series of small black spots may be observed along the middle of the dorsal fin, and another along its upper margin : the spots corresponding to the rays. ‘The first series alluded to does not always extend to the whole length of the fin. The inferior region is lighter and unicolor, as well as the pectorals and ventral fins, whilst the caudal is transversely barred with black or dark brown. References to the figures.—Plate XXVb, fig. 1, represents, size of life, Lumpenus anguillaris, from the Bay of San Francisco, California ; fig. 2 is a vertical section of the body across the middle of the abdomen ; fig. 3, a scale from the middle of the flanks. List of specimens. Catal. | No. of | Sex and Locality. Whencol-| Whence obtained. (Orig’nl) Natureof | Collected by— No. | spec. | age. lected. No. | specimens. 507 1 |-Adult--| San Francisco, Cal_-.-- 1855 Lt. R. 8. Williamson--]...... Alcoholic. | Dr. Newberry--- 508 1 epee d0sesecessisdece 1856 Dr. W. O. Ayres. .-.- 23 |-=-=d0-<- =|). Dr. ‘Ayres)-aeeee 509 1 |---do.-.-.| Bellingham Bay .-..... 1856 Dr. G. Suckley, U.S.A.}...... meeedO sees | Dre suckloyesne ANARRHICHTHYS, Ayres. Gen. Cruar.—Body very elongated, very much compressed, taenioid and tapering. Head moderate and oblong; snout obtuse; mouth large. Canine teeth upon the premaxillaries and extremity of the dentary or lower jaw; pavement-like teeth upon the vomer, palatine, and branch of the lower jaw. Tongue soft and smooth. Branchial apertures separated under the throat by an isthmus. Dorsal and anal fins continuous with the caudal, which is lanceolated. Ventral fins absent. Scales minute; lateral line not perceptible. Syn.—Anarrhichthys, Ayres, in Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1855, 32. This genus differs from Anarrhichas, to which it is closely related, chiefly by the taenioid form of its body and the continuity of the dorsal and anal fins with the caudal, as in Zoarces. The head, in shape and structure, is Anarrhichas-like. Zoarces has ventral fins, which are wanting in Anarrhichas and Anarrhichthys. FISHES—BLENNIDAE—ANARRHICHTHYS FELIS. 125 ANARRHICHTHYS FELIS, Grd. Prats XXVa, Kies. 1—3. Spec. Cuar.—Profile of head uniformly convex; eye large and circular. Mouth deeply cleft; posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawrfacross the posterior rim of the orbit. Origin of the dorsal fin situated ante- riorly to the base of the pectorals. Caudal fin lanceolated. Head and body mottled with light ashy grey and dark olive green, disposed in irregular circles, lines, and blotches, which extend also to the dorsal fin. Syn.—Anarrhichas felis, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 150. Anarrhichthys ocellatus, Ayres, in Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1855, 31. The Smithsonian Institution has received three specimens of this species from Dr. W. O. Ayres, of California, the largest of which, being figured, measures over twenty-two inches in total length. The head is compressed like the body and proportionally well developed, forming about the twelfth of the entire length. Its upper surface is regularly convex from occiput to extremity of snout. The mouth is deeply cleft; its gape being slightly oblique upwards, and the lower jaw somewhat projecting beyond the upper. The posterior extremity of the maxillar bone is even with a vertical line drawn across the posterior rim of the orbit. The lips are loose, flabby, and conspicuous, whilst the nostrils are quite small and placed nearer the eye than the extremity of the snout. The teeth are very strong, the number of canine varying according to the individuals; they occupy the extremity of both jaws, generally five or six upon each, disposed upon one row, and occasionally two or more in each jaw also inwardly of the former. The palatine teeth are much smaller than the vomerine ones. The eye is large, subcircular, approximating the upper surface of the head; their diameter is contained five times in the length of the side of the head. A rather wide isthmus is interposed between the gill apertures under the throat ; the branchiostegal rays, seven on either side, are slender and imbedded in a thick branchiostegal membrane. The body is taenioid, compressed, deepest upon the throacic region, hence diminishing gradu- ally backwards until it terminates into a point at the extremity of the tail. The dorsal fin originates anteriorly to the base of the pectorals; it increases gradually in height to about the fourth of its length, hence diminishing posteriorly to the base of the caudal. The anal assumes the same form as the dorsal, though much less deep than the latter is high. The pectorals are well developed, elongated, rounded, and slightly scalloped upon their margin. The rays of the dorsal fin are slender and flexible undivided spines; those of the anal and caudal are articulated and dichotomised. The interradial membrane is quite thick, rendering difficult the counting of the rays without dissection. ‘ The scales are exceedingly small, imbedded in the skin, not imbricated and much less numer- ous anteriorly than posteriorly. They are sub-circular with wide radiating grooves all around, cutting up the concentric striae. The ground color is light ashy grey, upon which irregular ocellae and blotches of dark olive green are disposed. The ocellae are surrounded by a lighter filet, giving a quite handsome appearance to this fish. These ocellae and blotches cover the head, body, and dorsal fin, the upper margin of which is light olive. A narrow band of the same may be observed posteriorly along the base of the dorsal fin and middle region of the caudal. The anal is uniform dark brown or black with a whitish border like the dorsal. Its margin is slightly scalloped. In 126 U. S. P R, R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. young specimens the ocellae and blotches are small, exhibiting, consequently, more of the ground color References to the figures.—Plate XXVa, fig. 1, represents Anarrichthys felis, size of life, from the bay of San Francisco, California. Fig. 2 is a section of the body taken immediately behind the thorax. Fig. 3 is a scale taken upon the dorsal region beyond the middle of the length of the body. List of specimens. Catal. Cor. No.of | Sex and Locality. When | Whence obtained. | Orig.| Nature of! Collected by— No. | No. | spec.| age. collected. | No. specimens. 511 |......| 3 | Adult..} San Francisco, Cal..| 1856 | Dr. W. O. Ayres...| 12 Alcoholic. Dr. Ayres, ..eee.es- 692 | 3380} 1 |..do....| California..........) 1853 | Lt.W.P.Trowbridge.|......| Bones....| Lieut. Trowbridge... 693 3381 | 1 |..do....) Monterey, Caleeeee+] 1853 eee d0ceeeeeree ses eeeeree eds ees seeeeeee dOssseeeeee Family GOBIDAE, Bonap. The body is small in size and sub-fusiform in shape, generally protected with scales either eycloid or ctenoid in structure. The united ventrals assume the shape of a funnel, being themselves composed of an external undivided ray, and soft, articulated, and sometimes branched ones. They are inserted either in advance, under, or posterior to the base of the pectorals. The rays of the pectoral fins are divided. The dorsal fin is always composed of spinous and of articulated rays, constituting sometimes two distinct fins, occasionally contiguous upon their base. The maxillary teeth are of various kind—velvet, card-like, or canines. The palate itself is toothless. The gills, four in number, are complete ; that is to say, each one is composed of two fully developed branchial combs. The last branchial split (or aperture) itself may be ob- served between the fourth gill and the inferior pharyngeal bone. An air bladder exists in several of the types composing this family. There are no pyloric appendages. Syn.—Gobidae, Bonar. Saggio Distr. metod. Anim. Vertebr. 1831, 110. Gobioides, Cuy. Regn. Anim. II, 1817, 249 ; 2d ed. Il, 1829; &, ed. illustr. Poiss. 169.—Acass. Poiss. foss. IV, 1834.—Cuv. & Vat. Hist. nat. Poiss. XI, 1836, 187. Gobioideae, Ricuarps. Faun. Bor. Amer. III, 1836, 88. Gobioidet, Mixx. in Wiegm. Arch. f. Naturg. I, 1843, 297. Several members of this family exhibit a papilla genitalis in both sexes, as is also the case in the Blenniods above referred to. GOBIUS, Artedi. Gen. Cuan.—Body elongated, sub-fusiform, compressed, covered with scales cycloid in structure and moderate in size. The head is sub-conical, more or less elongated, its upper surface scaleless. Mouth of moderate size. Velvet or card-like teeth upon both jaws, the external series oftentimes stronger and more conspicuous. An isthmus. Palate toothless. Two dorsal fins, entirely separated or contiguous upon their base. Caudal posteriorly entire. Anal situated opposite the second dorsal, and, like the latter, not united to the caudal. Ventrals inserted under the thorax. Pectorals well developed. Syn.—Gobius, Arrenpi, Gen. Pisc. ed. Walbaumi, 1792, 188.—Liyn. Syst. Nat. ed. Gmelini, I, 1788, 1196.—Cuy. Regn. Anim. II, 1817, 254; 2d ed. IL, 1829; &, ed. illustr. Poiss. 177.W—Cov. & Vat. Hist. nat. Poiss. XI1, 1837, 1.—DeKay, New Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 160.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 124. The genus Gobius, as characterized above, reduces very materially the number of species which it is intended to include. Further -observations upon the numerous species already FISHES—GOBiDAE—GOBIUS LEPIDUS. 127 described may require the foundation of several other genera, with which the present one will have to harmonize. 1. GOBIUS LEPIDUS, Grd. Pratt XXVa, Fires. 5—6. Spec. Cuar.—Body elongated, slender, and very compressed. Head sub-conical ; jaws equal ; gape of mouth oblique; pos- terior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn back of the pupil. Interocular space narrow. Reddish brown ; fins blackish. Syn.— Gobius gracilis, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Se. Philad. VII, 1854, 134. The specific name of gracilis being preoccupied in the genus Gobius, for a British species, we propose the above as a substitute. About three inches and a quarter in total length—body, head, and caudal fin, included. The body is slender, of an elongated aspect, very much compressed, and gradually diminishing in depth from the nape to the peduncle of the tail. The greatest depth taken beneath the first dorsal fin enters seven times and a half in the total length, whilst the least depth on the peduncle of the tail is about two-thirds of the greatest. The head is elongated and sub-conical, constituting about the fifth, or a little more, of the total length. The jaws are even, and the gape of the mouth is oblique ; the posterior extremity of the maxillary reaches a vertical line passing immediately behind the pupil. The eye is large, sub-elliptical ; its longitudinal diameter entering about four times in the length of the side of the head. The interocular space is very narrow, measuring but one fifteenth of an inch. The branchial fissures are separated under the throat by a wide isthmus. The first dorsal fin is a little lower than the second, and separated from_the latter by a con- siderable space. The caudal, which is contained five times and a half in ‘the total length, is rounded upon its posterior margin. The anal is not quite so long as the second dorsal, but as deep as the latter is high, if not deeper. The vent, placed immediately in advance of the anal, is opposite the anterior margin of the second dorsal. The origin of the ventral corresponds to a line drawn immediately behind the base of the pectorals; their posterior extremity is far from reaching the vent; they are elongated, sub-lanceolated. The pectorals are broad and short, since their posterior extremity does not extend as far as the tip of the ventrals. Both, the base of the pectorals and the origin of the ventrals, are situated in advance of the anterior margin of the first dorsal fin, DeViie 20s Avi Oib plovG onl aa: V bs 20. The scales are very small, extending over the cheeks and opercular apparatus. We could detect no lateral line, but many scales had fallen owing to their deciduous character. The color of the head and body is reddish brown, minutely and inconspicuously dotted with grey or black, apparent under the magnifying glass. The throat and fins are blackish, or greyish black, the latter occasionally margined or tipped with white. List of specimens. Catal.) No.of Locality. When Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. | spec. . collected. specimens. 361 1 | San Francisco, California........ 1853 Lieut. R. 8. Williamson...} Alcoholic...| Dr. Heermann...... 362 TIA reletataneletevers to atetetatete tale vefetss/e/ei<'e1a\e- IEEE WN ASocdoud GOs oooccdacacadalanne Ores tes Dr. Newberry...... 128 U. S P. R. R. EXP, AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. 2. GOBIUS NEWBERRII, Grd. Spec. Cuar.— Body slender and compressed. Head blunt and rounded off; jaws equal ; gape of mouth oblique ; posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn back of the orbit. Interocular space broad. Olivaceous, variegated with black. Syn.—Gobius newberrii, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 136; and, in Bost. Journ. of Nat. Hist. VI; 1857 ; Plate XXV, figs. 5—8. This is quite a handsome species, less elongated in its general aspect and more fusiform in its outline than G. lepidus. The largest specimen we have seen, out of many, measured but little over two inches. The body is compressed, swollen upon the thoracic region, and tapering posteriorly in a very decided manner. The greatest depth is contained about five times and a half in the total length, and the least depth, on the peduncle of the tail, is about one-half the greatest. The head is obtuse or else the snout is rounded anteriorly so as to give the entire region an obtuse appearance. It is contained four times and a half in the entire length. The jaws are equal and the gape of the mouth is oblique, precisely as in G. lepidus. The posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn back of the orbit. The eye is small, sub- circular, its horizontal diameter entering about four times in the length of the side of the head. The interocular space is quite broad, compared to the same region in G. lepidus, since in specimens a good deal smaller it is nearly double the width it has in the latter. The branchial fissures are likewise separated under the throat by a wide isthmus. The first dorsal fin is separated from the second by a narrow space, not contiguous as formerly stated by us. It is also lower. As to its length, it is contained once and a half in that of the second dorsal, measured upon their bases. The anal is as deep as the second dorsal is high,. it is shorter upon its base, and its anterior margin placed a little posterior to the anterior margin of the latter. Both fins terminate evenly posteriorly, whilst in G. lepidus the tips of the posterior rays of the dorsal project further back than those of the anal. These fins have also a proportionally longer base in G. lepidus than in the present species. The caudal fin is rounded upon its posterior margin and constitutes a little more than the fifth of the entire length. The vent has the same position, opposite the anterior margin cf the second dorsal, than in G. lepidus, and the tips of the ventral fins are far from reaching it. The latter are sub-ovate, inserted immediately under the base of the pectorals. The pectorals, themselves, are sub-ovate also ; their posterior extremity projects beyond that of the ventrals. Thus, in the relative position and extension of the pectoral and ventral fins we have good discriminating characters between this species and G. lepidus. The formula of the fins is as follows : DVI Is see Lanes 6,0, Las. Vids ib dee The scales are small and quite inconspicuous; a lateral line is not apparent. The scales themselves are sub-circular, deeper than long, cycloid in structure, exhibiting diverging grooves upon their anterior section only. They are smaller upon the upper than upon the lower regions of the body. The ground color is olivaceous, though the dorsal region appears almost blackish, owing to the accumulation of innumerable black dots which constitute small blotches encircling isolated spots of the ground color. The middle region of the flanks is equally mottled with black ; the inferior regions alone being unicolor. The dorsals and anal are either entirely blackish and margined with white, or else the second dorsal is spotted like the back. The caudal is olivaceous, { : : FISHES—CYCLOP'TERIDAE—LEPADOGASTER 129 with transverse series of black spots simulating continuous narrow bands. The pectorals and ventrals are unicolor and rather lighter than the belly and inferior surface of the head. The upper surface of the head presents the same hue as the back. List of specimens. Catal. | No. of | Sex and Locality. When col- | Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. | specs.| age. lected. | specimens. | oe | | 360 24 | seeliece Tomales Bay, Cal-.--.--- 1856 KE. Samuels -...----- | aed E. Samuels ------. | | | Family CYCLOPTERIDAE, Bonap. The body is scaleless and protected by a naked skin, sometimes flabby, at others leathery, and occasionally studded with small indurated plates. The united ventral fins are discoid; their soft rays being undivided. The same is true with regard to the rays of the pectorals, except in the genus Cyclopterus, where they bifurcate. The anterior dorsal fin is often wanting or else reduced to a mere unnoticed rudiment. There are three and a half gills, the fourth having but one branchial comb. The last branchial aperture or split is wanting. Syn.—Cyclopteridae, Bonar. Sagg. Distr. meth. Anim. Vert. 1831, 118.—De Kay, N. Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 305.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 228. The representatives of this family are mostly acanthopterians, Lepadogaster being a malacop- terian. It has been observed by Joh. Miiller that the pyloric appendages do not constitute a family trait; the latter being quite numerous in the genus Cyclopterus, or Lump-fish, whilst they are entirely wanting in Lepadogaster and Gobiesox, which belong to the same family. The papila genitalis, the same anatomist has observed in both sexes in the species of Lepadogaster, and at least in the male sex in the species of Gobiesow. LEPADOGASTER, Gouan. Gen. Cuar.—Head large, broad and depressed, without tentacles. Mouth moderate sized, provided with small and conical teeth upon the premaxillaries and the lower jaw. Palate smooth. Body scaleless, anteriorly broad and sub-depressed, posteri- orly compressed dnd tapering. One soft-rayed dorsal fin more or less elongated, not continuous with the caudal. Anal fin elongated also and likewise separated from the caudal. Posterior margin of caudal fin rounded off. Ventrals united into a sub-circular abdominal disc, conjointly with a portion of the pectorals. Branchial apertures continuous under the throat and partly overlapped by the anterior edge of the abdominal disc. Syn.—Lepadogaster, Govan, Hist. Pisc. 1770.—Risso, Ichth. de Nice, 1810; Hist. nat. Eur. mérid. III, 1826, 271.— Coy. Regn. Anim. II, 1817, 224; 2d, ed. II, 1829; & ed. Illustr. Poiss. 307. The generic characters which are here assigned to Lepadogaster are chiefly derived from the species of our western coast, the only one at our command at the present time. The numerous species which have been referred to this genus must be distributed into several genera with more closely defined characters. Ta 130 U. Ss. P. R, R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. LEPADOGASTER MAEANDRICUS, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Upper surface of head very much depressed ; eyes moderate, and directed upwards and forwards. Angle of the mouth extending to a vertical line drawn in advance of the eye. Upper jaw slightly protruding beyond the lower. Dorsal fin nearly equal to the caudal in length, but inserted more anteriorly. Ground color olivaceous brown, with a-mesh work of black line all over the head and body. Inferior surface of head and belly dull yellow. Syn.—Lepadogaster reticulatus, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 155. The specific name which, on a former occasion, we had hestowed upon this fish having proved preocupied by a species of the Meditteranean sea, described by Risso, ‘‘ Histoire naturelle de lV Kurope méridionale, vol. III, 1826, 277,’’ we have availed ourselves of the present opportunity to give it another appeilation, although the latter, with several others of its congeners, may hereafter constitute a generic group distinct from that of Lepadogaster proper. The head is broad, semi-elliptical when viewed from above. Its upper surface, which is very much depressed, is declivous sideways as well as towards the snout. It constitutes nearly the third of the entire length, which, in the specimen described, is about three inches and a half. Its inferior surface is flattened. The mouth is broad in a front view of it, but not deeply cleft, for its angle extends to a vertical line drawn across the anterior rim of the orbit only. The upper jaw is somewhat protruding beyond the symphysis of the lower one. The eye is small, sub-elliptical in shape, situated towards the upper surface of the head, and directed upwards and forwards ; its horizontal diameter is contained about six times in the length of the sides of the head. The opercular apparatus is entirely buried in the muscles of that region, and which are quite developed. The branchial apertures are continuous under the throat, overlapped by the anterior margin of the membranous abdominal expansion. The branchiostegal rays are six on either side, though three only, the innermost, are fully developed, the others remaining quite rudimentary upon the middle region of the throat. The base of the anterior portion of the pectoral fin is very fleshy, bearing a membranous pouch-like expansion quite conspicuous posteriorly to the edge of the opercle. The body is anteriorly broader than deep; it diminishes gradually in depth and width towards the origin of the tail, which is quite compressed and very much reduced, terminated by a slender caudal fin rounded off upon its external margin. The origin of the dorsal fin is situated opposite the vent and further apart from the extremity of the snout than the tip of the caudal. It is composed of articulated, but simple and undivided rays, thirteen or fourteen in number, the tips of the posterior ones not quite reaching the insertion of the caudal. The anal begins a little further back than the dorsal, being as deep as the latter is high, and extending a little further posteriorly, the tips of the posterior rays nearly reaching the base of the caudal. The rays of which it is composed are all simple and articulated. Even the rays of the caudal are simple and undivided, as usual articulated. The ventrals are inserted upon the middle of the convexity of the pelvic bones. ‘Their rays are sub-cartilaginous, imbedded in. the membranous dise which they constitute, either nine or ten in number and simple, or else four or five branched ones, a fact which we could not make out clearly, having but one specimen at our command. At any rate we could see no rudiment of a spiny ray, such as is said to exist in Gobiesow. The anterior pectorals are broad, exteriorly rounded, composed of twenty-three articulated but undivided rays, the twenty uppermost being slender, and forming a fan-shaped fin situated upon the side of the chest, whilst the three lowermost are stouter, somewhat independent from the other, and situated under the head, where they complete the dise formed FISHES—CYCLOPTERIDAE—CYCLOGASTER. 131 by the union of the ventrals. The membranous expansion is very considerable under the throat and overlaps the branchial apertures, which, as already stated, are continuous. The surface of the discoid expansion exhibits large pavement-like papillae upon its anterior periphery. The posterior portion of the pectorals are quite independent from the ventral disc. They are situated sidewise in the rear of the ones just described and inserted upon the thoracic arch. Subovate in shape, the rays of which they are composed are very slender, articulated . undivided inferiorly and dichotomised superiorly, the inferior rays being much more slender than the upper ones. They are quite numerous. Their absolute number we could not ascertain. Bray VeliseaVele wa ee AUIS CLS wl On, clgnoisdl Va Obey 2, The skin is naked, scaleless, and rather leathery than soft and flabby, as in other genera of this family. There are neither filaments nor flaps of any kind about the head or elsewhere. A small conical papilla genitalis was observed upon the specimen before us, and which is a female full of roe. A small specimen of a species of Patella was found in its storaach. The ground color is olivaceous brown above, the inferior surface of the head and belly being of a dull yellow. Upon the upper surface of the head and body and sides of the tail extends a beautiful mesh work of black lines. List of specimens. : Catal. | No. of Sex and Locality. When col- | Whence obtained. | Nature of Collected by— No. | spec. | age. lected. | specimen. 516 1 | Adult--) San Luis Obispo, Cal----- 1853 Lt. W. P. Trowbridge-| Alcoholic-) Lt. W. P. Trowbridge -_ 517 | 1 | Young-| S. Faralones, Cal.------- LG | ee dossseee tase BSD 25 (eit i i at lips ae 518 1 ae oacanel dotessa sees ass 1855 | Seascsse domeoeasee oe OGRE eee (010) Aaa ne CYCLOGASTER, Gronov. Gen. Cuar.—Head rather small or moderate in size, sub-conical, the snout somewhat protruding. Mouth broadly open, but not deeply cleft ; small and conical teeth upon the premaxillaries and lower jaw (dentaries). None on either the vomer or palatines. Branchial apertures small and separated. Body scaleless and flabby, compressed and tapering. One dorsal fin quite long and continuous with the caudal. Anal fin similarly elongated and continuous with the caudal also, which is lanceolated. Pectoral fins well developed, extending anteriorly beneath the thoracic region, not quite united and surrounding the abdominal diseformed by the ventrals. Syn.—Cyclogaster, Gronoy. Mus, Ichthyol. IJ, 1756; Act Helv. IV, 265; pl. xxm1; &, Zoophyl. 1763—Arrepi, Gen. Pisce. ed. Walbaumi, 1792, 634.—Doum. Ichthyol. Anal. 1856, 164. Liparis, Anrept, Syn. Pisce. Editio la, 1793, 117.—Kroyerr, Danm. Fiske I, 1845, 518—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 230. It is stated by Professor Johannes’ Miiller,! that in Liparis the fifteen anterior dorsal rays are not articulated, resembling, therefore, the spinous rays of the other acanthopterians. In the species, however, which we have examined, the same rays we saw distinctly articulated, though undivided. Pallas, in his Spicilegia Zoologica, VII, 19; pl. iii, figs. 1-6, and, Zoographia Rosso-Asiatica, vol. III, ed. of 1834, p. 74, describes and figures under the name of Cyclopterus gelatinosus, a species of Cyclogaster. It has been recorded in more recent works under the head of Liparis. It is an inhabitant of Kamtschatka, and undoubtedly related to C. pulchellus, from which it is, however, quite distinct. * Wiegm. Archiv. f. Naturg. 1843, I, 295. 132 U 8. P. R. R, EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. We are not prepared to say whether it is equally distinct from Dr. Ayres’ Liparis mucosus.' Should this prove to be the case, the latter would constitute a third species of Cyclogaster along our northwestern coast. Cyclopterus callyodon of Pallas is related to Cyclogaster pulchellus, and if distinct from the latter it will constitute a fourth species in the present genus. CYCLOGASTER PULCHELLUS, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Snout bluntly rounded ; posterior extremity of maxillaries extending to a vertical line drawn in advance of the pupil. Inferior edge of pectoral fins falciform. Origin of dorsal fin placed somewhat posteriorly to the upper edge ot the base of the pectorals. Anterior margin of the anal situated nearer the extremity of the snout than the tip of the caudal. Light olive brown above, with longitudinal waving lines of darker brown ; abdomen and throat whitish. Sides exhibiting white dots. Syvx.—Liparis pulchellus, Ayres, in Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1855, 23. A specimen of this species, a little over four inches in total length, was sent, labeled by Dr. ‘Ayres, to the Smithsonian Institution ; it is, therefore, smaller than the one upon which the original description is based. The body is elongated, compressed, and tapering gradually towards the tail. The head, which is moderate, is contained about five times in the total length; it is furthermore sub- quadrangular in shape, declivous towards the snout, which protrudes slightly beyond the lower jaw. The eye is sub-circular, its longitudinal diameter entering about five times in the length of the side of the head. The mouth is broad when viewed in front, but is not deeply cleft, since the posterior extremity of the maxillary extends but to a vertical line drawn in advance of the pupil. The lips are well developed and flabby. The teeth are very small, disposed upon transversely oblique series on each jaw bone. The branchial apertures are quite small, and situated above the base of the pectorals; four slender branchiostegal rays may be observed right and left within the membrane. The dorsal and anal fins are united to the caudal; the origin of the dorsal takes place somewhat posteriorly to the upper edge of the base of the pectoral fins. The anterior margin of the anal is nearer the extremity of the snout than the tip of the caudal fin. Both fins are composed of articulated and undivided very slender rays, which increase gradually in height and depth towards their posterior portion. The separation between the caudal rays and those of both the dorsal and anal is not easily traced, since they are all simple or undivided. The ventral disc is elliptical, enclosed sideways by the inferior prolongation of the pectorals. The latter are large, the lateral portion being quite elongated, composed of more slender and crowded rays than the inferior portion. The external outline of the fins is falciform ; all the rays are simple, though articulated. The vent is abdominal, being placed midway between the posterior edge of the ventral disc and the anterior margin of the anal fin. The skin is scaleless, smooth, and flabby, loosely attached to the muscles. Large and numerous mucous pores may be seen upon the head especially, and constituting a lateral line upon the anterior region of the body. Dr, Ayres describes the color as ‘‘light olive brown, with numerous narrow, waving lines of darker brown running longitudinally, and forming in some instances rings and irregular ' Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Se. I, 1855, 24. ® Zoogr. Rosso-Asiatica, III, 1831, 75. FISHES—LOPHIDAE—BATRACHIDAE. 133 figures ; abdomen and throat white ; some small brown and white spots on the sides, one series faintly indicating a lateral line with a slight downwards curve.’’ List of specimens. Locality. When col- | Whence obtained. (Orign’l) Nature of Collected by— } Catal. | No. of | " No. | spec. | lected. | No. | specimens. | Be me Eat pce. 519 | 1 | San Francisco, Cal__....- | 1856 Dri We O! Ayres===.- 39) || -Alcoholic===| Dr: Ayres =---------- Family LOPHIDAE, Bonap. This is the family to which the ‘‘ Devil fish’’ of our Atlantic coast belongs. It includes, generally speaking, scaleless fishes, the skin of some of them exhibiting bony tubercles (Malthe) or small spiny grains (Chironectes). In the majority the head is very large and broad whilst the body is reduced and tapering posteriorly. There are others in which the head is of moderate size compared to the body, which, instead of being elongated, is subelliptical in profile, being then, as usual for fishes of such a shape, compressed. The absence of the suborbital bone is not altogether peculiar to the fishes under consideration, since we find it wanting in some batrachoids also. Another trait, a good deal moie conspicuous than the one just alluded to, consists in the elongation of two carpal bones, which constitute a kind of peduncle, at the extremity of which the pectoral fin is articulated. Hence the name of ‘‘ Pectorales pédiculées,”’ or ‘‘ Pediculati,’’ by which this family has sometimes been designated. In batrachoids all the carpal bones are considerably developed. The branchial apertures, moreover, open behind the insertion of the pectorals, whilst they are anterior to the latter fins in batrachoids. The gills themselves are variable in number, according to the genera; some having three, others three and a half, and others still, two and a half only. As to the intestine it is simple, the ‘‘ Devil fish’’ alone exhibiting a few pyloric appendages. Syn.—Lophidae, Bonar. Sagg. Distr. anim. vertebr. 1831, 111.. As far as we are acquainted with the marine ichthyic fauna of western North America, we have not heard of any Lophioids as just characterised, and if mention is made of it in this report, it will be easily justified by the fact that the batrachoids which follow having been united with them into the same group, the characters now assigned to the latter could not be fully appreciated unless placed on a parallel with the former. The systematic position of the Lophidae, properly so called, will be at the confine of the Acanthopterian order. Family BATRACHIDAE, Swains. The few genera of which this family is composed are still ranked amongst the Lophidae by several writers and placed at the end of the order of Acanthopterians. The toad fish of our Atlantic coast (Batrachus tau) is one of its representatives. About a year ago, while tracing the distinctive traits between the Lophidae and the Batra- chidae, and comparing their natural affinities with those of the other families of the order to which they all belong, we arrived at the conclusion that the Batrachidae ought to follow the 13 U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. Trachinidae in the method, and we contemplated their insertion at page 38 of this report. When the first portion of our MSS. went to press, however, professional duties diverting our attention from this subject, a previous pagination brought this family at the present juncture, where we must now give it to the reader. We cannot help thinking that the natural aflinities of the Batrachidae with the Tachinidae are more intimate than would appear at first sight, and we should not be surprised if further researches into their structure should favor their union into one single group, for Uranoscopus, or star-gazer, seems to establish a natural transition from the Batrachidae to the Trachinidae. It is anatomically related to the Trachinids by the absence of the air bladder and the presence of pyloric appendages, whilst zodlogically it reminds us of Batrachus and allied genera, by the shape of the head and body, the structure and gape of the mouth, and of the fins also: the position of the ventrals being the same in Trachinids and Batrachoids, inserted as they are in advance of the thoracic belt, and hence anteriorly to the base of the pectorals. Syn.—Batrachidae, Swains. Ess. class Fishes Amph. and Rept. IT, 1839. The general aspect of the batrachoids is that of a large and depressed head followed by a body more or less tapering, sub-depressed anteriorly and compressed posteriorly, protected by ctenoid scales or entirely scaleless. The branchial apertures are continuous under the throat in Uranoscopus, and widely separated by an isthmus in Batrachus and in Porichthys. There are four, branchial combs in Uranoscopus, and three only in Batrachus and Porichthys. The two latter want the sub-orbital bone, whilst the former possesses it largely developed. The carpus is very much developed, but all the carpal bones contribute to its development ; besides, the pectorals fins, far from presenting a pediculated appéarance, exhibit a broad and fan-like base. PORICHTHYS, Girard. Gen. Cuar.—Body elongated, thickish anferiorly, quite tapering posteriorly. Head smooth, large, and depressed. Eyes rather small. Mouth broad, moderately cleft, with its gape directed obliquely upwards. Lower jaw longest. Canine teeth upon the jaws, front of vomer, and along the palatine bones, Preopercle spinous. Branchial apertures large, extending below the insertion of pectorals, and separated by a wide isthmus. ‘There are six branchiostegals rays on either side. Pectorals spear-shaped. Ventrals inserted in advance of the thoracic arch. Anterior dorsal fin rudimentary. Second dorsal and anal elongated, approximating to, but not united with, the caudal. Skin smooth and sealeless. Several series of mucous pores. Syn.—Porichthys, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Se. Philad. VII, 1854, 141. This genus differs from Batrachus by its dentition as well as by the numerous series of mucous pores which are observed over the head and body. Moreover, the head is smooth com- pared to Batrachus, since there are but few filiform tentacles instead of the membranous flaps which exist in the latter named genus. The branchial apertures are wider though the number of the gills is the same. PORICHTHYS NOTATUS, Grd. Puate XXV. Spec. Cuar.—Upper surface of head quite flat. An acute preopercular spine stretching across the opercle. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the orbit. Four series of pores on either side of the body. A subgular and an abdominal series, as also several of these on the sides of the head. Upper regions dark bluish violet ; sides and belly silvery grey. A sub-crescentic vitta beneath the eye. Syn.—Porichthys notatus, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc, Philad. VII, 1854, 141 and 151. FISHES—BATRACHIDAE—PORICHTHYS NOTATUS, 135 The largest specimens which we have before us measure about nine inches and a half in total length, the head forming the fourth part of it, the caudal fin excluded. The body is sub- cylindrical anteriorly, compressed, rather more so posteriorly, and tapering very regularly towards the insertion of the caudal fin. The eye is rather small and situated near the upper surface of the head ; it is sub-circular in shape, and its longitudinal diameter is contained six or seven times in the length of the side of the head. The mouth is very broad viewed in front, not very deeply cleft, since the posterior extremity of the maxillary extends to a vertical line drawn somewhat behind the posterior rim of the orbit. The lower jaw is the longest, and, as already observed, the gape of the mouth is directed obliquely upwards as in Uranoscopus. The teeth, at the symphysis of the lower jaw, are more slender and smaller than on the branches of that bone (dentary). The smallest teeth are those observed upon the premaxillaries, which extend almost to the entire length of these bones. The palatine teeth are a little larger posteriorly than anteriorly ; the most conspicuous ones are observed upon the vomer. The surface of the tongue is smooth. The side of the head exhibits but one single spine inserted upon the opercle. It is quite acerated and conspicuous though oftentimes covered by a thick skin. The branchiostegal apparatus is very much developed ; the branchial apertures are wide, though separated beneath by a broad isthmus. These apertures extend to the inferior surface of the head in advance and beneath the inferior edge of the base of the pectoral fins, but not as far as the insertion of the ventrals. The branchiostegal rays are well developed, six on either side. The first dorsal fin consists of two small spines situated somewhat in advance of the anterior margin of the second dorsal, and oftentimes so inconspicuous as not to attract the attention of the observer. The second dorsal is quite long, extending to almost the entire dorsal line; it increases slightly in height backwards and terminates near the insertion of the caudal, with which it however does not unite, though the tips of the posterior rays overlap the base of the last mentioned fin. The rays are very much subdivided ; the interradial membrane being quite tough and strong. The origin of the anal is situated opposite the fifth or sixth ray of the second dorsal and extends a little further back, though not united with the caudal. In structure and shape it is similar to the second dorsal, the latter, mayhap, being somewhat higher than the anal is deep. The interradial membrane appears also more thickish and tough, and the extremity of each ray is expanded and projects beyond the membrane proper. The caudal is comparatively quite a small fin ; it enters about nine times and a half in the total length. Its posterior margin is rounded off. The pectorals are well developed, spear-shaped in general appearance, the middle rays being the longest. Their base is very thick and convex ; the rays are very much bifurcated. Their extremity projects considerably beyond the vent and the anterior margin of the anal. The vent itself is situated close to the latter fin. The ventrals are inserted under the throat in advance of the inferior edge of the branchial apertures. The anterior ray is a rudimentary spine buried in the thickness of the skin which surrounds the second ray, which is articulated only, whilst the following two and last are subdivided. Their extremity hardly reaches the base of the pectorals. Poe VL DM 85 or 875 A384; C3; 15,5, 0, 25 V 153; P18 or 20: The head and body are scaleless. Minute cutaneous appendages may be observed upon the periphery of the maxillar bones, behind the premaxillaries, and also upon the inferior peripheric edge of the lower jaw, partly covered by the lips. There are several series of pores beginning upon the head and extending along the body. We observe one series, right and 136 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. left, from the frontal region to the base of the caudal fin, approximating closely to the dorsal. A second series originates at the nostrils, passes beneath the eye, sends downwards a post-ocular branch, proceeds along the tympanic region sending off a preopercular branch, then onwards along the upper edge of the opercle and middle region of the back to the base of the caudal. A third series proceeds from the symphysis of the dentary (lower jaw) to the opercular apparatus, where it bifurcates, one branch following the inferior edge of the sub-opercle, the other branch the inferior edge of the opercle. A fourth series extends from the throat to the branchiostegal apparatus. A fifth series originates immediately behind the preceding one and extends within the base of the ventrals, hence diverges towards the chest after sending a recurrent branch outside of the insertion of the ventrals and another to the base of the pectorals, posteriorly to which it still ascends a little, meets with the series from behind the pectorals, and following the inferior middle region of the body terminates before it reaches the caudal fin. Finally, a sixth series begins under the thorax and extends to the base of the caudal, approximating closely the anal fin. The color of the upper region of the head and body is dark bluish violet ; the sides and the belly being occasionally silvery grey, at others simply lighter than on the back. There is a sub-crescentic dark vitta beneath the eye, and each pore reflects a golden dot. References to the figures.—Plate XXV, fig. 1, represents Porichthys notatus, size of life, from the bay of San Francisco, California ; figure 2, an inferior view of the entire fish ; figure 3 is a side view of the head; figure 4, an upper view of the same; figure 5, a pectoral fin; figure 6, a ventral fin. The bifurcations of the two inner rays were taken by the artist for independent rays, hence the fact of five instead of three being represented in this figure. The series of pores are not fully represented. List of specimens. Catal. | No. of | Sex and | Locality. Whencol-| Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No | specs.) age. lected. specimens. 620 1 Adult -. San Francisco, Cal-..---- 1853 Lt. W. A. Whipple -.| Alcoholic...) Dr. Kennerly .-... 621 1 | Young. Presidio; ‘Gals een- see 1853 Lt. Wm. P. Trowbridge}]----do.-.-..-- Lt. Trowbridge-... 522 2 | Adult..| Monterey, Cal..........- T8550 u|onoest lee seep se beck Oso naa=|pawe= = do.--seoeaee 523 eee Fort Steilacoom, W. T---- 1854 Dr. Geo. Suckley--.-|---- Gh) sess Dr. Geo. Suckley.. 694 Hy |e aaeac San Diego, Cal.........- 1857 es CARRICY ete eae aime ea Gofeane A. Cassidy..-.---- ORDER II. ANACANTHINI. The order of Anacanthinians is to include fishes whose anatomic structure is similar to tha of the preceding order, or Acanthopterians. The air bladder, when extant, wants, likewise, an air duct. We observe here, as in the preceding order, scales of both the cycloid and ctenoid types. The principal differences between the two orders consist in the absence of spiny rays to the fins of Anacanthinians, and in the ventral fins which may be wanting, or present and inserted under the thoracic belt or else under the throat. When the ventral fins are entirely wanting we have then the sub-order Apodes, whilst the sub-order T’horacici is composed of the remaining members of the order in which the ventral fins are more or less developed. Syn.—Anacanthini, Mix. in Wiegm. Archiv fiir Naturg. I, 1845, 130. The order ,itself is composed of a portion of the ‘‘ Malacoptérygiens sub-brachiens,’’ and a portion also of the ‘‘ Malacoptérygiens apodes’’ of the Cuvierian system. SUB-ORDER I. APODES. The ventral fins in this sub-order are entirely wanting. It is composed of but one family, and that is represented along the Pacific coast by the Sand launce genus, and by Ophidion also. Syn.—Apodes, Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. X, 1758, 244.—Iconogr. Encycl. II, 1850, 204. There are now two sub-orders of Apodes in the class of fishes. The second is alluded to further on, and occupies a place in the order of Malacopterians. Fishes wanting the ventral fins are, moreover, met with elsewhere in the class, without, however, constituting groups of a higher value than genera, showing that the same organic structure may be variously subordinated in the icthyic method. Family OPHIDIDAH, Bonap. The body is slender and elongated, compressed, provided with minute and inconspicuous scales. The ventrals, and sometimes even the pectoral fins, are wanting. The pseudo-branchiae exist, but, as already stated, the air bladder has no communication with the throat, and exhibits that curious vascular mesh-work peculiar to the fishes, in which that bladder is deprived of an air duct, 18 a 138 U. 8S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. Syv.—Ophididae, Bonar. Sagg. Distr. Anim. vertebr. 1831, 118. Ophidini, MUiu. in Wiegm. Archiv fiir maturg. I, 1843, 329. It is doubtful yet as to whether Ammodytes belongs to the family of Ophididae. The air bladder appears to be wanting, at least in the American species of both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The conformation of the jaws, as observed by Joh. Miiller, somewhat resembles that of the Scopelidae, still the absence of an adipose fin and the extension of the first dorsal forbid its association with the latter group. We regret that time will not permit us entering into anatomical researches, by which alone the systematic position of this genus could be ascertained, a desideratum which we hope to comply with at no distant period. OPHIDION, Artedi. Gen, Cuar.—Head short, obtuse; jaws equal. Teeth upon the jaws and the palate also. Gill openings large, and extending under the throat forwards, without being absolutely continuous. Pectoral fins extant. Dorsal and anal fins continuous with the caudal. Two pairs of small barbels inserted at the point of the hyoid bone. Scales cycloid. Syn.—Ophidion, Anrep. Gen. Pisc. 1738; ed. Walb. 1792, 154.—Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. X, 1758, 259. Ophidium, Cuy. Regn. anim. I, 1817, 238 ; 2d ed. Il, 1829; &, ed. illust. Poiss, 325.—DzKay, New Y. Fauna, 1842, 315.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 235. OPHIDION TAYLORI, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Head contained nearly seven times in the total length. The eye is rather large and circular; its diameter entering about three times and a half in the length of the side of the head. The posterior extremity of the maxillar bone extends to a vertical line drawn about midway between the pupil and the posterior rim of the orbit. The origin of the dorsal fin is situated a little way posteriorly to a vertical line which would intersect the base of pectorals. Ground color olivaceous, sprinkled oyer with blackish specks ; sides of the head and belly whitish yellow. Vertical fins margined with a black filet. The largest specimen observed measures about three inches and a quarter ; the species inhabits the sands of Monterey beach. List of specimens. Catal. | No. of Locality. When Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No, | spec. collected. specimens. 867 6), plonterey, Calo oe oo oe 1857 A. S. Taylor, Esq-----.-- Alcoholic.| A. S. Taylor, Esq...... AMMODYTES, Artedi. Gen. Cuar.—Head elongated, sub-conical ; lower jaw longest. Jaws and palate toothless. Gill openings continuous under the throat. Pectoral fins extant. Dorsal fin extending nearly the whole length of the back ; anal fin long; neither of which continuous with the caudal, which is forked or else sub-crescentic. Scales cycloid in structure. Syvn.—Ammodytes, Anrevi, Gen. Pisc. 1738; ed. Walb. 1792, 104; &, Descr. spec. Pisc. 1793, 55.—Cuy. Regn. anim. II, 1817, 240; 2d ed. II, 1829; &, ed. illustr. Poiss. 327.—DeKay, New Y. Fauna, IV, 1842, 317.—Srorer, Synops, 1846, 237. Two species of this genus have been mentioned by Pallas as occurring about the seas of Kamtschatka: Ammodytes hexapterus and .A. septipinnis ; but the former alone belongs to the genus Ammodytes, since the latter is provided with abdominal ventral fins, and therefore excluded from the family we are now treating of. FISHES— OPHIDIDAE—AMMODYTES PERSONATUS. 139 AMMODYTES PERSONATUS, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Head constituting about the fifth of the total length. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to the anterior rim of the orbit. Eyes rather large. Origin of dorsal fin situated in advance of the extremities of the pectorals. The caudal fin is posteriorly sub-crescentic. Greyish brown above; silvery beneath ; base of caudal, black. Syv.—4mmodytes personatus, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 137. The head, which is sub-conical and pointed, constitutes the fifth of the total length; the largest specimen before us measuring four and a half inches. The gape of the mouth is some- what oblique owing to the protraction of the lower jaw beyond the upper one; the posterior extremity of the maxillar bone corresponding to a vertical line intersecting the anterior rim of the orbit. No teeth on either jaw; none on the vomer and palatine bones. The eye is large and circular ; its diameter entering about five times in the length of the side of the head. The branchial apertures are very wide, and the opercular apparatus largely developed ; the sub and interopercle being nearly equal to the opercle, the free edge of the sub-opercle extending considerably beyond that of the opercle. Radiating striae or ridges may be observed on the preopercle and interopercle. The branchiostegals are elongated and slender, seven on either side. The body is compressed, deeper than broad, the dorsal and abdominal regions rounded, diminishing gradually backwards in depth and width both. The dorsal fin, the origin of which is placed at an inch from the tip of the upper jaw, in a specimen measuring three inches and seven-tenths, is nearly of equal depth throughout its whole length; the tip of its posterior rays, when bent backwards, do not quite reach the insertion of the caudal fin. Its rays being slender and not bifurcated. The caudal fin enters about eleven times in the total length; its posterior margin is sub-crescentic and its medial rays bifurcated. The anal fin is less than half the length of the dorsal, being posteriorly even with the latter, hence its origin placed backwards of the middle of the dorsal. It is deeper anteriorly than posteriorly, and where deepest it is deeper than the dorsal, whilst its depth behind is equal to the height of the dorsal opposite. Its rays are likewise slender and not bifurcated. The pectorals, which are inserted near the lower part of the thoracic belt, are moderate sized, rather elongated, composed of both simple and bifurcated rays, the bifurcated ones occupying the middle of the fins. When brought alongside the body their posterior extremity extends considerably beyond a vertical line drawn at the origin of the dorsal. The absence of the ventrals is a trait peculiar to the family to which the species belong. Br eValls) VALLE Debbie Ay 25) 5.'©) 3515 0'7,.16), 15 4sg Vi — 5) 14s The vent is placed near the anterior margin of the anal fin. The scales, which are disposed upon transversely oblique series, are deeper than long, provided all around with wide radiating furrows. The lateral line begins opposite the posterior angle of the opercle, and takes a straight course to the peduncle of the tail along the line of intersection between the dorsal muscles and the lateral myocomma. The flanks exhibit a shallow groove, parallel to the vertebral column, and intersecting the middle bent of the lateral myocomma, Finally, another similar groove extends from under the pectorals to the peduncle of the tail, along the line of intersection between the abdominal muscles and the lower extremities of the 14() U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. lateral myocomma. ‘This groove is, moreover, furnished with a thin though opaque membrane, which gives it the appearance of a ridge, especially along the abdominal region, where it is more developed than further behind. The dorsal region is greyish brown; the lower half of the sides and the belly being silvery ; the base of the caudal is black, List of specimens, Catal. | No. of | Sex and Locality. | When Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. spec. age. collected. aReamens. | a ed fe fe ese | | | 612 | 3 | Adult..} Cape Flattery, W. T----| 1855 | Lieut. W. P. Trowbridge. | Alcoholic. | Lieut. Trowbridge..... SUB-ORDER II. THORAC LO The ventral fins being present, they are inserted under the thoracic belt, beneath the pecto- rals, or somewhat in advance of the latter. Three families compose this sub-order, two of which have furnished us with representatives from the Pacific coast. The third, or that of Zcheneidae, is, so far, unknown in that region. Syn.—Thoracici, Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. X, 1758, 260.—Iconogr. Encyel. IT, 1850, 204. Fishes with a thoracic position of the ventral fins are met with in some of the other orders of the class, but that character is more subordinate yet, having not the value it is entitled to amongst anacanthinians. Family GADIDAE, Bonap. When told that the codfish typifies this family it is enough to enlist the attention of our readers. The cod-fisheries, and the immense trade connected with them, is one of the greatest sources of wealth to a sea-coast population. Most of the representatives of this family, cod, haddock, frost fish, hake, coal fish, &c., are tenants of the frigid and temperate waters, and generally of marine habits; the ling or methy, and allied species, being the only ones found in fresh waters. Their body is elongated, sub-fusiform in profile, either covered with small or moderate scales, cycloid in structure, often hidden in the thickness of a soft skin, The head is proportionally well developed; the mouth large or moderate. Its upper surface generally scaleless; sometimes the cranial region is covered with minute scales. The teeth are varying between the rasp or card-like type and the slender canines; they are acerated, unequal in size, disposed upon irregular series on both jaws, and the front of the vomer; the palatine bones being toothless. The premaxillar bones constitute almost exclusively the upper arcade of the mouth and bear the teeth at the exclusion of the maxillaries, which appear towards the angle of the mouth only. The opercular apparatus is spineless. The gill apertures are wide, extending obliquely forwards under the head, where they are continuous; the branchial rays being six or seven in number on either side, . FISHES—-GADIDAE—MORRHUA. 141 There are two or three dorsal fins ; one or two anals. The ventrals being inserted in advance of the thoracic arch, hence jugular in position. The gills are four in number, fully developed. The pseudo-branchiae, on the other hand, are not visible. The stomach is elongated, strongly muscular; there are also numerous pyloric appendages. The swimming or air bladder has no air duct; it is well developed and strong, and occasionally indentated on the sides. Syv.— Gadidae, Bonar. Sagg. distr. anim. vert. 1831, 117.—DeKay, New Y. Fauna, IY, 1842, 274.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 215. Gadoideae, Ricuarvs, Faun. Bor. Amer. III, 1836, 241. The Gadoids are comparatively scarce along the coast of California and Oregon. Besides the two species hereon described, there is but another known to naturalists. It has been put on scientific record under the appellation of BRoOsMIUS MARGINATUS. Syn.—Brosmius marginatus, Ayrns, in Proc, Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1854, 13. And since no specimens have, so far, been seen by us, we must refer our readers to the description just alluded to. We regret not having had more perfect specimens of the pollack, to which was affixed the name of MERLANGUS PRODUCTUS, Syv.—Merlangus productus, Ayres, in Proc. Cals Acad. Nat. Se. I, 1855, 64, in order to clear up the doubts that still exist touching its identity with, or specific difference from, Homalopomus trowbridgii, described further on. The seas of Kamtschatka, however, furnish several more species of this family, which it is desirable should be better known. Thus Gadus wachna, Pau.., G. gracilis, Titms., and G. pyg- maeus, PatL. appear to fall within the characters of Morrhua ; whilst Gadus chalcogrammus, Pat. is a Merlangus, and Gadus fimbria, Pauw, probably a Merlucius. The ‘‘ North Pacific Exploring Expedition’ ought to enlighten us upon that subject. MORRHUA, (Belon!!), Cuv. Gen. Cuar.—Body and head elongated. Mouth moderate in size, or well developed, the upper jaw generally protruding beyond the lower. Chin provided with a barbel. Card or velvet-like teeth upon the jaws and front of the yomer. Palatine bones toothless. Tongue smooth. Gill apertures wide and continuous under the head. Branchiostegal rays, six or seven on either side, Three dorsal and two anal fins, generally distinct. Upper surface of head and opercular apparatus covered with minute scales. Scales of the body small, or of medium size, cycloid in structure. Syn.—Morrhua, (Beron!!), Cov. Regn. Anim II, 1817, 212 ; 2d ed. II, 1829 ; &, ed. illustr. Poiss. 291.—Ricu. Faun. Bor. Amer. III, 1886, 242.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 215.—DreKay, New Y. Fauna, IV, 1842, 274. It would have been desirable that the name of Gadus be preserved for a certain number of species of this family, and especially for some of those which are now included in the genus Morrhua ; the two genera, Gadus and Morrhua, being retained, in the event only of a convenient sub-division into two natural groups of the species now geverally referred to the latter genus. 142 U. 8. P. R. R. EXP, AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. MORRHUA PROXIMA, Grd. Prats XLa, Fras. 5—8. Spec. Cuan.—Sitout sub-conical ; thickish ; upper jaw protruding beyond the lower one. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line which would intersect the pupil. Dorsal and anal fins all distinct from one another. Anterior anal longer than the second dorsal Caudal fin posteriorly sub-truncated. Yellowish ash or brown above ; sides and belly silvery white. Srn.—Gadus provimus, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 141 &154. Morrhua californica, Ayres, in Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1854, 9. We think the species allied to Gadus gracilis, Truus., and described in Pallas, Zoogr. Ross. Asiat. III, 1831, 186; and still more so to G. pygmaeus, Pat. loc. cit. pag. 199. This appears to be a rather small species, for, amongst all the specimens brought home by several parties, the largest measures but seven and a quarter of an inch. In this respect it reminds us of WM. pruinosa and M. minuta, of our New England coast. It is especially related to the former species, I. pruinosa, the tomcod or frost fish of our fishermen. The body is slender, elongated, and compressed, sub-fusiform in profile, rather graceful in appearance. The greatest depth is under the anterior dorsal fin, hence the outline tapers grad- ually towards the insertion of the caudal. The head is contained about four times and a half in the total length, or a little over that measure. ‘The snout is sub-conical, rather pointed, the upper jaw overlapping considerably the lower one, which exhibits under its symphysis the characteristic barbel of the genus. The mouth is of moderate development ; the posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn through the middle of the pupil. The eye is above the medium size, sub-circular in form, its diameter being contained about four and a half times in the length of the side of the head. The nostrils are placed much nearer the orbit than the extremity of the snout. The branchial apertures are continuous under the throat, and extend as far anteriorly as the posterior rim of the orbit. The branchiostegal rays are six on either side, and rather well developed. The three dorsal fins are distinct from one another. The anterior one is sub-triangular, higher than long. The second dorsal is longer than high, sub-triangular in shape also, and lower than the first. The third dorsal fin is longer than high, resembling the second in shape, being only smaller than the latter. The caudal is sub-truncated upon its posterior margin. The posterior anal is situated opposite the third dorsal, and similar in general size and outline. As to the anterior anal fin, it is longer than its opposite, the second dorsal, and deeper also than the latter is high. Its anterior margin corresponds to the posterior ray of the first dorsal, and its posterior ray is placed almost opposite the anterior margin of the third dorsal fin. The ventrals are slender ; their filiform extremity reaches the vent, which is placed imme- diately in advance of the first anal fin. ‘The pectorals are rather small and slender ; their pos- terior extremities extend to a vertical line intersecting the vent. , Brevis. Vis D13, 21, 225A 26) 21% O's Meese os vy 65 ee The rays, as a general thing, are bifurcated or subdivided. The scales are small, sub-elliptical in shape, exhibiting radiating furrows upon their entire periphery. The focus of irradiation is eccentrical towards the anterior extremity of the scale. The color above is yellowish ash or yellowish brown, with an occasional reddish hue. The ——— — ; o FISHES—GADIDAE—HOMALOPOMUS. 143 sides and belly are lighter, often of a silvery white tint. The dorsals, caudal, and posterior anal, often exhibit a darkish hue, caused by the accumulation of minute dark reddish dots. The anterior anal, the ventrals, and the pectorals, are yellowish and unicolor. References to the figures.—Plate XLa, fig. 5, represents, size of life, Morrhua proxima, from the Bay of San Francisco, California. Fig. 6 is a section of the anterior portion of the body. Fig. 7, a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 8, a scale from the abdominal region. List of specimens. Catal. | No. of | Sex and Locality. When col- Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. |specs.| age. lected. specimens. 524 3 | Adult--| San Francisco, Cal_.--- 1853 Lt. A. W. Whipple--....- Alcoholic.| Dr. Kennerly --.--- 525 Sy |ee2dorse|5sa-—— Gna tooosesosscs 1853 Lt. R. S. Williamson----. =o-=-00.---|| Dr Heermannyesce 526 Gi) |ee-do=—-|ebtesidio, Callas. s-ecn- 1853 Lt. Wm. P. Trowbridge---|--.-do-.-.| Lt. Trowbridge. -..- 527 Sy) |-=-doss-|-sa-4 = donee ees maccees 1853) cube .scuece OOseaaeaeccea SECO scrdescone dovsseeaceees 528 1 |---do.--| Cape Flattery, W. T...- Ey See a eeesociece d0sasse-s5 eu aeeadOassdteccue dost saaeees HOMALOPOMUS, Girard. Gen. Cuar.—General aspect of head and body elongated. Mouth large ; lower jaw longest, and protruding beyond the upper. No barbel to the chin. Conical and acute teeth upon the premaxillaries (upper jaw) and dentaries (lower jaw). Similar teeth upon the front of the vomer along its external margin. Palatine bones toothless. Tongue smooth. Gill apertures very wide, and continuous under the head. Branchiostegals, seven on either side. Three dorsal fins ; second and third contiguous. Two anal fins contiguous. Ventrals composed of seven rays. Upper surface of head and opercular apparatus covered with minute scales. Cheeks smooth and scaleless. Scales covering the body small, or of moderate development, cycloid in structure. Syn.—Homalopomus, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 132. The specimen upon which the genus Homalopomus was based happening to have its fing mutilated was the cause of the error which we now rectify. Half broken in the first and second dorsals, the remaining portion, which is unarticulated, suggested the idea that they were spiny rays, and the union, or rather the contiguity of the second and third dorsal fins, with a depression in the outline, was supposed analogous to what is observed in Heterostichus, for we were likewise deceived by the structure of the anal fins, which, being contiguous, and the rays broken upon their extremities, the anterior one appeared as if composed of spiny rays. The structure of the ventrals ought to have cautioned us against that mistake, but at that time we had no confidence in those fins as affording exclusively safe characters of classification. The natural affinities of the genus Homalopomus are intermediate between Merlangus and Merlucius, the dorsal and anal fins being constructed upon the pattern observed in Merlangus, whilst the ventral fins are identical in structure with those of Merlucius. Had we not framed this genus under misapprehended affinities we would have placed the following species in the genus Merlangus or Merlucius, it was immaterial where, and await further information upon the fishes of the North Pacific ocean. We have received one specimen from Dr. Ayres of his Merlangus productus, collected in the Bay of San Francisco, California. The species is very closely allied to Homalopomus trowbridgii, and evidently belongs to the same genus, whether Merlangus, Merlucius, or Homalopomus ; and if identical with H. trowbridgii, the specific name of productus will have to be restored to it as 1414 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOCLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. having priority of publication. The only differences which we observe between MM. productus and H. trowbridgii consist in the former having a larger head, and a more anterior situation of the ventral fins. The specimens, however, are not sufficiently well preserved to enable estab- lishing these differences with certainty. HOMALOPOMUS TROWBRIDGII, Grd. Puatr XLa, Figs. 1-4. Spec. Cuan.—Snout pointed ; mouth deeply cleft ; posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn through the posterior rim of the pupil. Eye large. Second and third dorsals continuous ; anal fins continuous also. Extremity of pectorals reaching the anterior margin of the anal fin. Greyish brown above ; silvery grey beneath. Syx.—Homalopomus trowbridgii, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 132. The general aspect of the fish is elongated and very much tapering posteriorly. The length of the specimen figured is nineteen inches and a half. The head is sub-pyramidal, entering four times and a half in the total length. The lower jaw is longest, protruding beyond the upper, hence the gape of the mouth is directed slightly upwards. The posterior extremity of the maxillary extends to a vertical line drawn across the posterior rim of the pupil, that is, exactly midway between the tip of the lower jaw and the origin of the pectorals. The pre- maxillaries and dentaries are provided with a double row of canine teeth, largest upon the inner row. ‘The teeth themselves are conical, acerated, and curved inwardly. The symphysis of the premaxillaries is toothless, so that a smooth area is observed at the anterior part of the upper jaw. Small, acerated, canine teeth exist upon the front of the vomer. The palatine bones are toothless. The tongue, broad, thick, fleshy, rounded upon its anterior thin margin, is perfectly smooth upon its surface. The eye is large, sub-circular, its horizontal diameter entering five times in the length of the side of the head. Its posterior rim is nearer the base of the pectoral fins than the extremity of the snout. The nostrils are situated a little in advance of the orbit. The gill openings are broadly cleft, and are continuous under the throat ; the branchiostegal rays are seven in number on either side. The bones of the opercular apparatus are perfectly smooth, there being neither spines nor serrations upon their edges. The limb of the preopercle exhibits a series of very large mucous follicles, not unlike the cavernous bones of Sciaenoids. The body is compressed, lanceolated, thickest anteriorly, very much tapering posteriorly. The greatest depth enters about six times in the total length. The peduncle of the tail not occupied by the fins is very narrow ; its termination is spear-shaped, and surrounded by a slender caudal fin, concave upon its posterior margin. The anterior dorsal fin is comparatively small, sub-triangular in general appearance. A vertical line dropped from its origin passes immediately behind the base of the pectorals. It is composed of ten slender articulated rays, the third of which is the longest; they bifurcate towards their tips. The second dorsal is continuous with the third, there being a depression in the outline to indicate the separation between the two fins. In the specimen now before us, from nineteen to twenty inches long, the second dorsal is separated from the first by a space of half aninch. It is the longest of the three, and also the lowest in the absolute. The rays are articulated and bifurcated. The third dorsal is somewhat longer, and a little lower than the first, its rays being more highly bifurcated than in the two preceeding. The caudal is sub-crescentic upon its posterior margin, and FISHES—PLEURONECTIDAR. 145 composed of highly bifurcated rays. The anal fins are continuous in the same manner as the second and third dorsals. Indeed nothing is more alike in shape and structure than those opposite fins. The first anal has the general shape, the same length as the second dorsal, its depth alone being somewhat less than the height of the latter; and the secopd anal is the counter part of the third dorsal. The origin of the anterior anal fin is situated opposite the third ray of the second dorsal, whilst the posterior rays of the second anal and the third dorsal are perfectly even. The second anal fin is higher than the first, which completes the resemblance alluded to. The vent is situated close to the anterior margin of the anal fin. The insertion of the ventrals is placed under a line intersecting the middle of the opercle; these fins are composed of seven bifurcated rays. The pectorals are long and slender ; their base is situated in advance of the anterior margin of the first dorsal, their extremity extending posteriorly to a vertical line which would be drawn immediately in advance of the origin of the anterior anal fin. The formula of the rays is as follow: Bre EE IMD VEO, 205022 AS20 8202 (Ol Ae 110! 2 62"V F* Pra The scales are of moderate development, sub-elliptical in shape, and cycloid in structure, with traces of radiating furrows upon their anterior section dnly. Minute scales are observed on the upper surface of the head, opercular apparatus, and temporal region ; the cheeks, properly so called, are scaleless. The lateral line is very conspicuous ; starting from the upper part of the thoracic belt it undergoes a slight depression under the anterior half of the second dorsal fin, keeping nearer the back than the belly, thence extending straightway to the base of the caudal fin along the middle of the flanks. The ground color is uniformly greyish brown above, and silvery grey beneath. The upper surface of the head is quite dark, whilst the cheeks are of a pure silvery hue. The fins being unicolor as far as we could ascertain. References to the figures.—Plate XLa, fig. 1, represents Homalopomus trowbridgii, somewhat reduced in size. Fig. 2 is a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 3, a scale from the lateral line, Fig. 4, a scale from the abdominal region. List of specimens. Catal. | No. of | Age. Locality. When col- Whence obtained. Nature of No. | spec. lected. specimen. 285 1 | Adult.-| Astoria, Oregon Territory .....- 1853 Lieut. W. P. Trowbridge ---..-- Alcoholic. -. Family PLEURONECTIDAEH, Bonap. We meet here with a curious anomaly in the general law of symmetry, for, in the fishes which compose the present family, one of the sides acquires a marked preponderance over the other side, owing chiefly to the position of the eyes on the side just alluded to ; it may be on the right or on the left. The rule is pretty constant amongst the species, and if we do occasionally observe individuals of the same species with the eyes on either side, one is the rule, the other the exception ; for, in many instances, the rule holds good for entire genera where 19 a 146 U. & P. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. the eyes are placed either on the right or on the left side. The side on which the eyes are situated is generally the one where the diversity of coloration is displayed, whilst the other is, generally speaking, colorless, else unicolor. This circumstance is easily accounted for by the oblique position these fishes assume in their native element; the colorless side being directed downwards, is placed in almost the same position as the abdominal region in the other member of the class. The body of these fishes is very flat and very much compressed, sub-elliptical in general outline, short or elongated, according to the genera. The dorsal fin extends the whole length of the back, the anal occupying mostly the entire region from the vent to the caudal fin. The pectorals, when extant, are equally developed; they are wanting in some species. The ventrals being inserted under the thoracic belt. The position of the eyes on one side being the result of a torsion of the bones of the cranium, the mouth is variously distorted, and varies also very much in size. The maxillar teeth are more developed on the side where the eyes are situated, being sometimes entirely absent from the other side. The palate is toothless. The scales are of the ctenoid type to a few exceptions which are cycloid in structure. There is no air bladder. Syn.—Pleuronectidae, Bonar. Sagg. distr. anim. vetebr. 1831, 117. Platessoideae, Ricuarvs. Faun. Bor. Amer. III, 1836, 255. Planidae, DeEKay, New Y. Fauna, 1V, 1842, 293.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 223. According to the observations made by Van Beneden, the young of this family at the period of hatching present a symmetrical form equal to that of any other fish, the assymetry being brought about during their ulterior growth. It has also been observed that while yet immature, and when the eyes have already assumed their final situation, the young flat fish swims in a perfectly horizontal position, the dorsal and abdominal outlines being on the same level, whilst they take and keep an oblique position so soon as their growth is completed. There are two species of this family mentioned by Dr. Ayres as occurring on the Pacific coast of North America, specimens of which we have not seen. One is a “‘ Halibut,’’ supposed to be identical with Hippoglossus vulgaris (Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. 1855, 41), seldom found so far south as the entrance of the Bay of San Francisco, though very abundant further north, whence it is brought to the San Francisco market. The other is a ‘‘ Flounder,’’ and has been described under the name of Platessa bilineata, Ayres, in Proc, Cal. Acad. Nat. Se. 1855, 40. It is taken in the Bay of San Francisco and brought to the market of that city. PARALICHTHYS, Girard. Gen. Cuar.—Eyes moderate, situated on the right side. Mouth large; snout sub-conical ; jaws sub-equal. Slender and conical teeth on both sides of the jaws. Origin of dorsal fin situated in advance of the orbits. Dorsal and anal fins not continuous with the caudal; latter sub-truncated posteriorly. Surface of the head scaly as well as the body. Lateral line arched above the pectoral fins, hence straight to the base of the caudal. The general aspect of the body is elongated and ellipsoid, reminding us of certain species of the genus Platessa, whilst the gape of the mouth resembles more that of Rhombus. FISHES—PLEURONECTIDAE—PARALICTHYS MACULOSUS. 147 PARALICHTHYS MACULOSUS, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Body quite elongated and ellipsoid ; peduncle of the tail strangulated. Lower jaw slightly the longest ; posterior extremity of maxillary dilated, and extending to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the orbits. Origin of the anal fin situated opposite the base of the pectorals. Dorsal and anal fins even posteriorly. Posterior margin of the caudal sub- truncated. Scales small and pectinated. Reddish brown, maculated. Syn.— Pleuronectes maculosus, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 155. The body is elongated, sub-elliptical, the dorsal and ventral outlines constituting most regular curves, into which the head immerges with but a very slight depression above the eyes. The peduncle of the tail is slightly contracted immediately behind the posterior margin of both the dorsal and anal fins, which terminate evenly. From this point to the base of the caudal fin the caudal region assumes a dove tail appearance. The caudal fin itself is undulating upon its posterior edge, the external and central rays being slightly longer than the intermediate ones. The total length of the specimen now before us is about seven inches and a half, the head entering in it four times and one-third. The lower jaw is the longest ; the posterior extremity of the maxillar bone reaches a vertical line drawn behind the posterior rim of the orbit: Slender and conical teeth may be observed on either side of the jaws. The eyes, which are placed on the right side, are of medium size, elliptical in shape, their horizontal diameter entering about five times and a half in the length of the side of the head. The origin of the dorsal fin is situated opposite the anterior rim of the orbit ; that of the anal is placed opposite the base of the pectorals, both of these fins being composed of simple rays. The rays of the caudal are highly dichotomised. The pectorals are moderate sized, and composed of slender and bifurcated rays, except the outer ones, which remain simple. The ventrals are quite small, inserted in advance of the pectorals, overlapping the vent, and extending as far as the third ray of the anal. Their rays are likewise bifurcated. Bra Vile Vill sDiGSin Ano as C3, 10.6. 1d Vi 6s P10! The scales are small, sub-elliptical, longer than deep, and pectinated. They extend over the opercular apparatus, the head, and even the jaws; they may also be observed on the rays of most of the fins, especially on the caudal. The lateral line starts from the scapular region, describing an arch above the pectoral fins, to follow afterwards the middle of the flanks to the caudal fin, The ground color of the right side, being the one on which the eyes are situated, is reddish brown, scattered all over with numerous spots of a darker hue. The left side is uniformly pale yellow. * List of specimens. Catal. |No.of| Age. Locality. When col- Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. | spec. lected. specimen. 701 1 | Adult_-| San Diego, Cal ---.-.- 1853 Lieut. W. P. Trowbridge -| Alcoholic...} A. Cassidy.-.--- 148 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. PLATICHTHYS, Girard. Gen. Cuar.—Eyes on either the right or left side. Mouth rather smal] ; snout somewhat produced ; lower jaw longest ; small and conical teeth on both sides of the jaws. Origin of dorsal fin situated opposite the middle of the orbit ; dorsal and anal fins not extending to the caudal; latter posteriorly sub-convex. Surface of head scaly like the body. Lateral line slightly arched above the pectoral fins, hence straight to the base of the caudal. Syn.—Platichthys, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 139; and, VIII, 1856, 136. This genus has the general aspect of Rhombus, from which it differs by a smaller mouth, a dorsal fin beginning above the orbit, and by both the dorsal and anal fins being separated from the caudal. The scales, moreover, have a proclivity of becoming quite prickly and rough to the touch. To this genus belongs Plewronectes stellatus of Pallas,! or Platessa stellata of modern writers.” The latter species is closely allied to P. rugosus, described further on, from which it may even not differ, An actual comparison between the specimens is, however, demanded, before a settlement of the question can be arrived at. 1. PLATICHTHYS RUGOSUS, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Eyes moderate, situated on the left side. Interocular space moderate. Peduncle of tail long. Origin of dorsal fin corresponding to a vertical line intersecting the middle of the pupil. Scales very rugose and plate-like. Lateral line slightly arched above the pectoral fins. Left side dark reddish brown ; fins olivaceous, dorsal and anal with alternate vertical bands of black, caudal with longitudinal bands of the same hue. Ventrals and pectorals unicolor. Right side dull yellow. Syn.—Platichthys rugosus, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 139 and 155. The general form of the body is sub-elliptical, leaving out the snout and the peduncle of the tail. The head, which is of medium size, constitutes about the fourth of the total length, which measures nine inches in the specimen we describe. The occiput is very much depressed, the snout sub-conical, the lower jaw being the longest and protruding beyond the upper. A row of short, conical teeth may be observed on either side of the jaws. The posterior extremity of the maxillary extending somewhat beyond the anterior rim of the orbit, approximating it closely when the mouth is shut. The eyes are moderate sized and, as a general rule, situated on the left side ; they are sub-elliptical and their horizontal diameter contained about six times in the length of the side of the head, The interocular space is of moderate width. The branchios- tegals are seen on either side, ; The origin of the dorsal fin takes place upon a vertical line which would intersect the pupil of the upper eye. Its rays increase in height to the posterior third of its length, hence diminishing again to the terminus of the fin. The origin of the anal corresponds to a vertical line drawn at some distance behind the base of the pectorals, terminating evenly with the dorsal, at a considerable distance from the insertion of the caudal, giving the tail a rather long peduncle. The caudal fin itself is posteriorly rounded or sub-truncated, constituting a little less than the fifth of the total length. The ventrals are inserted somewhat in advance of the base of the pectorals, their posterior extremity not extending quite as far as the anterior margin of the * Zoographia Rosso-Asiatica, III, 1831, 416. * The Zoology of the Voyage of H. M.S. Herald. Reptiles and Fish, 1854, 164. FISHES—PLEURONECTIDAE—PLATICHTHYS UMBROSUS. 149 anal, but overlap considerably the vent, which is situated nearly midway between the insertion of the ventrals and the origin of the anal. The pectorals are of but moderate development. Tye, W/IUES) WALLS 1D) Gir AN Zee Ores alle eee esl. The middle rays of the pectorals and those of the caudal are bifurcated once ; in the other fins they are simple. The scales are modified into small bony shields with their surface covered with minute prickles very rough to the touch. They are isolated and scattered over the body, and more thickly set together over the head. FISHES—EMBIOTOCOIDAE—EMBIOTOCA CASSIDII. A Fig. 3, a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 4, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 5, a scale from the abdominal region. Plate XXVIII, fig. 1, is the female sex, likewise reduced. Fig. 2, a section across the line of greatest depth. Figs. 3, 4, and 5, scales from the back, lateral line, and abdomen, magnified as usual. Plate XXVI, fig. 3, represents the young, size of life, as taken in the ovary of the female above represented. Fig. 4, is the same embryo enlarged three times, in order to render its features more con- spicuous and tangible. List of specimens. Catal. No. of | Sex and Locality. | Whencol- | Whence obtained. {Orign’]) Nature of | Collected by— No. _ specs. | age. lected. No. | Specimens. | 530:| 2 | Adult-.| San Francisco, Cal._--- | 1853 Lt. R. S. Williamson-.|-...-. Alcoholic. | Dr. Heermann ~- Ga pa ee eee dozessss-— == PO MICE ERE SGaS doen aes aeaa|eaees ee Oe eho ie do-22-=s-= 532 | 2 cecsecs= Tomales Bay, Cal....-- | 1855 | Mr. E. Samuels ....-- 339 |.---do.--.| Mr. Samuels ---. | | | and | | 342 2. EMBIOTOCA CASSIDII, Grd. Prats XXIX and Puiate XXVI, Fig. 12. Spec. Cuar.—General form sub-ellipsoid. Frontal region very slightly depressed above the eyes. Anal undulated upon its external margin ; its origin being opposite the third articulated ray of the dorsal. Tip of pectorals reaching a vertical line that would intersect the base of last spiny ray of dorsal. Eyes above the medium size. Posterior extremity of maxillary not reaching the vertical of the anterior rim of orbit. Branchiostegals six in number, Fifty-seven scales in the lateral line. Purplish brown, with about twelve transverse bands of a deeper tint. Syv.—Embiotoca cassidyi, Grp. in Proc, Acad, Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 151; and, VII, 1855, 320. Adult specimens of this species having come under our examination since its first publication, any doubts which might have been entertained in regard to its characters are thus entirely removed. It is always a more or less critical responsibility to establish species upon immature specimens, and we are glad of the opportunity thus afforded us to draw up amore complete description than the one previously published. The general appearance of this species is more contracted, more elliptical than in L. jacksoni, yet the proportions between the head and the body are nearly the same. The profile, however, is sloping more rapidly forwards. The posterior margin of the opercular apparatus forms a more convex or else a more complete curve, which, when added to an eye proportionally larger, gives to it a physiognomy altogether peculiar. The horizontal diameter of the eye is comprised nearly four times in the length of the side of the head, and exactly once anteriorly to the orbit. The posterior extremity of the maxillary does not extend quite to the vertical of the anterior rim of the orbit. There are six branchiostegal rays on either side, of a moderate development. The origin of the dorsal fin is nearly opposite to the anterior extremity of the base of the 172 U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. pectorals. The base of the spinous portion is but a little shorter than that of the soft. The membrane uniting the spines is less emarginated than in LZ. jacksoni. The articulated rays are bifurcated but twice; the extremities of the posterior rays extending a quarter of an inch more backwards than the base of the anal. The rays of the caudal bifurcate four times; the length of the fin itself constituting the sixth of the total length. The anal fin, the articulated rays of which exhibit signs of a third bifurcation, is elongated, undulating upon its external margin ; its anterior spine is situated opposite the third articulated ray of the dorsal. A line dropped vertically from the posterior extremity of the base of dorsal will intersect the base of the- twenty-third articulated ray of the anal. The insertion of the ventrals does not vary materially from that in #. jacksoni when compared to the dorsal spines. The extero-anterior spiny ray, however, is proportionally longer. The articulated rays subdivide thrice. The base of the pectorals is greater than in the latter species; their tip extends backwards tc a vertical line drawn at the anterior articulated ray of the dorsal; the rays subdivide twice. The formula of the fins is as follow: Male--Br. Vi: "VI; DX, 20; A Tl; 10+ 16= 26 ;-C 3,4, 6, 6,4; 25 V1 634s The general aspect of the scales, as well as the number of longitudinal rows, is nearly the same as in L. jacksoni, being, however, smaller on the sub-thoracic region. The dorsal furrow originates likewise under the first articulated ray of the dorsal fin, extending to the sixteenth. The sheath above it is composed anteriorly of two rows of scales, and posteriorly of one row only. The anterior radiating furrows of the scales themselves are more numerous than in E, jacksoni and FE, webbi. The ground color of the head and body is purplish brown; the latter exhibiting about a dozen vertical bands of a deeper hue, extending almost to the inferior outline of the abdomen. The pectoral fins are olivaceous; the other fins being of a deep purple. A light olivaceous streak may be observed along the base of the soft dorsal. i In specimens which have not completed their growth, the ground color is of a light olivaceous tint ; the transverse bands being dusky. The species appears to be quite common in the bay of San Diego, California, where the specimen figured has been obtained. Six specimens, of an average size of two inches and a half, were received from the same locality. These we consider as being the young, and accordingly have caused the outline of one of them to be represented on Plate XXVI, fig. 12. It is upon this specimen that the species was first established. It bears a very great resemblance to the young of Zmbiotoca ornata, figured on the same plate (fig. 11). We observe the same shape of the caudal fin, the same prolon- gation of the posterior articulated rays of both the dorsal and the anal fins. The most prominent difference will be found in the length of the anal. The ground color is greenish yellow with transverse greyish bands. The fins are all light yellow or straw color; in one specimen we noticed the tip of ventrals and anterior portion of anal assuming a darker hue, It is worthy of remark, that while these young were caught in open waters, they are smaller than those of Hmbiotoca ornata, taken within the body of the mother. ‘This must be explained by the fact that the parent from which they issued differed very materially in bulk. Plate XXIX, fig. 1, represents a male individal of Hmbiotoca cassidii, size of life. : Fig. 2 is a section across the line of greatest depth of the body. FISHES—EMBIOTOCOIDAE—EMBIOTOCA WEBBI. AS Fig. 3, a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 4, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 5, a scale from the abdominal region. Figs. 3, 4, and 5 are magnified. Plate XXVI, fig. 12, represents the young, taken in the open water of the Bay of San Diego, California. List of specimens. | Catal. | No. of | Sex and | Locality. When col- | Whence obtained. | Natureof | Collected by— No. .| spec. | . age. lected. | specimens, | paws | eee 544 5 Adult_-| San Diego, Cal:-..-.-- 1853 | Lt. W. P. Trowbridge-..-. | Alcoholic. | A. Cassidy--.-.... 600 1 } Young -|-..... (Oe eescceonacece ) UGG ees Sens d0s- een cennae oe leaeess Pel peosce dos. =. eee 3. EMBIOTOCA WEBBI, Grd. PLATE XXX. Spec. Cuar.—General form ellipsoid. Frontal region sub-concave ; occiput prominent. Anal undulated upon its external margin, its origin being opposite the fifth articulated ray of the dorsal. Tip of pectorals reaching the vertical of the third articulated ray of dorsal fin. Eyes above the medium size. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn at the anterior rim of erbit. Branchiostegals, five on right side, six on the left. Fifty-four scales in the lateral line. Olive brown, with indistinct purplish blotches. Syn.—Embiotoca webbi, Gro.in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1855, 320. This species is closely allied to the preceding, the differences consisting in the shape of the head, the cleft of the mouth, the proportional height of the dorsal fin, the insertion of ventrals and anal, the extension of pectorals, and shape and structure of the scales. The snout is obtuse ; the posterior extremity of the maxillaries corresponds to a vertical line intersecting the anterior rim of the orbit. The eye is large and circular, a little smaller than in FZ. cassidii, being intermediate in size between the latter and LH. jacksoni. The posterior convexity of the opercle is less prominent than in LZ. cassidii, being also provided with one more row of scales upon its surface. The rows of scales upon the cheeks do not vary in either of the species so far described. The origin of the dorsal fin is exactly opposite the anterior extremity of the base of the pectorals. The spinous portion constitutes three-sevenths of the length of the base of the whole fin. The membrane uniting the spines is more emarginated than in Z. cassidii, and the soft portion is anteriorly more elevated than in the latter. The articulated rays of the fin bifurcate but twice. The caudal holds the same relations towards the total length as in Z. cassidii, but its rays bifurcate only three times. The anal has the same structure: three spines, ten undivided, and fifteen divided rays, the divisions observed being of the first, second, and third degree. The anterior spine is situated opposite the fifth articulated ray of the dorsal fin. The insertion of the ventrals is under the fourth dorsal spine. The articulated rays of these fins sub-divide three times. The tips of the pectorals extend backwards as far as the third articulated ray of the dorsal ; their rays are thrice bifurcated. sa inn 174 U. S. P. R. R. EXP, AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. Formula of the fins: Male: Br. VI: .V; D 1X, 21; ATI, 10+ 15= 25; C3, 1, 6,6, 1,2; WiGbs eae The scales are a little higher than long, in that respect differing from those both of Z#. jacksoni and JL’. cassidii, and, moreover, to be distinguished from the latter by a smaller number of radiating furrows upon their anterior section. The dorsal furrow commences under the second ray of the soft dorsal, terminating under the sixteenth ; the sheath above it is composed of two rows of scales anteriorly, and of one posteriorly. The ground color is dusky brown above, yellowish brown beneath, with cloudy patches of reddish brown. The pectorals are yellowish, the dorsal, caudal, anal, and ventrals purplish and yellowish ; a yellow streak is observed along the base of the soft portion of the dorsal. This species inhabits the bay of San Diego, together with the preceding species. Plate XXX, fig. 1, represents a male specimen of E’mbiotoca webbi, size of life. Fig. 2 is a section across the line of greatest depth. Fig. 3, a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 4, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 5, a scale from the abdominal region. Figs. 3, 4, and 5 are magnified. List of specimens. ) ; | Catal. INo. of | Sex and Locality. ‘When collected.| Whence obtained. | Nature of specimens. | Collected by— No. | spec. | age. | | | je re 545 | 2 | Adult..|} San Diego, Cal Me Al 1853 Lieut. Trowbridge -| Alcoholic...--...-- | A. Cassidy....=. | | 4. EMBIOTOCA LINEATA, Grd. Pirate XXXI and Prats XXVI, Figs. 5 & 6. Spec. Cuan.—Body sub-elliptically elongated. Anal fin elongated, with external margin nearly straight, diminishing gradually in depth posteriorly, its origin being opposite to the sixth articulated ray of the dorsal. Tip of pectorals reaching a vertical line intersecting the base of last but one dorsal spine. Eyes of medium size. Posterior extremity of maxillary evon with the vertical of anterior rim of orbit. Frontal region slightly depressed above the eyes. Branchiostegals five in number. Sixty-two scales in lateral line. Ground color of upper region dark olive or reddish brown ; reddish yellow beneath. Sides of abdomen with light longitudinal stripes intersecting the point of union of the rows of scales. Anal deep purple, with a yellowish vitta at its base. Syn.—Embiotoca lineata, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 134, and, 151; also, VII, 1855, 320. The head constitutes the fourth of the length, excluding the forked portion of the caudal fin. The snout is sub-conically rounded, the angle of the mouth, or rather the posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn immediately in advance of the orbit. The eye being of medium size, its diameter enters four times in the length of the side of the head. The nostrils are placed nearer to the eye than to the end of the snout. The scales on the cheeks constitute three distinct sub-concentric rows, the innermost being the largest; two scales indicate a fourth row upon the concavity of the preopercle. The opercle is higher than broad, and covered with about six obliquely vertical rows of scales extending downwards upon the sub-opercle, which is closely united to the former. Upon the interopercle the scales are much FISHES—EMBIOTOCOIDAE—EMBIOTOCA LINEATA. 175 smaller and irregularly disposed in series. The branchiotsegal rays, five on either side, are entirely concealed under the opercular apparatus. The upper surface of the head is perfectly smooth ; four scales constitute an insulated group upon the supratympanic region. The body is very much compressed, the greatest thickness being about one-third of the greatest depth, which is contained twice and two-thirds of a time in the total length, The dorsal and ventral outlines are regularly arched, giving to the body a sub-elliptical profile. The profile above the eye is slightly depressed. The peduncle of the tail is of medium develop- ment ; its least depth is less than a third of the depth of the body. A line drawn vertically downwards from the origin of the dorsal fin would pass behind the posterior end of the insertion of the pectorals. The base of the spinous portion of that fin, along which may be counted ten spines, is but a little shorter than the remaining portion, composed of twenty-four or five rays, bifurcating once from below their middle, there being but very few in the centre which exhibit a tendency towards a bifurcation of the second degree. The anterior articulated rays are about twice the height of the posterior ones; they gradually diminish backwards, giving a nearly straight outline to the upper edge of the fin. The caudal is forked ; its length enters about six times in the total length; its rays show traces of a bifurcation of the fifth degree. The anal is nearly straight upon its external margin ; its anterior spines are slender, followed by ten undivided and twenty bifurcated rays, their bifur- cation being altogether similar to the rays of the dorsal fin. The anterior articulated rays are likewise twice as high as the posterior, which approximate nearer to the base of the caudal than those of the opposite fin. The origin of the ventrals is situated opposite the third dorsal spine. Their exterior and spiny ray is half the length of the next articulated one, which is the longest of all ; their posterior extremity reaches a vertical line drawn from the third articulated ray of the dorsal. A bifurcation of the third degree may be observed upon the extremity of the rays. The pectoral fins, the central rays of which also sub-divide three times, are of medium develop- ment ; their posterior extremity corresponds to the vertical of the last dorsal spine. The formula of the fins is as follows : Peres DE 2a 1S A TIT 10 20' == 30+ © 251; 6,6, 1, 1;5-V_1, 5 pea. The scales are of medium size ; the lateral line contains sixty-two of them ; eight rows may be counted above the lateral line, and eighteen rows beneath it. The largest scales occupy the middle of the flanks; they diminish gradually in size towards the dorsal, as well as towards the abdominal and thoracic regions. The dorsal groove extends anteriorly to the tenth dorsal Spine, disappearing towards the twentieth articulated ray. The sheath above the groove is composed anteriorly of two, and posteriorly of one row of scales. The scales on the dorsal region are a little higher than long, whilst in the lateral line and on the abdomen they are a little longer than high ; their posterior edge is regularly convex, the sides slightly rounded, and the anterior margin nearly straight. The ground color along the dorsal region is dark olive, with longitudinal stripes of purplish brown running through the middle of the scales. On the flanks below the lateral line the ground color has become purplish, the longitudinal stripes having widened, leaving but a narrow streak of a light olivaceous hue running parallel to one another, intersecting the point of union between the rows of scales; they become less and less distinct as they approach the abdominal 176 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—-GENERAL REPORT. region, which is yellowish, The dorsal, caudal, ventrals, and anal are purplish red, the latter exhibiting a yellowish streak or vitta along its base. The pectorals are more of a yellowish hue. This species inhabits the bay of San Francisco, California. The specimen figured, on being opened, was found to contain twenty young ones, of an average length of eight-tenths of an inch (Plate XXVI, figs. 5 and 6). The body is sub-fusiform, scaleless, deepest anteriorly, and terminated by a rounded head, with the cleft of the mouth but slightly apparent. The remnant of the yolk forms a yet prominent abdominal hernia-like bag. The eye consists of a mere layer of black pimentum. The pectorals and ventrals have -not made their appearance yet. There are but seven very short spines visible in the dorsal fin. The articulated rays of the dorsal and anal are proportionally very long, but the posterior ones do not yet extend beyond the base of the caudal, being, therefore, more similar to the adult. The anal spines are not yet to be seen. The caudal is lanceolated, its central rays being much longer than the lateral ones, in which respect this fin differs widely from the shape if assumes in the adult fish. Plate XXXIJ, fig. 1, represents Hmbiotoca lineata, from the bay of San Francisco, somewhat reduced in size, Fig. 2 is a transverse section across the line of greatest depth of the body. Fig. 3, a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 4, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 5, a scale from the abdominal region. Plate XXVI, fig. 5, represents the young, size of life, taken in the ovaries of the specimen above figured, Fig. 6, same as fig. 5, enlarged three times. List of specimens. Catal. | No.of Sex and Locality. | When Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. | specs. | age. | collected. : specimens. x | a =e 533 Adult..| San Prancisco, Cal....... | 1853 Lt. R. S. Williamson....) Alcoholic ..| Dr. Heermann ..... 2 534 iO DE Adsaad PACE GOsceenssccecsucses| , 1000 sete dOreeeeereeseaeeen see dOreeeer sree eedOrerereesees 535 1 |......2.| Tomales Bay, Cal.....0+-| 1855 Mr. E. Samuels....0...+.++.d0..+0+-) Mr. Samuels ... eee 536 1.0...) San Francisco; Cal........| 1853 Lt. R. S. Williamson ...'....do....++, Dr. Newberry....0 fetes cows} clow'esdO.c cc ees eoessseeeee 1853 Lt. A. W. Whipple ...+..-+.do..+++-| Dr. Kennerly .+.++- 1 537 538 Bedesivas| peresidia, Cal, ..cckrs «cces|e Lond Lt. W. P. Trowbridge...'..+.do.....| Lt. Trowbridge... 5. EMBIOTOCA ORNATA, Grd. Pirate XXVI, Fia. 11. Spec. Cuar.—General form sub-elliptical. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line which would pass behind the posterior nostrils. Eyes of medium size. External margin of anal nearly straight ; its origin being opposite the fifth articulated ray of dorsal. Tips of pectorals falling under the vertical of the tenth dorsal spine. Insertion of ventrals situated under the fifth dorsal spine. Branchiostegals five in number. About sixty-four scales in the lateral line. Color dark brown above, flanks and abdomen yellowish golden with purple stripes along the line of union between the rows of scales. Seales on thoracic region provided with a central purple spot. Syn.—Embiotoca lineata, Gro. in Proc, Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 151. Embiotoca ornata, Gno, in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1855, 321. FISHES—EMBIOTOCOIDAE—EMBIOTOCA ORNATA. net This species is so closely allied to #. lineata, that on a former occasion it was identified with it. The general form is most alike that of the latter species, being sub-elliptical. The head seems to preserve the same general proportions in regard to the entire length, but the snout iS much more truncated in /. ornata. The frontal outline is also more declivous. The posterior extremity of the maxillary extends to a vertical line drawn behind the posterior nostril, thus not reaching the anterior rim of the orbit. The anterior nostril is the smallest of the two. The eye is sub-circular ; the diameter of the orbit enters four times and a half in the length of the side of the head, its anterior rim being nearer the extremity of the snout than in #. lineata. The branchiostegals are five en either side. Z The origin of the dorsal fin is situated opposite the anterior extremity of the base of the pectorals ; its eleven spinous rays extend over a base not quite as long as the articulated rays. The latter are but twice bifurcated. The origin of the anal is situated more posteriorly than in £. lineata, as compared to the dorsal. Its structure presents likewise some differences worth noticing: there are, as usual, three short spines; then eleven undivided articulated rays, followed by three with signs of division without separation of the branches; next to these twenty well divided ones, with bifurcations of the second degree only. The caudal fin is missing in the specimen before us. The articulated rays of the ventral fins subdivide three times, with traces of a fourth division in a few; the insertion of these fins corresponding to a vertical line drawn from the fifth dorsal spine. The pectorals, the rays of which subdivide twice with traces of a third division, extend posteriorly to the vertical of the tenth dorsal spine. The formula of the rays is: Bre eee No ede AL UN ie 3 20 = 345: Cr 6.6, 05 9 Vi Tbeiba2e. The ground color above is uniform dark brown, almost blackish. The flanks and abdomen are yellowish golden with longitudinal stripes of purple along the line of union of the rows of scales. On the thoracic region each scale is provided with a purple spot upon its middle, whilst the outer portion has the golden hue of the abdominal scales. The head is dark purple or deep reddish brown with sinuating bluish lines on the cheeks and opercular apparatus. A specimen of this species, about twelve inches in total length, caught in the bay of San Diego, was received in a rather mutilated state. On being opened we found five young ones still retained within the folds of the ovaries. Most of the brood, we suppose, had made their escape. Those left measure a little less than three inches in total length, their greatest depth being equal to the third of the length, (Plate XXVI, fig. 11). The scales are all perfectly developed. The spiny rays of the dorsal and anal fins have now the proportional height of those in the adult, but the posterior articulated rays of these same fins are much larger and extend beyond the base of the caudal. The caudal is subtruncated, the central rays are beginning gradually to recede as well as the posterior rays of both dorsal and anal, which must have had a much greater length at a previous period, judging of this by the filaments that dropped from their extremity as we removed the young from the ovaries. The body is light reddish orange, with the peculiar longitudinal stripes very conspicuous. The two anterior thirds of the dorsal, the anterior third of the anal and the base of the ventrals, exhibit a reddish orange deeper than’on the body; the posterior third of the dorsal and anal fins are rather yellowish. An elongated jet black spot exists near the base of the anterior portion of the soft 23 a 178 U. S. P. R, R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. dorsal, The tip of the ventrals is black, The upper edge of the spinous dorsal. fin is also black. Plate XXVI, fig. 11, represents the young of Hmbiotoca ornata, size of life, as taken within the body of its parent, from the bay of San Diego, California. List of specimens. Catal. No. of | Sex and Locality. | When Whence obtained. | Natureof | Collected by— No. spec. | age. collected. | | specimens. | SS ae ————————————————————————— EE 541 1 | Adult...) San Diego, Cal........... 1853 Lt. W. P. Trowbridge-- Alcoholic...) A. Cassidy.....+- oe 542 1 |..do....| S. Farallones, Cal_......., 1854 |...0e. GO. ccccarcccccrccs jee MO. seen Lt. Trowbridge..... S000 Usddot teehee laa iets vomberesenlas A Oat dlices gidovdticnads weeds aah dons sa=e}ire~ ud. 7m enenaeiae 6. EMBIOTOCA PERSPICABILIS, Grd. Prate XXXIL & Prare XXVI, Fries. 1 & 2. Spec. Cuar.—Body sub-elliptically elongated. Frontal region gently declivous. Eyes of medium size. Posterior extremity of maxillary not quite reaching the anterior rim of the orbit. Anal fin long, its anterior undivided rays longer than the rest, and its origin situated opposite the twelfth articulated ray of dorsal. Tips of pectorals reaching vertical line intersecting base of last dorsal spine. Five branchiostegal rays. Sixty-three scalesin lateral line. Deep purplish brown above, lighter beneath. Flanks with light narrow longitudinal stripes intersecting the point of union of rows of scales. Dorsal, caudal, anal, and ventral fins reddish purple ; pectorals yellowish. Syvx.—Embiotoca perspicabilis, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1855, 321. There is still another species most closely allied to HZ. lineata, differing from it by a more elongated body, a longer anal fin which is inserted more posteriorly in its relations to the dorsal. The shape of the anal fin, again, is likewise different, being concave upon its outer margin and much deeper anteriorly where only nine undivided rays are observed. The eyes are proportionally larger and the ventral fins situated more backwards. The same general features will distinguish this species from 2. ornata. ' The frontal region forms a continuous curve with the dorsal outline, being, consequently, much less prominent than in both Z, lineata and LZ. ornala, The head constitutes a little less than the fourth of the entire length. The eye, which is large and circular, enters four times and a half in the length of the side of the head. The posterior extremity of the maxillary almost reaches a vertical line drawn in advance of the orbit. There are five branchiostegal rays on either side. The greatest depth of the body is rather more than one third of the entire length. The peduncle of the tail is of medium development. A line drawn vertically downwards from the origin of the dorsal fin would intersect the middle of the base of the pectorals. The spinous portion of that fin (dorsal) is gradually rising from the first to the eighth spine, and occupying three sevenths of the base of the whole fin. The articulated portion is anteriorly twice the height of the last spine; it gradually diminishes posteriorly. The rays composing it bifurcate twice. The caudal is broadly developed, forked, and its rays highly subdivided, since divisions of the sixth degree may readily be observed. The origin of the anal is situated opposite, the twelfth articulated ray of the dorsal; its anterior undivided rays being longer than the rest and gradually diminishing from forwards backwards; the external margin of that fin assumes a concave outline, Its base is comprised a little over six times in the entire length, instead of ~ FISHES—EMBIOTOCOIDAE—EMBIOTOCA PERSPICABILIS. 179 less than five times, as is the case in HZ. lineata and L. ornata, The undivided rays are nine in number, followed by twenty-one divided up to the third division, The insertion of the ventral fins is opposite the fifth dorsal spine. Their external spine ig slender and acute, and the articulated rays bifurcate three times, but the third bifurcation does not affect all the sub- divisions. The pectorals are broadly developed and their posterior extremities reach a vertical line which would intersect the last dorsal spine. Their rays subdivide four times. Thus, in the fins, we find: Bree Vio, 24 Agen =r 30. CS. 0h Gs, D2, Val bse, 22: The lateral line forms a curve parallel to that of the back. It contains sixty-two scales. _ There are eight longitudinal rows of scales above it and eighteen beneath, largest on the middle of the flanks. The scales themselves are generally longer than deep, provided with but few radiating furrows, and oftentimes not even fully developed, as represented in fig. 3. Scales are well developed on the opercle and cheeks, but rather small in the supratympanic group. The ground color is dark reddish brown above and on the sides, with light longitudinal stripes between the rows of scales on the latter region, On the abdomen and thoracic region the hue is of a soiled yellow, with partial metallic reflections. The dorsal, caudal, and anal fins have the same general tint as the upper region of the body, with, perhaps, a redder hue. The ventrals and pectorals are reddish inwardly and olivaceous outwardly. The specimen figured being a female, on being opened was found to contain about eighty young of an average size of halfan inch. The whole embryo consisting of cells, with no signs yet of the cleft of the mouth. A layer of black pimentum constituted the eye. Membranous ridges above and below showed the first steps in the formation of the fins. The caudal itself Was a mere membranous expansion of the cellular substance of the body. As such, the embryos had made their escape from the eggs. They could be seen lying between the ovarian mem- branes in the manner described on p. 165. This species inhabits Puget’s Sound; the specimen figured and described was procured at Fort Steilacoom, on the Ist of February, 1855, by Dr. Geo. Suckley, who made the following observation: ‘‘ This fish was speared in shallow salt water. It is said to be excellent for the table, and is found in tolerable numbers. Below the lateral line are eighteen mazarine blue streaks, running nearly parallel from gills to tail, and both above and below the lateral line a series of blue spots, disposed crescentically beneath the eye and on the opercles. The spaces between these spots are of an olivaceous color, changing, according to light, to resplendent golden and purplish green reflections. The mazarine blue of the back is darker than it is on the sides below the lateral line. When fresh caught the general color of the fish, as it first strikes the eye, is rather more of an indigo blue than a mazarine. Anterior part of the belly golden.”’ Plate XXXII, fig. 1, represents Hmbiotoca perspicabilis, somewhat reduced in size, Fig. 2 is a section across the line of greatest depth. Fig, 3, a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 4, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 5, a scale from the abdominal region. Plate XXVI, fig. 1, exhibits the embryo, size of life, as removed from the ovarian sheath. Fig. 2, the same embryo, double its natural size. 180 U. 8S. P. R. KR. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. List of specimens. a hala a = 7 Catal. | No. of Sex and Locality. | When col- | Whence obtained. | Nature of | Collected by— No. | specs.| age. | lected. | | specimens. | | 540 1 | Adult..) Ft.Steilacoom,Puget’sSound,Or'n| 1853 | Gov. I. I. Stevens--) Alcoholic -.-| Dr, Suckley.-. 7. EMBIOTOCA ARGYROSOMA, Grd. Spec. Cuan —General form elongated ; head rather sma'], sub-conical, anteriorly rounded. Eyes circular and well developed. Posterior extremity of the maxillary reaching a vertical line drawn in advance of the anterior rim of the orbit. Tip of pectoral fins not extending as far as the anterior articulated ray of the dorsal. About sixty scales in the lateral line. Six branchiostegals. A brilliant argentine tint over the entire body, though made a little darker along the dorsal region by a greyish or purplish hue. Fins olivaceous, unicolor. Syx.—Embiotoca argyrosoma, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1855, 136. The general form of this species has a more elongated appearance, mayhap, than any of its congeners. It is sub-elliptical in profile, the superior and inferior outlines being regularly convex, slighly depressed upon the head, obliquely ascending along the insertion of the anal towards a rather slender caudal peduncle. The head is rather small, sub-conical, rounded anteriorly, and contained four times and a half in the total length. The mouth is of but moderate size, its cleft directed slightly upwards ; the posterior extremity of the maxillar bone not extending as far as a vertical line drawn in advance of the orbit. The lips are of moderate development. The nostrils are conspicuous, situated towards the upper surface of the head, and nearer to the anterior rim of the orbit than the tip of the snout. The eye is circular and well developed; its horizontal diameter constituting the fifth of the distance between the tip of the snout and the upper edge of the insertion of the pecterals. The opercle is quite large, and much deeper than broad. The sub- opercle is narrow and thin, tapering outwardly and decidedly less conspicuous than the interopercle. The branchiostegals, six on either side, are small and slender. A vertical line drawn from the origin of the dorsal fin would pass behind the insertion of the pectorals. The base of the spinous portion is less thaa the two-fifths of the soft portion. The articulated rays being broken off, the precise shape of the fin could not be ascertained. The same is the case with those of the anal; the entire base of the latter is nearly equal to the soft portion of the dorsal, and equal to the length of the head. Its anterior spinous rays are acute and slender. The caudal is deeply furcated, and constitutes about the fifth of the total length. The origin of the ventrals is situated opposite the space between the third and fourth spines of the dorsal ; their tips extend nearly as far as the anterior margin of the anal. The pectorals are broad and well developed; their tips extending nearly as far as that of the ventrals. Br. VI: VI; DIX; A Ill; 2430 5) 4 Opera Tb Bi 18: The scales are well developed; they are much larger along the middle of the flanks than on the dorsal, caudal, and abdominal regions. In the lateral line they are smaller than in the adjoining series. Six longitudinal rows may be observed between the anterior margin of the dorsal fin and the lateral line, and fifteen rows between the lateral line and the insertion of FISHES—EMBIOTOCOIDAE—DAMALICHTHYS, 181 the ventrals. The lateral line itself is composed of about sixty scales. The dorsal furrow originates under the ninth spinous ray, extending as far as the middle of the length of the soft portion of that fin. The sheath being composed of but one row of scales. As regards the shape of the scales themselves, those of the lateral line are nearly as long as deep, whilst those on the rest of the body are much deeper than long. Their upper, posterior, and inferior margins are rounded, whilst the anterior margin is obtusely angular. Smaller and irregular scales may, as usual, be observed upon the base of the caudal. On the opercular apparatus and cheeks they are large also, there being three rows of them beneath the orbit. As many as eight scales may be counted in the supratympanic patch, the posterior being the largest. As to colors, an argentine tint extends over the entire body and sides of the head. The upper surface of the head is brownish purple, which hue may be observed, though much less apparent, along the dorsal region. When the specimens are taken out of the alcohol and exposed for some time to the light, obsolete longitudinal darkish streaks make their appearance on the middle of each row or series of scales. The abdomen is yellowish and the fins yellowish grey or olivaceous. Specimens about twelve inches in total length were collected at San Francisco, California, by Lieutenant W. P. Trowbridge, United States army. We regret that their state of preservation did not allow making an accurate figure of this species. The male and female sexes are perfectly alike in every respect, except in the structure of the anterior third of the anal, as alluded to in the other species. The ovaries of a female, which we have examined, about the size of a large quill, on being opened, the ovarian membranes could be seen containing within their walls an innumerable quantity of immature eggs, very similar to those of Hnnichthys heermannt, figured on Plate PREXG VIL fic. 2) List of specimens. } | Catal. | No. of Sex and | Locality. Whencol-| Whence obtained. | Nature of | Collected by— | | No. | specs.| age. | lected. | specim ns. | | | ; eelien dial nla | 5AT 2 aealnes| San Francisco, Cal_.....- 1853 | Lt. Wm.P. Trowbridge | Alcoholic... |Lt.Trowbridge, U.S.A. DAMALICHTHYS, Girard. Gen. Cuan.—Head well developed. Eyes large. Mouth of medium size; upper jaw protruding considerably beyond the lower. Teeth few in number, short, and sub-conical, disposed upon one single row. Lips of moderate thickness; lowe one firmly attached to the symphysis of the jaw. Opercular apparatus very much developed and covered with large scales. Anterior portion of soft dorsal very high, Peduncle of tail slender ; caudal fin deeply forked. Anal elongated, its anterior portion the deepest. Ventrals and pectorals proportionally large. Syn.—Damalichthys, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1855, 321. This genus, by its natural affinities, is more closely allied to Hmbiotoca than to any other of the same family. The most striking difference will be found in a much larger head compared to the body. The upper jaw is likewise considerably longer. The anterior portion of the soft dorsal fin is considerably higher, and the peduncle of the tail longer and slenderer. In regard to the scales, it will be found that their vertical diameter is considerably greater than the _¢ 182 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. horizontal one, particularly on the flanks. The dorsal groove, as in Hmbiotoca, extends to the anterior articulated ray of the dorsal fin, but the sheath above it is much smaller, and formed by one single row of rather small scales. There are no scales on the fins. DAMALICHTHYS VACCA, Grd. Prate XXXII. Spec. Cuar.— Male provided with a sub-pyriform sac upon the anterior third of anal. Branchiostegals five on either side. Ground color greyish olive. Scales with a golden and silvery metallic reflect. Fins unicolor. Syx.—Damalichthys vaca, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1855, 321. The head constitutes a little more than the fourth of the entire length. The snout is pro- truding and sub-conical; the upper surface of the head is gently declivous, with a slight depression above the orbital region. The eyes are sub-circular in shape, and their horizontal diameter is comprised four times and a half in the length of the side of the head. The posterior extremity of the maxillary does not reach the vertical of the anterior rim of the orbit. The teeth are short and conical on the upper and lower jaw. The opercular apparatus is posteriorly rounded and covered with rather large scales, disposed upon six obliquely vertical rows. The scales on the sub-opercle are smaller, and disposed upon two longitudinal series. There are four sub-con- centrical rows of scales upon the cheeks, and somewhat smaller than on the opercle. The | supratympanic group is composed of about nine scales of the size of those occupying the ventral region, The posterior limb of the pre-opercle is conspicuously developed. The branchiostegals | are five in number on either side. The upper outline of the body is gradually arched from the peduncle of the tail to the occiput. The lower outline is less regular: from the chin to the origin of the anal the curve is considerably depressed, raising rapidly along the base of the same fin. The peduncle of the tail is elongated ; its depth equals the two sevenths of the greatest depth of the body, which is the third of the total length. The origin of the dorsal fin is nearly opposite the anterior extremity of the base of the pec- torals. It is gradually rising from the first to the last spine above which the anterior articu- lated ray rises to twice again the height of that spine. The posterior articulated rays are about the height of the third and fourth spines, that is, the fourth of the anterior ones. The upper margin of that fin forms an open crescent, The rays themselves bifurcate but twice. The caudal is deeply forked, and forming more than the sixth of the entire length. Its rays subdivide five times. The anal has the same general shape as the soft portion of the dorsal ; its external margin forming an open crescent, but not so deep anteriorly, for its posterior rays have more than the third of the depth of the anterior ones. Three small spines occupy its anterior margin, which is situated under a vertical line drawn from the seventh articulated ray of the dorsal. Next to the spines we meet with seven undivided rays, followed by twenty-six, which subdivide three times. The base of that fin enters about five times in the whole length, and, though shorter than the soft portion of the dorsal, it extends a little more backwards. lye, IBS Ie Ss IDA WS A IETS Olle Sate ell eS ae wea The anterior two rays in both the dorsal and anal fins are rudimentary ; the accessories in the caudal may prove more numerous, since our investigations were conducted upon a prepared skin. The scales are of medium size, sub-elliptical, longer than deep, and somewhat irregular in the lateral line, which runs nearly straight along the middle of the flanks. The dorsal scales are a little smaller than the abdominal ones; the concentric stria in all of them being obliterated upon their posterior margins. The ground color of the dorsal region is olivaceous, clouded with bluish brown undefined patches, and scattered over with roundish black spots, of which a few only are observed below the lateral line. The sides and inferior region of the body are unicolor, yellowish brown. The dorsal fin, the adipose, and the caudal are densely spotted with black, whilst the inferior fins are unicolor. The upper surface of the head is bluish black; the sides being yellowish brown, like the flanks. The above description and the figure annexed thereto were made from a preserved skin. The specimen, which is two feet and two inches in total length, was caught at Fort Dalles, Columbia river, and preserved by Dr. Geo. Suckley, under Gov. I. I. Stevens. The following is from Dr. Suckley’s notes : ‘Fort Dalles, O. T., April 5, 1855.—A female salmon trout; weight five pounds; length twenty-six inches, girth eleven inches; specimen of average size; was full of roe nearly mature. ‘Tail and upper fins olive (yellowish), spotted with round and oval black spots, about two lines in diameter. Upper part of head and back rich olive; scales reflecting bright silver. A dark pink or salmon colored band extends its whole length on each side both above and below (including) the lateral line. This last may be a post mortem change. Belly silvery white. Iris golden. Chin white. Dorsal fin same as tail. Ventrals and anal yellowish and vermilion ; pectorals darker. Flesh reddish cream colored. Walla-Walla name, Shooshines ; Wasco name, Icquansek (last syllable gutteral ‘ighk’).”’ This quotation shows how much the coloration may be altered on specimens either prepared as skins or else preserved whole in alcohol. References to the figures.—Plate LXIX, fig. 1, represents the female sex of Fario tsuppitch, considerably reduced. Fig. 2 is a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 3, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 4, a scale from the abdominal region. Figs. 2—4 being magnified views. List of specimens. Catal. | No. of Age. Locality. No. When Whence obtained. | Nature of Collected by— collected. specimen. ‘ | | el | 940 1 | Adult | Fort Dalles,Columbiariver,Oregon 1853 Goy. I. I. 7 oe Dried skin.| Dr. Geo. Suckley--- 312 U S P. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. 3. FARIO ARGYREUS, Grd. Puate LXX., Spec. Cuar.—Body very much compressed, rather deep upon its middle region, and quite tapering posteriorly. Head moderate, constituting the fifth of the entire length. Jaws equal. Maxillary slightly curved ; its free extremity extending to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the extremity of the snout than the insertion of the caudal fin. Bluish grey above ; silvery along the middle of the flanks ; yellowish beneath.” Syn.—Fario argyreus, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 218. Salmo argyreus, Gro. Ms. The specimens before us are about ten inches in total length. The body is very much compressed or flattened laterally, with its outline sub-fusiform, tapering considerably towards the tail. The head is compressed also, otherwise it would be sub-conical, since the snout is obtusely rounded and both jaws equal. The mouth is silghtly oblique and but moderately cleft; the posterior free extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn at a short distance behind the orbit. The teeth are very weak and inconspicuous. The longitudinal diameter of the eye is contained five times in the length of the sides of the head ; about once and a third in advance of the anterior rim of the orbit. The sub-opercle is very much developed, quite oblique in its position, and considerably overlapped by the opercle. There are fifteen branchiostegals on the left side and fourteen on the right, short and flattened. The fins are moderately developed ; the caudal is deeply furcated and constitutes about the sixth of the total length. The dorsal is higher than long, and its posterior margin less than half the height of the anterior ; its first two rays are but rudiments, and the anterior margin of that fin is nearer the extremity of the snout than the insertion of the caudal fin. The adipose is very slender, opposite the posterior portion of the anal and extends a little beyond the latter. The anal is longer than deep, its depth, moreover, diminishing rapidly backwards ; its external margin being sub-concave. ‘The insertion of the ventrals takes place opposite to the fourth developed ray of the dorsal or the sixth in the series. The pectorals are slender and their rays bifurcated also. The rays of the other fins are similarly bifurcated or branched, and in the caudal usually more so than elsewhere, Br. 15% 14; D' 12% Oy APRA bes S15 165) Vid 3/-E lb, The scales are of moderate development, elongated, more or less irregular in their outlines ; the concentric stria either becoming obsolete or else disappearing entirely upon their posterior extremity, The lateral line takes a straight course from the upper portion of the opercular apparatus to the base of the caudal fin, being nearer to the dorsal than the abdominal outline, until it reaches the peduncle of the tail where it becomes absolutely median. The dorsal region is bluish or purplish grey, with a metallic lustre ; the middle of the flanks are silvery white, or, perhaps, of a quicksilver hue; whilst the belly is yellowish, with a metallic lustre also. The upper region of the head is blackish or bluish black ; its sides and the opercles being gold’and silver. The fins are unicolor ; the dorsal and caudal greyish olive and darker than the anal, ventrals, and pectorals, which are greyish yellow. The specimens from which our plate is drawn was collected at Cape Flattery, W. T., by Lt. W. P. Trowbridge. Another was obtained at Fort Steilacoom, Puget’s Sound, W. T., by Dr. George Suckley. References to the figures.—Plate LXX, fig. 1, represents Fario argyreus, size of life. Fig. 2 exhibits a scale from the dorsal region, midway between the lateral line and the dorsal fin. FISHES—SALMONIDAE—FARIO GAIRDNERI. 313 Fig. 3 is a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 4, a scale from the abdominal region, midway between the lateral line and the ventral fins. Figs. 2—4 are magnified views. List of specimens. — + Catal. | No. of | Age. Locality. When Whence obtained. Nature of | Collected by— No. | spec. collected. | specimen. Spall SR ahd ae 579 | 1 | Adult.| Cape Flattery, Oregon--.... | 1854 | Lt. W.P. Trowbridge. | Alcoholic.| Lt. Trowbridge... -- 580 1 aoe Puget’s Sound, W. T..------ 1853 | Gov. I. I. Stevens ---.|----do ee 3) Dr. Geo. Suckley_.-- | | 4, FARIO GAIRDNERI, Grd. Pratt LXXI, Fras. 1—4. Spec. Cuar.—Body fusiform in profile, very compressed ; head comprised four times in the length, the caudal fin excluded. Upper jaw longest ; maxillary curved, extending to a vertical line intersecting the posterior rim of the orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal equidistant between the extremity of the snout and the base of the caudal, Caudal fin furcated. Back silvery grey, sides silvery, and belly yellowish white. Body obsoletely spotted with black ; similar black spots on the dorsal and caudal fins. Syn.—Salmo gairdneri, Ricuarps. Faun. Bor. Amer. III, 1836, 221—DeKay, New Y. Fauna, IV, 1842, 243.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 196. Fario gairdneri, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 219. The body is fusiform in its outline, but very much compressed and thin, giving it a much narrower back than is generally the case with its congeners. The head constitutes the fourth of the entire length, excluding the caudal fin; it is sub-conical in shape, anteriorly rounded, the upper jaw slightly overlapping the lower. The mouth is moderately cleft, the posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn inwardly to the posterior rim of the orbit, as in Fario clarkii. The teeth generally are less developed than in the latter, in which respect it resembles Fario argyreus. Those on the tongue are exiguous and far apart in either row ; the pterygoidian teeth are a little smaller than the dentar and maxillar ones; the vomerians are the stoutest of all, at least those which exist along the shaft of that bone; for, on the front they are not conspicuous at all. The eye is elongated, sub-elliptical ; its diameter being contained five times and a half in the length of the sides of the head, and about once and a half in advance of its anterior rim. The nostrils are situated towards the upper surface of the rostrum, nearer the orbit than the extremity of the snout; the anterior aperture is sub-circular and larger than the posterior. Twelve branchiostegal rays may be observed on either side. The greatest depth of the body, taken in advance of the dorsal fin, is equal to the length of the head; hence enters four times in the length, the caudal fin excluded. The anterior margin of the dorsal is equidistant between the snout and the insertion of the caudal fin ; its height anteriorly is nearly equal to itslength. The adipose is slender and placed opposite the posterior portion of the anal. The caudal fin is furcated and constitutes a little more than the seventh of the total length. The anal has the general shape of the dorsal, but it is deeper anteriorly than itislong. The origin of the ventrals is placed opposite the third ray of the dorsal, but the tip of its rays do not extend posteriorly as far as the tip of the posterior rays of the dorsal. The 40 aq 314 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. pectorals are small and lanceolate. The rays of all the fins are more or less branched or bifur- cated; their formula reads : Br. 12: 125 Das 70; As PCy, 1, 95'S, 1;'65-V 105 Pets; The anterior two rays in the dorsal fin are rather rudimentary, and so is the anterior one in both the anal and the ventrals. ‘ The scales are small, though not of the smallest kind in the genus. Their form varies according to the regions where observed: on the dorsal region they are sub-elliptically elongated, broader anteriorly than posteriorly ; in the lateral line, though similarly elongated, they are narrow and rather pointed anteriorly, and broad and rounded posteriorly ; on the abdominal region they are deeper than long and vertically sub-elliptical. Their central portion is cellular in those of the dorsal and abdominal regions (figs. 2 & 4), whilst the concentric stria are obliterated posteriorly in those of the lateral line (fig. 3). This species is almost unicolor ; the back is silvery grey, whilst the sides are of a pure silvery hue and the belly yellowish white. The body is indistinctly speckled with black ; black spots of a more conspicuous character are observed upon the dorsal and caudal fins, also at the end of the tail. The inferior fins are greyish upon their base, and olivaceous towards their margins. The specimen figured and described was collected by Dr. Newberry, in Klamath river, Oregon. References to the jigures.—Plate LXXI, fig. 1, represents Fario gairdneri, size of life. Fig. 2 is a scale from the dorsal region, midway between the lateral line and the dorsal fin. Fig. 3, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 4,a scale from the abdominal region, midway be- tween the lateral line and the insertion of the ventral fins. Figs. 2—4 are magnified views. List of specimens. | 7 | ] Catal. No of Locality. | When W hence obtained. Nature of | Collected by— No. | spec. collected. | specimen. 578 1 Klamath river, Oregon.. 1855 Lt. R. S. Williamson....| Alcoholic.., Dr. John S. Newberry... 5. FARIO CLARKII, Grd. Prats LXXI, Fies. 5—8. Spec. Cuar.—Body sub-fusiform ; head well developed, forming the fifth of the total length. Maxillary slightly bent, extending to a vertical line drawn inwardly to the posterior rim of the orbit. Jaws equal. Anterior margin of dorsal fina little nearer the extremity of the snout than the insertion of the caudal fin. Back bluish grey ; upper surface of head blackish grey ; sides silvery grey ; fins ash grey; dorsal and caudal spotted. Upper regions of head and body studded with irregular black spots or specks. Syn.—Sa'mo clarkii, Ricuarns. Faun. Bor. Amer. III, 1836, 224.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 197. Fario clarkii, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 219. The profile of the body is fusiform ; the head is sub-conical and proportionally well developed, forming about the fifth of the total length. The body itself, though compressed as usual in this genus, is rather full, and the sides sub-convex instead of flattened. The mouth is moderately cleft ; the jaws being even anteriorly and the posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line passing inwardly to the posterior rim of the orbit. The teeth are acute and conical, largest on the tongue ; those on the lower jaw (dentary) are nearly equal in size, the FISHES—SALMONIDAE—FARIO CLARKII. 315 rest do not materially differ from each other. The eye is large and circular, its diameter being contained about four times in the length of the sides of the head, exactly once in advance of its anterior rim, for, the snout is blunt and rounded off. The upper part of the opercle is narrow, gradually widening towards the sub-opercle, which is largely developed and almost as large as the opercle ; the longest diameter of the two being nearly at right angle with one another. There are eleven flattened branchiostegal rays. The anterior margin of the dorsal fin is situated a little nearer the extremity of the snout than the base of the caudal fin. ‘The fin itself is a little higher than long, composed of fifteen articulated rays, the anterior one being a mere rudiment, whilst the others are branched and well developed The adipose is slender and situated opposite the posterior portion of the anal, but extending further back. The caudal is furcated or rather concave posteriorly; the anal is shaped like the dorsal, though smaller. The ventrals are not preserved upon the specimen before us; even their insertion has been carried away by the rupture of the abdomen, but on specimens from Fort Dallas their insertion is nearly opposite the anterior third of the dorsal fin. The pectorals are rather small, and inserted towards the inferior part of the thorax ; the upper two rays are the largest, the others diminish gradually towards the inferior edge of that fin. Tee JUL eID) MaRS WN alas Oey ale 1 tei iLO Mier Jen ek The scales are proportionally well developed without being large ; they are irregular in their outline, sub-circular, longer than deep above the lateral line and nearly as deep as long below it, and imbricated for nearly the third of their surface. The lateral line takes a straight course along the middle of the flanks. The ground color of the upper regions is bluish grey, with a purplish reflection ; the sides are silvery grey and the abdomen white. The upper surface of the head is black; the dorsal region above the lateral line is studded with irregular black spots and specks, extending likewise to almost the entire surface of the dorsal and to the base of the caudal. Along the tail they are also observed a little way beneath the lateral line. The specimen figured and described still exhibits traces of the patches or transverse bands peculiar to the immature fish throughout this family. This species was taken in Catlapootl river, a tributary of the Columbia, on the 2d of August, 1853, by Dr. J. G. Cooper. Two specimens, which we refer to the same species, were collected by Dr. Geo. Suckley at Fort Dalles, on the Columbia river. They are smaller still than the one just described and figured ; the lateral bands and patches are more distinctly marked, whilst the spots or specks are much less distinct. References to the figures.—Plate LXXI, fig. 5, represents Fario clarkii, size of life. Fig. 6, a scale taken from the dorsal region. Fig. 7, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 8, a scale from the abdomen. Figs. 5—8 are magnified. List of specimens. Catal. | No of Locality. When Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. spec. collected. specimen. 561 2 Fort Dalles, Col. river... 1853 Gov. I. I. Stevens....... Alcoholic..| Dr. Geo. Suckley....+« 582 1 Catlapootl river........ 1854 Dr. Jas. G. Cooper....s|se0e. do.....| Dr. Jas. G. Cooper...... 316 U. S&S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. 6. FARIO STELLATUS, Grd. Puate LXIX, Fies. 5—8. Spec. Coar.—Body elongated and fusiform; head well developed, contained four times and three-quarters in the total length; jaws equal; maxillary gently curved, reaching a vertical line, drawn posteriorly to the orbit, Anterior margin of dorsal fin a little nearer to the extremity of the mouth than the insertion of caudal fin. Back light olive; belly light yellowish white. Head, body, and fins profusely spotted with black. Syn.—Fario stellatus, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 219. Salmo stellatus, Grv.—Opkalloo, Wasco Inpians.—Common trout, VERNACULAR. This is one of the most characteristic species of the genus inhabiting the northwestern waters, by the numerous spots which extend all over its head, body, and fins. The body is elongated, rather slender, compressed, fusiform in its outline; the greatest depth, taken in advance of the dorsal, enters about six times in the total length, whilst the least depth, on the peduncle of the tail, is a little less than the half of the greatest. The back is rounded. The head is proportionally well developed, constituting the fifth of the total length, It is sub-conical in shape, the snout being rounded, and the jaws equal in length. The maxillary is rather slender ; its posterior half lanceolated, and slightly bent downwards; its extremity extends to a vertical line draw at a little distance behind the orbit. The teeth are small; those on the shaft of the vomer are the most robust of all, and constitute quite an irregular series. The eye is moderate in size, sub-circular in shape ; its horizontal diameter entering about six times in the length of the side of the head, once and a half in advance of the anterior rim of the orbit. The pre-opercle is much deeper than wide, narrower above than below, and slightly concave upon its external margin. The branchiostegal rays are eleven on either side, as usual very flat and short. The fins are well developed; the caudal constitutes a little more than the seventh of the total length ; it is emarginated upon its posterior margin. The dorsal is anteriorly higher than the whole fin is long ; its posterior margin is equal to about the half of the height of the anterior margin, which is a little nearer the extremity of the snout than the insertion of the caudal. Its upper margin is nearly straight, A vertical line drawn through the middle of the base of the adipose would intersect the middle of the anal; its posterior extremity, therefore, does not extend as far as that of the latter fin. The anal itself is deeper than long also, but its posterior margin is only the third of the depth of the anterior ; externally the fin is either straight or very slightly concave. The origin of the ventrals is situated opposite the fourth developed ray of the dorsal, the sixth in the series ; these fins are quite broad, and their tips are nearly even with the extremity of the posterior rays of the dorsal when bent backwards. As to the pectorals they are lanceolated, and broad upon their middle. Br, 11: 1U;-D 11; 03 A 1150.6, 1,9) S71, h4W0e P de The scales are of moderate development, sub-elliptical or sub-ovoid, narrowest anteriorly ; largest in the lateral line, and smallest on the dorsal region, where they are likewise deeper, compared to their length, than in the lateral line and on the abdominal region. The concentric stria are obliterated upon the centre of the scale and upon the posterior margin of those of the lateral line and abdominal region. As to the lateral line itself, it starts from the posterior upper part of the opercular apparatus, and by a downward curve reaches the middle of the thoracic region ; hence straightway and median to the base of the caudal fin.! Specimens of tkis species were collected on the first of January, 1855, Fort Steilacoom, FISHES—SALMONIDAE—FARIO STELLATUS. 317 Puget’s Sound, W. T., by Dr. George Suckley, who made the following observations as to their coloration: ‘‘ Bands under chin very pale and faint vermilion; general appearance of the fish exsapguine; flesh soft and flabby, as if exhausted from spawning. Head, body, and fins profusely spotted with black. Back light olive; belly light yellowish white. The whole fish has a glistening silvery appearance, but not a healthy one; it was caught with metal squid in the brackish water of the junction of brook current and tide water. Six weeks later (in February) I caught a half dozen of these fishes in one day, one of which, a male, weighed two pounds. This I caught with a fly ; it appeared almost overflowing with milt, and the females could hardly be shaken without discharging plentifully mature ova. I regret that my departure from here is so immediate that I cannot institute thorough inquiries concerning them. The settlers say that the brook trout does not run up in large quantities from the salt water until the fall. This I doubt, as I know of a stream, some fifteen miles from Fort Steilacoom, where they are plentiful in June. At any rate this trout appears to be very different in its habitS from our eastern brook trout. Its flesh is more dry, and quite tasteless, compared to the latter. It rises rapidly to the fly, and appears to have but little regard whether the feathers have a natural appearance or not.” Elsewhere he says: ‘Specimen caught in Steilacoom creek ; water brackish. Bands under the chin very pale vermilion or orange; general appearance of fish exsanguine, probably owing to the season; general aspect silvery ; back light olive; belly light yellowish white. Head, fins, and body profusely spotted with black. Caught with the spoon.”’ And still further, under date of April 8, after preparing a skin, the Doctor records: ‘¢ Brook trout, called opskalloo by the Wasco Indians, a male. Flesh yellowish pink. Spots on the body numerous, irregular, and lighter in the centre. Those on dorsal and caudal fin like those of salmon trout (Fario tsuppitch). Black spots are also found on the cheeks, opercle, &c.; color of back bright silvery olive, becoming lighter on the sides and bright silver on the belly. Pectoral and ventral fins orange and vermilion. Patch of vermilion on each side, under the chin,’’ And again, under same date: ‘‘ Two small brook trout, males. Caught in the same stream as preceding. Spots less numerous, vermilion bands and patches under chin wanting. Flesh white. They commenced to run up this season (1855) about the 10th of February.” The name of ‘‘ brook trout’’ here applied to this species by Dr. Suckley is merely optional with him; it is the ‘“‘common trout’’ of the settlers of Oregon and Washington Territories. Other specimens were collected at Portland, Oregon Territory, by Dr. George Suckley ; at Shoalwater bay, Washington Territory, by Dr. James G. Cooper ; both under Governor I. I. Stevens ; at Cape Flattery, Washington Territory, Astoria, Oregon Territory, and Humboldt bay, by Lieutenant W. P. Trowbridge ; and finally, in the upper Des Chutes river, Oregon Ter- ritory, by Dr. John 8. Newberry, under Lieutenant R. 8. Williamson. References to the figures.—Plate LXIX, fig. 5, represents Faro stellatus, somewhat reduced from a specimen caught at Fort Steilacoom, Puget’s Sound. Fig. 6 is a scale from the dorsal region, midway between the dorsal fin and the lateral line. Fig. 7, a scale from the lateral line in the middle of its course. Fig. 8, a scale from the abdominal region, midway between the lateral line and the insertion of the ventrals. 318 U. 8. P. R, R. EXP, AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. List of specimens. Catal. | No. of | Locality. When col- Whence obtained. | Nature of Collected by—- No. | spec. lected. specimen. a |—> —— 434 | d | Puget’s Sound, W. T.... 1853 Gov. I. I. Stevens....... Alcoholic. Dr. Geo.Suckley..-....s+00 585 | 1 | Humboldt bay, Cal...... 1853 Lt. W. P. Trowbridge........do....| Lt. Trowbridge.......... cece | | 586 | 2 | Cape Flattery, W. mm hI 1854 efevewias%s Oijelateecs's amieae hate: ofets AG. nantes SadO’ dioica ncwisiontel ee aiete 587 3 Astoria, Oregon.....++++| 1854 + | ie:e.9j0;a aU Osiole 0:4jehialedeivinis| aia slaie wal aetalesiaieieCOsploiaelaia se. lcieisiaaiees 588 6 jseeeeeee COieliane Agancagar 1854 sininyb ejnjainOs o\e/seialelaimasipie a] 4 bjs\nt1Ow e's/o] dininiois/sinicCU sina 'nienlaisielale anions 589 | 1 Shoalwater bay, W. T.. 1853 | Goy. J. I. Stevens.......|.. -.do.... Dr. James G. Cooper....+++ 590 | 2 | Portland, Oregon........| 1853 winivieiofe efeAOs/e'e ces eisis nisiciciels ...do.... Dr. George Suckley.......+. 591 | 2 | Upper Des Chutes river... 1855 Lt. R.S. Williamson........ do.... Dr. John 8. Newberry....... | | SALAR, Valence. Gen: Cuar.—All the characters of the salmons, but differing from them as well as from the genus Fario in being provided with a double row of teeth upon the shaft of the vomer, whilst the front of that same bone is smooth and toothless. Syn.—Salar, Vavenc. in Cuv. & Val. Hist. nat. des Pois. XXI, 1848, 314.—Grop. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc., Philad. VIII, 1856, 219. There are other trouts, spotted or speckled, which are met with in brooks and creeks, resem- bling more the ‘‘ brook trout,’’ properly so called, than any of the lake trouts. These constitute the third subdivision of the genus Salmo, to which the name of Salar has been applied. 1. SALAR LEWISI, Grd. Pruate LXII. Spec. Cuar.—Body rather thickish upon the middle region ; head moderate, constituting a little less than the fifth of the total length ; maxillary gently curved ; its posterior extremity reaching a vertical line drawn immediately behind the orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal fin a little nearer the extremity of the snout than the base of the caudal fin. Ground color of the upper region bluish grey, of the inferior region orange or yellow. The back, peduncle of the tail, dorsal, adipose and caudal fins are spotted with black. Tho belly and lower fins are unicolor, a deep orange hue existing along the rays, and also in the shape of a dot upon the abdominal scales, and which disappear in alcohol. Syvn.—Salar lewisi, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Se. Philad. VIII, 1856,210.—Salmo lewisi, Gro. Mss. The general aspect of this fish is rather thickest, though the aspect of the body is, upon the whole, elongated, with a sub-fusiform outline. The body is quite compressed and the back sub- rounded ; the greatest depth, taken in advance of the dorsal fin, is contained four times and a half in the total length, whilst the least depth, on the peduncle of the tail, is a little less than the half of the greatest depth. The head, which is of moderate development, is contained five times and a half in the total length ; it is sub-conical in shape, rounded anteriorly ; both jaws sub-equal, the lower one protruding very slightly beyond the upper. The mouth is proportionally large, the free extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the orbit. The maxillary itself is slender and slightly curved. The teeth are comparatively small; the largest, as usual, are on the dentary and the tongue, the next in size on the shaft of the vomer and pterygoidians, and, finally, on the premaxillaries and maxillaries, where they are almost FiSHES—SALMONIDAE—SALAR LEWISI, 319 exiguous. The eye is large and circular ; its diameter is contained a little over four times in the length of the sides of the head. The nostrils are very large and nearer to the orbit than the tip of the snout. The inferior part of the preopercle is expanded ; its external margin very convex ; the opercle is very large, much deeper than wide, and a little broader below than above; the sub-opercle is rounded externally ; the inter-opercle is small, There are twelve branchicstegal rays, short, very broad, and flattened. The dorsal fin is higher than long; its upper outline is sub-convex, and its posterior margin is a little lower than the half of the anterior, which is nearer the end of the snout than the insertion of the caudal fin. The adipose is well developed, rather slender, and does not extend quite as far as the tips of the posterior rays of the anal. The latter fin has the same general aspect as the dorsal in the convexity of its external margin. The origin of the ventrals is situated opposite the posterior fourth of the base of the dorsal ; the tips of its rays, conse- quently, extend further backwards than those of the latter fin. The pectorals are broad and lanceolated. The caudal is sub-crescentic upon its posterior margin, and constitutes a little more than the seventh of the total length. Brel 1a eel le OAM aC Gly Oy 971Gb Ve l0seE a6. The scales are small, elongated, sub-elliptical, narrower anteriorly than posteriorly, and sometimes very irregular in their outline. The ground color of the upper regions of the head and body is bluish grey, over which are spread small black spots or rather dots, extending over the dorsal, the adipose, and caudal fins, most crowded upon the latter ; the ground color of these fins being olivaceous, these dots do not extend beneath the lateral line, except on the peduncle of the tail. The inferior regions are of a deep orange tint, which extends over the lower fins, much deeper along the rays. The sides of the head present a combination of the bluish grey of the back and the orange of the belly. This is the trout alluded to in Lewis and Clarke’s ‘‘ Travels.’’ Being at the Falls of the Missouri, ‘‘ they caught half a dozen trouts, from sixteen to twenty-three inches long, precisely resembling in form and the position of the fins the mountain or speckled trout of the United States, except that the specks of the former are of a deep black, while those of the latter are of a red or golden color. They have long sharp teeth on the palate and tongue, and generally a small speck of red on each side behind the front ventral fins (pectorals !) ; the flesh is of a pale yellowish red, or, when in good order, of a rose-colored red.’’—(London edition of 1814, p. 192, 4to.) And further on, p. 487, we read: ‘‘The mountain or speckled trout are found in the waters of the Columbia, within the mountains. They are the same with those found in the upper part of the Missouri, but are not so abundant in the Columbia as in that river. We never saw this fish below the mountains, but, from the transparency and coldness of the Kooskooskee, we should not doubt of its existence in that stream as low as its junction with the southeast branch of the Columbia.”’ It would be an interesting point to compare, side by side, specimens caught in the Columbia with others from the Missouri. We should not be surprised if the result of such a comparison should refer the specimens from the basin of the Columbia either to arto gairdneri, or else prove a distinct species. 320 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. Specimens of this species were collected by Dr. Geo. Suckley at the Falls of the Missouri river, Rocky mountains. References to the jigures.—Plate LX XII, fig. 1, represents Salar lewis?, two-thirds the size of life. Fig. 2, a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 3, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 4, a scale from the abdominal region. Figs. 2—4 are magnified views. List of specimens. | Nature of | Collected by— | Catal. No. of| Age. Locality. When Whence obtained. No. | spec. | | specimen. = | = a eel —s 592] 2 Adult. Falls of Missouririver......++.| 1853 | Goy. I. I. Stevens.... Alcoholic.) Dr Geo. Suckley..... 2. SALAR VIRGINALIS, Grd. Pratt LXXIII, Fras. 1—4. Spec. Cuan.—Body sub-fasiform in profile, otherwise compressed ; head comprised about four times in the total length, the caudal fin excluded ; jaws sub-equal; posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line intersecting the posterior rim of the orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal nearer the extremity of the snout than the insertion of the caudal fin. Greyish brown above, with a purplish reflection and sub-circular black spots ; beneath olivaceous, unicolor. Syn.—Salar virginalis, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Se. Philad. VIII, 1856, 220.—Salmo virginalis, Grp. Mss. The body, which is sub-fusiform when seen in profile, is very much compressed ; its greatest depth, anterior to the dorsal fin, enters five times and a quarter in the total length, whilst the least depth, on the peduncle of the tail, enters about eleven times in that same length. The head is sub-conical and proportionally well developed, constituting the fourth of the length from the tip of the snout to the insertion of the caudal fin. The mouth is moderately cleft, for, the posterior extremity of the maxillary reaches a vertical line drawn immediately posterior to the orbit. The teeth are small and acute, a little larger, as usual, on the dentary and the tongue than on other bones. They become very exiguous along the posterior portion of the maxillary. The snout is obtusely rounded and the jaws sub-equal, with a proclivity of the upper jaw to protrude beyond the lower. The eye is large, sub-circular, its diameter being contained four times and a half in the length of the side of the head, a little over once in advance of the anterior rim of the orbit. The nostrils are large, situated towards the upper surface of the head and nearer the eye than the tip of the snout. The opercle is elevated, rather narrow, a little wider beneath than above, slightly oblique, whilst the sub-opercle, moderate in development, is rounded upon its free margin. The branchiostegals are nine on either side. The anterior margin of the dorsal fin is a little nearer the extremity of the snout than the insertion of the caudal fin. The fin itself is higher than long, its upper margin being sub- convex, and its posterior margin half the height of the anterior. The adipose is very slender, j its tip being even with the tips of the middle rays of the anal. The caudal is sub-crescentic upon its margin; it is contained seven times in the total length. The anal is sub-concave FISHES—SALMONIDAE——SALAR IRIDEA. a Pall upon its external margin; its posterior margin is about the third of the depth of the deepest anterior ray. The ventrals are rather slender and inserted opposite the middle of the base of the dorsal. The pectorals are likewise slender and sub-lanceolate in shape. All the rays are articulated and the majority bifurcated and branched several times. Bree OAR ONT Os Ss ell iSiy Vi Siz Peas The anterior two rays of the dorsal are mere rudiments, as also the anterior one of the anal. The scales are quite small; on the dorsal region they are sub-elliptical, elongated horizontally, as well as in the lateral line, but there they taper anteriorly, whilst on the abdomen they are deeper than long, sub-quadrangularly rhomboidal, and a little larger than on the dorsal region. The concentric stria are continuous ; the centre of the scales is homogenous and transparent. The ground color of the dorsal region is greyish brown with a kind of purplish hue, especially visible along the middle of the flanks; sub-circular black spots are scattered all over from the head to the tail, where they are much more crowded than on the body; on the dorsal and caudal fins these spots are likewise numerous and conspicuous; a few of these only may be observed beneath the lateral line upon the abdominal region; along the peduncle of the tail they nearly extend to the inferior outline, some of which may even be seen upon the anal fin. Along the middle of the flanks these black spots are surrounded by a light areolae. The inferior region of the body is of a uniform greenish olive or yellow. The head is greyish olive, darker above than upon the sides, with a few black spots upon the tympanic region. Specimens of this species were collected by the party under Lieut. Beckwith in Utah creek and at Sangre de Cristo Pass, upper waters of the Rio Grande del Norte (Rio Bravo). References to the figures.—Plate LXXIII, fig. 1, represents Salar virginalis, size of life. Fig. 2 is a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 3, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 4, a scale from the abdominal region. Figs. 2—4 are magnified views. List of specimens. | ] Catal.| No. of Locality. When | Whence obtained. Orig.) Nature of | Collected by— No. | spec. collected. | No. | specimen. 593 | 3 | Utah creek, trib. to Rio Grande del Norte. 1854 Lt. E. G. Beckwith.| 21 | Alcoholic.) Mr. Kreuzfeld.. | 3. SALAR IRIDEA, Grd. Prats LXXIII, Fie. 5; ann Puare LXXIV. Spec. Cuar.—Body sub-fusiform in profile, otherwise compressed; head well developed, constituting a little less than the fourth of the total length. Jaws sub-equal; posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn somewhat beyond the orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal fin equidistant between the extremity of the snout and the insertion of the caudal. Reddish brown above, with numerous and small black spots; yellowish white beneath. Syn.—Salmo iridea, Gispons, in Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Se. I, 1855, 36. Salmo rivularis, Ayres, in Proce. Cal. Acad. Nat. Se. I, 1855, 43. Salar iridea, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Se. Philad. VIII, 1856, 220. The general aspect of the body is sub-fusiform, compressed. The head is sub-conical, rather pointed, and constitutes a little less than the fourth of the total length. The jaws are sub- 4la 322 U. 8. P. R. Re EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. equal, the upper one protruding slightly over the lower. The mouth is deeply cleft; the posterior extremity of the maxillary extending considerably beyond the orbit ; it is a slender and slightly curved bone. The teeth are, generally speaking, of a moderate development; those on the shaft of the vomer are the stoutest; the next in size are on the dentary and tongue; the smallest of all are the maxillary proper. The nostrils are nearer the orbit than the end of the snout. The orbit is large, sub-elliptical, its horizontal diameter entering about five times in the length of the sides of the head, nearly once and a half in advance of its anterior rim. The branchiostegal rays are ten on either side. The opercle is well developed, and but a little nar- rower above than below. The fins are all well developed ; the anterior margin of the dorsal fin is equidistant between the insertion of the caudal and the extremity of the snout; its height is a little more than its length, and its posterior ray is but one-fourth shorter than the third, which is the highest ; the anterior two being mere rudiments. The adipose is situated opposite the posterior portion of the anal, although its terminal margin is not quite even with the tip of the anal. The caudal is broad, deeply emarginated, not to say furcated, constituting a little less than the sixth of the entire length. The anal is much deeper than long ; its anterior margin is slightly convex, and its posterior margin less than the third of its depth. The insertion of the ventrals is placed opposite the base of the third developed ray of the dorsal; their tips do not extend as far posteriorly as the tip of the dorsal. The pectorals are sub-lanceolate, oval; their rays, as in all the other fins, are bifurcated or branched. Br 103 105 eD TsO PALA Teo 8s GEV oe a4. The scales are of but moderate development, sub-elliptical in the lateral line, being a little longer than deep, (fig. 4), but deeper than long elsewhere, considerably more so on the abdom- inal region (fig. 5) than on the dorsal (fig. 3). They are deeply imbricated, and largest upon the middle of the flanks, The ground color of the upper region is greyish green, the middle of the flank of a coppery hue, and the belly olivaceous grey. The upper surface of the head having the same hue as the back, and the sides coppery like the flanks ; but the upper part of the body is scattered all over with irregular black specks and dots, extending somewhat beneath the lateral line. The dorsal and caudal fins are densely covered with roundish black spots. The lower fins are uni- color, like the abdomen. The specimen above described, being the male sex, was collected in Chico creek, Sacramento valley, by Dr. John. S. Newberry, under Lieutenant R. 8. Williamson. The following refers to the female sex: The snout is obtusely rounded, and the jaws nearly even. The proportions of the head towards the body are the same as in the male; the mouth is horizontal upon its anterior half and slightly oblique posteriorly. The teeth are moderate in development, very slightly larger on the tongue than on the dentary ; the rest of them are pretty nearly equal, except those on the maxillary, which are quite exiguous. The posterior free extremity of the maxillary extends to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the orbit. The eye is large and sub-circular, its diameter being contained about five times in the length of the sides of the head, exactly once in advance of the anterior rim of the orbit. The opercle is much narrower above than below and overlaps considerably the subopercle, which is well developed. There are eleven branchiostegal rays on either side, one more than in the male. The greatest depth of the body, taken in advance the dorsal fin, is equal to the fifth of the entire length ; and the least depth on the peduncle of the tail is less than the half of the greatest. FISHES—SALMONIDAE—OSMERUS. 323 The anterior margin of the dorsal fin being equidistant between the insertion of the caudal and the extremity of the snout. The dorsal fin itself is narrower and higher than in the male. The adipose, also, holds the same relations to the anal, and such is the case with the ventrals towards the dorsal. The pattern of coloration is very similar in both sexes ; in the female now under consideration the dorsal region is greyish blue and green, the middle of the flanks being silvery white, and the abdominal region olivaceous. The head, upper region of the body, and upper fins, spotted as in the male, perhaps more densely, and also a little further below the lateral line. Transverse dark bands may yet be seen along the silvery area of the middle of the flanks. Three rather large spots may be observed, two on the opercle and one upon the subopercle. Specimens were collected in the head waters of San Matteo creek, California, by R. D. Cutts ; at Petaluma, Sonoma county, California, by E. Samuels; near Humboldt Bay, by Lieut. W. P. Trow- bridge ; and, finally, specimens obtained from Dr. Ayres, of San Francisco, under the name of Salmo rivularis, proved identical with Salmo iridea of Dr. Gibbons. Dr. Gibbons’ description was made from a very immature specimen, but has the priority over Dr. Ayres’ appellation. References to the figures—Plate LXXIII, fig. 5, represents the female sex of Salar iridea, size of life, collected in San Matteo creek. Plate LXXIV, fig. 1, represents the male sex of Salar iridea, somewhat reduced in size, from Chico creek. Fig. 2 is a scale from the dorsal region, midway between the lateral line and the dorsal fin. Fig. 3, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 4, a scale from the abdominal region, midway between the lateral line and the insertion of the ventral fins. Figs. 2—4 are magnified views. List of specimens. Catal. | No.of) Age. Locality. When col-| Whence obtained. Orig’|| Nature of | Collected by— No. spec. lected. No. | specimen. 594 1 | Adult.| Chico creek, Cal.......... 1855 Lt. R. S. Williamson. .| ...--- Alcoholic -|Dr.J.S. Newberry. 595 al ecaase San Francisco, Cal...-.-..- S55 yA lesen a2 (Bere aes pos ----do....| Dr. W..O. Ayres.. 596 1 Ne Bcc Humboldt Bay, Cal....-.- 1854 Lt. W. P. Trowbridge-| ..-..-| .--.do..--| Lt. Trowbridge .. 597 6 |A.&Y.| H’dof San Matteo c’k, Cal - Leo DeeWis DC uttss BE Sqesceerel eee =n .---do....| R .D. Cutts, Esq. - 593 Oe | sakes Petaluma creek, Cal...--. 1855 Mr. E. Samuels. ...--.|...--- .---do....| Mr. E Samuels -. 599 Uy Bees ace San Francisco, Cal....--. 1856 Dr. W. O. Ayres ..-.- 27 =| ...-do....| Dr. W. O. Ayres.. OSMERUS, Artedi. Gen. Cuar.—Rody elongated, sub-fusiform in profile, tapering posteriorly, terminated by a furcated caudal fin, and covered with well developed scales. The anal fin is opposite the adipose. Ventrals inserted under the anterior margin of the dorsal or posteriorly to it. Head elongated and tapering anteriorly. Mouth rather deeply cleft. Premavxillar*teeth small and curved ; maxillar teeth still smaller ; yomerine teeth large, conical, and placed so much forwards that they appear as though inserted upon the jaws. A row of teeth may be observed along the external margin of the palatines, and another upon the internal margin of the pterygoidians. Tongue provided with large teeth also. Branchial apertures continuous under the throat ; branchi- ostegals six or eight on either side. 324 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. Syn.—Osmerus, Ant. Gen. Pise. ed. Walbaumi ; 1792, 56 ; & Synon. 1793, 21.—Cuv. Regn. Anim. II, 1817, 162; 2d ed. If, 1829; &, ed. illustr. Poiss, 257.—Srorer, Rep. Fish. Mass. 1839, 108; &, Synops. 1846, 197.— DeKay, New Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 243.—Cov. & Vat. Hist. nat. Poiss. XXI, 1848, 36e. The following species has so much the general aspect of Argentina that on a former occasion we have described it under the latter heading. The argentine tint which pervades over the middle of the flanks, a comparatively smaller mouth than in the known species of Osmerus, the presence of six branchiostegal rays, and the position of the ventral fins, were as many traits which seemingly militated in favor of the genus Argentina. After considering, however, the value attached to the dentition in the family of Salmonidae, we have deemed it expedient to ascribe said species to the genus Osmerus, in which it was subsequently placed by Dr. W. O. Ayres, of San Francisco. By its small teeth it reminds us of O, microdon, from Scandinavia. OSMERUS PRETIOSUS, Grd. Prate LXXV, Fre. 5. (Under the name of Argentina pretiosa.) Spec. Cuar—Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn in advance of the pupil. Eye large and circular ; its diameter contained about four times in the length of the side of the head. Origin of dorsal fin somewhat nearer the extremity of the snout than the tip of the caudal fin. The adipose is situated opposite the posterior fourth of the anal. The origin of the ventrals is placed somewhat behind a vertical line drawn from the anterior margin of the dorsal fin» Scales of moderate development. Upper surface of head and back yellowish ; outline of scales dotted with black. Sides of head and middle of flanks of a shining, silvery tint ; lower half of flanks and belly dull yellowish. Syn.—Argentina pretiosa, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Se. Philad. VII, Aug. 1854, 155. Osmerus elongatus, Ayres, in Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Se. I, Dee. 1854, 17. The body is gracefully elongated, compressed, fusiform in its outline, the largest specimens observed measuring over seven inches in total length, in which the head enters somewhat over five times. The eye is large and circular, its horizontal diameter being contained a little over four times in the length of the side of the head. The posterior extremity of the maxillar bone extends to a vertical line which would pass in advance of the pupil. The origin of the dorsal fin is a little nearer the tip of the lower jaw than the base of the caudal fin, The adipose fin is situated opposite the posterior fourth of the anal. The caudal fin is shorter than the head. The origin of the ventrals is placed somewhat behind a vertical line drawn at the anterior margin of the dorsal, their extremities not extending as far as the vent. The pectorals are a little more slender and longer than the ventrals. Brevis Vig Dele wa oO Wes Ura. tts Veo. ellos The scales are of medium size. The upper region of the head and back are yellowish, the outlines of the scales being minutely black dotted. The sides of the head and the middle of the flanks are silvery, shining; the lower part of the flanks and the belly being dull yellowish. Reference to the jigure.— Plate LX XV, fig. 5, represents Osmerus pretiosus, size of life. List of specimens. Catal. | No. of | Age. Locality. When Whence obtained. | Nature of Collected by— No. | spec. collected. specimen. 602 5 | Adult.) Presidio, Cal.......-..-.- 1853 Lt. W. P. Trowbridge., Alcoholic-| Lt. Trowbridge .-.----- 603 2 |.-do..| San Francisco, Cal...-... 1855 Lt. R. §. Williamson, |-..-do-..-| Dr. John 8. Newberry.- 604 Ye bose eee WO ee = ae 1857 Dr. W. O. Ayres-.--- .---d0-...| Dr. W..0. Ayres------5 null eli? FISHES—SALMONIDAE—THALEICHTHYS STEVENSI. oo THALEICHTHYS, Girard. Gen. Cuar.—Body elongated, sub-fusiform in profile, terminated by a furcated caudal, and covered with scales of moderate development. Anal fin opposite the adipose. Ventrals inserted in advance of the anterior margin of the dorsal. Head elon- gated, tapering towards the snout. Mouth very deeply cleft ; jaws toothless ; a small group of minute velvet-like teeth upon the front of the vomer, and one series along either pterygoidian bone. Teeth may also be observed at the base of the tongue. Branchial apertures continuous under the throat ; branchiostegal rays eight on either side. This genus is instituted for a species which has the external appearance of an Osmerus, except in the insertion of the ventrals, which is placed more in advance of the dorsal fin than usual in the latter genus. The mouth is also more deeply cleft, and the jaws are toothless, as stated to be the case in Argentina,! although maxillar teeth are represented on Plate 624 of the work just referred to in the case of Argentina leioglossa. From Argentina it differs by the presence of teeth on the pterygoidian bones, whilst the pala- tines are toothless ; in Argentina the pterygoidians being toothless and the palatines provided with one series of small teeth. Thus the present genus stands as a connecting link between Osmerus and Argentina; and should the characters upon which it is based not be found adequate to entitle it to a place in the ichthyic method, then Argentina and Osmerus could no longer be held as differing from one another. THALEICHTHYS STEVENSI, Grd. Prats LXXV, Fics. 1—4. (Under the name of Osmerus stevensi.) Spec. Cuan —Head sub-conical and pointed. Mouth large ; posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the orbit. Eye rather small. Adipose fin placed opposite the posterior portion of the anal, which is quite elongated. The insertion of the ventral fins is situated considerably in advance of the anterior margin of the dorsal. Scales moderate, sub-elliptical. Dorsal region dark greyish olive ; middle of flanks yellowish orange dotted with black ; belly yellowish, unicolor ; upper surface and sides of head greyish ; fins unicolor. The head constitutes about the fifth of the total length, in which the caudal enters six times. The snout is sub-conical and slender, the lower jaw protruding beyond the upper, the gape of the mouth being oblique, and the posterior extremity of the maxillar bone, which is rounded, extending to a vertical line drawn beyond the entire orbit. The posterior edge of the gill covers is rounded off, the opercle and sub-opercle being very largely developed. The branchial aper- tures are very wide, extending forwards as far as a vertical line drawn through the pupil. We count eight branchiostegals, as many as in certain species of Osmerus. The body is quite slender and elongated, compressed and tapering gradually towards the caudal fin, which is shorter than the head. The dorsal fin is much higher than long ; its ante- rior margin is somewhat nearer the insertion of the caudal than the extremity of the snout. The adipose is placed opposite the posterior portion of the anal fin, although the tips of the rays of the anal extend somewhat further back, in which respect the figure on plate Lxxv is not quite correct. The anal fin itself is much longer than deep, its base entering five times and three quarters in the entire length. The ventrals are broad and well developed, posteriorly rounded off, inserted considerably in advance of the anterior margin of the dorsal ; hence nearer the extremity of the snout than the base of the caudal, while their posterior extremities do not 1 Histoire naturelle des Poissons, XXI, 1848, 409. 326 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. quite extend as far as the vent. The pectorals are smaller than the ventrals, posteriorly rounded, and far from reaching the origin of the ventrals. sr, VIL: VIL; D 1, 10) SA 18s aC Ba. 9,85 1 tae Vol eee, ake The scales are of moderate development, longer than deep, anteriorly sub-truncated, pos- teriorly rounded, exhibiting conspicuous concentric stria, but no radiating furrows. The lateral line is very conspicuous, linear, and nearer the back than the belly. The upper surface and sides of the head are greyish, whilst the dorsal region is greyish olive. Upon the upper portion of the flanks, along the course of the lateral line, exists a yellowish orange streak, dotted or rather speckled with black, the abdominal region being yellowish, unicolor, with a metallic reflect. The dorsal and caudal fins assume the tint of the back; the anal, ventrals, and pectorals that of the belly. Leeferences to the jigures.—Plate LX XV, fig. 1, represents Thaleichthys stevensi, size of life. Fig. 2 is a dorsal scale. Fig. 3, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 4, a scale from the abdo- minal region. List of specimens. Catal. No. of | Age. | Locality. | When col- Whence obtained. | Nature of | Collected by— No. | spec. | | lected. | | specimen. | ROGUE EeciEaay dice cascierae a Gee ee 605 | 1 | Adult. )eueaes Sound, W. T...--. -- | 1856 | Dr. Geo. Suckley-.--- | Alcoholic . | Dr. Geo. Suckley.... COREGONUS, Artedi. Gen. Cuar.—Body more or less elongated, sub-fusiform in profile. Head sub-conical ; mouth rather small; snout truncated, sometimes quite protruding beyond the lower jaw; both jaws always toothless, Teeth on the tongue. Branchial apertures continuous under the throat. Ventrals inserted posteriorly to the anterior margin of the dorsal fin, and situated opposite the adipose fin. Caudal fin fureated. Scales of moderate development. Syn.— Coregonus, Ant. Gen. Pisc. ed. Walbawmi, 1792, 53; &, Synon. Pisc. 1793, 18—Cvy. Régn. Anim. II, 1817, 162; 2d ed. II, 1829; &, ed. illustr. Poiss. 259.—Ricuarvs. Faun. Bor. Amer. III, 1836, 309.—DeKay, New Y. Faun. [V, 1842, 247.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 199.—Cuy. & Va. Hist. nat. Poiss. XXI, 1848, 454.— Acass. Lake Super. 1850, 336. In order that the value of the characters assigned to the genus Coregonus in the above diagnosis should be fully appreciated by our readers, it must be stated that we adopt the genus Argyrosomus of modern writers, characterized by a pointed snout and a prominent lower jaw, which projects beyond the upper one. The mouth in Argyrosomus being also more deeply cleft and the teeth on the tongue more conspicuously developed than in Coregonus, properly so called. Moreover, the premaxillar bones in Argyrosomus exhibit a row of small teeth, a character which leads to the genus Zhymallus, a species of which inhabiting some of the fresh waters of the British possessions in North America, COREGONUS WILLIAMSONI, Grd. Puate LXVI. Srec. Coar.—Head contained five times and a half in the total length. Mouth small; posterior extremity of maxillar bone not extending quite as far as the anterior rim of the orbit. Eye moderate, sub-circular ; its diameter entering about five times in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the posterior edge of the base of the adipose than FISHES—SALMONIDAE—COREGONUS WILLIAMSONI. 327 the extremity of the snout. Scales well developed, disposed upon eighteen longitudinal series across the line of the greatest depth: nine between the lateral line and the base of the dorsal, and eight between the lateral line and the insertion of the ventrals. Bluish lead above ; whitish beneath, with a silvery reflect. Syx.— Coregonus williamsoni, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIL, 1856, 136. Two specimens of the female sex have been preserved, the total length of either measuring about eleven inches. The body is elongated, rather stout, sub-fusiform in profile; the peduncle of the tail well developed. The head is rather small, sub-conical or sub-pyramidal, terminated by a truncated snout which protrudes beyond the lower jaw. The mouth is quite small; the maxillar bone being proportionally very broad, but so short that its posterior margin scarcely reaches, if at all, a vertical line drawn in front of the orbit. The origin of the dorsal fin is nearer the posterior margin of the base of the adipose than the extremity of the snout; its upper edge is sub-concave instead of being linear, as exhibited on the accompanying figure. The anterior portion of the same fin is higher than its base is long. The adipose is well developed, situated immediately opposite the anal fin. The latter is anteriorly deeper than long ; its initial ray being nearly equidistant between the origin of the ventral fins and the insertion of the caudal. The external margin of the anal fin is sub-convex also; its own base entering about eleven times in the total length; twice in the length of the side of the head. The ventrals are inserted opposite the posterior fourth of the base of the dorsal fin; their posterior margin is sub-truncated or rounded off, and when bent backwards their extremities are very far from approximating the vent. The pectorals are sub-lanceolated, and, like the ventrals, proportionally well developed. The caudal is furcated, shorter than the head, since it enters somewhat over six times in the total length. Bra Vibss Vis, D2 12-E ol) As 212 bd O55 I, 95-8515. 65 V 125P 16. The scales are large, deeper than long, with their anterior margin undulating, rounded sideways and posteriorly, slightly diminishing in depth. The four sections of the scales are limited by a furrow; the concentric lines are almost entirely obliterated upon the posterior section ; no radiating furrows being observed on any of the sections. LHighteen longitudinal rows of scales may be counted between the anterior margin of the dorsal and the insertion of the ventrals: nine above the lateral line and eight below it. The lateral line itself is perfectly straight. Large mucous ducts may be seen on the cheeks extending from the supratympanic region to the snout. The upper region is bluish grey or lead, whilst the sides and belly are whitish, with a silvery reflect all over. References to the figures.—Plate LXXVI, lower figure, represents Coregonus williamsoni, somewhat reduced in size. Fig. at the upper left corner, a scale from the dorsal region. Middle figure, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. at the upper right corner, a scale from the abdominal region. List of specimens. Catal .|No. of | Sexand age. Locality. When coll’d.| Whence obtained, | Nat. of spec. Collected by— No. | spec. | 601 2 Adult Q | Des Chutes river, Oregon. 1855 Lt. R.S. Williamson | Alcoholic . Dr. J. S. Newberry . 328 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. Family SCOPELIDAE, Owen. The upper arcade of the mouth is formed by the premaxillar bones, the maxillaries them- selves being situated behind the former. The body is either covered with scales or scaleless. There is also an adipose fin, as in the Salmonids, most of the Siluroids, and Characinids. The pseudobranchia or accessory gills being gill-like in their structure. The swimming or air bladder is generally wanting. In most instances pyloric appendages are extant. An oviduct may also be observed, leading the eggs out of the ovary, and thus preventing the latter from falling into the abdominal cavity. This oviduct is observed in Characinids and others, but is wanting in Salmonids, in which the eggs fall into the abdominal cavity before they make their exit from the body of the female. Syn.—Scopelini, Mitty. in Wiegm. Archiv. f. Naturg. 1843, I, 321; &, 1845, I, 131. Scopelidae, Owen, Lect. Comp. Anat. Vertebr. 1846, 48.—Bp. Iconogr. Encycl. II, 1850, 203. In North America we have but two genera of this family, Scopelus and Saurus, the latter alone having furnished us with but one representative from the Pacific coast. Aud not having had on hand specimens of it, we can simply state that it was described under the name of SAURUS (LAURIDA) LUCIOCEPS, Ayres, in the Proceedings of the California Academy of Natural Sciences, I, 1855, 66. But we conld not ascertain from its description whether it truly belongs to the genus Saurus. It is likewise difficult to tell whether Aristotle’s name of Zawrida is applicable, as a substitute, to the genus Saurus as a whole, or else to one of its subdivisions ; at any rate the objection raised against it deserves no notice from the systematic writers. Family CLUPEIDAE, Bona jon This, the herring family, includes fishes, the body of which is always covered with scales, although, from the very deciduous nature of the latter, they are rarely seen upon such specimens as we find preserved in the majority of the museums and private collections. The greatest care and delicate handling is required in order to secure specimens with all the scales in their natural position. The adipose dorsal fin, which we have noticed in the Siluroids, Salmonids, Scopelids, and others, is totally wanting here. The upper arcade of the mouth is formed in front by the premaxillar bones and sideways by the maxillaries. The dentition varies according to the genera. The pseudobranchia enter into the structure of these fishes. The stomach is provided with a cul-de-sac, and the pylorus with numerous appendages (coeca); the swimming or air bladder being simple, although in communication, through an air duct, with the throat. Sywx.—Clupes, Coy. Regn. Anim. II, 1817, 171; 2d. ed. II, 1829; &, ed. Illustr. Poiss. 271. Clupeidae, Bonar. Saggio Distr. metod. Anim. Vertebr. 1831, 116.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 203. Clupidae, DeKay, New Y. Faun. 1V, 1842, 250. Clupeoideae, Ricuanvs. Faun. Bor. Amer. ILI, 1836, 229. Clupeoides, Cuv. & Vav. Hist. nat. Poiss. XX, 1847, 1. Clupeoidei, Miu. in Wiegm. Archiv fir Naturg. 1843, I, 324; &, 1845, I, 136. FISHES—CLUPEIDAE—CLUPEA MIRABILIS. 329 The herrings are anything but numerous along the Pacific coast, as far at least as the observations go. The anchovies from all appearances reach an unparalleled size, and if at all numerous, could be made a source of trade and wealth. As to the shads, they have not yet been observed, whether in the San Joaquin, Sacramento, or Columbia rivers. CLUPEA, Artedi. Gen. Cuar.—Body elongated, back rounded, flanks thickish, and belly more or less compressed, or sharp according to the amount of spawn the specimens may contain. Premaxillar bones provided with small teeth; maxillaries finely crenated, else serrated, rather more perceptible to the touch than the unaided eye. Small teeth at the periphery of the lower jaw, which projects beyond the upper. Stouter and more conspicuous teeth exist upon the vomer, disposed upon a longitudinal band. A similar band, opposed to the former, may be seen on the tongue. There are but a few small teeth upon the external margin of the palatines, but drop so easily off that, without attentive and repeated observations, one might be led to suppose that these bones are smooth and toothless like the pterygoidians. Dorsal fin small, situated about on the middle of the length of the body. The anal is quite low. The ventrals are inserted under the dorsal. The pectorals are rather small. Syv.—Clupea, Antent, Gen. Pise. ed. Walbaumi, 1792, 37; &, Synon. Pisce. 1793, 14.—Cov. Réga. Anim. II, 1817, 172; 2d ed. II, 1829; &, ed. illustr. Poiss. 272.—Srorer, Rep. Fish. Mass. 1839, 110; &, Synops. 1846, 204.—DeKay, New Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 250.—Cuv. & Vat. Hist. nat. Poiss. XX, 1847, 28. The intestine recurs but twice upon itself. The stomach has the shape of a conical bag. The swimming or air bladder is large, acute at both extremities. Some of these traits of structure are met with to a greater or lesser extent in the other genera of this family. CLUPEA MIRABILIS, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Body rather short, deepest upon its middle, and tapering towards either extremity. Head constituting the fifth of the length. Posterior extremity of the maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn through the pupil. Eye large and sub-cireular; its diameter entering about four times in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the insertion of the caudal than the apex of the upper jaw. Base of anal fin comprised about eleven times in the total length ; its anterior margin being nearer the insertion of the caudal than the origin of the ventrals. Origin of ventrals placed somewhat behind the anterior margin of the dorsal, and a little nearer the apex of the lower jaw than the tip of the lower lobe of the caudal. Dorsal region bluish purple; flanks and belly metallic whitish or yellowish. Syn.—Clupea mirabilis, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Se. Philad. VII, 1854, 138, & 154. This species is closely allied to the common herring (Clupea harengus) by its general appear- ance; the absence of teeth upon the palatines, the conspicuousness of the vomerine teeth (which are most so of all), and the presence of but two rows of them upon the tongue, will enable any one to draw the distinction between the two species. ‘ The specimens before us are from eight to nine inches in total length, the head forming about the fifth of that dimension. The greatest depth, which corresponds to the anterior margin of the dorsal, is equal to the length of the head. The lower jaw is longer than the upper, the posterior extremity of the maxillar bone reaching a vertical line which would pass through the middle of the pupil. The eye is sub-circular and large; its diameter being contained somewhat less than four times in the length of the side of the head. The anterior rays of the dorsal fin are almost as high as the fin is long, and somewhat nearer the insertion of the caudal than the extremity of the upper jaw; its upper margin is slightly concave, or else depressed. The anal fin is very low, somewhat deeper anteriorly than farther back ; its origin is situated nearer the insertion of the caudal fin than the base of the ventrals; its own base enters about eleven times in the total length. The insertion of the ventrals takes place some- what posteriorly to the anterior margin of the dorsal, a little nearer the apex of the lower jaw 42 a ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. 330 U. 8. P. R. R, EXP. AND SURVEYS than the tip of the lower lobe of the caudal. The posterior margin of these fins is sub-truncated, else rounded off or sub-convex ; the fins themselves are rather small, fan-like when expanded, and when directed backwards, their extremities are far from approximating the vent. The pectorals are of moderate development, elongated, sub-lanceolated, rounded off upon their posterior margin, which is very distant from the origin of the ventrals. D 35155) 4,145.08, 1, %:754.7 5. V9; Ps, The scales are very large, sub-orbicular, deeper than long, with irregular transverse stria anteriorly, and radiating furrows upon the posterior section, the very margin of which is scalloped. The upper surface of the head and the dorsal region are of a deep bluish purple; the sides of the head and the rest of the body, exhibiting a whitish or yellowish tint, with a high metallic reflect. The fins are either greyish olive, or light straw color. List of specimens. : : i Catal. No.of Age. | Locality. When | Whence obtained. | Orig’] Nature of | Collected by— No. spec. | collected. | No. specimen. 919 4 Adult. San Francisco, California. 1853 | Lt. R. S. Wiliamson.. | ..--.. “Aleobolic.. Dr. A. L. Heermann. 950 1 | Young.|...---.--=-- CAE ae 1853 | Lt. W. P. Trowbridge.| .--... |.--.do $222) Lieut. Trowbridge. 951 1 | nae Fort Steilacoom, Pugets’ 1856 | Dr. Geo. Suckley..... 16)S) 22. d0vene. Dr. Geo. Suckley-. Sound, W. T. | | 952 J | Adult. | Cape Flattery, W.T..... 1854 | Lt. W. P. Trowbridge.) ....-. eosdox 2s Lieut. Trowbridge. _ MELETTA, Valence. Grex. Cuan —The various bones which enter into the structure of the mouth are toothless. A small band of asperities may be observed on the tongue alone. Syy.—WMelella, Vaueno. in Cuv. & Val, Hist. nat. Poiss. XX, 1847, 366. This genus partakes of the characters of the herrings (Clupea), and shads (Alosa), having somewhat the external appearance of the former, and a structure of the mouth more alike that of the latter, The chief difference between Alosa and the present genus consists in the perfect smoothness of its tongue. MELETTA COERULEA, Grd. Prats LXXV, Fius. 5—%. (By error on the plate: Figs. 1—3.) Spero. Cuar.—Body slender, elongated, sub-fusiform in profile. Head constituting more than the fifth of the total length. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn through the middle of the orbit. Eye large and sub- cireular; its diameter entering four times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the extremity of the snout than the insertion of the caudal. Base of anal fin entering about ten times in the total length. Inser- tion of ventrals opposite the posterior third of the base of the dorsal fin. Bluish black above; yellowish or whitish beneath, with metallic reflects. Fins unicolor. Syw.—WMeletla coerulea, Gav. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad, VII, 1854, 138; &, 154. » The largest specimen observed measures ten inches in total length. The body is slender, compressed, gracefully elongated, gradually tapering towards the base of the caudal fin. The depth, measured in advance of the dorsal fin, stands in relation to the total length as one to FISHES— CLUPEIDAE—MELETTA COERULEA. 331 six. The body, as just stated, tapers away backwards from the insertion of the ventrals and the dorsal ; in advance of these fins to the occiput, its depth is sensibly the same, whilst the head again gradually tapers away towards the snout, and constitutes more than the fifth of the entire length, since it enters four times in it from the snout to the last scales near the insertion of the caudal fin. The posterior extremity of the maxillary reaches a vertical line which would inter- sect the middle of the eye. The posterior edge of the opercular apparatus forms a uniform and rather flattened curve. The inferior branch of the preopercle exhibits small radiating stria ; more conspicuous stria are observed upon the inferior and inner half of the opercle. The ante- rior margin of the dorsal fin is nearer the snout than the base of the caudal; it is as high as the fin is long, diminishing very rapidly in height; its upper edge being depressed or, better, concave. The anal is quite low; its base entering about ten times in the total length ; its anterior margin being nearer the fork of the caudal than the origin of the ventrals, and propor- tionally deeper, compared to its posterior portion, than expressed upon the accompanying figure. The caudal fin is deeply furcated. The insertion of the ventrals takes place under the posterior third of the base of the dorsal; their posterior margin being subtruncated and quite broad when expanded. The pectorals are of moderate development, very broad when expanded, and sub-falciform upon their posterior margin. Dis, thr Ie yA Orr ih © 451585 Sika Ve Ss Pts. The scales are very large, sub-orbicular, or sub-angular, deeper than long, with sub-transverse and irregular furrow anteriorly, and very short radiating ones at the posterior margin, which is finely scalloped, and not. pectinated as the aspect of the figures might lead to believe. The back, upper part of the head, and half of the sides are deep bluish black. The sides of the head and the lower half of the flanks are yellowish or whitish, with a metallic reflect. The fins are greyish or dull yellowish. References to the figures.—Plate LX XV, fig. 5, represents Meletta coerulea, from San Francisco, Cal., somewhat reduced in size. Fig. 6 is a scale from the dorsal region. Fig. 7, a scale from the abdominal region. As already stated, the last two figures give a very imperfect idea of the outline and structure of the scales, List of specimens. Catal. | No. of ” Age. Locality. | When col- Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. | spec. | |* “lected. specimen. 953 | 1 | Adult.-| San Francisco, Cal-=-} 1853 Lt. R. S. Williamson-| Alcoholic..-| Dr. A. L. Heermann-.- 954 3) sede -22- |SPresidiotfCalis!2 325 =. 1853 Lt. W. P. Trowbridge-|-.---do.--.-- Lt. W. P. Trowbridge. 955 | oe ae San Francisco, Cal --- 1853 Lt. R. S. Williamson-|----do.....- Dr. A. L. Heermann-- G56. 1) (edie |Gaes sa loos ame dot ase see ae 1853 Lt. A. W. Whipple -.|----do.--.-- Dr. C. B. Kennerly -- 957 5 || Young - California ...... --- 1853 Lt. W. P. Trowbridge-|----do_-..-- Lt. W. P. Trowbridge. 958 2° | --------| Humboldt bay, Cal. gy Sa eee doQ==ee see ae paeedObee aa |Gaee a5 done see eases == 959 2 |__..---.| Astoria, Oregon ...--| Nebo Se See! GO sonsseesoson Seen ale =i eae Ge = See ciee sone 960 2 | ee seccse Shoalwater bay, W.T. | 1853 Gov. I. I. Stevens----|----do--_--- Dr. James G. Cooper-- | 332 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. HYODON, Lesu. Gey. Cuar.—Body very much compressed, deep upon its middle, covered with large scales, deeper than long, disposed upon transeverse oblique series ; ventral line sharp, but not serrated. Head small; snout rounded; jaws equal. Teeth on the jaws vomer, palatines, and tongue. Eyes very large. Gill apertures continuous under the throat. Dorsal fin opposite the anal Caudal fin furcated, else crescent-shaped posteriorly. Lateral line nearly straight, running along the middle of the flanks. Syyx.—Zyodon, Lesvu. in Journ. Acad. Nat. Se. Philad. I, 1, 1818, 364.—Rarin. Ichth. Ohiens. 1820, 41.—Cuy. Regn. Anim, 2d ed. II, 1829; &, ed. illustr. Poiss. 283.—DeKay, New Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 265.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 210.—Cuy. & Vat. Hist. nat. Poiss. XIX, 1846, 307. Glossodon, Heex. in Russeg. Reisen, I, 11, 1842, 1033. Rafinesque has a genus Glossodon, which Heckel appears to have ignored ; adopting Lesueur’s genus Hyodon, he sub-divides it into three subgenera: Amphiodon, Glossodon, and Clodalus. It is not our present purpose to inquire into this subject beyond introducing here, into its natural family, a fish that was supposed at one time to belong to that of Cyprinoids, with the peculiar and exceptional characters of having teeth upon the tongue. HYODON TERGISUS, Lesu. Moon-eye. Pirate LXXYV, Fies. 1—4. (By error on the plate: figs. 4—7.) Srec. Cuan —Head contained five times and a half in the total length; snout rounded, sub-conical. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn posteriorly tu the pupil. Eye very large, sub-circular; its diameter entering about four times in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin somewhat nearer the tip of the caudal than the vcciput. Base of anal fin entering about four times in the total length. Insertion of ventrals nearer the extremity of the fnout than the terminus of the anal. Syn.—Jiyedon tergisus, Lesu. in Journ. Acad. Nat. Se. Philad. I, 1, 1818, 366.—Ricuarps. Faun. Bor. Amer. III, 1836, 235.— Kirt. Rep. Zool. Ohio, 1838, 170, and 195 ; &, in Bost. Journ. Nat. Hist. V, 111, 1846, 338.—DeKay, New Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 265; pl. x11, fig. 130.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 210.—Cuv. & Vat. Hist. nat. Poiss. XIX, 1846, 309. The ‘‘moon-eye,’’ or ‘‘lake’’ and ‘‘river herring,’’ as this fish is sometimes called, has been made the subject of much comment by the various writers who have spoken of it. Several species have been put on record without criticism ; adopted by some, rejected by others, so that up to the present day we are still left in doubt as to the number of species of the genus Hyodon inhabiting the fresh waters of North America. Let us hope that. the time is not far when the Museum of the Smithsonian Institute shall be in possession of preserved specimens from every locality where these fishes are found, so as to enable us to institute a thorough examina- tion of their zdological as well as anatomical characters, in order to settle a question so much controverted. One fact is already clear to our mind, that the differences in the outline of the anal fin alluded to by Lesueur and Valenciennes are traits indicative of the sexes, and should H. clodalus prove specifically distinct from H. tergisus the distinction will be based upon very different characters, ‘The above diagnosis, which we offer, of H. tergisus, is drawn up with a view of assisting future observers should they be prevented from forwarding specimens to Washington for ulterior comparisons, FISHES— CLUPEIDAE—ENGRAULIS. 333 We have carefully counted the rays of the fins of the specimens enumerated in the following list and found them to be: INON 962) 10% DiS sorb ACS O48, 8h ls oy Vela ic ele No. 962, . D3,10+1; A4,31+1; C4,1,8,8,1,5; V1,7; Pll. No. 963, . D2,104-1; A4,32+1; C4, 1,8, 8, 1,5; V1,7; P12. No. 965, 9. D2,94+1; A2,29+1;04,1,8,8,1,5; V1,7; P11. A female specimen from the northern fork of the Canadian river, collected by Dr. S. W. Woodhouse, under Capt. L. Sitgreaves, and numbered 961 in the Smithsonian catalogues, has: Dee Ora wR eeACS 26a le Oana a GusS oll cuore Viele acula le. These are all the specimens which we have had an opportunity of examining. The one figured on the accompanying plate was procured at St. Louis, Mo., and exhibits eighteen longitudinal series of scales between the anterior edge of the dorsal fin and the sharp ridge of the abdomen: eleven below the lateral line and six above it; an odd series occupying the dorsal region from the occiput to the dorsal fin. Moreover, the scales constitute transverse oblique series ; the scales themselves being deeper than long, anteriorly uneven, with radiating furrows upon their anterior section only. The color is yellowish or whitish, with metallic reflects, somewhat lighter beneath than above; the fins being unicolor of a tint similar to that of the region of the body where they are inserted. References to the figures. —Plate LXXV, fig. 1, represents Hyodon tergisus, somewhat reduced in size. Fig. 2 isa dorsal scale. Fig. 3, a scale from the lateral line. Fig. 4, a scale from the abdominal region. List of specimens. Catal.| No.of} Sex and Locality. When col- | Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. | spec. age. lected. specimen. 962 2 | Adult gf & © | St. Louis, Mo----.--. 1852 | Dr. George Engelmann} Alcoholic -| Dr. Geo. Engelmann-- 963 1 Adult ¢ Milk river, Upper Mo. 1853 | Gov. I. I. Stevens.---|---.do..-.| Dr. George Suckley -- 964 2 Wineydiy . |-a-S2 dos == = 225 | W853" Aleseaee dOe. 2s ateeceesi|l-sn= dose ss/seceue dosesesssssee 965 1 Adult 9 Fort Sarpi, Minn---.- | 1854 | Col. A Vaughan-~_--- Ee COE] = |POm Hp VG eaydensae = ENGRAULIS, Cuv. Gen. Cuar.—Body rounded or compressed. Mouth large; snout protruding beyond the lower jaw. Premaxillaries very small, and hidden under the snout. Maxillaries slender, stretching over the cheeks. Small or minute teeth on either jaw, extending to the very extremity of the maxillary. A few teeth on the front of vomer. Palatine and pterygoidian teeth sometimes reduced to mere asperities. Gill openings very large and continuous under the throat. Branchiostegal membrane narrow and hidden under the jaw; its rays being short and variable in number. Caudal fin furcated. Ventrals very small, inserted in advance of the dorsal fin. Syn.—Engraulis, Cuv. Regn. Anim. II, 1817, 174; 2d ed. II, 1829; &, ed. illustr. Poiss. 978.—Cov. & Vat. Hist. nat. Poiss. XXI, 1848, 2.—Gro. in Gilliss, U. S. N. Astr. Exped. South. Hemisph. II, 1855, 247. The peculiar structure of the snout, as well as that of the mouth, will strike every one as the most characteristic feature of the small Clupeoids which constitutes this genus. The head, which is very elongated in some species, is short in others. 334 U. S P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. 1. ENGRAULIS MORDAX, Grd. Spec. Cuan.—Body slender, elongated, and sub-fusiform in profile. Head constituting the fourth of the total length ; snout sub-conical. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to the sub-opercle. Eye large and sub-circular; its diameter entering four times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the insertion of the caudal than the tip of the snout. Base of anal fin entering a little over seven times in the total length. Vent situated opposite the base of last ray of dorsal fin. Ventral fins small, their tips not reaching the vent. Pectorals rather short, posteriorly truncated. Deep bluish brown above ; silvery beneath. Syn.—Engraulis mordax, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 1388; &, 154. The general physiognomy of this species is somewhat suggestive of Engraulis encrasicholus, the common*anchovy of Europe, from which it may, however, be distinguished by characters expressed in the above diagnosis and referred to in the following description : The body”is slender and compressed, narrower on the belly than on the back, although equally rounded off. The greatest depth is comprised nearly seven times in the total length and almost twice in the length of the head. The head constitutes the fourth of the total length. The eye is large and sub-circular ; its diameter entering four times and a half in the length of the side of the head. The tip of the lower jaw hardly projects beyond the anterior rim of the orbit. The posterior extremity of the maxillar bone extends as far as the sub-opercle. The anterior margin of the dorsal fin is nearer the base of the caudal than the tip of the snout, and as high as its base is long. The anal is much longer than deep; its base entering about seven times in the total length ; it is quite concave upon its middle and much deeper anteriorly than posteriorly. The caudal fin constitutes a little more than the sixth of the total length. The ventrals are inserted somewhat in advance of the dorsal fin, and, being quite small, their extremities do not extend as far as the vent; their posterior margin is broad when expanded and sub-convex. An elongated membranous scale exists near the outer margin of these fins, and another between them, similar to those of the pectoral fins. The pectorals themselves are much larger than the ventrals, broad when expanded, obliquely truncated posteriorly, almost linear. The axillar membranous scale is nearly as long as the upper edge of these fins. A vertical line dropped from the insertion of the last ray of the dorsal fin would intersect the vent, situated near the anterior margin of the anal fin. Di, 14--a> Aa 19 ts 03, 1, 9; 8),235 V 83 Pare The scales are very large, much deeper than long, undulating upon their anterior margin, and rounded off posteriorly, with a few irregular radiating grooves upon the anterior section. The upper surface of the head and the back are deep bluish brown or blackish; the sides and inferior regions reflecting a uniform silvery tint. The dorsal and caudal fins are greyish yellow, whilst the anal, ventrals, and pectorals are of a light straw color. List of specimens. Catal. | No. of Age. Locality. When col-| Whence obtained. | Nature of speci-| Collected by— No. | spec. lected. men. é 941 8 | Adult...-.| Shoalwater bay, W.T.-- 1853 Gov. I. I. Stevens -) Alcoholic--..- Dr. Jas. @. Cooper. 942 Chal ead0-aace Astoria, Oregon..------ 1854 Lieut, Trowbridge .|.--.do..------ Lieut. Trowbridge - Hes PO! |zepdou. =.= San Diego, Cal...------ E68 sl eee i se eae Ose e ee A. Cassidy -------- 944 6) | woung-ws.1)' California --1..-<2-2-5- Gh Heit | Paes Pa clos Sees aweeO-acemsee Lieut. Trowbridge - 945 Dell eeepOOsew ss San Diego, Cal. .-..---. 1857 A. Cassidy.....---- ecdOteaweeee A. Cassidy..-.2-.- FISHES—-CLUPEIDAE—ENGRAULIS DELICATISSIMUS. 335 * 2. ENGRAULIS NANUS, Grd. Spec, Cuar.—Body short and slender, tapering posteriorly, and very much compressed. Head constituting the third of the length, the caudal fin excluded. Snout sub-conical. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to the interopercle. Hye large and sub-circular ; its diameter entering four times and a half in the length of the side of the head, exactly once in advance of its anterior rim. Anterior margin of dorsal fin equidistant between the tip of the snout and the fork of the caudal fin. Base of anal fin entering six times and a half in the total length. Vent situated immediately in advance of the anterior margin of the anal fin and behind the base of the dorsal. Ventrals rather small, broad when expanded, sub-convex ; their tips not quite reaching the vent. Pectorals slender, rather elongated, posteriorly sub-truncated, not extending to the origin of the ventrals, Reddish brown above, silvery white beneath. This species is more closely allied to Z. mordax than to any other species so far known on the Pacific range of North America, although less elongated, in which respect it resembles FZ. delicatissimus, although the profile of the body reminds us of that of the preceding species. The greatest depth entering about five times and a half in the total length. The dorsal is higher than long, superiorly linear and diminished less rapidly in height than in the preceding and following species. The anterior half of the anal is triangular, and rather low posteriorly to the middle of its length. Dla tote le O 4.4. OF Site be We Tk. LO The scales are not preserved upon the specimen which we have examined. a The upper surface of the head and the dorsal region are reddish brown; the sides of the head, flanks, and belly exhibiting a silvery tint. The dorsal and caudal are greyish olive; the other fins being yellowish, or light straw color. List of specimens. Catal. No.| No. of spec. : 946 1 | San Francisco, Cal. . 1853 | Lt. R. S. Williamson. i Alcoholic ..| Dr. A. L. Heermann. | | Locality. When collected. | Whence obtained. Nat. of spec. Collectea by— 3. ENGRAULIS DELICATISSIMUS, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Body very much compressed, sub-fusiform in profile. Head contained nearly five times and a half in the total length. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to the gill apertures. Eye large and circular ; its diameter entering three times in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the insertion of the caudal than the tip of the snout. Base of anal fin entering about five times in the total length. Vent situated opposite the anterior margin of the dorsal fin. Ventrals very small; their tips reaching the vent. Pectorals slender and lanceolated, not extending to the origin of the ventrals. Yellowish, with a silvery streak along the middle of the flanks. Syn.—Engraulis delicatissimus, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 154. The specimens of this species now before us may still be immature, and the very natural question arises, whether it is not the young of the preceding one. On close comparison, however, the characters assigned to it will strike every one as most conspicuous. Its general appearance or fascies is widely different from that of either H. encrasicholus or HL. mordaz; the body being more compressed, less tapering, the head much shorter and the snout less acute. The entire length of the largest specimen before us is about three inches, the head being contained in it nearly five times and a half. The greatest depth of body is somewhat less than the length of head, the upper surface of which is convex and but slightly declivous. The eye 336 U. S P. R R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. ~ is large and circular ; its diameter entering about three times in the length of the side of head. The snout is abbreviated, the apex of the lower jaw projecting considerably in advance of the orbit, and the posterior extremity of the maxillar bone extending to the gill apertures. The dorsal fin is sub-triangular, anteriorly higher than long, its origin being nearer the tip of the snout than the extremity of the caudal fin. The latter is furcated and nearly equal to the head in length. The base of the anal fin is almost twice as long as that of the dorsal, and its anterior margin situated opposite the middle region of the latter ; its base entering about five times in the total length. The ventrals are small and short, posteriorly sub-truncated ; their extremities reaching the vent, which is placed midway between the origin of the anal fin and the insertion of the ventrals, being just opposite the anterior margin of the dorsal fin. The pectorals are elongated, slender, and sub-lanceolated ; their posterior extremities being but at a short distance from the insertion of the ventrals. DP tae gh 2a a ee Oe ah. G, 6,1 bs Vio gn kaka The few scales which still remain scattered, are very large and deeper than long. The ground color is yellowish ; a silvery band, about a tenth of an inch or slightly more in width, occupies the middle of the flanks from the head to the base of the caudal fin. List of specimens. Catal. | No. of Locality. | When col- | Whence obtained. Nature of speci- | Collected by— No. spec. | lected. | men. | | 947 18 San Diego, Cal. ---- -..--- 1853 | Lieut. W. P. Trowbridge i Alcoholic. ....-- A. Cassidy .--- | | | | 4, ENGRAULIS COMPRESSUS, Grd. Spec. Cuar.— Body very much compressed, rather short and deep. Head constituting about the fifth of the total length, snout abbreviated. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to the interopercle. Eye large and sub-circular; its diameter entering about three times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearly equidistant between the tip of the snout and the fork of the caudal fin. Base of anal fin entering three times in the length, the caudal fin excluded. The latter is somewhat shorter than the head. Vent situated near the origin of the anal and opposite the anterior margin of the dorsal fin. Ventrals quite small, nearly reaching the vent. Pectorals broad and well developed, extending as far as the insertion of the ventrals. Yellowish brown, with a silvery streak along the middle of the flanks. This species, in its general appearance, so closely resembles H. delicatissimus, that on a superficial inspection we had supposed it was identical with it. On acloser examination we became very soon acquainted with differential characters so striking, that nothing after that was easier than to tell the differences between the two species. The greatest length of the specimens before us is scarcely four inches; the greatest depth being equal to the length of the head, hence enters about five times in the total length. The snout is sub-conical and quite abbreviated. The dorsal fin is much higher than long, and sub-triangular in shape. ‘The anal fin is very long; its anterior third constituting a triangular figure, whilst its remaining portion is very low. Its origin is placed opposite the middle of the dorsal; the vent being quite near to it. The ventrals are rather small, posteriorly sub-truncated, and when directed backwards their extremities approximate the vent. The pectorals are well FISHES—CLUPEIDAE—ENGRAULIS COMPRESSUS. 337 developed, sub-falciform upon their posterior margin ; their extremities reaching the origin of the-ventrals. The axillar membranous scales are tapering, of moderate length, and shorter than the fin. Dl uel eee Spy -twles C16. 9 Sol Ges Ve Gs ola The scales are large, deeper than long, anteriorly sub-truncated, posteriorly rounded, with irregular furrows or grooves. They are, as usually, very deciduous, for, a few only remain scattered over the body. The color is yellowish brown, with a silvery streak along the middle of the flanks. The fins being greyish olive. Inst of specimens. | | | Catal. No. |No.of spec Locality. When collected. | Whence obtained. | Nature of spec. Collected by— 948 5 San Diego, Cal..... 1857 | A. Cassidy.......-- | Alcoholic...... | A. Cassidy........ . 43 a ORDER V. Pe CN le The premaxillar and maxillar bones are united into one continuous immovable bony piece. The internal skeleton is but partly ossiffied. The opercular apparatus is hidden under a thickened skin, Branchial apertures small. The surface of the skin is either protected with enamelled scales, (ganoid,) else with asperities or spinous productions, characters by which these fishes are always easily distinguished from those of the other orders. The swimming or air bladder has no air duct in communication with the throat. Syyv.—Plectognathes, Cuvy. Tabl. élém. Hist. nat. Anim. 1798; Regn. Anim. I, 1817, 144; 2d ed. II, 1829; &, ed. illustr. Poiss. 333. Plectognathi, Bonar. Sagg. Distr. metod. Anim. Verterbr. 1831, 120.—Ricuarps. Faun. Bor. Amer. III, 1836, 277.— DeKay, New Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 323.—Mut. in Wiegm. Archiv fiir Naturg. 1845, 1, 134, & 137.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 239. The family of Ostracionidae, the third of this Order, has furnished as yet no representatives to the ichthyic fauna of our western coast, where, no doubt, some of them exist. Not being marketable fishes, they are no object of attraction except to naturalists, who, so far, have had but few opportunities to prosecute their explorations in that region of the country. A ‘sun-fish,’’ ‘* head-fish,’’ or ‘‘ moon-fish,’’ (Orthagoriscus) as sometimes called, has been observed off the harbor of San Diego, as I am informed by my friend Lieut. Trowbridge. The ‘‘ moon-fish’’ may well be considered as the type of a fourth family (Orthagoriscidae) amongst the Plectognathians. Family BALISTIDAE, Bonap. The body is compressed, rather short and deep, covered with either large or small scales, or else with prickles, or granules. The snout is sub-conical and prolonged, terminated by a small mouth provided with a few isolated teeth. There are two dorsal fins, the anterior one often reduced to a single spine. The pelvic bone is prominent ; the ventral fins being, however, but imperfectly developed. Syn.—Balistidae, Bonar. Sagg. Distr. metod. Anim. Vertebr. 1831, 120.—DeKay, New Y. Faun. 1V, 1842, 333.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 243. Balistini, Bonay. Catal]. metod. Pise. Europ. 1846, 88.—Mutu. in Wiegm Archiv fiir Naturg. 1845, I, 134 & 137. Balistides, Dum. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 177. A species of this family was received during the early part of the present year from San Diego, California, where it was collected by A. Cassidy. The specimens having been mislaid in the moving of the Smithsonian collections from one end of the building to another a few months since, we are unable at present to refer it to its proper genus, and give any further description of the species, beyond stating that the specimens were of a jet black tint, with light (either white or yellow) margined fins. FISHES—GYMNODONTIDAE—TETRAODON, 339 Family GYMNODONTIDAH, Yarrell. The skin is studded either with prickles or with granules. The shape of the body is short, thick, and rounded in some, oblong and compressed in others. The ventral fins are wanting. The snout is abbreviated and rounded. The mouth is rather small, provided with teeth of a very peculiar structure ; there are either one or two in either jaw, resembling somewhat the bill of a parrot, the teeth themselves being composed of laminae, which wear off and are at the same time renewed, ‘These laminae represent as many isolated teeth, which have combined into that compact mass, occupying the whole extent of the jaws. Syn.— Gymnodontes, Cuy. Regn. Anim. IT, 1817, 145; 2d ed, II, 1829; &, ed. illustr. Poiss. 334.—Mutt. in Wiezm. Archiv fiir Naturg. 1845, 1, 134 & 137. Gymnodontidae, Yarreu, Hist. Brit. Fish. [], 1836; &, 2d ed. 1841, 457.—DeKay, New Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 323.— Srorer, Synops. 1846, 239. Tetraodontidae, Bonar. Sagg. Distr. metod. Anim. Vertebr. 1831, 120. Gymnognathes, Dum. Ichth. analyt. 1856, 157. The fishes of this family have only three branchial combs, or gills, a peculiarity of organization occurring in but few others. The swimming or air bladder is composed of two regular, sym- metrical, and approximated partitions, or lobes, within which small pouches, or compartments, may be observed, giving rise to the idea that they were the analogues of the lungs. Most of the species, moreover, have the faculty of introducing atmospheric air into the stomach, to swallow air, as it were, by which process they increase in bulk, and diminish at the same time in specific gravity. In that condition they float motionless at the surface of the water, occasionally reversed so as to keep the dorsal region downwards. Ilence the vernacular appel- lation of ‘‘ balloon-fish,’’ ‘‘ globe-fish,’’ ‘‘ puffer,’’ ‘‘swell-fish,’’ Gc. When caught, a sound or grunt is heard, caused either by the escape of the air from the stomach, else by that of the gases from the swimming bladder. We recollect having found sand, gravel, and pebbles to a considerable size in the stomach of a species of Zetraodon from the Atlantic coast. TETRAODON, Linn. Gen. Cuar.—Body short or elongated, with the abdominal region capable of much extension, and covered either wholly or partially with prickles; else smooth or studded with granules. Jaws divided upon their middle by a vertical suture, presenting the appearance as though four teeth were extant, two above and two below. Syn.—Tetraodon, Linn, Syst. Nature, ed. Xa I, 1678, 332; & Mus. Adolph. Frid. 1764, 55.—Cuy. Regn. Anim. II, 1817, 147; 2d ed. I, 1829; &, ed. II. 1829; &, ed. illustr. Poiss. 337.—Srorer, Rep. Fish Mass. 1839, 169; &, Synops. 1846, 241.—De Kay, New Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 327.—Mixt. in Wiegm. Archiv fir Naturg. I, 1843, 330.—Dom. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 160. The genus Tetraodon has recently been revised by J. J. Kaup in a catalogue, still MSS., of the Plectognathi of the British Museum. Several new genera are proposed by him ; but their description not having come to our knowledge, we are unable to tell at present whether the following species belongs to the genus Zetraodon, as limited and characterized by that German naturalist. 340 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. TETRAODON POLITUS, Grd. Smooth Balloon-Fish. Spec. Cuar.—Body sub-cylindrical. Head very large, constituting the third of the length, caudal fin excluded. Pectorals broad, short, and rounded. Caudal posteriorly sub-convex. Skin perfectly smooth all over, the prickles remaining within the derm in the shape of indurated needles. Olivaceous brown above, maculated with black; yellowish and unicolor beneath. The head is sub-quadrangular, sub-pyramidal, larger across the thoracic region than the anterior portion of the body. Its upper surface is gently convex and quite declivous from the eyes to the snout, which is obtusely rounded off. The lips are thick and fleshy, with their surface papillar, the mouth being proportionally large. The eyes are rather small, sub-ellip- tical, approximating the upper surface of the scull, their longitudinal diameter entering nearly eight times in the length of the side of the head. The body from the thoracic belt tapers regularly backwards. The peduncle of the tail is com- pressed, becoming quite thin at the insertion of the caudal. The height of the dorsal fin is more than twice the length of its base ; its upper margin is sub-convex ; its origin is equidistant between the branchial apertures and the posterior margin of the caudal fin. The anal is inserted opposite the dorsal and somewhat further backwards ; it is narrower than the dorsal, and nearly as deep as the latter is high, its inferior margin being quite convex. The caudal is posteriorly sub-truncated ; else broadly rounded off, and contained short of six times in the total length. The pectorals are very broad, rather short, posteriorly rounded off, or else convex. DINs AL Ge CA. 44, 25 V OP ab; The skin is perfectly smooth to the touch. The small spines or prickles which are observed in other species of this genus appear to remain in the present one in an undeveloped or embryonic condition within the skin. The specimen described is somewhat over twelve inches in total length. The upper region of the body and head is olivaceous brown, maculated with black, minutely and profusely dotted with black also; the inferior region, from the middle of the flanks, being uniform yellowish, sometimes merging into an orange tint. The dorsal and caudal fins are olivaceous brown ; the pectorals and anal yellowish. List of specimens. Catal. |No. of Locality. When Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. | spec. collected. specimen. 983 1 | San Diego, California........... 1857 A. Capsidyp)e\s0e\sisiswaivieie Alcohalic.| A, Cassidy....+...ss0e ORDER VI. LOPHOBRANCHIEII. The bony frame or skeleton is but partly ossified in the fishes which compose this Order, and their body is protected by scales or plates partly bony and partly corneous in structure, poly- gonal in shape, articulated and movable one upon another. The jaws are produced forwards, and united into a tube, at the apex of which the mouth is situated. The swimming or air bladder has no air duct leading to the throat. The gill apertures are small, one on either side of the nape, and the gills, instead of being comb-like, assume a tuft-like or granulated struc- ture, arranged upon two series and situated under large, convex, and bony opercles. There are no cceca to the intestine. Syn.—Lophobranches, Cuy. Regn, Anim. II, 1817, 155; 2d ed. II, 1829; &, ed. illustr. Poiss. 329.—Dum. Ichth. analyt. 1856, 169. Lophobranchii, Bonar. Sagg. Distr. metod. anim. vertebr, 1831, 119.—Ricuarps. Faun. Bor. Amer. III, 1836, 276.—DeKay, New York Faun. IV, 1842, 319.—Mé.t. in Wiegm. Archiv fiir Naturg. 1845, I, 137.— Srorer, Synops. 1846, 238.—Owen, Lect. Comp. Anat. Vert. Anim. 1846, 50. The members of this order are quite diversified in their external aspect. From the Sea-Horse (Hippocampus) to the flying sea-horse (Pegasus) there is a gradual transition, the orientation excepted ; but from the latter to the Pipe-fish (Syngnathus) there is quite a step. The peculiar structure of the gills appears to be the chief binding trait between these extreme forms. In Hippocampus and Syngnathus the muscles presiding over the movements of the dorsal and pectoral fins must assume a most perfect structure, if we are to judge of them by the action of these fins. Every ray has a range of movements almost unequalled in the class of fish. These are so rapid that the eye can hardly catch them while in motion—we were going to say in vibration. They execute a series of undulations in the longitudinal and vertical directions so as to simulate a screw in every sense of the word, and we would advise the inventive genius of our mechanics who study the screw propelling problem to pause an instant before this organic machinery, and ascertain whether nature has understood that problem as well as themselves. In either of the genera we have just been alluding to we find that the male sex is provided with an elongated sub-caudal pouch, into which the eggs are sheltered, not merely until hatched, but where the embryos themselves remain for a certain length of time. Some very peculiar habits must be connected with this curious structure ; peculiarities connected with the fecunda- tion of the eggs themselves and the moral tendencies of either sexes, since the male is made here the exclusive guardian and protector of the progeny. In treating of the stickle-backs (Gasterosteus) we have noticed traits somewhat parallel to these: we allude to the construction of a nest by the male, and the watch he institutes over the eggs therein laid by the female.—(See page 86.) Similar facts in the class of fishes are no longer isolated, as they have been in the past history of ichthyology. The sun-fish (Pomotis), the cat-fish (Pimelodus), and the lump-fish 342 U. 8S. P. R. R, EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. (Cyclopterus), exhibit traits of a kindred nature. In most of the minnows (Cyprinodontidae) and the Anableps, the eggs hatch within the abdomen of the female, and in the Embiotocoids there is a special pouch within which the eggs are first formed and afterwards develop until the young have undergone their fullest metamorphoses. The Embiotocoids, when observed for the first time, seemingly recalled to mind the opossum of North America, and the entire tribe of the kangaroo of Australia ; but if any fish deserves the appellation of opossum-fish we venture to claim it for the tribes of Lophobranchii we are treating of in these pages. The Lophobranchii have been recently the subject of investigations on the part of Mr. Kaup. The genera which he has established being for the present known to us only nominatively, we are at a loss to distribute them in the families we are inclined to adopt in the present Order. The generic divisions adopted by Mr. Duméril in his ‘‘Ichthyologie analytique’’ are not sufficiently characterised to the same purpose. Family IIPPOCAMPIDAE, Owen. The ‘‘sea-horse’’ family being composed, to our knowledge, of but one genus (Hippocampus), we will not enlarge upon its characters here, since alluding to them would be a mere repetition of their enumeration further on. Syn.—Hippocampidae, Owen, Lect. Comp. Anat. Vertebr. Anim. 1846, 50.—Bp. Iconogr. Encycl. II, 1850, 232. This family is not adopted by all systematic writers, some of whom combining it with that of Syngnathidae, either under the latter appellation, else designating it by the name of the Order itself. The position these fishes assume in the media in which they live is not the least of their peculiarities entitling them to the rank of a family in the ichthyic method. HIPPOCAMPUS, Cuv. Gen. Cuar.—Body short, deep, and compressed heptangular ; tail slender, quadrangular, tapering, and coiled up inwardly. External surface of both body and tail divided into parallelograms by longitudinal and transverse ridges, with tubercular points at the angles of intersection. Head sub-pyramidal, bent downwards. One dorsal fin ; neither caudal nor ventrals; an anal fin in both sexes. Pectoral fins of moderate development. Syn.—Hyppocampus, Cov. Regn. Anim. II, 1817, 157 ; 2d ed, II, 1829; &, ed. illustr. Poiss. 331.—Srorer, Rep. Fish. Mass. 1839, 167; &, Synops. 1846, 239.—DeKay, New Y. Faun. [V, 1842, 322.—Doum. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 170. Deprived of caudal fin to execute their onwards motion, the sea-horses (Hippocampus) are reduced to coiling up their tail and to assume a vertical position in the medium in which they live, a position unknown elsewhere in the class of fish. They progress slowly and uniformly forwards or obliquely upwards ; in their descending movements the orientation is not changed ; the tail remains directed downwards. The movements are executed by the means of the pec- toral fins; the dorsal acting chiefly as a rudder. They appear to be easily tired, for after being active a short time they seek submarine supports to which they attach themselves by the means of their prehensile tail. HIPPOCAMPUS INGENS, Grd. The Great California Sea-Horse. Spre. Cuan —Body composed of twelve segments; tail longe- than the body and head together, divided into thirty-eight segments. Head constituting the sixth of the total length ; it being contained about twice in the length of the body and thrice in that of the tail. Spiny crest at the base of the snout rather inconspicuous. Three pairs only of thoracic bony processes. Blackish or deep chesnut brown, punctulated with white. FISHES—SYNGNATHIDAK. 343 Some of the specimens before us measure nine inches in total length, from the apex of the snout to the tip of the tail. The length of the rostrum from the anterior rim of the orbit to the tip of the snout is the half of the length of the head. The eye is circular, and its diameter enters six times in the length of the side of the head: hence thrice anteriorly to the orbit. The occipital bony process is subpentagonal, and crowned by five obtuse, nearly horizontal points, sometimes reduced to finely crenated ridges; a feature not altogether peculiar to this species. Upon the anterior declivity of the same process may be seen one or more blunt protuberances, The supra-orbital process terminates either into a crenated ridge or a double blunt knob. Between the latter processes there is a shallow inter-orbital depression converging anteriorly into an acute angle, at the summit of which may be observed the inter-olfactive crest, which is rather small and finely crenated. On either side of this crest, and close to the orbit, are situated the nostrils at the very base of the tubular rostrum. The supra-tympanic process is simple and nearly hori- zontal. The thoracic arch exhibits three small processes: one upon its upper extremity, nearly at the same level with the supra-tympanic one; the second or middle one in advance of the insertion of the pectoral fin immediately below its middle; the third occupies the inferior branch of the said arch, being directed downwards and backwards. The processes at the angles of intersection of the ridges of the surface of the body and tail are sometimes acute; at others, crest-like. This is especially the case over the ventral line where they assume their greatest development. The subcaudal embryonal pouch of the male is nearly equal {to the body in length ; hence, much shorter than the remaining portion of the tail. The vent is placed nearly opposite the middle of the dorsal fin. The dorsal fin itself is longer than high, superiorly convex, and rather higher posteriorly than anteriorly ; its base entering about thrice in the length of the body, and twice and a half time between its anterior margin and the occiput. The pectorals are very broad and short, posteriorly rounded off; their longest rays being nearly equal to the insertion of the fins themselves. The anal is much deeper than broad ; the middle rays are the deepest. D9 5 AVA C107 02a) Os Pals: The ground color is either entirely olivaceous black, or yellow, maculated with deep chesnut brown ; crowded whitish dots being scattered all over the body, head, and tail. About the orbits these dots are arranged upon irradiating series ; and over the sides of the head, in series irregularly undulating. List of specimens. Catal. Ino: of Locality. When | Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. | spec. collected. | specimen. j | 982 | 5 | San Diego, California...... 1857 | (A'S Cassid yrestelcls claslcinieela«/ele'e | Alcoholic.| A. Cassipy...scessescees Family SYNGNATHIDAE, Bonap. The same remark consigned under the head of Hippocampidae applies to this family, for the genus Syngnathus ihe ts sole generic type, which we have had an opportunity ofexamining. Those established by Kaup are quite numerous, but the description of their characters has not yet come into our hands. 344 U. S. P. R. R. EXP, AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. Syx.—Syngnathidae, Bonar. Sagg. Distr. metod. Anim. Vertebr., 1831, 119.—DeKay, New Y. Faun. 1V, 1842, 319.—Storer, Rep. Fish, Mass. 1839, 162; &, Synops. 1846, 238.—Owey, Lect. Comp. Anat. Vertebr. Anim. 1846, 50.— Bo. Iconogr. Eneycl. II, 1850, 232. On either coast of North America the genus Syngnathus is the only one of the family which has furnished us with representatives. ‘They have been observed from the coast of Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico, and from San Diego, California, to Puget’s Sound, Washington Territory. SYNGNATHUS, Artedi. Gey. Cuar.—Body elongated, slender, heptangular; tail slender, elongated, tapering, and quadrangular, contiauous with the body, and longer than the body and head together. Body and tail both covered with indurated parallelogramic plates, arranged in longitudinal and parallel series, with a slight longitudinal and crested ridge along their middle. Head elongated, slender, and sub-cylindrical, in a direct line with the body. Opercular apparatus large; branchial apertures small. One singe dorsal fin; one caudal, posteriorly rounded or convex ; no ventrals; a vestige of an anal in the female sex. Pectorals broad and short- Syn.—Syngnathus, Arr. Gen. Pisce. 1738; &, ed. Walbaumi, 1792, 1.—Liny. Syst. Nat. ed. X@ I, 1758, 336.—Cov. Regn. Anim. II, 1817, 156; 2d ed. II, 1829; &, ed. illustr. Poiss. 330.—Srorer, Rep. Fish. Mass. 1839, 162; &, Synops. 1846, 238.—DrKay, New Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 319.—Dum. Ichth. analyt. 1856, 171. The pipe-fish (Syngnathus) assume a horizontal position in the medium in which they live as usual in the class of fishes. Their onward movements depending chiefly upon the exertion of the dorsal and pectoral fins, which are the propelling organs; the caudal playing the part of a rudder. 1. SYNGNATHUS CALIFORNIENSIS, Storer. Californian Pipe-Fish. Sprc. Cuar.—Head contained seven times in the total length; a little short of twice in that of the body. Anterior rim of the orbit nearer the insertion of the pectoral fins than the apex of the snout. Longitudinal diameter of the orbit entering nine times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Origin of dorsal fin situated opposite the anterior edge of the vent; its base in the male sex entering twice in the length of the body, from the concavity of the thoracic belt to the vent. Dark reddish brown; yellowish beneath; lower portion of the sides dashed with white. Syn.—Syngnathus californiensis, Srorer, in Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. Il, 1845, 73; &, Synops. 1846, 272.—Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Se. Philad. VIII, 1856, 137. Syngnathus griso-lineatus, Ayres, in Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, Dec. 1854, 14. Having had an opportunity of studying either sex of this species comparatively, the characters assigned to it have thus served as a standard towards the discrimination of the following species, some of which being based upon male, others upon female specimens alone. The largest specimens before us measure over eleven inches in total length; the head forming the seventh part of it. Nineteen plates may be counted anteriorly to the vent, and forty-two posterior to it; the vent itself occupying one intermediate plate. The base of the dorsal fin of the female sex entering twice and a half times on the distance between the concavity of the thoracic belt and the posterior edge of the anal aperture ; its posterior margin in either sex being nearer the extremity of the caudal than the apex of the snout; much more so in the female than in the male. The length of the sub-caudal pouch being equal to the distance between the vent and the anterior third of the snout. D:38; A.83-C1y4,4) 1 ¥ Oe PalZ gorda: The color of the upper regions are dark reddish brown, somewhat lighter on the flanks, the lower part of which are dashed with whitish. The inferior regions are yellowish white maculated with brownish, FISHES—SYNGNATIDAE—SYNGNATHUS LEPTORHYNCHUS. 345 List of specimens. | Catal. | No.of | Sexes. Locality. When col-| Whence obtained. | Orig. | Nature of Collected by— No. | spec. lected. No. | specimen. es | 967 | & Q| Tomales bay, Cal.....| 1855 Ey Sammel sec oecs0 |.«+ee.| Alcoholic.) E. Samuels..........6 4 968 it! San Francisco, Cal....) 1856 Dr. W. O. Ayres......| 25 |....do....| Dr. W. O; Ayres.....0. 1 |....-.| Monterey, Cal........| 1855 DreiSh Wires prcosaGdbootad seodisood! AGRE ANA imoooacesec 2. SYNGNATHUS BREVIROSTRIS, Grd. Short-nosed Pipe-fish. Spec. Cuar.—Head contained eight times in the total length: a little over twice in that of the body. Anterior rim of the orbit nearer the apex of the snout than the base of the pectoral fins. Longitudinal diameter of the orbit entering seven times and a halfin the length of the side of the head. Origin of dorsal fin placed opposite the anterior edge of the anal aperture; its base, in the male sex, entering twice and a half times in the length of the body. Olivaceous brown, with darker maculae above and whitish dots beneath. Syv.—Syngnathus brevirostris, Grn. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad, VII, 1854, 156. The total length of the specimen before us measures about six inches and a quarter ; the head forming the eighth part of it. There are eighteen plates anterior to the vent, and thirty-seven posterior to it. The base of the dorsal fin enters twice and one fourth in the length of the body ; the posterior margin of the same fin is nearly equidistant between the apex of the snout and the extremity of the caudal fin. The length of the sub-caudal pouch is equal to the distance between the vent and the pupil. DISOR RAMOS Clerars a 1s Ve Oee Rui: The color is olivaceous brown; the head being vermiculated, and the body maculated with blackish brown ; the lower portion of the flanks and the belly are dotted with white. The caudal region assuming a darker tint than the body and the head. List of specimens. Catal. No. of | Sex. | Locality. Whence obtained. ‘When col Nature of | Collected by — No. | spec. | | | lected. | specimens. | | —. Rea Ty ge | | 969 1 S | San Diego, California.,.......-.--.| Lieut. W. P. Trowbridge 1853 | Alcoholic...| A. Cassidy ... 3. SYNGNATHUS LEPTORHYNCHUS, Grd. Slender-nosed Pipe-fish. Spec. Cuar.—Head contained six times and a half in the total length, caudal fin excluded : twice in that of the body. Anterior rim of the orbit nearer the base of the pectoral fins than the apex of the snout. Longitudinal diameter of the orbit entering seven times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Origin of dorsal fin situated nearly opposite the anterior edge of the vent, rather posteriorly than anteriorly to that point ; its base, in the female sex, entering thrice on the distance between the concavity of thoracic belt and the posterior edge of the anal aperture. Dorsal region yellowish brown; sides olivaceous and vermiculated ; abdemen yellowish. Syn.—Syngnathus leptorhynchus, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 156. The entire length of the specimen observed measures six inches, the head forming more than the seventh part of it. There are eighteen plates anterior to the vent, and forty-one posterior 44a 346 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. to it. The posterior margin of the dorsal fin is nearer the extremity of the caudal than the apex of the snout. Dis2e VAvs One A Aa tVe0s JP x10, The dorsal region is yellowish brown; the flanks are olivaceous, the upper half maculated or streaked with blackish, the lower half vermiculated with brown; the belly being yellowish with a more open mesh work of brownish lines. List of specimens. | } Catal. No. of Sex. Locality. Whence obtained. | When collected.) Nature of | Collected by— No. | spec.| - | specimens. | | | ie ener Oot al Penna 670 1 | Q | San Diego, California..... Lt. W. P. Trowbridge.| 1853 Alcoholic...) A. Cassidy.....++ 4, SYNGNATHUS ABBOTI, Grd. Abbot’s Pipe-fish. Spec. Cuar.—Head contained seven times and a half in the total length, caudal fin excluded : somewhat over twice in that of the body. Anterior rim of the orbit nearer the insertion of the pectoral fins than the apex of the snout. Longitudinal diameter of the orbit entering eight times in the length of the side of the head. Origin of dorsal fin situated rather in advance of the anterior edge of the anal aperture ; its base, in the female sex, entering twice and one-third of a time on the distance between the concavity of the thoracic belt and the anterior edge of the vent. Dark or blackish brown above ; brownish beneath. A very slender and elongated species; the specimen before us measuring a little over nine inches. There are nineteen plates anterior to the vent, and forty-two posterior to it. The head constitutes more than the eighth part of the length. The posterior margin of the dorsal fin is nearer the extremity of the caudal than the apex of the snout. DB9s-A Bisa a, 4,45 se V0 eali2e The upper region of the head and body is blackish brown; the sides of the head and the flanks assume the same tint, but are finely streaked or dotted with yellowish golden. The inferior surface of the head and belly are yellowish golden, maculated with brown or black. The caudal region is darker than the body. List of specimens. | | | Catal. No. of | Sex. | Locality. When Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. spec. collected. specimen. 971! 1 Q | San Francisco, California..) 1855 Lt. R. S. Williamson....) Aleoholic.| Dr. John S. Newberry... | 5. SYNGNATHUS ARUNDINACEDS, Grd. Reed Pipe-fish. Spec. Cuar.—Head contained seven times in the total length: twice in that of the body. Anterior rim of the orbit equidistant between the apex of the snout and the insertion of the pectoral fins. Longitudinal diameter of the orbit entering eight times anda half in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin situated in advance of the anal aperture ; its base, in the male sex, entering twice and a quarter of a time on the distance between the concavity of the thoracic belt and the anterior edge of the vent. Blackish brown, maculated beneath with golden yellow. FISHES—SYNGNATIDAE—SYNGNATHUS ARUNDINACEUS. 347 This species has the general appearance of the preceding one, and the specimen referred to being of the same length, a comparison between the two species is thus made most thorough, and would be still more so had we before us the same sexes. There are eighteen plates anterior to the vent, and forty-three posterior to it. The head constitutes the seventh of the total length. The posterior margin of the dorsal fin is equidistant between the apex of the snout and the extremity of the caudal fin. The length of the sub-caudal pouch is equal to the distance between the vent and the apex of the snout. Di34 ALO CA, 45454 3 Vis P: Le onda: The color is blackish brown ; the lower part of the flanks and the belly being maculated with golden yellow. ‘The sides of the head exhibit likewise yellowish streaks. List of specimens. Whence obtained. Nature of Coliected by— specimens. Catal. | No. of | Sex. Locality. When col- lected. No. | spec. 972 1 S | Coast of California.......... | 1855 | Dr. George Suckley..| Alcoholic ../| Dr. George Suckley... l ORDER VII. GANOIDEL. In the representatives of the Ganoid order the internal skeleton is either bony or else carti- laginous, and the scales which invest the surface of their body consist either of angular or rounded plates, of a bony base, and covered with an external layer of enamel, similar in structure to the enamel of teeth, else they assume the shape of bony shields; others still are perfectly naked. The caudal fin is more or less heterocercal, and the anterior margin of the fins often provided with adouble series of shingle-like plates, or points the so called fulcrae. Several of them are provided with an accessory breathing organ placed under the opercle, and which is to be distinguished from a pseudo-branchia. Some of them are likewise possessed with spiracles. The swimming or air bladder is provided with an air duct, which communicates with the throat, as in many osseous fishes; but the rete mirabile is wanting. There are oviducts leading the eggs out, without allowing them to fall in the abdominal cavity. Oftentimes the intestinal canal exhibits a spiral valve, asin Plagios'omi. The manifold valves of the aorta, the free gills protected by an opercle, an accessory gill under the gill covers, and the abdominal position of the ventrals, are characters which the ganoids alone exhibit in combination. To these may be added a peculiarity in the direction of the optic nerves, which consist in not crossing one another before entering the orbit. Syn.—Ganoides, Acass. Rech. Poiss. foss. II, 1833, IX. Ganoidei, Bonar. Vert. Syst. 1837, 43 ;&, Catal. Pisce. Europ. 1846, 4.—Acass. Nomencl. Zool. Pisc., 1844. Mut. in Wiegm. Archiv fiir Naturg. 1845, I, 129 & 137. The structure and natural affinities of the fishes constituting the ganoid order have been made the subject of very special investigations by Prof. Joh. Miiller, and which have somewhat modi- fied their classification as formerly proposed by Prof. Agassiz. Miller’s researches are the standard of all future investigations upon this strange and curious order of fishes, and which includes numerous extinct types, illustrated and described in the various works on Palaeontology or fossil remains. Family AMIADAE, Baird. Opinions are at variance regarding the systematic position this family is to occupy in the class of fishes. Its representatives are but few, perhaps reduced to a single living species, which has been placed by some writers in the herring family, whilst others have associated it with some extinct types of past eras. Still others consider it as entitled to a place amongst Holostean ganoids, on the ground of the aorta being provided with five or six valves. Syx.—Amiadae, Bo Tconogr. Encyclop. II, 1850, 234. The genus Amia, so far unique in this family, is exclusively confined to the fresh waters of North America, and occurs chiefly in the southern and northwestern States, where they are known under the names of ‘‘mud-fish’’ and ‘‘marsh-fish,’’ and sometimes ‘‘ dog-fish’’ also FISHES—AMIADAE—AMIA OCELLICAUDA, 349 The latter, however, is more local, and seems to have originated amongst the settlers of the western and northwestern States. In the lake Champlain, it is known as the ‘‘bowfin;’’ the name of ‘‘mud-fish’’ prevailing at the south, and that of ‘‘marsh-fish’’ at the extreme north, in Canada especially. i AMIA, Linn. Gen. Coar.—Body elongated, sub-cylindrical, somewhat deeper than broad, else compressed, covered with flexible and imbricated, posteriorly rounded or sub-angular scales, mailed or ganoid in structure. The head is rather short and rounded ; its upper surface being depressed, naked, exhibiting conspicuous sutures. The mouth large, and the jaws sub-equal, provided with conical teeth and an exterior row of smaller payement-like ones within. The gill apertures are continuous under the throat ; an elongated bony buckler exists between the branches of the lower jaw, extending from its symphysis to the edge of the gill openings. There are twelve flattened branchiostegal rays on either side—else, eleven on one side and twelve on the other. A long and rather low dorsal fin; a short and proportionally deep anal. The caudal is rounded upon its posterior margin, and sub-homocercal at the base. Ventrals abdominal in position. The air bladder exhibits a cellular structure similar to that of some reptiles. Syv.—Amia, Linn. Syst. nat. ed. XII, 1766, 500 —-Gm. in Zinn. Syst. nat. ed. XIII, I, iii, 1788, 1352.—Cuv. Regn. Anim. II, 1817, 179; 2ded. II, 1829; &, ed. illustr. Poiss. 284.—DrKay, New Y. Fauna IV, 1842, 270.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 212 —Cuv. & Vat. Hist. nat. Poiss. XIX, 1846, 402.—Dum. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 490. There is no genus the monographic study of which would be more desirable than that of Amia, for, opinions are very much at variance as to the number of species to be admitted in the ichthyic method. By some writers only one is recognized ; whilst others distinguish as many as ten or twelve, all inhabitants of fresh waters of North America. With but scanty materials before us we are ill prepared to prosecute investigations regarding specific characters, and the few specimens which we have examined are recorded further on under such headings as were thought most akin. But whenever a complete collection of these fishes shall have been brought together, it is our aim to compare critically the specimens from the various localities, with a view of ascertaining the number of species which really exist. 1. AMIA OCELLICAUDA, Richards. Marsh-Fish, Dog-Fish. Sprc. Cuar.—An oblong black spot, with a lighter margin, obliquely situated at the base of the upper lobe of the caudal fin and inclined forwards. Head contained four times and a half in the total length. Insertion of ventrals nearer the base of the caudal than the extremity of the snout. Anterior margin of anal fin nearer the base of the pectorals than the posterior margin of the caudal. Syn.—Amia ocellicauda, Ricwarps, Faun. Bor. Amer. III, 1836, 236 —Cuv. & Vat. Hist. nat. Poiss, XIX, 1846, 422. The specimen observed is eighteen inches in total length, in a very perfect state of preserva- tion, save the coloration, the freshness of which is always impaired by a protracted immersion in alcohol. It is referred provisionally to Richardson’s species without critical examination, until an opportunity shall be afforded us to study and compare all the species of this genus. List of specimens. Catal. | No. of | Age. Locality. | When Whence obtained. | Nature of Collected by— No. spec. collected. specimen. 1000 1 Adult. | Lake Amelia, Minn..... 1853 Gov. I. I. Stevens...««| Alcoholic.| Dr. Geo. Suckley... 350 U. 8S, P. R. R, EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. 2. AMIA OCCIDENTALIS, DeKay. Western Mud-Fish, Dog-Fish. Srec. Cuar.—Base of caudal fin without spot of any kind. Head constituting nearly the fifth of the total length. In- sertion of ventrals nearly equidistant between the base of the caudal and the extremity of the snout. Anterior margin of the anal fin nearly equidistant, also, between the base of the pectorals and the posterior edge of the caudal fin. Syx.—Amia occidentalis, DEKay, New Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 269; pl. xxxix, fig. 125.---Cuv. & Vau. Hist. nat. Poiss XIX, 1846, 429. A specimen, twenty-six inches in total length and in the shape of a skin, otherwise well pre- served for zodlogical studies. It is referred, provisionally, to DeKay’s species until further investigations into the structure and habits of the other species shall enable us to determine their systematic characters. List of specimens. | | Whence obtained. | Nature of | Collected by— | Catal. No.of| Age. | Locality. When No. | spec. | | collected. | specimen. | | | EG e SE ce Piya amin) 4 it aes eed 1001 1 | Adult. .| Lake Amelia, near Fort Snelling, Minn.) 1853 | Goy. I. I. Stevens.) Alcoholic.) Dr. Geo. Suckley | Family SAURIDAE, DeKay. The skeleton in the fishes of this family is entirely ossified. The body is elongated, sometimes very slender, and protected by lozenge-shaped scales of a bony base, and enamelled, smooth surface, firmly united to one another, constituting one of the most impenetrable coatings ever met with in the class of fishes. The jaws are furnished with rasp-like teeth, intermingling with conical and acute ones. The ulterior zodlogical as well as anatomical characters of the gars (Lipidosteus) and Bichirs (Polypterus) are so diversified that little else remains to be told respecting family traits ascribable to both genera, and we should rather be inclined to adopt Miiller’s suggestion in considering either of them as the type of a peculiar family. Syn.—Sauroides, Agass. Rech. Poiss. foss. II, 11, 1833, 2 & 158. Sauroidei, Acass. Nomencl. Zool. Pisces, 1844.—Mutx. in Wiegm. Archiv fur Naturg. 1843, I, 327. Sauridae, DeKay, New Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 271.—Srorer, Synops. 1346, 213. The fishes of this family constitute the order of Holostean ganoids of Professor Miiller,* which he again divides into two families, the Lepidosteini of North America, and the Polypte- rini of Africa, the only living representatives of this most remarkable group. By far more numerous are the genera and species whose remains lie imbedded in the strata which compose the earth’s solid crust. LEPIDOSTEU 8, a ip. Gun. Cuar.—Snout elongated; jaws somewhat unequal; upper one formed of numerous pieces; vomer double; lower jaw compoeed of as many pieces as in the reptiles. Rasp-like teeth on the surface of the jaw bones, with long conical and acerated ones at their edges, The vertebrae are anteriorly convex, and posteriorly concave. Nostrils near the apex of the elongated jaw- A gill cover and a pseudo-branchia, but no spiracles. Four branchial arches, each provided with a double combed gill, and between the last arch and the pharyngeal bones a split may still be seen. Three branchiostegal rays on either side. The * Wiegmann's Archiv fur Naturgeschichte, 1845, I, 119, & 137. FISHES—SAURIDAE—LEPIDOSTEUS LEPTORHYNCHUS. 351 anterior margin of all the fins exhibits a double row of spine-like scales. The insertion of the caudal fin is oblique; a portion of its rays being inserted at the extremity of the vertebral column ; the other portion under it. The dorsal is inserted far back, opposite the anal fin. The ventrals are abdominal. The stomach has no ceca; the pylorus havivg numerous short appendages, The intestine recurs twice upon itself. The air bladder is cellular, and through an elongated split it communicates with the upper wall of the throat. Syv.—Lepidosteus, Lacer. Hist. nat. Poiss. V, 1803; ed. 800, IV, 1819, 59.—Cuv. Regn. Anim. IT, 1817, 181; 2d ed. II, 1829; &, ed. Mlustr. Poiss. 286.—Acass. Rech. Poiss. foss. II, ii, 1833, 4; &, Lake Super. 1850, 254.— DeKay, New Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 271.-—Moxn. in Wiegm. Archiv fir Naturg. 1845, I, 119.—Sroren, Synops. 1846, 213.—Dom. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 434. For years past ichthyologists have been looking forwards for a promised monograph of this genus by Professor Agassiz, and since his studies of this peculiar group must necessarily be based upona large amount of material, they would have proved of great assistance to us in the preparation of the present report. The above diagnosis is derived chicfly from Professor Miiller’s description of this genus. There are three well marked groups in the genus Lepidosteus; the first one is characterized by a very narrow and prolonged snout, the mouth being longer than the head, properly so called, with but one row of larger teeth at the upper as well as lower jaw: Lepidosteus oxyurus is the type of this group. In the second group (Cylindrosteus) the snout is depressed, rather broad, equal in length to the head, properly so called, with but one row of larger teeth at the upper as well as at the lower jaw: Lepidosteus platostomus is the type of this second group. Finally, the third group (Afractosteus) is characterized by a very broad snout, néarly equal in length to the rest of the head, or somewhat longer, with two rows of larger teeth at the upper jaw: Lepidosteus ferox being the type of this group. 1. LEPIDOSTEUS LEPTORHYNCHUS, Grd. Speco Cuar.— Body anterior to the ventrals cylindrical, and posteriorly deeper than broad (thick); dorsal region sub-concave, broader than the abdominal region. Peduncle of tail very much compressed. Head constituting a little less than the third of the total length. Eyes well developed, sub-elliptical; horizontal diameter of the orbit entering fifteen times and a half in the length of the side of the head; nearly thrice and a half time behind its posterior rim. Anal smallar than the dorsal; either cf these fins not extending the tip of their longest rays as far as the base of the caudal. Ventrals much larger than the pectorals, inserted further apart the thoracic belt than the anterior margin of the anal, and much nearer the posterior edge of the caudal than the tip of the rostrum. Olivaceous, upper regions spotted with black. The specimen before us measures from thirty-four to thirty-five inches. The head is slender, very much depressed, broader than deep, tapering gradually forwards into an elongated rostrum. The upper jaw projecting beyond the tip of the lower one, which is entirely overlapped when the mouth is closed. The lower jaw is a great deal more than twice the length of the rest of the side of the head, although not quite twice and a half as long. One series of large conical and acute teeth may be observed right and left on either jaw, with an external series of much smaller teeth. The inner edge of the dental groove exhibits at the lower jaw two series of rasp-like teeth, the innermost of which is more slender than the other, whilst at the upper jaw there is but one series of similar teeth, resembling those of the slender kind just alluded to. The dorsal and anal fins are of moderate development, much higher or deeper than long. The ventrals are more stoutly built and much larger than the pectorals. De PAGSi3= Cul Zi WViGee Palas The rays in all the fins are very strong, sub-divided and branched off ; the outermost pectoral © 352 U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. ray alone is simple, or else not sub-divided. The fulcra extend beyond the two-thirds of the length of all the external rays. The number of scales in an oblique series across the body, beginning under the ventrals and extending upwards and forwards, is forty-three: One dorsal median series; seven from the dorsal region to the lateral line; and thirteen from the lateral line to the median series on the abdomen. In a similar oblique series, taken posteriorly to the ventral fins, there are thirty-seven scales : the dorsal series as usual ; seven from the dorsal region to the lateral line; and nine from the lateral line to the middle region of the abdomen. The tubes of the lateral line are very con- spicuously developed. The forms of the scales constituting the middle dorsal series is quite different from all the rest : posteriorly rounded, broader than long, and sub-cordiform from the occiput to a certain distance back, becoming sub-elliptical further on and quite lanceolated as they approach the dorsal fin. On the sides of the body they are sub-rhomboid, sub-convex at their upper and pos- terior edge, and rather convex at their inferior edge. Towards the caudal region they are sub- trapezoid, angular, posteriorly lanceolated and acute. The ground color is olivaceous, spotted with bluish black above and on the sides; the abdomen being light yellowish or straw color; the upper surface of the head and snout exhibiting the same spots as the back. The vertical fins are likewise spotted, whilst the pectorals and ventrals are of a uniform yellowish tint. List of specimens. | Catal. No. of Locality. When collected. | Whence obtained. | Nature of Collected by— No. | spec. specimen. |e BRA ie tht ee Ba Ae 1002 2 | Devil’s river, Texas...cc0s.cccscee . 1853 Capt. John Pope..| Dried....... Geo. G. Shumard. 2. LEPIDOSTEUS (CYLINDROSTEUS) LATIROSTRIS, Grd. Srec. Cuar.—Body anteriorly cylindrical, deeper than broad (thick), upon its middle; dorsal region sub-convex, broader than the abdominal region. Peduncle of tail very much compressed. Head constituting the fourth of the total length. Eye rather large, circular ; diameter of orbit entering about ten times in the length of the side of the head ; thrice behind its posterior rim. Anal fin somewhat deeper and longer at its base than the dorsal ; the tip of its longest rays extending beyond the insertion of the inferior rays of the caudal fin. Ventrals larger than the pectorals, and inserted nearly midway between the thoracic belt and the origin of the anal fin; hence nearer the extremity of the rostrum than the convexity of the caudal fin, Bluish grey above ; dull yellow beneath. The species here referred to is closely allied to Lepidosteus platostomus, from which it differs chiefly by a broader rostrum, tapering likewise less rapidly forwards. Its width near the apex is half that of its base, near the angle of the mouth. The base of the head is a good deal broader than deep. The number of the rays of the fins are as follows: D8 + 15 A9s C125 V 6s PAO: All of them bifurcate and again sub-divide, except the last in the dorsal and anal fins, as well as the innermost in the pectorals, which are simple, else undivided. The number of scales in an oblique series across the body, with its initial point under the base of the ventrals, is from forty-six to forty-eight or from forty-five to forty-seven : one dorsal median series; nine or ten from the dorsal region to the lateral line; and thirteen from the lateral line to the middle series along the abdomen. FISHES--SAURIDAE—LEPIDOSTEUS BERLANDIERI. 353 In a similar oblique row taken posteriorly to the ventral fins we count from thirty-one to thirty-three scales, a dorsal series ; nine or ten from the dorsal region to the lateral line, and eleven from the lateral line to the middle abdominal series. The lateral line is yet quite con- spicuous upon the specimen now before us, and which measures seventeen inches in total length. The color of the upper region is bluish grey, whilst the inferior region is dull yellow. The fins assume the uniform tint of the region to which they belong. List of specimens. } Catal. | No of Locality. When col- Whence obtained. Nature ef Collected by— No. | spec. lected. specimen. 984 La [Peos iver Pecositiver == -=<==2. 552 1855 Capt. John Pope --.--.-. | Alcoholic ~ =| Capt: Pope = asses 3. LEPIDOSTEUS (ATRACTOSTEUS) BERLANDIERI, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Body depressed, broader (thicker) than deep. Dorsal region depressed or sub-convex. Peduncle of the tail compressed and tapering backwards. Head contained three times and a half in the total length ; three times, the caudal fin excluded. Eye well developed, sub-circular ; diameter of orbit entering about eight times in the length of the side of the head: about twice and a half behind its posterior rim. Anal and dorsal fins nearly alike ; the extremities of their longest rays extending beyond the insertion of the outer rays of the caudal fin. Ventrals more slender than the pectorals, and inserted somewhat nearer the posterior edge of the caudal fin than the extremity of the snout. Dark greyish olive above ; lighter beneath. Body and fins unicolor, except the caudal, which appears to be obsoletely spotted. We have before us a specimen nine inches and a half in total length ; hence quite immature. The scantiness of the materials at our disposal forbid us entering more at length into the com- parative features between this species and L. ferox, the type of the group to which it belongs. This can only be accomplished in the forthcoming monograph contemplated by Prof. Agassiz. The teeth of the lower jaw are largest ; the palatine series is next in size; then the maxillar series (upper jaw) properly so called; the lower jaw being somewhat longer than the rest of the side of the head. The dorsal and anal fins are almost alike in size and shape. The pectorals are sub-lanceolated and shorter and broader than the ventrals, which are rather slender. The rays we have counted as follows: Deg 1 Aso = Teo G12: VG: P 13. The number of the scales in an oblique series across the body, beginning under the ventrals and extending upwards and forwards, is sixty-three: one dorsal median series; nine from the latier to the lateral line, and twenty-one from the lateral line to the middle series under the abdomen. In a similar oblique series, taken posteriorly to the ventral fins, there are fifty-nine scales : the dorsal series as usual ; eleven from the dorsal series to the lateral line, and seventeen from the lateral line to the middle region under the abdomen. The scales of the dorsal series assume a different shape from those on the rest of the body. The surface of the scales is rugose or finely granular, like sand to the touch ; more so on the pos- terior half of the body than on the anterior half. The abdominal scales are af yet in contiguity : an area under the thorax, between the pectoral fins, is naked and scaleless ; a similar but smaller 45 a 354 U Ss. P. R. BR. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. area may be observed between and behind the ventral fins. These areas exist in the immature state only, and are filled wp as the specimens enlarge in size. List of specimens. Catal. | No. of Age. Locality. When col- Whence obtained. Nature of | Collected by— No. | spec. | lected. | Lae ne eee ween 1003 | 1 Young .| Tamaulipas, Mex....|--..--....-. Lieut. D. N. Couch-~- jection L. Berlandier -...... 1 Family STURIONIDAE, Swains. The skeleton remains in a cartilaginous condition throughout life, and the vertebral column, instead of vertebrae, consists of a soft chord. The external surface of the body is either perfectly smooth (Spatulariae), else provided with longitudinal series of rather large, bony shields, between which much smaller dermic productions may often be observed (Acipenserini), The pseudo- branchiae, the accessory opercular gill, and the spiracles exist in various combinations in the several genera which constitute this family. There is but one dorsal fin, situated far back, and nearly opposite to the anal. Syn.—Sturioniens, Cuy. Regn. Anim. II, 1817, 140; 2d ed. II, 1829; &, ed. illustr. Poiss. 349. Sturionidae , Swains. Ess. Class. Fish. II, 1839,193.—DeKay, New Y. Faun. IV 1842, 344.—Srorer, Synops. 1846,247- Sturionideae, Ricuarps. Faun. Bor. Amer. III, 1836, 278. Acipenserini, Muti. Verg. Anat. Myxin. I, 1836 ; &, in Weigm. Archiv fir Naturg. 1845, I, 119. Spatulariae, Mutu. Vergl. Anat. Myxin. I, 1836; &, in Weigm. Archiv fiir Naturg. 1845, I, 119. Acipenseridae, Bonar. Sagg. Distr. metod. Anim. Vertebr. 1831.—Acass. Lake Super. 1850, 263. Acipenserides, Acass. Rech. Poiss. foss. LU, ii, 1833, 277. These fishes constitute the order of Chondrostean ganoids of Professor Miiller, by whom they are further divided into two families: the Acipenserini, or true sturgeons, with longitudinay series of bony shields, and the Spatulariae, spoon-bill, or paddle-fish, as sometimes denominated, and in which the skin is naked, or else perfectly free from either shields or scales. The generic types of the chondrostean ganoids are all represented in North America, three o¢ them being altogether peculiar to the latter continent: Scaphirhynchus, amongst Acipenserini, Polyodon and Planirostra, which constitute the group of Spatulariae, ACIPENSER, Artedi. Gen. Cuan.—Body sub-fusiform, elongated, tapering posteriorly, provided with five longitudinal series of bony shields, the dorsal and lateral series extending from the thoracic arch to the caudal fin, whilst the abdominal series run from the base of the pectorals to that of the ventrals, whence an odd series follows the under aspect of the tail to the caudal fin. Head of moderate size, its upper surface cuirassed ; snout elongated, more or less acute. Mouth situated under the snout, toothless, in advance of which are inserted four hanging down, simple or fringed barbels. Lips simple. Branchial apertures separated under the throat by an isthmus ; gill covers well developed ; pseudo-branchiae and spiracula both extant. Dorsal fin posterior ; caudal with two unequal lobes; anal situated opposite and somewhat behind the dorsal ; ventrals inserted posteriorly to the middle of the length of the body. Syn.—Acipenser, Anrep, Gen. Pisc. ed. Walbawmi, 1792, 498.—Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. X1I@ 1, 1766, 403.—Gmet. in Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. XIII, 1, mm, 1788, 1483.—Cuv. Regn. Anim. II, 1817, 141; 2d ed. II, 1829; & ed. illustr. Poiss. 349.—Rarin. Ichth. Ohiens. 1820, 79.—Firz. & Huck. in Ann. Wien. Mus. Naturg. I, 1835 ; &, in Zool. Abhandl. Ann. Wien. Mus. Naturg. I, 1841, 264—DeKay, New Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 344.— Srorer, Rep. Fish. Mass. 1839, 178; & Synops. 1846, 247.—Dwm. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 156. FISHES—STURIONIDAE—ACIPENSER ACUTIROSTRIS. 355 The monograph of the sturgeons (Acipenser) by Fitzinger and Heckel is replete of informations upon the natural history of these fishes. The species of the Old World especially are treated of with much detail, while a good deal is yet untold respecting those of the New World. The short-nosed sturgeon, so abundant in the waters of California, and described under the name of ACIPENSER BRACHYRHYNCHUS, Ayres, in the Proceedings of the California Academy of Natural Sciences, I, 1854, 16, has not fallen under our observation. It is so much more to be regretted, as its natural affinities seem to bring it nearest to A. trunsmontanus, which we lack also in good specimens. 1. ACIPENSER TRANSMONTANUS, Richards. Columbia River Sturgeon. Syn.—Acipenser transmontanvs, Ricuarps. Faun. Bor. Amer. III, 1836, 278, pl. xevii, fig. 2.—DeKay, New Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 347.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 248.—Gro. in Proc Acad. Nat. Se Philad. VIII, 1856, 137. Not in possession of any other specimen but a dried skin about thirty-seven inches in total length, we refrain entering into any details as regards its structure. The species is a very characteristic one, and which requires to be carefully re-investigated in order to furnish us with new data in the determination of the species recently observed along the coast of California, within its bays and the lower waters of its rivers. List of specimens. | Catal. | No. of | Locality. When col- | Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. | spec | lected. specimen. 1008 1 | Columbia river .-.....-----.--- 1855 Dr. Geo Suckley....---] Dried ....| Dr. Geo. Suckley-.----- 2. ACIPENSER ACUTIROSTRIS, Ayres. Spec. Cuan.—Body sub-fusiform in profile. Head slender, upper surface nearly plane, depressed, declivous, with a shallow frontal groove. Snout tapering and acute. Mouth large; lips simple. Barbels filiform, simple, nearer the mouth than the apex of the snout. Ten or eleven dorsal shields from the occiput to the anterior margin of the dorsal fin ; twenty-six to twenty- seven shields in the lateral series, and nine or ten between the pectorals and the ventrals. All these shields being rather close to one another, although not quite contiguous. First dorsal shield united to the cephalic cuirass. Syn.—Acipenser acutirostris, Ayr«s, in Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1854, 15.—Gro.in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 137. The museum of the Smithsonian Institution has in preservation a specimen of this species about twenty inches in total length, brought home by Lieutenant Williamson’s party ; and another specimen about thirteen inches long, sent by Dr. Ayres himself. Both of these specimens, therefore, are larger than the one originally described by the latter gentleman. The snout in the younger specimen is proportionally more slender and more acute still than in the older one. The head forms about the fourth of the total length, somewhat more or less according to age. A shallow groove may be observed along the middle region of its upper surface which is gradually sloping from the occiput to the extremity of the snout. The eyes are sub-circular and of moderate development, situated midway between the apex of the snout and the posterior edge of the opercle. The barbels are nearly equal in length and inserted 356 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. somewhat nearer the mouth than the apex of the snout. The mouth is very large, provided with sub-papillar or sub-corrugated lips. The margin of the jaws is protected by a sub-corneous sheath, exteriorly papillar, which on being removed leaves exposed numerous minute tentacles. These tentacles, or cilia, correspond to the papilla of the corneous sheath into which they are inserted. The anterior jaw corresponds to a vertical line drawn immediately behind the orbit. The pectoral fins are very large, broad, sub-lanceolated and posteriorly rounded off. The ventrals are inserted opposite the twelfth lateral shield, and sub-truncated upon their posterior edge. The anal is much deeper than long upon its base, with its exterior edge sub-concave. The dorsal fin is higher anteriorly than long, sub-convex upon the latter edge, and superiorly concave ; the height of its posterior margin enters twice and a half time in the length of the base of the same fin. The periphery of the shields is very deeply indented, serrated, or digitated, especially sideways. Their spiny crest oftentimes exhibits additional small spines or points, either anteriorly or posteriorly, The stellated incrustations which are observed over the surface not covered by the shields, are likewise very prickly. The dorsal region is purplish or bluish black, whilst the abdominal region is whitish. List of specimens. Catal. No. of Locality. When collected. Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. | spec. specimens. 1004 1 | San Francisco, California. . 1855 Lieut. R.S. Williamson..| Alcoholic...) Dr. John S. Newberry. IYiish|) BesseaiGroce UMsnaomssaas 1857 Dr. W. 0. Ayres.....0%-|-00. do......| Dr. W. O. Ayres .... 3. ACIPENSER MEDIROSTRIS, Ayres. Srec. Cuar.—Body fusiform in profile. Head rather stout; upper surface sub-convex, declivous, with a median, wide and shallow depression ; snout anteriorly rounded and abbreviated. Eleven dorsal shields from the occiput to the anterior margin of the dorsal fin ; thirty-seven shields in the lateral series, and eight or nine between the pectorals and the ventrals. All the shields more or less approximated in their respective series. First dorsal shield united to the cephalic cuirass. Syn.—Acipenser medirostris, Ayres, in Cal. Acad. Nat. Se. I, 1854, 15.—Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Se. Philad. VILL, 1856, 137. The head constitutes about the fifth of the total length. The eyes are rather small, sub. circular, and situated much nearer the apex of the rostrum than the posterior edge of the opercle. The barbels being nearly equal in length and situated much nearer the apex of the rostrum than the mouth. The latter is very large, with a structure of the lips similar to those of A. acutirostris ; the anterior jaw, in its retracted position, corresponding to a vertical line drawn through the pupil. The insertion of the ventrals takes place opposite the fifteenth lateral shield, they being subtruncated upon their posterior edge. The base of the dorsal is equal in length to the height of its anterior margin; it is superiorly convex, and quite low posteriorly. The anal is much deeper than long, sublanceolated, somewhat concave upon its outer edge. The periphery of the shields is entire, and the stellated incrustations which are observed over the intervening surface between the shield are likewise entire, or nearly so. The specimen which we have examined is a little short of two feet in total length, and we believe was submitted to Dr. Ayres’ inspection at San Francisco, This fact being stated merely to show that the references to the present species have an imprint of authenticity. FISHES—STURIONIDAE—POLYODON. FH) List of specimens. Catal. No. INo. of spec Locality. When Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— collected. specimen | eJah ee eat pane 1005 1 San Francisco, California.. 1855 Lieut. R.S. Williamson..| Alcoholic.) Dr. John S Newberry... SCAPHIRHYNCHUS, H ck. Gen. Cuar.—Body sub-fusiform, provided with five longitudinal series of pentagonal bony shields, extending from the head to the fins, posterior to which it is depressed and completely covered by these shields. Upper surface of head cuirassed ; snout prolonged. Mouth situated under the snout, toothless, and in advance of which are four, hanging down, barbels. Gill covers well developed ; neither pseudo-branchiae nor spiracula. Gill openings separated under the throat by a rather narrow isthmus. The vertebral column tapers off into a filament, very much elongated in the young. The general structure, aspect, and relative position of the fins, as in cipenser, except the caudal, which has no upper lobe. Syn.—Scaphirhynchus, Heck. in Ann. Wien. Mus. Naturg. I, 1835; &, in Zool. Abhandl. Ann. Wien. Mus. Naturg. I, 1841, 71 —Meu. in Wiegm. Archiv fir Naturg. 1845, I, 106, & 119. This genus having been made the object of a very able monograph by Heckel, we must refer our readers to it for further informations on this subject. SCAPHIRHYNCHUS PLATIRHYNCHUS, Bd. Shovel-Nose Sturgeon. Spec. Cuar.—Head terminated by a depressed, oval, spade-shaped snout. Lips provided with eight warty-fringed tufis. Barbels nearer the mouth than the extremity of the snout, and fringed also. Anal fin nearer the vent than the caudal fin, Brownish above ; whitish beneath, Syn.—Acipenser platorynchus, Rarin. Ichthyol. Ohiens. 1820, 80.—Kirti. Rep. Zool. Ohio, 1838, 196; &, in Bost. Journ. Nat. Hist. V, 1845, 25. Pl. viii, fig. 1.—Srorgr, Synops. 1846, 249. Scaphirhynchus rafinesquii, Heck. in Ann, Wien. Mus. Naturg. I, 1835; &, in Zool. Abhandl. Ann Wien. Mus. Naturg. I, 1841, 72. PI. viii. Scaphirhynchus platirhynchus, Bo. leonogr. Encycl. II, 1850, 238. Shovel-fish sturgeon, spade-fish, shovel-head, flat-head, shovel-nose sturgeon, la Pelle, or Poisson pelle, VERNACULAR. This species is accurately figured and minutely described in Heckel’s monograph alluded to above. Space forbids us entering here into any kind of detail, and limit ourselves recording two immature specimens procured along one of the various railroad surveys. List of specimens. | Catal.|No.of| Age. Locality. When Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. | spec. collected. specimen, 985 1 Young.| Missouri.......s++esse+-| 1853 Lieut. A. W. Whipple... i Alcoholic.| Dr. Geo. G. Shumard. 986 1 |...do...| Near mouth of Poteau riv, TODD aw lcci dOses canes ae ence | puctleas Aodnacantoonnecocec6an POLYODON, Lacép. Gen. Cuar.—Snout dilated into a thin, leaf-like blade; very much prolonged beyond the lower jaw. Mouth very large. provided with numerous small teeth upon the palatine bones, uniting with the maxillaries to form the upper jaw. Branchial aper- tures very widely open, continuous under the throat; spiracula extant; opercle prolonged into a membranous, very long point. Body and fins in general shape and aspect as in Acipenser; but the skin is naked or else perfectly smooth. 358 U. 8S. P. R R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. Syv.—Polyodon, Lac&p. Hist. nat. Poiss. I, 1798; &, ed. 8vo. I, 1819, 309.—Rarin. Ichth. Ohiens. 1820, 82.—Cuy. Regn. Anim. IT, 1817, 142; 2d ed. Il, 1829; &, ed. illustr. Poiss. 152.—Srorer, Synops, 1846. 249. Spatularia, Suaw, Gen. Zool. V, 1804, 362.—Dum. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 155. This genus appears to be very closely allied to Planirostra, which, however, we have not been able to compare it to, having had no specimens of the latter genus at our command. Our compara- tive studies, therefore, rest solely upon the descriptions of Lesueur and Rafinesque. Dr. Kirt- land’s own account of Planirostra had to be drawn up from published data, he never having had the opportunity of examining that fish. POLYODON FOLIUM, Lacép. Paddle-Fish. Spec. Cuar.—Body sub-cylindrical, compressed, tapering from the thorax to the tail. Head sub-conical, expanding hori- zontally into a spatuliform snout, constituting altogether more than the half of the total length, the snout itself exceeding in length the remainder of the head, or head, properly so-called. Eyes very small and circular, situated opposite the extremity of the lower jaw. The membranous expansion of the opercle or accessory gill cover extends as far as the origin of the ventral fins. Above, steel blue; white beneath; gill covers maculated by stellate impression. Syn.—Polyodon folium, Lacép. Hist. nat. Poiss. I, 1798; &, ed. 8vo. I, 1819, 309, Pl. xiii, fig. 3—Rariy. Ichth. Oniens 1820, 83.—Cuy. Regn. Anim. II, 1817, 143; 2d ed. II, 1829; &, ed. illustr. Poiss. 352 —Mircuit1, Hin- pRETH & CLemens, in Amer. Journ. of Sc. and Arts, XII, 1827, 201, 202, and 204.—Kurrt. in Bost. Journ. Nat. Hist. 1V, 1842, 21, Pl. ii, fig. 1.—Grirr. Cuv. Anim. Kingd. X, 1834, 591.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 249. Spatularia reticulata, Saaw, Gen. Zool. V, 1804, 362, Pl. clvi. Paddle-fish; Spoon-billed Sturgeon, VERNACULAR. The specimens submitted to our examination are all immature, measuring from five to seven inches in total length. We have ascertained the presence of spiracula, one on either side, occupying the same positon as in the sturgeons, close to the outer edge of the tympanic bone, between the latter and the gill covers. Whether pseudo-branchiae exist or not we have not yet had the opportunity of ascertaining. List of specimens. | Catal. No.of Age. Locality. When col-| Whence obtained. | Nature of Collected by— No. | spec. lected. specimen. 937 3 Young.) Fort Pierre, Nebraska. ..---. 1853 Gov. I. I. Stevens -...| Alcoholic .| Dr. John Evans ..---. =. ORDER VIII. \ ‘ HOLOCEPHALI. es The skeleton is cartilaginous, and reduced to asoft vertebral chord. The teeth consist of large plates resting upon the jaws, which do not exist as separate pieces, being continuous with the rest of the uninterrupted bones of the skull. The gills are laminated, attached by their margins ; with a single external aperture on either side. There is no swimming or air bladder, but the intestine is provided with a spiral valve. The sexes copulate. A spinous ray may be observed at the an- terior margin of some of the fins. The ventrals are inserted behind the pectorals. The dermic productions, when existing, are of the placoid type. Syn .—Holocephali, Miu. Vergl. anat. Myxin. in Abhandl. Berl. Akad. (1834), 1836; &, in Wiegm. Archiv fir Naturg. 1845, I, 137 & 135.—Owen, Lect. Comp. Anat. Vert. anim. 1846, 50.—Bd. Icongr. Encyel. II, 1850, 205. This order is composed of two families—that of Chimaeridae, with a few living representa- tives, and that of Hdaphodontidae, whose types are all extinct. Family CHIMAERIDAE, Bona p- The body is somewhat elongated, compressed, and tapering gradually from the thoracic belt to the filamentous termination of the caudal extremity. There are two dorsal fins, the first one provided anteriorly with a spine dentated upon its posterior or inner edge. The second dorsal fin is generally low and elongated; the lobes of the caudal are lower still, rather elongated also, the upper lobe having been taken for a third dorsal fin and the lower lobe for an anal fin by Linnaeus and some of his followers. The anal fin, properly so called, is sometimes wanting and sometimes existing. The insertion of the ventral fins takes place either anteriorly or poste- riorly to the middle region of the abdomen; the organs of generation so constructed as to in- volve a union between the sexes, in order to accomplish the act of fecundation, and hence of reproduction. Syn.—Chimaeridae, Bonar. Sagg Distr. metod. anim. Vert. 1831, 121.—Benn. in Zool. Beechey’s Voy. Blossom. 1839, 71. Chimerides, Acass. Rech. Poiss. foss. III, 1842, 336. Chimaerae, Movi. in Wiegm. Archiv fiir Naturg. I, 1845, 137. Chimaeroidei, Owen, Lect. Comp. Anat. Vert. anim. 1846, 51—Bd. Iconogr. Encycl. II, 1850, 205. There are but two living genera known up to the present day as constituting this family— Chimaera, the species of which belong to the northern hemisphere, and Callorhynchus, the species of which belong to the southern hemisphere. CHIMAERA, Linn. Gen. Cuar.—Mouth situated beneath the snout, which is sub-conical. Teeth well developed. Nostrils immediately in advance of the mouth, and extending into it. One branchial split on either side, separated under the throat by an isthmus. Two dorsal fins—anterior one situated above the pectorals, and provided with a strong spine ; caudal, tapering into a point ; anal fin wanting ; ventrals nearly median, situated opposite the beginning of the second dorsal. Skin smooth. Syn.—Chimaera, Linn. Syst. Nat.ed. XII@ I, 1766, 401.—Gmet. in Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. XIIJ@I, iii, 1788, 1488.—Cov. Régn., anim. II, 1617, 140; 2d ed. II, 1829; &, ed. illustr. Poiss. 354. 360 U. S P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. The genus Chimaera includes, so far, two species, one in the Atlantic, the other in the Pacific ocean. ‘The Atlantic species is exclusively an Arctic fish, whilst that of the Pacific seems to be limited to the temperate zone. A similar instance occurs in regard to the species of Callorhynchus; one being an inhabitant of the Antarctic, the other of the Austral temperate zone. CHIMAERA COLLIEI, Benn. Spec. Cuar.—Head constituting about the sixth of the total length. First dorsal fin sub-triangular; the upper margin, which is directed posteriorly, being crescent shaped, whilst the posterior margin, properly so to be called, is horizontal and parallel with the back, to which it is united by a thin membrane. Second dorsal quite low and elongated, its origin being nearly opposite the insertion of the ventrals, which is nearly half way between the apex of the snout and the origin of the caudal fin. Its upper margin is undulating. Either lobe of the caudal tapering regularly away towards the tip of the tail, the lower lobe extending somewhat further back. Skin perfectly smooth; brownish above; dull white beneath; the back and sides exhibiting numerous dull white rounded spots, variable in size. Syx.—Chimaera colliei, Benn. in Zool. Beechey’s Voy. to the Pacif. 1839, 71.,Plate xxiii, figs. 1 and 2.—Ricuarps. Faun. Bor. Amer. ILI, 1836, 285. Elephant-fish, Vancouver. Skooma, Inp1ans or OREGON. The specimens of this species which we have had an opportunity of examining are all of the female sex. The male is figured and described in ‘“‘The Zodlogy of Captain Beechey’s Voyage to the Pacific and Behring’s Strait,’’ as quoted above. The body is quite compressed, deepest anteriorly and tapering rapidly away posteriorly towards the acute and thread-like extremity of the caudal region. The gill apertures extend from the upper edge of the base of the pectorals downwards and forwards, being separated under the throat by a rather wide isthmus. We regret that the state of keeping of the speci- mens will not allow a minute description to be drawn of the structure of the nostrils in con- nection with the upper or anterior lip. A similar structure is so seldom met with in this class of fish that whenever it exists anywhere it cannot but excite the curiosity of the naturalist. The spine at the anterior margin of the dorsal fin is very finely serrated upon the upper half of its posterior aspect, which is flattened, either angle being serrated ; the anterior aspect of the spine is convex and keeled. The ventrals being free from the appendages which the male is provided with, are propor- tionally larger and broader, posteriorly rounded off. The skin is perfectly smooth all over the head and body. The coloration in the female sex is similar to that of the male. List of specimens. Catal. |No of | Sex & Age. Locality. When | Whence obtained. | Nature of | Orig.) Collected by— No. | spec. collected. specimen. | No. 995 1 | Adult QO...) Ft. Steilacoom,Puget’sSound. 1853 Goy.I. I. Stevens.| Alcoholic. 15 | Dr.Geo.Suckley 996 2 | Young Q..| Cape Flattery,W.T........| 1854 Lieut. Trowbridge.| Alcoholic.’......| Lt. Trowbridge . ORDER IX. PLAGIOSTOMI. The sharks and rays, which are brought together under this heading, have, as common char- acters, an internal skeleton, cartilaginous or partly ossified, the vertebral column exhibiting greater or lesser indications of transverse separations; the cranium constituting a continuous mass, in which the individual parts are not recognizable; the jaws being likewise cartilaginous and attached to the cranium by cartilages also. The teeth are situated on the roof of the mouth and on the lower jaw. ‘The anterior part of the head is prolonged forwards; under the snout, at a greater or lesser distance from its extremity, may be observed a broad transverse mouth, in advance of which the two nasal fossae are situated. The gills are fixed, and the branchial apertures five or more in number; the spiracles being not always present. The scapular or thoracic arch is not attached to the head. The ventrals and pectorals are always extant, although soft and fleshy like the other fins; the ventrals placed posteriorly to the pectorals. The swimming or air bladder is wanting. The intestine is provided with a spiral valve; the external investment consisting of shagreen or small indurated plates variously modified. Syn — Plagiostomes, Dum. Zool. analyt. 1806 ; &, Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 113 & 120. Sélaciens, Cuy. Regn. Anim. I], 1817, 121; 2d ed. II, 1829; &, ed. illustr. Peiss. 356.—Bonar. Sagg. Distr. method Anim. Vert. 1831, 121.—DrKay, New Y. Faun. IV., 1842, 348. Plagiostomi, Mux. in Wiegm. Archiv fiir Naturg. 1845, I, 137.—Srorer, Synops. 1846, 250.—Bp. Iconogr. Encyl. II, 1850, 205 and 240. Selachii, Ricuarps. Faun. Bor. Amer. III, 1836, 287. The order of Plagiostomi divides into two subordinate groups—the sharks on one side, and the rays on the other. The distinguishing features of either of these sub-orders will be recalled under their respective headings. It may not be amiss to state that, under the name of Selachians (Selachit), were formerly included the representatives of the orders Plagiostomi and Holocephala of the present day. SUB-ORDER I. SQUALI. The sharks which constitute this sub-order are slender, elongated, fusiform or sub-fusiform; a thoracic arch incomplete; pectoral fins distinct from the head, and situated on the sides of the chest, as in most osseous fishes. The eyes are provided with free or movable eyelids; the branchial fissures being lateral, situated either entirely in advance of the anterior margin of the pectorals, or a portion of them may extend over the base of these latter mentioned fins. Verte- bral column exhibiting transverse divisions throughout. Syn.—Squalidae, Bonar. Sagg. Dist. method. Anim. Vert. 1831, 121; Syst. Vertebr. 1837, 45; &, Selach. Tabul. anal. 1838, 4.—DreKay, New Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 348.—Mutt. in Wiegm. Archiv. fiir Naturg. I, 1845, 137.— Srorer, Synops. 1846, 251. Squali, Muux. Vergl. Anat. Myxin. I, 1836, 75.—Muit. & Henze, Syst. Beschr. Plagiost. 1841, 1. Pleurotrémes, Dom. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 120. 46a 362 U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. There are sharks in which the eyelid is provided with a nictitating membrane, and others in which this peculiarity of structure does not exist. The same may be stated with regard to the spiracles. As far as observations go, the spiracles and nictitating membrane are never wanting in the same group; whilst both the spiracles and the nictitating membrane may exist simulta- neously. Sometimes we observe spiracles and no nictitating membrane; at others, the spiracles are wanting, while the nictitating membrane is extant. Family SCYLLIODONTIDAE, Girard. The head is depressed, the snout obtuse, the nasal flap or valve broad, and rather elongated; the grooves at the angle of the mouth being large, and the lips cartilaginous; the eyelids constituting an elongated cleft. The spiracles are of medium size. The teeth, which resemble those of the genus Scyllium, exhibit nevertheless a more elongated central prong, with several lateral and smaller ones at the base. The general aspect of the fins is similar also to that of Scyllium. The inferior lobe of the caudal fin is likewise atrophied, and the caudal farrow wanting. The scales are tri-digitated and triply keeled. Syn.—Scylliodontes, Muxz. & Hence, Syst. Beschr. Plagiost. 1841, 63.—Dum. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 130. Scylliodontini, Bo. Iconogr. Encycl. I], 1850, 241. The Scylliodonts belong to that division of the sharks in which there are two dorsal fins and one anal, the first dorsal being placed between the pectorals and the ventrals. They are pro- vided with spiracles and a nictitating membrane, the last or last two branchial fissures being situated above the base of the pectoral fins. TRIAKIS, Mull. & Henle. Gen. Cuarn.—This genus being the only one of its group, its diagnostic characters may be deduced from those of the family just alluded to. The teeth are rather small and numerous. There is one central fang or prong directed obliquely outwards with one or several small ones on either side of the base. Syx.—Triakis, Mutt. & Hee, Syst. Beschr, Plagiost. 1841, 63.—Dum. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 130. So far but one species was on record, an inhabitant of the Japanese seas. The one whose description follows is closely allied to it, either of them apparently not reaching any very large size. TRIAKIS SEMIFASCIATUS, Grd. Spec. Cuan —Head very much depressed, constituting the sixth of the total length. Back rather arched; caudal region very much tapering. Shagreen with very acute acerated points. Color above olivaceous grey with tranverse black bands and rounded spots ; beneath yellowish, unicolor. Syn.—Triakis semifasciatum, Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 196. The general aspect of this species is elongated. In the specimen before us, and which mea- sures twelve and two-thirds of an inch, the head, from the extremity of the snout to the first branchial aperture, constitutes the sixth of the total length. The back is rather more arched or convex than in 7’. seyllium, the caudal region being very slender and tapering. The head is very much depressed, sub-convex and sloping sideways and forwards. The snout is rounded off, and seen either from above or from below its anterior outline is semi-elliptical ; the nostrils being somewhat nearer the mouth than the extremity of the snout. The flap or valve at their anterior edge is placed more towards the inner than the outer angle; it is taper- ing, rounded off, and directed obliquely outwards and backwards. The outline of the mouth is semi-elliptical ; its width, measured from angle to angle, is equal to the rostral distance between FISHES—SCYLLIODONTIDAE—TRIAKIS SEMIFASCIATUS. 363 its anterior convexity and the margin of the snout. The teeth are small and numerous, some- what flattened, with a middle, sub conical, acute prong directed obliquely outwards, and gene- rally a smaller one on either side of their base. The eyes are of moderate development, pro- vided with a nictitating membrane, their longitudinal diameter entering a little over six times in the length of the head, as measured above, when compared to the total length. At a short distance behind the orbit, and on a level with it, may be observed a rather small spiracle. The branchial splits, five in number on either side, are vertically elongated, and diminishing gradu- ally in size backwards ; the fourth corresponds to the anterior margin of the pectoral fin, hence the fifth is situated above the same fin. The first dorsal fin is somewhat nearer the ventrals than the pectorals, and its anterior mar- gin nearer the second dorsal than the extremity of the snout. It is also higher than long; its upper margin being emarginated, sub-crescentic, with the anterior lobe rounded off, while the posterior lobe isacute. The second dorsal has the same shape as the first ; is somewhat smaller, and its anterior margin nearly equidistant between the base of the pectorals and the tip of the caudal fin. The first anal fin is situated opposite the posterior half of the base of the second dorsal ; it is deeper than long, smaller than the second dorsal, of which it has the general shape. The second anal fin is much longer than deep, and contiguous to the inferior lobe of the caudal fin, from which it is partly separated by a mere split. The caudal fin is short and proportionally rather elevated and posteriorly truncated obliquely downwards and inwardly ; its lower lobe being quite small. The ventrals are short and broad, sub-triangular, slightly sub-concave posteriorly, and inserted nearer the extremity of the snout than the tip of the caudal. The pectorals are larger than the ventrals, short and very broad, sub-concave upon their posterior edge and rounded upon its angles, the outer one of which being rather prominent. The scales, or rather the shagreen, which covers densely all the outer surface, has the middle point more acute than in 7’, scyllium, giving it a more prickly appearance. The lateral points are very exiguous and oftentimes wanting. The keels, on the other hand, are quite con- spicuous. The ground color is olivaceous grey, lighter beneath than above, becoming yellowish under the head and throat. The upper surface of the head and the dorsal region exhibit transverse bands of deep black, with intervening small rounded spots of the same color along the middle line of the back, whilst other similar spots, varying in size, may be observed along the sides of the body and alternating with the bands just alluded to. A black spot exists also at the base and upper surface of ventrals and pectorals. The caudal fin itself, the second anal and dorsal, are entirely spotted, whilst the first dorsal and anal are unicolor, except the former, the base of which is affected by the transverse bands of the back. List of Specimens. = — ee a i = Catal. | No.of) Age. Locality. When col-| Whence obtained. (Nature of] Collected by— | No. spec. | lected. | specimens. | 388 1 ee Presidio, California...... 1853 - fee | Lt. W. P. Trowbridge .| Alcoholic.| Lieut. Trowbridge... 991 1 | Young.| Monterey, California....| 1856 | A. S. Taylor, Esq ...+.|.... GOs iae.s || AS. LaiylOn crete «isis eisin 364 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. Family MUSTELIDAE, Girard. The spiracles are very large; the orbits elongated; the nictitating membrane ridge-like, appearing as though a duplicature of the lower eyelid. The teeth are pavement-like, depressed, without points or cutting edge, in which respects they resemble those of the rays or skates. Angles of the mouth protuberant and cartilaginous, with deep grooves. The upper (anterior) edge of the nostrils provided with a triangular membranous flap, rounded upon its terminal extremity, whilst its base occupies the three-fourths of the nasal edge. Exteriorly to this is a shorter and more truncated or blunt flap. The last branchial fissure is situated above the base of the pectoral fins. The first dorsal fin is situated nearly midway between the pectorals and the ventral fins. The caudal fin is rather short, the caudal furrows being inconspicuous. Intestinal valve helicoid. Syn.—Mustelini, Bonar. Syst. Vertebr. 1837, 45; &, Selach. Tabul. analyt. 1838, 5.—Bp. Icongr. Encycl. II, 1850, 241. Musteli, Mutu. & Henze, Syst. Beschr. Plagiost. 1841, 64.—Doum. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 130. The genus Mustelus is the only representative of this family, its species occurring in the Mediterranean sea and in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The one which is met with along our Atlantic coast is commonly known as the ‘‘dog-fish,’’ ‘“ hound-fish,’’ or ‘‘ dog-fish shark.’’ These sharks do not reach any very large size. A species has recently been found along the Pacific coast, about the bay of San Francisco, and described under the name of MUSTELUS FELIS, Ayres, in the Proceedings of the California Academy of Natural Sciences, I, 1854, 17, and, since we had no opportunity of studying it from nature, we are compelled to dismiss it with the above few remarks. Family CESTRACIONTIDAE, Owen. The mouth approximates the anterior margin of the snout, the nostrils extending to the mouth, through a cleft of the anterior or upper lip. The spiracles are conspicuous. The bran- chial apertures are small, the hind ones being situated above the base of the pectoral fins. A spine at the anterior margin of the dorsal fins. The caudal fin is short, with a slight emargi- nation between either lobe at the posterior margin, The division of sharks to which this family belongs are provided with two dorsals and one anal fin, the first dorsal fin being placed between the pectorals and the ventrals. The nicti- tating membrane is wanting, whilst the spiracles exist. Syn.—Cestraciontes, Acass. Rech. Poiss. foss. III, 1833, 173.—Muuu. & Henze, Syst. Beschr. Plagiost. 1841, 76.—Dum. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 132. Cestraciontini, Bonar. Syst. Vert. 1837, 46. Cestracionini, Bonar. Selach. Tabul. analyt. 1838, 5.—Bp. Inconogr, Encyl. II, 1850, 242. Cestraciones, Muu. in Wiegm. Archiv fiir Naturg. I, 1845, 137. Cestraciontidae, Owen, Lect. Comp. Anat. Vert. Anim. 1846, 51. The genus Cestracion is the only one so far known of the family. The species that have been noticed are but few in number, and scattered over a wide geographical range. FISHES—CESTRACIONTIDAE—CESTRACION FRANCISCI. 365 CESTRACION, Cuv. Gen. Cuar.—Head thick, short, and rounded ; body fusiform, and tapering posteriorly. Nostrils split up to the edge of the mouth, surrounded by a protuberant membrane, the outer one rolled inwardly, the inner one separated from the upper lip by # groove; pupil, obliquely inclined backwards, The disposition of the teeth is pavement-like, the middle ones exhibiting fro three to five prongs, the lateral ones smaller than the central. Spiracles small, situated beneath and somewhat behind the orbit. Eye placed under a ridge extending from the snout to the tympanic region. ‘The branchial apertures diminish in size backwards, he last two placed rather high up above the pectoral fins. Caudal fin short, with well developed lower lobe. Syn.—Cestracion, Cuv. Regn. Anim. II, 1817, 129 ; 2d ed. II, 1829; &, ed, illustr. Poiss. 365.—Acass. Rech. Poiss. fuss III, 1833, 168.—Mour. & Hene, Syst. Beschr. Plagiost. 1841, 76.—Dum. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 122. Up to a rather recent period the ‘‘ Port Jackson shark’’ stood as a solitary species in this genus. The ‘‘ Voyage de la Venus’’ (Zool. 1855, 350, pl. x, fig. 2,) has made us acquainted with i second species. A third, whose description follows, was obtained on the coast of California. CESTRACION FRANCISCI, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Head contained six times and a half in the total length ; supra-ocular ridges very compact and prominent. A cartilaginous fold or thickening at the anterior angle of the mouth as well as posteriorly. Anterior margin of first dorsal nearer the extremity of the snout than the anterior margin of the second dorsal. Origin of anal equidistant between the tips of the caudal and the insertion of the pectorals. Yellowish grey above; light yellowish beneath, with small rounded and scattered spots. Syn.—Cestracion francisci, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 196. We have before us two specimens of this species, the largest of which measuring nearly twenty- seven inches. It bears a very strong resemblance to C. philippi, or ‘‘Port Jackson shark,’’ from which it chiefly differs by more prominent and compact supra-ocular ridges, a more back- wards position of the ventrals and anal fin with reference to the dorsals, and larger pectoral fins. So much as to the external appearance. The teeth exhibit gencrally three, sometimes five, prongs, the middle being always proportionally more developed than in the species to which we are comparing it. The head is contained six times and a half in the total length. The snout is broad, very declivous, and obtusely rounded off. The supra-ocular ridge is not a mere fold of the skin, but assumes a very hard structure, and considerably more raised above the orbit than hence forwards. The inter-ocular space is depressed, sub-concave, from the occiput, where broadest, to the margin of the snout towards which it tavers. The orbit is elliptical; its longitudinal diameter entering about six times in the length of the side of the head; the pupil, as already stated, being sub- vertical, obliquely inclined backwards. ‘The spiracles are small, situated somewhat below the eyes, and posteriorly to a vertical line drawn immediately behind the orbit. The width of the mouth is nearly equal to the inter-orbital space. The structure of the nostrils resembles very much that of the same parts in C. philippi. The angles of the mouth are formed, anteriorly or superiorly, by a thickened fold of the upper lip, extending somewhat beyond a thickening of the posterior or lower lip, which constitute their opposite border. A short and shallow groove may be seen directed obliquely outwards from the angles of the mouth. The second branchial aperture is placed slightly in advance of the anterior margin of the base of the pectoral fin; the three remaining ones being situated posteriorly to the same margin. The five of these apertures are placed gradually one above the other from forwards backwards, diminishing in size in the same directions. The body, as well as the head, appears proportionally stouter than in C., philippi. All the 366 U. 8 P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—-ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. fins are more developed, although alike in shape. The anterior margin of the first dorsal is somewhat nearer the extremity of the snout than the anterior margin of the second dorsal, which is nearly equidistant between the tip of the caudal fin and the orbit. The origin of the anal fin is nearly equidistant between the tip of the caudal and the posterior end of the insertion of the pectorals ; its posterior extremity reaches the anterior margin of the first portion of the lower lobe of the caudal, and which we should be inclined to consider as a second anal fin. The origin of either lobe of the caudal fin is almost even; the inferior lobe is much deeper anteriorly than the upper. The posterior portion of the lower lobe of the caudal is much smaller than the anterior portion. It is exteriorly rounded or sub-truncated, and separated from the upper lobe by a small incision, which corresponds to the tip of the vertebral column. The posterior margin of the ventrals, which is sub-truncated or sub-concave, extends somewhat beyond the origin of the second dorsal. The posterior edge of the pectorals is sub-convex or rounded off; its middle region approximating the origin of the ventrals when bent in that direction. The vent is lon- gitudinal, and placed between the ventral fins. The upper surface of the body and fins is very rough to the touch; the scales, or rather dermic productions, are very small, and irregular in size and shape. They are more conspicuous over the supra-ocular ridges and the dorsal region, properly so called, where some of them are raised above the others; they are smallest over the fins and sides of the body; but whether triangular, sub-rhombic, or cruciform, the angles are always acerated, the points being sometimes a con- tinuation of a minute keel, which start from the middle of the scales. Over the inferior surface of the head, body and horizontal fins, the scales are sub-rhombic or sub-cordiform, likewise variable in size, exhibiting but one single inconspicuous keel, without angular points; hence that surface assumes quite a smooth aspect. ‘The scales, moreover, are closely approximated, sub-imbricated, whilst on the upper surface of the body they are almost all isolated. The color above is yellowish grey, darker in the young; beneath light yellow. Small roundish, black spots, are spread all over the body and fins. List of specimens. | Catal. Ino. of| Age. Locality. When | Whence obtained. | Nature of | Collected by— No. | spec. collected. | | specimen. | ea ae Ee ney 993 2 “Adal, Bayo M Bay of Monterey, Cal..... 1853 Lt. W. P. Trowbridge . ee Alcoholic . | Lieut. Trowbridge. . Family NOTIDANIDAE, Owen. The head is flat or depressed. The nostrils are provided with a small, triangular flap. A very large fold or wrinkle at the upper (anterior) angle of the mouth; a smaller one at the lower (posterior) angle; nictitating membrane wanting; tongue immovable. The spiracles are small and vertical. The branchial apertures are six or seven in number, diminishing gradu- ally in size from forwards backwards, all of which are placed in advance of the base of the pec- toral fins. A tooth at the symphysis of the lower jaw; the next five or six teeth on the lower jaw constitute on either side a saw, directed from upwards and inwards, downwards and out- wards. The anterior or inner edge of the teeth is smooth or very finely serrated. The outer- most teeth of the jaw are low and depressed. The teeth at the upper jaw are more elongated, smaller and more acute; the first prong or point is much longer than the rest; their outer FISHES—SPINACIDAE— ACANTHIAS, 367 edge is strong, the inner edge being finely serrated towards the base. The foremost teeth con- stitute a group, are hook-shaped, with a broader base. The adjoining ones are provided exte- riorly with one or more lateral prongs. ‘The outermost teeth are like those at the lower jaw. The body is elongated and fusiform, with a conspicuous lateral line. There is but one dorsal fin, situated between the ventrals and the anal, and partly opposed to the latter. Caudal fin with a small lower lobe emarginated towards its extremity, the posterior margin being oblique or straight and truncated. The caudal grooves or furrows are wanting. The intestinal valve is helicoid. Syn.—Nolidanini, Bonar. Syst. Vertebr. 1837, 45; &, Selach, 'Tabul. analyt. 1838, 4. Nolidani, Muti. & Henxe, Syst. Beschr. Plagiost. 1841, 80.—Mutu. in Wiegm. Archiv fiir Naturg. 1845, I, 137.— Bp. Iconogr. Encyel. IT, 1850, 242.—Dum. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 133. Notidanidae, Owen, Lect. Comp. Anat. Vertebr. Anim. 1846, 51. When the branchial apertures are six on either side we have the genus Hexanchus ; and when seven of them exist, the genus Hepltanchus (Heptranchias). These were the only two genera of the family described by ichthyologists. A shark of this family having recently been observed in the bay of San Francisco, California, was erroneously erected into a third genus, under the name of Notorhynchus, which does not differ from Heptanchus. We will therefore record the species under the appellation of HEPTANCHUS MACULATUS, Grd. Synw.— Notorhynchus maculatus, Ayres, in Proc, Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1855, 72. In the absence of specimens we forbear drawing up a specific description, and refer our readers to the above quoted ‘‘ Proceedings of the California Academy,’’ in which Dr. Ayres has recorded the observations he has traced from nature. Family SPINACIDAE, Owen. The sharks which constitute this family exhibit two dorsal fins, whilst the anal is wanting, either dorsal being provided with a strong spine at ifs anterior margin, as is likewise the case in Cestraciontidae. 'The spiracles are extant, and the five branchial apertures situated in ad- vance of the pectoral fins. ‘The nictitating membrane of the eye is wanting. The intestinal valve is helicoid. Syvw.—Spinaces, Mutu. & Henxe, Syst. Beschr. Plagiost. 1841, 83.—Muut. in Wiegm. Archiv fiir Naturg. 1845, I, 135 & 137.—Dum. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 133. Spinacini, Bonar. Syst. Vert 1837, 4.—Bp. Iconogr. Encyl. II, 1850, 242. Spinacidae, Owen, Lect. Comp. Anat. Vertebr. Anim. 1846, 51. Some of the representatives of this family are commonly known under the names of ‘ Dog- fish’’ and ‘‘ Picked Dog-fish,’’ both in England and in America, being distinguished from Mus- telidae, which go under the same vernacular appellation on this side of the Atlantic, by the presence of a rather strong spine at the anterior margin of the dorsal fins, ACANTHIAS, Risso. Gen. Cuar.—Head depressed. Outline of the mouth in the shape of a very open curve; a large groove at either angle. Two cartilaginous folds of the lips anteriorly (superiorly) and one posteriorly (inferiorly). Spiracles very large, situated behind and somewhat above the eyes, and provided within with a swelled flap arising from their anterior margin. Orbits elongated; upper and lower teeth cutting, the edge being nearly horizontal and the point directed outwardly. The root of the tooth is more 368 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. elevated at the inner part than at the outer; the inner part having, moreover, a longitudinal keel, the outer part constituting a rounded process, directed towards the point of the tooth. First dorsal fin placed between the pectorals and the ventrals; the second between the ventrals and the caudal fin. Upper lobe of caudal larger than the lower; sometimes a caudal groove or furrow is observed. In the male a movable spine or thorn, bent upon its apex, may be seen at the outer edge of the extremity of the ventral appendages. The scales are sub-cordiform, posteriorly acute, with one or several keels. Syx.- Acanthias, Risso, Hist. nat. Bur. mérid. II, 1826, 131 —Muri. & Henze, Syst. Beschr. Plagiost. 1841, 83.— Srorer, Synops. 1846, 254.—Dom. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 133. Of all the genera of Spinacidae, the genus Spinax is the one to which Acanthias bears the closest affinities, the latter having been admitted by comparatively few writers. ACANTHIAS SUCKLII, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Head constituting somewhat more than the sixth of the entire length. Snout very much depressed and elongated ; nostrils nearer its apex than the angle of the mouth. Eyes large, elliptical, situated immediately in advance of the mouth. Anterior margin of first dorsal fin nearly equidistant between the pupil and the anterior margin of the second dorsal. A shallow caudal groove along the base of the upper lobe of the caudal. Dark greyish, with a few light irregularly scattered spots. Syn.—Spinax (Acanthias) suckleyi, Gro. in Proce Acad Nat. Se. Philad. VIT, 1854, 196. We have examined one specimen of this species measuring nearly two feet and a half in total length, the head forming a little more than the sixth part of it. The body is very much elongated, slender, and gradually tapering posteriorly. The snout is very much depressed, elongated, and, when viewed from above, sub-conical in its outline. The nostrils consist of a circular free aperture, and of a transverse split continuing it inwardly. At the anterior edge of this split may be observed an elongated flap, tapering and rounded off, which overlaps the split at the inner edge of the circular aperture ; the rest of the anterior edge of the split, as well as the entire posterior edge, exhibits a narrow, thin membranous expansion more developed at the posterior edge than at the anterior. The nostrils themselves are somewhat nearer the apex of the snout than the angles of the mouth, The latter is large ; measured from angle to angle, it is a little less than the rostral distance from the middle of the anterior jaw forwards. The cartilaginous fold of the posterior (inferior) angle is shorter but thicker than the outer one at the anterior (superior) lip. The inner one at the same anterior lip is very slender and mostly covered by the outer one. The eyes are very large, elliptical, their longitudinal diameter entering about four times along the distance between the apex of the snout and the spiracles ; they are situated immediately in advance of the mouth. A longitudinal groove may be seen at the anterior and at the posterior rim of the orbit. The spiracles being somewhat oblique and transversely elongated. The branchial apertures increase in size from forwards backwards; the fifth, which is conspicuously larger than the rest, is placed immediately in advance of the anterior margin of the pectorals. The dorsal fins are of moderate development, higher than long, and superiorly concave. The spine at the anterior margin of the second dorsal is larger than that of the first dorsal. The anterior margin of the latter fin is nearly equidistant between the pupil and the anterior margin of the second dorsal, which, in its turn, is nearer the anterior margin of the first dorsal than the extremity of the caudal fin. The upper lobe of the caudal is sub-lanceolate, posteriorly rounded off; the lower lobe is much deeper, sub-triangular, and concave upon its inferior margin; the origin of either lobe is even. A shallow caudal groove may be observed along the base of the upper lobe. The ventrals are small, appearing more like a marginal expansion of the ventral appendage than fins properly so called, They are rounded off exteriorly and linear posteriorly. The anterior portion of their insertion is nearer the extremity of the caudal FISHES—RAJAE. 369 fin than the nostrils. The pectorals are very large, sub-triangular, posteriorly expanded, and concave upon the latter margin; their extremities extending somewhat beyond the insertion of the spine at the first dorsal fin, when stretched alongside the body. The scales aze very small, closely approximated, and somewhat rougher on the upper surface of the body than on the lower surface, owing to a proportional development of their respective keels. The color above is of a dark greyish tint, with a few small whitish-yellow spots, irregularly scattered ; under the head and along the belly, dull yellowish ; under the caudal region, of a greenish grey hue. In the embryos the ground color is more of a bluish tint, and the lighter spots just alluded to are much more conspicuous than in the adult, constituting longitudinal series, in which the spots sometimes unite to form a continuous band, increasing in width towards the caudal region, where the lowermost merges into the uniform tint of the abdomen. List of specimens. Catal. |No. of | Sex and Locality. When Whence obt ned. | Nature of| Orig.| Collected by— No. |specs.| age. | collected. specimen.| No. | ou), eee a = es 994 1 | Adult 3} Fort Steilacoom, Puget’s Sound.| 1853 Gov. I. I. Stevens...| Aleoholic.| 17 |Dr.Geo. Suckley. 997 5 | Young..|..0eeee0+-d0..e0. clslotefatefee ale efoto m= LO t al|staislerere Om srelale satalale/=te \eretera Owerete | Selefeseia| stefevelats GOeeocnco6 99BE I) | -do. c..|-mesecnees dO..ccesceseseresces| 1853) |.0c0. donreteyetetesteeterels jpoddileocsdpocnedbacead dGeiteeeate : 999 8 Recrribal a) ens i sos ceenscceens ecee| 1855 Dr. Geo. Suckley...)....do....)....+- | doorttssoagan ° SUB-ORDER II. RAJAKE. The rays or skates may be distinguished from the sharks by a depressed, broad, elongated, or short body, terminated by a slender, sometimes flagelliform tail; a complete thoracic arch extending to the dorsal region; the pectoral fins confounded, or else continuous with the cephalic region; the eyelids being either absent or immovable; the branchial fissures, five on either side, situated on the ventral surface beneath the pectoral fins, and by the anterior portion of the vertebral column, which forms a continuous cartilaginous mass, without any vertebral division. Syn.—Rajidae, Bonar. Sagg. Distr. metod. Anim. Vert. 1831, 122; Syst. Vertebr. 1837, 44; &, Selach. Tabul. analyt. 1838, 3.—DeKay, New Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 366.—Moutt. in Wiegm. Archiv fiir Naturg. 1845, 1, 137.— Srorer, Synops. 1846. Rajae, Muu. Vergl. Anat. Myxin. I, 1836.—Muit. HeEnte, Syst. Beschr. Plagiost. 1841, 103. Raiadae, Bo. Iconogr. Encycl. II, 1850, 242. Hypotrémes, Dum. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 137. We have, so far, but few observations to put on record regarding the rays of the western coast of North America. If we are at all justified in expecting to find there the same approximate number of species as we are acquainted with along the Atlantic coast, many more may be pronounced undiscovered as yet. AT a 370 U. & P. R R, EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—-GENERAL REPORT. Family RHYNOBATIDAE, Owen. The body is rhomboidal, elongated; the tail thick and fleshy. The mouth is straight or slightly convex forwards; the teeth being small and pavement-like, depressed, arranged in quincunx, with cutting, oblique ridges, more or less numerous. The spiracles are placed close to the posterior rim of the orbit. A series of pores may be observed under the thoracic belt. The ventral fins are inserted immediately behind the extremities of the pectorals; the latter passing gradually into the snout. ‘Two dorsal fins, nearly equal in size, are inserted upon the posterior portion of the tail. The ventrals themselves are quadrangular, longer than broad, anteriorly rounded, and posteriorly pointed. The caudal fin is terminal, without lower flap. The caudal keels begin behind the ventrals and extend backwards, converging along the under aspect of the tail. Syx.—Rhinobalini, Bonar. Syst. Vert. 1837, 45; &, Selach. Tabul. analyt. 1838, 4.—Bp. Iconogr. Encycl. II, 1850, 2:2. Rhinobatides, Muiu. & Henue, Syst. Beschr. Plagiost. 1841, 112.—Dum. Ihethyol. analyt. 1856, 140. Rhinobatidae, Owen, Lect. Comp. Anat. Vert. Anim. 1846, 51. No representatives of this family have, as yet, been observed along the Atlantic coast of the United States. RHINOBATUS, Bl. Schn. Gen. Cuar —Scull prolonged anteriorly into a keel, the intervening space hetween which and the inner edge of the pectorals being skinned. Snout more or less pointed. The upper (anterior) nasal flap consists of an outer—small and elongated— and an inner—broad and short—lip. The outer lip, which is not far apart from the inner one, is small, but reaches, with its rounded off extremity, the inferior (posterior) edge of the nostril ; it is placed nearly in the middle of the upper (anterior) edge of the nostril, whilst the inner lip extends more or less inwardly. The inferior (posterior) nasal flap, from the outer angle extends more or Jess inwardly. Spiracles and eyes surrounded by a common membrane. The upper eyelid is provided upon iis middle with an immovable process. The upper (anterior) maxillar membrane exhibits a notched edge, and is bent inwardly. Syn.—Rhinobatus, Bu. Scun. Syst. Iethyol 1801.—Muxt. & Henze, Syst. Beschr. Plagiost. 1841, 113.—Dem. Ihethyol. analyt. 1856, 139 & 141. The genus Ihinobatus of Bloch may be subdivided into two sub-genera. When the upper (anterior) nasal flaps extend over the inner angle of the nostril inwardly without uniting in their middle we have the sub-genus Syrrhina of Miiller and Henle; whilst in the sub-genus Rhinobatus, as understood by the same writers, the upper (anterior) nasal flaps do not extend as far as the inner angle of the nostrils. The following species, from the Pacific coast, belongs to the sub-genus Rhinobatus, properly so called. RHINOBATUS PRODUCTUS, Ayres. A male specimen, thirty-eight inches in total length, brought this species to our knowledge. The rostral distance, from the eyes forwards, is of a much lighter tint than the rest of the body. A blackish band exists along the middle of the back, with diffused blotches upon the sides, and a double band of the same color along the middle of the snout. Syx.—Rhinobatus productus, Ayres, in Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Se. I, 1854, (MSS.)—Gro. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 196. The specimen above referred to, preserved in the museum of the Smithsonian Institution, being temporarily packed away and unavailable just at this time, and the present report having FISHES—RAIIDAE. oral to pass through the press without any further delay, we must defer to another opportunity of describing this species more fully. List of specimens. ) : | Catal. No.of | Age. Locality. When | Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. spec. | collected. | | specimen. | | | See ya ats | | 11.09 1 |Adult.| Bay of Monterey or Presidio, Cal... 1853 Lt. W. P. Trowbridge.) Aleobolic.| Lt. Trowbridge... | | | | Family TORPEDINIDAE, Owen. The body is rounded off, sub-orbicular, naked, else without scales, spines or prickles. The ventral fins are situated immediately behind the pectorals. The tail is moderately elongated, fleshy, depressed at the base, cylindrical towards its extremity, which is terminated Ly a well developed, triangular caudal fin. There are either one or two dorsal fins, or none at all. On either side of the tail a membranous ridge, more or less elongated, may be observed. The upper eyelid is immovable, without median process. The nasal flaps of either side coalesce into a quadrilateral lip, free upon its edge, leaving but the outer angle of the nostrils uncovered, being at the same time united by a small frenum to the upper (anterior) lip. The teeth are small, acute or depressed. An electrical apparatus exists betwen the head, the gills and the inner margin of the pectorals, consisting of vertical columns, the terminal surface of which being oftentimes observed through the skin of the back and belly. Syn.— Torpedinini, Bonar. Syst. Vertebr. 1837, 44, &, Selach. Tabul. analyt. 1838, 4.—Bp. fconogr. Encycl. [, 1850, 242. Torpedines, Mu.v. & Henxe, Syst. Beschr. Plagiost. 1841, 126.—Muxz. in Wiegm. Archiv fiir Naturg. 1845, I, 137.— Dum. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 141. Torpedinidae, Owen, Lect. Comp. Anat. Vert. Anim. 1846, 51. The genera Torpedo and Narcine, which are provided with two dorsal fins, differ from one another by characters which may be best appreciated when respectively compared. Not in possession of any specimens from the western coast, it is not to be expected that we shonld enlarge upon this topic. We will! simply state that the species described by Dr. Ayres belongs to Narcine instead of Torpedo, and consequently we record it under the name of NARCINE CALIFoRNICA, Grd. Syn.—Torpedo californica, Ayres, in Proc. Cal Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. I, 1855, 70. hoping at a future time to complete the history of this fish in connexion with its Atlantic representative described by my esteemed friend Dr. D. H. Storer, of Boston, now engaged upon an illustrated edition of his ‘‘ History of the Fishes of Massachusetts.”’ Family RAIIDAE, Owen. The pectoral fins are combined with the snout, and their insertion extends as far as the ventrals. The body is broad, rhomboidal in general appearance; the tail is slender and elongated, depressed and provided on either side with a membranous keel or fold extending to its whole length, the two dorsal fins being situated towards its extremity; the terminal fin, or caudal, either exists as border to the caudal precess, else is entirely wanting. The upper eyelid 372 U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. is immovable; the eyes and the spiracles separated by a small bridge; the spiracles exhibiting a smooth border. The nasal flaps coalesce into a quadrangular lip, which is united to the edge of the anterior jaw, a small portion alone remaining free on either side, under the shape of a rounded angle more or less fringed. At the outer edge of the nasal apertures may be observed a small membranous border. The mouth is bent forwards, without cartilaginous lips. The teeth are acute or pavement-like, depressed, although pointed or acute in the male sex during the breeding season, A maxillar membrane at the upper (anterior) jaw only, emarginated in the middle, and fringed upon its edge. The skin is either smooth or covered with small, curved spines directed backwards, more or less crowded according to the species. Larger spines are also occasionally intermixed along the dorsal line and tail, on the sides of the tail, the eyelid, or around the orbit, on the rostral ridge, and at the anterior edge of the pectoral fins. In the male sex, during the breeding season, are developed two sharp spines at the anterior margin of the pectoral fins. The female sex lays eggs. Syv.—Rajini, Bonar. Syst. Vert. 1837, 44; &, Selach. Tabul. analyt. 1838, 4.—Bp. Iconogr. Eneycl. If, 1850, 243. Rojae, Muri. & Henze, Syst. Beschr. Plagiost. 1841, 132.—Mox1. in Wiegm. Archiv fiir Naturg. 1845, I, 137. Raiidae, Owen, Lect. Comp. Anat. Vertebr. Anim. 1846, 51. The rays properly so called, and which constitute the present family, are the only ones in the sub-order to which they belong that lay their eggs; the latter being, in the other families, retained in the abdominal cavity till after hatching. RAJA, Artedi. Gen. Cuar.—The snout is produced into a keel, to which the inner margin of the pectorals is paralle}. The intervening space between the rostral keel and the inner margin of the pectorals is skinned. The ventral fins subdivide into an inner and an outer lobe, resulting from a deep emargination of their posterior margin; the outer lobe being thicker but smaller than the inner. The tail is provided with a low terminal fin, more conspicuous at the upper than at the lower aspect, and generally nterr upted towards the apex. Syn.—Raje, Anrens,"Gen. Pisc. ed. Walbaumi, 1792, 523.—Linw. Syst. Nat. ed. XIfa I, 1766, 390.—Gmex. Linn, Syst. Nat. X111@J, m1, 1788, 1504.—Cuy. Regn. Anim. II, 1817, 134 ; 2d ed. IJ, 1829 ; & ed. ill. Poiss. 373.—Mutt. & Henze, Syst. Beschr. Plagiost. 1841, 132—Dr Kay, N. Y. Faun, IV, 1842, 366.—Srorer, Rep. Fish, Mass. 1839, 191; &, Synops. 1846, 258.—Dum. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 137 & 142. The species of the genus Jtaja, even as restricted by modern writers, are still very numerous, distributed nearly all over the globe. Miiller and Henle have made two divisions of them. 1, Those in which the snout is rather blunt and the rostral keel not extending to the edge of the disc ; and 2, Those in which the snout is more pointed or acute and more or less elongated : the latter division including more species than the former. The species hereon alluded to, would belong to the second division, and should future observations restore the genus Laeviraja, it is to that genus that it will revert. RAJA COOPERI, Grd. This species came to our knowledge through a sketch made by Dr. James G. Cooper, accompanied by the following remarks : ‘‘In June and July, 1854, several large skates were washed ashore on the sand flats near the entrance of Shoalwater bay, and which I had no means of preserving. I took a sketch of one of the largest, of which the inclosed is a copy. “Though I did not see any of them alive, I think they had entered the bay and were left by the ebb-tide on some of the extensive sand bars, where they had died. I have never heard of FISHES—TORPEDINIDAE—URAPTERA BINOCULATA. oie their occurrence at any other season. The Indians will not eat them very often, but say they are not poisonous. “Length from tip of snout to root of tail, three feet six inches. Length of tail, two feet. Breadth across middle of belly, four feet two inches. Tip of snout to margin of mouth, eleven inches. ** Color, above entirely dark brown ; below dull white. Ivis yellow. “*Snout and top of head thickly covered with short, recurved, hooked prickles, diminishing in size from the centre of head towards the circumference. Tail also thickly covered with the same, above and on the sides. “No spine in tail. Cartilaginous expansions along its upper ridge, near the end. ““Convexity about the same on each surface of the body; snout rounded above, flat below. Tail nearly cylindrical ; blunt.’’ URAPTERA, Mill. & Henle. Gen. Cuan.—Aspect and structure of the snout and of the ventral fins as in Raja, from which it is to be distinguished by a slender tail, and without terminal or caudal fin. Syn.— Uraptera, Muti. & Hente, Syst. Beschr. Plagiost. 1841, 155.— Dum. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 143. It is a matter of more than common interest when a genus, originally framed upon a single and isolated species, makes the accession of others previously unknown. URAPTERA BINOCULATA, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Three orbital and one dorsal spines ; sixteen along the tail; rest of the body smooth. Dorsal fins situated very far back, sub-equal, longer than deep, approximated, and placed near the end of the tail. Posterior margin of ventral fins moderately emarginated, the edge scalloped or undulating, owing to the concavity of the interradial membrane. Olivaceous brown above, with two large black rings upon the middle of the pectorals; beneath yellowish white. Syn.— Raja binoculata, Grp. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 196. The form is sub-rhomboid ; slightly undulated upon the anterior margins, and rounded off posteriorly. The angles formed by the pectoral fins being likewise rounded. The transverse diameter is much greater than the longitudinal. The snout is tapering anteriorly, without being pointed or protruding. ‘he distance between the nostrils and the apex of the snout is somewhat greater than the interval between the nostrils themselves. The eyes are moderate sized ; the orbits surrounded with three spines, two anteriorly and one posteriorly and inwardly. A small spine is also observed upon the dorsal line, near the origin of the trunk, The tail from the vent to its tip is nearly equal in length to the rest of the body and head together ; it is slender and depressed over most of its extent, provided above with a series of sixteen spines, beginning at the very origin of that organ, extending to the anterior margin of the first dorsal fin. Laterally is observed a membranous expanded ridge, which may be traced to its very tip. The second dorsal fin is nearly as large as the first dorsal, and separated from it by a quite narrow space ; both being longer than deep, and superiorly sub-convex. The portion of the tail extending back of the second dorsal fin is equal to the two-thirds of the base of the same fin, The ventrals are broad and short, emarginated or bilobed posteriorly and scalloped ; the inner lobe being larger than the outer one. With the exception of the few spines alluded to above, the upper surface of the body is per- fectly smooth, The ground color is olivaceous brown; the snout dull whitish. A large sub-circular black 374 U. S. P. R. R, EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. ring at the base of pectorals inclosing a large sub-circular black spot. Beneath dull yellowish white; the external margin of the ventrals being blackish. The dorsal fins are olivaceous ; the extremity of the tail blackish with a lighter margin. List of specimens. Catal |No of) Age. Locality. When col- | Whence obtained. Nature of | Collected by— No. | spec. lected. | specimen. | —— = | — YS en i es eee San Francisco, Cal... 1853 | Lient. J. G. Parke. ~.-.| Alcoholic...| Dr. A. L. Heermann. 990 1 Young. Presidio, Cal-.--...- 1853 |} Lieut W. P. Trowbridge |_... do_.... | Lieut. Trowbridge - / | Family MYLIOBATIDAE, Owen. The rays of the pectoral fins disappear altogether on the sides of the head, but develop again in front of it, constituting a kind of cephalic fin, which forms the anterior extremity of the disc. The head, therefore, from the region occupied by the spiracles forwards, is separated from the discoid body ; it is likewise more developed than in the other families of this sub-order. The nasal flaps of either side coalesce into a quadrilateral, posteriorly fringed membrane, or lip, which extends to the mouth. The nasal apertures approximate interiorly, being separated by a narrow frenum, which tapers away towards the angles of the mouth. The latter is straight. The dentated portion of the jaws extends deep inwardly. The teeth are large, depressed, mosaic pavement-like. The upper maxillar membrane extends from the palate and the cheeks outwardly, it being very long, with a convex margin, which is fringed upon its middle. The lower maxillar membrane is close to the dental margin. Behind these membranes may be observed some papillae still. The eyes and the spiracles are situated on the side of the skull; the spiracles being separated from the eyes by a wide bridge. The eyelids are wanting. The tail is elongated, flagelliform, with a dorsal fin at its base, and a depressed spine behind the latter, directed horizontally backwards. Syv.—Myliobatini, Ponap. Syst. Vertebr. 1837, 44; &, Selach. Tabul. analyt. 1838, 3.—Bd. Iconogr. Encycl. II, 1850, 243. Myliobatides, Mutt, & enw, Syst. Beschr. Plagiost. 1841, 176.—Mutx. in Wiegm. Archiv fur Naturg. 1845, I, 137. Dum. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 145. Myliobatidae, Owen, Lect. Comp. Anat. Vertebr. Anim. 1846, 51. The Myliobatides are quite numerous along the Atlantic coast of the United States, where we find species of Myliobatis, of Aétobatis, and Rhinoptera, the chief representatives of this family. RHINOPTERA, Kuhl. Gen. Cuan.—Snout more or less emarginated anteriorly. The cranial fin not in a same level with the pectorals, being directed more downwards, and fixed to the inferior edge of the base of the pectorals. ‘The rays of the cranial fin begin, likewise, more backwards than the termination of the rays of the pectorals. The lower edge of the nasal flap is straight, whilst its exterior angle is pointed. On the dorsal surface a longitudinal fissure on either side. Either margin of the jaws straight. The teeth are broader than Jong, hexagonal, depressed, placed side by side, constituting from three to five series, diminishing in size laterally. Alongside and exteriorly to the former there are a few series of smaller teeth, not broader than long ; they occupy the entire width of the jaws. Syn.—Rhinoptera, Kunt,—Mvtx. Vergl. Anat. Myxin. I, ,1836, 76.—Mvxrr & Henzx, Syst. Beschr. Plagiost. 1841, 181.—DrKay, New Y. Vaun. IV, 1842, 375,—Sroren, Synops. 1846, 263.—Dvm. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 145. Whenever an opportunity shall be afforded us for comparing the species from our Atlantic coast to the one recorded hereon, we may be better prepared in pointing out the characters which FISHES—MYLIOBATIDAE—RHINOPTERA VESPERTILIO, 375 are truly specific. For the present printed documents alone have served as standard to the few comparative hints which have been attempted with an allied species of a more southern clime. RHINOPTERA VESPERTILIO, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Cephalic region equal to the rest of the body. Snout sub-elliptical upon its periphery instead of being notched, Eyes prominent, and raised above the surface of the head. Transverse diameter of body more than twice its length. ‘Tail very slender and tapering. Above purplish blue or slate-colored ; beneath dull olivaceous. Syn.—hinoptera vespertilio, GRD. in Proc, Acatl. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 137 ; and, in Bost. Jour. Nat. Hist. VI, 1857. * Plate xxvi. This species is closely allied to 2. javanica, from which it differs by the shape or ontline of the head, which is semicircular anteriorly, very slightly emarginated instead of being deeply notched or concave, and by the lateral extremities of the pectoral fins which are less pointed. The ventrals, on the other hand, are broader or more expanded. The specimen before us measures nineteen inches and a half from the extremity of the snout to the tip of the tail; six inches and three-quarters being the length of the body and head together. The width from the tip of one pectoral fin to the other is twelve inches. The cephalic region is as long as the rest of the body ; its anterior outline, as already stated, is rounded, and but very slightly emarginated, The eyes are quite prominent, and somewhat raised above the surface of the head. The lips are fringed and the edge of the maxillar membrane scalloped. The branchial apertures, five pairs in number, are transversely elongated and disposed upon an open curve. There is a small dorsal fin situated posteriorly to the ventrals upon the anterior portion of the tail, and followed by a lanceolated, horizontally flattened spine, serrated upon its edges. The tail is very attenuated, flagelliform, tapering into a filliform extremity. The color above is of a purplish blue or of a slate tint, lighter towards the periphery than upon the dorsal region ; beneath dull olivaceous. List of specimens. Catal. | No.of| Age. Locality. When Whence obtained. Original | Nature of | Collected by— No. | spec. | collected. | No. | specimen. | Sas pe aes ee ae oa | 348 Alcoholic. E. Samuels...+..+++++ 364 | 1 | Adult Tomales bay, Cal..... 1855 B. Samuels’) cess cee ORDER X. DERMOPTERI. The body is vermiform or worm-like to such a striking extent that Linnaeus himself got de- ceived, placing one of the species in the class of worms. This external resemblance to worms is rendered the more deceiving as the lateral fins (pectorals and ventrals) are altogether wanting, the skin naked or scaleless, either verticillated or annulated. The vertical fins themselves are reduced to a mucous fold of the derm or skin, which is moreover mucous throughout. The internal skeleton being unossified, without distinct vertebra, instead of which a central carti- laginous cord, and the head so much blended with the body that in various cases it is not easily distinguishable. The pancreas and air bladder, both, are absent. The intestine is straight, without either fold or appendages. Syv.—Dermopteri, Owen, Lect. Comp. Anat. Vertebr. anim. 1846, 47.—Bp. Iconogr. Encyel. II, 1850, 203. Chondrichthes trématopnés, Dum. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 104. The Dermopterians subdivide into two sub-orders; the Pharyngobranchii seu Cirrhostomi and the Marsipobranchii seu Cyclostomi. The Cirrhostomians constitute but one family, that of Amphiowidae (Lancelet), which has no representatives in North America. SUB-ORDER. MARSIPOBRANCHII s. CYCLOSTOMI. The heart is extant, but the accessory arterial heart, known as the bulbus arteriosus, is wanting. The truncus arteriosus consists merely of the ordinary membranes which enter into the structure of the arteries. The gills are fixed, inclosed within cavities either simple or multipartite, receiving the respiratory streams through apertures usually numerous and lateral. Syn.—Marsipobranchii, Bonar. Syn. Vert. Syst. 1837, 43. Marsipobranchii s. Cyclostomi, Mutu. in Weigm. Archiv fiir Naturg. 1845, I, 137.—Owen, Lect. Comp. Anat. Vertebr. anim. 1846, 48. Exotrémes.—Duvm. Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 110. The Cyclostomians constitute two families; that of My«inidae (Myxine, Hag, or Borer), which is not represented in the ichthyic fauna of North America, and that of the Lampreys, which follows. Family PETROMYZONTIDAE, Owen. The general form of the body is elongated, cylindrical, or sub-cylindrical, eel-shaped. The dorsal, caudal, and anal fins are continuous; the gills fixed or immovable, and situated in a sort of chest. There are seven lateral branchial openings on either side, admitting the water to bathe the gills. A single spiracle situated on the upper surface of the head. FISHES—PETROMYZONTIDAE—PETROMYZON TRIDENTATUS. 377 Syn.—Petromyzonidae, Bonar. Sagg. Distr. metod. Anim. Vertebr. 1831, 122—Derxay, New Y. Faun. 1V, 1832, 379.— Srorer Synops. 1846, 265. Petromyzontidae, Owen, Lect. Comp. Anat. Vertebr. anim. 1846, 48.—Bp. Iconogr, Encyel. IT, 1850, 206.—Acass. Lake Super. 1850, 249. Petromyzonini, Bonar. Sagg. Distr. metod, Anim. Vertebr. 1831, 123.—Mott. in Weigm. Archiv fiir Naturg. 1845, eye Two out of the four genera which at present compose this family (Petromyzon and Ammocetes) have representatives on the western as well as eastern coast of North America. PETROMYZON, Linn. Gen. Cuar.—Buccal disk funnel-shaped, sub-terminal, inferior, sub-circular or sub-elliptical, sometimes ciliated or fringed upon its periphery. Two vertical, finely denticulated, jaw pieces, one on either side of the esophagus ; a similar piece placed Teeth w.thin the buccal disk disposed upon concentrical series, largest inwardly, simple, horizontally below the former. Gills in separate partitions of bicuspid and tricuspid. Two distinct dorsal fins; second one united to the caudal and the anal. the chest. Syn.—Pelromyzon, Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. XII@ 1766, 394.—Gmen. in Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. XIII I, nr, 1788, 1513.—Dum. Zoo). analyt. 1806; in Mag. Ency]. 1808; & Ichthyol. analyt. 1856, 112.—Cvy. Regn. anim. II, 1817, 117; 2d ed 1829; & ed. illustr. Poiss. 380.—Srorer, Rep. Fish. Mass. 1839, 195; & Synops. 1846, 265.— DeKay, New Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 379. The genus Petromyzon, as characterized above, is restricted within narrower limits than those assigned to it by all previous writers on this subject. Such as itis given here it will include P. marinus, L.; P. fluviatilis, L.; P. americanus, Lesu.; P. nigricans, Lesu.; P. tridentatus, Garrpn.; P. ciliatus, Ayres; P. plumbeus, Ayres; P. niger,* and P. borealis.t The first two on the list being Huropean ; the rest belonging to North America. 1. PETROMYZON TRIDENTATUS, Gairdn. Spec. Caar.—Body anteriorly sub-cylindrical, deeper than broad ; posteriorly compressed, especially the caudal region. Buccal disk cub-circular, longitudinal diameter somewhat greater than the transversal, not fringed upon its periphery. Head constituting about the tenth of the total length. Anterior dorsal fin much lower than the second and separated from it by a space equal to the third of its own length ; its origin being nearer the extremity of the snout than the tip of the caudal fin. Upper lobe of caudal somewhat deeper than the lower lobe. Syn.—Pelromyzon tridentatus, Garrnpn. in Lit. : Ricuarps. Faun. Bor. Amer. III, 1836, 293.—De Kay, N. Y. Fauna, IV, 1842, 382.—Svorer, Synops 1846, 266. We refer to this species a specimen from eighteen to nineteen inches in total length, since it agrees better with the description given by Sir John Richardson than any of the others from western America with which we are, so far, acquainted; it being in such a very precarious state of preservation that we cannot enlarge upon the above diagnostic characters, which we offer as approximative until they can be verified upon specimens in a better state of keeping. The head is nearly as long as the chest. The branchial orifices are smaller than in the following two species, and their structure, as far as a superficial examination may determine, is different also. The ‘circular row of small nipple-like papillae, about fifty-six in number, and standing in the middle of little circular depressions having a raised margin,’’ &., are the base of insertion uf very small and acute teeth. The “‘ transverse row of four teeth’’ consists of six in the snecimen before us, the two middle ones being the largest of the series. The coloration is too far gone to allow any allusion in regard to it. *Petromyzon nigrum, Rarin. Ichthyol. Ohiens. 1820, 84. tPetromyzon fluvialis, Ricuarps. Faun. Bor. Amer. III, 1836, 294. 48a 378 U. 8. P, R. R EXP, AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. List of specimens. Catal. No. of | Locality. When collected. Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. | spec } specimens. 974 1 | Ft. Reading, Cow co., Sacgamento 1856 Dr. J. F. Hammond. Alcoholic. ; Dr. Hammond..... | river, California......«- weiew se ba'a 2. PETROMYZON CILIATUS, Ayres. Spec. Cuar.—Body sub-cylindrical, deeper than broad, caudal region very much compressed. Buccal disk sub-elliptical, fringed upon its periphery. Head constituting about the tenth of the total length. Anterior dorsal fin lower than the second, and separated from it by a space equal to the fifth of its length ; its origin being nearer the extremity of the snout than the tip of the caudal. Inferior lobe of caudal fin deeper than the upper. Color olivacecus brown, rather dark above and more greenish beneath. Syn.—Petromyzon ciliatus, Ayres, in Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1855, 44. Having before us a specimen twenty-four inches and a half in total length, labelled by Dr. Ayres himself, there is no room to doubt as to species which we record in this paragraph. The body anterior to the dorsal fin is sub-cylindrical, deeper than broad, whilst it is com- pressed posteriorly to it, becoming more and more so towards the caudal region, which is very much compressed and quite thin. The head is sub-conical, tapering anteriorly, and smaller than the chest. Measured from the extremity of the snout to the first branchial orifice it forms about the tenth of the total length. The buccal disk is of moderate development, sub-elliptical in shape, continuous all around ; its periphery being provided with a series of small tentacles or fringes, with filiform tips and somewhat flattened bases, inserted upon the black edge of the thickened lips. Immediately within these fringes may be observed a continuous circular series of very small acute teeth, from fifty-five to sixty in number, each surrounded by a little circular depression, with a raised margin. When removed these teeth leave behind them small nipple-like papillae as the base upon which they were inserted. Within these teeth or papillae, as the case may be, we observe larger teeth. Seven rather small acute and conical ones occupy the anterior portion of the buccal ellipsis, disposed upon two series—five belonging to the continuous series and two forming an additional series in front; four larger ones on either side, the two middle ones tricuspid, the upper and lower pair being bicuspid ; eighteen very small, simple, conical, acute teeth like the preceding row complete this series, standing in a circular depression like those above alluded to. The buccal orifice, properly so called, is provided anteriorly with a tridentate transverse piece, the middle tooth being considerably smaller than the lateral ones ; posteriorly or inferiorly is another transverse piece armed with five teeth, the three middle ones being somewhat smaller than the exterior two. At the entrance of the esophagus we observe three elongated, finely serrated pieces, the uppermost two placed vertically, the inferior one hori- zontally. The eyes are sub-elliptical; the longitudinal diameter of the orbit entering about eight times in the length of the side of the head from the first branchial orifice forwards They are nearer the latter than the extremity of the snout. The seven branchial orifices are vertically sub-elliptical, extending over a space somewhat longer than the cephalic region. The structure of these orifices is quite complex; they are surrounded interiorly by a smooth FISHES —PETROMYZONTIDAE—PETROMYZON. 379 and rather thin membrane, which would constitute a kind of tube were its posterior portion not divided into two free, moveable, rounded off flaps, behind -which exist a concavity, edged posteriorly with a series of small papillar fringes. A tentacular-like papilla is situated more inwardly, between the edges of the flaps already alluded to. The anterior dorsal fin is lower than the second ; its origin is somewhat nearer the extremity of the snout than the tip of the caudal fin ; its base measuring. less than the sixth of the total length ; the intervening space between it and the second dorsal being equal to the fifth of its base. The second dorsal itself, which begins in advance of the vent, is highest behind that orifice. It gradually tapers away to the upper lobe of the caudal, where a shallow depression marks the point of continuity of these two fins. There is no trace of anal ridge behind the vent; the lower lobe of the caudal, beginning more anteriorly than the upper, becomes also deeper near the apex of the tail, which resembles a contracted spear. The color is olivaceous brown, rather blackish along the dorsal region, with a metallic green tint over the belly ; the fins being of a dark hue. List of specimens. Orig. stare of | | Ea No. of Locality. When col- Whence obtained. | Collected by— sl ereee lected. We No. | specimen. | | | il 975 iy Bay of San Francisco, Cal.| 1856 Dr. W.O. Ayres...-...| 2 MES ed Dr. Ayres. .csecccccrece 3. PETROMYZON LIVIDUS, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Body sub-cylindrical, deeper than broad, caudal region very much compressed. Buccal disk sub-elliptical, fringed upon its periphery. Head contained a little over eight times and a half in the total length. Anterior dorsal fin lower than the second, and separated from it by a space equal to the third of its length ; its origin being nearer the tip of the caudal fin than the extremity of the snout. Inferior lobe of the caudal slightly deeper than the upper. Uniform bluish black, lighter beneath than above. This species is closely related to the foregoing one, from which it differs chiefly by the fringes at the periphery of the buccal disk, and which are disposed upon a double, very crowded series, rather more developed at the anterior margin, where they are also more of a flattened shape. The head is nearly as long as the chest ; the branchial orifices exhibiting the same structure as in P. ciliatus. ‘The first dorsal is placed more anteriorly, else the tail is shorter, and the tran- sition of the second dorsal to the upper lobe of the caudal is less gradual than in the species just alluded to. The specimen described is about fifteen inches in total length. The color is of a uniform deep bluish black above, somewhat lighter beneath, with a greenish metallic reflect. List of specimens. Catal. |nNo. of Locality. When Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. | spec. collected. | | specimen. 976 1 Wahlahmath river, Oregon.......-| 1855 Lt. R. S. Williamson.| Alcoholic.| Dr. John S. Newberry .. i 380 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. 4, PETROMYZON PLUMBEUS, Ayres. Spec. CuAr.—Body anteriorly sub-cylindrical, somewhat deeper than broad, posterivrly compressed. Buccal disk sub-cireular, provided with pupillar fiinges upon its periphery. Head entering somewhat over eight times and a half in the total length. Auterior dorsal fin much lower than the second, and separated from it by a space equal to the half of its own length; its origin being nearer the tip of the caudal than the extremity of the snout. Tuil tapering into a point. Upper region of a uniform lead tint; biight silvery beneath. Syx.—Detromyzon plunbes, AyREs, in Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Se. I, 1855, 28. The specimen now before us is the very one described by Dr. Ayres, from whom it was obtained by Lieut. Williamson’s party. It measures four inches and three-fourths in total length, and, being the only one so far observed, it is rather difficult to say whether it is the fullest size the species ever reaches. At any rate it is widely distinct from P. tridentatus and more closely allied to the other now known species from California and Oregon, since, like them, it is provided with tentacular fringes al the periphery of the buccal disk; a feature which has escaped Dr. Ayres’ notice. Another very distinctive trait between this species and P. tridentatus consists in the presence of but two teeth upon the transverse piece at the anterior margin of the buccal orifice. This latter feature will distinguish P. plumbeus not only from P. tridentatus but also from all the other species so far observed in Oregon and California. Again: the transverse piece at the posterior margin of the buccal orifice exhibits eight, nearly equal teeth, whilst in P. tridentatus and P. ciliatus five only are observed, the three middle ones being smaller than the outermost two. In that respect it is allied to P. astori, in which six of these teeth exist, of nearly equal development, Right and left of the buccal orifice may be seen a single bicuspid tooth. For further particulars regarding the zodlogical features of the present species, we refer our readers to Dr. Ayres’ description, which was drawn up while the specimen was in a better state of keeping. List of specimens. Sn — 0 Catal. | No. of Locality. When col- Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. | spec. lected. specimen, 977 1 | Bay of San Francisco, Cal.---.. 1855 | Lieut. R. S. Williamson .| Alcoholic.-..| Dr. W. O. Ayres ... eee eee ee ee ee TS Sa a a aE 5. PETROMYZON ASTORI, Grd. Spero. Cuan —Body anteriorly sub-cylindrical, deeper than broad; posteriorly compressed, especially at the caudal region. Buccal disk sub-circular, slightly longer than broad, provided upon jts periphery with tentacular fringes. Head contained a little over six times anda half in the total length. Anterior dorsal fin lower than the second, and separated from it by a space less than the third but more than the fourth of its own length; its origin being somewhat nearer the tip of the caudal than the extremity of the snout. Inferior Jobe of the caudal more developed than the upper lobe. Yellowish brown; lighter beneath than above. The unique specimen of this species which has come to our knowledge measures seven inches in totallength. Its head is somewhat longer than the chest. The branchial orifices being sub- triangular, surrounded with papillar tenticles or fringes. The dentition is similar to that of P. tridentatus, P. ciliatus, and P. lividus, except in the transverse piece at the posterior FISHES—PETROMYZONTIDAE—ICHTHYOMYZON. 381 margin of the buecal orifice, which exhibits six nearly equal teeth, in which respects it resem- bles more P. plumbeus. The eyes are large, sub-circular, and rather inconspicuous. The base of the second dorsal fin enters seven times in the total length, being, therefore, exactly an inch long. ‘The second dorsal passes to the upper lobe of the caudal fin by a shallow and gradual depression. . 'l'here is no trace of anal fin, and the lower lobe of the caudal is more extended, and posteriorly deeper than the upper lobe. The caudal itself is lanceolated, tapering into a point. The vent is placed somewhat posteriorly to the origin of the second dorsal fin. The color is yellowish brown, of a deeper tint along the dorsal region and upper surface of the head than beneath. List of specimens. | | | | Catal. | No. of Locality. When | Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. | spec. collected. specimen. one | ae eee te trainee eer Pare bere tee Bie? | NO a Ee | fea | | | 978 | 1 | Astoria, Oregon. -.---. ..2-22-- | 1854 Lieut. W. P. Trowbridge.) Alcoholic...) Lieut. Trowbridge... | | ICHTHYOMYZON, Girard. Guy. Cuar.—Buccal disk funnel-shaped, sub-terminal, inferior, sub-circular or sub-elliptical, fringed upon its periphery. Two vertical, finely denticulated jaw pieces, one on either side of the esophagus; a similar horizontal piece below the former. Teeth within the buccal disk generally simple, curved, disposed upon lateral cgees, largest inwardly. Gills in separate partitions within the chest. One single dorsal fin united to the upper lobe of the caudal. No anal fin. This genus differs from Petromyzon by the form and disposition of the teeth, and by the presence of one dorsal fin instead of two. The horizontal jaw piece has the shape of two arcs of a circle soldered together, whilst in Petromyzon the same cartilaginous piece is nearly transverse. A rather large, tricuspid tooth, may be observed at the anterior margin of the buccal aperture, instead of a transverse sub-crescentic piece, armed with three distinct hooks; and at the posterior margin of the same aperture is a series of uniform teeth, closely set together upon an arc of a circle, instead of the five distant unequal teeth as observed in Petromyzon. To this genus belong: P. planeri, Bu. of Hurope; and P. lamottentii, Lusu; P. argenteus, Kirti; P. appendix, DrKay; and the following two species. i ICHTHYOMYZON CASTANKEUS, Grd. Sprc. Coan.—Head depressed, constituting the ninth of the total length; body and tail compressed. Buccal disk sub- elliptical, provided with a double series of short, tentacular fringes upon its periphery. Posterior margin of buccal aperture exhibiting a series of nine teeth, disposed upon an arc of acircle. Eyes smul and inconspicuous. Spiracle sub-tubular, raised above the surface of the head. Origin of the dorsal fin equidistant between the an erior margin of the buccal disk and the apex of the tail. Vent situated immediately in advance of the most elevated portion of the dorsal fin. Chesnut colored, of a darker tint above than beneath. What we have termed head is measured from the anterior extremity of the buccal disk to the first branchial orifice, the chest being the region occupied by the entire series, seven in number, of the same branchial orifices. The length of the head is equal to that of the chest. The tentacles, at the periphery of the buccal disk, are inserted into a shallow groove, formed exteriorly by the thickened edge of the disk, and interiorly by a soft and flexible membranous ridge. The fringes themselves are more developed posteriorly than anteriorly, The branchial orifices are sub-ciroular, provided with 382 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. two semi-circular lips, an anterior and a posterior one, fringed upon their edge, and somewhat raised above the surface of the chest. The dorsal fin exhibits two convex elevations, one anterior to the vent, the other posterior to it. Its continuity with the caudal is marked by a gradual shallow depression. The lower lobe of the caudal is rather more developed than the upper lobe. The tail itself is bluntly spear- shaped. The color is of a uniform chesnut tint, somewhat lighter along the abdominal region than over the sides and back, which is much darker. List of specimens. | Catal. No. of Locality. | When col- Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. | spec. | lected. specimen. | 979 1 | Galena, Minnesota.------ | 1853 Gov. I. I. Stevens. ...--- | Alcoholic..--) Dr. Geo. Suckley.---.. | | | 2. ICHTHYOMYZON, HIRUDO, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Head depressed, constituting the seventh of the total length, body and tail compressed, with irregular transverse folds. Buccal] disk sub-elliptical, provided with a crowded series of short tentacular fringes. Posterior margin of buccal orifice exhibiting a series of seven teeth disposed upon an are of a circle. Eyes small, inconspicuous. Spiracle sub-tubular, raised above the surface of the cranium. Origin of dorsal fin nearer the apex of the tail than the anterior ex- tremity of the buccal disk. Vent placed opposite the most elevated portion of the dorsal fin. Gr yish brown above; yel- lowish beneath. The head is longer than the chest; the tentacles are likewise more developed posteriorly than anteriorly. The rounded edge of the lip, which borders exteriorly the shallow groove in which the tentacles are inserted, is minutely scolloped, especially sideways. The branchial apertures are vertically sub-elliptical, each provided posteriorly with a crescent shaped lip raised above the surface of the chest, and fringed upon its edge. A few inconspicuous fringes are likewise observed at the anterior edge of the same apertures, The portion of the dorsal fin anterior to the vent is somewhat convex in its outline ; imme- diately posterior to the vent it is the most elevated, diminishing again towards the upper lobe of the caudal, into which it passes through a shallow depression. The upper lobe of the caudal fin is rather deeper than the lower lobe; the tail itself being posteriorly sub-elliptical in its outline, The dorsal region is greyish brown; the lower portion of the sides and the belly being of a dull yellowish tint. ' List of specimens. Catal. | No. of Locality. When col- Whence obtained. Nature of Collected by— No. | spec. lected. specimen. 980 | | Fort Smith, Ark........ 1853 Lieut. A. W. Whipple. ----.| Alcoholic -| Dr. George G. Shumard ..... FISHES—PETROMYZONTIDAE—AMMOCOETES CIBARIUS. 383 AMMOCOETES, Dum. Gey. Cuar.—Mouth sub-terminal, inferior, toothless, but provided within the buccal disk with numerous short mem- branous cirrhi. Upper lip semi-circular or semi-elliptical ; lower lip transverse and nearly straight. Eyes inconspicuous, scarcely perceptible. All the gills situated within a simple cavity of the chest Two distinct dorsal fins ; second one united to the upper lobe of the caudal. Anal reduced to a mere ridge, gradually merging into the lower lobe of the caudal. Syn.—Ammocoeles, Dum. Dissert. Poiss. Cyclost. in Mag. Encycl. 1808; &, Ichth. analyt. 1856, 112.—Cuv. Regn. Anim. IT, 1817, 119; 2d ed. II, 1829, 406; &, ed. illustr. Poiss. 383.—Gunr. Iconogr. du Régn. Anim. Pl. Ixx, figs. 3 & 4.—Srorer, Rep. Fish Mass. 1839, 198; &, Synops 1846, 266.—DmrKay, New Y. Fauna, IV, 1842, 383. To this genus belong Ammocoetes branchialis, Dum , from the fresh waters of Europe. In the northeastern States we find Ammocoetes bicolor, Lesu., as another representative of this genus; and at the northwest of this continent the species whose description follows. AMMOCOETES CIBARIUS, Grd. Spec. Cuar.—Body sub-cylindrical, somewhat compressed posteriorly, with its surface annulated. Buccal disk sub-ellip- tical, interiorly papillar. Head and chest together, contained four times and a half in the total length. Anterior dorsal fin lower than the second, and separated from it by a space not quite the half of its length. Anal fin very low. Deep olivaceous brown above ; lighter beneath. The only specimen of this species which we have so far examined measures four inches in total length. The body anterior to the first dorsal fin is sub-cylindrical, somewhat deeper than broad, whilst it is compressed posteriorly, and the more and more so as it approaches the tip of the tail, which is acute. The surface of the body exhibits numerous, hence closely approxi- mated, transverse or annular segments, which make the general resemblance to a leach most striking. The head is sub-conical, as thick as the body, and rounded off anteriorly. The buccal disk is small, sub-elliptical, the lower rim describing an open curve instead of being perfectly straight. The inner surface of the funnel is provided with proportionally large and closely set papillae. The cephalic region, measured from the apex of the snout td the first res- piratory aperture, constitutes about the tenth of the entire length. The seven respiratory aper- tures, which are somewhat vertical, occupy a space longer than the head ; the interval between one another is equal to the diameter of the inconspicuous orbit, which enters four times and a half in the length of the side of the head. The anterior dorsal fin is lower than the second, resen.bling in its outline a depressed curve. Its origin is equidistant between the apex of the snout and the tip of the caudal fin; its base entering nearly eight and a fourth of a time in the total length. The intervening space between it and the second dorsal is somewhat less than the half of its length. The vent is situated at one and a fifth of an inch from the extremity of the tail, and somewhat posteriorly to the origin of the second dorsal fin, the anterior third of which is more elevated than the rest, and forms an open curve with its upper edge, similar to that of the first dorsal. It diminishes gradually to the upper lobe of the caudal; the latter again rising, then diminishing towards the tip where the lower lobe of the caudal likewise converges in a like manner. The anal fin commences close to the vent under the form of a mere inconspicuous and thickened ridge less than half an inch in extent, with a groove on either side; both upper and lower lobe of the caudal are somewhat higher and deeper near the apex of the tail, giving the ' latter a spear-shaped appearance. The color is dark olivaceous brown above, the inferior region, from the chest to the vent being 384 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. of a lighter, rather more yellowish tint. The caudal region is dark above and below. The fins are likewise dark. List of specimens. collected. |Number | specimen. | | Catal. |No. of Locality. | Whence obtained. When Original) Nature of | Collected by— No. | spec. | 981 1 Fort Steilacoom, Puget’s Sound......) Dr. Geo. Suckley...} 1855 37 Alcoholic.|Dr. Geo. Suckley. | SCOLECOSOMA, Girard. Gen. Cuar.—All the characters of Ammocoetes except the presence of one single dorsal fin instead of two, continuous with the upper lobe of the caudal. The anal is likewise rudimentary, elsc reduced toa mere ridge extending from the vent to the inferior lobe of the caudal. Three species, so far known, compose this genus: Ammocoetes concolor, Kintt., from the hydrographic basin of the Ohio river; Ammocoeles wnicolor, DEKay, from the fresh waters of the northeastern States; and Ammococtes borealis, Acass., from Lake Superior. No repre- sentatives of it have, as yet, been observed west of the Mississippi valley. LIST OF THE PLATES.’ Prats [.-————-Ambloplites aeneus, Agass.—p. 8. Puate II. Figs. 1—4.—Ambloplites interruptus, Grd.—p. 10. Figs. 5—8.—Pomoxis nitidus, Grd.—p. 6. Prate I1].-——Calliurus melanops, Grd.—p. 11. PuatE IV. Figs. 1—4.—Calliurus diaphanus, Grd.—p. 13. Figs. 5—8.—Calliurus microps, Grd.—p. 17. Puate V. Figs. 1—4.—Calliurus formosus, Grd.—p. 14. Figs. 5—8.—Calliurus longulus, Grd.—p. 16. Prats VI.— Figs. 1—4,—Bryttus albulus,* Grd.—p. 19. Figs. 5—8.—Calliurus longulus, Grd.—p. 16. Prats VII. Figs 1—4.—Calliurus murinus, Grd.—p. 18. Figs. 5—8.—Bryttus signifer, Grd.—p. 20. Figs. J—24.—Bryttus humilis, Grd.—p. 21. Puate VIII. -—Figs. 1—4.—Pomotis luna, Grd.—p. 22. Figs. 5—8.—Pomotis speciosus, B. & G.—p. 23. Figs. J—12.—Pomotis fallax, B. & G.—p. 27. Prats IX. Figs. 1—4.—Pomotis aquilensis, B. & G.—p. 25. Figs. 5—12.—Pomotis fallax, B. & G.—p. 27. Figs. 13—16.—Pomotis heros, B. & G.—p. 24. PLATE X. Figs. 1—7.—Pomotis fallax, B. & G.—p. 27. Figs. 8—11.—Pomotis aquilensis, B. & G.—p. 25. Puate XI. Figs. 1—4.—Labrax chrysops, Grd.—p. 29. Figs. 5—8.—Stizostedion boreus, Grd.—p. 31. PratTe XII. Figs. 1—4.—Paralabrax nebulifer, Grd.—p. 33. Figs. 5—8.—Paralabrax clathratus, Grd.—p. 34. Puate XIII. —Heterostichus rostratus, Grd.—p. 36. Puate XIV. ——Sphyraena argentea, Grd.—p. 39. Pirate XV.—Fig. 1-—Aspicottus bison, Grd.—p. 66. Fig. 2.—Leptocottus armatus, Grd.—p. 60. Pirate XVI. ——Fig. 1.—Scorpaenichthys marmoratus, Grd.—p. 64. Figs. Prats XVII.-—Figs. Figs. Prats X VIII.—Figs. Figs, 2 & 3.—Leiocottus hirundo, Grd —p. 62. 1—4.—Scorpaena guttata, Grd.—p. 77. 5 & 6.—Zaniolepis latipinnis, Grd.—p. 73. 1—3.—Oplopoma pantherina, Grd.—p. 46. 4—7.—Ophiodon elongatus, Grd.—p. 48. Prats XTX. ——Chiropsis constellatus, Grd.—p. 42. 4 Plates XXIla, XXIIb, XXVa, XLa, XLVI, LXII, LXVI, LXVIII, LXX, and LXXIV of this list will be found in vol. VI, part tv, of the present series. Other plates missing from this volume will be found in vol. X. “By error.: Bryrrus ABBULUS. 49 a 386 LIST OF PLATES. Pirate XX,————Figs. 1—4.—Chiropsis pictus, Grd.—p. 43. Figs. 5—8.—Chiropsis guttatus, Grd.—p. 44. Sebastes rosaceus, Grd.—p. 78. Sebastes fasciatus, Grd.—p. 79. Prats XXI.- PrLatE XXII. Piate XXII a. Figs. 1—4.—Sebastes paucispinis, Ayres.—p. 83. Figs, 5 & 6.—Artedius lateralis, Grd.—p. 70. Prats XXIIb.- Figs. 1—4.—Leiostomus lineatus, Ayres.—p. 99. Figs. 5 & 6.—Artedius notospilotus, Grd.—p. 71. Pirate XXIIc. Atherinopsis californiensis, Grd.—p. 103. Pirate XXIII. ——Amblodon grunniens, Rafin.—p. 96. Pirate XXIV.-———Glyphisodon rubicundus, Grd.—p. 161. Puate XXV.- Porichthys notatus, Grd.—p. 134. PLaTEeE XX Va.- Figs. 1—3.—Anarrichthys felis, Grd.—p. 125. Fig. 4.—Blennius gentilis, Grd.—p. 113. Figs. 5 & 6.—Gobius lepidus, Grd.—p. 127. Pirate XX Vb.———Figs. 1—3.—Lumpenus anguillaris, Grd.—p. 123. Figs. 4 & 5.—Cebidichthys violaceus, Grd.—p. 121. Figs. 6 & 7.—Gunnellus ornatus, Grd.—p. 116. Figs. 1 & 2.—Embiotoca perspicabilis, Grd.—p. 178. Figs. 3 & 4.—Embiotoca jacksoni, Agass.—p. 169. Figs. 5 & 6.—Embiotoca lineata, Grd.—p. 174. Figs. 7 & 8.—Holceonotus rhodoterus, Agass.—p. 193, Fig. 9.—Ennichthys heermanni, Grd.—p. 199. Fig. 10.—Ennichthys megalops, Grd.—p. 197. Fig. 11.—Embiotoca ornata, Grd.—p. 176. Fig. 12.—Embiotoca cassidii, Grd.—p. 171. Fig, 13.—Amphistichus ................ —p. 201. Fig. 14.—Hysterocarpus traskii, Gibbons—p. 190. Pirate XX VII.—¢ Embiotoca jacksoni, Agass.—p. 169. Pirate XX VUI.— 9 Embiotoca jacksoni, Agass.—p. 169. Pirate XXIX.——Embiotoca cassidii, Grd.—p. 171. Prats XXX.- Embiotoca webbi, Grd.—p. 173. Priate XX XI.---——Embiotoca lineata, Grd.—p. 174. Pate XX XII.-——KEmbiotoca perspicabilis, Grd.—p. 178. : Prats XX XIIT.--—Damalichthys vacca, Grd,—p. 182. Puate XXXIV. Figs. 1—5.—Phanerodon furcatus, Grd.—p. 184. Figs. 6—10.—Abeona trowbridgii, Grd.—p. 186. Piate XXXV.—? & 9 Holconotus rhodoterus, Agass.—p. 193. Prats XXXVI. Figs. 1—4.—Holconotus rhodoterus, Agass.—p. 193. Vigs. 5—9.—Amphistichus similis, Grd.—p. 203. Priats XX XVII.—Ennichthys megalops, Grd.—p. 197. Prate XXX VII.—Ennichthys heermanni, Grd.—p. 199. Pirate XX X1IX,.-——Amphistichus argenteus, Agass.—p. 201. Prate XL. — Rhacochilus toxotes, A gass.—p. 188. Prate XLa, -— Figs. 1—4.—Homalopomus trowbridgii, G@rd.—p. 144. PLATE XX VI.— LIST OF PLATES. 387 Figs. 5—8.—Morrhua proxima, Grd.—p. 142. PLATE XLD .— Psettichthys sordidus, Grd.—p. 155. Pirate XLI.———— Figs. 1—3.—Pimelodus olivaceus, Grd.—p. 211. Figs. 4—6.—Pimelodus catulus, Grd.—p. 208. Prats XLIL.- Pimelodus olivaceus, Grd.—p. 211. Prats XLIII.-———(This plate is to be suppressed.) Pirate XLIV. Prate XLV.— Pimelodus ailurus, Grd.—p. 210. Figs. 1—4.—Mylocheilus fraterculus, Grd.—p. 214. Figs. 5—8.—Mylocheilus lateralis, Agass.—p. 215. Figs. 1—4.—Mylocheilus caurinus, Grd.—p. 213. Prats XLVI. Figs. 5—8.—Mylopharodon conocephalus, Grd.—p. 216. Pirate XVII. Mylopharodon robustus, Ayres.'—p. 216, Prate XLVIII.—Figs. 1—4.—Carpiodes damalis, Grd.—p. 218. Figs. 5—9.—Moxostoma claviformis, Grd.—p. 219. Figs. 1—4.—Ptychostomus haydeni, Grd.—p. 220. Figs. 5—9.—Acomus griseus, Grd.—p. 222. Puate XLIX. Pirate L.————Acomus lactarius, Grd.—p. 223. Prats LI.———-Catostomus sucklii, Grd.—p. 226. Prare LIJ.— Figs. 1—5.—Hyborhynchus puniceus, Grd.—p. 232. Figs. 6—10.—Dionda grisea, Grd.—p. 230. Figs. 11—15.—Hyborhynchus puniceus, Grd.—p. 232. Figs. 16—20.—Hyborhynchus perspicuus, Grd.—p, 231. Figs. 21—25.-—Dionda plumbea, Grd.—p. 228. Figs. 26—30.—Dionda spadicea, Grd.—p. 229. Prats Lill. —Figs. 1—4.—Orthodon microlepidotus, Grd.—p. 237. Figs. 5—8.—Hybognathus argyritis, Grd.—p. 235. Piate LI Figs. 1—4.—Lavinia exilicauda, B. & G.—p. 241. Figs. 5—8.—Argyreus dulcis, Grd.—p. 243. Pirate LY.— Pogonichthys communis, Grd.—p. 247. Puate LVI.———Figs. 1—4.—Pogonichthys inaequilobus, B. & G.—p. 245. Figs. 5— 8.—Hxoglossum mirabile, Grd.—p. 256. Figs. 1—4.—Alburnops shumardi, Grd.—p. 261. Figs. 5—8.—Alburnops illecebrosus, Grd.—p. 262. Figs. 9—12.—Alburnellus dilectus, Grd.—p. 259. Figs. 13—16.—Alburnops blennius, Grd.—p. 261. Figs. 17—21.—Gobio aestivalis, Grd.?—p. 248. Figs. 1—5.—Cyprinella umbrosa, Grd.—p. 266. Figs. 6—10.*—Cyprinella whipplii, Grd.—p. 270. Figs. 11—15.*—Moniana pulchella, Grd.—p. 275. Figs. 16—20.—Cyprinella notata, Grd.—p. 269. Figs. 21—25.—Cyprinella lepida, Grd.—p. 268. 2 By error: Mytopwaropon rozustus, Agass. Prate LVII.- Prats LVIII. 2 This species is described in the Report of the United States and Mexican Boundary Commission, in the accompanying plates of which Gobio gelidus of the present report is figured. 3 By error: figs. 5—8. 4By error: figs. 9—15. 388 LIST OF PLATES. Pirate LIX,--—-—Figs. 1—5.—Plargyrus bowmani,! Grd.—p. 263. Figs. 6—10.—Moniana leonina, Grd. p. 273. Figs. 11—15.—Hyborhynchus confertus, Grd. p. 233. Figs. 16—20.—Moniana frigida, Grd.—p. 276. Pirate LX. ————Figs. 1—4.—Richardsonius balteatus, Grd.—p. 278. Figs. 5—8.—Richardsonius lateralis, Grd.—p. 279. Figs. 9—12.—Luxilus lucidus, Grd.—p. 282. Figs. 1—5.—Leucosomus incrassatus, Grd.-—p. 252. Figs. 6—10.—Leucosomus pallidus,? Grd.—p. 251. Figs. 11—15.°—Semotilus speciosus, Grd.—p. 283. Tigoma crassa, Grd.—p. 293. Figs. 1—5.—Cheonda cooperi, Grd.—p. 294. Figs. 6—9.—No reference is made to these figures in the letter press. Prats LXI.— Puate LXII.- Pruate LXITI. Puate LXIV. Figs. 1—4.—Siboma crassicauda, Grd.—p. 296. Figs. 5—9.—Ptychocheilus oregonensis, Grd.*—p. 298. Pirate LXV.- Ptychocheilus rapax, Grd.—p. 300. Prate LXVI. Coregonus williamsoni, Grd.—p. 326. Prate LXVIL. Salmo quinnat, Richards.—p. 306. Puate LXVIII. Prare LXIX. Fario aurora, Grd.—p. 308. Figs. 1—4.—Fario tsuppitch, Grd.—p. 310. Figs. 5—8.—Fario stellatus, Grd.—p. 316. Fario argyreus, Grd.—p. 312. Figs. 1—4.—Fario gairdneri, Grd.—p. 313. Figs. 5—8.—Fario clarkii, Grd.—p. 314. Prats LX XII.——-Salar lewisi, Grd.—p. 318. Pirate LX XIII.——Figs. 1—4.—Salar virginalis, Grd.—p. 320. Fig. 5— ¢ Salar iridea, Grd.—p. 321. Pirate LXXIV. —— ¢ Salar iridea, Grd.—p. 321. Prate LXXV.———Figs. 1—4.°—Hyodon tergisus, Lesu.—p. 332. Figs. 5—7.°—Meletta coerulea, Grd.—p. 330. Puate LXXVI.——Figs. 1—4.—Thaleichthys stevensi, Grd.7—p. 325. Fig. 5.—Osmerus pretiosus, Grd.*—p. 324. Prats LXX.- Prats LXXI. 1 By error: PuarGyRus BOWMANNI, Grd. 2 By error: Leucosomus macroorrnAtus, Grd. 3 By error: figs. 12—15. 4 By error: Prycnocuertus Gracius, Grd, * By error: figs. 4—7. 6 By error: figs. 1—3. 7 By error: Osmervs stevens!, Grd. ® By error: ARGENTINA PRETIOSA, Grd. ALPHABETICAL INDEX. (Synonyms are in italics. ) Page. | Page. A. ‘Allganisea: Dicolors.csscsesa=cis-scss cocozs Use eee cjsuce 238 abboti, Syngnathus ...................... sesccrene. 346 fOLMORA Tew acacia tet ost cso einsc reste ceeeee 239 ASG ANTE 6 Seco ASSbee Sao eC ASOadd Beco nese 206 Ca] OLE SF oR ete Se en ade 239 abdominales, Malacoplerygii..-...---.+---------------- ZUG lamaruase Hudsoniusecosicics sec ces ciccee =e ss cease cas 284 Abeona ...--..----..----- 0-2. e222 22s eee eee ee eee ISG oA eAtablodonsemen ccremcarmek cocoate eta cece 95 OMI MG le cose Sacco cece CEB RaS see HEHE 186 CONCHITIS ee oe Te ee ee fai eee 96, 98 AGAIN) ston pedo Soculndon Cbd decseb nsbonscodess 367, 368 grunniens ..---..-cu. a ay Bo, Hohl AST Dn hh Tot 96 sucklii.-.... - wnt wees ween wane wees ee = ee eee 368 NOPIECHUS Sse nsoe mate se eele ccs eicoaeteaeaiecice /AGRTNITG) Iii GaSeec Se Ses Geocaecoose SoLeeseo Goose 3 RAGHICTUG hoe Saree er hee a oe on aes 93 PACANUNONLGLYOMieeastaae aise eoleeecicae aise eealancarsana 160 | Amb oplites. 4.2<-2 BIQDHGY oooaiametese)= an eeeesinn san eee ase ae Bubalichthys .--20.-esccencncues Banner eae bubalina, Cyprinella...----.--- Se mOOe Ie S55 + bubalinus, Leuciscns). .......52.-2000 cons a--=-- Sees OF Calsor7icd, | MOXT NUS oe a afaneel nem nena nila ee SFE californica, Narcine ....--..--..----- weenie californica, Torpedo.....--- RO RpRO Aes sc Soue ate ee californiensis, Atherinopsis...--.-..-.----.---.---- “ californiensis, Syngnathus..---... oe S25 to - Calliurus ..-...-..----- Saeninnk) encore nuvansancune diaphanus.....-. were tone meen cone en we aecses formosus...----- Siena aioe ioe comes pecans TOU P OOS Sees carn. cw ncinncnani nema eMaiiNe sane melanops .....-----.--- eeecee panne cees ences MDIGYO DE ome sem a eww wic seen ee eee THOTINUS ins os onnemc cetacean sinniemnn UR eee eS UNC HUMANE. Ue 6 isc ceases aeenee neem s oem nee ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 391 Page. Callorhynchus. ..----.----- -----+ ee 220+ ---- 20 ees 359, 360 callyodon, Cyclogaster .--.---- ---- -----+ ---02+ +--+ 132 callyodon, Cyclopterus ..----- ---- «+--+ -------+---- 132 Calycilepidolus .. 2-22 220+ +--+ +2 22-52 eens cerns renee 67,69 LT eR TO ame BOE IEE EP IOI ET, oe ee ee 70,71 SPINOSUS 2 = a= wwe nee van nee nnn ne eens woes enn 68 Campostoma ..---. .----- ------+ ---+ ++ +--+ -e20 -2-- 227 Ganan eee ne nase eens sneer ne aime ase alae iets 107 SYMMELTICUS «=== een en = ween en enee ween anne 107 carolinus, Clinostomus...---- ------ ------ esses oc== 302 Carpiddes.... -----. -- ---- -- 2-22 eee nee eee ene eee 218 GH pe ge Re BSC OO ICO DROODCIINN ESE Gcen Doce 218 UP TROD Ei peep eB S SDC RIE RS CEO OCI OO Oa 218 GHaSidiey Pim bioloeaaseeestes = aceon neem etem et 71 castaneus, Ichthyomyzon-..---.---..--------------- 381 Cataphracti --------- SOSA HDAC EE anes ROSnOS Ceomenae 40 Gntulactae.| GODIOne = =e. ee oine ae eae wean ene Se 249 (RUA il bees CoOO PERE COSCSOn GaHece bore sotias= 217 (CSTR eaeeccnec OOS cneneASo Concer eaae nese ecce 223 JIT etecas cocci stean «neon Asan cosgescs 224 macrocheilus .......-- ce Sho mASEn EAR nSOCce 225 GOGH GIG! cnemnococces Gate CoS grS DOoSeeress 224 RIGA Mecsmco teen Gnoomcnscan qsecnn OnCEBECOSE 226 Cnunluss bimeloduses= = -cesena seen = see ate sonia 208 One, EWG) OUD poncccsoocetaccco teeoconedese fo06 208 caurinus, Cyprinus, Leuciscus..--....--..----..----- 213 caurinus, Mylocheilus..-..-.---...----------------- 213 CHISGHGNIIE sacs casabe sees coneco meeodaseisss faces 121 alegucolophtsess—staene (eee ae rer aeons 121 (ITE reese EEO DUC OOOO ODOC OE he ee a 121 WIDIACOURS eo eine tose nie stele ceo ence iwc cerceae 121 (Catia Giuhce ae epee eee ene eee tae 6 (HAUT lie sp ae SE PEE EEE een eee 8 [PERTAIN IDEN (oe 5 a ODO SOE 6 RIRLEET LICL ts tea el =e atelier 10 AT QOL OS US) erecery at xl telat Perce (eines eS Ia ete 10 OV ERIL E oes ops BEBE AG aE SRE Bee COCO CEES 6 Cajaridenmichthys: G3 PCR cant wie wae wees ow ee wiew's we coe 51 cephalus, Semotilus.... .....--. ..220. s.ec0-- oe ene 283 CUTE It SSeS eee Bee a ee nn 253 BM DIO Peer se ieee mete ete ee ee 253 LETH EV SES S55 oo 558 Ono ess doocee 253 Reptocephal as ye mceeeeememalcem cin oaas)as= tee 253 vigdar ..-=- Siem amino aimiamitn atin bool leloinscteelatsieiele 257 (CCRSIIE II Cage Ga = a6 peers eee eno rene tee Steet pose 365 BIR TI@R GH (epee ace toe eee ce see pee cesce a= = 365 PHU De Setccens ose nese oan ees eee cece 365 (C0. TRILL SPCC = oe Ee Eee ae een Mma. | (BERIT SERRE Ae a Res Pane SEA e ellen 364 SLE al emt on oh ree mom at el Shsheropeta atom 364 CHS RAC NINE PCE OE eee ee meer epee orice 364 BOs OCONEN Vimememn en aba nanismmicia nn ecicinian ameter saes 364 OREO TUR Cana ie po ciyms my win cin HERIOT 110 Chaciodonioidene nan wae eee ieee sins sino < otis aeeiiaen ee 110 chalcogrammus, Gadus ...- -.2--0+ 2----+ eceesccce cose 141 chalcogrammus, Merlangus-..----..---..----..----- 141 Cheilonemus .....----- ure stals sat toetae reels (cena tone oa . 280 (HOLL ae epee Seas See - 280 CUIGITUE 42-555 Gees peep ace cc cone beeen 294 Page. @heonday coerulais wneen~ oo --- - === 44 nek eeeeeee core rose. bne+ eacoecsnooeeeo 45 FONG ASRS Roe so eas cosminndce Ss etenees Se50 43 @hirussscsose ose o anew ceenineas eee esccceaeaanioes 41 CONSOLES oe a= wala ease e ne eae a ne aie 42 OTT Omen BRO CEC OSO Cae Hae CO EODE ce0N este 44 FIT? SS eee eeQece Coon Hess Ste Esc ceeces 43 Chondrichthes trématopnés.----+ ------------ ---+------ 376 @hondrochy]ughes ss sts= se oon esa ele ae @hondrorhynchug) -2s2. see eae seo eee ran 227 @hondrostomaiees=— sees sees aloe ae eee 227 @hondrostomieeesesee eee a lee eae 228 Ghromididde@ jes cess locos ecasieeels cece oo eeinome mere 157 chrysocephalus, Luxilus ..---...---.--------------- 280 chrysoleucus, Cyprinus ---.- .--< ss roecee Cano clue nae acre EeHIegee 314 GANGES. Secon meso mona noSOoOcEpTe oces Sasio 34 Clathratus, Paralabrax ..--<.. -.....-22. ----- ==<--- 34 claviformis, Moxostoma....---..----- ---.---------- 219 @linostomusjesespeceeaccee acess eases eee merase 302 MUG) Gags ose oon SLoON a aees oseoe ano gSeeese 302 Gina hah aes cena mead cooece ansolesooepeeascan 302 elongatus ...--.....- Sebo ae eoke sszomedeotde 302 TING WOES sesame nee ee eelesmate tes eiateaia a 302 @hmusie=--= 6 areeCe coco cor ee BenBOU BoC UcEoes case 114, 123 TLCS ae tees ml a woot i es el 123 (Cli Ergce aed CaS Renee Aas BosDosEaaocos Sbesrcsecce 256 VEG)? opaecee BEGSeSseEnoce fecoce cece cece cscs 258 VigilaX--.. ---. ---- ------ e---- peas o esac Hes 257 Si ho OSE EIDE SSC NCE C Ce Caer enm =Car nrerne 258 (UIGHUR ae Beci EROnnaCInrO OLS DEEA CoserceceersS oso 332 clodalus, Hyodon .-----.---------- sR eres crn as am 332 Clupea ..---- .----- ---- ---- e222 2 wenn eee eee ee eens 329 HATENgUB-.-c-. conan -an= BUS nono ReGEcuOneeee 329 Hiudsonia..---2+ ----0+ pe es - 284 MICAS eee see elas elle le en aponacasee 329 Clupeidae.... -------- SS OCOCOOS0 apee ROOSor nase oF60 328 Clupeoidede. +--+ += EERE EDOOE ES Srocctencseeens ==) 3e5 392 Page. Clupedidei.. = ++ 2-02 seenee veenns on cree ccnneecenness 328 Clupeoides 20200 s20-n2 eo cene cnnnesseenneccne enidaua 328 Clupes .- 222+ veenes ence nee Geecen secede Sanaws mecen= 328 Olupidae.----+ se2e-+ ee-ere eens? ow cee co ene ceenee 328 coenosus, Pleuronichthys.----- ---- +--+ +--+ --------- 151 coerulea, Cheonda ..-. ------ -----+ ------ idee eran 295 coerulea, Meletta .----- -----+ -2---0 eee e cere renee 330 colliei, Chimaera ---- ---- Paecee Ete bite renetweerh=we 360 communis, Pogonichthys ------ ----- DEORE On 247 compressus, Engraulis.----------+-=---+ ----+7---*- 336 compressa, Lavinia ------ «----- s----+ encere nes cnee = 241 concinnus, Amblodon..---- ------+----+++---- vatvncele 96, 98 concolor, Ammocoetes.----- --------2+ -2+ -2 2257 ---" 384 confertus, Hyborhynchus..---- ------ +------+++---+- 233 conformis, Lavinia..---- ----2+---2 seennsserere etn 289 conformis, Tigoma ------ ------+----- pesekoeecce== 289 conocephala, Gila . .----- ------------200e sooner ones 216 conocephalus, Mylopharodon ..---------+ -------=--- 216 constellatus, Chiropsis.----- sansa noeeee==a5 emcees 42 constellatus, Chirus ---- -----+ -----+ «--222 seerre o-e-- 42 converifrons, Pomotis .------=---- --=-++-+0* --72 20" = 27 cooperi, Cheonda..--.------ bette stash scedcsceeeme 294 cooperi, Raja .----- ---------- s-=--2 -00--2 s20 cone 372 Coregonus ---- ------ s----- ---2 e-20rr corer nn 326 williamsoni --.. ---- «---------- 2 csenscicce=== 326, 327 cornutus, Plargyrus ------ ---- +--+ s2--sece renee: 263 Gorvina ocsncececcee cocnae ones ose ase essen ennes 95 ATGYTOILUCA.. 2-02 --- 2-2 2a 20n ween ne sere ane 96 TI8CH .. - 2 == a0 w= ow eww mone enn s eoen eee oennne 96 OCG con coc coon c= cone ac cece cece cecns= cose 96 OBCUID se ckioacs coow corr osc aces corseens=~ eee 96 richardsoni ---0-- enon cnnene ---n02 wens eer e ee 96 Gottidae -2-ce- o-oo 0 wo cone oon ne on nen ee wenninnen = 50 Cottopsis ------ ------ o2---- --2 oe erenne eennne ence 51 ASPOF eneccorene --n= ooo ees eo a m= em mers essere 51 gulosus ---- ---------+ ----- eeenee nee S2cen 53 PATVUB -22- cnc can0 wrenen=aeeen= onocce onne 54 Cottus asper..---2 202 enne cannes sen ees cereee cence 51 crassa, Tigoma.--- .----- 2-2 -eee nen neers ne 293 crassicauda, Lavinia.----- ------ ----2+ 22-2 e202 rr oe 296 crassicauda, Siboma..----- ------ e-------02-2-- 2-2" 296 crista-galli, Cebidichthys---. .----+ -----++---05 00777" 121 erysoleucus, Cyprinus. ---- ---------- soe+ 205 wenn eee 280 Ctenodon ..---- ---- nnn enn nnn conn ne enn e een rene- 123 aculeatus ..-. ---6 -- = eee e ns cee nne ceeeee nent 123 maculatus .o-- cone eneene cone cere neers saeene 123 clenoidei, Labroidei...----+ 2-0-2 ---- 2 -eres cennne sees 160 Cyclogaster .----- -----+ e2e0-- --- nee teerre ress cuee m ALS callyodon ------ £ion eeunethessee==enlve=e scene 6132 pulchellus ..---- -----+ e2-e0- eee eee ene eee «ee 1832 muisodds cation Bosete cesleee cence custiveeneet 1S? gelatinosus . ------ ewes coe cee ccascccenecneme 5. 1G cycloidei, Labroidei..---- MEE Pet OC oo 160 Cyclopteridae -.-. «----- ---- -------- udiveaemes: sé nel 29 Cyclopterus ....---- -----+ +--+ +++ ---+-25° setae 129 callyodon. .----+ sere e-- nee eee ene eens foeeee 132 GelalinOSUs -- 2+ wewens enanne seers nee aeteee 4 “31 Cyclostomi ..---- --0- en 2-22 een nee ceee cee ene eeeeee 376 351 Cylindrosteus ...-- Sanenee aaeene Perr Tae ALPHABETICAL INDEX. ag | Cylindrosteus latirostris....0.... secces seccce sescee ot Cymatogaster ellipticus...... ....sccececccecseess-- 205 IACKINGH a 5e0n astbsewene sss an> eeeee een eae 205 DPUIGHOUOE pase esac entene Sees areal ote 205 (Coprnbllatsscsssereece == ->-seamee SO Soe be! DECKWIth! <2.5 ses cam ee one nee ceaeie eee eee 267 DUDALING < saeco e ncewisons Pepe 265 PUDMRON ses ieaee eee eer esas SRR eRe eee 267 lepidsieeees ees ee aaa ere omnes esp eneeeee 268 ludibinda)csa=c5 eon oscices nes ose eee see eee 271 INpUbMB eens snes ccc mceeeeeck eka kn se ys seee 271 NOUAGH ete ets ae etal Pear ate ele 269 SUAVIS seceesseaeeaeeae Swaaas ess eee eee 268 MMDYOSs eaccese eee see seen eee eaeeeeeeee 266 WHIPp se ceseke comm heen oon ce ea eee ees Saco) eeenO Cyprini® scone see eee seee =o 6 eS eb ee eee ee eee 213 Cyprinidae -......---..-----. Seco gsi acess 212 | Cyprinodontidae..---. ..--0. ---- oso ce enne - oes ---- 302, 303 GUUTINCUONUES oem eoinne emis nen see aloes === aaa eee 303 CUPTANONGEE ree ne ens nlab eee eee este eS eens =e 212 CUprinnd aves eneleees\aseeaels= =a ee ee === aaeaeeiee ee 212 CUpPmne seeneese caosaeeeneseeaenee SSS 5 sass 212 GU pris toeeeiaeee eae ee aes eae eaea= eae eee eee 212 Cyprinus atromaculatus . 22. ..sc0e eo-ene wee eee cones 283 QU ONGSUS ee moee = aoe DS Saco se oroncosess 243 balteatus ...-. ewbateectsevestwcwsouteesseuees 78 CAUTINUS «22 == (weeh=ecuses cesee=caamiseonien ae 213 chrysoleucus ~.---- IGS DOSED OSS 5S 9e S05 280 CTEGONEN SE oe eels sae ae alse aace eee 298 TULTIPINNES .oeen= oe SOO ROCCO cave=weee=—sie=e D. 243 Damalichthys ..... --- sieesenece= aeassinnescocncc=sse 181 VACCB = occu wenaceuacvewce=peeseenonscccsese= (i152 damalis, Carpiodes ..-.-. Bee Jen ease toe cote Sets ts} decagrammus, Labrax ..---- .0-- cos een ene ene cone 41 delicatissimus, Engraulis...--...---.-.----.---.--.- 335 MGLIGIOSs, DLONIANA see ease eee anes e ee eee 274 Dermopteri .--2-. .---- + eonewe wnnn vecews cewnws mane 376 diaphanus, Calliurus.....-----.------. cones cee Sos diego, Scomber ..-.-. ------ -----+ s2-2-+ ee 22 eee eee 105 diectus, A DUINONUEs 6. s2— eeeee nea eee eee Ses) dilectus, AIDUINUB 2200 22+ ~ enon enc nne snes onene siecaane 259 Dionda ..-. --20 e202 monn none cnc eee owen cannes cence She enon episcopa ..------------ a cece teen e cnn coweee 227 grisea.---: .----------- see eee eee nee ene --- 230 papalis..... wee cece e cee ee cnet eee eee ene ween 228 plumbea ........------ aa se eee ee ee eee eee spadicea...-.. eee cee cone cones ce nnee = 229 Dioplites ---- - ween ee eee cone cerns ween Riwatinases= 4 nobilis ..---- .---- © eee ene wenn cnnn= mS hinkiwiemeens 4 nuecensis .----- --- Sessa -o 358555 ab arees 4 RalMOIdeS ..---- --- oe enn e eee n ne nee eens wees 4 diplemia, Semotilus ---- - wosercnce ence ccesensncsinnse) | (200 dissimilis, Leucosomus.------.- Seve secen= anunteeuss!)) eO0 dorsalis, Semotilus...---.----. ------- atiecen cee uel aD dulcis, Argyreus.--- 22.22 cece censeceecccceren-ce-s AB i. Echeneidae .---------------- siuenems ae eanaison ares, HAD Edaphodontidae .....------- - eee eee i) ALPHABETICAL INDEX. Page. egregia, Tigoma -... .2-. seeeee o--- o-- === ------ ene OI ellipticus, Cymatogaster ..--..--------------------- 205 elongatus, Clinostomus.......--.------ ---.---- ----- 302 elongatus, Leuciscus, Luxilus...--. ..----.----- ------ 302 elongatus, Ophiodon....--. -----. ------ +---+------- 48 elongatus, OSMeruS- .----- ------ «22-2 - 2-2 22 === eons 324 encrasicholus, Engraulis .....-....------ ---------- 334, 335 Embiorocoidae -.----.- aot chon nodiaas Gods othe c4sn 164 TNT @TGXES, sescconocdeee COC OOS OnE DOSE Oboe fare Dec 168 ANGYTOSOMA...~-- enn - ween ns nee ne ween on nines 189 WORT GN Dose pce cot eucC resem CECA CEOS ome mend 171 JacksOnl --- 2. 2... eo enn. enn -s ew eeeenns = <== 168 OG -oe eocece Cocco beeEeoseence speeas 174 ONT A fai ssi erst et ole eo ollie mimi ae 176 GH GENIN eee poed cee see esecis Sate os oeee= 178 WEL Gesstee Ase eocGoo saecadeset dete ona 173 Engraulis ----...---- -20< ---- 20 ---- enene= «2 ~~ os ==s 333 COMPLER RUE ip eminaaiam eee sl ameelommoteteaftats lial 336 (ENTER EIS E se eA noes coepesoeoe coos emac 39D EN CESACHOLIS see cae le se sls eeeiniate af etait 334, 335 LIT S ORS OSS Se eee See Bem ees Ceo 334 ED iS = oe See Cec eaOe Cee OCS EE EO ECO Deo 335 Hmnichthys .--. ---. o-oo ew wenn wns cocbense 196 Geen Nee. ces CHOE EG Doe ao HESS Ror Oadn Late, 199 MEP alOPS i eeaele weal ae wlan alee tele leet te ot 197 TNO ER! cheese Seoess Sos sc5 S560 Sno Ghee Seeo noc 110 fabeteseesemacme See ce eee acoso ueroe 112 PARENT -o- 6 EP PCR Bee Oe eee Bee One Care 110 Gmgenynn, WOT NR 5 oas6 He center DEcsceenecre cere 227 LOL a aS er Ft ey 304 TDW OG seeeoae ce dess Bec OCC en EE CeCe SOC CES CHOmCeD 304 DS con bas Geen chop ooy cE See ene Sener ono Ponce sos 304 @vansi, Eyboonathus.---- oo. ne cee 236 PRIOR Aw UAVIN Bane etate nicer en anya atecoee 241 OS TA WG eee CH ee Ja SECO REECE ECO Recent co Beon 158 Exoglossum ..---. ---- Sets cyenisce syas~ was aeeceneeess 255 MITA) aeceee cee O Err oe CCE DE EOC EEOGr = Fac 256 DE CAT PIn See et Se alas ol Sra ajnieicione ania e ama ommiaateeeise a 576 105 Gia 1d Quo sesacc ese cHoos cesanncalbonacseostod 112 Falta. POMOIB) (ase 'se oad one aicisacas woes} Gena 'wa tnisis OT HANA O eee seers cients aoe a ecinia) deen a ce cala mate 308 TE IONS caceec onScct Hoot AUOTROMSCeCE He Sacone 312 BUT hice saan See Condes Sean ead CHO CHE AY Sc4 308 clarkii al4 RATT node Seco cose cece RO eSosia: 6 cae cicecic 313 RVG eS Sere es Beasts keane caeesoomc cogs 316 UOILPO UG (eRe Se aan ence BerRCemecebors Goce sme 310 fasciatiis; Mytiiophagus:..-..--. -----..--...--...---. 205 fasciatus, Pimephales........ -......-...----- ---<-- 234 PANGIANIGD SCUARLONG Hoo acacia so ce seeccosclecce-> cscs 79 felinus, Pimelodus..----..----.--- obaceebnecacacses 209 Mes ANALHIChas weno ree tides coc ciceuccreaewssinaoaas, 125 FOUR ANAT HIChUh YS sceeeeeet eerie ccc. coches cee 125 PeLaxk Pa pidgsveus sone sate sense metoes alaas es m one ame, 353 PMO AOUS, ose sana scene cfeneaereciedaanessetces 141 MIMUUTIMMNLOTIUCLUIS( ces cos were aecine dacccecnie swe 141 flavidus, Apodichthys....-..- Seek ie ce een a coaeaniree = 117 Sluvialis, Petromyzon..---....---- Bocas Recon a= «(807 50a Page Hnvinilisa Go blesses meine sleeps eile eee 219 HAVIACU As EL OROUUUS = 2 asec minal ee ee ei 284 RUTTEN, TEGAN Dae see gaan ooeccd ne eso cose se BYivs nu, PNM eee anoaasoscsos concsc cones 353 m®.uG) CHIT iM Pe sepee sae sen ser oe cen soSace Saon 14 TOO LIC TO) lesa s anaes coogcd sens Anooed aacoce 365 fraterculus, Mylocheilus ...----.-..---------------- 215 frigida, Moniana .-----.----- gelcnaie aus SiaicrSeve Meters aoe 276 fuliginosus, Holconotus.-.~ «-.- ------06 22-0 -on2nnen 205 funduloides, Clinostomus....--..------------------- 308 TINGE 2a56 caso noes cagecdnserncenceces oteceode 303 ELMO eased ccec case coesbesenacascas Sase 303 FL CHLUAS Ee ANGTOO OM rae = eine = enten senile 184 ng hikh lanl GGG) gappecoeeSsbodcae cececeecoe ecbe 208 G. GAME! 55> seceoscnetosccescoceadotes Gases eses 140, 141 Qadoidede= Wan nacisaciccs cauclece sec cases tas cisclaaatooee 141 (GIG UI tans oSeecs cecncccesdicses node SSS seo ce ic 141 CUT O COAT UGS mim ww lle a el 14h IpRDTIE me SOS OCOD DOCSSO aed HOTS Sones ches 141 IR See cg CRS DOOG COMMCOCADOCHbeE ESE Coes 141 PERIETEEB Sh0e0 SG0S COLO COSESS CHES SS IEEE SSmEc= 142 PRLS 2 on Song COD TaS CHaran choosy Sones 141 WACUNG sioce asians ase.s sis episn ea seseeeaeese © 141 hint WE WL 4 appre ap Gaene Gaee Oe Seri seseoee CaeeeD 313 GetuliGron, Ns cchcos eane Goccinode coer besee ona se 33 Ghia Case pebolGeem eGockh ceases Baccce £528 cedons 343 (GQanoides! .3a.c' sa wns Seca leccniwelclse acces ae eer aOsO Gasterosicldsens= seats ee eater eee 84 (GECIGMNGWE) Sesppecosec ea soso ce Cann Hae ceao coors 85 Apelt@s <5 .--<-ccees soewee can clemnnies=—s='=<05 85 Nene! Geece se see Soeeen caster s-ooceseeo 85 MO PIN ACU sesame eae alae eae ee 90 VCE E) coer a oeb oe eeee lo Sen seo eeos coca, 89 microcephalus)2- = cscces erence === ae 91 Occldentalis) sae eerie ee ecles=efees aca r 85 plebeius - ..-..--------- -202-- 2-2-2 = == oe 86 PUgeli ------- 2 conn ne wn ne one eons s onse 92 QUOUTACUS) ons am aee'e, celniclowie mle tnimeineie mina 9L ROUTACUS Secicc cise Semiche me wiexalelooew-ctenare eee 88 WAWKERIEONW Gees coer cede coer mcoocore Hoos enoc 93 gelatinosus, Cyclogater ..-.------------------------ 131 gelatinosus, Cyclopterus...-.---- -------------5-.---- 131 gelidus, Gobio .----..----- -----+ +--+ --7e-- --- = 248 gentilis, Blennius...--.---.------------ Ssce cece Secc 113 gibbonsii, Holconotus.------------.-----+---------- 205 (CHUN Se 8e noccas BSB CnSeoS me OS HOSS CoSSSO CI SEOSE S 284 COLO TUR a alo le ret al 216 GIES ssoced cS toc CSS E ce Crees SSeS asec sae 286 gracilis ..---. --cees wo 2-5 eenene eee nnw -----e 237 QTONGUS conc ccieaven= eawaesisins= aawces snamn esa 299 Te WE Re eee dece Gs sese ceeaee ecee cece 237 TODUStS one -. cccces conan ooocoobedoscere cesc 216 Glossodon OCR mine ataltatmi mete ae eal ae 332 Glossodon,, Rafin .. 22 -cceas «sncene con nnn mmo anwne == 332 Glyphisodon ...--. .----. ------ -----+ «+--+ --2----5 160 TAM NW Cis aCe ee seee Cococr cod SHoeerSe Doon ee ateut Gobidae.= 22.6 con cae cence nee wee swe ene ences secces 2s 394 Page. Gobiesox.. ..sess.cscssenes See i 129 | GODIOUUOE so occa Hone Senedd de see ae eee wees ceceee 126 QONOAGE cacine ol cal vesicaccodercmes sh eopaneTe eee tee 126 Golnoides we ewes cee ee cee ees cece wees cons cee aes woes 126 Gobiss.-se055 scans scocaa tosses taecsoseaneeeees = 126 GhOCUS an wane eee a Soe aba cata ae ote 127 ICT NTT tees = a SEE eee os heir 127 NAWLEM gs caewe Fad ced o wea ssi oacieseeee ladle 128 Guplisssesaeaseaniatecsteseas wee se ten e ea eesiee Sees CBtSTACHAO be ccce sce Ueten econ sen pices cotos 249 HOUMAMIBs ac neste eed means race dl pee ae eet 249 COMA Raa eem eee as udouned Scadcscecsee eee 248 (aA es S55 eee cee tence eto ate 249 IPABS NGAODY sacaceacdsacusns ssscsad erodes eae =e 141 rte (COPY UT GSeeee camo ceSSooCee Heccee nccesssa 127 OTACLE a OGUTENUS = anal ine ieee naw aae ie elsaeien sa 123 DACUIN, MOLINOS e-eae el snemiom tem ohed ss ee ale ne 141 gratis, Eby CnOCHENUB seeeiese coe) soe cman ceeminee sine c 298 gracilis, Tigoma ..--......- ane aeetaee Srbberoos5 - 293 grandis, Ptychocheilus --..-. 0-22. 252 eo econ 299 RUpa MONO Denes = sean sleee Nes ebesiseeascineeeeeae - 230 grisea, |Corvina, SCMeNAl-be0 oso. sncccccrecce ease =m 96 QriseuaPACOMUB sects -sesasesa sas se aeeeneeeeiee= ats 222 Rrunnions; Amblodoneccssssscsooescueeees esse =— 5 96 icy stonesseee tease sete aoe ae aes sae eee a eaee eee 4 MOD UEVUNEMUS see ke ess sacle s scans se ae melee ee = 43 MUPCEINS Se eae wee seen dca eacisese one’ SC 4 MAUMEE sae assem ose Soe ea stesso seee eee Cotes we 4 gulosus, Cottopsis ...---.----. Sessa 529 e64 Hee 53 COTTE Ree Aa ee OCDE GODS DOIRSOS Nano SEaoO 116 AN OUSUCINS) deta tt aaa dal alla al a ete 123 OUUBtIB Ee ees eata eae te eee lee soos, LS gunellus apos, Blennius...2 ....sescee e2e20- one cennee 117 gupnisopi, Cyprinella....-. .. 222+ ssn. 2055s con ene 267 BUtihta, ScONpRelAlec--esesasiseson= costae cescueena 77 Gutiatue, Chiropsieiseen-scssacdessscsss oeceee eee ees 44 plate SOMOS S65. c0an\enddtas decantcccbeoetadeoenes 44 guttulatus, Pleuronichthys........<0- p-=- ceeeee eae 193 UOUO AG cen aes pa asieh = =aeleaeoes eae ea eee 186 FULIQINOBUB an sel as salle See ee eee 205 pibhonslipee aes ese oenees ee ase. eee eee 205 Holocephali ..-..---- Qesosce apeeesinacs =- == eee 359 HomalapoOMus\sccesseenoskors sneeore ek = sleeeeeee 143 tLOWOLIOG eae ee eee maa a mae ale ae 141, 144 HOMO PTH ieee alee eee 95, 96 ATOUTDIGUCUS son poem ame ae ite eae ie eet ao hoodii, Salmo .......- kaised Scmade een cae OE Cees 307 WUGbOrAG, | ClUP OB sae care nenje comael dae iacs easel eaee ee 284 Hudsonius..---...--- BRS cR concen aaee ceseccs Bree es! BIDADS eee eet ee ee once, 284 UVIRGUIR eee ee mes ee eee eee eee - 284 humboldtisTivomac nose cenaceeceesleseeeeeeeaeee 291 humilis; Brythuseas es < eae eeete see aoe eee eee 21 Mvboonathss oan. eae oesise eae eee oe eee eee ~ » 255 ANCYUIS (castemalnesseaaelaee me aeaie sae eae ele ee ee OVADEL nce ewarswec ero buscncbhasanaaiesscleeeeee 236 MIMOUS hieaanesen ae a elee steal aeee ete 235 nuchalis...... ses soe cecosse sce Ecos enegisas - 235 PROS 5 Soo ee suecce cecocrre ssccasccs 236 NOPWS se ceenocku os veao==ey oe eee Se Ree eee eee ee 235 Ey bopals. ccccsccccs sesso ccsecocccstceeeee eee e nee 255 SLONOMIANUSs sae sce cnesensososeaeeseeeree eee 255 MINCHONMgeeeeenosnes = ae ee eee ase eee 255 fy borhynchuseesemtect estes wen aaete ee ae ee. 200 Contentue=causeneseee see eaeeees eee nee eee 233 NOMS cesnacce tase sseReneSee sees eee 230, 231 perspicuus ....-.. Re sr eocnancess2 sscoSssce 231 puniceus .....- Sagano enone ssodaasasec loses 232 tenellus .....-.-......-.. SS SSR SASS SS SS 231 Hy draroytalecsseesenalesemee Sa Seo seso Ss Stee 303 PUVOGON\ > caseuee ce anine sin ceinas eae ee naiee cas memane rete 332 0G ORS peeeenaose ace SUGEboD Sabb Ssooe S30 332 HERG SUS) soe eee eee SaSsncogesSossese 332 Hyperprosopon arcuatus ...---..----- Sascoacresisting 205 ATQONtCUS 2. - cone cows cow e ee oo ene © basece wens 205 Eli pole Maske isa ois sae ees se eee Seve eeene 369 Hypsolepis..---- siooce sco ssceeee see See ee eee ae 263, 264 Hysterccarpus.... ---- 2-2 22+ snocee coe nne oon e ones 190 UPABKI Co sanccveeshiseeeeeteee eeetee te cones 190, 205 I ichtheloides, Ambloplites ..---. ---..----.------ ---- 8 Nothelis 5 << <5 Sen Se cces enc nnn ones naccapaesninnn= =< 22 UecebrosusAIDUINODS «== «en cnns oenaner ees ina eee =) 262 inaequilobus, Pogonichthys....--..-- meses Soles 245 INCIBONs ee OMOUE scons caosatecceteesemewen. SPR Re cies 23 incrassatus, Leucosomus..---- .c---ceccesccces-e-s- 202 inermis, Acanthocottus ..-.. ..--2. e--e-+ enue ener 60 ALPHABETICAL INDEX. 395 g Page inermis, Sebastes -..-. Comer O eee a SEL EES CE Oo SON) Lavinia, exilicauddsscessceesienswoemese teases tere 241 ingens, Hippocampus 342 | NETREPAN BAS sesnpoosco tess a ase5 socecy caso 242 inopinatus, Gasterosteus -......---- .-...----- .2---- QBs Bieiecottush soos 5. sees ods ocee eae ace coo aoe 62 intermedius, Gasterosteus.----...----.--. ---------- 89 hirundo) esc o=s)ooee nibgieteec eros seeeeee 62 interruptus, Ambloplites....-....---.----.----+.--- 10 | leioglossa, Anpentinat-c-cec cecwicncececee see meeees 325 tnterruptus, Centrarchus...--. -s20ces. +--+ ones esccee LOW Pe Whelostomustecicesisecoescaseet rc cee eee cene eee 99 WU GAy Salar en soos .n5 oe wane Sea cicichotawe subeces tee 321 TREC AO seep 555 95550 Gooeao esces asco eter 99 ergtieers, SALI Ola ee Sane Se aca minicisia dane ASSES 321 leoning;, Monianascscnacecteecscescuceucteeee sce. 273 SURI Cts (BONDI UB smc lnmoae shake ica seyoaeieereaeone TDD |) 10g Mie Te ss oSS5 306 35 oso Sa005 Sool esc Ss SeeeSooaeeEE 29 CUTYSOPSl a ioln win laa ainvateislaloeisi= iets Wisin letelereieteiesaetere 30 J. lepida; Cyprinell ape emeeeeme meena cee ieee = 263 TP EISSD Te a HTN OOS pecco pe OO DOCC OOO CO UOLSO Gant TSE | EEG ScoSSS5 Eomm Dao5 DES OSES DaCEcaRCoecHe amt 350 jamanicas nino plerasse soem) enmneeleeeelsse tesa Gris: ||| LOG ECRIGIS = e2---- anne | mirabilis, Clupea sooo. Sec esleceee scceee eeoreeoeme || modextus,-Jwis>-=== feooenS 2556 once 5 GUERA VAUD ANS OBR s eect site ors means cee ecco saiee mace GHERA DIZON Bi Joc see maaints ste ao lausie cl senieeicie ees ae wees 3: fdecidentalisvAIGIA) ce carcecnlerac cess + ace cece noe occidentalis, Gasterosteus..---- 2-20. weccnn wenn eee ACHAENLGLS WGUCOROMUB'. oc seersccces onc hepledaaelecn'a Gecidentalie: LUXS! -5<, ~occt -/cnsarnvenuecepsseninne= Gceuatay GC OLVING Xa) 134 preliosa, Argentina cisnaercssnsaccisesn}cnosesee eeeeee o* POee PLevlOsNs, ORMeRNs ano s-s se ee eeelee=sleaee aes 324 productus; euciseuss.<-2-sc=oaenncsseeecen cones es 302 productus, Merlangns:s-2=-2ss-oseasecaeseeeeee 141, 143 promelas, Pimephalestessnio--laessieeeeee seas ee eee 233 proxima;)Momiareacm ac dase eo aeen anneal aeee 142 DIODE AAA ee eal alae re ee 142 pruinosa, Morrhua: ss Sicoccenonosacicce.- 298 PPLABS coe aoe 0 ae 2D OSS oe 298 grandis 299 MNO OT en aan an ee a ee 299 oregonensis 293 WU Soo ose cee moose cione ease 300 VOLE Kens oncisaele bee ieteniase sis aaa emee eee ieeee 301 Phy CHOSLOMMS Ge aeee nee cela sete es ise== cleo eee 220 haydoniss sae nese caa te seee ee eco eee 220 pugeti, Gasterosteus..----.-.--- Sarocs SSS sess 92 pulchella, Moninnnicesssaeees cee eee eee aoe ee eieeae 275 pulchellus; Cyclogakter----3- -22--s eee ae one =—oaee) Le pulchellos MC ymatopastertsccas coe see ose en eae ace 205 mnuicheliis, nnar Teas coe codeae ce niene ane cocmenk ane 132 pulchelius, Trentideusy 5... sae pa oe sees canncees'ss ce 250 pulchellus, Leucosomus...... 2----- ---.----------.- 250 pulcheruabrusy sos -c-5 nes -neeos ete se mens neem 162 punctulatuasCalliurnssseceesstcctscs sees eee e cee 16 puniceus, Byborbynchus : .-<..-s--------------. ---« 232 PYAMASAMONhUAeaseadecdaeeasiee = nena eee ene 141 poy e CIEELE CGT oe ceroecoinoca cosccecicysariccis 141, 142 Q. quadracus, Gasterosteus ..----------.----- SAS oacce 9 quinnAat, SAlm0s=o>--goe ccs ce eacseeeme petnpEchocin” 306 R. rafinesquit, Scaphirhynchus...----..-------.--2-.---- 397 rapax, Prychocheilus --2- cesses nae anes -=cneeseuce= SUD regius, Hybognathug:-=5-<- sooo s255 cscs ceoncaeac==n 235 raiculala? Spatwlariasscsse cloccw acs. aeeteeue neces pees 358 Bhacocheilus:. 26-0. co2 5 cece cccdiccccsececs conc cee pr (5s) TOROLQNT seonenes ees eeeae eee oo. e ace's noe eee Ranidhihys secs. 5 Sadee scenes eae 5= Sse: Jo caen esos 243 rhodoterus, Holconotus.... -- 5) SAO 0-45 193 Rhombustec- caeeee a= [oases sab sessune SLi GU) Ficnardsonms CONVINeene nc Lass aces Seen cess seenuseens 96 richardsoni, ‘Trachidermis. .--.......---. Pees By Richardsonius..-.-..---. opacposg Soe ae eee 278 PALGCAUUB’ oa se emes snes eaneee wate ea -cup ee eenreen ALPHABETICAL INDEX, Page. Rilchardsonius laterdlisi-sssc-e nee > waece coe cecloees 279 PVCS WALNOs cane ee sane nc tcises ae teeneaeee ces ace 321 youu. "Gila wows. aes ers osGle jottse Leet See 216 robustus, Mylopharodon ..---.......---------.----- 216 FORACCUSHMEUUNLCS Laem cs eneclccecen seers cceesc 738 TORtratus. Hl Olerostichisess mae hae ncainnniamaioe ar Bem a stellatus, Platichthys ..----.----....... .... -... =... COUT TERS STAY Denia SCE Oe Re Me ees Sees cr SABa CORTE NUR oe ce naman nine oni am ehn = ee el stevens, Dnaleichth ys ane nc cee ens meee nee BGZORtGQION ane ane eee ee i DOLAUS) sem ee einne ieee eee ee Overs CATNOTIN A sare a eee ees ania BIGhAR OH OIGHID annonce see Sane, cana Ce BLOLEMAN Ree emces some eee e ala aa Roe oa SUMPIOMGEO see ocean tw cesses oot en pees se oemeeens EI OTONEUE = ae tenia emies selon ~ poe aes Ge ae VUNIOTRENS 5 oe ws alcialeis wn) ais Sa etcnuja ote oe ye wakes wiete clare sucklii, Catostomus..--- SeSs62 50558 see: at emt BUC PA CANDNION ape ame amals saa enien amie eine UCT Ey Ny aS SSS EE SE Se a oe see superciliosus, Labrax.....----- Stee Se es SUMMANIONS, CATON cayman omarion n= siela cae ea ae a z symimetricus, Pogonichthys ....----.----.---- ees symmetricus, Trachurus ......--.---..----- 0. wieaeio OLEAN CECE SS SAS oe ee Se eee Srugnath(ses coset es leesesew eae caclearceseaeene Ua oat esas pada 5 5 ANONUINACOUR connie tase ean ae = brevirostris GID Op CHa ie a aes smo Bapreemomec asee c OTISEO- EAU Cone cn ewe selon ace slant amemie an seis fA DAtra NUNS ase per ea sew aes oosiencseneeeeeee TaylOn, OPMWON - os— tee eae oe ae eee - Telipomis ...---.-.---cenees vewene nseces soccer meen fenellus, Hyborbynohuse. sw. co. Ceoe ewceee wewnlces z tergisus, Hyodon .----. eeeeeeeee-ees Sneed enen'ssesis Tetraodon DOME one weien nes pea boneanecnaacee daa eee TRI DOORUG IE = aa kimono ml me es ru solani Thaleichthys ...--..... stevensi...- SINOYACICM secs caup~aiae=lna aes aw oneueees eo=enee Thymallus -....--.-...-ecee oe Wecenena emcee paaeete TiZOMsis.--=« c= wade scans cove aweccs cece Seinen sae bicolor...-. piemeeiees eee Sees tone ec eee CODOLMIS noon oy ope ween cues eis 2 aus ais ieee CUaNNA in wenwoceinmew tune avppoweeetutduanccee egregia gracilis humboldti....-. eee asensesaces eeeneaeeee lindsata-cse... cove baebad sete eeeeeshs theceees ODGBRc os oinud saan cawdwewees gene stetee ones a tincella, Algansea..... Seer Ipecwadiseteltaiwee ce ae Page. 68 68 ALPHABETICAL INDEX, Page. TOTP TS ae ewe ot al ee doi om= wien L toxotes; Rhacocheilusvcqnqcncn esancdancpianoee neti ots 188 Mca Ghid erm Sie een lon ae ae emilee ee eee 73 FACHON GOON cas ciciuspa bun'ea& patinesanieesiesee 51 DPACRINORG onc ews ws ond ae eee eee eee 134, 135 SUIS TAVIS i ie oa ll 107 WY) SbeSercethn Gaaorce ee csascososaacseas alae oe CualOS, BYMMOtUCUB er nm le ene eee een eine 107 transmontanus, Acipenser.-...--..----------- ------ 355 traskli, Hysterocarpus .. 2.56 cose 22a 0 ses se cenn onan 205 DUN CHOAGH. one eine 5 ones bees eee Sane 40 tribtie, Monlan Gieccs otra as an cuts acpentnines seaceocees 277 CROW DB Tdpil ANCONA esc cone see aman enema nies ane ee 186 UQWUTtdGUR «oom seo con sempinaee cat onalcbee ascmceecae 186 trowbridgii, Homalopomus...--...----.----.------ 141, 144 EAUPDICON, MANION meiniacc eres sceeieeta tans s sae temas 31u tsuppitch, Salmo ..--. .----- ------ Mesa s nace 310 tumidus, Carpiodes, Ictiobus -.........--.-.-------. 218 Ws umbratilis, Alburnellus.........---...---- --.--.---- 260 umbratilis, ALDUINUR vo oc ou jes cose se Gaeion baisicckeense 260 Wmbritld sass neseees sate eon ns eeeniseas se Seemeeee 95, 101 UNAUBtAs Jece Se aaiecaaeenatacacjsceas= oenieeee 101 miMnbrosa aC yprinella=-a-sa-n—-sscs-o=5e = Sale eee 266 umbrosts; Platichthys =< soso -oleeee eceneeomees 149 indilata:sUmbrina’S $OSPRR. Ex & Suv D1 pane an a ees ‘Wan: bot gpg ea De p ie a ese <> Suman Pe mess ram ut ; oe pS S< = poses Te: 2 ase cose = iB Plate Fishes- lifornia Ca = Surveys XXXIV. J | es > ERR Cenihoee WS i) J HuUurve ig = au PRR Se Pare. oan SOS EL SCS LEER > eos CSE OS OS OE OS DO ecoee ee ser. Sse Cie SES ELE SOS OS se] (44 Mat vases “ x : ) yen , oe Ns) Bea i zx AN Lap SW ribs SW = SS ee og se CW ener RAO ec Coase SALE RY woe UNCOMMON ! ne TRAE LL kok ‘Ks CTS ERROR RRR LY WELK LAMY COREL ge OEE SMa CEREUS RO LAER MC COO EPIL SOKO LIE. OOOO SEE RRP LR Che LO TAA Lt RA By Oe LK EL ran k Tu Lik LX, 1, : 35Parallel 1 , USPRREx& Suryeys: — («Paracel shes 2 lea tewaxt SOOT III, Vy 594499949.908, yy eis: ae ene me. yy SN MK Wii S >= Ken Ra & pnNeass SNE x, + b4 vy AY 4 AKA i Hee nt X ITH Richard dal oD - 7 al; - aT hei. 1” : 7 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR A RAILROAD ROUTE FROM THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN. WAR DEPARTMENT. REPORT OF LIEUT. E. G. BECKWITH, THIRD ARTILLERY, UPON EXPLORATIONS FOR A RAILROAD ROUTE, NEAR THE 358TH AND 39TH PARALLELS OF NORTH LATITUDE, BY CAPTAIN. Wii GUNNISON: CORPS OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, AND NEAR THE FORTY FIRST PARALLEL OF NORTH LATITUDE, BY LIEUT. E. G. BECKWITH, THIRD ARTILLERY, eas ’ 7 J - pay on ee wets x cade oo etiviciieey. RP ERORSEE HE Tad ‘ RW BSD Pai EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR A RAILROAD ROUTE FROM THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN. WAR DEPARTMENT. ROUTE NEAR THE 38ru AND 391TH PARALLELS, EXPLORED BY CAPTAIN J. W. GUNNISON, AND NEAR THE 4lsr PARALLEL, EXPLORED BY LIEUTENANT E. G. BECKWITH. ZOOL OG IC a: Re PORT. WASHINGTON, D. C. Siar. 1 The report to which the present article belongs will be found in Vol. II of the series. . enters Meigs CONTENTS. No. 1. REPORT ON MAMMALS COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY. BY S. F. BAIRD. No. 2. REPORT ON BIRDS COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY. BY S. F. BAIRD. No. 3. REPORT ON REPTILES COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY. BY S. F. BATRD. No. 4. REPORT ON FISHES COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY. BY CHARLES GIRARD, M. D. No. 5. REPORT ON INSECTS COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY. BY JOHN L. LECONTE, M. D. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. MAMMALS. Page. Prare 1V.—Fig. 1.—Spermophilus grammurus, Bach. ..--...-----.----.---- Bao CHo CSD Secon eo ecen SSB 10 Fig. 2.—Cynomys gunnisonii, Baird... .. con. 20-0 wnn2 ce em ee eo nnn e conn cee n meee cece nans senene cenene 10 PrarE L.— Nolurus tremontil, OW Sis aspelse= sleeae eras wees sesame seme na een anne enc es an pae etna atelier 10 Prats X.—Fig. 1.—Thomomys rufescens, Max... . 2... ccccos coc n ne cones wenn cow ens cnc ens cannes cecees wens caen=- 10 Fig. 2.—Geomys castanops, Bd..... .----+ neee ceeene coccns wnee eene DSTO CORO LO caCORE Se oeacee 10 BIRDS Leng Gy) ODEs) yp Aye Da bs sseee seme cs 5 S08 SOC DOOR SUISSE HON OA CEON Goed bode GOSS CcESS: See Sse ossepsness 16 Prare X11 —Buteo swainsonit, Bows .isnes suseicannisaca 16 REPTILES. ‘ Prats XVII.—Eutaenia vagrans, B. & G. -.- 2-2. 222 wen ene e cee n enw e ween e cone cee m ne enw ene ew ens cseces cone 20 Pirate XVIII.—Nerodia erythrogaster, B. & G...---- wnnn eens enn e nec eme cone enn enw n come pone cannes none cone once 20 Puare XXIII.—Masticophis taeniatus, B. & G. ..---- .--- 2-2 220s con en em en ee ns cee ee ween ene ns ene ns saeeee 20 Prate XXIV.—Fig. 1.—Crotaphytus collaris, Holbrook. -.--.----. ---- ---- 222+ 2-5 s0n = conn eee wore wane ween anes 20 Fig. 2.—Plestiodon septentrionalis, Bd....---. .----- ---+ 22+ e202 ene eee eee eens cee n ee eee eee 20 FISHES. Prare XXIII.—Amblodon grunniens, Rafin.. ..---. 1-25 wncnne secnoe cone cnnans neces tacere seenes cous mens cees 28 Prate XLIX.—Figs. 1—4.—Ptychostomus haydeni, Grd... -2. c2.n cemcns cocnce ccna cocnns cone pecces une cuccese 28 Figs. 5-9.—Acomus griseus, Grd. . 2. 2222+ nennce cane cone ope = cnns cone secens cuca ners sccess ence Pirate LIV.—Figs. 1-4.—Lavinia exilicauda, B. & G. ..---. 0-2. cane one nnn enn e conn nnn ce ne= cewnes ence cues 28 Figs. 5-8.—Argyreus dulcis, Gx Operetta wie an Oretlae Sena ests traci ka eens eames Seana ole aie eter Puate LVI.-—Figs. 1—4.—Pogonichthys inaequilobus, B. & G. ..----- --- 22. 22 - ene wen eee e cen ene wee eee eene wane 28 Figs. 5-8.—Exoglossum mirabile, Grd...---- 2-22. eee ene ween e cn wens cece ne cone wwe cnn eens cnnees 28 Prats LXXIII.—Figs. 1—-4.—Salar virginalis, Grd. .--....---- 2-00 20+ onne none cece cee nns co enns cosess wane oe 28 Fig. 5.—© Salar iridea, Grd. . 2. .2-- e-2cen cen cnn concen access ndcccesersccenns cone meur supensen 28 Puarz LXXV.—Figs. 1-4.—Hyodon tergisus, Les. ...000c00c0s caccns cece noes pans cose cannicacces cuunsspnenscoe 28 Figs, 5-7,—Melotta.ccorules; Grd. -.cc.cccnns cone nowt eresesaaesisuscwesussseunlaene ne Season 28 No. l. REPORT UPON MAMMALS COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY. BY S. F. BAIRD. SCIURUS FREMONTII, Towns.—Small Mountain Gray Squirrel. Prate XI. Sciurus fremontii, (“'Townsend,”) Aup. & Bacu. N. Am. Quad. II, 1853, 237; pl. evlix, fig. 1. Bairp, Gen. Rep. Mammals. 1857, 272. Sp. Cx.—About the size of the Hudson’s Bay squirrel, S. kudsonius. Tail shorter thanthe body. Ears tufted in winter, but not in summer. Above mixed brown, gray, and pale rusty, the prevalent tint similar to that of the gray squirrel ; beneath bluish white; a dark line along the sides. Eyelids white. Tail entirely black at end, the hairs tipped with light gray; on other parts of the tail a mixture of plumbeous and grayish rusty at the base of the hairs. No rusty visible externally. The only specimen of this species collected by any of the recent expeditions was obtained in the Sawatch Pass. (No. 18.) TAMIAS QUADRIVITTATUS, Wagner .—Missouri Striped Squirrel. Sciurus quadrivittatus, Say, in Long’s Exped. R Mts. II, 1823, 45. Tamias quadrivittatus, WAGNER, Suppl. Schreb. III, 1843, 234. Aop. & Bacu. N. Am. Quad. I, 1849, 195; pl. xxiv. Bairp, Gen. Rep. Mammals. 1857, 297. Sp. Cu.—Tail, with the hairs, nearly or quite as long as the body. A grayish white stripe along the top of the head, with branches passing above and below the eye. The stripe bordered above and below by darker ones, and separated behind the eye by a dark line. A gray or hoary patch behind the ears. Sides of body deep ferruginous; back with five about equidistant dark stripes, nearly black on the posterior part of the body, their intervals forming four grayish white lines of similar dimensions to them. Tail, when flattened out, ferruginous externally, then black, then ferruginous. Body beneath, dirty grayish white. Length, 4 to 5 inches. Hind foot, 1, 20 inch. A specimen was collected in the Sangre del Christo Pass. CYNOMYS GUNNISONII, Baird .—Short-tailed Prairie Dog. Prats IV, Fie. 2. Cynomys gunnisonii, BArrp, Pr. A. N. Se. Phil. VII, April, 1855, 334.—Ib. Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 335. 1 Arctomys columbianus,+ Orv, in Guthrie’s Gevg. 2d Am. ed. II, 1815, 292, 302. 22 Anisonyz brachyura, Rar. Am. Month. Mag. II, 1817, 45. 1 Arctomys brachyura, Haran, F, Amer. 1825, 304. Fisouer, Synopsis, 1829, 345. 1 Burrowing squirrel of Columbia, Lewis and Crarkg, II, 1815, 173. Sp. Cu.—Size less than that of the S. ludovicianus, general proportions similar. Ears very short; thumb armed with a well developed claw. ‘Tail short, the vertebral portion less than one-sixth the length of the body ; with the hairs, less than one-fourth: Color above rather light liver brown, mixed intimately with ash, light brown, and black; beneath pale yellowish brown. Tail § ZOOLOGY. white along the edges and at the tip, with a subterminal margin of black; the hairs at the tip are white to the base, with a narrow central bar of black. The black bar sometimes wanting. A specimen of this new species was collected in the Cochetope Pass. (No. 22.) GEOMYS CASTANOPS, Leconte.—Chestnut-faced Gopher. Prats X, Fie. 2. Pseudostoma castanops, Bain, in Rep. Stansbury’s Exped. G. 8. Lake, June, 1852, 313. (Bent’s Fort.) Avup. and Bacu. N. Am. Quad. IIT, 1854, 304. Geomys castanops, Leconte, Pr. A. N. Se. Phil. VI, Sept., 1852, 163. Baixp, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 384. Sp. Cx.—Upper incisor with a single deep groove bisecting the surface, the portions on either side similar. Fore feet shorter . than the hinder. Second claw extending as far as the fourth. Cheek pouches small. Color, pale brownish yellow; the fore part of head and sides of neck yellowish chestnut, sharply defined. Pouches whitish. This species was found near Bent’s Fort. THOMOMYS RUFESCENS, Maxim.—Fort Union Gopher. Pirate X, Fie. 1. Thomomys rufescens, Pr. Maximiuian, Nova Acta Acad. C. L, C. XIX, 1, 1839, 383. Bairp, Pr. A. N. Se. Phila. VII, April, 1855, 335.—Is. Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 397. Sp. Ca —Cheek pouches rather small; densely furred. Tail nearly half as long as the body ; thick at base. Upper incisors very large; the groove very shallow and obsolete. Feet very stout and broad. Claws of hand stout; not very long; much curved. Third claw 4 lines long above; beneath, occupying barely two-sixths of the total length; the claw of the thumb reaching over two-fifths the hand. Color.—Above, ashy or grayish yellow brown; sides similar. Beneath, with the pouches and surrounding area, yellowish white. Tail whitish; dusky above at the base. This species is found on the upper Missouri, as far as Fort Union. DIPODOMYS ORDII, Woodhouse.—Kangaroo Rat. Dipodomys ordii, Bairp, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 410. Dipodomys montanus, Bairv, Pr. A. N. Se. VII, Ap. 1855, 334. A Dipodomys was collected near Fort Massachusetts, which was at first supposed to be distinct from D. ordii and characterized as D. montanus. Subsequent investigations seemed to render it probable that the variation from the typical characters is not of specific value. Another specimen from the Huerfano river is more like the typical D. ordit. PEROGNATHUS FLAVUS, Baird. Perognathus flavus, Bairp, Pr. A. N. Se. Phila, VII, April, 1855, 332. Bairp, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 423. Sp. Cu.—Considerably less than the common mouse. Tail equal to or less than the head and body, scarcely different in color above and below. Hind feet short. Above, yellowish buil, with dusky tips to some of the hairs; clearer on the sides. Beneath, snowy white to the roots of the hairs. Fore leg white to the shoulders. Hairs on the back plumbeous only on their basal half. Two specimens of this species were collected on Grand White river, near Little Salt Lake, Utah. (6.) JACULUS HUDSONIUS.—Jumping Mouse. Dipus hudscmius, Zimmermann, Geographische Geschichte, IL, 1780, 358, (based on Pennant’s long-legged mouse. ) Meriones hudsonius, Auv. & Baou. N. Am. Quad. II, 1851, 251; pl. Ixxxv. Jaculus hudsonius, Bairv, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 430. MAMMALS. 9 Se. Cu.—Above, light yellowish brown; lined finely with black; entire sides yellowish rusty, sharply defined against the colors of the back and belly. Beneath, pure white; feet and under surface of tail, whitish. Body measuring 2.75 to 3.50 inches ; tail, 4.50 to 6.00 inches; hind feet, 1.10 to 1.30 inches. One specimen of this species was collected in the Rocky Mountains near the 38th parallel. Like all other western specimens, it is considerably larger than more eastern ones. REITHRODON MONTANUS, Baird. Reithrodon montanus, Barrp, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. VII, April, 1855, 335.—In. Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 449. Sp. Cu.—Tail very little less than head and body, which barely exceed twoinches. Hind foot.50. Ears small, the membrane thickened, and with long coarse hairs. Above, brown and pale yellowish gray, much lighter than mouse color. Outside of ears and flanks, pale yellowish brown, without any rufous. Beneath, dull whitish. A specimen was collected in the Rocky mountains, in the parallel of 39°. ARVICOLA MODESTA, Baird. Arvicola modesta, Barrp, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 535. Sp. Cu.—Size of A. pinetorum, or larger. Ears moderate, well furred, rather shorter than the large fore feet, (. 35 to . 40 ) Tail vertebrz scarcely longer than the head, (.9:) with the hairs, one-third the head and body. Fur long, soft, .4 of an inch. Above, almost black, hairs with faint yellowish brown tip. Beneath, hoary plumbeous, the line of separation not very distinct. Tail like the corresponding regions of the body. Feet dark brown. Middle upper molar with five triangles, although the indentations between the two last do not quite meet. Two specimens were collected in the Sawatch Pass, (Nos. 16 & 17.) a WIAMMAM . 7 sap nthe Mad ids rb) vellve sAGIT Willow’) diet Oty fd bool Fe ee 1G ea iedia! | Mi teone t cutdee Gd W Gadrit afer fon lest potidw cio Geeell «attid fee dae et ee poo» LOE ot OE, 6 aah fetdt pendoet Odor 28 Ieee - Bat le: y 88 uhh Wd B lad runt Me onl « ad? al Gytettle daw igs wilt to ROMY nd ooo aintuag phar aide saga wisi hfuscoral OF gronsuiogda reeeuw dda Ihe od hired BUAATZON 7 OT OA EOE ak OPS TEE ofan op red) eS aE Tag A Ee ae ot A AE atte ek iuauckach ts mowetuans Ad) Sona AMD: OO Sutk AaHE, odiall yw te vrancinrad ‘Patlie Crbod San beyal mods paal ole IE eros (eR wi = wide eebliloO Adbee oteent ads + ua Zsuce rag Ag? uathve slay Maa wel arod RL asta oovacg rol dete Bae he I —-h : as a irae hinge sc galt rd dno I in " , Py pet eee ee eee hg i lallorhy adt od canlataenae Cdootbadt at otyellar. aay: nocsiongt d eh Me. Fyre CATANCOM ATOOLTYITA ; > ~ mae ee é 2h (TE sha pa Alig a allie sbisbehs : Cob, 7%.) ded aa eis dak enekiretion treg itive -otimlciah itp i Se ea | i Wann ad Haak ee Yo ¥, ee aot et wg ame andl acta: Bits, Abad ods Whe LE.) De ee roan! fatwa Wor fom oe dase aS ae ooteang Cah dictate? ai are Pye (iby dd Lor tem na guid DN root “chet off 1 alten’ Tae 2 inne acid nahh et a a rr ] Pe ; Be Us SOA gant Cad oa lana ee) a “ : 7 7 we Ds — T.. = - ‘ a ey pelea -a) «pi vier > ~~ —— i ~, a0 oe é - Phd : i re ee cee ed) . - )°) Galle saa pelea es Priginge’| ee! a orp ae a3. : ee ae ee 5a PO Hy dap ted 2. el pan ieee wes — eee et Pe | get ie a> Ae pate o> Soe - _ ; Dip i Bf) if ni! A lia 4 i) Hi Aesth Mi ine il} W) Mat Nia SSS SSS —— Sse \N Hit i\ \ IN \\ \\ \ 4 i RN \ il! EE i wh t) Wy HU WKH AY SRAM ) hy is \ : \ —- = SS = SH Richard del, S — ae ee eee any, ~ WS.PRR be & Surveys:.— 4st Paraliel Mammals —— Plate VI ‘ : V4) ANY AN \) \ a Wee LE i) ) iA) HN ZINN a. Hi " ‘ (V \ DAN ih ty: f Wy NY GAY — ESC == ——— ——— POLYM? Lig } TARDY LO; ia Mey —— TH Poachard de). bith cf Rolinen Rrigkirbocker &i's Albany 7 R Metzeroth se. le ae Peter ho AL-z yaa eee Di) ] Le tel x - ONIN NLS ELOY Pe YIN, 0 Wa, macaw, “Or WN RU AN oan ie Sie : ‘agian AeA wih) as x4 i Ne a Boe Me: Gy 4 WN JHRichard dei 3 * Sir ; i Hoffman, Knickerbocker &Co.Albany,.N.Y. Lith. RM 5 fetzeroth sc. ™ . : * ‘ 4 , t : ef ‘ : Lhe ce . >> : 7 . + = ’ Be > ard > oi " * - ‘ ~ yah ‘ ie ' Su wv " . ’ 4 ) ui re + e784 rite row , 4 iv PERT bas 4 > ah 2hiK? § judge 2 ia ¥ Z tint v : , * ' or 4 ¥ A Rls Sir ped : \ ; ee) ’ : i . “a4 54 “id 5 Th te the ae: U i 2s) m8} ee Fay t ; re ged eee ies » er tot A. seote le ng ow Ail iby tyse ovlave sf ae Dove OP Sir ag tLe » (eee mae Ves. 08 7 om _eWAe Siem ‘32 ¢ % -- w ‘ ot 5. a: ary - Pies pre pe . » : ; fa Tee? tata? ote Aw at BC eM i igheey wh awode yiieis FL aa ee be sts wee 4 5 ~ ¢ me A . . ee Pe ; sree atta dure Spar ous eee ae tie ; Y BOD GUD | CABO 405° Mee y © ' ver ¥ 4 Sei iebibAirurd eetilemt nate ab O6d8--( My acrid) fatgaty we) ees eee Ne ett. St ; : ie Woihg anual Us? sett ah Renee ye Mag welh, Aes hala Pant 08 Wn) pe lrned JIA PAG ART ¥ ae ae ats Salt 4 $ 1 ’ "od A : a , ces Yet Rea VAT WEEE Lda 207% ‘ rf an tagged WE Woo!) satysd Bock’ ee BRAT hy i Perf ae -_ ING; 2. REPORT ON BIRDS COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY. BY 8S. F. BAIRD. BUTEO SWAINSONI, Bonaparte. (p. 19.)!—Swainson’s Buzzard. Prates XIT anp XIII. Buteo swainsoni, Bonar. Comp. List, p- 3, (1838.) Buteo vulgaris, Rion. & Sw. Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, p. 47. There are few results of any of the expeditions more interesting than the discovery by Captain Beckwith’s party that this hawk was abundant in the Rocky mountains. The species first figured and described by Richardson and Swainson as the common buzzard of Europe had been variously identified by American authors, but most agreed in supposing it to be the young bird of the western red-tailed hawk, now known as Buteo montanus. That such is not the fact, however, is clearly shown by Captain Beckwith’s collection, in which are three good specimens, all differing from each other, and one of them exactly in the plumage figured in the Fauna Boreali-Americana, as quoted above. 8540. Cochetope Pass. Iris grayish brown (24.)—8539 do. same locality. Iris whitish 25.—8541. San Luis valley, 13. Iris whitish. BUTEO CALURUS, Cassin, (p. 22.)—Red-tailed Black Hawk. Prats XIV. Buteo calurus, Cassin, Proc. Acad. Philad. VII, 1855, 281. Similar in general form to Buteo vulgaris and Buteo augur. Bill rather strong; edges of the upper mandible with distinct rounded lobes ; wings long, fourth and fifth quills longest; tail moderate, or rather short; tarsi feathered in front for nearly half their length; naked behind, naked portion in front haying about ten transverse scales; claws large, strong, fully curyed. Tail bright rufous above, white at base, with about eight to ten irregular and imperfect narrow bands and one wide sub- terminal band of brownish black, and narrowly tipped with reddish white; beneath silky reddish white. Entire plumage above and below brownish black, deeper and clearer on the back and abdomen, and paler on the throat and breast. Plumage of the upper parts with concealed transverse bands of white at the base of the feathers; and of the under parts with circular spots and transverse bands of the same also at the base of the feathers; quills brownish black, with a large portion of their inner webs white, banded and mottled with pale ashy brown; under tail coverts transversely barred with brownish black and pale rufous. Total length, female about 21 inches; wing 16}, tail 9 inches. Male rather smaller. Not rare in the Rocky mountains. BUTEO OXYPTERUS, Cassin, (p. 30.) PLate XY. This species is about the size of Buteo pennsylvanicus, but the wings and legs are much longer. The inner webs of the quills are dark cinereous, their inferior surfaces of a bronzed or silky 1 The number in parentheses after the scientific name refers to the page of the General Report on Birds, Pacific Railroad Survey, vol. ix, where the species is described in detail. 12 ZOOLOGY. olive lustre. Length about 16 inches; wing 133. The only specimen known at present was collected not far from Fort Fillmore by Dr. T. C. Henry. BUTEO MONTANUS, Nuttall, (p. 26.)—The Western Red-tailed Hawk. Buteo montanus, Nort. Manual Orn. U. S. I, 112, (1840.) Adult female —Throat and neck before dark brown mixed with white; the brown color more extended, and, with the abdomen, tibiae, and under tail coverts, much more tinged with rufous than in B. borealis. Tibie distinctly barred transversely with rufous. Size rather larger. General appearance similar to Buteo borealis, but rather larger, and with the wings longer; throat and neck before brown; breast and abdomen white, with a very pale fulvous or rufous tinge; sides with numerous narrow lanceolate and oblong spots of dark brown and rufous; abdomen with a broad transverse band composed of spots of the same description. Tibial feathers pale rufous, with numerous transverse bands of a darker shade of the same color. Under wing coverts pale yellowish white, with brown spots. Tail above bright rufous narrowly tipped with white, with a subterminal band of black, and a few indications of transverse stripes near the shafts of the feathers. Upper parts of the body dark umber brown, with partially concealed ashy white and pale fulyous spots and transverse bands, especially on the scapulars and shorter quills. Upper tail coyerts reddish white, with transverse bands of dark brown. Bill dark bluish; tarsi and toes yellow. This species can only be distinguished from B. borealis by its larger size, the greater extent of the dark color of the throat, and the prevalence of the rufous color of the abdomen and tibize. In some specimens, however, the abdomen is nearly pure white. Another plumage of this bird, apparently adult, of both sexes, is as follows, and is the most easily recognized of any stage: Adult male and female —Like the preceding, but with the under parts pale rufous, lighter on the breast, some feathers, especially on the abdomen, haying longitudinal lines and spots of dark brown. Tibic rufous, with transverse bars of a darker shade of the same color. ‘Tail bright rufous; tip paler, with a subterminal band of black. This second plumage, described above, we have never seen in Buteo borealis. Sangre del Christo Pass. (6.) Iris whitish. CIRCUS HUDSONIUS, Linneus, (p. 38.)—The Marsh Hawk. Falco hudsonius, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 128, (1766.) Adult.—Form rather long and slender; tarsi long; ruff quite distinct on the neck in front. Entire upper parts, head, and breast, pale bluish cinereous; on the back of the head mixed with dark fulyous; upper tail coverts white. Under parts white, with small cordate or hastate spots of light ferruginous; quills brownish black, with their outer webs tinged with ashy, and a large portion of their inner webs white; tail light cinereous, nearly white on the inner webs of the feathers, and with obscure transverse bands of brown; under surface silky white; under wing coverts white. Younger.—Entire upper parts dull umber brown, many feathers edged with dull rufous, especially on the neck; under parts dull reddish white, with longitudinal stripes of brown, most numerous on the throat and neck before; tibie tinged with reddish; upper tail coverts white. Young.—Entire upper parts dark umber brown; upper tail coverts white. Under parts rufous, with longitudinal stripes of brown on the breast and sides; tail reddish brown, with about three wide bands of dark fulvous, paler on the inner webs. Tarsi and toes yellow. Total length, female, 19 to 21 inches; wing 15}, tail 10 inches. Male, total length 16 to 18 inches; wing 144, tail 8} to 9 inches, 6859. Rocky mountains. (4.)—Desert between White river and San Rafael creek, Utah. (28.) TINNUNCULUS SPARVERIUS, Vieill. (p. 13.)—Sparrow Hawk. Falco sparverius, Lixn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, (128.) No, 8519. Cochetope Pass. OTUS WILSONIANUS, Lesson, (p. 53.)—The Long-eared Owl. Olus wilsonianus, Lesson, Traite d’Orn. I, p. 110. (1831.) Sr. Cu.—Ear tufts long and conspicuous; eyes rather small; wings long; tarsi and toes densely feathered. Upper parts mottled with brownish black, fulyous, and ashy white; the former predominating. Breast pale fulvous, with longitudinal stripes of brownish black; abdomen white ; every feather with a wide longitudinal stripe, and with transverse stripes of brownish black; BIRDS. UG legs and toes pale fulvous, usually unspotted, but frequently with irregular narrow transverse stripes of dark brown. Eye nearly encircled with black; other feathers of the face ashy white, with minute lines of black; ear tufts brownish black, edged with fulvous and ashy white ; quills pale fulvous at their bases, with irregular transverse bands of brown; inferior coverts of the wing pale fulvous, frequently nearly white; the larger widely tipped with black; tail brown, with several irregular transverse bands of ashy fulvous, which are mottled as on the quills; bill and claws dark ; irides yellow. Total length, female, about fifteen inches; wing 11 to 114; tail 6 inches. Male, rather smaller. No. 9144. Cochetope Pass. (23.) No. 9145. Rio Grande valley. (23.) ATHENE CUNICULARIA, Molina, (p. 60.)—Burrowing Owl. Strix cunicularia, Motina, Sagg. Stor. Nat. Chili, (1782.) Sp. Cu.—Resembling A. hypugaea, but larger; tarsus longer, and more fully feathered in front to the toes. Adult.—Upper parts light ashy brown, with large spots of dull white enclosed in edgings of brownish black. Throat white; a transverse band of brownish black and reddish white feathers across the neck in front, succeeded by a large patch of white. Breast light brown, with large spots of white like the upper parts; abdomen yellowish white, with hastate or crescent-shaped spots of reddish brown disposed to form transverse bands; under tail coverts, tibize, and tarsus, and under wing coverts, yellowish white; quills and tail light brown, with spots of reddish white, edged (the spots) with brownish black ; tail with about six trans- _ verse bands or pairs of spots of reddish white, enclosed or edged with dark brown. No. 9168. Uncompagre river, Utah. (27.) Iris greenish yellow. CHORDEILES HENRYI, Cassin, (p. 153.)—Western Night-Hawk. Puate XVII. Chordeiles henryi, Cassin, Illustrations, I, Jan. 1855, 233. Sp. Co.—Female similar to C. virginianus, but the upper parts much more mottled and more rufous. The males lighter, 6698. Rio Grande valley. (10.) SIALIA ARCTICA, Swainson, (p. 224.)—Arctic Bluebird. PLATE XXXY. Erythaca arctica, Rion. & Sw., F. B. A. II, 1831, 209; pl. xxxix. Sp. Cu.—Entirely blue; paler beneath; the belly and under tail coverts white. No. 7606.- Cochetope Pass, (20.) ‘EREMOPHILA CORNUTA, Boie, (p. 403.)—Sky Lark. Puate XXXII. The figure on the plate is taken from a specimen collected in Utah Territory by Captain Stansbury, (No. 3702,) and supposed at one time to be the Ofocoris occidentalis of Colonel McCall. A subsequent examination of a large series of western specimens rendered it very doubtful whether there is really any such species, as distinguished by a white chin and throat from the Eremophila cornuta, XANTHOCEPHALUS ICTEROCEPHALUS, Baird, (p. 531.)— Yellow-headed Blackbird. Icterus icterocephalus, Bonar. Am, Orn. I, 1825, 27; pl. iii. Sp. Cu.—First quill nearly as long as the second and third, (longest,) decidedly longer than the third. Tail rounded, or slightly graduated. General color black, including the inner surface of wings and axillaries, base of lower mandible all round, feathers adjacent to nostrils, lores, upper eyelids, and remaining space around the eye. The head and neck all round, the fore part of the breast, extending some distance down on the median line, and a somewhat hidden space around the anus, yellow. A conspicuous white patch at the base of the wing formed by the spurious feathers, interrupted by the black alula. 14 ZOOLOGY. Female smaller, browner; the yellow confined to the under parts and sides of the head, and a superciliary line. A dusky maxillary line. No white on the wing. Length of male, 10.00 inehes; wing, 5.60; tail, 4.50. No. 8554. Sawatch Pass, (15.) CORVUS CARNIVORUS, Bartram, (p. 560.)—American Raven. Corvus carnivorus, Bartram, Travels in BE. Florida, 1793, 290. Sp. Ca.—Fourth quill longest; third and fifth about equal; second between fifth and sixth; first nearly equal to the eighth. Length about 24 or 25 inches; extent, 50 to 51; wing, about 17; tail, 10. Tail moderately graduated; the outer about 1.60 to 1.90 of an inch less than the middle. Entirely glossy black, with violet reflections. Hab.—-Entire continent of North America. Rare east of the Mississippi. No. 6857. Between White river and San Rafael, Utah, (29.) PICA HUDSONICA, Bonap. (p. 576.)—Magpie. Corcus hudsonica, Jos. Sanine, App. Narr. Franklin’s Journey, 1823, 25, 671. Se. Cu.—-Bill and naked skin behind the eye, biack. General color black. The belly, scapulars, and inner webs of the primaries white; hind part of back grayish; exposed portion of the tail feathers glossy green, tinged with purple and violet near the end; wings glossed with green; the secondaries and tertials with blue; throat feathers spotted with white. Length, 19.00 ; wing, 8.50; tail, 11.00. 8481. Utah creek, near Fort Massachusetts, (7.)—7100, Cochetope Pass, (14.) PERISOREUS CANADENSIS, Bonap. (p. 590.)—Canada Jay. Corvus canadensis, Lixn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 158. Sr Cu.—Tail graduated; lateral feathers about one inch shortest. Wings a little shorter than the tail. Head and neck, and fore part of breast white. A plumbeous brown nuchal patch, becoming darker behind, from the middle of the crown to the back, from which it is separated by an interrupted whitish collar. Rest of upper parts ashy plumbeous; the outer primaries margined, the secondaries, tertials, and tail feathers obscurely tippcd with white. Beneath smoky gray. Crissum whitish. Bill and feet black. Length, 10.70; wing, 5.75; tail, 6.00; tarsus, 1.40. No. 8452. Sangre del Christo Pass, Utah, (5.) CENTROCERCUS UROPHASIANUS, Swainson, (p. 624.)—Sage Cock; Cock of the Plains. Sp. Cu.—Tail feathers twenty. Above varied with black, brown, and brownish yellow; coverts having all the feathers streaked with the latter. Beneath black; the breast white; the upper feathers with spiny shafts; the lower streaked with black; tail coverts with white tips; the sides also with much white. Length, 29; wing, 11.30; tail, 1150. No. 10023. Cochetope Pass, (21.)—Iris grayish white. GRUS CANADENSIS, Temm. (p. 655.)—Sand-hill Crane; Brown Crane. Ardea canadensis, Linn. Syst. Nat I, 1766, 234, No. 3. Sr. Cu.—Bill compressed. Lower mandible not as deep towards the tip as the upper. Gonys_nearly straight, in the same line with the basal portion of bill. Commissure decidedly curving from beyond the middle to”the tip, where it is even, not crenated. Color bluish gray; the primaries and spurious quills dark plumbeous brown; the shafts white. Cheeks and chin whitish. Entire top of head (bounded inferiorly by a line from commissure along the lower eyelid) bare of feathers, warty and granulated, thinly beset with short scattered black hairs. Feathers of occiput advancing forward in an obtuse angle, the grey feathers along this point, and over the auricular region, tinged with plumbeous. Length, 48; wing, 22; tarsus, 10; commissure, 6. No. 9394. Rio Grande valley, (No. 12.) BIRDS. 15 SYMPHEMIA SEMIPALMATA, Hartlaub, (p. 729.)—Willet. Scolopax semipalmatus, Guertin, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 659. Sp. Co.—The largest American species of this genus. Bill longer than the head, straight, rather thick, and strong; groove in the upper mandible extending about half its length, in the lower mandible nearly obsolete; wings long; legs long, strong ; toes moderate, united at base by membranes, the larger of which unites the outer and middle toe; hind toe small; tail short. Adult, Entire upper parts dark ash colvr, (without spots;) the shafts of the feathers brownish black; rump and upper tail coverts white. Under parts white, tinged with ashy on the neck and sides; axillaries and under wing coverts brownish black ; primary quills white at base, and tipped with brownish black ; secondaries white, spotted with brownish black; tail ashy white, the two middle feathers strongly tinged with ashy; others spotted with dark ashy brown. Bill dark bluish brown, lighter at base; legs light blue. Ycunger. Entire plumage spotted, and transversely banded with brownish black. Total length about 15 inches; wing, &4; tail, 34; bill about 24; tarsus about 24 inches. No. 9818. Great Basin, Utah. NUMENIUS LONGIROSTRIS, Wilson, (p. 743.)—Long-billed Curlew. Sp. Cu.—The largest American species of this genus. Bill very long, much curved; upper mandible longer than the under, somewhat knobbed at the tip; wing rather long; legs moderate; toes united at base. Entire upper parts pale rufous, tinged with ashy; every feather with transverse and confluent bands of brownish black, most numerous and predominating on the back and scapulars; secondary quills, under wing coverts, and axillaries, bright rufous ; primaries with their outer webs brownish black and their inner webs rufous, with transverse bands of black. Under parts pale rufous, with longitudinal lines of black on the neck and sides ; tail rufous, tinged with ashy, transversely barred with brownish black Bill brownish black; base of under mandible reddish yellow; legs bluish brown. Specimens vary to some extent in the shade of the rufous color of the plumage, and very much in the length of the bill. The rufous color is probably more distinct in the young. Total length about 25 inches ; wing, 10 to 11; tail, 4; bill, 5 to 8; tarsus, 24 inches. Great Salt Lake, May 15, 1854. (No. 2.) FULICA AMERICANA, Gmelin, (p. 751.)—Coot; Poule d’Eau; Mud Hen. Fulica americana, Gu., Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 704. Sp. Cu.—Head and neck glossy black, with a tinge of ashy; under tail coverts white. Entire other plumage dark bluish cinereous or slate color, with a tinge of olive on the back and darker on the rump. Edge of wing at shoulder and edge of first primary white; secondary quills tipped with white; rump frequently tinged with brownish. Bill very pale yellow or nearly white, with a transverse band of brownish black near the end; tip white; legs dull grayish green. Female similar, but with the tints lighter. Young like the adult, but with the under parts lighter; abdomen frequently ashy white; back and rump dark olive brown ; head and neck lighter. Total length about 14 inches; wing, 7; tail, 2 inches. 9984, Great Salt Lake City. CYGNUS AMERICANUS, Sharpless, (p. 758.)—American Swan. Cygnus americanus, Saanrcess, Doughty’s Cab. N. H. I, 1839, 185, pl. xvi. Spr. Cu.—Bill as long as the head, broad, high at the base; the feathers ending on the forehead in a semicircular outline. Nostrils far forward, the anterior extremity considerably more forward than half the commissure. Tail of 20 feathers. Adult pure white; bill and legs black; the former with an orange or yellowish spot in front of the eye. Less mature specimens with the head above tinged with reddish brown. Length, 55 inches; wing, 22.00; tarsus, 4.25; bill above, 4. 20. Hab.—Continent of North America. 9978. Salt Lake City. ANAS BOSCHAS, L. (p. 774.)—Mallard. Anas boschas, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 205. Sp. Cu.—WMale. Head and neck bright grass green, with violet gloss, the top of the head duller; a white ring round the middle of the neck, below which and on the fore part and sides of the breast the color is dark brownish chestnut. Under parts 16 ZOOLOGY. and sides, with the scapulars, pale gray, very finely undulated with dusky; the outer scapulars with a brownish tinge. Fore part of back reddish brown; posterior more olivaceous. Crissum and upper tail coverts black, the latter with a blue gloss. Tail externally white; wing coverts brownish gray, the greater coverts tipped first with white, and then more narrowly with black. Speculum purplish violet, terminated with black; a recurved tuft of feathers on the rump. Female with the wing exactly as on the male. The under parts plain whitish ochrey, each feather obscurely blotched with dusky. Head and neck similar, spotted and streaked with dusky; the chin and throat above unspotted. Upper parts dark brown, the feathers broadly edged and banded with reddish brown parallel with the circumference. Length of male, 23; wing, 11; tarsus, 1.70; commissure of bill, 2. 50. 9699. Salt Lake City. AYTHYA AMERICANA, Bon. (p. 793.)—Red-head. Sp. Cu.—Bill as long as the head, broad, blue, the end black; the region anterior to the nostrils dusky. Head, and neck for more than half its length, brownish red, glossed above and behind with violaceous red. Rest of neck and body anterior to the shoulders, lower part of back and tail coverts black. Beneath white, sprinkled with gray and black anterior tu the crissum ; the sides, interscapulars, and scapulars finely lined with undulating black and white in nearly equal proportions, imparting a general gray tint. Wing coverts bluish gray, finely sprinkled with whitish. The speculum, consisting of the ends of the secondaries, hoary grayish blue, lightest externally, and the innermost narrowly edged externally with black. Basal portion of inner primaries somewhat similar to the speculum. Tail of fourteen feathers. Female with the head, neck, and fore part of body brownish; the region round the base of the bill whitish. Length of male, 20.50; wing, 9.50; tarsus, 1.60; commissure, 2. 30. 9787. Salt Lake City. 9786. Uncompagre river, Utah. (26.) NETTION CAROLINENSIS, Baird, (p. 777.)—Green-winged Teal. Anas carolinensis, Gmetin, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 533. Sr. Cu.—-Head and neck all round chestnut: chin black; forehead dusky. Region round the eye, continued along the side of the head as a broad stripe, rich green, passing into a bluish black patch across the nape. Under parts white, the feathers of the jugulum with rounded black spots. Lower portion of neck all round, sides of breast and body, long feathers of flanks and scapulars beautifully and finely banded closely with black and grayish white. Outer webs of some scapulars, and of outer secondaries black, the latter tipped with white; speculum broad and rich green; wing coverts plain grayish brown, the greater coverts tipped with buff. A white crescent in front of the bend of the wing; crissum black, with a triangular patch of buffy white on each side. Lower portion of the green stripe on each side of the head blackish, with a dull edge of whitish below. Female with the wings as in the male. The un?er parts white, with hidden spots on the jugulum and lower neck; above dark brown, the feathers edged with gray. Length, 14 inches; wing, 7.40; tarsus, 1.14; commissure, 1. 68. 9721. Salt Lake City. BUCEPHALA AMERICANA, Baird, (p. 796.)—Golden Eye; Whistle Wing. Clangula americana, Bonar. Comp. List, 1838.—Eyron, Mon. Anat. 1838, 167. Sr. Cu.—Bill black. Head and upper part of neck glossy green; the under surface opaque velvety purplish black. An elliptical patch along the base of upper mandible anterior to the eye, lower part of neck, under parts generally, and sides, middle and greater wing coverts, the innermost secondaries (and tertials, except the innermost three or four) white. The white on the wing is in a continuous patch, although there is a concealed black bar on the bases of the greater coverts. The inner scapulars are white, margined externally with black; posteriorly, however, they are black, streaked centrally with white. The inner scapulars and tertials, and the whole back, rump, and lesser wing coverts, are black; the primaries and tail black, with a hoary gloss. The under side of quills and lower greater coverts are plumbeous gray ; the rest of the under wing and the axillars are sooty brown. The long white feathers of the flanks are edged superiorly with black. Female with the head and neck above snuff brown, without white patch. White of wing less extended; the middle coverts only touched with white. There is a tendency to a black bar across the tips of the greater coyerts. The white of the wing sometimes well defined. Length, 18.75; wing, 8.50; tarsus, 1.50; commissure, 2, 9798. Great Salt Lake City. USPR.Rixp.& Surveys —__ 38 P39 # 41s'Parallels [ ; . , Dla. Yn rarallels DIPas === plate svi 32.4 Parallel (Bast) r . Waa? A. Exp. & Surveys __3é th 39% 415 Parallels “ae : Birds__ Plate XXXII - ’ . ‘ " b a): : ~ 7 ‘ a | i | j 7 Fad e a Sad d » eve ae Pei) a aiganer A i f lined 2 r act ; A : - fon Dp MOP SRE A Te a GF mary Ab a vl: po aoa 7 nt eS oo ae ae Ait may! Ww * Bas ot uo ; ie ea Ma INOwe3. REPORT ON REPTILES COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY. BY S. F. BAIRD. SCELOPORUS GRACIOSUS, B. & G. Sceloporus graciosus, B. & G. Pr. A. N. Se. VI, April, 1852, 69.—Is. Stansbury, Great Salt Lake, 1852, 346; pl. v, fig. I. Sceloporus gracilis, B. & G. Pr. A. N. Se. Oct. 1852, 175.—Gurarp, Herp. U. 8. Ex. Ex. 1858. 2842. Valley of Salt Lake City. ?SCELOPORUS OCCIDENTALIS, B. &. G. Sceloporus occidentalis, B. & G. Pr. A. N. Sc. VI, Oct. 1852, 175.—Girarp, Herp. U. S. Ex. Ex. 1858, 383; pl. xix, figs. 8—14. 2837. Salt Lake valley. The specimen is not in very good condition, and may possibly belong to the next species, ?SCELOPORUS LONGIPES, Baird. Sceloporus longipes, Bairp, Pr. A. N. Se. Dee. 1858. 2863. Salt Lake valley. 2863. Salt Lake. CROTAPHYTUS COLLARIS, Holbrook. Prats XXIV, Fia. 1. Agama collaris, Say, Long’s Exped. II, 1823, 252. Crotaphytus collaris, Hotproox, N. Am. Herp. IJ, 1842, 79; pl. x. 2729, 2697, 2721. Upper Arkansas to Rocky mountains. These specimens exhibit the usual variety of coloring of the species. CROTAPHYTUS WISLIZENII, B. & G. Crotaphytus wislizenti, B. & G. Pr. A. N. Sc. VI, April, 1852, 67. Crotaphytus gambelii, B & G. Pr. A. N. Sc. VI, Aug. 1852, 126. Crotaphytus fasciatus, Hattow. Pr. A. N. Se. VI, Dec. 1852, 207. 2698. Salt Lake Basin. 2695. Head of Humboldt. This species was found to be quite abundant in Utah. CALLISAURUS VENTRALIS, Baird. Homolosaurus ventralis, Haruowett, Pr. A. N. Se. VI, Oct., 1852, 179. Callisaurus ventralis, Bairv, Herp. Mex. Bound. Surv. 1859. 2803. Salt Lake Basin. This specimen is more northern in its locality than any collected by the other expeditions. 34 18 ZOOLOGY. HOLBROOKIA MACULATA, Girard. Holbrookia maculata, Girarp, Pr. Am. Assoc. IV, for 1850, 1851, 201.—Is. Stansbury’s Report, 1852, 342; pl. vi, figs. 1—3. 2657. Salt Lake Basin. This was found to be exceedingly abundant along the Arkansas, TAPAYA BREVIROSTRIS, Girard. Tupaya brevirostris, Garaxp, Herp. U. S. Ex. Ex. 1858, 397. 207. Rocky mountains, near 38°. TAPAYA DOUGLASSII, Girard. Agama douglassii, Bett, Trans. Linn. Soc. XVI, for 1828, 1833, 105. Phrynosoma douglassii, Wacirr, Natur]. Syst. Amph. 1830, 146.—Horzroox, N. Am. Herp. I, 1842, 101; pl. xiv Tapaya douglassii, Girarv, Herp. U. 8. Ex. Ex. 1858, 398; pl. xxi, figs. 1—5. 229. Utah Basin. DOLIOSAURUS PLATYRHINOS, Girard. Phrynosoma platyrhinos, Girarp, Stansbury’s Ex. 1852, 361; pl. vii, figs. 1—5. Doliosaurus platyrhinos, Girarp, Herp. U. 8. Ex. Ex. 1858, 407. 190. Salt Lake valley. CNEMIDOPHORUS TESSELATUS, Baird. Ameiva tesselata, Say, Long’s Exped. II, 1823, 50. 3026. Salt Lake Basin. The specimen collected appears more nearly referable to this long lost species of Say than to any other, although closely related to C. tigris. PLESTIODON SKILTONIANUS, B. &. G. Plestiodon skiltonianus, B. & G. Pr. A. N. Se. VI, April, 1852, 69.—Ik. Stansbury’s Report, 1852, 349; pl. iv, figs. 4—6. Lumeces quadrilineatus, Harrower, Pr. A. N. Sc. VII, June, 1854, 94. 3166. Fort Humboldt, California, This locality is more than usually eastern. PLESTIODON GUTTULATUS, Hallowell. Lamprosaurus guttulatus, Hartow. Pr. A. N. Sc. VI, Dec. 1852, 206. Plesticdon guttulatus, Hattow. Pr. A. N. Se. VII, Dec. 1857, 215. 3115. Upper Arkansas ? PLESTIODON SEPTENTRIONALIS, Baird. PuatE XXIV, Fria. 2. Plestiodon septentrionalis, Barry, Pr. A. N. Se. Dec. 1858. One post-nasal plate which does not separate the inter-nasals and post-frontals. Color above olive, with four equidistant and equal dark stripes on adjacent half rows of scales. Two narrow white lines on each side, traversing the centres of single rows, and margined above and below by black. Upper lateral light stripes separated by six rows of scales. Beneath light greenish. No. 1356; Minnesota and Nebraska, REPTILES. 19 EUTAENIA ORDINOIDKES, B. & G. Tropidonotus ordinoides, B. & G., Pr. A. N. Se. VI, 1852, 176. Eutaenia ordinoides, B. & G , Catal. N. Am. Serp 1853, 33.—Gurarp, Herp. U. 8. Ex. Ex. 1858, 153; pl. xiv. figs. 1, 4. Spec. Cxar.—The largest of the genus. Body very stout. First row of dorsal scales largest, but slightly carinated ; second much smaller, only slightly larger than the third. Caudal scales strongly carinated. A dorsal and two lateral stripes. Lateral stripe on the second and third rows. Two series of black spots on each side, with the interval reddish brown; these, in large specimens, are usually confluent, forming two distinct black stripes, separated by a well defined reddish one. First row of scales below the lateral stripe, greenish, slightly darker than the abdomen. Abdomen uniform greenish; dorsal rows, 19.—(Kin- NICOTT. ) No. 889. Between Salt Lake and California. Lt. Beckwith. EUTAENIA VAGRANS. B.& G. Pruate XVII. Eutaenia vagrans, B. & G. Catal. N. Am. Serp. 1853, 35. Girard, Herp. U. S. Ex. Ex. 1858, 154; pl. xiv, figs. 5—10. Spec. Coar.—Head large and high, eight labials above; sixth and seventh very large, higher than wide, the sixth extending above the leyel of the lower edge of the eye; the seventh much larger than the fifth. Light olive brown above, with two series of black spots on each side, the upper of which encroaches upon the dorsal stripe, constricting it at regular intervals, while the lower encroaches upon the indistinct lateral stripe. Lateral stripe on second and third rows; dorsal rows, 21.—(Kennicorr. ) No. 919. Camp of May 17, 921, 922, 923. Utah. Lt. Beckwith. NERODIA ERYTHROGASTER, B. & G. Pratt XVIII. Coluber erythrogaster, SHaw, Gen. Zool. II, 1804, 458. Tropidonotus erythrogaster, Horsrook, N. Am. Herp III, 1842, 33; pl. viii. Nerodia erythrogaster, B & G. Catal. N. Am. Serp. 1853, 41. Speco. Cuar.—Head small, elongated, narrowing forwards; occipital region flattened. Vertical plate pentagonal, very large, as are also the occipitals. Three post-orbitals. An elevated loral. Dorsal rows of scales, 23 in number, all very strongly cari- nated. Uniform dark bluish black above, lighter on the sides; external band of dull blue extending on the abdominal scutelli. Body beneath uniform dull coppery yellow, sometimes with the anterior edge of each scutelle bluish. No distinct spots on the abdomen as in NV. sipedon. Indications of three series of dorsal blotches, as in N. Woodhousii, in young specimens. No. 1320. Cedar creek, Arkansas. Lt. Beckwith. HETERODON NASICUS, B. & G. Heterodon nasicus, B. & G. Stansbury’s Report Salt Lake, 1852, 352.—In. Catal. N. Am. Serp. 1853, 61. Spec. Cuar.—Vertical broader than long. Rostral excessively broad and high. Azygos plate surrounded behind and on the sides by many small plates (12-15.) A second loral. Labials short and excessively high. Dorsal rows of scales 23, exterior alone smooth. A dorsal series of about 50 blotches, with four or five others on each side. Body beneath black. A narrow white line across the middle of the superciliaries ; a second behind the rostral. A broad dark patch from the eye to the angle of the mouth, crossing the last two labials. No. 1263. Rocky Mountains. Lt. Beckwith. PITYOPHIS BELLONA, B. & G. Churchillia bellona, B. & G., Stansbury’s Report, 1852, 350. Pituophis bellona, B. & G., Catal. N. Am. Serp., 1853, 66. Pituophis affinis, Hattowext, Pr. A. N. Se. VI, 1852, 181. Spec. CHar.—Head broad behind, tapering to the snout. Snout rather pointed but less so than in P. sayi, elevated. Crown flattened between the eyes and posteriorly. Vertical plate broad anteriorly, elongated and narrow posteriorly. Auti-orbitals 25 20 ZOOLOGY. soinetimes 1; post-orbitals 3 or 4, Frequently a supplemental plate before the vertical. Dorsal rows of scales 29 to 35, the seven outer rows smooth. Head spotted with black; transverse frontal bar from one orbit to the other, well marked; the oblique post-orbital stripe rather narrow. Color of the body whitish yellow; a dorsal series of 45—65 subquadrate blotches from head to anus, transversely elongated posteriorly; 3 or 4 smaller series on each side. The lateral blotches longitudinally elongated near the head; vertically elongated posteriorly, where they form a series of jet black vertical bars. Ten or fifteen transverse black bands on the tail. Abdomen yellow with an external series of black spots on each side.—(Kennsicort. ) Nos. 1547—1522. Lt. Beckwith. MASTICOPHIS TAENIATUS, B. & G. Prats XXIII. Leptophis taeniata, Hatuowe tn, Pr. A. N. Se. VI, 1852, 181. Masticophis taeniatus, B. & G., Catal. Serp., 1853, 103. A broad brown dorsal stripe margined by a darker line. The four outer rows of scales on each side yellow, with a dark line through the centre of each. A dark line along the edge of the abdomen, making six dark lines on each side. Beneath yellowish. Dorsal rows 15, tail about one-third the total length. 1984, 1980. Utah. Lt. Beckwith. BUFO WOODHOUSII, Girard. Bufo dorsalis, Hartow, Pr. A. N. Se., VI, 1852, 181.—In. Sitgreaves Rep., 1853, 142; pl. xix. Bufo woodhousii, Ginarp, Pr. A. N. Se., VII, May, 1854, 86. Sp. Cu.—Head short and thick; upper central surface but little depressed, not to say grooved; the suborbital ridge being slightly elevated. The occipito-temporal ridge is thicker, and hence a little more conspicuous. Snout rounded, nostrils terminal. Mouth wide, upper jaw emarginated. Tympanum and parotids of moderate size. Limbs rather short and stout. First finger much longer than the second. A large metacarpal disk. Toes semipalmated. Two metatarsal tubercles, a very large and a very small one. No membranous fold at the inner lower edge of the tarsus. Papille of medium size upon the back. Inferior surface, with rather small and crowded granular warts. Above dark brown, with numerous lines of yellow. A dorsal yellowish vitta running the whole length of the body. Transverse blotches of black upon the thighs and fore arms. Beneath ochraceus.— (GiraRp. ) 2641. Upper Arkansas. Captain Beckwith. AMBLYSTOMA MAVORTIUM, Baird. Ambyostoma mavortium, Bairp, J. A. N. Se., 2d series, I, October, 1849, 28. 4062. Rocky mountains. Captain Beckwith. SIREDON LICHENOIDES, Baird. Siredon lichenoides, Batrv, Pr. A. N. Sc., pl. vi, April , 1852, 68.—Is. Stansbury’s Report, 1852, 336; pl. i. 4076. Rocky mountains. Captain Beckwith. abet ry I HRichard del Saw e, LS - H Richard del i ey PRARSAAR RC TG ce WARE RAUNT, 4 eee << palates ast I gtk ww ems aT renee v3 4 ‘ee Ma 14403 ¥ ayy Aisa . ys yyy Y. y oN: \s ie x *, Ke oy y. PRR ¥ y ae ye yyy ay) yy meee, yyy RX KR) ORY rae » Y ony X, * is *, i ptatats x yy Wy xy y XX. ry ne ao? \@ 4 \ ide - te *.. a r at No. 4. REPORT ON FISHES COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY. BY CHARLES GIRARD, M. D. 1. BRYTTUS HUMILIS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 21. Prats VII, Fies. 9—24. Spero. Cxar.—Body sub-ellipitical. Nape convex, and snout sub-conical. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending beyond the anterior rim of the orbit. Insertion of the ventral situated posteriorly to the base of pectorals, and a little in advance of the origin of the dorsal, their tips overlapping the vent. Scales large. Reddish brown or dusky, maculated. Fins unicolor; dorsals sometimes blotched. 429. Cottonwood creek, Utah. Mr. Kreuzfeld. 2, AMBLODON GRUNNIENS, Rafin.—Buffalo Perch, Grunting Perch, &. & Gen. Rep. 96. Puate XXIII. Spec. Cuar.—Profile of head depressed on the nape. Snout thick, blunt, and short. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line intersecting the anterior rim of the pupil. Extremities of pectorals almost even with the tips of ventrals, or else projecting slightly beyond them. First anal spine diminutive; second one stout and well developed. Caudal fin posteriorly convex. Color bluish-grey, lighter beneath than above. Fins greyish-olive; anal maculated. 483. St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Geo. Engelmann. 3. PTYCHOSTOMUS HAYDENI, Grd. Gen. Rep. 220. Puatz XLIX, Fies. 1—4. Spec. Cuar.—Body sub-fusiform. Head contained five times and a half in the total length. Eye sub-circular, moderate sized; its diameter entering five times in the length of the side of the head Dorsal fin higher than long; its anterior margin being much nearer the tip of the snout than the insertion of the caudal The latter is furcated. Insertion of ventral fins situated opposite the middle of the dorsal. Anal much deeper than broad. Pectoral moderate sized. Scales longer than deep, furrowed upon their anterior and posterior sections. 172. Yellowstone river. Dr. F. V. Hayden. 4, ACOMUS GENEROSUS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 222. Spec. Cuar.—Head constituting the fifth of the total length ; mouth moderate sized; lips rather small, covered with uniform granules. Eye small, sub-circular; its diameter entering five times in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin equidistant between the extremity of the snout and the insertion of the caudal. Extremities of ventrals not reaching the vent; their origin taking place under the posterior third of the dorsal. Olivaceous above, blotched with blackish ; yellowish olive beneath. Fins unicolor. 256. Cottonwood creek, Utah. Mr. Kreuzfeld. 22 ZOOLOGY. 5. ACOMUS GRISEUS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 222.—Puiate XLIX, Fries. 5—9. Spec Cuar.—Head constituting the fifth of the entire length. Mouth moderate sized. Granules of lower lip largest close to the mouth. Eye small, sub-elliptical; its longitudinal diameter entering about seven times in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin equidistant between the extremity of the snout and the insertion of the caudal. Extremities of ventrals not reaching the vent; their origin taking place under the posterior third of the dorsal. Greyish brown above; whitish or yellowish beneath. 259. Sweet water, tributary of Platte river, Nebraska. J.S. Bowman. 6. PIMEPHALES MACULOSUS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 234. Spec. Cuar.—Body rather short, deep, and compressed; greatest depth equal to one-fourth of the total length, whilst the head constitutes the fifth part of it. Eye moderate and circular; its diameter entering four times in the length of the side of the head. Angle of the mouth not extending as far as a vertical line drawn in advance of the orbit. Extremities of ventrals overlapping the vent, and reaching the anterior margin of the anal. Scales much deeper than long, and larger on the pedancle of the tail than anteriorly. Yellowish brown with black blotches. 153. Sluice of Arkansas river. Mr. Kreuzfeld. 7. HYBOGNATHUS PLACITUS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 236. Spec. Cuar.—Body sub-fusiform in profile. Head sub-conical, contained about five times and a half in the total length. Eye moderate sized, sub-circular. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the extremity of the snout than the base of the caudal, whilst the insertion of the ventrals is nearly equidistant between the same points. Scales anteriorly rounded. Greyish brown above, silvery on the flanks, and dull metallic white beneath. 89. Sluice of Arkansas river near Fort Makee. Mr. Kreuzfeld. 8. HYBOGNATHUS EVANSI, Grd. ; Gen. Rep. 236. Spec. Cuar.—Body sub-fusiform in profile. Head sub-conical, thickish, contained about five times in the total length. Eye moderate sized, sub-circular. Anterior margin of dorsal fin equidistant between the extremity of the snout and the base of the caudal. Insertion of ventrals being situated posteriorly to the anterior margin of the dorsal, is therefore nearer the base of the caudal than the extremity of the snout. Caudal fin constituting the fifth of the total length. Scales anteriorly truncated. Reddish brown above; silvery on the flanks and beneath. 90. Sweetwater, tributary of Platte river. J.S. Bowman. 9. ALGANSEA OBESA, Grd. Gen. Rep. 239. Spec. Cuar.—Head contained four times and a half in the total length. Eye rather small; its diameter entering nearly six times in the length of the side of the head. Posterior extremity of the maxillar bone corresponding to a vertical line drawn behind the nostrils. Anterior margin of the dorsal fin nearer the insertion of the caudal than the extremity of the snout. Insertion of ventrals nearer the base of the caudal than the extremity of the snout. Scales moderate. Bluish grey above; yellowish beneath; sides greyish. Fins greyish olive. 193. Humboldt river. J.S. Bowman.—194. ?. Mr. Kreuzfeld. : FI-HES. 23 10. LAVINIA EXILICAUDA, B. & G. Gen. Rep. 241.—Puiate LIV, Fras. 1—4. Spero Cuar.—Body very compressed, quite deep upon its middle; peduncle of tail rather slender. Head small; eye moderate; posterior extremity of maxillary vot reaching the anterior rim of the orbit. Isthmus small. Insertion of ventral fins situated in advance of the anterior margin of the dorsal. Pectorals rather small Caudal deeply fureated. Reddish brown above, silvery grey on the sides, the scales being minutely dotted upon their margin. Beneath yellowish. 207. Sacramento river, California. Dr. A. L. Heermann. 11, ARGYREUS DULCIS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 243.—Puate LIV, Fras. 5—8. Srrc. Cuar.—Head well developed, constituting the fourth of the length, caudal fin excluded. Mouth large, and barbel conspicuous; lips fleshy. Eye small, sub-circular, its diameter entering six times in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin equidistant between the extremity of the snout and the tip of the middle rays of the caudal. Insertion of ventral fins somewhat nearer the angle of the mouth than the base of the caudal. Color greyish yellow above; yellowish white beneath ; sides sprinkled with an indistinct silvery band. 53. Cottonwood creek, Utah. Mr. Kreuzfeld. 12. POGONICHTHYS INAEQUILOBUS, B. & G. Gun. Rep. 245.—Puate LVI, Fras. 1—4. Spec. Cuar.—Head forming a little less than the fifth of the total length; snout rounded, sub-conical, thickish; gape of mouth nearly horizontal; lower jaw shorter than the npper. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone scarcely even with a vertical line drawn in front of the orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal fin somewhat nearer the extremity of the snout than the insertion of the caudal. Insertion of ventrals placed posteriorly to the anterior margin of the dorsal; their origin being nearly equidistant between the extremity of the snout and the base of the caudal. Lobes of the caudal fin unequally developed; upper one the longest. Greyish brown above; yellowish beneath. 182. Sacramento river, California. Dr. A. L. Heermann. 13. NOCOMIS NEBRASCENSIS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 254, Spec. Cuar.—Head contained four times and a half in the total length. Posterior extremity of maxillary even with a vertical line drawn behind the nostrils. Eye sub-circular; its diameter entering five times in the length of the side of the head. Body stoutish and compressed, covered with large scales. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the insertion of the caudal than the extremity of the snout. Dorsal and anal fins deeper than long. Caudal fin constituting the fifth of the length. Tip of ventrals overlapping the vent, although not reaching the anal fin. Reddish brown above, golden yellow beneath. 48. Sweetwater, tributary of Platte river. J.S. Bowman. 14. EXOGLOSSUM MIRABILE, Grd. Grn. Rep, 256.—Piate LVI, Fras. 5—8. Spec. Cuar.—Head sub-conical, blunt, and constituting the sixth of the total length. Mouth small; posterior extremity of maxillar bone even with a vertical line drawn across the nostrils. Eye sub-circular; its diameter entering four times in the . length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal much nearer the extremity of the snout than the base of the caudal. Insertion of ventrals placed somewhat posteriorly to the anterior margin of the dorsal, their tip nearly reaching the vent. Reddish brown above; middle of flank with a silvery band; beneath light reddish. 47. Arkansas river, near Fort Smith. Dr. Geo. G. Shumard. 24 ZOOLOGY. 15. CYPRINELLA GUNNISONI, Grd. Gen. Rep. 267. Spec. Cuan.—Body short, rather deep; back somewhat arched. Peduncle of tail of moderate development. Head con- stituting less than the fifth of the total length. Eye moderate sized ; its diameter entering three times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone reaching a vertical line drawn near the anterior rim of the orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal fin equidistant between the tip of the snout and the fork of the caudal. Origin of ventrals situated in advance of the dorsal. Pectorals and ventrals rather small. Reddish brown, lighter beneath than above. Fins unicolor. 139 Cottonwood creek, Utah. Mr. Kreuzfeld. 16. CYPRINELLA BECKWITHI, Grd. GEN. Rep. 267. Spec. Cuar.—Body short, rather deep; back somewhat arched. Peduncle of tail slender. Head contained four times and a half in the total length. Eye moderate sized; its diameter entering four times in the length of the side of the head. Gape of the mouth somewhat oblique. Posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn in front of the orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal fin somewhat nearer the insertion of the caudal than the tip of the snout. Origin of ventrals situated somewhat in advance of the dorsal. Pectorals slender, larger than the ventrals. Greyish brown above, orange red beneath Fins unicolor. 135. Sluice of Arkansas river, near Fort Makee. Mr. Kreuzfeld. 17. CYPRINELLA LUGUBRIS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 271. Srec. Cuar.—Body elongated, sub-fusiform. Peduncle of the tail rather slender. Head contained four times and a half in the total length. Eye large; its diameter entering three times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Snout sub- conical; gape of the mouth oblique; posterior extremity of the maxillary corresponding to a yertical line drawn at the anterior rim of the orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the tip of the snout than the insertion of the caudal. Origin of the ventrals situated opposite the anterior edge of the dorsal. Pectorals and ventrals rather small. Dark brown above; sides and abdomen silvery.white. Fins unicolor. 141, Cottonwood creek, Utah. Mr. Kreuzfeld. 18. CYPRINELLA LUDIBUNDA, Grd. Gen. Rep. 271. Spec. Cuar.—Body elongated, sub-fusiform. Peduncle of the tail rather slender. Head constituting the fifth of the total length. Hye large; its diameter entering about three times in the length of the side of the head. Snout sub-conical; gape of the mouth nearly horizontal; posterior extremity of maxillar bone corresponding to a vertical line drawn behind the nostrils, Anterior margin of dorsal fin equidistant between the insertion of the caudal and the tip of the snout. Origin of ventrals situated somewhat in advance of the anterior edge of the dorsal. Pectorals and ventrals of moderate development. Reddish brown; middle of the flanks silvery; lateral line marked with black dots. 132. Cottonwood creek, Utah. Mr. Kreuzfeld. 19. MONIANA TRISTIS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 277. Spec. Cuar.—Body elongated, sub-fusiform. Peduncle of tail long and slender. Head constituting the fifth of the length. Snout rounded and rather abbreviated; jaws equal. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn bebind the nostrils. Eye large and circular; its diameter entering about three times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin somewhat nearer the extremity of the snout than the insertion of the caudal. Vertical fins well developed. Reddish brown, lighter beneath than above, with a lateral dark streak. 93. Mr. Kreuzfeld. OF FISHES, ao 20. SEMOTILUS SPECIOSUS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 283.—Prate LXI, Fires. 11—15. Srro. Coar.—Body elongated, sub-fusiform in its outlines. Head constituting the fourth of the total length, the fureated portion of the caudal excluded. Snout sub-conical; gape of the mouth oblique; posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn at the anterior rim of the pupil. Eye moderate size, sub-circular; its diameter entering five times in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the extremity of the snout than the tip of the caudal. Insertion of ventrals nearer the isthmus than the base of the caudal. Anal fin much deeper than long. Reddish brown above; yellowish or whitish beneath. Dorsal and caudal fin provided with a black spot at their base. 176. Tributaries of Platte river, Nebraska. J.S. Bowman. 21. GILA ELEGANS, B. & G. Gen. Rep. 286. Srro. Cuar.—Body very slender; tail very much attenuated. Head constituting the fifth of the total length. Eye small sub-elliptical ; its diameter entering seven times in the length. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn in advance of the orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the extremity of the snout than the base of the caudal. Base of anal fin entering about nine times in the total length. Origin of ventrals much nearer the extremity of the snout than the base of the caudal. Reddish brown above; metallic yellow beneath. 249. Grand river, Utah. Mr. Kreuzfeld. 22. TIGOMA OBESA, Grd. Gen. Rep. 290. Spro. Cuar.—Body short and compact; peduncle of the tail rather attenuated. Head small, constituting the fifth of the total length. Snout abbreviated and rounded ; posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn in front of the orbit. Eye moderate sized, sub-circular ; its diameter entering a little over four times in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearly equidistant between the extremity of the snout and the fork of the caudal fin. Origin of yentrals somewhat nearer the insertion of the caudal than the extremity of the snout. Bluish grey above ; yellowish white beneath, with a lateral reddish streak. 215. Salt Lake Valley, Utah. J.S. Bowman. 23. TIGOMA HUMBOLDTI, Grd. Gen. Rep. 291. Spro. Cuar.—Body rather short and deep, tapering gradually towards the peduncle of the tail. Head contained a little over four times and a half in the total length. Snout thickish and rounded; gape of mouth slightly oblique; posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn within the anterior rim of the orbit. Eye well developed, sub-circular ; its diameter entering four times in the length of the side cf the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin equidistant between the extremity of the snout and the fork of the caudal. Origin of ventrals equidistant between the extremity of the snout and the insertion of the caudal. Bluish or greyish black above; yellowish beneath. 225. Humboldt river. J.S. Bowman. 24. TIGOMA EGREGIA, Grd. Gun. Rep. 291. Spec. Cuar.—Body rather elongated, sub-fusiform in profile. Head contained four times in the length, the caudal fin excluded. Snout sub-conical and thickish; gape of the mouth slightly oblique; jaws equal; posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn within the anterior rim of the orbit. Eye moderate sized, sub-circular; jtg diameter entering four times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the extremity of the snout than the fork of the caudal. Origin of ventrals equidistant between the insertion of the caudal fin and the extremity of the snout. Bluish black above; yellowish orange beneath. 226. Mr. Kreuzfeld. 4a 26 ZOOLOGY, 25. TIGOMA LINEATA, Grd. GEN. Rep. 292. Srxc. Cuar.—Body elongated, sub-fusiform. Head forming a little less than the fourth of the total length. Snout sub- conical; gape of the mouth somewhat oblique; lower jaw slightly overlapped by the snout. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn at the anterior rim of the orbit. Eye moderate, sub-circular; its diameter entering nearly five times in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin somewhat nearer the extremity of the snout than the tip of the upper lobe of the caudal. Origin of ventrals nearer the extremity of the snout than the fork of the caudal. Scales small. Bluish brown streaks above; uniform yellowish beneath. 229. Mr. Kreuzfeld. 26. TIGOMA GRACILIS, Grd. GEN. Rep. 293. Spec. Cuar.—Body elongated, sub-fusiform in profile. Head contained about four times and a half in the total length. Snout sub-conical, rather abbreviated; gape of mouth somewhat oblique; posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn immediately in front of the orbit. Eye moderate, sub-circular; its diameter entering five times in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the extremity of the snout than the tip of the upper lobe of the caudal. Origin of ventrals nearer the fork of the caudal than the extremity of the snout. Scales small. Bluish grey above; yellowish beneath. 230. Mr. Kreuzfeld. 27. SIBOMA ATRARIA, Grd. Gen. Rep. 297. Srrc. Cuar.—Body somewhat elongated, sub-fusiform in profile. Peduncle of the tail rather stout; head constituting a little less than the fourth of the total length: its profile gently sloping forwards, the snout being sub-conical. Mouth small; posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn immediately behind the nostrils. Eye small and sub- circular; its diameter entering five times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the insertion of the caudal than the extremity of the snout. Blackish or brownish black above; greyish white beneath. 236. Utah district, near the Desert. Mr. Kreuzfeld. 28, PTYCHOCHEILUS VORAX, Grd. Gen. Rep. 301. Spro. Caar.—Body of moderate length, rather deep upon its middle, and very much tapering posteriorly. Pedunele of the tail very slender. Head small, contained nearly five times in the total length. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn across the anterior rim of the orbit. Eye moderate; its diameter entering about six times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin somewhat nearer the insertion of the caudal than the extremity of the snout. Bluish grey above; whitish beneath. 202. Mr. Kreuzfeld. 29. SALAR VIRGINALIS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 320.—Pxiatz LXXIII, Fras. 1—4. Srxc. Cuar.—Body sub-fusiform in profile, otherwise compressed; head comprised about four times in the total length, the caudal fin excluded; jaws sub-equal; posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line intersecting the posterior rim of the orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal nearer the extremity of the snout than the insertion of the caudal fin, Greyish brown above, with a purplish reflection and sub-circular black spots ; beneath olivaceous, unicolor. 593. Utah Creek. Mr. Kreuzfeld. FISHES. 27 30. SALAR IRIDEA, Grd. Gen. Rep. 321.—Piate LX XIII, Fie. 5; anp Prats LX XIV. Spec. Cuar.—Body sub-fusiform in profile, otherwise compressed; head well developed, constituting a little less than the fourth of the total length. Jaws sub-equal; posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn somewhat beyond the orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal fin equidistant between the extremity of the snout and the insertion of the caudal. Reddish brown above, with numerous and small black spots; yellowish white beneath. 596. Humboldt bay, California. Lt. W. P. Trowbridge, 31. MELETTA COERULEA, Grd. Grn. Rep. 330. Prats LX XV, Fras. 5—. Spec. Cuar.—Body slender, elongated, sab-fusiform in profile. Head constituting more than the fifth of the total length Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn through the middle of the orbit. Eye large and sub- circular; its diameter entering four times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the extremity of the snout than the insertion of the caudal. Base of anal fin entering about ten times in the total length. Inser- tion of ventrals opposite the posterior third of the base of the dorsal fin. Bluish black above; yellowish or whitish beneath, with metallic reflects. Fins unicolor. @ 958. Humboldt bay, California. Lt. W. P. Trowbridge. 32. HYODON TERGISUS, Les u.—Moon-eye. Gen. Rep. 330. Prats LXXV, Fires. 1—4. Spec. Coar —Head contained five times and a half in the total length; snout rounded, sub-conical. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the pupil. Eye very large, sub-circular; its diameter entering about four times in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin somewhat nearer the tip of the caudal than the occiput. Base of anal fin entering about four times in the total length. Insertion of ventrals nearer the extremity of the snout than the terminus of the anal. 962. St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Geo. Engelmann. . Mi ALOR Piayih Oe lefurt anh 8 ot pled , ome p no. (hep cath Ue eee t how tine gan s\ per ubke Get = 060) eee Lith’ oad coanaitides er itebad Vp Belarie volcan) “1 Neatly Sag aaa oe rye WER ide Ge 40 trlet i fe A ee Awl « ef hee To fade pe ae ‘Ge-abtioty f40. 8 pl4y 609 hen ie ae ee : wanted el? 2 en an aie oat el neh shikai { : fiat AEA iy AP Pa Me ie tra ote eu cae 3. HE ood oe} cet Kat oe ty dn nd cot peel palin it oak ad Mw re an kl Geel wane i ve bad pyle” vito elo ‘oe allie kT igen, tena cult heulienet 290 gulliemnity oud taliliens Mo ui’ wert Werte” wary tT hereae terete “hat ur ett el eee hear A EW oll edu eradt yi recAl has path. Lepigedl- ee -af mhecribg foie J4nt aime’ aa f fy 7 P 4. 0 : os eS Fae areeion aS Cie Oe a stares eS 4 a See ese i aA SONY AN \ ieee eat S05 oO ae ett? wet ete teee were ahhh eee ee ~~ - q - © ae Ds my * + Pir men Fishes. — Plate at (4labarallel “fi a - ; PISHes jenna eh uGaliforme® “iy — i Sieaeece ALPHABETICAL INDEX. Page Acomus generosus.... .-.---- ~~. ------ ----s--- ssosee 21 QTISOUR =~ once Coen -anieeween cewewnewenes <== =~ 22 Algansea obesa.----. ----------- ---- ---- --0+ ee --=- -- 22 Amblodon grunniens.... ..-.-------------.----------- 21 Amblystoma mavortium ...---...---.---------------- 20 JEL LT: Ce es RSD BIC OE aE Deo EES oe DeDnaeeece 1S | J AGE) (DIO oscee eden cao Sos crea cecH nose Gene osec 23 | JASON GERI: eoeees eacoeoepecons seoeee cosa benone 9 JAG) CITON CHE ae ce coecoc ne Boeces EoanepnenG-eecce 13 JS INE DRI GUENE je5cecec Hane bsomee codvemncannoonocs 3) Iban!) WG Ses pon oose cosens Eaaoresces soeneeas 21 Bucephala americana .........--- .----- s----. ---- ---- 16 BOR WOO CHO URI asia elo ls aoe ape 20 Ian) GAG S55 so55 cops eoORog SeSc HaSSes aso se5 Bess ll MOIR onan, Aosuocds coe Seater ocosocedcse 12 OXY PLOUR eee feet ee a aan alee 11 WWI Tiesao Goce osecOs Sate ete coos creo cedicss 11 Callisaurus ventralis.......---- .....----.+---- Seocend 17 Centrocercus urophasianus ....-....-----..----------- 15 Chordeiles-henryi.... .-.<-. --0--...--- sepcoceeasacn 13 ON ROHIS LATE sg 50. cedsa9 Ca sece conccos peso coed Sse 12 Cnemidophorus tesselatus.-....---. ---------- ---.---- 18 (ChTTIE GAIT OMI Ec corosce DECC Oe RES OCO DSHS cog esa 15 (Crotapiyuus) Collarisecsescm\aeee—el-<==eneelee=—ale= == ile HG oe Bacae 6Sa6 HOaS cooess coos EOS ci ley COUR NIRA GAM asec cece Goce coceceinseeed obSEConeec 15 C@ynomysipunniROMl eee cles else aioe aie asietntaiailo mln 7 C@yprinella beckwithi --.--- 2... coo cece cone woe wens 24 RUN 565 Shoo Goorssos ceasec csadacecer 24 HGH see Seco neee cto cots deco osse oss 24 IMRT esse Scacaasobesoocas Scoogesn oeees5 24 Dipadamys Ord oases see rasccecaae =< =m -slemn 8 Doliosaurus platyrhinos ....-...---. -.--2.--.. --..-<.- 13 Mremophitt COMMU ss sastalels seis ee nldaee st lone= === === 13 Mntaninordinoid esteroeseees= as aaericiee ses es cele <= cco Le WE oRE siege poneoscspsoc paella == == lale aisle nla 19 Exoglossum mirabile --.. 2.2 62222. ccc eee woe n nnn one 23 Ls FER scoses cased cop sesecsocceceeso5 Seno 15 Geomys CanbanOpeiocesetnne - aelee sania aaa leinimein ime oe 8 (ONES GIECR aac sonecn Conbou ak Ser note Hoos SS Con SES 25 (Gi CRREG EEC cco proce 6 Ceee QESSnn SSOUSS Coe Ene Cace 15 Tf erodon nasicus ...--. Be eeealclesiaare: cinaia ce paccaec tee 19 FOlDTOOks MAC AtA eee el seaeloen= seem e~ cee e|=<6-\-< == 18 Hyb gnathus evansii...... ..---...--- Sorag oo TOomeanS 22 HOI S656. Coes GoSrne peed Bose RO Ole mae 22 Hyodon tergisus. .... 00.25... 552s cnccee so ceee coee one- 27 Page Jaculus hudsonius...--.-... Secseds cass acoacesnecceset 8 Aiavinia@xilicaudaerenserssajscon-aeceacciecs caer se eokioe 23 MMasticophis) tenlaws)conceelesanesaqi-s-sleceecaee scacee 20 Melettarcoertl eiseeseanchese laa aieoselasaoi = aclence=e 27 IMomanatrighistec scene stase mer em seaeteeee eae ceases 24 Nettioncarolinensisse. ssa ese] seetese sealen= aeceleoners 16 Werodiaierythrogaster ons sss es t-st4) «see i> ot oone ‘i } ~ ehlnd Weeesewnasseader war Cizgeed 00-7 ¢ — i | : = ? en eee Dedede rey ’ ws - = 7 a , a en eee Te ei — = 5 , =<) “09 =e? Oo 2 ii 2s otaby = =~ aa : J Peeredik Wasi ai aa ae a EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR A RAILROAD ROUTE FROM THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN. WAR DEPARTMENT, REPORT OF EXPLORATIONS FOR A RAILWAY ROUTE (NEAR THE THIRTY-FIFTH PARALLEL OF NORTH LATITUDE, ) FROM THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO THE PACIFIC OCHAN. BY LIEUTENANT A. W. WHIPPLE, CORPS OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS ; ASSISTED BY LIEUTENANT J. C.IVES, CORPS OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS. 1853-7 54. 16 my wae We ‘yehelad ‘ -ovaval ay “nO PHOTAH-. ATUON AW EAR. & 104 2KOTT A TOT —— WARIO OFUAT BHT OF PERI MCIEC ary” a * ATAUW Ak OAMARORDE = 7 RAGE WE. a es 4 saci Ass) ee nF eee : oa Cag 5; LS « oat ee = A ‘ J -_ aye: cant. sp 5s = = et he = Vv CT? 1a? Gi ee ¢ - 5 , 'y ea & oof e GI LHHAGO L008 Tt — — here a) - 7 . ~ waist EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR A RAILROAD ROUTE FROM THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN, WAR DEPARTMENT. ROUTE NEAR THE THIRTY-FIFTH PARALLEL, EXPLORED BY LIEUTENANT A. W. WHIPPLE, TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, IN 1853 AND 1854. ZOOLOGICAL REPORT. WASHINGTON, D. C. 1859. Asatvo OF LOR Ory we yoby fe (SUM ayer Moore Oe Chee aad & ee STIRS Owe wes ERR A ep eee a ——— —- ~ + = : ae ——— ee a —————=F = - 7 “ANODE JANIE IW THAR: rent MOA Sta HEREC AN: iMaE GH: MARE YO es) ke a CONTENTS. No. 1.’ FIELD NOTES AND EXPLANATIONS. BY C. B. R. KENNERLY, M. D. No. 2. REPORT UPON THE MAMMAIS OF THE ROUTE. BY C B R. KENNERLY, M. D. No. 3. REPORT UPON THE BIRDS OF THE ROUTE. BY C. B. R. KENNERLY, M. D. No. 4. REPORT UPON THE REPTILES OF THE ROUTE. BY S F. BATRD. No. 5. REPORT UPON THE FISHES OF THE ROUTE. BY C. GIRARD, M_ D. 'No. 1 has already appeared in Vol. IV, 1856. ATU GT AOD ot Ov) , MAQTTAVATTXE OVA tie (L004 ve a ; Coe. ' . » goede ATs THT TO ALAMMAL THE MOT TOA ae ~ ,.@ vig » A & owl . I « fxr | SMO THY Th etait any FON wires Le SepOMT oe pate ee o> Prate VIII.—Fig. 1.—Hesperomys texanus, Woodh Fig. 2.--Perognatus flavus, Baird Fig. 3.-—Hesperomys boylii, Baird Pirate XI.—Thomomys bulbivorus, Baird Prare XII.—Fig. 1.—Thomomys laticeps, Baird Fig. 2.—Thomomys fulvus, Baird Prare VIIL.—Lepus audubonii, Baird Prate XIV.—Lepus trowbridgii, Baird Prate XVI.—Antilocapra americana, Ord Prate XVIII.—Fig. 1.—Panyptila melanoleuca, Baird Fig. 2.—Chaetura vauxii, Dekay, (upper figure) Prats XLX.—Aithis costae, Reich Pirate XX.—Corvus cacalotl, Wagler Prate XXII.—Corvus cryptoleucus, Couch - Pirate XXVII.—Fig. 1.—Carpodacus cassinii, Baird Fig. 2.—Welospiza fallax, Baird Puare XX1IX.—Pipilo mesoleucus, Baird Prate XXX.—Pipilo abertii, Baird Prate XXXI.—Pyranga hepatica, Sw Pirate XX XIII —Fig. 1.—Polioptila plumbea, Baird Fig 2.—Psaltriparus plumbeus, Baird ------ : Fig. 3.—Sitta aculeata, Cassin Fig. 4.—Silta carolinensis Prate XXX VI.—Centurus uropygialis, Baird Puate XXX VII.—Grus fraterculus, Cassin Pirate XXV.—Fig 1.—Bufo woodhousii, Grd Fig. 2.—Bufo americanus, Leconte Pratt XXVI.—Figs. 1-2.— Bufo cognatus, Say Prate XX VII.—Fig. 1.—Bufo lentiginosus Fig. 2.—Engystoma. 26 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. MAMMALS. 46 46 46 46 46 FISHES. Prare I11.—Calliurus melanops, Grd Prats 1V.—Figs. 1-4.—Calliurus diaphanus, Grd. -.------------------------ === === 2 = = nn nn nnn nena e ee Figs. 5-8.—Calliurus microps, Grd..-...-----------------------------2--- 2 nn nnn eee n= =e Pirate V.—Figs. 1—4.—Calliurus formosus, Grd. .....----------------0------------ foes Saestsecpesesae Se sse- Figs. 5-8.—Calliurus longulus, Grd. ---.-------~ ----------0---s00-- 0000 ---- =~ ~~~ = nn nn ne wenn Prare Vi.—VFigs. 1—4.—Bryltus albulus, Grd. ----- -- - - a wees ene seee anne ss=a====— Figs. 5-8.—Calliurus longulus, Grd. .< 2-0-2 2-6= sn nnn nn nen enn enn ene ene nan en nen anna Assos tosass Pirate [X.—Figs. 1-4.—Pomotis aquilensis, B. & G. --------------------------------- Soa Se ie re eee Bigs, (b—12.— Fomonis fallar, 08> OG. ne aa ae a ee ee is Figs. 13-16.—Pomoiis heros, B. & G. ---~ - oa we on enn eee anne een ena as mane ase noe PATE Xe — BUR) ho OmnOETS FADER pe a Cc me i eat a ee ee Rigs, 8=11.—Pomotis aguilensis, B. &'G. 5. ~-----asenne ae anct= ans sceeanene n= === ee ales mae ae YASS ORT CLLSLER: TOS IICERES, CRTC sca ae me ar ea Prate XX1IV.—Glyphisodon rubicundus, Grd... === ----------~ +2 news - 22-2 e nn eon n nn nn ~~ = nnn n-ne Puate XX V.—Porichthys notatus, Grd. .---..--.-------------- --- ~~ = oo ooo nn w= = = = ee Prate XXXV.—¢ & O Holconotus rhodoterus, Agass.------.------------------------------------------------ Prare XLb.—Psetlichthus sordidus, Grd. .----------0 -- == enn no ww nn ee nn = on nnn we = === Prare LII.—Figs. 1-5.—Hyborhynchus puniceus, Grd. ---.---------------+----------------------------------- Figs. 6-10.—Dionda grisea, Grd.---------------------------------- eon anne enna === eee Figs. 11-15.—LHyborhynchus puniceus, Grd. ---------------------------------------------------- Figs. 16—20.—Hyborhynchus perspicuus, (ns eee SS eos Sana tose Seo oe aoa eS Figs. 21-25.—Dionda plumbew, Grd._------------2.----------------- 0 eon - 2-3 en ene nee = Figs. 26-30.—Dionda spadicea, Grd. --.-.---------------------------------------++------------ Prate LVII —Figs. 1-4.—Alburnops shumardi, Grd..-.-----------------------------------=------=-------0- = Figs. 5-8.— Alburnops illecebrosus, Grd. ..---------------------------------- ------------------ Figs. 9=12:—Alburnellusidilectus; Grd, --- = sane -n-necees 2 sen = ne enee nase = 2 anne ocean aaa a ee Figs. 13-16.—Alburnops blennius, Grd. ---- -.-------------------------- -------=----=--------- Hips) 07-2 .—Gobio aesine Gre oa enclene oe ee ea nee a Cae aee ee a eee ee See Prate LVJII.—Figs. 1-5.—Cyprinella umbrosa, Gird...--------------+-------------------------------- 2-55-65 Figs. 6—10.2—Oyprinela whipplii, Grd. <<< non oo em mn were eee anne ceees Wigs. 2i=1bi*— Monona puldhella, Grd nos enews nee = oe eons oe alee ae === a ee ee Fige. 16-20.—Cyprinella notata, Grd. . . 6 = 2 - cane conn enn nnn ee enna nn a ee eee Bigs. 21—25.— OV pranllia devia VOLO wes tee se a a ne ee eee lel een ee! ‘ Page. 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 * t No. 2. REPORT ON MAMMALS COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY. BY C. B. R. KENNERLY, M.D. CANIS LATRANS, Say.—Prairie Wolf; Coyote. Canis latrans, Say, in Long’s Exped. R. Mts. 1, 1823, 168. Avp. & Bacu N. A. Quad. I, 1851, 150; pl. Ixxi. Bairp, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 113. 1 Canis ochropus, Escuscuo.rz, Zool. Atlas, iii, 1829, 1; pl. xi. (California.) Canis frustror, Woopuouse, Pr. A. N. Se. Ph. V, Oct. 1850, 147.—In. V. Feb. 1851, 157.—Ts. Sitgreaves’ Exped. Zuni & Colorado R. 1853, 46. Specimens of this wolf were collected in the San Francisco mountains. Their fur was softer, and the skull broader than those of the Missouri. MEPHITIS —Skunk. A skunk (No. 158) was obtained at camp 104, Pueblo creek, New Mexico, intermediate in size between the common Mephitis americana and M. bicolor. Its general color was black, with _a white line on each side, white forehead and white tip to the tail. It was lost with the other alcoholic specimens on the Isthmus. SCIURUS ABERTI, Woodhouse .—Tuft Hared Squirrel. Seturus dorsalis, Woopuouse, Pr. A. N. S:. Phil. VI, June, 1852, 110. (San Francisco Mountains, Cal ) Sciurus aberti, Woopuouse, Pr. A. N. Se. Phil. VI, Dee. 1852, 220.—In Sitgreaves’ Zui Exped. 1853, 53; Mammals, pl. vi Aup. and Baca N Am. Quad. IIT, 1854, 262; pl. cliii, fig. 1. Barrp. Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 267. ; Se. Cu.— Above fiaely grizzled bluish gray and black; a broad dorsal stripe of pure chestnut from shoulders to tail; under parts and feet white ; a distinct dark line on each side of the belly. Tail very full and bushy, as long as the body; pure white beneath, above mixed black and white. Ears with long tufts springing from the superior border of the ear, as in Sciurus vulgaris. Head and body about 11 inches long. This beautiful squirrel was very common in the San Francisco range of mountains, living among the tall pines that here abound, and finding its chief subsistence in the pifones, the fruit of Pinus edulis. We did not observe it west of Mt. Sitgreaves. Three specimens were collected, (156;) all lost on the Isthmus. SPERMOPHILUS BEECHEYI, Rich .—California Ground Squirrel. Arectomys (Spermophilus) beecheyt, Ricuaroson, Fauna Boreali-Americana, I, 1829, 170, pl. xii, B. Spermophilus beecheyi, F. Cuvier, Suppl. Buffon, I, Mamm 1631, 331. Baird, Pr. A.N. Se. Phil. VI, 1855, 334 —In. Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 307. 12 ZOOLOGY. Sv Cua.—Size of the cat squirrel, §. cinereus. Ears large, prominent Tail mora than two-thirds as long as the body. Above, mixed black, yellowish brown, and brown in indistinct mottlings; beneath, pale yellowish brown. Sides of head and neck, hoary yellowish, more or less lined with black, a more distinct stripe of the same, from behind the ears on each side, extending above the shoulders to the middle of the body. Ears black on their inner face. Dorsal space between the stripes scarcely darker than the rest of the back. Length, 9 to 11 inches; tail, with hairs, 7 to 9. Hind feet, 2 to 2.30 inches. These animals are very abundant near the Cocomongo Rancho, and indeed throughout the valley of the San Gabriel river. They were always found living in communities, and in general habits resembled the prairie dog, Spermophilus ludovicianus. Their size is about that of the common gray squirrel, or a little larger. Their color is usually a rusty gray; I have, how- ever, seen some almost entirely black. The burrowing owl, Athene hypugaea, which is the constant companion of the prairie dog, is also found among these animals in considerable numbers. (No. 157. Lost on the Isthmus.) ?SPERMOPHILUS HARRISII, Aud. & Bach.—Harris’ Squirrel. Spe mophilus harrisii, Aup. & Bacu. N. Am. Quad, III, 1854, 267; pl. cliv, fig. 1. Bairv, Gen Rep. Mammals, 1857, 313. Size rather less than that of Tamias striatus. Tail vertebra about half the length of the body. Ears short, pointed. Svles hairy. Above, finely grizzled grayish, or whitish brown and black; under parts, and a stripe on each side, (without any black or dusky border,) whitish. Tail with one black and one light line, within the marginal whitish, black in the centre; uniform whitish beneath. Length, 5 inches; tail, with hairs, about 3. Hind foot, 1.45. ; This beautiful and rare spermophile is found in considerable numbers at Cold Spring, near the summit of the Sierra Madre. In this vicinity there were huge piles of scoriaceous rock in which it lived. It was not very shy, but a specimen was procured with difficulty, owing to the fact that it was almost impossible to kil) the animal before it could escape into the rocks, and avoid blowing it to pieces. Its food, in this locality, consisted of piwiones and acorns, We again observed this animal near Camp 139, between the Colorado and Mohave rivers. Here we found it on the hill-sides in the most rocky and inaccessible spots, and exceedingly shy. (No. 6. Lost on the Isthmus.) SPERMOPHILUS, ? This animal was found among the rocks on the hill-sides in the immediate vicinity of Bill Williams’ Fork, Camp 117. It was very active, and ran with great rapidity. It was some- what larger than the S. tridecem lineatus ; its color a uniform rusty gray, its belly somewhat lighter. Its hair was rather coarse ;. its tail short and bushy. Two specimens were obtained, (119,) but lost on the Isthmus, which prevents its identification. It seemed to resemble some- what the S. townsendit. CYNOMYS LUDOVICIANUS, Rich .—Missouri Prairie Dog. Arctomys ludovicianus, Orv, Guibrie’s Geog. 2d Am ed. IT, 1815, 292, 302. Spermophilus ludovicianus, ‘‘ Lesson, Manual, 214, 658.” F Covier, Suppl. Buffon, 1, Mam. 1831, 316. Aup. & Bacon. N. Am. Quad. II, 1851, 319; pl. xeix. Cynomys ludovicianus, Bairv, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1657, 331. Size of fox squirrel, S. vu/pinus, but heavier; ears very short, not projecting above fur. Tail short, with the hairs, about one-third the length of body. Claws long, very stout; the thumb of the fore feet armed with a long claw instead of a flat nail. Soles with a patch of hair. Color above reddish brown or cinnamon, with the tips of the hairs lighter and with scattered black hairs interspersed; beneath brownieh white or yellow. In winter of a more grayish cast aboye. Hairs on the upper part lead MAMMALS, 133) color at base, then pale cinnamon white to cinnamon. Tail like the back, its tip black, with the hairs light colored at base. Length about 12 inches; tail, with hairs, 4; hind foot about 2.25 inches. This well known marmot we found very abundant throughout Texas, and on the Jornada del Muerto, of New Mexico. We did not observe it north of this district, nor did we find it west of the Rio Grande at all. However, it was found by Mr. Clark, near the copper mines of Santa Rita, and in other places west of the Rio Grande; but the nature of the country over which we passed was of a nature unsuited to their habits, being too barren, and generally not affording vegetation of the kind upon which they feed. GEOMYS CLARKII, Baird.—Pecos Gopher. Geomys clarkii, Barrv, Pr. A. N. Sc. Ph. VII, April, 1855, 332.—-In. Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 383. Sp. Cu.—Upper incisors with a single deep groove bisecting the surface, the portions on either side equal. Fore feet nearly equal to or rather shorter than the hinder ones. Second claw of the hand reaching as far as the fourth. Pouches small. Fur soft and full. Color above, uniform yellowish brown, the hairs with dusky tips. Beneath, paler and grayer. Cheek pouches much like the surrounding region. A fine specimen of this species was obtained on the Pecos river, Texas. THOMOMYS BULBIVORUS, Baird .—California Gopher. PiatE XI. ? Diplostoma bulbivorum, Ricu. F. B. Am. I, 1829, 206; pl. xviii, B, (marked Diplostoma douglassi.)—Is. Zool of Blossom, 1839, 13. Thomomys bcttae, Lesson, Nouv. Man. R. An. 1842, 119. Bairp, Pr A. N. Se. Phila. VII, April, 1§55, 335. Thomomys bulbivorus, Bairpv, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 389. Sp. Cu —Cheek pouches large, completely furred inside, white to their very margin, which is dark brown, forming a very strong contrast. Tail from one-third to less than one-half the length of body; slender at base. Upper incisors quite convex transversely; groove obsolete. Hands small; claws very slender and delicate, nearly straight; middle claw 43 lines, its under surface occupying about two-sixths the whole hand, its finger barely shorter than this; claw of thumb extending over two-fifths of whole hand. Color.—Reddish chestnut brown above and on sides, finely lined everywhere by dusky tips to the hairs, without any uniform dark wash on the back. Beneath paler. Tail grayish white, except a short line of dusky along the base above. Chin dusky; its extremity white. This species was observed in various parts of California, especially near San Francisco. THOMOMYS LATICEPS, Baird.—Broad-headed Gopher. Prats XII, Fra. 2. Thomomys laticeps, Bairp, Pr. A. N. Se. Phil. VII, April, 1855, 335. Is Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 392. Se. Cu.—Cheek pouches moderate, well haired. Tail nearly one-half the body, thick at base. Skull very broad and muzzle short; the upper incisors convex, the groove quite distinct. Feet very large and broad. Claws of fore foot or hand small, slender, 4 lines long above; below, about two-sevenths the length of the whole hand, its digit about two-eighths. Claw of thumb extending over nearly three-sixths the hand. Color.—Above, yellow reddish brown; the dorsal region with the hairs largely and sharply tipped with blackish; sides nearly uniform; beneath, tinged with reddish. Pouches dull white, the dusky of the surrounding region dipping into them. Tail grayish white, dusky above. One specimen was obtained by Lieutenant Trowbridge at Humboldt Bay. 14. ZOOLOGY. THOMOMYS FULVUS. Prate XII, Fie. 2. Geomys fulvus, Woonnouse, Pr. A. N. Se. Phil. VI, Dee., 1852, 201.—In. Sitgreaves’ Exp. Zuii and Colorado, 1853 51; pl. v, Mammals. Pseudostoma (Geomys) fulvus, Avvo. & Bacu. N. Am. Quad. IT, 1854, 300. Thomomys fulvus, Barrpv, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 402. Sp. Cu.—Cheek pouches moderately large, well clothed with hair. Tail nearly half as long as the body, thick at base. Extremities large. Claws large, not much curved. Third claw of hand 44 lines long above; beneath, extending over two-sixths the whole hand; its digits about two-ninths the same Jength. Claw of the third reaching to two-fifths of the hand. Color.—Above and on the sides, bright uniform reddish brown; beneath, yellowish white, with a tinge of chestnut on the belly. Pouches white at the bottom, chestnut around and in the margins, chin dusky. ‘Tail white; dusky above at the base. A specimen, (No. 155,) was collected at camp 99, Picacho mountains, New Mexico, and others were seen on Bill Williams’ Fork, San Francisco mountains, &ec. ? DIPODOMYS ORDII, Woodhouse.—Kangaroo Rat. Bairp, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 410. In removing the cloth which was used in our tent as a carpet, at Camp 111, this animal was found under it. No hole was observed in the ground within the tent, whence it could have come. When pursued it leaped wildly about, making at each bound an astonishing distance. The specimen was lost on the Isthmus. ? PEROGNATHUS PENECILLATUS, Woodhouse. Bairp, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 418. A specimen, probably of this species, was collected at Camp 125, on Bill Williams’ Fork. It was lost on the Isthmus. HESPEROMYS TEXANUS, Woodhouse .—Texas Mouse. Prats VIII, Fre. 1. Hesperomys texana, Woovuouse, Pr. A. N. Se. Phila. VI, February 1853, 242.—In. eet ee Rep. Exp. Zuii, &e. 1853, 48; pl. ii, Mammals Hesperomys texanus, Bairp, Gen Rep. Mammals, 1857, 464. Arvicola (Hesperomys) tecana, Aup. & Bacu. N. Am. Quad. ILI, 1854, 319. Sp. Cu.—Size and proportions about as in H. leucopus. Ears small; tail rather shorter than head and body. Color above, reddish brown; brighter than in H. leucopus, and more like H. aurcolus, but darker. No conspicuous wash of dusky on the back. Feet, belly, and under surface of tail pure white. Outside of fore leg like the back ? A specimen of this species was obtained on the Pecos river, Texas. Many other long-tailed mice, of several species, were collected at different parts of our route, but as all were lost on the Isthmus, it is impossible to identify them. One of these (No. 107, a, collected at Camp 96,) resembled the common white footed mouse, but was larger, the ears also larger in proportion. Its abdomen was white, the same color extending slightly on each side; the feet were perfectly white; the tail very long and hairy. It lived in the hollows of the cedar trees, like the Neotoma, and also built up around the root of the tree a pile of small dry twigs. Sometimes as many as three were found living together in the same tree. From the characters of size, long tail, and general habits, it is probable that this is the Hes- peromys californicus, Barrp, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 478, or a closely allied species. — MAMMALS. 15 NEOTOMA FLORIDANA, Say & Ord .—Wood Rat. ae Mus floridana, Orv, Bull. Soe. Philom. 181°.” Neotoma floridana, Aup. & Bacu. N. Am. Quad. I, 1849, 32; pl. iv. Bairp, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 487. Sp. Cu.—Tail with short stiff hairs, not concealing the scaly annuli; about three-fourths the length of the head and body. Ears very large. Feet large. ~olor.—Above, wixed lead color, dark brown, and yellowish brown; lighter on the sides. Under parts and feet, white. Tail dusky above, white beneath. Skull elongated and narrow. A specimen, supposed to be of this species, was collected by Mr. Méllhausen in the Antelope Hills, on the Arkansas river. ? NEOTOMA MEXICANA, Baird.—Bush Rat. Bairp, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 490. Many specimens of Neotoma were collected west of the Rocky mountains, where they appear to abound ; all, however, were lost on the Isthmus. About Camp 96 we found them in a country covered by a growth of the rough-barked cedar, (Juniperus pachyderma.) They seem to select a hollow tree with a hole near the root; then around it they pile vast heaps of dry twigs and fragments of the several species of cactaceze (Opuntia) which grow there. The latter is probably a protection against the depredations of wolves. Numerous lodges of this kind were found throughout the forest, into one of which we dug until we reached the hole at the root of the tree, when, applying a match, we soon compelled the animal to leave it, which it did by finding its way out several feet above, and fell to the ground apparently dead. Its food seemed to consist mainly of the fruit of the cactus. Another specimen (115 6. White Cliff creek, N. M.) was much the largest we saw. We found, around a pile of rotten drift wood near the creek, tracks and other evidences of the presence of some animal, and applying a lighted match to the bushes awaited the result ; when nearly the entire pile was consumed, the rat emerged, having four young ones adhering to it. The little ones were very young, and after the mother was killed they were placed on an open spot on the sand, where they crawled awkwardly about for a while, uttering all the time a plaintive whining cry, not unlike that of a very young kitten. They were caught early in February. SIGMODON BERLANDIERI? Barrp, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 504. ~ Among our lost specimens was one probably of this species, certainly, I think, of this genus, obtained on the Little Colorado river, (No. 105.) We found them very abundant in many places in the valley of this river. They lived in the sand in very tortuous holes, and extending for many yards, though rarely more than fifteen inches below the surface. The entrance to their abode was generally in a pile of earth heaped around the base of a mezquite bush, (Alga- robia,) upon the roots of which it seemed to feed. So far as we noticed, they were entirely nocturnal in their habits. On several occasions we attempted to dig them out with spades, but were always forced, after hours of labor, to relinquish the task without having accomplished _ our purpose. The specimen procured had, during the night, gotten into an empty bucket, where it was found alive in the morning. The body measured about three and a half inches, and the tail the same; the hair was coarser and darker than in-the neotomas. 16 ZOOLOGY. ARVICOLA. Three specimens of arvicola were caught at Camp 94, New Year Spring. Here was a luxu- riant growth of gramma grass (Boutelorea) both in the valley and on the hill sides. On the latter places were many loose fragments of volcanic rocks, of various sizes, scattered about, but not in such quantities as to interfere materially with the growth of the grass, Here they built their nests under the stones, and constructed them of dry grass in a manner similar to those of the eastern meadow mouse, (Arvicola riparius,) and like this animal had paths under the grass diverging in every direction from the hole. In general appearance they resembled the above mentioned species, but were decidedly smaller. The specimens were all lost on the Isthmus. ERETHIZON EPIXANTHUS, Brandt .—Yellow-haired Porcupine. Erethizon epixanthus, Branpt, Mém. Acad. St. Petersburgh, 1835, 389, 416; tab. i, Animal; tab. ix, fig. 1—4, skull.—Is. Mamm. exot, 55, (same as preceding.) Warernoust, N. H. Mammi, II, 1848, 442. Bairp, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 569. Sp. Cu.—General color dark brown, nearly black : the long hairs of the body tipped with greenish yellow. Nasal bones nearly one-half or two-fifths the length of upper surface of the skull. We found this singular animal only on the Little Colorado river. Our marches along that stream were made during the month of December. At that season we found it frequently feeding upon the tender branches of the cottonwood trees. We observed it in no other position. When approached it drew itself into a bunch and remained quietly and without moving as long as we remained near. The hollows in the large cottonwood trees along the stream afforded them good breeding places. LEPUS CALLOTIS, Wagler.—Jackass Rabbit ; Texas Hare. Lepus cailotis, Wacier, Nat. Syst. Ainph 1830, 25.—Is. Isis, 1831, 511. Aun. & Bacu. N. Am Quad. II, 1851, 95; pl. Ixiii. Barrp, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 590. Sp. Cu,—Rather smaller than the European hare. Ears very long and broad; nearly one-third longer than the head and one-fifth longer than the hind foot. Hair on the buttocks short and close Color above, yellowish gray, blotched and lined with black. Upper surface of tail and central line of rump, black; tail beneath, grayish white. Sides of rump, clear ash gray, Legs, ashy. Nape, black, (sometimes whitish?) Beneath, dull whitish, with a yellowish brown color on the throat. A light ring round the eye. Tip of the posterior surface of the ear black. A specimen of this species was obtained at Fort Clark, New Mexico. Its ears are longer than those of any other L. callotis I have seen, and it may belong to Z, tewianus, although the condition of. the skin is not sufficiently perfect to decide the question. LEPUS ARTEMISIA, Bach.—Sage Rabbit, Bairp, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 602. Several specimens of this species were obtained on the plains of Texas; one (No. 6) in the Sierra Madre, New Mexico, and another (108) at Camp 99, Picacho mountains, New Mexico, MAMMALS. 17 LEPUS AUDUBONII, Baird.—Audubon’s Hare. Puate VIII. Bairp, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 608. Se. Cu.—Size a little less than that of L. sylvaticus; ears longer than the head; hind feet rather short, but longer than the ears, fully furred beneath. Tail rather long. Above, mixed yellowish brown and black, paler on the sides and throat ; beneath, pure white. Thighs and rump grayish. Back of neck rusty; fore legs somewhat similar. Hairs lead color at the base, on the middle of the back (over the loins) passing directly through dark brown to black, then yellowish brown; on the sides, rump, and fore part of back, the passage into the first brown or black ring is through grayish, yellowish, or reddish brown. This species we found somewhat abundant in the markets of San Francisco. LEPUS TROWBRIDGII, Baird. Prats XIV. Lepus trowbridgii, Barrp, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. VII, April, 1855, 333.—In. Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 610. Se. Cx.—Size small, less than that of L. auduboni. Head small. Ears about equal to it in length. Tail very short, almost rudimentary ; hind feet very short, well furred, considerably shorter than the head. Color above, yellowish brown and dark brown; beneath, plumbeous gray. Sides not conspicuously different from the back, but paler. Back of neck pale rusty. Ears grayish and black on the external band; ashy gray elsewhere, with little indication of darker margin or tip. This species was found associated with the preceding in the San Francisco market. Both appear to be quite common near the coast, as far south as San Diego. ANTILOCAPRA AMERICANA, Ord.—Prong Horn Antelope; Cabree. Prats XVI. Antilope americana, Orv, Guthrie's Geog. (2d Amer. edition) II, 1815, 292, 308 Antilocapra americana, Orv, Bull. Soc. Philom. 1818, 146.—In. Journal de Physique, LXXXVII, 1818, 149. Aup. & Bacu. N. Am. Quad. II, 1851, 198; pl. Ixxvii. Bairp, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 666. Sp. Cu.—Color above yellowish brown, or pale dun color; a narrow transverse band between the eyes, the top and sides of the muzzle, and a patch beneath the ear, (wanting in the female,) liver brown; edges of upper lip, chin and sides of face, spot behind the ear, a narrow crescent on the upper part of the throat, a triangular patch below this, the entire under parts and a square patch on the rump, white. Horns, hoofs, and naked parts of the nose, black. Horns rudimentary or wanting in the female. Many individuals of this species were observed in Texas and New Mexico. One specimen was collected in the San Francisco mountains, New Mexico. OVIS MONTANA, Cuv.—Mountain Sheep; Bighorn, Ovis montana, Cuvier, R. An. I, 1817, 267. Aup. & Bao. N. Am. Quad. II, 1851, 163; pl. lxxiii. Bairp, Rep. U.S. Pat. Off. Agricultural for 1851, (1852,) 123, fig. plate-—Is. Stansbury’s Exped. Great Salt Lake, 1852, 312. Tay2, a species of sheep, Banroy’s Med. and Physical Journal, II, 1806, 106. (Refers to Bighorn, I, 1805, 75.) Sp. Ca.—Much larger than the domestic sheep. Horns, in the male very large, curving round, but not completing a full circle, and with but little of a spiral twist, compared with other species. The tips of the horns not more than twenty inches apart. General color grayish brown, paler about the head; a light patch under the lower jaw. Legs like the body, with a 3b 18 ZOOLOGY. narrow line of white on their posterior edges. Buttocks, for some inches anterior to the tail, and belly white. Tail like the back. Female with smaller horns, more like those of the goat. Specimens of this species were observed at various points on our route. A skull and several horns were collected in the San Francisco mountains, New Mexico. OVIS ARIES, L.—Common Sheep. A specimen, No. 164, was procured on account of its peculiarity in having four horns that are well developed, being about eight inches long ; one on each side erect and one turned down. It is said that many years ago the proprietor of an extensive hacienda on the Rio Grande owned a large number of sheep possessing this peculiarity, and that the number of horns to each individual was never less than three, and often as many as seven. His flock was driven off by the Navajoe Indians, who still graze large numbers of these animals in the mountains of New Mexico, among them many anomalies of this kind. } iy y wa WADI i Mi HG HAHN ae A i ANY \ == ZZ EE Z |) CEO it bay BEANE) | ee H ¢ : ’ ae aces Map ali PH bUuchaed d= om a NN) Hint Hy i eae SOS mr H i A Wa m aN gus a any : : = = - R. Metzeroth sc JHRichard del & Surveys 35% Parallel i 1, “/. Hh | i Vigo, g y (LZ EZ-_- / I) YY EEE jg EEE GA / Wii WHY EF WYYOeZZ YY i ELLELZZD- Ne [LZ i yy, LZ \ YZ ZZ : GZ GE R.Metzeroth sc. JHRichard del. ks CY, i YY My eng# by Metzeroth No 3. REPORT ON BIRDS COLLECTED ON THE ROUTE. BY C. B. R. KENNERLY, M. D. 1. FALCO POLYAGRUS, Cassin, (p. 12.)'—Great-footed Hawk. 8503. Camp on Little Colorado, 1853-4. (38.) Kennerly & Méllhausen. This beautiful hawk we observed while encamped on the Little Colorado river. When seen he was busily engaged in seeking his prey among the bushes that grew along the river. With difficulty the specimen was procured, and very fortunately also, as we did not see it again. 2. TINNUNCULUS SPARVERIUS, Vieill, (p. 14.)—Sparrow Hawk. 8507. Camp 105, New Mexico, January 23, 1854. Kennerly & Mollhausen. This beautiful little hawk we saw first in the vicinity of the Aztec mountains. It confined itself to the open valleys or among the scattering cedars on the hill sides. We found it some- what difficult to procure a specimen on account of its shyness, although we saw it frequently from thence to the Pacific. 3. BUTEO MONTANUS, Nuttall, (p. 26.)—Western Red-tail. 8533. Camp 149, New Mexico, March 16, 1854. (185.)—8549. Camp 114, New Mexico, February 6, 1854. (71.) Kennerly & Mollhausen. This species of hawk was by far the most abundant that we observed from the Rocky mountains to the Pacific ocean. Wherever we found smaller birds we were sure to find this, their untiring and watchful enemy. One specimen that I obtained had the proventriculus filled with mice, small birds, and lizards. 3 4, BUTEO ELEGANS, Cassin, (p. 28.)—Western Red-shoulder. 8524. Camp on Little Colorado, New Mexico, November 17, 1853. (32.) Kennerly and Mollhausen. 5. ARCHIBUTEO LAGOPUS, Gray, (p. 32 )—Rough-legged Hawk. 8546. Near Zuiii, New Mexico, November 9, 1853. Kennerly & Méllhausen. We found this large and beautiful hawk quite abundant in the vicinity of the Pueblo of Zuiii. Here it confined itself to the neighborhood of the stream, watching eagerly for ducks, which seemed to be its favorite prey. We did not observe it often after leaving this village. 6. CIRCUS HUDSONIUS, Vieill, (p. 38.)—Marsh Hawk. 6860. Fort Conrad, New Mexico, October, 1853. Dr. Kennerly. We found this bird throughout Texas and New Mexico, wherever we found a marsh. When 1 The page references are to volume IX of this series. 20 ZOOLOGY, seen they were always hunting the marshes closely for their prey; flying low around and around, from point to point, and occasionally suddenly turning as if to examine more closely some place just passed. When encamped near such places we seldom failed to see three or four, particularly towards the close of the day, engaged in searching food. 7. CRAXIREX UNICINCTUS, Cassin, (p. 46.)—Harris’ Buzzard. 9134. New Mexico, February 27, 1854, (179.) Kennerly & Méllhausen. The only specimen of this bird that we saw we procured from the Mohave Indians, on the Great Colorado river, who had captured it alive by some means. 8. BUBO VIRGINIANUS, Bon. (p. 49.)—Great Horned Owl. Little Colorado, New Mexico.—9154. Camp No. 98, New Mexico. (46.)—9158. Sixth Camp, Little Colorado, December 15, 1853. (37.) Kennerly & Méllhausen. When encamped in the dark forest, or near a cafion with rough and rugged sides, the still- ness of the night was generally broken by the dismal cry of this owl, ‘‘ hooting hoarse court- ship to his ill-omened paramour.’’ Occasionally allured by our camp fires he would sweep around our heads for a while, then disappear again in the darkness to render his dismal notes or hunt his prey. The specimens that we procured were caught or shot in the deep and dark cations that we passed, where they made their homes among the cliffs along the sides. Some- times frightened by the loud and reverberating report of a gun in these places, they would creep among the rocks, attempting to conceal themselves, and were thus captured alive. 9. SCOPS M’CALLI, Cassin, (p. 52.)—Western Screech Owl. 9147. Camp 118, New Mexico, February 10, 1854. Kennerly & Méllhausen. This singular little owl we observed only on Bill Williams’ Fork. There he lives in the large cactus of that region, (Cereus giganteus,) occupying the deserted holes of various species of woodpeckers. He seldom makes his appearance during the day, and when he does, it is only to show his head from his hole, ready at any time to disappear in a moment upon the approach of danger. On one occasion we observed him among some very thick bushes near the water. 10. OTUS WILSONIANUS, Lesson, (p. 53.)—Long-eared Owl. 9146. Camp 107, New Mexico, January 28, 1854. (57.) Kennerly & Méllhausen. The only specimen of this bird that we saw was killed in a cafion, a short distance west of the Aztec mountains. The cafions of that country afford good places for the nests of these birds, which they build in common with the crow, and some of the hawks, along the precipitous cliffs that compose the sides of these cafions, The place generally selected is one unapproachable by the wolf and lynx, the unceasing enemies of their young. 11, ATHENE CUNICULARIA, Bonap. (p. 60.)—Burrowing Owl. 9168. Los Angeles, California, March 4, 1854, (191.) Kennerly & Méllhausen, BIRDS. 21 Wherever we found the prairie dog, (Cynomys,) there we were sure to find this singular little owl. Indisposed, as it would seem, to burrow a hole in the earth for itself, it occupies those that have been deserted by the marmot, and occasionally, I believe, I have seen it enter the same hole with that animal. At any hour of the day they may be seen seated upon the mounds erected around the holes of the marmot, or else with its head protruding from the orifice, disappearing immediately when approached. Sometimes when molested they commence bowing and chattering in a somewhat ludicrous manner at the intruder, or fly swiftly away, keeping near the earth, and alighting suddenly in the vicinity of a burrow to renew these amusing motions. We found it also very abundant in the valley of the San Gabriel river, California, associated with the large ground squirrel of that region. Here its habits were the same as we have observed them elsewhere. T am not disposed to believe with some that this bird feeds on the young of the animals with which it is always associated. In this event a degree of animosity would certainly exist between them which the closest observation has failed to detect. On the contrary, they seem to live together in the utmost harmony. I think there is but little doubt that the owl feeds upon these animals when they die from natural causes; thus he becomes a scavenger to the burrows, and on that account is respected rather than hated by his companions. 12. CONURUS CAROLINENSIS, Kuhl, (p. 67.)—Parakeet. 3896. Fort Smith, Arkansas. H. B. Méllhausen. 13. GEOCOCCYX CALIFORNIANUS, Baird, (p. 73.)—Paisano. 6178. El Paso, Texas. Dr. Kennerly.—6182. Fort Conrad, New Mexico. Dr. Kennerly.— 6183. Little Colorado river, November 2, 1853. (33.) K. & M. We found this bird quite abundant near San Antonio, Texas, living among the thick mezquite (Algarobia) bushes. Frequently, as we marched up the Rio Grande, did it cross the road in front of us, running very rapidly and disappearing among the weeds. It was also seen occa- sionally during the winter along the Little Colorado river. After leaving this river, although: we did not see the bird itself, yet we frequently saw the tracks of this, or some other species of the same genus in the sands along the valley of Bill Williams’ Fork. We found it somewhat difficult to procure a specimen, owing to its shyness and rapidity on foot. It is said that sometimes it is captured alive by being pursued on horseback, and when thus taken very soon becomes quite tame, willingly remaining about the house and soon destroying all the mice in its vicinity. Besides mice, which they catch with as much dexterity as a cat, they also eat lizards, which are generally numerous in the vicinities in which this bird is found. I embraced the opportunity of dissecting the specimen that I procured and found that the viscera consisted simply of the stomach or digesting cavity and a very short intestinal canal, very little if at all longer than the rectum of other birds. 14. PICUS HARRISI, Aud. (p. 87.)—Harris’ Woodpecker. 6079. Little Colorado river, December 8, 1853. (35.) K. & M. This bird was found along the Little Colorado river, in the month of December, wherever the cottonwood trees grew. When seen there were generally several in company. After leaving this river, however, we did not see them again. 22 ZOOLOGY. 15. PICUS SCALARIS, Wagler, (p. 94.) 6115. Q. Colorado river, California, February 15, 1854. (165.) K. & M. Near San Antonio, Texas, we saw this bird very often, as well as during our march several hundred miles west of that place. But after leaving the Rio Grande we did not meet with it until we reached the head waters of Bill Williams’ Fork. From thence to the Great Colorado river we saw it frequently wherever we found timber, but it was very shy, alighting in the tops of the leafless cottonwood trees, and keeping a vigilant lookout. 16. CENTURUS UROPYGIALIS, Baird, (p. 111.)—Gila Woodpecker. PrateE XXXVI. 3, 9. Bill Williams’ Fork, New Mexico, February 13and16. (99,171.) Kennerly and Méllhausen. First described from specimens collected by the expedition. We saw this bird continually almost during our march along the Big Sandy, Bill Williams’ Fork, and the Great Colorado, but it was with great difficulty that we procured several specimens, on account of its shyness. Seated in the top of a tree, it was ever on guard, and upon the approach of danger flew away, accompanying its flight with its peculiar notes. Its flight was in an undulating line, like that of other birds of this class. 17. COLAPTES MEXICANUS, Swainson, (p. 120.)—Red-shafted Woodpecker. 6160. Camp 134, New Mexico. (180.) Kennerly and Méllhausen. Our attention was called particularly to this bird upon reaching the Big Sandy. From thence to the Great Colorado we pursued it almost daily without being able to procure a specimen. We saw it on the barren hills among the large cacti, (Cereus giganteus,) in which it builds its nest, as well as among the bushes and trees of the valley. Its shyness was inexplicable to us until we reached the Great Colorado, where we found it closely hunted and much prized by the Indians on account of the beauty of its feathers, with which they make head dresses. We procured from the Indians a beautiful live specimen, which had been caught inatrap. We met with it again occasionally during our march up the Mohave river. 18. ATTHIS COSTAE, Reich. (p. 138.)—Coste’s Humming Bird. Pirate XIX. 6073, @; 6074, ¢. Bill Williams’ Fork, New Mexico, February 9, 1854. (79, 80.) Ken- nerly and Méllhausen. First recognized as belonging to the fauna of the United States from specimens collected by the expedition. In the month of February, while travelling along Bill Williams’ Fork, we found a few flowers that had already expanded beneath the genial rays of the sun, and around these we never failed to find this beautiful bird. At this season they were generally paired, and they were ever flitting around the flowers enjoying their sweets ‘‘ with hearts of controversy.”’ Their notes consisted of a rapid chirping sound. Approaching near the coast of California, where the valleys were clothed with flowers of every hue, these diminutive and interesting little creatures were continually flitting before us. BIRDS. 23 19. PANYPTILA MELANOLEUCA, Baird, (p. 141.)—White-throated Swift. Pratt XVIII, Fie. I. 6017. Camp 123. Bill Williams’ Fork, New Mexico, February 16, 1854. (169.) Ken- nerly and Méllhausen. First described from the specimen collected by the expedition. This curious and interesting bird was found in the month of February among the cafions of Bill Williams’ Fork. We did not observe it elsewhere during our journey. Large flocks at any time could be seen in the vicinity of these cafions, flying and circling around very high, and far beyond the reach of shot. Towards the close of the day, when the sun had sunk behind the hills, they occasionally descended lower. We found them only where the walls of the cafions were very high and consisted of almost perpendicular masses of rocks. Sometimes we have seen them sweeping down and then ascending nearly perpendicularly very near the stones, as if examining them in order to select a place for their nests. The construction of these had obviously not yet commenced, as we saw none engaged in the work, nor did we observe any old nests, unless these birds build like the common cliff swallow, (Hirundo fulva,) of which there were many also in this region, and whose nests were found in many places. Mr. Méllhausen, however, is inclined to the opinion that they build in the holes and crevices of the cliffs. In its flight and habits, as far as we were able to observe, it closely resembles the common chimney swift, (Chaetura pelasgia. ) 20. ANTROSTOMUS NUTTALLI, Cassin, (p. 141.)—Nuttall’s Whipporwill. 6004. Camp 130, New Mexico, February 23, 1854. (177.) Kennerly and Méllhausen. The only specimen of this bird that we saw was presented to us on the Great Colorado river by a Mexican boy, who had captured it alive by some means. 21, MILVULUS FORFICATUS, Swainson, (p. 169.)—Scissor-tail. 7381. San Antonio, Texas, July, 1853. (15.) Dr. Kennerly. We frequently saw this beautiful and singular fly-catcher as we marched from the Gulf of Mexico several hundred miles into western Texas, but beyond this limit we saw them no more. We found them among the thick mezquite (Algarobia) bushes, as well as upon the open prairie. When perched they were generally on the summit of a bush or tall weed, the tail being constantly in motion. Frequently they would dart off after some passing insect, circling around, showing occasionally the singular bifurcation of the tail, but seldom alighting again on the same bush, as many other fly-catchers do. We have sometimes seen it upon the open prairie fly for a long distance near the earth, as if in search of its insect prey. 22. SAYORNIS NIGRICANS, Bonap, (p. 183.)—Black Fly-catcher. 7215. Camp 105, Pueblo creek, New Mexico, March 19, 1854. (189.) K.& M. After passing the mountains of California and descending into the valley of the San Gabriel river, we found this little bird quite abundant, though we had not noticed it before. It was generally found perched upon the summit of a bush, from which it would occasionally make short excursions in search of its prey. At this season, March, they were rarely found in pairs, so I presumed that they were hatching. 24 ZOOLOGY. 23, SAYORNIS SAYUS, Baird, (p. 185.)—Say’s Fly-catcher. 7228, Bill Williams’ Fork, New Mexico, February 10, 1854.—7233. Do. February 16, 1854. (88,170.) K. & M. We found this bird common in Texas and as far to the westward as the Great Colorado river. It built its nest under the cliffs along the stream, and in its notes, and in every other respect, closely resembles the common pewee, (Zyrannula fusca.) 24, SIALIA MEXICANA, Swainson, (p. 223.)—Western Blue Bird: 7637. Camp 110, New Mexico, January 31, 1854. (60.) K. & M.—%635. Fort Conrad, New Mexico, October, 1853. (52.) Dr. Kennerly. We found this beautiful bird very abundant during our march up the Rio Grande, and from thence to the Great Colorado. At the time of which we write, from November to the latter part of January, they were always seen in large flocks, near the different streams that we passed. 25. SIALIA ARCTICA, Swainson, (p. 224.)—Rocky Mountain Blue Bird. 7607. 75 miles west of Albuquerque, November 1853. (15.) K. & M. 26. REGULUS CALENDULA, Licht. (p. 226.)—Ruby-crowned Wren. 7177. Camp 105, January 24, 1854. (55.)—7167. Camp 116, New Mexico, February 8, 1854, (75.) K. & M. We found these beautifull ittle kingletsin the Aztec mountains, in the month of January, and along Bill Williams’ Fork in the month of February. They were found in the thickest bushes, and seemed always to be busily engaged in searching for their insect food and chirping as they hopped about. 27. DENDROICA AUDUBONII, Baird, (p. 273.)—Audubon’s Warbler. 7663. Cocomongo Ranch, California, March 19, 1854. (190.) This beautiful little bird was found by Dr. Woodhouse in the mountainous districts of New Mexico, but it did not attract our attention until we reached the border settlements of Cali- fornia. In the vicinity of the Cocomongo Rancho we found it very abundant among the low bushes in the month of March. The song of this bird somewhat resembles that of the summer yellow bird, (Dendroica aestiva.) 28. COTYLE SERRIPENNIS, Bonap. (p. 313.)—Rough-winged Swallow. 6031. Camp 124, New Mexico, February 21, 1854. (176.) K. & M. We found this swallow very abundant along the Great Colorado river in the month of February. In its flight it resembles the common barn swallow (Hirundo rufa.) We did not have an opportunity of noticing anything in connexion with its nidification, as the season, I presume, had not yet arrived for nest building. no Ot BIRDS. 29. PHAINOPEPLA NITENS, Sclater, (p. 320.) 8281. Camp 120, February 12, 1854. (96.)—8282. Camp 113, New Mexico, February 5, 1854. (69.) K. & M. This beautiful little bird we found very abundant along Bill Williams’ Fork and the Great Colorado. It usually perched upon the topmost branch of a small tree, watching closely your approach, and whether flying and resting continually uttered its short and singular cry. On account of its shyness we found it difficult to procure a specimen. 30. MYIADESTES TOWNSENDII, Cab. (p. 321.)—Townsend’s Flycatcher. 8286. Near Zuni, New Mexico. K. & M. We procured several specimens of this bird in the Rocky mountains and in the vicinity of the Pueblo of Zuii. From thence westward we saw it occasionally. It inhabited generally the cedar thickets, upon the berries of which, I presume, it feeds. 31. COLLYRIO EXCUBITOROIDES, Baird, (p. 327.)—White Rumped Shrike. 8715. Camp 130, New Mexico, February 23, 1854. K.& M. This bird we saw occasionally on the Little Colorado river in the month of December, and on the Great Colorado in February. It was very shy and when seen was generally perched upon the summit of a small bush or weed watching eagerly for its prey. HARPORHYNCHUS. This bird attracted my attention particularly after reaching the head waters of Bill Williams’ Fork. From thence to the Great Colorado we saw it frequently, but found it very difficult to procure a specimen of it, as it inhabited the thickest weeds and artemisia bushes, running very rapidly, and with difficulty made to fly, and then its flight was very rapid and short, darting suddenly down and disappearing in the bushes. The species was probably H. crissalis, Henry. 32. MIMUS POLYGLOTTUS, Boie, (p. 344.)—Mocking Bird. 8164. Bill Williams’ Fork, February 9, 1854. (83.) K. & M. During our march through Texas we were frequently delighted with the music of this wonderful songster ; nor were we altogether without his company while crossing New Mexico. We always found him in the vicinity of the little streams that we passed, and at evening and the early dawn, mounting the summit of some bush or small tree, he warbled forth his imitative and fantastic songs. 33. OREOSCOPTES MONTANUS, Baird, (p. 347.)—Mountain Mocking Bird. 8136. Near Zuni, New Mexico. November 26, 1853.—8137, 8138. Bill Williams’ Fork. Camp 119, 120, February 11, 18, 1854. (49, 50.) K. & M. After leaving the Rio Grande we first met with this bird near the Pueblo of Zui; and frequently afterwards we heard its notes while travelling over the arid mesas or among the ‘ofc 26 ZOOLOGY. bushes in the valleys. While singing it was perched upon some small tree or bush. We frequently saw it seeking food upon the ground and when approached too nearly did not generally fly away, but running very rapidly soon disappeared among the weeds or bushes. 34. CATHERPES MEXICANODOS, Baird, (p. 357.)—White-throated Wren. 7116. Camp 116. Bill Williams’ Fork, February, 1854. (66.) K. & M. Among the hills bordering the Big Sandy, where the rocks were piled up thick and high, we found this little bird darting from rock to rock and creeping among the crevices with great activity, and keeping up continually its singular notes. The rapidity of its motions around the rocks rendered it difficult to procure a specimen. We did not observe it elsewhere. 35. CERTHIA AMERICANA, Bonap. (p. 372.)—Creeper. 7154. Pueblo creek, New Mexico, January 22, 1854. (47.) K. & M. This little creeper attracted my attention particularly in the Aztec mountains, where we found it very abundant among the rough-barked cedars. Its retreat was generally discovered by hearing its qui¢ék and sharp notes, and then by a close and careful search it was generally seen proceeding leisurely upwards and downwards, in straight or spiral lines towards the top of the tree, dodging dexterously to the opposite side from the observer, and only resuming his occupation when assured of solitude and sufety. 36. SITTA ACULEATA, Cassin, (p. 375.)—Western Nuthatch. Pirate XXXII, Fie. 3. Fig 4 represents the head of S. carolinensis. 6807. One hundred miles west of Albuquerque, New Mexico. (26.) Kennerly and Méllhausen. We found this little bird quite abundant among the pines of the Sierra Madre, and frequently afterwards in the mountains that we crossed. When seen he was generally busily engaged in searching for food on the trees, passing up and down and around, accompanying his motions with his peculiar notes, 37. SITTA PYGMAEA, Vigors, (p, 378.)—Cualifornia Nuthatch. 6804. Cold Spring, Rocky mountains, November 17, 1853. (22.)—6803. San Francisco mountains, New Mexico, December 27, 1853. This little bird we found quite abundant in the Sierra Madre and San Francisco mountains, even high up where the snows were deep. Here he still lingered to seek his insect food on the lofty pines. After leaving this latter range of mountains, however, we did not observe this bird again. 38. POLIOPTILA PLUMBEA, Baird, (p. 382.) Puate XX XIII, Fie. 2. 7189. Camp 119, Bill Williams’ Fork, New Mexico, February 11, 1854. (91.)—Camp 118, February 5, 1854. (70.) Kennerly & Méllhausen. First described from these specimens. BIRDS. AA We found this little bird quite abundant along Bill Williams’ Fork, in the month of Feb- ruary. In its habits it very closely resembles the Psaltriparus plumbeus. 39. LOPHOPHANES WOLLWEBERI, Bon. (p. 386.) 6795. Pueblo creek, New Mexico, January 22, 1854. (50.) Kennerly and Méllhausen. This little bird was found in the thick bushes along Pueblo creek. When noticed it was ever in motion, hopping from twig to twig, searching for its food. We found it also among the pines of the Aztec mountuins. 40. PSALTRIPARUS PLUMBEUS, Baird, (p. 398.) Pratt XXXII, Fie. 2. Little Colorado, New Mexico, November 1853. (40.)—6776, 6777. Camp 111, Bill Williams’ Fork, New Mexico, February 1, 1854. (62, 63.)—6774. Camp 120, Bill Williams’ Fork, Feb- ruary 12, 1854. (94, 95.) Kennerly & Méllhausen. First described from these specimens. We found this little bird first along the Little Colorado river, among the scattered bushes, in large flocks. They passed rapidly from place to place, uttering their short, quick notes. We found them again along the head waters of Bill Williams’ Fork, inhabiting the tops of the cottonwood trees. Attracted by their notes, they could only be seen by a very careful search. A singular fact in connexion with them is, that those along the Little Colorado all had black eyes, while the eyes of those found on the Fork were yellow. No other possible difference could be discovered. Had they been found together, or even near each other, it might be a fair conclu- ion to consider them of different sexes, merely ; but they were separated by a distance of several hundred miles. . 41. EREMOPHILA CORNUTA, Boie, (p. 403.)—Sky Lark. 8727, 8728. Near Zui, New Mexico, November 19, 1853. (26, 27.) Kennerly and Méllhausen. We found this bird throughout Texas and New Mexico, living, for the part, in naked and desert districts, often far from water. They were never seen except in flocks. We were almost sure to find them about the settlements of the prairie dog, (Cynomys ludovicianus.) When on the wing they whirled around from time to time near the earth, keeping close together, and descending suddenly when about to alight. They accompanied their flight with a low chirping note, and sometimes kept this up while running on the ground. We never observed them perched on a bush or tree, 42. CARPODACUS CASSINII, Baird, (p. 414.) Puate XXVII, Fie. 1. 6420, 6421. Pueblo creek, New Mexico, January 22, 1854. (48, 52.) Kennerly and Méll- hausen.— 6422. Albuquerque, November 15, 1853. Dr. Kennerly. First described from these specimens. This interesting bird we found inhabiting various points between the Rio Grande and the Great Colorado. We found them very abundant along Pueblo creek; not only in the low 28 ZOOLOGY. valley but high up in the Aztec mountains, among the snows. It inhabits, for the most part, the thick bushes along the running streams ; in this and other respects resembling the Carpo- dacus familiaris. 43. CARPODACUS FRONTALIS, Gray, (p. 415.)—House Finch. 6427. Camp 118, New Mexico, February 10, 1854. (86.) Kennerly and Méllhausen. This little bird is very common along the valley of the upper Rio Grande. There it is said to be quite domestic in its habits, frequenting the houses and building about the churches and other buildings. Dr. Woodhouse found it very abundant as high up as Santa Fé. We saw it frequently during our marches to the westward as far as the Great Colorado. The winter season does not seem to frighten it from this region. It was generally found in the vicinity of the various creeks that we passed. 44. CHRYSOMITRIS PSALTRIA, Bonap. (p. 422.)—Arkansas Finch. 6397, 6398, 6399, 6400. Bill Williams’ Fork, New Mexico, February, 1854. (97, 78, 74, 76.) Kennerly and Moéllhausen. This beautiful little bird we found very abundant in the month of February, feeding on the young buds of the cottonwood trees along Bill Williams’ Fork. At this season they were in small flocks ; and the only note we heard from them was a short chirp as they hopped from twig to twig, or flew from one tree to another. 45. COTURNICULUS PASSERINUS, Bonap. (p. 450.)—Yellow-winged Sparrow. 6334. Bill Williams’ Fork, New Mexico. (175.) We found this bird among the thick bushes along the valley of Bill Williams’ Fork, as well as along the Great Colorado river. In some places they were quite numerous, going in flocks of five or six or more. 46. ZONOTRICHIA GAMBELII, Gambel, (p. 460.)—Gambel’s Finch. 6201, 6202, 6203. White Cliff creek, New Mexico, February, 1854. (65, 64,61.) Kennerly and Méllhausen. This sparrow we first noticed upon approaching the Big Sandy creek; from thenee to the Great Colorado we found them abundant. At this season (February) they were mostly in flocks, and were generally found among the bushes in the vicinity of the water. 47. JUNCO OREGONUS, Sclater, (p. 466.)—Oregon Snow Bird. 6266. Zuni, New Mexico, (30.) Kennerly and Méllhausen. ~~ We frequently saw this little bird in the vicinity of the Pueblo of Zuii, in the month of October and the latter part of November. It was very abundant among the cedar to the west- ward of this settlement as far as the Little Colorado. Its note at this season was a short chirp, closely resembling that of the common snow bird, (J. hyemalis,) BIRDS. 29 48, POOSPIZA BELLI, Sclater, (p. 470.) 6336. Colorado river, California, December 15, 1853. Kennerly and Méllhausen. This little bird was found in the month of December along the Little Colorado river, wherever the weeds and bushes were thick. It was never observed very far from the water, and its food at this season seemed to consist of the seeds of various kinds of weeds. In its motions it was quick ; and when made to fly, its flight was short, rapid, and near the earth. 49. SPIZELLA MONTICOLA, Baird, (p. 472.)—Tree Sparrow. 6354, 6355. Little Colorado river, New Mexico, December 18, 20, 1853. (39.) Kennerly and Méllhausen. Along the Little Colorado river, in the month of December, we found this little sparrow quite abundant, feeding upon the seeds of the grapes and weeds that grow along the valley. 50. SPIZELLA BREWERI, Cassin, (p. 475.)—Brewer’s Sparrow. 6358. Camp 127. Bill Williams’ Fork, New Mexico, February 26, 1854. (174.) Ken- nerly and Mollhausen. We found this bird throughout New Mexico, from the Rio Grande to the Great Colorado, along the different streams, where it fed upon the seeds of various kinds of weeds. 51. MELOSPIZA FALLAX, Baird, (p. 481.) Puate XXVII, Fie. 2. Pueblo creek, New Mexico, January 22, 1854. (51.) First described from this specimen. We observed this little bird only along Pueblo creek, in the month of J anuary. It did not confine itself to the open valley, but was often seen among the thick bushes that margined the creek far up in the Aztec mountains, where the snow covered the ground. In its habits it very closely resembles the Poospiza bellii, being very restless and rapid in its motions, accompanying them with a short chirp, feeding upon the seeds of the weeds that remained uncovered by the snow. Its flight was also rapid and near the earth. Being very shy, I found it difficult to procure many specimens. 52. MELOSPIZA LINCOLNII, Baird, (p. 482.)—Lincoln’s Finch. 6325. Camp 131, New Mexico, February, 1854. (100.) K. & M. This bird we found in the month of February, from the Big Sandy to the Great Colorado river. It confined itself to the thick bushes along the stream, and when seen was generally busily hopping from twig to twig in search of food. When made to fly, its flight was noticed to be very rapid and near the earth, 30 ZOOLOGY. 53. CYANOSPIZA CIRIS, Baird, (p. 503.)—Painted Finch. 6277, 5278. San Antonio, Texas, July, 1853. (14, 17.) Dr. Kennerly. We often listened with pleasure to the melodious warblings of this beautiful finch, in the vicinity of San Antonio, Texas, where we found it very abundant among the thick mezquite (Algarobia) bushes, in the month of July. It is deservedly a great favorite there on account of the beauty both of its plumage and its notes. 54. PIPILO MEGALONYX, Baird, (p. 515.) 6733. Pueblo creek, New Mexico, Camp 104, January 22, 1854. (49.) K. & M. The bird first attracted our attention in the month of January, in the Aztec mountains, along Pueblo creek. Here we saw it often, but generally singly. It inhabited the thickest bushes, and its motions were so constant and rapid, as it hopped from twig to twig, that we found it difficult to procure a specimen. Its flight was also rapid and near the ground. 55. PIPILO ABERTII, Baird, (p. 516.)—Abert’s Finch. Pirate XXX. 6750. Camp 114, February 6, 1854. (72.)—6751. Camp 120, Bill Williams’ Fork, New Mexico, February 12. (92.) K. & M. In the month of February, while travelling down the Big Sandy creek and Bil] Williams’ Fork, we found this bird very abundant. They confined themselves to the thick bushes near the water. Generally, two.or three were seen together. Their motions were very rapid and their note was a peculiar, loud, chattering sound, sharp but not disagreeable. After leaving the Great Colorado we did not see it again. 56. PIPILO MESOLEUCUS, Baird, (p. 518.) Puate X XIX. 6827. Bill Williams’ Fork, New Mexico, February 5, 1854. (67) K. & M. First described from this specimen. 57. PYRANGA HEPATICA, Swainson, (p. 302.) Pirate XXXII, Seen in the San Francisco mountains, New Mexico. 58. AGELAIUS PHOENICEUS, Vieillot, (p. 526.)—Red-wing Blackbird. 8574 g. Fort Conrad, New Mexico, October, 1853.—8576. Cold Spring, New Mexico, November 17, 1853, (23.)—Camp 150. Cocomongo Ranch, California, March 19, 1854, (187.) K. & M. We found these birds quite abundant in various places in New Mexico, wherever we found marshes and swampy grounds. We saw them also in the Sierra Madre, near Cold Spring, and Dr. Woodhouse found them also in the San Francisco mountains, near the Laguna Enematio. BIRDS. 31 59. AGELAIUS GUBERNATOR, Bon. (p. 529.)—Red-shouldered Blackbird. » 8597. Camp 150. Cocomongo Ranch, California, May 19, 1854, (188.) K. & M. In the month of October, near the ruins of Valverde, on the Rio Grande, we procured two specimens of a bird belonging to this genus, but cannot assert positively that it is this species, owing to the imperfect condition of the plumage. But during our marches along Bill Williams’ Fork, along the Great Colorado, and the Mohave river, we found them quite numerous ; but more abundant still along the creeks and swampy grounds that we passed as we approached near the settlements of California. Large flocks could here be seen whirling around in graceful curves like dark clouds, chattering joyfully as they moved along, or settling as a black veil on the topmost branches of some tree, indulging loudly in their harsh music. 60. STURNELLA NEGLECTA, Aud. (p. 537.)--Western Meadow Lark. 8616. Fort Conrad, New Mexico, October, 1853.—8611. Camp 117, New Mexico, February 9, 1854.—8612. Camp 126, New Mexico, February 19, 1854, (173.) K. & M. This bird is abundant in Texas, and we found it along the valley of the Rio Grande as far as Albuquerque ; from thence westward as far as the Pueblo of Zui we saw it occasionally. But after leaving this village we did not meet with it again until we reached Bill Williams’ Fork, from thence, however, to the Pacific coast it was very common along all of the streams that we passed. In its habits it closely resembles the 9. ludoviciana, but I think close attention will discover some difference in the notes. In the former these are not so prolonged, and end more abruptly. 61. ICTERUS SPURIUS, Bon. (p. 547.)—Orchard Oriole. 6706. San Antonio, Texas, July, 1853. Dr. Kennerly. This beautiful little oriole we found very abundant near San Antonio, Texas, in the month of July. It seemed to prefer the places where the mezquite (Algarobia) grew the thickest. 62. CORVUS CACALOTL, Wagler, (p. 563.)—Colorado Raven. PuatTe XX. 6855. Bill Williams’ Fork, New Mexico, February 7, 1854. 73? 102, 97. Camp 110, January 31, 1854, (54.) K. & M. This bird was one of our most constant companions during our marches from the Rio Grande westward. Four or five of them would frequently follow our train for several days over sandy and dreary plains, where no other living object was seen, and nothing heard save their dismal croaks. I have known them to become quite tame after following us in this manner undisturbed, and to walk about among our mules and in the camp, permitting themselves to be approached frequently quite closely, without seeming disposed to fly away. When we evacuated the camp, they immediately took possession of it and enjoyed what was left hurriedly, quarrelling at the same time with the coyotes should they dare to intrude. 63. CORVUS CRYPTOLEUCUS, Couch, (p. 365.)-—White-necked Crow. Puate XXII. Seen abundantly on the Llano Estacado. 32 ZOOLOGY. . 64. PICICORVUS COLUMBIANUS, Bon. (p. 573.)—Clark’s Crow. 8474, 8475. 75 miles west of Albuquerque, November 15, 1853. K. & M. In the thick pine woods skirting the eastern slope of the Rocky mountains we found this bird quite abundant. We seldom saw more than two or three together ; and when seen they were generally busily engaged in searching for food, flying alternately from the ground to the trees, and keeping up continually their loud song. After leaving the mountains we did not see it again. 65. GYMNOKITTA CYANOCEPHALA, Pr. Max. (p. 574 )—Maximilian’s Jay. 8468. 95 miles west of Albuquerque, November 16, 1853. K. & M. Between the Puebla of Laguna and the Sierra Madre we frequently saw large flocks of this bird during the latter part of the month of November. They frequented chiefly the water courses, and when scared would circle around rising higher above our heads, uttering their singular cry, then suddenly descending would alight in the top of some tree on the adjoining cliffs. Its voice somewhat resembles that of the common cat-bird (Mimus carolinensis.) After leaving the Rocky mountain range we saw it no more. 66. PICA HUDSONICA, Bonap. (p. 576.)—Magpie. 8480. Fourth Camp, Little Colorado, New Mexico, December 8, 1853. Kennerly and Méllhausen. We found this beautiful magpie in great numbers soon after leaving the Rio Grande, and from time to time afterwards as we marched towards the coast of California. It seems to live indiffer- ently in the deep cations, among the hills, or in the valleys, but is never found except in the vicinity of water. 67. CYANURA MACROLOPHUS, Baird, (p. 582.)—Crested Jay. 8351. One hundred miles west of Albuquerque, New Mexico, November 17, 1853. (20.)— Camp 105, January 23, 1854. (53.) Kennerly and Moéllhausen. First described from these specimens. Among the lofty pines of the Sierra Madre we first saw this bird. Leaving this range we did not find it again until we crossed the Aztec mountains ; here it was less abundant than in the former place, and for the most part was found among the cedars on the high grounds, though sometimes seen among the clumps of large pines that were scattered along the valley. After leaving this vicinity we did not observe it again. 68. CYANOCITTA CALIFORNICA, Strickland, (p. 584.)—California Jay. 8462. Camp 149, California, March 16, 1854. (186.) Kennerly and Méllhausen. We found what we supposed was this bird from the Rocky mountains to the coast of California, wherever we found the pifion trees. It is probable that they feed upon the nuts of this tree. They seldom remain long in one position, but are almost continually hopping from limb to limb, or flying from tree to tree, and keeping up all the time their well-known cry. It is probable, however, that all those seen east of the Coast mountains of California were in reality O. woodhousti. Oo oo BIRDS. 69. ZENAIDURA CAROLINENSIS, Bonap. (p. 604.)—Dove. 8748. Bill Williams’ Fork, New Mexico, February 28, 1854. (181.) Kennerly and Mollhausen. This bird is very common in Texas, in the vicinity of San Antonio, also along the Gulf coast; but travelling towards the west, for about two hundred miles from the former place, it seemed suddenly to disappear, and we saw it no more. 70. LOPHORTYX CALIFORNICUS, Bonap. (p. 644.)—California Quail. 9388. Mohave river, March 14, 1854. (183.) Kennerly and Méllhausen, We did not see this beautiful partridge until we reached the waters of the Mohave river, some forty miles below the Spanish trail; but during our march up this stream we found it very abundant, as well as among the settlements near the coast. In its habits it does not differ from the Lophortyx gambelit. 71. LOPHORTYX GAMBELII, Nutt. (p. 645.)—Gambel’s Partridge. 9360. Camp 97, New Mexico, January 10, 1854. (44.) Kennerly and Méllhausen. This beautiful bird we found in great numbers during our march up the Rio Grande. Large flocks were frequently crossing the road before us, or seen huddled together under a bush. After leaving the river we found them again so numerous along Partridge creek as to give origin to the name of the stream. From thence to the Great Colorado we occasionally saw them, but after leaving the river we did not find them again. These Lirds are said to become quite domesticated when unmolested. But when pursued they can seldom be made to fly, depending more upon their feet as a mode of escape than upon their wings. They run very rapidly, and seldom, if ever, hide and remain close in the grass or bushes, like the common Virginia partridge. 72. GRUS FRATERCULUS, Cassin, (p. 656.)—Little Crane. Pirate XXXVILI. 10378. Albuquerque, New Mexico, October, 1853. Kennerly and Méllhausen. First described from this specimen. 738. BUTORIDES VIRESCENS, Bon. (p. 676.)—Green Heron. 9490. Sans Bois creek, Choctaw country. H. B. Méllhausen. 74. NYCTHERODIUS VIOLACEUS, Reich. (p. 679.)—Yellow-crowned Night Heron. 9482, Fort Smith, Arkansas. H. B. Méllhausen. 75. IBIS ORDI, Bonap. (p. 685.)—Glossy Ibis. 9505. San Francisco, California, March 28, 1854. (196.) Kennerly and Méllhausen. This bird we first observed at San Eleazario, Texas, where we found it feeding about the lagoons in the vicinity of the town. There, being unmolested, it was very tame, and could be approached without difficulty, At Fray Christobal we found them very abundant, and observed 5b 34 ZOOLOGY. them occasionally as we marched towards the Pacific. In the market at San Francisco it is a very common bird. When on the wing they arrange themselves either in a straight line or a wedge-shaped figure, accompanying their flight with their peculiar notes. 76. AEGIALITIS VOCIFERUS, Cassin, (p. 692.)—Killdeer. 6590. Camp 121, New Mexico. Kennerly and Mollhausen. Throughout Texas and New Mexico we found this bird wherever there was permanent water. Its well-known cry we often heard late at night as it flew over our camp or ran along the shore of some pool or running stream. 77. GALLINAGO WILSONII, Bon. (p. 710.)—English Snipe. 6614. Camp 123, New Mexico, February 16, 1854. Kennerly and Méllhausen. We found this snipe abundant in the swamps along Bill Williams’ Fork in the month of February ; but we did not observe it elsewhere during our journey, 78. GAMBETTA MELANOLEUCA, Bon. (p. 731.)—Tell-tale. We found small flocks of this bird only on Bill Williams’ Fork and on the Mohave river, during the latter part of February and the month of March. Here they were very gentle and easily approached. 79. NUMENIUS LONGIROSTRIS, Wils. (p. 743.)—Long-billed Curlew. San Francisco, California. (195.) This bird we did not meet with until we reached San Francisco, where we found it very common in the market. 80. RALLUS ELEGANS, Aud. (p. 746.)—King Rail. San Francisco, California. (196.) We saw this bird first in the vicinity of San Francisco, where it was quite abundant in the month of March. It was one of the most numerous water birds that we found in the market. 81. BERNICLA CANADENSIS, Boie, (p. 764.)—Canada Goose. 6954. Rio Rita, Laguna, New Mexico, November, 1853. Kennerly and Méllhausen. We found this goose-very abundant along the Rio Grande, and met with it frequently from thence to the Pacific. During the period of which we write, from October to March, they were always seen in flocks. 82. DAFILA ACUTA, Jenyns, (p. 776.)—Pin-tail Duck. Bill Williams’ Fork, New Mexico. (172.) Kennerly and Méllhausen. We found this a very abundant species in the marshes along Bill Williams’ Fork, where they congregated with hundreds of other ducks of various species ; was quite troublesome and annoying on account of its watchfulness. It was generally on such occasions the first to take to the wing, and by its cries give the alarm. BIRDS. 35 83. NETTION CAROLINENSIS, Baird, (p. 777.)—Green-winged Teal. 9722. g, 9. Rio Rita, Laguna, New Mexico, November 12, 1854. (3.)—9723. 9. Ditto. Kennerly and Méllhausen. This duck was probably more abundant than any species that we met with. Besides finding great numbers along the Rio Grande, we scarcely ever failed to see it during our westward journey, wherever we found running water. 84, QUERQUEDULA CYANOPTERA, Baird, (p. 780.)—Red-breasted Teal. 9750. Mohave river, March 11, 1854.—9740. ¢. Camp 123, February 16, 1854. (166.) Kennerly & Méllhausen. We saw this bird frequently on Bill Williams’ Fork, Great Colorado and Mohave rivers. The male, when in full plumage, is one of the most beautiful of all the ducks ; but they seemed to be remarkably scarce in comparison with the number of females. 85. CHAULELASMUS STREPERUS, Gray, (p. 782.)—Gadwall. 9796. @. San Francisco, California, March, 1854. 86. AIX SPONSA, Boie, (p. 785.)—-Summer Duck. 9776. San Francisco, California, ¢, February, 1854. Kennerly and Méllhausen. This beautiful duck we did not see before reaching San Francisco, in the vicinity of which place we found it very abundant. 87. FULIX AFFINIS, Baird, (p. 792.)—Little Black Head. We found this duck very common in the vicinity of San Francisco, but did not observe it before reaching that place. 88. BUCEPHALA ALBEOLA, Baird, (p. 797.)—Butter Ball. 9813. Bill Williams’ Fork, New Mexico, February, 1854. (89.) This expert little diver we saw occasionally in small flocks, in the month of February, along Bill Williams’ Fork and the Great Colorado river. 4 > eo %2 ‘ ‘3 tah inl! , / y a : , yi i Ma ) 1 t Hii, &i : by 5 ‘ ' a f ila TTP wt dna ” Loy . eerie Ate Wie on gine ait aT shi tie ] 2 Cut ag. Oa a Le AL ae i ae inte 2» Said i eet * ae ‘ “- @ punt? 1 1 } ye See, vith OS : AGL Pe aS fieeay ) SOOT CMAN, 0 nk healt bntd rie ifaw ei: bn fae 8011 AE wcities con't qttdnaery soallag hq iihat Ril ump iat , ; eae cy ae wee he): my’ wa wee hee ” = Nel Ft A y a é a am cs dunta a cryasulait Yo de USPRRExp.& Surveys 35‘ Parallel Birds. Plas eV iE USPRRExp.& Surveys 35% Parallel. Binds) 2 Plate xXDe Ry ele Y e, eins VA ya 1 % pUurVv eva CY, US.P RARExp. & Surveys—_ 35 ® Parallel Birds ___Plate XXIX USPRR ixp. & Surveys, 32°49 Parallel {East} - aa) & Surveys ——35 1h } 2 it arallel Plate XXXVII Berne - -_ . on 4 : y | “hhh ae) i”, 'S a) ee Pvt et Toe a ee ay ay) nie t : Ry Ay Late | x A 1 n ae - ara , a? is ee =. No. 4. REPORT UPON THE REPTILES OFTHE ROUTE. BY S. F. BAIRD. SCELOPORUS UNDULATUS, Wiegm. Stellio undulatus, LatrEiLtLEe, Hist. Rep. I, 18(2, 40. Tropidolepis undulatus, Cuvier, R A —Horsroox, N. Am. Herp II, 1842, 73; pl. ix. Sceloporus undulatus, WirGmann, Isis, 1828, 369. 2874. Near mouth of Poteau river, Arkansas. B. Méllhausen. SCELOPORUS SPINOSUS, Wiegm. Sceloporus spinosus, Wirem. Isis, 1828, 369. Tropidolepis spinosus, Guay, Syn. Rept. Griff. An. King. TX, 1831, 43. 2938. San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Kennerly. SCELOPORUS CONSOBRINUS, B. & G. Sceloporus consobrinus, B. & G. Marey’s Report, 1853, 237. 2910. Canadian Fork. B. Méllhausen. SCELOPORUS THAYERI, B. & G. Sceloporus thayeri, B. & G. Pr. A. N.S. VI, August, 1852, 127. 2907. Coal creek, Arkansas. B. Méllhausen. . CROTAPHYTUS COLLARIS, Holbrook. Agama collaris, Say, Long’s Exped. II, 1823, 252. Crotaphytus collaris, Horproox, N. Am. Herp. II, 1842, 79; pl. x. 2701 Fort Smith, Arkansas.—2707. Near the Gold mountains, Arkansas.—4106. Coal creek of Arkansas.—2715. Near Canadian. 3B. Méllhausen.—2690. Pecos to Rio Grande. Dr. Kennerly. CROTOPHYTUS WISLIZENII, B. & G. Crotophytus wislizenii, B. & G. Pr. A. N. Se. VI, April, 1852, 69. New Mexico, Dr. Kennerly. UTA STANSBURIANA, B. & G. Uta stansburiana, B. & G., Pr. A. N. Se. VI, April, 1852, 69.—Is. Stansbury’s Great Salt Lake, 1852, 345; Reptiles, plate v. 2682. Albuquerque. Kennerly and Méllhausen. 1 The diagnoses of most of the serpents haye been prepared by Mr. Robert Kennicott, and of the toads by Dr. Charles Girard. 38 2810. 2797. 198. ZOOLOGY. HOLBROOKIA MACULATA, Girard. Holbrookia maculata, Girarv, Pr. Am. Assoc. for 1850, 1851, 201.—In. Stansbury’s Report, 1852, 342, pl vi, fig 1, 3. Near Canadian. B. Méllhausen. HOLBROOKIA TEXANA, B. & G. Cophosaurus teranus, Troscuer, Wiegmann’s Archiv for 1850, 1852, 389; pl. vi. Holbrookia texana, B. & G., Pr. A. N. Se. VI, August, 1852, 125. Pecos to Rio Grande. Dr. Kennerly. TAPAYA HERNANDEZII, Girard. Tapaya hernandezii, Girarp, Herp U. S. Ex. Ex., 1858, 395. Santa Fé, New Mexico. Kennerly and Moéllhausen. TAPAYA ORNATISSIMA, Girard. Phrynosoma orbiculare, HatrowE tt, Sitgreaves’ Exped. 1853, 125; pl. viii. Topaya ornatissima, Girard, Herp. U. 8. Ex. Ex., 1858, 396. 199.—203. Along Canadian river to Albuquerque. Mdéllhausen and Kennerly. 138. 172. 3005. 2990. PHRYNOSOMA CORNUTUM, Gray. Agama cornuta, Haran, J. A. N. Se. IV, IT, 1825, 299. Phrynosoma cornutum, Gray, Syn. Rept. Griff. Cuv. IX, 1831, 45.—Horsrook, N. Am. Herp. II, 1842, 87; pl. xii— Grrarp, Herp. U. S. Ex. Ex. 1853, 403; pl. xxi, fig. 6, 9. Pecos to Rio Grande. Dr. Kennerly.—140. Near Canadian. B. Méllhausen. DOLIOSAURUS MODESTUS, Girard. Phrynosoma modestum, Girarp, Stansbury’s Report, 1852, 361; pl. vi, fig. 4-—5. Doliosaurus modestus, Girarp Herp. U.S. Ex. Ex., 1858, 409. Near Canadian river. B. Mlléhausen.—173. Near Albuquerque. B, Méllhausen. CNEMIDOPHORUS SEX-LINEATUS, Dum. Bib. Lacerta sex-lineata, Linn. Syst. Nat. 1766, 364. America sex-lineata, Horzroox, N. Am. Herp. I, 1838, 63; pl. vi. Cnemidophorus sex-lineatus, Dum. Bis. Erp. Gen. V, 1839, 131. Fort Smith, Arkansas. B. Méllhausen. CNEMIDOPHORUS GULARIS, B. & G. Cnemidophorus gularis, B. & G. Pr. A. N. Se. VI, August, 1852, 128. Cnemadophorus guttatus, Harrowet, Pr. A. N. Se. VII, October, 1854, 192. San Antonio to Fort Inge, Texas. Dr. Kennerly.—3016. Near Canadian. B. Mollhausen. HELODERMA HORRIDUM, Wiegmann. Heloderma horridum, Wixcmann, Isis, 1829, 627.—In. Herp Mex. 1834; plate. Bairp, Reptiles, U. 8. and Mex. Boundary; plate. Mohave river. Kennerly & Méllhausen, *. REPTILES. ai) PLESTIODON FASCIATUS. Lacerta fasciata, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1758, 290. Scincus fasciatus, Hocsroon, N. Am Herp. II, 1842, 127; pl. xviii. Lacerta quinquelincata, Lixn. Syst. Nat. 1766, 366. Scincus quinquelineatus, Hornroox, N Am. Herp. II, 1842, 121; pl. xvii. Plestiodon erythrocephalus, Hornroox, N. Am. Herp. 11, 1842, 117; pl. xvi. 3176. Fort Smith. Dr. Shumard. PLESTIODON OBSOLETUS, B. & G. Plestiodon obsoletum, B & G Pr. A. N. Se. VI, August, 1852, 129. 3113. Coal creek, Arkansas. B. Méllhausen. This specimen is very young and is the only one in the collection which exhibits the typical coloration of the species. LYGOSOMA LATERALE, Dum. Bib. Scincus lateralis, Say, Long’s Exped. II, 1823, 324.—Horrroox, N. Am. Herp. II, Ist ed. I, 1836, 71. Lygosoma lateralis, Dum Bin Erp. Gen. V, 1839, 719.—Horsskoox, N Am. Herp. II, 1842, 133; pl. xix. 3132. Fort Inge, Texas.—3135. San Antonio. Dr. Kennerly. CROTALUS DURISSUS, Linn.—Rattlesnake. Crotalus durissus, Linn. Syst. Nat I, 1766, 372.—Hovsroox, N. Am. Herp. III, 1812, 9; pl.i—B. & G Catal. N. Am. Serpents, 1853, 1. Spec. Cuar.—Head small, narrow; superciliaries, frontals, and other large plates smooth and uncorrugated. Sub-orbital chain continuous; two rows between this and the labials. Labials 12-14 above, 13-16 below. Dorsal rows of scales 23-25, all carinated ; carinations of outer row obsolete. No defined light lines on head or body, and no lighter edgings to the plates of the head; tail black. Above yellow or yellowish brown, with a double dorsal series of brown or blackish confluent rhomboids, with another series opposite on each side. A distinct narrow reddish dorsal stripe, three or four scales in width from head to tail. A broad dark stripe from the lower and posterior angle of the orbit across the angle of the mouth; this stripe sometimes obsolete.—(Kennicott. ) No. 277. Fort Smith, Arkansas. Dr. G. G. Shumard. CROTALUS ATROX, B. & G. Crotalus atroz, B & G. Catal. N. Am. Serp. 1853, 5. Spec. Coar.—Nose broad, obtuse. Plates of head elongated and much imbricated; two rather small anterior frontals in contact ; two larger imbricated plates between these and each superciliary; space enclosed occupied’ by scales of smaller size but larger than those between the posterior half of the superciliaries. Superciliaries usually bordered by a row of larger scales, of which the anterior is much largest. All the larger plates of the crown very much corrugated, and the anterior plate’ generally with their edges turned up; this, together with their corrugated surfaces, presenting a very rough appearance. Three rows of scales between the sub-orbital chain and labials. Labials 15-16 above, 15-17 below. Dorsal rows 25-27; central row strongly carinated, with additional small ridges converging to the apex of each scale. Tail with black rings. Color dull yellowish brown, with a dorsal series of rhomboidal blotches, margined by lighter lines much the same as in C. adamanteus, but tbe lateral markings represented in C. adamanteus all obsolete. Abdomen without spots. A single transverse light line on the superciliary, sometimes obsolete. Light stripe from posterior angle of orbit below the superciliary to the upper labials in front of the angle of the mouth. No light lines in front.of the nostril, or light edgings on rostral —(Kennicott. ) No. 4225, Rocky Dell creek, Indian territory. B. Méllhausen, 4() ZOOLOGY. CROTALUS CONFLUENTUS, Say. Crotalus confluentus, Say, Long’s Exped. II, 1823, 48.—B. & G. Catal. N. Am. Serp. 1853, 8 Crotalus lecontii, Harrow. Pr. A. N. Se. VI, 1851, 8. Srec Csar.—Plates on crown irregular, angulated, imbricated, and frequently tuberculated, smoother and less elongated than in C. atrox. Three, rarely four, rows of scales between the sub-orbital series (which extends to the centre of the orbit) and the labials. Labials 14-18 above, 14-18 below. Dorsal rows of scales 25-29. Dorsal blotches brown, margined by narrow whitish lines, sub-quadrate, emarginate before and behind; posteriorly intervals greater and spots transversely quadrate, ultimately becoming twenty-five to thirty half rings. Colors not deeper posteriorly in old specimens. Two transverse lines on superciliary enclosing about one-third, sometimes obsolete. Light stripe from orbit below superciliary to angle of jaw passes angle of mouth on the second or third row of scales above the labials. Rostral margined with lighter —(Kennicott.) No. 291. Canadian river. 3B. Méllhausen. CROTALOPHORUS MILIARIUS, Holbrook. Crotalus miliarius, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 372. Crotalophorus miliarius, Horproox, N. Am Herp. III, 1842, 25; pl xv.—B. & G. N. Am. Serp. 1853, 11. Spec. Cuan.—Twenty-one to twenty-three dorsal rows of scales all carinated, the two lateral rows but slightly. Greyish ash with black blotches. A vertebral reddish line. Vertical plate obtuse posteriorly, widening but little anteriorly, slightly concave on the sides. A narrow white line from the lowest point of the orbit passes obliquely backward to the angle of the mouth — (Kennicott.) No. 489. Fort Smith, Arkansas. B. Méllhausen. TOXICOPHIS PISCIVORUS, B. & G. Trigonocephalus piscivorus, Hovzroox, N. Am. Herp. Ist ed. II, 1838, 63; pl. xiii—Tn. 2d ed. ITT, 1842, 33; pl. vii. Toxicophis piscivorus, B. & G. Catal. N. Am. Serp. 1853, 19. Spec. Cuar.—No loral. Inferior wall of orbit constituted by third labial. Twenty-five dorsal rows. Dark chestnut brown, with indistinct vertical dark bars. Line from superciliary along the edge of the head, through the middle of the second supra- labial row. A second line from the lowest point of the orbit parallel to the first. No. 823. Fort Smith, Arkansas. B. Méllhausen. EUTAENIA PROXIMA, B. & G. Coluber proximus, Say, Long’s Expedition, I, 1823, 187. Eutainia proxima, B. & G. Catal N. Am Serp. 1853, 25, Spec. Cuar.—Body stouter than Z. saurita or E. faireyi. Brown or blackish above. Three longitudinal stripes; the dorsal ochraceous yellow or brown; lateral greenish white or yellow on the third and fourth lateral rows. Dorsal stripe one and over two half scales wide. Lateral row of scales usually the color of the abdomen. ‘Total length about 34 times that of the tail. Dorsal rows 19.—(Kennicott.) No. 762. San Antonio, Texas —742, Between Pecos and Rio Grande. Dr. Kennerly. EUTAENIA DORSALIS, B. & G. Eutainia dorsalis, B. & G. Catal. N. Am. Serp. 1853, 31. Dimensions of £. sirtalis. Color olivaceous green. Dorsal stripe broad, whitish yellow, wargined with black. A row of spots ab.ve the lateral stripe. Lateral stripe on second and third rows. Dorsal rows 19. No. 978. Fort Conrad, New Mexico. Dr. Kennerly. REPTILES. 41 EUTAENIA VAGRANS, B. & G. Butainia vagrans, B. & G. Catal N. Am. Serp. 1853, 35.—Giranp, Herp U.S. Ex. Ex. 1858, 154; pl. xiv, figs. 5—10. Spec. Cuar.—Head large and high. Light labials above, sixth and seventh very large, higher than wide; the sixth extending above the level of the lower edge of the eye; the seventh much larger than the fifth. Light olive brown above, with two series of black spots on each side, the upper of which encroaches upon the dorsal stripe, constricting it at regular intervals, while the lower encroaches upon the indistinct lateral stripe. Lateral stripe on second and third rows. Dorsal rows 21.—(Kennicott.) No. 926. Near the Gold mountains. Méllhausen. EUTAENIA MARCIANA, B.& G. Butainia marciana, B. & G. Catal. N. Am. Serp. 1853, 37. Srec. Cuar.—Head triangular, short, very broad posteriorly; nose pointed. Upper labials eight, sixth largest, seventh nearly as large. Body rather stout, sub-cylindrical; tail short. Prominent color light brown; a vertebral paler line and one lateral on each side, more or less indistinct. Three series of square black spots on each side, of about 56-60 in each series, from occiput to anus. Sides of head black, with a crescentic patch of yellowish posterior to the labial plates. Three and sometimes four black vitte radiating from the eye across the jaws. A double white spot with a black margin on the suture of occipital plates. Dorsal rows 21. No. 856. Pecos to Rio Grande, Texas.—1424. San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Kennerly. NERODIA WOODHOUSII, B. & G. Nerodia woodhousit, B. & G. Catal. N. Am. Serp. 1853, 42. Speo. Cuar.—Form of J, erythrogaster, but the head broader behind and more flattened above. Twenty-five dorsal rows of scales, all carinated. Three rather large post-orbitals; ante-orbital narrow; loral large. Three series of quadrangular dark blotches on a brownish clay-colored ground. The middle series separated by narrow white lines, the latter by intervals of the ground color, wider than themselves; the three series perfect to the head. A double yellow occipital spot; a yellow spot between the superciliary and vertical plates; an indistinct black line from the posterior rim of the eye to the angle of the mouth. Abdomen unspotted.—(Kennicott.) No. 1318. Antelope creek, Arkansas.—1325. Near Canadian river, Arkansas. H. B. Mollhausen. NERODIA ERYTHROGASTER, B. & G. Coluber erythrogaster, SHaw, Gen. Zool. IIT, 1804, 458. Tropidonotus erythrogaster, Hotzroox, N. Am. Herp. 2d ed. III, 1842, 33; pl. viii. Nerodia erythrogaster, B. & G. Catal. N. Am. Serp. 1853, 40. Sp, Cu.—Head elongated, narrowing forwards; occipital region flattened; convex on the snout. Vertical plate pentagonal, very large, as are also the occipitals. Three post-orbitals. An elevated Joral. Dorsal rows of scales 23 in number, all very strongly carinated. Uniform dark bluish black above, lighter on the sides; a lateral or external band of dull blue extending on the abdominal scutelle. Body beneath uniform dull coppery yellow, sometimes with the anterior edge of each scutellz bluish. No distinct spots on the abdomen, as in N. sipedon. Indications of three series of dorsal blotches, as in N. woodhousii, in young specimens. No. 1324. Fort Smith, Arkansas. Dr. Shumard. HETERODON NASICUS, B. & G. Heterodon nasicus, B. & G. Stansbury’s Expl. Salt Lake, 1852, 352.—In. Catal. N. Am. Serp. 1853, 61. Spec. Cuar.—Vertical broader than long. Rostral excessively broad and high. Azygos plate surrounded behind and on the sides by many small plates, (12-15.) A second loral. Labials short and excessively high. Dorsal rows of scales 23, exterior alone smooth. A dorsal series of about 50 blotches, with four or five others on each side. Body beneath, black. A narrow white line across the middle of the superciliaries ; a second behind the rostral. A broad, dark patch from the eye to the angle of the mouth, crossing the last two labials. No. 1280. Near Canadian, Arkansas. Moéllhausen. 6b 42 ZOOLOGY, PITYOPHIS BELLONA, B. & G. Churchillia bellona, B. & G., Stansbury’s report, 1852, 350. Pituophis bellona, B. & G., Catal. N. A. Serpents, 1853, 66. Pituophis affinis, Hattowe tt, Pr. A. N. Se. VI, 1852, 181. Sreo., Cuir.—Head broad behind, tapering to the snout. Snout rather pointed, but less so than in P. sayi, elevated. Crown flattened between the eyes and posteriorly. Vertical plate broad, anteriorly narrow, and elongated posteriorly. Ante-orbitals 2, sometimes 1; post-orbitals 3 or 4, Frequently a supplemental plate before the vertical. Dorsal rows of scales 29 to 35, the 7 outer rows smooth. Head spotted with black; transverse frontal bar from one orbit to the other well marked; the oblique post orbital stripe rather narrow. Color of the body whitish yellow; a dorsal series of 45-65 subquadrate blotches from head to anus, transversely elongated posteriorly; 3 or 4 smaller series on each side. The lateral blotches longitudinally elongated near the head; vertically elongated posteriorly when they form a series of jet black vertical bars. Ten or fifteen transverse black bands on the tail. Abdomen yellow with an external series of black spots on each side.—(Kennicott.) No, 1528. San Antonio to Austin, Texas. Mdllhausen. ARIZONA ELEGANS, Kennicott. Arizona elegans, Kennicorr, in Mex. Bound. Report, IT, 1859; Baird Rep. Reptiles, 18, plate xiii. Sp. Cu.—Body rather more slender than in Pityophis sayi and P. bellona, and head narrower; otherwise bearing a general resemblance in form to these and other species of Pityophis, especially in the protruding and recurved rostral. The tail furms nearly one-sixth of the total length Head depressed anteriorly, arched, and much more elevated posteriorly, where it is not much wider than high, nor much wider than the neck. Vertical plate sub-pentagonal, broad in front, tapering, and very acute posteriorly. Oceipitals large, perfect, longer than the vertical. Supercilliaries small. Pre-frontals of greater longitudinal extent than post frontals, separated for more than two-thirds of their length by the apex of the nostril, the anterior angle extending down in front of the pre-nasal to below the level of the nostril. Post-nasal more than twice as large as pre-nasal. Loral very narrow, as long as both nasals together, and longer than the post-frontals. One ante-orbital, sometimes a second very small one below; two post orbitals of about equal size. Two narrow and much elongated temporal shields just behind the post-orbitals, entirely filling the space between the seventh upper labial and the occipital; behind this, small scale-like temporal shields. . Eight upper labials, seventh twice as large as any other. Fourteen lower labials, seventh largest. Dorsal scales in 29 to 31 rows all perfectly smooth; central rows not much smaller; outer row largest, but not as high as long. Body whitish yellow above, with a dorsal series of transversely quadrate light olive brown blotches and two smaller lateral series on each side. Abdomen uniform clear whitish. The dorsal series of blotches are indistinctly edged white blackish ; they cover three or four scales longitudinally and twelve or thirteen rows transversely, and are separated by regular intervals of one and a half scales of the ground color. The lateral blotches become more or less indistinct in age from a dark suffusion over the ground color. Each dorsal scale occupying a dark blotch is edged with lighter. In the young, the head above is light brown, with a blackish bar across the post-frontals and through the eyes to the angles of the mouth; there is also a dark blotch below the eye and some smaller ones on the crown posteriorly. In older specimens these markings become obsolete, leaving the head uniform light glossy olive brown.—(Kennicott. ) 1705. Between Pecos river and Rio Grande. Dr. Kennerly. SCOTOPHIS ALLEGHANIENSIS, B. & G. Coluber alleghaniensis, Horsroox, N. Am. Herp. I, 1836, 111; pl. xx.—In. 2d ed. III, 1842, 85; pl. xix. Scotophis alleghaniensis, B. & G. Catal. Serp. 1853, 73. Spec. Cuar.—Snout broad, rounded, much depressed. Vertical plate longer than broad. Superciliaries proportionally small. Anterior frontals large. Occipitals rather small. Loral, nasals and anterior upper labial less elevated than in S. obsoletus and S. lindheimeri. 25-27 dorsal rows, central rows elongated, moderately carinated. Entirely pitch black above. Abdomen slate colored posteriorly; yellow with quadrangular black blotches anteriorly. Sometimes lighter in the young, with dark dorsal blotches on a light ground.—(Kennicott. ) No. 2257. Fort Smith, Arkansas. H. B. Méllhausen. REPTILES. 3 SCOTOPHIS EMORYI, B. & G. Scotophis emoryii, B. & G Catal Serpents, 1853, 157. . Spec. Cuar.—Head narrow, elongated, widening suddenly behind the eyes. Snout elongated, narrow, elevated, obtuse; out- line anterior to the eye subquadrangular. Crown flattened, eyes very large. Vertical plate much longer than wide, narrow posteriorly, much wider in front; superciliaries narrow. Loral large, trapezoidal, acutely angled behind. Dorsal rows 25-27, carinations very faint, barely perceptible on the central rows. Above ash grey with a dorsal series of transverse brown blotches, on each side of which are two others of smaller size; indistinct traces of a third. A frontal brown vitta passing back through the eye, and crossing the angle of the mouth on to the side of the neck. Two blotches on the upper labials which are not margined with black.—(Kennicott.) No. 1716. Pecos to Rio Grande, Texas. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. OPHIBOLUS EVANSII, Kennicott. Spec. Cuar.—Light olivaceous brown or grey, with a dorsal series of about sixty subquadrangular dark chestnut brown blotches, emarginate anteriorly and posteriorly, and two smaller lateral series on each side. Dorsal scales in 25 rows.— (Kennicott. ) No. 1702. Canadian river, Arkansas. H. B. Mollhausen. OPHIBOLUS SPLENDIDUS, B. & G. Ophibolus splendidus, B, & G. Catal. N. A. Serpents, 1853, 83. Spec. Cuar.—Black above; the sides black with a yellowish white spot on each scale. The body crossed by transverse bands consisting uf yellowish white spots, one in each scale. Throat marked with black. Dorsal rows 23.—(Kennicott ) No. 1709. Pecos to Rio Grande, Texas. Dr. C. B. R. Kennerly, MASTICOPHIS TESTACEUS, B. & G. Coluber testaceus, Say, Long’s Exped. II, #823, 84.— Horsroor, N. Am. Herp. III, 1842, 63; pl. xiii. Masticophis testaceus, B. & G. Catal. N. Am. Serp. 1853, 151. Psammophis flavigularis, Hartowet, Pr. A. N. Se. VI, 1852, 178. Masticophis flavigularis, B. & G. Catal. N. Am. Serp. 1853, 99. Sprco. Cuar.—In alcohol, light dull yellow, tinged with brown above. Beneath, two longitudinal series of blotches, most distinct anteriorly. When the epidermis is removed, the whole animal appears of a soiled white. In life tinged with rose color; some specimens entirely brick red. Tail one-fifth of the total length. Dorsal rows 17.—(Kennicott. ) No. 1994. Pecos to Rio Grande. Dr. Kennerly. LEPTOPHIS MAJALIS, B. & G. Leptophis majalis, B. & G Catal. N. A. Serp. 1853, 107. Spro. Cuar.—Reddish green above, yellowish white beneath. Body proportionally stouter and tail shorter than in L. estivus. Snout and whole head, including vertical, longer than in latter species. Dorsal scales in 17 rows. No. 1427. Fort Smith, Arkansas. Dr. Shumard. DIADOPHIS DOCILIS, B. & G. Diadophis docilis, B. & G. Catal. N. A. Serp. 1853, 114. Spec. Cuar.—Body above uniform ash grey; yellowish white beneath, sparsely spotted with black. A proportionately broad yellowish white occipital ring. Dorsal scales in 17 rows.—(Kennicott. ) No. 2078. Pecos to Rio Grande, Texas. Dr. Kennerly. 44 ZOOLOGY. BUFO AMERICANUS, Leconte. Pratt XXV, Fia. 2. Bufo americanus, Leconte, Holbrook’s N. Am. Herpetology, V, 1842, 17; pl. iv.—Grrarp, in Reptiles U 8. B. S$. 1859, 25; pl. xxxix, fig. 1-4. Spec. Cuar.—Head above grooved, a ridge from the snout to the occiput, hence at almost right angle to the tympanum. The ridge from either side is slightly diverging from before backwards. Skin upon the head thick, and adhering to the skull. Parotids sub-reniform. Tympanum well developed. A subgular vocal sac in the male sex. Limbs large and stout. First finger larger than the second. A large carpal corneous disk and a small one. No membranous fold at the inner lower edge of the tarsus. Toes semi-palmated. Two metatarsal tubercles, the internal large and spade-shaped, the external small and sub-conical. Large papilla on the back. Greenish or yellowish brown above, with scattered black patches or spots. A vertebral fuscous vitta or streak. Two black patches under the eye, occasionally spotted about the nostrils and over the jaws. Beneath dirty yellowish.—(Girard.) 2558, 2559. Fort Smith, Arkansas. Dr. Shumard. BUFO NEBULIFER, Girard. Bufo granulosus, B. & G. Pr. A. N. Se. VI, 1852, 173. (Not of Spix.) Bufo nebulifer, Grrarv, Pr. A. N. Se. VII, May, 1854, 87. Spec. CHAr.—Upper surface of head deeply excavated or concave; concavity bordered with conspicuous ridges. Skin very thin and firmly adhering to the skull. Parotid small; eyes and tympanum rather large. Tongue moderate, broadest posteriorly. Upper jaw emarginated. Inner finger much longer than the second, which is longer than the fourth. Two well developed carpal disks. No membranous fold along the tarsus. Toes semi-palmated; two metatarsal tubercles. Palm of hands and sole of feet tuberculous. Yellowish brown with a dorsal broad streak of the same tint. An interocular black bar on either side of the dorsal streak extending to the whole length of the body. Sides maculated; upper part of limbs barred. Beneath unicolor in the adult, spotted in the young.—(Girard.) 9592. San Pedro, Texas.—2601. San Antonio. Dr. Kennerly. BUFO WOODHOUSH, Girard. Prats XXYV, Fie. 1. Bufo dorsalis, Havtowe1t, Pr. A. N. Se. VI, 1852, 181.—In. Sitgreaves’ Report, 1853, 142; pl. xix. (Not of Spix.) Bufo woodhousii, Girarp, Pr. A. N. Se. VII, May, 1854, 86. 2632. Canadian river; and 2646. Antelope Hills. H. B. Méllhausen. BUFO COGNATUS, Say. Pratt XXVI. Bufo cognatus, Say, Long's Exped. II, 1823, 190.—Hoxnroox, N. Am. Herp. V, 1842, 21; pl. v.—B. & G. Marey’s Report, 1853, 242; pl. xi. Red river, Arkansas. Bu/o lentiginosus is represented on Plate XXVII for comparison. ACRIS CREPITANS, Baird. Hylodes gryllus, Dekay, N. Y. Zool. III, 1842, 70; pl. xxii, fig. 61. (Not of Leconte ) Acris crepitans, Barrp, Pr. A. N. Se. VII, 1854, 59. Spero, Cuar.—Brownish above. The median region of head and body above bright green; 4 dark triangle between the eyes. Three oblique blotches on the sides, nearly equidistant ; the first behind the eye, the last on the flanks and running up on the REPTILES. 45 back ; all usually margined with lighter. A narrow white line from the eye to the arm. Beneath yellowish white. Inferior face of thigh plain. Tibia a little more than half the length of the body; foot rather smaller. Head rather obtuse, scarcely longer than broad. Web of hind foot extending to the penultimate articulation of the fourth toe. Fort Smith, Arkansas.—3270. Gypsum creek. Méllhausen.—3262. San Pedro, Texas. Dr. Kennerly. RANA CATESBIANA, Shaw.—Bull Frog. Rana cateshiana, SuHaw, Gen. Zool. III, Amphibia, 1802, 106; pl. xxxiii. Rana boans, Vacer. Hist. Nat. Quad. Ovip. 1798. Rana pipiens, Haruan, Sill. Am. Jour. X, 1825, 62.—Horzroox, N. Am. Herpet. IV, 1842, 77; pl. xviii. (Not of Linnzus.) Fort Smith, Arkansas. Dr. Shumard.—3336. Shawnee village. H. B. Méllhausen.— 3319. San Antonio. Dr. Kennerly. RANA CLAMITANS, Daud. Rana clamitans, Davpin, in Sonnini and Latreille, Hist. Rept. II, 1802, 157.—Horsroox, N. Am. Herp. IV 1842, 85; pl. xx. Rana clamata, Daupin, Hist. Nat. Rept. VIII, 1803, 104.—Dum. Bre. Erp. Gen. VIII, 1841, 373. Rana fontinalis, Leconte, Ann. N. Y. Lye. I, 1825, 281.—Horeroox, N. Am. Herp. IV, 1842, 87; pl. xxi. Ranaria melanota, Rariwwesque, Annals of Nature, 1820, No. 25. Rana flavoviridis, Haran, Sill. Am. Jour. X, 1825, 58. Rana horiconensis, Horzroox, N. Am. Herp. Ist ed. III, 1838, 91; pl. xviii. Rana nigricans, Acassiz, Lake Superior, 1850, 379; pl. vi, figs. 4, 5. Fort Smith, Arkansas. Lieutenant Whipple. RANA HALECINA, Kalm. Rana halecina, Katm.—Dauprn, Hist. Nat. Rept. VIII, 1803, 122.—Horszroox, N. Am. Herp. IV, 1842, 91; pl. xci. Rana pipiens, Guerin, Syst. Nat. 1788, 1052. Rana utricularis, Harvan, in Silliman’s Journal, X, 1825, 60. 3323. Fort Smith, Arkansas. Dr. Shumard. RANA BERLANDIERI, Baird. Rana berlandiert, Bairp, Rep. Mex. Bound. Survey, II, 1859, Reptiles, 27; pl. xxxvi. Spec. Cuar.-—Size large. Body stout, robust. Eye distant not quite one and a half times its diameter from tip of snout, and contained two and two-third times in the length of jaw from rictus. Tympanum two-thirds the diameter of the eye. A vocal vesicle on each side of the head. A glandular fold on each side the jaw, and another broad and depressed on each side of the body. Between these is one pair of ridges along the coccyx; several pairs more interrupted anterior to it. Skin corrugated and irregular, quite pustular in some specimens. Feet webbed from the bulb of the toes ; web excavated on the inner edges; last joint of longest toe free. Femur about half the length of body, shorter than the tibia. ‘ Color above greenish olive, with distant sub-circular blotches of darker, scarcely areolated in the preserved specimens. Beneath yellowish white, with brown mottlings on the throat. An indistinct whitish line on the side of the head, especially in the young; the lateral ridge bronzed. San Antonio to Fort Inge. Dr. Kennerly. NECTURUS LATERALIS, Baird. Triton lateralis, Say, Long’s Exped. R. Mts. I, 1823, 5. Menobranchus lateralis, Harta, Ann. N. Y. Lye. I, 1825,{221.—Ho.sroox, N. Am. Herp. III, 1842, 119; pl. xxx. 4058. Fort Smith, Arkansas. Dr. Shumard. : : e . Hved Rea TWA AMAA ; z . ak bo ee CL GG RTT Cid lata pb eres ll aekeny engl : : 42 J i wl ° we ant eel At ‘BY WT teal eM eet sever, - iss Ws t ; j Lt peel 18 et J nel Y hk avec lait, eaall «s AM ot AVE pool © & lie eee 42a? bpete eee ew ; Se A2e§ 210) ua hie feel pea ie ek ; firew My 210 OM TP Gere pall eh) Dee ra Mesneindle ani os . : 7 bog fe dag Oe eee robles pk sullen bp —= Ey walt phir tighiioictub,t” Aveta aie hee oe lad pAMIONTAB Anna’ , Ag G40 BO Daf al it Miki — Mele VT nih hc is , or “ Pe oa v { val ry 7 C.Metzeroth sc clele, pi ee: re) ol) i. Ho Richard del. INjoz 5. REPORT UPON FISHES COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY. BY C. GIRARD, M. D. 1. DIOPLITES NUECENSIS, Grd.—Trout, or River Bass. Gen. Rep. Pace 4.1 Spec. Cuar.—Body elongated, sub-fusiform. Head constituting a little less than the third of the entire length. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the orbit. Scales on the cheeks nearly equal in size to those on the gill covers. Origin of ventrals posterior to the base of pectorals. Upper regions reddish brown, maculated. A lateral dark band. Inferior regions whitish, unicolor. 396, 401. Rio Blanco, Frio, Seco, and Medina, Leon river, Texas. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. 2. AMBLOPLITES INTERRUPTUS, Grd.—The Perch of the San Franciscans. Gen. Rep. 10. Pate II, Fies. 1—4. Seeo. Cuar.—Posterior extremity of maxillary reaching a vertical line drawn back of the pupil. Posterior margin of caudal fin sub-emarginated. Origin of anal fin opposite the eleventh ray of the dorsal. Interrupted dark bands on the sides. Two streaks diverging from the eve—one running towards the opercular spot, the other obliquely downwards. 280. San Francisco, California. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. 3. CALLIURUS MELANOPS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 11. Puare III. Spec. Cuar.—Mouth very large; cleft directly obliquely upwards. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the orbit. Eye large. Insertion of ventrals situated opposite the base of the pectorals, a little in advance of the origin of the dorsal; their tips not extending to the vent. Scales very large. Ground color reddish brown, with a blackish spot upon the centre of each scale. A black patch at the upper and posterior margin of the opercle. Soft _portion of dorsal and anal spotted at their base. 281. Leon river, Texas.—373. Rio Medina, Texas. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. 4. CALLIURUS DIAPHANUS, Grd. Gey. Rep. 13. Prats lV, Fires. 1—4. Spec. Cuar.—Mouth large; gape oblique upwards. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn in advance of the pupil. Eye large. Insertion of ventrals situated posteriorly to the base of pectorals, and the origin of the dorsal; their tips overlapping the vent. Scales large. Greyish olive above; yellowish or whitish beneath. ~Soft portion of dorsal and anal fins provided with a black spot. 374. Rio Blanco, Texas. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. 5. CALLIURUS FORMOSUS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 14. Prats V, Fias. 1—4. Srec. Cuar.—Mouth large; gape oblique upwards. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line passing beyond the middle of the pupil. Eye moderate. Insertion of ventrals situated under the base of pectorals and a little poste + This reference is to the General Report on Fishes, (Part 1V,) in the present volume. 48 ZOOLOGY. riorly to the anterior margin cf the dorsal, their tips reaching the vent. Scales moderate. Reddish brown above, spotted with black; greyish beneath. Soft portion of dorsal and anal fins provided with a black patch. 375. ‘Tributary of Gypsum creek, Canadian. H. B. Mollhausen. 6. CALLIURUS LONGULUS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 16. Pate V, Frias. 5—8, and Prats VI, Fies. 5—8. Spec. Cuar.—Mouth moderate; gape oblique upwards. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line inter- secting the pupil. Eyes moderate. Insertiou of ventrals situated opposite the inferior edge of the base of the pectorals and posteriorly to the origin of the dorsal, their tips extending to the vent. Scales moderate. Reddish brown above; greyish beneath. Soft portion of dorsal and anal fins provided with a black patch. 407. Rio Seco, Texas. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. 7. CALLIURUS MICROPS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 17. Puate LV, Fires. 5—8. Spro. Cuar.—Mouth moderate; gape oblique upwards. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn midway between the anterior rim of the orbit and the pupil. Eye small. Insertion of ventrals situated posteriorly to the base of pectorals and the origin of the dorsal; their tips not reaching the vent. Scales moderate. Reddish brown above, with centre of scales lighter; greyish beneath. Soft portion of dorsal provided with a black patch. 413 and 414. Rio Brazos, Texas. Dr. George G. Shumard. 8. BRYTTUS ALBULUS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 19. Prats VI, Fras. 1—4. Spxc. Cuar.—Body sub-elliptical, rather contracted and deep. Nape convex, and snout sub-conical. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to the anterior rim of the orbit. Insertion of ventrals situated posteriorly to the base of the pectorals and the anterior margin of the dorsal; their tips overlapping the vent. Scales rather large. Pale reddish brown, lighter beneath than above. Fins greyish olive; dorsal with a black patch. 421. Rio Blanco, Texas. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. 9. BRYTTUS SIGNIFER, Grd. Gen. Rep. 20. Puare VII, Fras. 5—8. Spec. Cuan —Body contracted and deep. Nape convex, and snout sub-conical. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn in advance of the pupil. Insertion of ventrals situated posteriorly to the base of pectorals and the origin of dorsal, their tips overlapping the vent. Scales moderate. Reddish brown, lighter beneath than above; dorsal and anal fins provided with a black patch. 422, Rio Medina, Texas. Dr. OC. B. Kennerly. P 10. BRYTTUS HUMILIS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 21. Puxate VII, Fras. 9—24. Spec. Cuan. —Body sub-elliptical. Nape convex, and snout sub-conical. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending beyond the anterior rim of the orbit. Insertion of the ventrals situated posteriorly to the base of pectorals, and a little in advance of the origin of the dorsal, their tips overlapping the vent. Scales large. Reddish brown or dusky, maculated. Fins unicolor; dorsal sometimes blotched. 423—428. Near Rock Mary, Old Fort Arbuckle, Sugar-loaf creek, Arkansas. H. B. Méll- hausen. FISHES. 49 11. POMOTIS SPECIOSUS, B. & G.—The Southern Sunfish. Gune Rees 23. rare Vill Wras: 5—8: Spec. Cuar.—Body sub-elliptical in profile; head small, snout bluntly sub-conical; mouth small; posterior extremity of maxillary extending to the anterior rim of the orbit; inferior edge of preorbital bone, and limb of preopercle finely serrated ; opercular flap small; spinous portion of dorsal fin elevated; anal spines well developed; caudal emarginated. Reddish brown, lighter beneath, young transvrsally banded; fins greyish or yellowish; a black patch upon the dorsal. 436 and 437. Rio Medina, Rio Seco, Texas. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. 12. POMOTIS HEROS, B. & G. Gen. Rep. 24. Prate IX, Fries. 13—16. Spec. Cuar.—Head, mouth, and eye larger than in P. speciosus; edge of preopercle inconspicuously serrated; pectorals projecting beyond the tips of ventrals; anal fin provided occasionally with a black patch, as well as the dorsal. 444, Rio Blanco, Texas. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. 13. POMOTIS AQUILENSIS, B. & G. Gen. Rep, 25. Prats IX, Fires. 1—4, and Piatr X, Fries. 8—11. Spec. Cuar.—Body sub-elliptical in profile. Head moderate; snout bluntly sub-conical. Mouth moderate; posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a line intersecting the anterior rim of the orbit. Eye moderate. Edge of the preopercle slightly denticulated or serrated. Opercular flap variable, oftentimes elongated and well developed. Extremities of pectorals not extending as far back as those of the ventrals, which overlap the vent and reach the anterior margin of the anal fin. Reddish brown; fins greyish olive, unicolor; dorsal and anal provided with a black patch. 452, 455. Near San Pedro, Texas; near San Antonio, Texas; Leon river, Texas; Rio Blanco, Texas. Dr. C. B. Kennerly.—481. Sugar-loaf creek, Arkansas. H. B. Méllhausen. 14. POMOTIS FALLAX, B. & G. Guy. Rep. 27. Puare VIII, Fras. 9—12; Puare IX, Fras. 5—12, and Prats X, Fras. 1—7. Spec. Cuar.—Body sub-circular or sub-elliptical. Head moderate; snout bluntly sub-conical. Mouth large; posterior extremity of maxillary extending to the anterior rim of the pupil. Eye moderate. Edge of preopercle not crenated. Opercular flap very large, Spinous portion of dorsal fin of medium height; its origin situated opposite the base of the pectorals. Caudal emarginated posteriorly. Tips of ventrals extending to the anterior margin of the anal. Blackish or reddish brown; lighter beneath than above. Sides of head provided with bluish spots, sometimes confluent into irregular lines. A black patch upon the base of the dorsal fin. y 463 and 464. Sans Bois creek and tributary of Gypsum creek, Vanadian. H. B. Méllhausen. 465, 467. Rio Seco and Rio Medina, Texas. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. 15. CHIROPSIS CONSTELLATUS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 42. Prare XIX. Speo. Cuar.—Dorsal fins contiguous. Caudal fin posteriorly sub-concave. Anal exteriorly rounded, or convex. Scales on the middle of the flanks conspicuously larger than elsewhere. Greenish brown with groups of black dots on the anterior part of body and sides of head. Pectorals densely dotted with black. 263. San Francisco, California. Dr. OC. B. Kennerly. 7b 50 ZOOLOGY. 16. SEBASTES ROSACEUS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 78. Puate XXI. Spec. Cuar.—Upper surface of head provided with horizontal and acute ridges. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line intersecting the pupil. Origin of dorsal fin situated in advance of the base of the pectorals. Uniform reddish, lighter beneath than above. 343. San Diego, California. Lieutenant W. P. Trowbridge. 17. AMBLODON GRUNNIENS, Rafin.—Buffalo Perch, Grunting Perch, &e. Gen. Rep. 96. Puate XXIII. Spec. Cuar.—Profile of the head depressed on the nape. Snout thick, blunt, and short. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line intersecting the anterior rim of the pupil. Extremities of pectorals almost even with the tips of ventrals, or else projecting slightly beyond them. First anal spine diminutive; second one stout and well developed. Cauda} fin posteriorly convex. Color bluish-gray, lighter beneath than above. Fins grayish-olive; anal maculated. 621. Arkansas river, near Fort Smith.—624. Near mouth of Poteau river. Dr. George G. Shumard. 18. ATHERINOPSIS CALIFORNIENSIS, Grd .—California ‘‘ Smelt.” Gen. Rep. 103. Puate XXIIc. Speco. Cuar.—Head small and sub-quadrangularly pyramidal, constituting the sixth of the entire length. Base of anal fin much longer than that of the second dorsal. Greyish brown above; light brown or silvery beneath. Fins olivaceous, unicolor- 353. San Francisco, California. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. 19. PORICHTHYS NOTATUS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 134. Puatre XXV. Speco. Cuan.—Upper surface of head quite flat. An acute preopercular spine stretching across the opercle. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the orbit. our series of pores on either side of the body. A sub-gular and an abdominal series, as also several of these on the sides of the head. Upper regions dark bluish violet; sides and belly silvery grey. A sub-crescentic vitta beneath the eye. 520. San Francisco, California. Dr, C, B. Kennerly. 20. MORRHUA PROXIMA, Grd. «Gen. Rep. 142. Puate XLa, Fies. 5—8. Spec. Cuar.—Snout sub-conical; thickish; upper jaw protruding beyond the lower one. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line which would intersect the pupil. Dorsal and anal fins all distinct from one another. Anterior anal longer than the second dorsal. Caudal fin posteriorly sub-truncated. Yellowish ash or brown above; sides and belly silvery white. 524, San Francisco, California, Dr, C. B. Kennerly. 21. PAROPHRYS VETULUS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 153. Spero. Cuar.—Body quite elongated and sub-elliptical; peduncle of the tail slender. Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn inwardly to the anterior rim of the orbit. Origin of anal fin placed posteriorly to the base of the pectorals. Dorsal and anal fins nearly even posteriorly. Scales minute; lateral line very conspicuous. Color of body and head reddish ash; fins olivaceous, maculated. 699. San Francisco, California. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. Cnr — FISHES. 22. PSETTICHTHYS SORDIDUS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 55. Puate Xb. Sprc. Cuar.—Body elongated and sub-elliptical. Eyes large, situated on the left side; interocular space very narrow. Jaws nearly even when mouth is closed. Posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line intersecting the pupil. Anterior rays of dorsal fin gradually increasing in height. Dorsal and anal fins nearly even posteriorly. Origin of anal situated on a line passing immediately behind the base of the pectorals, and preceded by a very small! spine. Scales moderate sized ; lateral line almost straight from head to tail. Ground color of a soiled yellow; the scales being margiued with black. 702. San Francisco, California. Dr, C. B. Kennerly. 23. GLYPHISODON RUBICUNDUS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 161. Pate XXIV. Spec. Cuar.—Body very deep and sub-elliptical in profile. Head moderate; mouth and eye small. Opercular scales very large. Spinous portion of dorsal fin very low; soft portion of dorsal and anal sub-lanceolated. Posterior margin of caudal deeply emarginated, the lobes being rounded off. Tips of ventrals reaching the vent. Lateral line ending under the soft portion of the dorsal fin. Color uniform deep crimson i 484. Monterey, California. Lt. W. P. Trowbridge. 930, (by error 868.) San Diego, California. Lt. W. P. Trowbridge. 24. EMBIOTOCA LINEATA, Grd. Gen. Ree. 174. Poate XXXI& Prats XXVI, Fies. 5 & 6. Spec. Cuar.—Body sub-elliptically elongated. Anal fin elongated, with external margin nearly straight, diminishing gradually in depth posteriorly, its origin being opposite to the sixth articulated ray of the dorsal. Tip of pectorals reaching a vertical line intersecting the base of last but one dorsal spine. Eyes of medium size. Posterior extremity of maxillary even with the vertical of anterior rim of orbit. Frontal region slightly depressed above the eyes. Branchiostegals five in number. Sixty-two scales in lateral line. Ground color of upper region dark olive or reddish brown; reddish yellow beneath. Sides of abdomen with light longitudinal stripes intersecting the point of union of the rows of scales. Anal deep purple, with a yellowish vitta at its base. 537. San Francisco, California. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. 25. HOLCONOTUS RHODOTERUS, Agass. Gen. Rep. 193. Puate XXXV; Puate XXXVI, Fies. 1—4, and Prats XXVI, Fies 7 & 8. Spec, Cuar.—General form elongated, neither elliptical nor fusiform. Frontal region sub-concaye. Head sub-conical ; mouth small; posterior extremity of maxillary not quite reaching the vertical of anterior rim of orbit. Eyes rather large and circular. Branchiostegals, five. About forty-four scales in lateral line. Bluish grey or olive above, silvery or yellow upon the sides, with rose colored spots disposed in longitudinal series. 565 and 566. Presidio, California. Lt. Wm. P. Trowbridge. 26. AMPHISTICHUS ARGENTEUS, Agass. Gen. Rep. 201. Prats XXXIX. Spec. Cuar.—General form sub-elliptical, more convex above than below. Snout anteriorly rounded. Posterior extremity of maxillary reaching a vertical line passing behind the pupil. Anterior anal spines rather large. Sixty-eight scales in lateral line. Branchiostegals, six. Bluish grey above, sides silvery with indistinct olivacieous transverse bands. Vertical fins and ventrals olivaceous; pectorals yellowish. 558. San Francisco, California. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. cr * 2 é ZOOLOGY. 27. PIMELODUS CATULUS, Grd. Gun. Rep. 208. Prater XLI, Frias. 4—6. Spec. Cuar.—Head very much depressed, constituting a little less than the fourth of the total length. Jaws equal; mouth of medium size. Eye rather small, sub-circular; its diameter entering about six and a half times in the length of the side of the head, and four times over the interocular space. The base of the anal enters five times in the total length. Caudal posteriorly sub-truncated, and constituting the sixth of the total length. Pectoral spines serrated upon their inner and outer aspects. 926 and 927. Fort Smith, Arkansas. Dr. Geo. G. Shumard. 28. PIMELODUS ANTONIENSIS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 209. Spec. Cuar.—Head quite depressed, nearly wedge-shaped, constituting about the fourth of the total length. Upper jaw longest; mouth large. Eye small, sub-elliptical; its diameter entering about eight times in the length of the side of the head, and somewhat over four times in the interocular space. Dorsal spine slender, slightly serrated posteriorly. Base of anal fin somewhat longer than the head. Caudal fin posteriorly rounded, forming a little less than the sixth of the total length. Pectoral spine serrated upon its inner edge. Reddish brown above; whitish beneath. 923. Near San Antonio, Texas, Dr. C. B. Kennerly. 29. PIMELODUS FELINUS, Grd. Grn. Rep. 209. Spec. Cuar.—Head very much depressed, entering four and a half times in the total length. Mouth large; jaws equal. Eye moderate, sub-circular ; its diameter being comprised about six times in the length of the side of the head, and about thrice on the interocular space. Dorsal spine slender, posteriorly serrated. Base of anal fin entering four times and one-third in the total length. Caudal rounded off posteriorly, forming the sixth of the total length. Pectoral spines serrated upon their inner and outer edges. 924, Trib. of Gypsum creek, Canadian. H. B. Méllhausen.—925. Coal creek, Arkansas. H. B. Mollhausen. 30. MOXOSTOMA CLAVIFORMIS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 219. Prats XLVIII, Fries. 5—9. Spec. Cuar.—Head constituting the fifth of the total length. Mouth rather small; lips conspicuously plaited or ridged. Eye moderate sized, circular; its diameter contained about four times in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsay fin nearer the snout than the base of the caudal. Ventrals inserted opposite the fifth ray of the dorsal. Caudal fin posteriorly concave. Anal fin narrow and deep. Scales much longer than deep, very much imbricated. Yellowish brown, rather dusky along the dorsal region. 165. Coal creek, tributary of South Fork of Canadian, H. B, Méllhausen. 31. DIONDA PLUMBEA, Grd. Gen. Rep. 228. Prats LII, Fras, 21—25. Serco. Cuar—Body elongated, sub-fusiform, compressed, Head sub-pyramidal, anteriorly blunt, constituting the fifth of the total length. Gape of mouth slightly arched, its angle not extending as far as a vertical line drawn in front of the orbit. The eye is large, sub-circular. The caudal fin enters about six times in the total length. Insertion of ventrals situated slightly back- wards of the anterior margin of the dorsal. Scales moderate sized, deeper than long. Greyish brown above; whitish or yellowish beneath, with a black spot at the base of the caudal. 35. Head waters of Canadian river. H. B. Méllhausen. FISHES. 53 32. DIONDA SPADICHA, Grd. Gen. Rep. 229. Prats LII, Fies. 26—30. Spero. Cuar.—Body slender and sub-fusiform, compressed. Head sub-conical, constituting about the sixth of the total length. Gape of mouth very slightly arched, its angle not reaching a vertical line drawn in advance of the orbit. Eye moderate, sub-circular. Caudal entering about five times in the total length. Insertion of ventrals situated under the anterior margin of the dorsal. Scale moderate sized, somewhat longer than deep. Reddish brown above; dull whitish beneath, with a black spot at the base of the caudal. 34. Fort Smith, Arkansas. H. B. Méllhausen. 34. DIONDA GRISEA, Grd. Gen. Rep. 230. Prats LII, Fies. 6—10. Srrc. Cuar.—Body rather deep upon its middle; greatest depth nearly equal to the length of the head. Head sub-conical and slender, contained five times and a half in the total length; snout tapering; gape of mouth nearly horizontal, its angle being far from reaching a vertical line drawn in advance of the orbit. Eye moderate, sub-circular. Caudal fin entering nearly five times and a half in the total length. Insertion of ventrals situated somewhat posteriorly to the anterior margin of the dorsal. Scales moderate sized, deeper than long. Reddish ash above ; olivaceous beneath; fins unicolor. 931. Twenty miles west of Choctaw agency. H. B. Méllhausen. 35. HYBORHINCHUS PERSPICUUS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 231. Prats LIT, Fras. 16—20. Spec. Cuar.—Head constituting about the fifth of the total length. Eye sub-elliptical, its diameter entering three times in the length of the side of the head. Greatest depth of the body nearly equal to the length of the head. Candal fin entering five times and a half in the total length. Insertion of ventrals situated under the anterior margin of the dorsal. Scales anteriorly sub-truncated. Reddish brown above, sulphur yellow beneath; lateral line minutely dark spotted. A black spot at the base of the caudal, and at the anterior margin of the dorsal also. 144, Arkansas river, near Fort Smith. Dr. George G. Shumard. 36. HYBORHYNCHUS PUNICEUS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 232. Prare LIT, Fras. 1—5 and Fras. 11—15. Spzo. Coar.—Head constituting the fifth of the total length. Eye sub-circular; its diameter entering three times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Greatest depth of body less than the length of the head. Caudal fin entering six times in the total length. Insertion of ventrals situated somewhat posteriorly to the anterior margin of the dorsal. Scales rounded upon their anterior edge. Uniformly pale red, lighter beneath than above; fins olivaceous. 145. Antelope creek, tributary of Canadian. Dr. Kennerly.—146. Llano Estacado. H. B. Méllhausen. 37. HYBORHYNCHUS TENELLUS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 231. Spec, Cuar.—Head entering about five times and a half in the total length. Eye large, sub-circular, its diameter being contained somewhat over three times in the length of side of head. Greatest depth of the body less than the length of head. Caudal fin constituting about the sixth of the total length. Insertion of ventrals situated somewhat in advance of the anterior margin of the dorsal. Reddish brown above; yellowish beneath. 143. Twenty miles west of Choctaw agency. H. B. Méllhausen. 54 ZOOLOGY. 38. HYBORHYNCHUS CONFERTUS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 233. Prare LIX, Fras. 11—15. Spero. Cuar.—Head constituting the fifth of the total length. Eye sub-circular; its diameter entering nearly four times in the length of the side of the head. Greatest depth of the body more than the length of the head. Caudal fin entering five times in the total length. Insertion of ventral fins situated opposite the anterior margin of the dorsal. Scales rounded upon their anterior edge also. Pale reddish above; yellowish beneath. A black spot at the anterior margin of the dorsal. Peduncle of tail with a dark streak along its middle. 147. Hurrah creek, tributary of Rio Pecos. H. B. Méllhausen. 39. HYBOGNATHUS ARGYRITIS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 235. Prats LIII, Fries. 5—8. Spec, Cuar.—Body sub-fusiform in profile. Head sub-conical, contained five times and a half in the total length. Eye large and sub-circular. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the extremity of the snout than the base of the caudal. Insertion of yentrals equidistant between the two points just alluded to in reference to the dorsal. Caudal fin entering four times and a half in the total length. Scales anteriorly sub-truncated. Olivaceous brown above, yellowish beneath, with a silvery streak along the middle of the flanks. Fins unicolor, greyish olive. 86. Arkansas river, near Fort Smith. Dr. George G. Shumard. 40. GOBIO VERNALIS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 249. Spec. Cuar.—Head contained about five times and a half in the entire length, in which the caudal fin enters four times. Eye large, sub-circular; its diameter entering three times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Body sub-fusiform, rather thick anteriorly; anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the extremity of the snout than the insertion of the caudal. Tip of pectorals not extending as far as the origin of the ventrals; tip of ventrals extending to the anterior edge of the vent. Yellowish brown; sidés silvery. 78, Arkansas river, near Fort Smith. Dr. George G. Shumard. 41. LEUCOSOMUS PALLIDUS, Grd. Gun. Rep. 251. Prats LXI, Fires. 6—10. Sreo. Cuar.—Head moderate sized, rather elongated, entering four times and a half in the total length. Snout sub-conical and tapering. Eye moderate; its diameter being contained five times in the length of the side of the head. Gape of mouth somewhat oblique; posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line intersecting the anterior rim of the pupil. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the insertion of the caudal than the extremity of the snout. Insertion of ventrals situated somewhat in advance of the anterior edge of the dorsal. Greyish brown above, yellowish white beneath; a black spot at the base of the caudal and anterior edge of the dorsal fin, 157. Antelope creck, tributary of Canadian. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. 42. LEUCOSOMUS INCRASSATUS, Grd. Gun. Rep, 252. Prats LXI, Fras. 1—6. Speco, Cuar.—Head rather large, sub-conical, constituting about the fourth of the total length. Eye moderate sized; its diameter entering a little over five times in the length of the side of the head. Gape of the mouth slightly oblique; posterior extremity of maxillar bone reaching a vertical line drawn within the anterior rim of the orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal fin equidistant between the fork of the caudal and the extremity of the snout. Insertion of ventrals situated in advance of the anterior edge of the dorsal. Dark greyish above, light greyish beneath, with a black spot at the anterior edge of the dorsal. Other fins unicolor, light yellowish olive. 156. Twenty miles west of Choctaw agency. H. B. Méllhausen. FISHES. 55 43. EXOGLOSSUM MIRABILE, Grd. Gen. Rep. 256. Prats LVI, Fras. 5—8. Srec. Cuar.—Head sub-conical, blunt, and constituting the sixth of the total length. Mouth small; posterior extremity of maxillar bone even with a vertical line drawn across the nostrils. Eye sub-circular; its diameter entering four times in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal much nearer the extremity of the snout than the base of the caudal. Insertion of ventrals placed somewhat posteriorly to the anterior margin of the dorsal, their tip nearly reaching the vent. Reddish brown above; middle of flanks with a silvery band; beneath light reddish. 47. Arkansas river, near Fort Smith. Dr. George G. Shumard. 44, CLIOLA VIVAX, Grd. Gen. Rep. 258. Spec. Cuan.—Head contained somewhat over five times in the total length. Eye moderate; its diameter entering three times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone not reaching a vertical line drawn in front of the orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the insertion of the caudal than the extremity of the snout. Yel- lowish with an obsolete greyish streak along the middle of the flanks, and a black spot at the base of the caudal. 30. Leon river, Texas. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. 45. ALBURNELLUS DILECTUS, Grd. Gun. Rep. 259. Prats LVII, Fires. 9—12. Srec, Car —Head forming a little more than the sixth of the total length. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone reaching a vertical line drawn at the anterior rim of the orbit. Diameter of eye entering three times in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin somewhat nearer the fork of the caudal than the extremity of the snout. Insertion of ventrals nearer the extremity of the snout than the base of the caudal fin. Pectorals slender, though far from reaching the insertion of the ventrals. Reddish yellow, with a lateral silvery streak. 71. Arkansas river, near Fort Smith. Dr. George G. Shumard. 46. ALBURNELLUS UMBRATILIS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 260. Spec. Cuar.—Head constituting about the fifth of the whole length. Posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn at the anterior rim of the orbit. Diameter of the eye entering three times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the extremity of the snout than the fork of the caudal. Insertion of ventrals nearer the extremity of the snout than the base of the caudal. Pectorals not reaching the insertion of the ventrals. Dorsal region greyish brown; flanks silvery grey; belly reddish yellow. 73. Sugar-loaf creek, Arkansas. H. B. Méllhausen. 47. ALBURNOPS BLENNIUS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 261. Puate LVII, Fras. 13—16. Spec. Cuar.—Head constituting the fifth of the entire length. Snout blunt and abbreviated; lower jaw shorter than the upper; posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn within the anterior rim of the orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the extremity of the snout than the insertion of the caudal. Insertion of ventrals situated slightly behind the anterior edge of the dorsal; their tips approximating the vent. Reddish brown, darker above than beneath, silvery on the sides; fins unicolor. 67. Arkansas river, near Fort Smith. Dr. George G. Shumard. 56 ZOOLOGY. 48. ALBURNOPS SHUMARDI, Grd. Gen. Rep. 261. Prats LVII, Fics. 1—4. Spro. Cuar.—Head constituting the fifth of the total length. Snout sub-conical, lower jaw shorter than the upper. Posterior extremity of the maxillary reaching a vertical line drawn across the anterior rim of the pupil. Anterior margin of dorsal fin equidistant between the extremity of the snout and the insertion of the caudal. Insertion of ventrals situated slightly behind the anterior margin of the dorsal; their tips approximating the vent. Reddish brown; flanks silvery. 68. Arkansas river, near Fort Smith. Dr. George G. Shumard. 49. ALBURNOPS ILLECEBROSUS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 262. Pxiate LVII, Fras. 5—8. Sprc, Cuar.—Head contained five times and a half in the total length. Snout sub-conical; lower jaw shorter than the upper. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn in front of the orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal fin equidistant between the extremity of the snout and the insertion of the caudal. Insertion of ventrals situated somewhat in advance of the anterior edge of the dorsal; their tips reaching the vent. Reddish brown, lighter beneath than above, with the middle of the flanks silvery; fins unicolor. 66. Arkansas river, near Fort Smith. Dr. George G. Shumard. 50. CYPRINELLA UMBROSA, Grd. Gen. Rev. 266. Prats LVIII, Fras. 1—5. Spec. Cuar.—Body rather short; back very much arched. Peduncle of tail robust. Head constituting more than the fifth of the total length. Eye well developed and circular; its diameter entering four times in the length of the side of the head. Posterior extremity of maxillary reaching a vertical line drawn in front of the orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal fin equidistant between the tip of the snout and the insertion of the caudal. Origin of ventrals situated slightly in advance of the anterior margin of the dorsal. Pectorals moderate. Greyish red above; greyish yellow beneath. Fins unicolor. 133. Twenty miles west of Choctaw agency. H. B. Mollhausen.—134. Coal creek, Arkansas, H. B. Mollhausen. 51. CYPRINELLA SUAVIS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 268. Spec, Caar.—Body rather short, sub-fusiform in profile; back slightly arched. Head constituting the fifth of the entire length. Diameter of eye entering nearly four times in the length of the side of the head. Gape of the mouth oblique. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn behind the nostrils. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the insertion of the caudal than the tip of the snout. Origin of ventrals situated somewhat in advance of the dorsal. Pectorals slender and elongated Yellowish brown, lighter beneath than above ; middle of flanks metallic white. Fins unicolor. 138, Near San Antonio, Texas. Dr. C. B, Kennerly. 52. .CYPRINELLA LEPIDA, Grd. Gen. Rev. 268. Prare LVIII, Fias. 21—25. Sprc, Cuar.—Body elongated, sub-fusiform. Peduncle of the tail robust. Head contained four times and a half in the total length. Eye well developed; its diameter entering four times in the length of the side of the head. Snout rather blunt; gape of mouth somewhat arched; posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn before the orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the insertion of the caudal than the tip of the snout. Origin of ventrals placed slightly in advance of the dorsal. Pectorals moderate. Reddish ash above; pale sulphur yellow beneath. Fins unicolor. 126. Rio Frio, Texas. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. on “1 FISHES. 53. CYPRINELLA NOTATA, Grd. Gen. Rep. 269. Prats LVIII, Fras. 16—20. Spec. CHar.—Body elongated, sub-fusiform. Peduncle of the tail rather slender. Head constituting the fifth of the total ength. Eye moderate sized; its diameter entering about three times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Snout lanteriorly blunt; gape of mouth slightly arched; posterior extremity of maxillar bone reaching to a vertical line drawn behind the nostrils. Anterior margin of dorsal fin somewhat nearer the insertion of the caudal than the tip of the snout. Origin of ventrals placed in advance of the anterior margin of the dorsal. Pectorals small. Reddish brown above; yellowish beneath ; a jet black spot at the base of the caudal; fins otherwise unicolor, 136. Rio Seco, Texas. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. 54. CYPRINELLA WHIPPLII, Grd. Gen. Rep. 270. Prats LVIII, Fires. 6—10. Spec. Cuar.—Body elongated and sub-fusiform. Peduncle of the tail stoutish. Head constituting the fifth of the entire length. Eye rather large; its diameter entering nearly four times in the length of the side of the head. Snout sub-conical and tapering ; gape of the mouth nearly horizontal; posterior extremity of maxillar bone correspondsng to a vertical line drawn at the anterior rim of the orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the insertion of the caudal than the tip of the snout. Origin of yentrals situated under the anterior edge of the dorsal. Pectorals and ventrals slender. Reddish brown above ; golden yellow beneath: a black patch at the posterior margin of the dorsal fin. 137. Sugar-loaf creek, Arkansas. H. B. Méllhausen. 55. MONIANA LUTRENSIS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 272. Spec. Cuar.—Body sub-fusiform, elongated; back slightly convex. Head contained three times and a half in the total length. Eye moderate, sub-circular; its diameter entering four times in the length of the side of the head. Jaws equal ; posterior extremity of maxillar bone not reaching a vertical line drawn at the anterior rim of the orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal fin equidistant between the tip of the snout and the base of the caudal. Insertion of ventrals situated in advance of the anterior edge of the dorsal. Pectorals slender; their tips not reaching quite the origin of the ventrals. Bluish black or brown; dorsal fin yellowish brown; other fins reddish. 107. Tributary of Gypsum creek, Canadian river. H. B, Méllhausen. 56. MONIANA LEONINA, Grd. Gen. Rep. 273. Prate LIX, Fias. 6—10. Spro. Cuar.—Body rather short and deep. Head constituting about the fifth of the total length. Snout sub-conical ; jaws equal; posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn behind the nostrils. The eye is moderate sized; its diameter entering four times in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal equidistant between the tip of the snout and the insertion of the caudal. Insertion of ventrals situated slightly in advance of the dorsal. Pectorals and ventrals moderately developed. Greyish brown above; white or dull yellowish beneath. 115. Leon river, Texas. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. 57. MONIANA DELICIOSA, Grd. Gen. Rep. 274. Sprec. Cuar.—Body slender and elongated. Head constituting the fifth of the total length. Snout sub-conical; upper jaw overlapping the lower. Posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn between the nostrils and the orbit. Eye large and circular; its diameter entering three times in the length of the side of the head. Anterivr margin of dorsal fin equidistant between the tip of the snout and the insertion of the caudal. Pectorals and ventrals slender and of moderate development. Reddish brown above; yellowish beneath; middle of flanks silvery. 119. Leon river, tributary of Rio San Antonio, Texas. Dr, C. B. Kennerly. 8 b 58 ZOOLOGY. 58. MONIANA LAETABILIS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 275. Spec. Cuar.—Body elongated, sub-fusiform. Head contained four times and a half in the total length. Snout sub-conical; jaws equal. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn in front of the orbit. Eye large and circular ; its diameter entering a little over three times in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the insertion of the caudal than the tip of the snout. Pectorals and ventrals well developed. Reddish brown above ; sides silvery; beneath yellowish. 120. Hurrah creek, tributary of Rio Pecos. H. B. Méllhausen. 59. MONIANA PULCHELLA, Grd. Gen. Rep. 275. Purate LVI, Fras. 11—15. Spec. Cuar.—Body rather short and deep. Head constituting the fifth of the whole length. Snout sub-conical; upper jaw overlapping slightly the lower one. Posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn behind the nostrils. Eye moderate sized and circular; its diameter entering three times and a half, or a little more, in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the insertion of the caudal than the extremity of the snout. Ventrals and pectorals of moderate development. Reddish brown above, silvery upon the sides, and brownish yellow beneath. Fins unicolor. 121. Arkansas river, near Fort Smith. Dr. Geo. G. Shumard. 122. Sugar Loaf creek, tributary of Poteau river. H. B. Mollhausen. 60. MONIANA FRIGIDA, Grd. Gen. Rep. 276. Prats LIX, Fras. 16—20. Spro. Cuar.—Body somewhat elongated, sub-fusiform. Peduncle of tail stoutish. Head constituting a little less than the fifth of the entire length. Snout sub-conical; upper jaw overlapping the lower. Posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn behind the nostrils. Eye moderate sized and circular; its diameter entering nearly four times in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the insertion of the caudal than the tip of the snout. Horizontal fins of moderate development. Reddish brown above; yellowish or whitish beneath. 99. Rio Frio, tributary of Rio Nueces, Texas. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. 61. LUXILUS SECO, Grd. Gen. Rep. 281. Spec. Cuar.—Body rather elongated, sub-fusiform in its outline. Head small, contained five times and a half in the total ength. Snout sub-conical, rather abbreviated. Gape of the mouth slightly oblique ; posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line intersecting the anterior nostril. Eye very large, sub-circular; its diameter entering about three times in the ength of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin equidistant between the extremity of the snout and the fork of the caudal. Vertical fins moderately developed; pectorals and ventrals rather small. Light reddish brown above ; yellowish white beneath. Fins light olive. 60. Rio Seco, tributary of Rio Nueces, Texas. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. 62. LUXILUS LUCIDUS, Grd. Gen. Rep. 282. Pirate LX, Fras. 9—12. Srro. Cuar.—Body rather elongated, sub-fusiform in its outlines. Head moderate sized, contained five times in the total length. Snout sub-conical, tapering; gape of the mouth somewhat oblique; posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn in front of the orbit. Eye well developed; its diameter entering three times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin somewhat nearer the tip of the snout than the insertion of the caudal. Greyish brown above; yellowish beneath. Fins unicolor, assuming the tint of the region to which they belong. 55. Coal creek, tributary of Canadian river.—56. Twenty miles west of Choctaw agency. H. B. Méllhausen. FISHES. ads) 63. MELETTA CQMRULEA; Grd. Gen. Rep. 330. Prats LX XV, Fies. 5—7. Spec. Cuar.—Body slender, elongated, sub-fusiform in profile. Head constituting more than the fifth of the total length. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn through the middle of the orbit. Eye large and sub-circular; its diameter entering four times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin Iearer the extremity of the snout than the insertion of the caudal. Base of anal fin entering about ten times in the total length* unsertion of yentrals opposite the posterior third of the base of the dorsal fin. Bluish black above; yellowish or whitish beneath, with metallic reflects. Fins unicolor. 956. San Francisco, California. Dr. C. B. Kennerly. 64. SCAPHIRHYNCHUS PLATYRHYNCHUS, Bd.—Shovel-nose Sturgeon. Gen. Rep. 357. Spec. Cuar.—Head terminating into a depressed, oval, spade-shaped snout. Lips provided with eight warty, fringed tufts. Barbels nearer the mouth than the extremity of the snout, and fringed also Anal fin nearer the vent than the caudal fin. Brownish above; whitish beneath. 985 and 986. Missouri river. Dr. Geo. G. Shumard. BEE. a _ J#H.Richard del . oe iat beancee if . . Fishes ee Pl ate VI TAPeAM Nad ae RUTTER LTR ieee ah ihre yt Wena DHRichard del - a ae R. Metzeroth sc Le gee LS Po \ eaten eate, ; S482 rk) ‘4 Cl) es ( i ry @ Cel ‘i Y\ Y \) WO t ‘ \ ‘ AK V. e \ Ty i rf tae eae bo 001010 ¢ | } ogoo | tt oa 920000010 ° 009 v0000° 6 r epee | 09000000 02°9°090009 99009” 90000 e009? “ES EE Oia — RS o Wy . on), vy ry § i ras 1 a ©) ? ws i : z + ¢ iS in i t 4 4 ee) % et : Sie ; a ay" —* 3 ~ 1D) Ay n o a ail ren | | Tol =| | TT : Cy] ¥, 0 | eee Ag rN be AK xu > ROX (x 4 aM ‘ Ad nee F UUs \ a ee Z VATE er oe) ST s - ps4 eI (Dp > | | Mngees tt ALPHABETICAL INDEX. Page. Mbertisiinehw-sss,ccas] tatoos naeee ecewcooctdesees 30 Atcriniorepitans( ao cnsitemmanyomcene sacactiaesscelense as 44 PCAN E TIN TTS) 21 ee) ee eo eee Bee ae 34 PLelAIs) SUPOMAOL.sa- ssa. sseslwa seine see oeeinseele se sen phocnicenssese aan tacwenneee elena a nein ase se a 30 SANK) SOUR A eee see eee eae ae ee eae ates seas 35 Adburnellus dilectue-<--<-- s<2-.-oe- eco enn tacacams = 55 umbratilis. ...-.......... Tac ce ane ene 55 Alburnops illecebrosus. ....---..----- --+--------- ---- 56 DIGNNING ease oeeden pop oees eae e Ee asieea 55 GUE eee Seep aaa pcap coda Sete oe 56 Amblodon-pronniens 422 <-c.eesaekhioneebee = ey fe Bxoglossum mirabile .---- opuwend.pnceusanweyiae Suet 55 Falco polyagrus..----------- ------------ etod heen ote 19 Flix affifiis ... 220 22.. 2202 cen nnn cn enne cnecen enna cses Gadlwall... < 2262200 o a. ceccew ence eswemnse iano =a 35 Gallinago wilsonii ..-.----.---------- ---- ---- seeet es 34 Gambel’s finch..---. ---- .-- 22+ ee -0 + eee wne eons eee - 28 partridge... ---. ---2-- eeee seen ne wenn ne nee on 583 Gambetta melanoleuca -....----.------ Bee cies basocunnae Geococcyx californianus ....--..----- -----+ +--+ s----- 21 Geomys Clarkii «2... 2.0. -2-20- cee ene coos enon nee Seoneuko Gila woodpecker...-- Se cdtdistecerunasktete Jocaue ee =) 22 Glossy Ibis...-.---. -- epee siwbes iecssesaee vino oe .- 33 Glyphisodon rubicundus.....----- ectheet tet een ae 51 Gobio vernalis --...-.. -- Sitcsbeteshon cesses teen toa 54 Great-footed hawk .....-- s2cs2- eneene woe ons ene n ee woes 19 Great-horned owl ----- 22-22 cecene cone cow ne ones one 20 Green heron... -- on noe cone ecw ne wane we ona nne connce 33 Green-winged teal. ...-.. ---- ---- 222 --------0--2---- 9D Grus fraterculus ...--. ---.------ .--------- eure Sais0 33 Gymnokitta eyanocephala. -.------ a oseseauu es aosse 5 32 Harris buzzard ..---- BAtom et here sab meeians earner ee 20 EQUINE] | 252 Cees ae eve conn eennwnenremeesecns 12 woodpecker - .----- Se eS aie te latte et 21 Heloderma horridum ---.------.- Scud aeewundavweminu= = 708 Hesperomys texanus ---. ---- ---- ---------+ --0+-----+ 14 Heterodon nasicus ..-..--------- ------ ------ -------- 41 Holbrookia maculata .----.--.-.---- ae nnnacerasewes - 88 fOXANB sescuc scacceensnees Besta 00 38 Holconotus rhodoterus --.. .---- a shams seed ica ies wale 51 ALPHABETICAL INDEX. Page. House finch .... soccne coca conn cen cncienee cnce eone onn= 28 Hybognathus argyritis ..--.-------- ------ ---- «+--+ -<-- 54 Harporhynchus .-...------ ---- ------ ------- wean 25 Hyborhynchus confertus ...--.- .--- ------ ---- ---- +--+ 54 perspicuus «1.22.25 .ee2-- oo=0=- a 53 PUNICEUS « Ulin! Coss eo eecr cOnSEspSease cero oul Lr i ee cossse Heee eee ceo base ae eo Senunme Abert sss cise ale col recte eeeie ae alt= nm Scissor-teileee ce toes = ets emote erent a etal re Scops mecalli. ..---. 22+. 00-22 cwee en -- 2-2 ene = woe Scotophis alleghaniensis...--...---.------ ---- -------- GG los ecco cece C6 eb noscce SeSeseo coae5 Sebastes rosaceus-..---.--...---- Corisemeres oes esos TEU BIRGIT ¢ genoa ceo rose DOCH ne COSO See oon cHce seq MOXICAUA ies seas e a= el geese aan ome =e = a Sigmodon berlandieri? --..--..---. ---------- -------- Sittwaculentatsssersee eee ome eel sele me ela ninan ate Shun kee see receach seeee ae ons ase ieee naa ien ae Skylark....-. -.-. .----- ---- -----+ 2-0 222 2-2 === Sonthern sunfish -<~ <- secs ce fon ceelpe=ajnn mew seem <= nim Sparrow-hawk ..--2- ..ces- -20- e200 o--- 9+ --- 2 eee Spizella breweri -... .--..----- -----+ +--+ +--+ +--+ ---- TAOMUCOMR eee wien em oem ot ee me Samm alnie Saimin Spermophilus? 2.22.5. .02 -5.2-- cones ---= san e= ene Spermophilus beecheyi ..--..---. .----- --------+----- LR Raeano aseceo poGeoe SoSemSenor Soce Sturmellameclechter eesisesiae sae a oases enact Sima CII Sob as bake iad ssa casocsbSasep cansereces Tapaya hernandezii «-------- .----- ---- ----++ -------- OLURHISRIMN A = pe aeacines ss cleeacitawa scwcese =< sen CRIMI Ase pcon onceee Sole cee opoe = samecErcocon se cece Roxas) WatOs-ne ses acana=!e sees om <= amine RECeeeo Ese 2 Thomomys fulvus ..----- .----. ---- +--+ ---------- --- DbulbivOnusfeoaea == nace ae aan —nla == laticeps -.-- =. 22. ceecns nn eeee ---- ---- oon Tinnunculus sparverius ..-.-.------------ ------------ Townsend’s fly-catcher..... ---. ---- ---- +--+ ---+------ Toxicophis piscivorus..-- .-.. ---- ---- -2-+ ---- ---- += -- TLreG SPALTOW < 206 cece cone ne sone anne nennn- Soe Cane Trout, Or river Dass ..-c nn. wane cone cen wee ween ones ene Tuft-eared squirrel...--. eters Senco Berea reocec eee para On mn Oe > 24 59 20 47 64 ALPHABETICAL INDEX. Page Page Uta stansburians..... woos nace ence cccesecesscnennnce 37 | White-throated swift ....... Seecubeosos asaemnesuswans 23 EDC SEATS ON eee boots cos cel Wentern blie-bird 6.5 .-.-2eee eee te eee eeeeenishenie OA) VW CL =TeR Er ope el tall ek ome eat eral eb MEAMOW-JALK.. ceeowe wap a= aenunus ous anes 31 NUthALCH Saeed: ines pep emelacem ees peeeeee 26 | Yellow-crowned night heron... 22. .scece cnes ocee cane 33 SCTAOCH OW) os anne aes oe eee eee wats 20 haired Porcupine - ences ance senens cone ceceence 46 Vod-phOnlderssaoecs ewe ee eee ete canes 19 WINGEd SPAILOW ocncenaccccsene= coas checencau= 28 Ted-tall soos eee eee cone bene eed diee nea ewan 19 ‘Wihite-nacked (crow: Seco6cccccncetecwebedaceyeecaanse 31 | Zenaidura carolinensis. ......---- -.-- -20- ---- ---- ---- 33 Tumped Shrike . 6005 ccemes cece cena waeca= coaons 25 | Zonotrichia gambelli ..-.-. ..--2- --- none eons wee ---- 28 e * EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR A RAILROAD ROUTE FROM THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN. WAR DEPARTMENT. REPORT EXPLORATIONS FOR A RAILROAD ROUTE THE 32D PARALLEL OF NORTH LATITUDE, LYING BETWHEN DONA ANA, ON THE RIO GRANDE, AND PIMAS VILLAGES, ON THE GILA, LIEUTENANT JOHN G. PARKE, CORPS OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS. WASHINGTON, D. C. 1855. Ria oeiekd eur vr syvte? rreesiae the” sites wong reyow unousied 4 @ov aPryYave GWA 2verTPARO : ; q a id haart * te ’ ~ TAOTSH ae ATUOH CAODILAL EMO ¢ anortaidid ae _ Rayna wtH0% "0 sath st § Fee ‘ cae 3 . * ‘ EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR A RAILROAD ROUTE FROM THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN. WAR DEPARTMENT, ROUTE «NEAR THE THIRTY-SECOND PARALLEL, FROM THE RIO GRANDE TO THE PIMAS VILLAGES, EXPLORED BY LIEUTENANT J. G. PARKB, CORPS OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, 1853-'54. DOUVEOGLOC AL LEP ORT. WASHINGTON, D. ¢ 1859. é Wn: TNO ere oF Jere! see paveg bag pe seine ypc gangssee * Rat scale oni = 2 wera te ora . - ‘ bas 1q6aoe Se ian) ewe a ae La = — = a aa MEPs SALT erste are On a ae er MO ee Don aby inetd. Piareer alee op te CYAATAL oa Satie. wansoy tr Py Oy Meare * i YEAST OE we. i = , 2 me y. = | ) ms oi © “* Ts J a ae ees, + meee oS ROVER FEIT IO TO OE fe ears anes ; eros CONTENTS. INTRODUCTORY LETTER. BY A. L. HEERMANN, M. D. No. 1. REPORT UPON BIRDS COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY. BY A. L. HEERMANN, M. D. No. 2. REPORT UPON REPTILES COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY. BY EDWARD HALLOWELL, M. D. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. BIRDS. Prate I.— Aypotriorchis femoralis...-------------- ----------- - 2 2c e ne on ne ne renee nee eee eee 22 Pirate 1V.—Fig. 1.—Passerculus ulaudinus, Bp. ----- -------------------- ---- <2 --- 2-202 ---- = + ene eens 22 Fig. 2.—Peucaea cassinit, Baird <5 cs cccc con ventmwewecenedne ence nanecnn=—=sese~ =n < assesses 22 Prats VI.—Tryngiles rufescens, Cab. -.-..-----------05 2-0 222 ene ene ne nnn ee re ne wn nnn eee ee ennes 22 REPTILES. 24 Puate I1.—Crotalus ornatus, Hallow. ~-.--- -----------2---------- 02 nnn n= = en eee nnn nn een nee eee e- INTRODUCTORY LETTER. , PHILADELPHIA, October 14, 1854. Sm: I have the honor of submitting to you the following report on the natural history of the country ‘through which we passed during your late survey, commencing at the junction of the Colorado and Gila rivers, and continued through northern Mexico, New Mexico, and termina- ting at San Antonio, Texas. The general barrenness of the country lying along our route proved a considerable obstacle to the pursuit of my favorite branch, Ornithology ; though among the few species obtained some are new, and most of them rare, and concerning whose habits little was previously known. Of the reptiles, in which these countries are very rich, I had succeeded in forming quite a handsome collection, but unfortunately the cans in which they were contained became leaky, and possessing neither the means to correct this mishap, nor the alcohol to supply that wasted, they were all lost with the exception of a few specimens which I preserved in bottles. These have been described and classified by Dr. E. Hallowell. The fish, of which I had also obtained many species, met with the same fate as the reptiles. It is much to be regretted that so many interesting objects should have been lost through unforseen and, therefore, unavoidable accident. I remain, sir, your most obedient servant, A. L. HEERMANN, M. D. Surgeon and Naturalist to the command. Lieutenant J. G. Parks, United States Topographical Engineers, Washington, D. C. THOTODAOL TL! efes et abana’ a a teadachettes peavey agree baat - Poca aba nt ie met a arith dnt ln eodted applies ws iS wilt ite moist Dg reaN ‘al Tay pati Cicaeoey ya nls seine Rabi Dt ae ug at Po 1s a S. Re tirle " * ot eis “oy ake wii. afar ghaairy whee ako silt wt lope i reed 7 insni hostess a Create ee Miaes Seek zeae pone yp com hp ee > a oe > a ss 4 va ee pee en j i wall +4 rd I's + » : ; A hte Doe, i Gdn tk D A 5 an hte it teeth abebees = a Pree a 4 ei, M : a No. 1. REPORT UPON BIRDS COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY. BY A. L. HEERMANN, M. D. HYPOTRIORCHIS FEMORALIS, Gray. Prats I. Falco femoralis, Tem. Pl. Col. I, plate 121.—Cassin, in Gen. Rep. P. R. R. Survey, UX, 1858, 11. Sp. Cu.—Male.—Head, wings, and back, of a light slate color; the primaries being of a darker hue, and ongtheir inner vanes barred with white, with which also the larger coverts are tipped. A white line, starting from above the eye, extends down the occiput, becoming rufous as it forms a collar on the hind neck. A deep slate colored moustache descends from the angle of the mouth one half inch on the throat; auriculars are of the same color. Chin, white. Breast, orange or yellowish white, and in some specimens marked with elongated spots of black. Abdomen, thighs, and under coverts of the tail, rufous. Sides and flanks, dusky black; each feather being banded with delicate transverse white lines, and often uniting so as to form a band in front at the junction of the breast and abdomen. In some specimens this band does not appear, as the dusky black feathers do not in all cases extend across the abdomen. Tail, of a light gray slate color, is composed of twelve feathers traversed by nine white bars; the ends of all these feathers being tipped with white except the two centre ones. Legs, yellow. Bill, yellow, tipped with bluish black. Length, 14 inches. The female resembles the male in its plumage, but its colors are less brilliant and marked. The young bird has the back and tail of a dusky brown, each feather being fringed with a narrow border of lighter shade. The primaries and tertiaries are edged with white. Breast yellowish white, covered with a broad band of dusky black, extend- ing down to the thighs; these feathers often being edged with light clayish yellow. Moustache and auriculars, dusky brown. I saw this bird twice on the vast plains of New Mexico, near the United States boundary line, before procuring it; flying over the prairies in search of small birds and mice, and at times hovering, as is the wont of our common sparrow hawk, (Zinnunculus sparverius.) We possess little information relative to its habits from those authors who have written on this bird. It appears to be a resident of Surinam, Cayenne, Brazil, Chili, and other portions of South America, and is used in Chili for hunting the partridge. Besides this species, the Mexican ibis, also from South America, comes yearly to incubate in California; and further researches will doubtless still add to our fauna from that continent and Mexico. Superadded to their sharp talons and powerful beaks, the family of the Falconidae, to which this interesting species belongs, possesses strength and daring to a high degree. They nourish themselves exclusively on living animals, disdaining to devour that which they have not captured by their own address. Necessity forcing them to range over a large extent of country for their food, they naturally become wanderers. Assimilating in pairs during the breeding season, many species remain so mated during life; though not indispensably necessary to one another, each being able to provide for itself, yet by mutual assistance in the pursuit of prey the opera- tion of procuring subsistence is vastly simplified and facilitated. re 10 ZOOLOGY. PANYPTILA MELANOLEUCA, Baird.—White-bellied Swift. Cypselus melanoleucus, Bairv, Proceed. Ac. Nat. Sc., Phil., Vol. VI, June, 1854, 118. Panyptila melanoleuca, Bairv, Gen. Rep. IX, 1858, 141. Sp. Cu.—Head, dusky brown. Body tail and wings, dusky black. Throat breast and a band } inch in breadth from breast to vent, white. Ends of larger coverts tipped with white. A large white patch on the flanks, a faint white line over the eye and the outer edge of the first primary, white. Length 54 inches. I met this bird several times, first in San Fernando Pass, near Los Angelos; again near Palm Spring, between the Colorado desert and Vallecitta; again near Tucson, and lastly in Texas ; always, however, flying at a great height, being either far beyond or on the extreme limit of gun shot range, and was therefore unable to do more than slightly wound one of them. From the extent of their wings, the birds of this family appear to be formed to live in the air, where, in fact, they pass most of their time, gliding about in extensive circles without effort and apparently little motion of the wings. ‘This ease of flight stands them in good need in their migratory movements, allowing them readily to pass into warmer climes. During pleasant weather they find their insect prey in the upper air, but when cloudy or rainy we find them skimming the ground in their pursuit. When on the ground, the shortness and weakness of their legs, added to their length of wing, incapacitates them from again rising in the air; hence I have several times seen the European species, (C. murarius,) picked up in the streets of Geneva, Switzerland, having fallen there during a quarrel with its fellows. When they wish to take rest during the day, which is rare, they always alight on some elevated point whence they can throw themselves into the air and take to wing. Though numbers were flying about the rocks near Tucson, I heard them utter no note. Sociable among themselves, gathering in large flocks, they never mingle with their nearly related brethren the swallows. They generally construct their nests in the crevices of rocks or the holes in old buildings, many species having secretory glands, exuding a glutinous substance with which to fasten them firmly. The eggs, from 4 to 6 in number, are pure white and of an elongated form. Previous to the settlement of this country by Europeans, the chimney swallow (C. pelasgius) built its nest in the hollows of old trees, but has almost universally changed this habit, as indicated by its name, derived from the locality to which it now resorts for the purposes of incubation. CERYLE AMERICANA, Boie.—Texas Kingfisher. Alcedo americana, Gmeu. Syst. Nat., vol. I, part I, p. 451. Ceryle americana, Bair, Gen. Rep. IX, 1858, 159. Se. Cu.—Male.—Upper plumage dark glossy green, the head and wing coverts sprinkled with small white spots. A moustache of dark green from angle of lower bill. Wings, dark green, almost black, crossed by three bands formed by white spots on the primaries. Throat, vent, and band on hind neck, white. A broad band of dark rufous covers the breast. Flanks, sides, and under tail coverts, spotted with green. ail, dark glossy green, the inner webs white, banded with dusky black spots. Bill and feet dusky. Length, 8 inches Female resembles the male, but in her the broad rufous breast band is replaced by one of glossy green, less perfect than in the male. Length, 8 inches. I first saw this species near the Nueces in Texas, where it is said to be not rare, and it has frequently been brought from the Rio Grande by naturalists. The birds of this family live principally on fish. Remaining patiently for hours ona stake or branch over a stream, watching a favorable opportunity to pounce upon its prey, which seen, it plunges into the water, often disappearing entirely beneath its surface, seizes upon and swallows its victim whole ; throwing BIRDS. 11 up at a later period, like the owl and the hawk, the indigestible parts in the form of a pellet. Watchful and shy, it flies off at the least approach of danger with great rapidity. The young resembles the female, taking on the full livery of the adult after the first year. The nest, composed of a few loose straws thrown negligently together, on which are laid 4 white eggs of a spherical form, is placed in a burrow varying in length from 2 to 10 feet, excavated in the steep river banks. MILVULUS FORFICATUS, S w.—Swallow-tailed Fly-catcher. Muscicapa forficata, Gwe. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part II, p. 931. Mivulus forficatus, Barn, Gen. Rep. IX, 1858, 169. Spr. Cu.—Head, cheeks, and upper parts ash gray; back ditto, with the addition of a roseate tinge. A concealed patch of orange-vermillion on the top of the head. Rump of a brownish hue. Upper tail coverts sooty black. Wings dusky brown, the secondaries and coverts being edged with clear grayish white. Throat, white; breast an impure white, inclining towards the vent to a roseate blush. Axillary feathers scarlet. Tail twice the length of the body, forked, and composed of twelve feathers, the two outer ones roseate white to within one and a half or two inches of their tips, which are black. Outer tail feathers black. Length fourteen inches. Female like the male, the tail being shorter, and the vermillion patch on the head less distinct. Length eleven and a half inches. Abundant and frequenting the prairie lands of Texas. Of a quarrelsome disposition, they are often seen five or six in the air at a time fighting together, presenting a very beautiful sight as they turn and manceuvre, spreading at every movement their long forked tail to its fullest extent. The family of the fly-catchers is both numerous and resident of every portion of the globe. In the deep forests of the tropics we find some of brilliantly colored plumage, while those of more temperate regions assume a more modest garb. Their food consists principally of insects, though occasionally varied with fruit. Certain species are in continual movement, actively engaged in seeking insects on the lofty trees, while others, perched silently on the bush tops or branches of a tree, await with patience their approach, when, after darting upon and devouring them, they resume their post. T'yrannical in the extreme, they frequently prove themselves especially courageous during the breeding season, attacking and driving off all intruders on their domain, not excepting even crows and hawks, so much larger and more powerful than themselves. In some species there are marked differences between the sexes, but this is not generally the case. The young take on the plumage of the adult after the first year. Their nest is generally built on a bush or tree ; some choose the hollow of a tree, while others, under cover of a shelving rock or other sheltered situation, build a nest of mud. The eggs are gener- ally four in number. ? HARPORHYNCHUS CURVIROSTRIS, Cabanis.—Curved-bill Mocking Bird. Orpheus curvirostris, Sw. Phil. Mag. and Annals. 1827, p. 368, Harporhynchus curvirostris, Barry, Gen, Rep. 1X, 1858, 351. Sp. Ca — Upper parts pale brown, increasing gradually in depth of color from the head to the tail. Under parts brownish gray, becoming of a feeble clay color towards the vent. Throat ash color, Breast and abdomen thickly covered with faint, rounded, dusky spots. Tail feathers tipped underneath and edged with ashy margins. Bill black. Feet brown. Length I first met with this species in the thickets near Tucson, or saw it on the topmost branches of the mezquite tree, pouring forth its melody. Like the California mocking bird it possesses musical powers surpassed by few other birds. When alarmed, it dives immediately in the underbrush, whence it is almost impossible to dislodge it. Though the specimens shot were 12 ZOOLOGY. procured in Mexico, still is it an interesting bird to us from the fact of its having been pre- viously found in Texas. Its food consists of berries and fruits when in season, or of insects or their larvee, and worms, which are collected among the trees or from the ground, on which it spends much of its time. LOPHOPHANES ATRICRISTATUS, Cassin.—Black-crested Chicadee. Lophophanes atricristatus, Cassin, Mlus, B. of Tex. and Cal. p. 13, pl. 3.—Bairp, Gen. Rep. IX, 385, p. 69. Parus atricristatus, Cassix, Proceed. Ac. N. Se. Phil. vol. V, p. 103, pl. 2. Sp. Cu.—Male.—Front and chin white; under parts ashy white; lighter from the belly to vent. Cheeks gray. Crest black. Back slaty gray. Wings and tail brown, the latter formed of twelve feathers. Flanks and sides have a feruginous tinge. Bill and legs black. Length five and a half inches. Female.—Slightly smaller than male, Crest brownish black. This bird, discovered in, and brought back from Texas by Dr. Woodhouse, while with Captain Sitgreaves’ expedition to the Zuii and Colorado rivers, was first observed by me near Fort Clark, Texas, where it was quite an abundant species. It is active and sprightly in its move- ments, searching with great assiduity for insects about the bark and branches of trees. While thus employed it keeps up a-chattering note, varied with an occasional low plaintive whistle. Its habits much resemble those of our common chicadee, (Parus atricapillus.) The sub-family of the Parinae is found in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Their usual resort is in the woods, and their habits, as above described, ceaselessly active, examining with care every crack in the bark, the under part of each leaf, and throwing themselves into every possible attitude while prosecuting their labors. They now and then vary their diet with grain, seeds, nuts, and rarely meat; sometimes, when urged by necessity, attacking and killing sickly birds by fracturing their skulls. The nest, made of grasses, feathers, wool, and mosses, and often containing from twelve to sixteen eggs, is generally built in the hollow of a tree, though some species construct them of a pendulous form, while others build a simple oval nest in the forks of two or more branches, having two holes for ingress or egress, or with a view to leave a con- venient place for the projection of the long tail with which some of these species are adorned, PEUCAEA CASSINII, Baird. Prats IV, Fie. 2. Zonotrichia cussinii, Woonuouse, Pr. A. N. Se. VI. 1852, 60. Pcucaca cassinii, Barry, Gen. Rep. TX, 1858, 485. Sp. Cu.—Upper parts reddish brown; the centre of the feathers of the back and head deep brown, their margins being bluish gray. Primaries and secondaries brownish, edged with dirty white. Flexure of wing, yellow. ‘Tail feathers, twelve in number, brown, tipped with grayish brown; the two outer and centre ones pale brown, the latter having a dark central line in their entire length and numerous little transverse bars. A narrow grayish yellow line from base of mandible over the eye. Throat and breast gray, with a short, sooty, narrow line from the base of lower mandible on each side. Breast and sides dirty gray. Belly, vent, and crissum dirty yellowish gray, some of the feathers of the latter having dark, longitudinal spots. Bill horn color, darker above. eet flesh color. Length five and three-fourth inches. My attention having been attracted by the sound of a new note while at Camanche Spring, Texas, I found, after some observation, that it proceeded from this bird. Rising with a tremulous motion of its wings some twenty feet or more, it descends again in the same manner to within a few yards of the spot whence it started, accompanying its entire flight with a lengthened and pleasing song. The country thereabouts is very barren, being covered with low stunted bushes, into which the bird takes refuge on being alarmed, gliding rapidly through the grass and BIRDS. 13 shrubbery, adroitly and effectually evading its pursuer. I observed them during four or five days of our travel, when they disappeared. They were probably migrating at the time, though their continued and oft-repeated song gave notice they were about preparing for the duties of incubation. PLECTROPHANES MELANOMUS, Baird.—Black-shouldered Longspur. Plectrophanes melanomus, Bairp, Gen. Rep. IX, 1858, 436. Sp. Cu.—Vale.—Top of the head, flexure of wings, a patch behind the ears, the breast and abdomen, black. A broad band of chestnut on the hind neck, between which and the occiput is a spot of white. A line over the eye, the throat, and ears, of a dirty yellow gray. Under tail coverts white. Lesser wing coverts black, tipped with white, forming a white band. Upper parts light brown, each feather dark brown in its centre. Sides dark gray. The tail composed of twelve white feathers tipped with brown, this tipping increasing in depth from the outer to the central feathers until it extends about half-way down these latter. Bill dusky. Feet dark brown. Length 54 inches. During the winter a gray margin on the feathers nearly conceals all those portions which are black in spring. This disappearing by friction or otherwise, the spring livery is fairly donned. Female.—Upper parts light brown, the centre of each feather marked with a dark brown spot. These spots being thicker and smaller on the top of the head give it adarker hue. Vent and throat gray, the latter margined by a line of pale brownish gray spotted feathers, which extends down to and spreads over the breast, belly, and sides. ‘Tail, bill, and feet, like those of the male. Length 54 inches. I first remarked this bird in flocks, associated with the P. McCownii, at a large prairie dog village some miles west of Puerto del Dado. Fresh meat having become scarce in camp, and desiring a few birds for supper, I fired into a flock covering densely quite a large space. Three dozen fell at the first discharge, and among them I was pleased to find this species and the P, McVownii. From this point to the Rio Grande we found both of these species abundant wherever we struck isolated water-holes ; these being the only spots for miles around where drink can be obtained. When fired at they rise as if to fly away ; but forced by thirst to return after describing a few curves to the only spot where their parched tongues can find relief, they may, if the hunter feels so inclined, be fairly slaughtered. I have often seen from 100 to 150 brought down in four or five discharges of a gun. While on a trip to the Rocky mountains in 1843, I met a closely allied species, P. ornatus, in small flocks and pairs, scattered over the prairies of the Platte river, and was fortunate enough to discover one of their nests. Built on the ground, it was composed of fine grasses and lined with hair. The eggs, four in number, were white, with black lines at the larger end, and a few faint neutral tint blotches scattered over the surface. PLECTROPHANES McCOWNII, Lawrence.—Rufous-winged Lark Bunting. Plectrophanes McCownii, Lawr. Annals of N. Y. Lyceum, Vol. V. p. 123.—Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 437. Sp. Cu.—Wale—Top of head and crescent on breast black. Upper parts light brown, with dark brown linear spots in the centres of the feathers. Primaries and secondaries dusky brown, with margins of grayish white. Lesser wing coverts black, broadly tipped with chestnut. Line over the eye dirty white. A small black patch at the angle of the lower mandible. A line of small brown spots runs down the front of the neck from near the same point. Sides of neck and auriculars pale ashy brown. Sides and flanks dark gray. Breast below the crescent gray, changing gradually to dirty white on the belly. Tail composed of twelve feathers ; two central ones brown, the rest white, tipped with a broad band of dusky hue. Bill and feet dusky brown. Length 53 inches. Female.—Upper parts light brown, each feather dark brown in its centre. Wings brown, fringed with dusky white. Line over the eye pale rusty color. Chin dusky white. Breast, sides, and flanks, pale rusty gray; abdomen paler. An indistinct pale brown band across the upper portion of the breast; auriculars and sides of head same color. ‘Tail, bill, and feet as in the male. Length 54 inches. 14 ZOOLOGY. I found this species congregated in large flocks with the preceding, engaged in gleaning the seeds from the scanty grass on the vast arid plains of New Mexico. Insects and berries form also part of their food, in search of which they show great activity, running about with ease and celerity. From Dr. Henry, U.S. A., I learned that in spring large flocks are seen at Fort Thorne, having migrated hither from the north the fall previous. With the return of mild weather they again go north for the purposes of incubation. Among these flocks I detected also the shore lark, (Zremophila cornuta,) but it formed a small proportion of the numbers. POOSPIZA BILINEATA, Sclater.—Black-throated Finch. Emberiza bilineata, Cassin, Pr. A. N. Se. V, 104. Poospiza bilineata, Bairv, Gen. Rep. 1X, 1858, 470. Sp. Cu.—Male.—White stripe commencing at the front and running over and five-eighths of an inch beyond the eye, being bordered above by a narrow black line. Another white line starting near the base of lower mandible and running down the neck. Space between the two stripes black near the bill, and becoming of a lighter hue at the auriculars. Lower eyelid white. Throat black. Breast and vent dirty white. Sides and flanks slaty yellow gray, changing to a light rusty white towards the vent. Upper parts brown, tinged with olive; the head a little darker than the back. Primaries dusky brown, edged with light brown. ‘Tail feathers deep brown, thé three outer ones being edged and tipped with white. Bill and feet dark blue, black. Length 54 inches. Female like the male I first remarked this beautiful little finch just before reaching Tucson, Sonora, Mexico, where I found it associated with several other species of sparrows. They were collected in large flocks, flying from bush to bush, and alighting on the ground to pick up grass seeds and insects. It appeared to be quite numerous, and I followed it as far in Texas as the spring of the Dead Man’s Hole, between El] Paso and San Antonio. Though not very wild, its restlessness as it flew about the undergrowth made it difficult to procure. It uttered only a chirp during the time I observed it. CYANOSPIZA CIRIS, Baird.—Painted Bunting. Emberiza ciris, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 313. Cyanospiza ciris, Bainv, Gen. Rep. TX, 1858, 503. Sp. Ca —Male.—Head, neck, auriculars, and flexure of wing, of a rich purplish blue. Chin and lores green. Eyelids, throat, and lower parts, rich vermillion, paler towards sides and vent. Centre of abdomen sometimes strongly tinged with yellow. Back and seapulars glossy green, tinged with yellow. Back, rump, and tail coverts, purplish red. Lesser wing coverts purple ; larger, green. Wings purplish brown, edged with purplish green. Upper surface of tail purplish brown. Under surface of tail and wings slate gray. Bill black above, lighter beneath. Legs brown. Length 54 inches. Female —Upper parts olive green, brighter towards rump. Lower parts dusky Naples yellow, brightest on the belly, and tinged on the breast with olive green. Bill pale lead color, darker above. Legs lead color. In size a little smaller than the male, This, the most brilliant of our finches, is quite abundant in Texas, and is seen pouring forth at short intervals during the day its sweet and lively ditty from the bush and tree tops. PIPILO CHLORURA, Baird. Fringilla chlorura, Towns. in Auv. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 336, Pipilo chlorurus, Bairv, Gen. Rep. IX, 1553, 519. Fringilla blandingiana, Gamner, Pr. A. N. Se. I, 1848, 260. Sr. Cu.—Crown, bright chestnut. Front, lores, a line running from lower mandible and breast, slaty gray; being darkest on the front and lores. A small patch at base of upper mandible; a line from angle of mouth, throat, and abdomen, white. Sides BIRDS. 15 and flanks brownish, fading to rust color on approaching the vent. Flexure of wing and under coverts bright yellow. Upper parts olive brown, the wings and tail having a brighter greenish yellow tinge. Bill dark brown above, paler beneath. Legs dusky brown. Length 7 inches. I first discovered this bird near Tucson, frequenting in numbers the thick undergrowth, and seeking seeds and insects on the ground and inclined to shun observation, always keeping in the most retired situations, though sociable among themselves, going about single or in pairs associated with the Poospiza bilineata and two or three other species of finch. When started they fly low, diving into the bushes, and soon disappearing from sight. Occasionally, until . reaching El Paso, Texas, birds of this species were met, mingled with the flocks of migrating Fringillidae. I there found and procured a pair about entering upon the duties of incubation. PIPILO ABERTII, Baird.—Abert’s Ground Finch. Pipilo abertii, Barrp, Stansbury Ex. to Great Salt Lake, p. 325.—Is. Gen. Rep. IX, 516. Sp. Cu.—Upper parts of a pale rusty brown, wings and tail being of a darker hue. Under parts of a brighter rusty c>lor, the lower part of breast paler than the rest. Vent and under tail coverts bright rufous. Under margin and tips of tail feathers light brown. Chin and lores smutty black. this color extending to some of the feathers down the throat. Bill and feet light brown. Length 9 inches. On the borders of the Gila, east of Fort Yuma, this bird was quite abundant, keeping to the close sheltered thickets, where, secure from intrusion, it sought-among the dead leaves for various seeds, insects and their larve, on which it feeds. Its habits much resemble those of the P. fusca, or cafion finch, diving into the bushes when alarmed, and repeating at intervals a short chirp. After leaving the Gila river we saw them no more, as we no longer followed the course of any large stream, for the borders of which these birds seem to have a decided preference. PIPILO MESOLEUCUS, Baird. Pipilo mesoleucus, Barrp, Proceed. Acad. N. Se. Phil. Vol. VII, p. 119. Sp. Cx —Upper parts dull brown, darker on upper surface of tail. A patch of dull chestnut on the head. Chin dirty white; throat and breast rusty gray, with brown spots starting from the base of lower mandible on each side of the neck and spreading out over the breast, the central lower spot larger and darker than the others. Lower part of breast, flexure of wing and abdomen, white. Vent and lower tail coverts ferruginous. Sides and flanks dusky. Tail feathers, with the exception of the two central ones, tipped with rust, and in some specimens the outer edge of the two external feathers similarly colored. Length 84 inches. I saw this species in the vicinity of Tucson. Its habits appeared, from the limited oppor- tunity I had of observing it, to be the same as those of the preceding species. CALAMOSPIZA BICOLOR, Bonap.—Prairie Lark Finch. Fringilla bicolor, Towns. Journ. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil. vol. VI, p. 189. Calamospiza bicolor, Barrp, Gen. Rep. LX, 492. Sp. Ca.—Male.—In spring plumage, black. A large patch of white on the wing, including some of the smaller coverts, the tips of the first row and the secondary coverts. Primaries edged with white. Tail feathers blackish brown broadly tipped with white with the exception of the two middle feathers. Bill light blue. Feet dusky. Length 64 inches. Female.—Upper parts light brown, the feathers being darker towards the quills. Primaries light brown margined with white, Tertiaries with broad cream colored border. Tail light brown above, sooty brown beneath, narrowly bordered with white, each 16 ZOOLOGY. feather, except the two middle ones, being slightly tipped on the inner margin of the point with white. Lower parts white with ongitudinal spots of dark brown covering the sides, flanks, and breast. A moustache of small brown spots from angle of lower mandible, running down the neck and joining in with those of the breast. A line over the eye of rusty white. Auriculars light brown. ‘The young male in the fall resembles the female, but takes on the livery of the adult the following spring. This bird was first observed on approaching the Pimos villages, associated with large flocks of sparrows, gleaning grain and grass seed from the ground. When started it would fly but a short distance before again resuming its occupation. After crossing the San Pedro river I found it in large flocks, having killed fourteen at one shot. At Fort Fillmore, in Mesilla valley, it is quite common, and associates with the cow-bird and black-bird, searching for grain amongst the stable offals. Again I met it in Texas during the month of April, having seen, however, but one male bird in full spring plumage, the others still retaining their winter coat or only commencing to take on their spring livery. While travelling some years ago towards the Rocky mountains, I found it quite abundant on the Platte river. The male bird is often seen rising in the air with a tremulous fluttering motion of the wings, very much after the manner of our reed bird, (Dolichonyx oryzivora,) singing the while, and until again alighting, a discon- nected but not unmusical chant. The nest, placed on the ground, is formed of fine grasses lined with hair, and contains four to five pale blue eggs. Although I found many of them, in one instance only were they spotted with faint red dashes. PYRRHULOXIA SINUATA, Bonap.—Texian Cardinal Bird. Cardinalis sinuatus, Bon. Proceed. Zool. Soc. of London, 1837, p. 111.—Cassin’s B. of Cal. and Tex. p. 204, pl. 33. Pyrrhuloxia sinuata, Barry, Gen. Rep. TX, 1858, 508. , Sp. Cu.—WMale.—General color of upper parts dark ash. Throat, breast, thighs, under wing coverts, and the centre of abdomen down to vent, light bright carmine, deeper on the throat. Sides of abdomen and flanks slaty gray. An elongated crest front, around, and under the eyes; primaries and upper part of tail bright rich brownish red, the two central tail feathers having a slight green reflection, while the edges and tips of the tertiaries and the tips of the primaries are tinted with brown ash. Under part of tail brighter than upper part, with a reflection of grayish lead and tipped with lead color. Bill yellow, the upper one having a dusky tinge. Feet flesh color. Length 8 inches. Female,—Chin dusky white. Under parts down to vent rusty ash, darker on flanks and sides. Around the eyes, at base of upper mandible, an indistinct blotch, on upper part of throat and another at middle of abdomen, pale carmine. Crest smaller than the male. In its other markings and colorings like the male. This species in its form and habits is closely allied to the Cardinals, but the formation of the bill differs so much in the two that Bonaparte has placed it in the sub-genus Pyrrhwlowia, Instead of, as in the Cardinal, the nearly equal mandibles, the culmen slightly rounded and arched to the tip, which is acute, we find in this species the lower mandible much broader and larger, the gonys rising very abruptly and the culmen very much rounded and arched as in the genus Pyrrhula, We met the first specimen of this bird in a dry caiion a little to the east of the crossing of San Pedro river, perched on a bush, and seeming wearied and lost; probably a wanderer, as no more were observed until we reached E] Paso. Here we found it everywhere among the hedges and trees, and continued to see it occasionally on our road until we left civilization behind us. It is said to be quite common on the Rio Grande and in Mexico. Raising its crest erect as it moves actively about in search of food, it emits at intervals a clear plaintive whistle, varied by a few detached notes. BIRDS. 17 PYRANGA AESTIVA, Vieill.—Summer Red Bird. Tanagra aestiva, Auv. B. of A., Fol. pl. 44. Tanagra aestiva, Gmew, Syst. Nat. vol. I, Part II, p. 889. Pyranga aestiva, Bairv, Gen. Rep. IX, 1858, 301. Sp. Cu.—Male.—Plumage, vermillion, assuming a brownish or reddish cast on the upper surface. Wings, dusky brown: edged with vermillion. Bill, yellowish horn color. Feet, light brown. Female.—Upper parts, olive, the rump and tail having a yellowish tinge. Under parts, dull orange yellow, wings brown edged with yellowish olive. Bill and legs like the male. At times the plumage of the adult female is mottled with bright reddish brown. The young resembles the female, but is often mottled with red, yellow and green, before assuming its complete adult plumage. This bird is quite abundant in Texas, where we frequently heard its loud, melodious whistle while hunting in the oak woods which thickly border the edges of the streams. XANTHORNUS AFFINIS, Lawrence.—Lesser Orchard Oriole. Aanthornus afinis, Lawre. Annals of N. Y. Lyceum, vol. V, p. 113. Icterus spurius, Bairp, Gen. Rep. IX, 547. Sp. Cu.—Male.—Head, throat, and upper part of back, deep black. Lower part of back, tail coverts and all the under parts, deep chesnut, lesser wing coverts being of the same color. Tail and wings, brownish black, the wing feathers being margined with yellowish white. Bill deep blue black, lighter at the base of lower mandible. Legs, blue. Length, 6 inches. Female.— Upper parts, olive brown, assuming a yellowish green cast on the front and rump. Under parts, greenish yellow. Wings, brown, each feather being margined with ashy white. Tail, olive brown above, lighter beneath, the outer webs of the feathers, yellowish green. ; ‘This bird in all its changes of plumage is a fac-simile of its closely allied species, Xwnthornus spurius. They differ only in size. It was observed abundantly about San Antonio, searching on the trees for insects and their larvae, uttering a shrill and lively note much like that of our common orchard oriole. Their nest, composed of flexible grasses, is suspended from the branches of the mezquite tree. Incubation not having commenced while I was in the country, no eggs were procured. CENTURUS UROPYGIALIS, Baird .—Gila Woodpecker. Centurus uropygialis, Bairp, Pr. Acad. Nat. Sc., Phil., vol. VII, p. 120.—Is. Gen. Rep. IX, 1858, 11. Sp. Ca.—Male.—Head, neck and underparts, brownish ash. An obscure band of yellowish ash on the back of the neck in some specimens. A blood red patch on the head. Back and wings barred transversely with black and white. Abdomen near vent, yellow. Crissum and under tail coverts white barred with black. The central tail feathers black on their outer vane with a strip of white commencing at the base and running to a point at about § the length of the feather. The inner vanes barred and.their points black. The 2 outer feathers, white barred with black, intermediate ones, black. Bill, black. Feet, dusky. Length, 9 inches. Female.—Wanting the red patch on the head. Front and top of the head of a lighter ash than the under parts. Length, 94 inches. This bird is abundant among the mezquite trees on the borders of Gila river. The giant cactus, (Cereus giganteus,) often 40 feet high, and which grows abundantly on the arid hill sides throughout this whole section of country, is frequently filled with holes bored out by this bird. The pith of the plant is extracted until a chamber of suitable size is obtained, when the juice exuding from the wounded surface hardens and forms a smooth dry coating to the cavity, thus _ making a convenient place for the purposes of incubation. At Tucson it frequents the corn fields and is seen alighting on the old hedge posts, in search of insects. Its note resembles very much that of our red-headed woodpecker. 3 ¢ 18 ZOOLOGY. CENTURUS FLAVIVENTRIS, Swains .—Yellow-bellied Woodpecker. Centurus flaviventris, Sw. Two Cent & a Quart. p. 354.—Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 1858, 110. Sp. Cu.—Wale.—Front and vent, yellow. Collar on back of neck, orange yellow. A blood red patch on top of the head Feathers between the front and red patch, grey, between red patch and orange collar, grayish slate. Under parts, pale ash Crissum and under tail coverts, marked with dusky arrow heads. Back and wings barred with white and black ; rump and upper tail coverts, white. Tail, black, with the exception of the two outer feathers, which are barred with white on their outer veins Bill, black, Feet, light blue. Length 94 inches. Female.—Like the male, but wanting the red patch on the head. Length, 9 inches. Not rare in Texas and frequenting abundantly the mezquite woods which cover portions of the prairie in the vicinity of San Antonio. PICUS SCALARIS, Wagler.—Barred Woodpecker. Picus scalaris, WActurn, Isis, 1829, p. 511.—Bairp, Gen. Rep. IX, 1858, 94. Se. Cu.—Male.—Front dusky black. Top of the head black, interspersed with white spots tipped with red, the red tips forming a scarlet patch on the back of the head. A white line over the eye. Another from base of upper mandible running down the cheek. A moustache from base of lower mandible runs down the neck joining the auriculars ; both moustache and auriculars black. Back banded with black and white. Wings banded with seven bars formed by white spots on the outer vanes of the feathers. Under parts dirty white, marked with oblong black spots on the sides of the breast, and rounded ones on the sides and crissum. Lower tail coverts barred with black. Four central feathers of the tail black, the two outer ones black banded with white, and the intermediate one having the outer vane and end margined with white. Bill blue black. Feet dusky. Length 6} inches. Female.—Like the male, with the exception of the top of the head, which is entirely black. Length 6} inches. I observed this small woodpecker in the southernmost portion of California, and found it more and more abundant as we advanced towards Texas, where it is common. ORTYX TEXANUS, Lawrence .—Texian Partridge or Quail. Ortyx texanus, Lawr. Ann. Lye. N. Hist. N. Y. vol. VI, p. 1.—Bairp, Gen. Rep. IX, 64}. Sp. Cu.—Male.—Lores white. Throat white, encircled by a black band which starts near base of upper mandible and becomes broader in front of the neck. A white line over the eye, commencing at the nostril and running laterally on the neck, bordered above by a narrow live of black. Crown dark brown, margined with gray and tinged with rufous. Feathers on lower part of hind neck dull black, in central parts edged with white and tipped with reddish brown. The shoulders and upper portions of the back chestnut, mottled with deep brown, bordered with ash; the rest of the upper parts light brown, becoming lead color on the tail, the whole being mottled with ash, white, and deep brown. Below the black throat band is one of rufous. Breast and vent dull white, the feathers being crossed by broad curving bars of deep brown, almost black. Feathers of sides and flanks rufous in their centre, margined on their edges with irregular white blotches partially encircled by broad bands of deep brown. Under parts of tail and wings pale lead color slightly mottled with gray. Under tail coverts rufous tipped with dull white, and with central arrow heads of deep brown. Bill black. Legs light brown. Length 8 inches. Female.—Chin dull white. Lores, throat, and line over the eye pale ochre. The rufous breast band of the male is replaced by a general rufous tinge. The transverse bars on breast and abdomen are less rich and numerous. Bill horn color above, lighter beneath. In all other respects like the male. Length 74 inches. This bird bears a close resemblance to the Ortyax virginianus, but the following differences may at once be detected on comparing the two species: The O. dewanus is smaller, the rufous color of the breast is paler, but forms a more perfect band in the male specimen. The transverse bars on abdomen are twice as broad as those of the O. virginianus, while the rich chestnut tinge forming the prevalent tint on the back of the latter is replaced in the O. texanus by a light brown and a more general ashy hue. ; BIRDS. 19 This bird was first observed in numbers on the Pecos river, although seen some days previous to reaching this point. Its numbers increased as we neared civilization, and near San Antonio it became plentiful. The call of the male bird consists of two notes, (repeated at intervals,) which are less loud, clear, and rimging than those of our common quail, (O. virginianus.) It feeds on the open prairies upon grass seeds, grains, berries, and insects, and if alarmed takes refuge among the scattered mesquite trees and clumps of bushes. When hunted it lays to the dog like our common species, and if flushed flies in a direct line with a loud whirring noise, caused by the shortness and rapid motion of the wings. I found an egg of this bird, which had been dropped upon the road. In form and color it was like that of our common quail though smaller. LOPHORTYX GAMBELII, Nutt.—Gambel’s Partridge. Lophortyx gambelii, (Nuvrau.) Gampet, Proceed. Ac. N. Se. Phil. vol. I, p. 260, 1843.—Barrep, Gen. Rep. IX, 645. Sp. Cx.—Male.—Crest brownish black, composed of six feathers. Front grayish white, each feather having in its centre a longitudinal line of black. A transverse band of white, dividing the top of the head in about two equal portions, runs down the side of the neck, forming a border to the patch of chestnut covering the top and back of the head; a fine line of black lies between this white line and the chestnut patch. Throat black, encircled by a white band reaching nearly to the eye Upper parts and breast grayish slate, the feathers of the sides and back of the neck having in their centres a delicate longitudinal brown line. Primaries pale ashy brown, inner vanes of tertiaries bordered with cream color. Middle of breast and abdomen cream color, with a large black spot in the centre of the latter. Sides and flanks deep chestnut, each feather with a longitudinal linear spot of white. Under tail coverts with broad bands of ashy brown running down the centre of the feathers. Bill dusky. Feet light brown. Length 9; inches. Female.—Crest smaller than male. Throat dirty gray. Breast and upper parts grayish s!ate, the head having a brownish tinge. Feathers of the neck and breast with a line of brown in their centre. Inner vanes of tertiaries bordered with cream color. Lower part of breast and abdomen cream color, the centre of each feather being marked with a thin line of dark brown. Vent, crissum, and under tail coverts, longitudinally striped with grayish brown. Sides and flanks chestnut, each feather being marked in its centre with a strip of white. The plumage, where of similar marking, is paler in its coloring than in the male bird. Bill dusky. Feet light brown. Length 9 inches. From Fort Yuma, on the Colorado, to Hagle Springs, between El Paso and San Antonio, where we last saw a flock of these birds, we found them more or less abundant whenever we followed the course of the Gila or struck water holes or streams of any kind, Although frequenting the most arid portions of the country, where they find but a scanty subsistence of grass seeds, mesquite beans, and insects, still they show a preference for the habitation of man, being much more numerous in the cultivated fields of Tucson, Mesilla valley, and Hi Paso. Towards evening, in the vicinity of the Mexican villages, the loud call note of the male bird is heard, gathering the scattered members of the flock, previous to issuing from the cover where they have been concealed during the day. Resorting to the trails and roads in search of sub- sistence, they utter while thus engaged a low soft note which keeps the flock together. They are not of a wild nature, often permitting a near approach, and seldom fly unless suddenly flushed, but prefer to escape from danger by retreating to the dense thickets. CALLIPEPLA SQUAMATA, Gray .—Scaly Partridge. Ortyx squamatus, Vic. Zool. Journ. vol. V, 1830, p. 275, Callipepla squamata, Barry, Gen. Rep. TX, 1858, 646, Sr. Cxu.—Male.—Head light rusty ash; feathers of the crown light brown tipped with white. Throat pale cream color. Upper parts bluish ash, assuming a rusty tinge on the rump. Wings light brown; tertiaries margined on their inner vanes with white. Under parts pale bluish ash, becoming pale cream color on lower portions of abdomen and vent, the centre of the abdomen being marked with a pale rust patch. The feathers of the breast and abdomen with a central light brown arrow head and fringed with a narrow border of darker hue, while those of the back of the neck have the outer fringe well marked, though 20 ZOOLOGY. the arrow heads are much less distinct and numerous. Flanks bluish ash with a tinge of brown, each feather having a longi- tudinal spot of white in its centre. Under tail coverts pale rusty white, with longitudinal bands of light brown occupying the centre of the feathers. Lill black. Feet lead color. Length nine and a half inches. Female.—¥ \umage the same ar* 4e male. Crest smaller and delicate Jongitudinal lines of brown freckling the centres of the feathers of the throat. Length niuve and a half inches. The San Pedro river, a branch of the Gila east of Tucson, was the most western point at which I observed this species; here a flock of these birds ran before us at a quick pace, with outstreched necks, heads elevated, crests erect and expanded, and soon disappeared among the thick bushes which surrounded us on all sides. After this I saw them occasionally until I arrived at Lympia Spring. Lieutenant Barton, United States army, informed me that he had procured it near Fort Clarke, one hundred and twenty miles west of San Antonio, where, how- ever, it israre. This beautiful partridge is found abundantly on the open plains, often starting up before us when passing over the most arid portions of our route. It also seems partial to the prairie dog villages. These, covering large tracts of ground destitute of vegetation, (every- thing but a stray cactus here and there being consumed by the prairie dogs,) probably offer the attraction of some favorite insect. ACTIDURUS NAEVIUS, Heermann.—Mottled Grass Plover. Prate VI. Actidurus nacvius, Hrermann, Proceed. Acad. Nat. Se. Phil. yol. VII. Tryngites rufescens, Cassin, in Gen, Rep, P. R. R. 1858, 739. Se. Cu.—/orm.—Bill slender, as long as the head; culmen straight; sides compressed towards the tip, which is slightly curved; nostrils linear. Wings pointed, and when closed reaching to the end of the tail, the first primary being the longest. Tail long, broad, and rounded, the central feathers longest. Tarsae and toes long; claws short and acute. Color.—The feathers of the upper parts black in the centre, with broad margins of yellowish brown; primaries brown, the ends being black narrowly tipped with white. Under surface white, becoming mottled with black two and a half inches from their termini, which there change to a grayish hue. The under wing coverts, irregularly marked and mottled with black, are silver gray, dusky towards the ends, but tipped and bordered with pure white. Under parts pale yellow ochre, the feathers bordered with faint white. Those of the breast near the pinion of the wing having in their centre a linear spot of black. Lower part of abdomen and vent of a much paler hue than the breast. Tail brown on its upper surface, the two middle feathers having a bronze tinge, the others being tipped with yellowish white followed by a black band. Under surface grayish, the inner vanes being mottled with minute brown spots. Bill black. eet light yellow. Length seven and a half inches. While riding on the prairies near San Antonio, my attention was called to this bird from its being smaller than Bartram’s tatler, (Actitis bartramius,) which there abounds, It ran nimbly on the ground among the grass in search of insects, uttering when disturbed a weak tweet, two or three times repeated. The birds of this genus, unlike the Zringae, (which congregate in large flocks showing a preference for the seashore,) migrate in small parties, resorting to the fresh water ponds and streams of the interior, or seek their food on the broad grassy plains. They run with great celerity. If alarmed they fly with rapidity, making wide circuitous sweeps before alighting. When wounded they take to the water, swimming with facility and often diving to escape danger. The nest, formed of grasses and containing four eggs, is placed on the ground, which has been previously hollowed out. When disturbed during the breeding season, the female, flying a short distance from her nest, throws herself on the ground, fluttering along as if wounded, and thus decoys the intruder into following her away. Once at a safe distance she takes to wing, returning to her home by a circuitous route. LIST OF BIRDS COLLECTED BETWEEN Fort Yuma and San Antonio, Texas, during the survey of railroad route from the Mississippi to the Pacific ocean, under the command of Lieutenant J. G. Parke, Top. Engs. Specimens. Page Hypotriorchis femoralis.......... Mecoscposabac 9 Panyptila melanoleuca.......... a dlecsacaooonce 10 Ceryle americana............00 Mee tlitsecescseste 10 Milvulus forficatus..............0. Pi oaononocciooc 11 Harporhynchus curvirostris..... Mncoode ihe 11 Lophophanes atricristatus...... 9) Pocnacocoode 12 Peucaea cassinii....... oooueeace Sect #seeece Sireccn Ll. Plectrophanes melanomus....... Listes rece LD Plectrophanes m’COWNDI1......0002 Zssceceserees 13 Poospiza bilineata.....c.cecccscecs Descceesecees 14 Cyanospiza Ciris............. aeeesee eevesscssieasy 14: Pipilo-aberticcesausser-ncsccanaessoe 7a Saree wee LD Specimens. Page. Enpilorehlonura..ccsccssse PECUCO OEE fl Basceeeer eee 15 Pipilo mesoleucus........ eee nace deesseueescess 15 Calamospiza bicolor...... soceneodc Peonc2008C050 15 Pyrrhuloxia sinuata ............+ 2 Sadaseinaisas 16 PYVANE ACSIVA.c0.ccececcnscenses PaSepOCROCAGOC 17 Xanthornus affinis...... Hencesoes ge Dior daroiandass 17 Centurus uropygialis............. DNs Hoe BORSED iY Centurus flaviventris............. Ue aveds 18 Picus: scalaris:csccscec<0«- scbocen 3 Sioacatieg ALS Ortyx texanus....... soocbooddeccoad Hedeeeciensees 18 Lophortyx gambelii.............. Peon sacene 19 Callipepla squamata............. Sa itr to TAA a > ‘ » <—e' : “=o : 2 ( ; mai ete hoe ee yen a0) wilinah., towed, ttc nh anit, haw eit adel: S Van@atge ah Whee wi thay so a wren gS de id a olen 4 { Give ter—¢ ree eemetens tr 4 Ae Py hieid an sarereeehene a —eweeresbionm™ wetete * weroerer et, 4 vi * eeessvereee te eee weks bees sees TE, sepavecsniril’ aseerenisgen Nl IRNAPUR ob eee © vnsverdasotbaonval 5 ar ir ath CA alta aii witaleww ns et rv waste peiorwes li eee US.P.RR.Exp &. Surveys, 3274 Parallel : Birds — Plate I TAN a 16 «= ‘y Pao ce Lo “i> 4 UW Gh ih)! ‘ hi Bets: 4 re) + on eS. & R.A. Exp.c& Surveys 3228 Parallel (West) Birds— Plate IV. U-S.P.R.R Exp. & Surveys __ 3224 Parallel { West} Birds — Plate VI a TL Pajye mire cs Ce Phy 1 eo al aly 2, mA ‘- 4 “ie d Wx i tite Td ate r he oabe Pr. _— whe? ay ay Lo | aye as oe .. No. 2. REPORT UPON REPTILES COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY. BY EDWARD HALLOWELL, M. D. CNEMIDOPHORUS GUTTATUS, Hallow. Sp. Cuar.—-Head olive color, body greenish olive, with eight lines of the same color, interspaces upon sides brown; sides presenting numerous white spots arranged in longitudinal rows; under surface dark blue, marked with white; of anterior extremities deep blue; of posterior and tail white; scales of the body very small; sub-gular fold margined with a row of large smooth scales; several smaller rows anterior to these: eight rows of scales upon the abdomen; sixteen femoral pores on each side very distinct. Dimensions.— Length of head one inch; greatest breadth five-eighths; length of head and body to vent, three and a half inches; length of tail, four inches five-eighths; of anterior extremities, one inch one-eighth, of posterior, two inches two-eighths. Habitat.— Texas. Grn. Oss.—From C. sexlineatus, guttatus may be readily distinguished ; the scales upon the upper part of the body are larger; allied to C. gularis, but the latter has no spots. CROTALUS ORNATUS, Hallowell. Puate II. Sp. Cuar.—Three large plates in front of upper part of the head, on each side ; nasals large: posterior part of head covered with smooth scales ; rostral rather large; eighteen supra-labials, the 6th, 7th and &th the largest; a small plate between the rostral and first supra-labial, and anterior frontal ; 27 rows of scales; ground color slate or greyish above with transverse brown lozenge-like bands, their external margins extending to the abdomen with intermediate yellow spots, and yellowish markings enclosed within the brown, sometimes ten in number; the brown lozenge-like spots become indistinct posteriorly, and contain no yellowish spots, giving to this part of the upper portion of the body a sombre appearance, compared with the beautiful variegated robe of the rest; about seyenteen of these brown lozenge-like spots may be counted on the back; tail entirely black; throat and chin white; abdomen light straw color without spots, but shaded with greyish. 194 Abdom. scuta; 3 bifid post abdom. scut.; 19 sub-caud. 7 rattles belonging to the present specimen. Dimensions.—Breadth of head posteriorly 1] to 24 inches; length of head 1% inch; of body 3 feet 5 inches; of tail 2 inches; of rattles 1 inch. Habitat.—Near Pecos river, northwestern Texas. Gen. Oxns.—Differs from C. lecontii greatly in the arrangement of the plates upon the head ; in the ground color, which is yellow in lecontii ; in the form of the dorsal spots, which are rhomboid in the latter and all distinct, without prolonged margins; and in the color of the tail, which in lecontii is banded, the two animals having no specific resemblance. In some respects it corresponds with the description of Crotalus molossus, Baird and Girard, the latter having, according to them, brown lozenge-colored spots, with angles extending to the abdomen, and two yellowish spots in the centre, also in the scales, being each of the same color throughout ; but the head is not quadrangular, and the ground color of molossus is represented as roll sulphur. In C. ornatus the sixth, seventh, and eighth superior labial plates are the largest ; in molossus, the fifth and sixth. 24 ZOOLOGY. Besides the reptiles above described there were also in the collection of Dr. Heermann two specimens of Holbrookia maculata, which is said to be very abundant in Texas, being often found in the holes of the prairie dog, (Arctomys ludoviciana,) and a fine specimen of Herpetodryas aestivus. This does not appear to differ essentially from the ZH. aestivus of Pennsylvania. It is somewhat more robust, the scales are broader, and there are some unimportant differences in regard to the smoothness of the external and inferior rows of scales, but these are not of suffi- cient importance to constitute specific characters. In the genus Herpetodryas, the opening of the nostril is in a single plate, or between two plates according to Dumeril and Bibron. In Leptophis always between two plates. The Col. vernalis of DeKay belongs to the genus Herpeto- dryas, and in our opinion should not be separated from it, because it has smooth scales, those of aestivus being carinated. Examples of Leptophis may be found in Leptophis smaragdina, Lept. lateralis, and Lept. leiocercus, the scales of the trunk of which are carinated, and those of the tail smooth. Ten species of Leptophis are described by Dumeril and Bibron in their Erpetologie Générale. There was also in the collection a full grown specimen of Rhinocheilus lecontii, Baird and Girard, caught about one hundred miles from Pecos river, in the open prairie. It corresponds very well with the description in their work on serpents, except tha tthe pre-abdominal scuta is entire and not bifid, as they represent it, and that the sub-caudal scutellae are not all single, nineteen of the latter being bifid. There is also a small plate behind the occipital, 190 abdominal scutae, 1 bifid pre-abdominal, 28 single sub-caudal towards the anus, then 4 rows of bifid, then 1 single, and lastly 15 bifid, as in Coluber and Tropidonotus. Dimensions.—Length of head five-eighths of an inch ; breadth 3 an inch; length of body 16 inches; of tail 3 inches. Gmn. Ors.— Future inquiries must determine whether Rhinocheilus lecontii should be removed from the genus Lhinechis of Michaelles, of which but one species has heretofore been described, viz: the Rhinechis scalaris, of which there is a good figure in Bonaparte’s Fauna Italica, In the genus Phinechis, as characterized by its author, the plates under the tail are all bifid. Dimensions of the specimen of aestivus,* from Texas: Length of head six-eighths of an inch; breadth three-eighths; length of body 163 inches; of tail 10 inches; circumference of body 13 inch. " Leptophis majalis, B. & G. Marcy’s Report, pl. IX. EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR A RAILROAD ROUTE FROM THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN. WAR DEPARTMENT. REPORT OF EXPLORATIONS IN CALIFORNIA FOR RAILROAD ROUTES TO CONNECT WITH THE ROUTES NEAR THE 85TH AND 82D PARALLELS OF NORTH LATITUDE. BY LIEUTENANT R. 8. WILLIAMSON, CORPS OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, 1853. g* (nau YR weg wines LAdmtRAL A OF" wy valle MA SaTesArTe % aere u ry Fae TROTEH | AUTO CAOSNAR 10% AVTIAO W CMOITATO . ¥ i fi . = ; ; , a . / ‘ : c - ——. ‘ \ decor) inten fo. aaoeaet Gas nA He BD nS »* : 7 _ .- na Lie . Tn ** - y . wae ‘ 4 - - wt . rr > Y By : : ad A “2 1 - i » as 1 a BoA Rog = LV, EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR A RAILROAD ROUTE FROM THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN. WAR DEPARTMENT. ROUTES IN CALIFORNIA, TO CONNECT WITH THE ROUTES NEAR THE THIRTY-FIFTH AND THIRTY-SECOND PARALLELS, EXPLORED BY LIEUT. R. 8. WILLIAMSON, CORPS OF TOP. ENG., IN 1853. ZO Aa Cae PO nor. WASHINGTON, D. ©. 1859. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. REPTILES. PCAC le —Poyriy/h P ch, LAL OV ammo er ro aes lem ml me ea im tee tetera ie wale a tet Prare TU. —COrolalus leconiti; Hallow: <6 sss0s-acctcaccmecunwoers aunt cavescceceeeceusesaeenecuspescmen mex Prase Vig. —Orolaies carastes;Hallowiyeeose 2S one Shes. SoC See See EES S. chee cee oeenseeeee Wig. 2.—Lamprosoma occipuale, Hallow. << ocean osceceeem onan es == Se cennaeeea conn a=seeecso=ee== Wig. 3:—Veptophis lateralis, Hallow. 02 = oon oe acm wee een coe enna nee ee news s===eaean =a = a PGA Vi —- OO Tenah OREO, SEL AAO Wier = tem a =e nlntol ate ses is lee esl a te i ae teal Prats VI.—Fig. 1.—Dipsosaurus dorsalis, Hallow. <= <<< .0-< <<< cee cncnc ese anaes seen none secesascenseaewse== ; Wig. 2.—Seeloporus diseriaius, Hallow. == <-=-c0s06 se cen one -oos eer nnne ese sosces een ==oo==s==s eam Prace Vil. Wig. 1:—Urosaurusigraciésus, Hallows. << 2s- sss ons ne awa Seon casa cents e seen= sae eee Fig. 2.—Aneides lugubris, Baird....-------- Re ee a ee a oe Puate VIII —Fig. 1.—Scelcporus biseriatus, var. azureus, Hall...-.--.---.------------------------------------ Fig. 2.—Sceloporus biseriatus, var. marmoratus, Hall.-_..----.------=------------~--------------- Prare 0X.—Rig. 1:—Gerrhonotus mulicarinatus, Blain. - -- -< ocean coon eee ee nore men semencnesaaceenscesbece== Fig. 2.—Cnemidophorus undulatus, Hallow. -----.-.---------------------------------s20e-~------ Hips, 3.——/meces Guaarilinentis, Ohne ces seme sae ee eee = Sncconsdeccccscosse Bada i — Wiper h, — fey cong apes eed eat ooo ne oe nae = ee ales ee i eee ee ee Wig: 2.— Bula nebulosa, Hall pace - rana wa hao ewes oa = Eee se eee See oo eee eee eee eee eee Prim: 1 —Pideoielegans; Cassin, (adult) =5- sooo ssec eee scene apa oewe cee aea — 9 lh Ts 50 aoe Oe JH Richard My LATS ae 4 f & terre a3 an age ae ig USPR.R.Ex & Surveys: — Califorma Reptiles: —— Plate VII — r i | | | | | i John Serz sc sogoau Ase 4. A4 bed cues At aa ANAL, f 2 tas SoRN x: + \ x 5 AG as AA, ig 235 Y . N \ \ Be ADAAAZAALAAAAA 5 ee AA A, 4 t oe 4a 4A 4144) Ay tA A 44 y 4 A ty ye Senet Lae gy No. 2. REPORT UPON BIRDS COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY. BY A. L. HEERMANN, M. D. CATHARTES CALIFORNIANUS, Shaw.—The California Vulture. Cathartes californianus, Nuttatt's Ornithology, vol. I, p. 39. Aupuson, Birds of America, Fol. pl 426.—Cassin, Gen. Rep. P. R. R. IX, 1858, 5. Cathartes californicus, Aup. Birds of America, Oct. vol. I, p. 12, pl. 1. Vultur californianus, Suaw, Nat. Mise., vol. IX, pl. 301. This species, the largest which our western fauna possesses, was observed occasionally during our survey sailing majestically in wide circles at a great height and ranging by its powers of flight over an immense space of country in search of food. Whilst unsuccessfully hunting in the Tejon valley, we have often passed several hours without a single one of this species being in sight, but on bringing down any large game, ere the body had grown cold, these birds might be seen rising above the horizon and slowly sweeping towards us, intent upon their share of the prey. Nor in the absence of the hunter will his game be exempt from their ravenous appetite, though it be carefully hidden and covered by shrubbery and heavy branches; as I have known . these marauders to drag forth from its concealment and devour a deer within an hour. Any article of clothing thrown over a carcass will shield it from the vulture, though not from the grizzly bear, who little respects such flimsy protection. My coat, used on one occasion to cover a deer, was found, on our return, torn by Bruin to shreds and the game destroyed. The California vulture joins to his rapacity an immense muscular power, as a sample of which it will suffice to state that I have known four of them, jointly, to drag off, over the space of two hundred yards, the body of a young grizzly bear weighing upwards of a hundred pounds. A nest of this bird with young was discovered on the Tuolumnes river in a thicket, by some Indians who were there sent in search of a horse thief. It was about eight feet back from the entrance of a crevice in the rocks, completely surrounded and masked by thick under brush and trees and composed of a few loose sticks thrown negligently together. The effluvium arising from the vicinity was overpowering. We found two other nests of a like construction and similarly situated ; one at the head of the Merced river and the other in the mountains near Warner’s ranche. From the latter nest the Indians yearly rob the young, and having duly prepared them by long feeding, kill them at one of their great festivals. CATHARTES AURA, Linn.—The Red-headed Turkey Vulture. Cathartes aura, Rion. and Swain, Faun. Bor. Amer. vol. II, p. 4.—Nurratt’s Ornith. vol. I, p. 43.—Avupuson, Birds of Amer. Oct. vol. I, p. 15; pl. 2.—Cassin, Gen. Rep. IX, 6. This bird ranges over the whole extent of California, being met in great numbers in the vicinity of Fort Yuma, at the junction of the Colorado and Gila rivers, and more especially on 4 8* 30 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. the desert between the Colorado and Carissa creek. It here finds an ample supply of food from the carcasses of the numerous animals perishing from fatigue or the want of grass and water, and whose whitened bones, strewn over the ground, mark both the road and the hardships of the western pioneer. They seem to be on terms of amity with both the raven and California vulture whilst feeding, but upon the approach of the coyote or prairie wolf they all retire to a respectful distance until he has gorged himself on the dainty fare. The eyes of a carcass first extracted, they invariably begin their assault at the anus, this being the most practicable place to effectuate a breach, whence to deal havoc on the internal parts. An entrance once made, a scene of plunder, noise, confusion, and dispute ensues, bafiling all description. Each one striving, as best he may, to bolt the morsel he has seized, or to rob his neighbor glutton, whose booty is too voluminous for him to despatch at once. When, however, in very large numbers, they will attack a carcass indiscriminately at several points, wrenching off the skin and flesh with their powerful beaks, whilst they brace themselves with their feet as they pull. POLYBORUS THARUS, Molina.—The Caracara Eagle. Polyborus tharus,C ssix, Gen. Rep. TX, 45. Polyborus vulgaris, Vixitt. Gal. vol. I, p. 23; pl. 7.—Avup Birds of Amer. Fol. pl. 161. Polyborus braziliensis, Aup. Oct. vol. I, p. 21; pl. 4 Iam happy to be able to add this interesting species to the fauna of California, having seen it on the Colorado river, near Fort Yuma, in company with the preceding species. The carrion of an ox was covered with turkey buzzards, and one specimen of the Caracara eagle was amongst them, but proved so shy that I could not shoot it, although waiting in ambush full two hours in hopes it would return. We followed this species on our survey down the Gila until we left that river, seeing one or more every day, and found it again in Texas on striking the settlements. At San Antonio, in the vicinity of slaughter-houses, it is met with in great numbers, twenty or thirty often having been seen at one time. We found its nest on the Medina river, built in an oak, and constructed of coarse twigs and lined with leaves and roots, but being quite recently finished contained no eggs. Although so closely allied to the vulture by its habits, we find its nidification quite different ; as all the birds of that family, without exception, so far as known, lay either on the rocks or on the ground. AQUILA CANADENSIS, Linn.—The Golden Eagle. Aquila chrysaetos, Ricn. and Swat, Faun. Bor. Amer. vol. II, p. 12.—Aup. Birds of Amer. Fol. pl. 181.—Is. Birds of Amer. Oct. vol. I, p. 50); pl. 12. Aquila canadensis, Cassin, Gen. Rep. IX, 41. A specimen of this bird was seen whilst we were crossing over Livermore’s Pass. It flew from a rock not twenty yards distant, thereby rendering it impossible to mistake the species. I also met with two others in northern California, and obtained the tarsae and feet of a specimen killed in the mountains bordering the Mokelumne river. It is there, as elsewhere, a wild and scarce bird, rarely seen save by the naturalist who is on the alert. HALIAETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS, Linn.—The Bald Eagle. Haliaetus leucocephalus, Avo. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 57; pl. 14. Falco leucocephalus, Aun. B. of A. Fol. pl. 31 and 126. Common in northern California, and more especially so about the falls of the Columbia river, (Oregon,) the salmon of which, thrown up dead on the shores at certain periods of the year, ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. 31 form a great attraction to this bird, the California vulture, the turkey buzzard, and the ravens, which there abound. We found this species in the Tulare valley, on the borders of large lakes, and in one place counted three nests within sight of each other. In 1849, there was an eyrie o these birds about four miles from Sacramento City, which they have since forsaken, on account of the continual passage to and fro of steamers and vessels on the river, or they have been shot by some wanton gunner, too ready to make trial of his skill upon them. PANDION CAROLINENSIS, Gmel.—The Fish Hawk; The Osprey. Pandion carolinensis, DeKay, Nat. Hist. N. Y. Birds, part I, p.6; pl. 8, fig. 18. —Cassin, IX, 44. Pandion haliaetus, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 64; pl. 15. Aquila haliaetus, Rice & Swans. Faun. Bor. Amer. vol. I, p. 20. Falco haliaetus, Auv. B. of A. Fol. pl. 81.—Witson, Amer. Ornith, vol. V, p. 13, pl. 37, fig. 1. Abundant, being met with throughout the whole extent of California. In the fall it migrates south. FALCO POLYAGRUS, Cassin.—The American Lanier Falcon. Falco polyagrus, Cassin, Birds of Texas and California, p. 88 and 121, pl. 16.—In. Gen. Rep. IX, 12. Occasionally specimens of this bird were seen during our expe.ition, but of so wild a nature as to baffle all attempts to procure it. It frequents the rocky and wooded portions of the country or the broad open plains. Perched on some prominent rock whence it can survey a large extent of country, it will suddenly, with almost unerring aim, dart through the air with the swiftness of an arrow to seize upon its prey. On one occasion I saw this bird pursuing a large hare, (Lepus townsendii,) at which it stooped several times, the hare barely escaping from the falcon’s talons by extraordinary exertions and bounds as the bird gained upon him. Pursuer and pursued soon disappeared over the rolling ground, thus hiding from my sight the final result of this exciting chase. On a previous visit to California, I obtained, near Sacra- mento, three specimens, and saw a young unfledged one in San Francisco. I also procured one of these birds on the Farrallone islands, where probably it had been wafted by the high winds prevalent during winter. It cannot be considered a rare bird, although but few speci- mens as yet enrich the naturalist’s collection. HYPOTRIORCHIS COLUMBARIUS, Linn .—The Pigeon Hawk. Falco columbarius, Witson, Amer. Ornith. vol. II, p. 107, pl. 15, fig. 3—Avp. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 88, pl. 21.— Is. B. of A. Fol. pl. 92.—DeKay, Nat. Hist. N. Y. part I, p. 15, pl. 4, fig. 9.—Rrion & Swains. Fau. Bor. Amer. vol. II, p. 35.—Cassin, Gen. Rep. IX, 9. This species, not very common, is most generally met with on the wooded hill sides, from whence they start in search of their prey. On one occasion, perceiving one of these birds apparently about to begin his repast on some luckless fowl held in his talons, I pursued him so closely and with such success that, fatigued and terrified, he dropped his prey, which, proving to be a very plump California partridge, I gratefully bagged. TINNUNCULUS SPARVERIUS, Linn .—The Sparrow Hawk. Tinnunculus sparverius, Vieit. Ois. Am. Sept. p. 40, pl. 12 and 13. , Falco sparverius, Auv. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 90, pl. 22.—Is. B. of A. Fol. pl. 142.—Wirson, A. Ornith, vol. II, p, 117, pl. 16, fig. 1.—In. vol. IV, p. 57, pl. 32, fig. 2.—Cassin, Gen. Rep. IX, 13. Abundant throughout the whole of California. 32 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. BUTEO INSIGNATUS, Cassin.—Brown Hawk. Buteo insignatus, Cassin’s Birds of Texas and California, p. 102.—In. p. 198, pl. 31.—In. Gen. Rep. IX, 23. I first remarked this species at the crossing of Graysonville ferry on the San Joaquin river and continued to meet with it occasionally, until we had crossed Kern river. Owing to the lateness of the season, I was able to ascertain but little regarding its propagation, the only nests which were found having been forsaken for some time previously by the young. These nests, composed externally of coarse sticks and lined with roots, were built in the topmost branches of oaks, which grow abundantly on the banks of the large water courses. This bird, like the rest of its genus, appears sluggish in its habits, perching for hours in a quiescent state on some tall tree and permitting the hunter to approach without any signs of fear. This apparent stolidity, however, may be owing to the fact that it is seldom molested and has not yet learned to mistrust a gun, as do the birds of prey in more settled portions of the country. BUTEO ELEGANS, Cassin.—Western Red-shouldered Hawk. Buteo elegans, Cassin, Pr. A. N. Se. VII, 281.—In. Gen. Rep. IX, 28. Abundant, and extending from northern California to the edge of the Colorado desert. BUTEO MONTANUS, Nutt.—Western Red Tail. Buteo montanus, Nort. Man. I, 1840, 112.—Is. Cassin, Gen. Rep. IX, 26. Abundant in northern California, and rare in no part of the country. I met with this. bird likewise in New Mexico and Texas. ARCHIBUTEO FERRUGINEUS, Licht.—The Western Rough-legged Buzzard. Buteo ferrugincus, Liout. Trans. Berlin Acad. 1838, p. 428. Archiputeo ferrugineus, Cassin’s B. of Tex. and Cal. p. 159, pl. 26.—Is. Gen. Rep. IX, 34. Archibuteo regalis, Gray, Genera of Birds, vol, I, pl. 6. During a previous visit to California I found this species in the valley of the Sacramento, and had considered it rare in that section of country ; but during the recent survey in the southern part of the State I found it very abundant, having seen on one occasion in the mountains, about sixty miles from San Diego, five or six of these birds at the same moment. It is there much more numerous than the Buteo borealis. Large tracts of land in the southern portion of the State being totally destitute of trees, this bird alights on the ground, or, taking a position on some slightly elevated tuft of grass or stone, will sit patiently for hours watching for its prey. Its food, on dissection, proved to consist of mice, ground squirrels, and other small animals. In plumage it appears to vary as much as its closely allied species, Archibuteo sanctli-johannis, (Gmelin ;) and in a specimen shot by one of the men, but so badly mutilated that it could not be prepared, the tail was strongly tinged with the red color peculiar to the Buteo borealis. I several times noticed a bird sailing over the prairies, of about the same size as this species, but entirely black and of heavy continuous flight. It was, I think, of this genus; but never having procured one, I am undecided whether it be the adult bird of the species under consideration (the A. sanctijohannis) or a new bird to be added to this group. I discovered in 1851, on the Cosumnes river, the eggs and nest of this bird. While climbing a tree to examine some magpies’ nests, the hawk in flying from her own betrayed her retreat. It was placed in the ee tall ee eer A ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. 33 centre of a bunch of mistletoe springing from the forks of the oak, and was composed of coarse twigs lined with grasses and moss; the eggs, two in number, being white, marked with faint brown dashes, differing greatly from those of the Huropean species, 4. lagopus, (Gmel.} With those of the A. sancti-johannis, I have never had the opportunity of comparing them, ELANUS LEUCURUS, Vieill.—The Black-shouldered Hawk. Elanus dispar, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 70, pl. 16. Falco dispar, Aunv. B. of A. Fol. pl. 352.—Nurrautt. Ornith. vol. I, p. 93.—Temm, Pl. Col. vol. I, pl. 319, (young plumage.)—Cu. Bonaparte, Am. Orn. vol. II, p. 18, pl. 11, fig. 1. Falco melanopterus, Bon. Journ. Acad. Nat. Se. of Phil. vol. V, p. 28, 1825. Elanus leucurus, Cassin, Gen. Rep. IX, 37. The extensive marshes of Suisun, Napa, and Sacramento valleys are the favorite resorts of these birds, more especially during the winter season, as they there find a plentiful supply of insects and mice, their principal nourishment. They generally range over their feeding grounds in small flocks, from a single pair up to six or seven pairs together. I fell in with an isolated pair in the mountains between Elizabeth lake and Williamson’s Pass, hovering over a small fresh water marsh ; this being the only instance observed by me of their travelling so far inland, or away from large bodies of water or marsh. In July and August the young of this species are found quite abundant in the country, thereby proving that it does not migrate for the purposes of incubation. ACCIPITER COOPERI, Bonaparte.—Cooper’s Hawk. Falco coopert, Bon. Syn. App. p. 438.—NutTr. Orn vol. I, p. 90. Falco stanleyi, Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 91.—Auvp. B. of A. Fol. pl. 36. Astur cooperi, Aup. Oct. vol. I, p. 98, pl. 24.—DerKay, Nat. Hist. of N. Y. Part I, p. 18, pl. 4, fig. 5. Not rare. ACCIPITER FUSCUS, Gmelin.—The Sharp-shinned Hawk. Frequenting in great abundance the woodland country throughout California. CIRCUS HUDSONIUS, Linn.—The Marsh Hawk. Circus cyancus, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 105, pl. 26. Falco cyaneus, Auv. B. of A. Fol. pl. 356.—Bonap. A. Orn. vol. II, p. 30, pl. 12. Falco uliginosus, Wits. Am. Orn. vol. VI, p. 67, pl. 51, fig. 1. Abundant in California ; I also met with this species in New Mexico and Texas, and its range therefore extends over our entire country. ATHENE CUNICULARIA, Molina.—The Burrowing Owl. Strix cunicularia, Moria, Saggio, 1786. Athene cunicularia, Cassin, Gen. Rep. IX, 60. Common on the extensive open prairies, where, associated with the ground squirrel, they often form a large community, though not as great as prairie-dog villages, which latter often cover a mile or more of ground. The sight of this bird is very clear by day, nor will he allow the hunter on foot to approach within fair shooting distance. When approached, however, on a horse or mule, from which animals he apprehends no danger, his confidence renders him a certain 58 34 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. victim to the sportsman. If not killed outright, however severe the wound, he at once beats a retreat, disappearing in his burrow, whence he can be dragged forth only with considerable labor and difficulty. When suddenly alarmed, he flies some distance, then alighting on the ground, jerks his body three or four times successively in an upright position, as if to take an extended view and measure or avoid whatever danger threatens. The nest, formed of a few straws carelessly thrown together at the bottom of a tortuous burrow from 6 to 8 feet in length, contains four nearly spherical eggs, of a pure white. GLAUCIDIUM GNOMA, Wagler.—Little Western Owl. Strix passerinoides, Auv. B. of A. Fol. pl. 432, figs. 4 & 5. Surnia passerinoides, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 117, pl. 30. Glaucidium gnoma, Cassin, Gen. Rep. IX, 62. This beautiful little species is found among the mountainous districts of the mining regions of California, where it cannot be considered a rare bird. It is, however, seldom captured, as it flies generally at night, though sometimes it may be caught perched on the branch of a tree, napping, during the day. In 1852, I shot three of these birds on the borders of the Calaveras river, a friend of mine, Mr. McMullin, procured another on the Cosumnes, and Mr. Bell, of New York, saw it in 1849, on the American river, thereby showing that it extends over a large portion of California. STRIX PRATINCOLA, Bonap.—The American Barn Owl. Strix pratincola, DeKay’s N. His. of N. Y. part 1, p. 31, pl. 13, fig. 28.—Cassin, Gen. Rep. IX, 47. Strix flammea, Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 139.—Wus. Am. Orn. vol. VI, p. 57, pl. 50, fig. 2—Aup. B. of A. Fol. pl. 171. Strix americana, Avuv. Oct. vol. I, p. 127, pl. 34. Quite a common bird in all parts of California. At one time they frequented the old hollow trees of Sacramento City, but have gradually disappeared, as their old haunts have been destroyed to make way for the march of improvement and civilization. I found large numbers in winter ensconced and sheltered during the day among the reeds of Suisun valley. I obtained a living specimen, self-captured, he having entangled himself in the bushes. It is abundant in the old Catholic missions of California, where it frequents the ruined walls and towers, construct- ing its nest in the crevices and nooks of these once stately buildings, now fast falling to decay, and which form not only a shelter for birds, but also for innumerable bats, reptiles, and vermin of various kinds. BRACHYOTUS CASSINII, Bre wer.—Short-eared Owl. Otus brachyotus, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 140, pl. 38. Strix brachyotus, Avp. Fol. pl. 432, fig. 6—Nurr. Orn, vol. I, p. 132.—Wats. Am. Orn. vol. IV, p. 64, pl. 33, fig 3.— Rion. and Sw. F. Bor. Am, vol. I, p. 75. Brachyotus cassinii, (BreweEr,) Cassin, Gen. Rep. LX, 53. Abundant in Suisun and Napa valleys, being found in equal numbers with the preceding species. When started from the ground or reeds, where it seeks shelter during the day, it flies a few yards and alights again on the ground, not appearing wild or shy in its nature, or perhaps so blinded by the brightness of the sun as to ill distinguish surrounding objects. I started from the bushes a specimen of this bird on the desert extending between the Tejon Pass and the Mohave river, on the borders of which I also met another, J } j (St) Or ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. BUBO VIRGINIANUS, Gmel.—Great Horned Owl. Bubo virginianus, Nutr. Orn. vol. I, p. 124 —DeKay. N. Hist. N. Y. part I, p. 24, pl. 10, fig. 22.—Aup. B of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 143, pl. 39.—Cassin, Gen. Rep. IX, 49. Striz virginiana, Aun. Fol. pl. 61.—Wits. Am. Ornith. vol. VI, p. 52, pl. 50, fig. 1. While encamped in the mountains bordering the Tejon valley, I occasionally heard the ery of this species at dusk and during the night. In 1849 it was very abundant around Sacramento City, but is now rare in that locality, from the same causes which have also driven almost entirely away the Strix pratincola. SCOPS ASIO, Linn.—The Little Screech Owl. Striz asio, Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 120.—Aup. B. of A. Fol pl. 97 —Wits. Am. Orn. vol. V, p. 83, pl. 42, fig. 1. Strix naevia, Wits. vol. IL, p. 17, pl. 19, fig. 1. Bubo asio, Auv. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 147, pl. 40.—DerKay, N. Hist. N. Y. part I, p. 25, pl. 12, figs. 25 & 26. This species is not rare though not easily procured, inasmuch as it leaves its covert only at night in search of prey. ANTROSTOMUS NUTTALLI, Aud.—Nuttall’s Whip-poor-will. Caprimulgus nuttallii, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. VII, p. 350, pl. 495. Antrostomus nuttalli, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 149. I saw two specimens of this bird in the mountains bordering the Tejon valley. They started from the ground, flew a few yards, and alighted almost immediately, as if blinded by the too glaring light of the sun. I shot one to assure myself of the species, but being on a grizzly bear hunt, with only my rifle in hand, it was so mutilated as to be worthless as a specimen. Dr. Milhau, U. 8. A, at Fort Yuma, informed me of a small species of Caprimulgus very abundant around the fort during the spring and summer seasons. I procured none, being there during the winter, and am unable to say if it be the present species or not. CHORDEILES POPETUE, Vieillot.—Night Hawk. Chordeiles virginianus, Aup. B. of A. Oct vol. I, p. 159, pl. 43. Caprimulgus virginianus, Nutt. Orn. vol. I, p. 619.—Aup. B. of A. Fol. pl. 147. Caprimulgus americanus, Wits. Am. Orn. vol. V. p. 65, pl. 40, fig. 1—2. Caprimulgus popetue, Vixiix. Ois. Am. Sept. vol. I, p. 56, pl. 24. Chordeiles popetue, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 151. Not rare during the spring and summer seasons. I met with this species quite abundantly in Texas. PANYPTILA MELANOLEUCA, Baird.—White-bellied Swift. Cypselus melanoleucus, Barrp, Proceed. Ac. N. Sc. Phil. vol. VII, p. 118.—Is. Gen. Rep. IX, 141. I saw this bird on several occasions, but always flying so high as to be beyond or on the extreme limit of gun-shot range, and was not fortunate enough to procure one. PROGNE PURPUREA, Linn.—The Purple Martin. Hirundo purpurea, Avv. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 170, pl. 45.—In. Fol. pl. 22.—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 598.—Wirs. Am. Orn. vol. V, p. 58, pl. 39, fig. 1—2. Very abundant, breeding in large numbers in the hollow trees which are still left standing in the city of Sacramento. 36 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS— ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. HIRUNDO RUFA, Vieill.—The Barn Swallow. Hirundo rufa, Nurr. Orn, vol. I, p. 601. Hirundo americana, Wiis. Am. Orn. vol. V, pl. 38, figs. 1—2.—Aup. B. of A. Fol. pl. 173. Hirundo rustica, Aun. Oct. vol. I, p. 181, pl. 48. Abundant throughout California, New Mexico, and Texas. HIRUNDO BICOLOR, Vieill.—The White-bellied Swallow. Hirundo bicolor, Vieiiu. Ois. Am. Sept. vol. I, p. 61, pl. 31. Abundant. HIRUNDO LUNIFRONS, Say .—The Cliff Swallow. Hirundo fulva, Bonar. Am. Orn. vol. I, p. 63, pl. 7, fig. 1—Avup. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 177, pl. 47.—Is. Fol. pl. 68. Abundant, building its nest in the cities under the eaves of houses, and in the mountains under the shelving rocks. I found it abundant, also, in New Mexico and Texas. This species, formerly considered as one of our western birds, has within a few years commenced its migrations to our northern States, gradually extending them year after year further south, until it has become in Pennsylvania a regular visitor, like the other common species of the same genus, arriving in spring, incubating, and taking its departure in the fall for more genial climes. HIRUNDO THALASSINA, S wains.—Violet Green Swallow. Hirundo thalassina, Sw. Philos. Mag. 1827, p. 366.—Auvp. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 186, pl. 49.—Is. Fol. pl. 385. Barro, Gen. Rep, IX. I met with this beautiful little species occasionally during our survey, but always on its migrations southward, it being the fall of the year. On the summit of the Tejon Pass I shot several towards dusk as they flew circling in the air in pursuit of insects, a manceuvre which they are in the habit of performing at this season every evening before retiring to rest. Among these large flocks of swallows I remarked a small black swift, (Acanthylis,) but was unable to procure it. While visiting Dr. T. C. Henry, U.S. A., at Fort Thorne, New Mexico, we observed many of these swallows flying over a pond on the edge of the Rio Grande river. Its migrations extend over California, and it is one of the most abundant species in Oregon. COTYLE RIPARIA, Linn.—The Bank Swallow. Hirundo riparia, Wis. Am. Orn. vol. V, p. 46, pl. 38, fig. 4.—Avn. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 187, pl. 50. Abundant. COTYLE SERRIPENNIS, A ud.—Reugh-winged Swallow. Hirundo serripennis, Aun. Synopsis, p. 37.—In. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 193, pl. 51.—Is. Orn. Biog. vol. IV, p.593.— Bairp, Gen. Rep. IX. Abundant. I observed while in Texas, in this species, a curious instance of the manner in which birds accommodate themselves to the localities in which they sojourn. The river banks, a favorite resort with them around San Antonio, possess in few spots only the conditions requisite for their nidification, being either insufficiently steep to afford them opportunities of sinking their holes, or being in their more abrupt parts composed of a hard rocky earth, into which they 1 ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. 37 are unable to penetrate. Hence they seek out the holes and crevices in the dwelling-houses of the town, there to build their nests and raise their young. Somewhat puzzled to comprehend why these birds frequented and flew so constantly in the back court of the Plaza House, as they generally wander over the prairies and in the vicinity of water in search of their food, I watched them and perceived several dart between the curtains enclosing a piazza, and disappear in large cracks of the wall, where the twittering of their nestlings welcoming their return at once explained the mystery. TYRANNUS VERTICALIS, Say.—Arkansas Fly-catcher. Tyrannus verticalis, Say, Long’s Exped. vol. II, p. 60.—Barirp, Gen. Rep. IX. Muscicapa verticalis, Bonar. Am. Orn, vol. I, p. 18, pl. 2, fig. 2.—Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 199, pl. 54.— Nort. Orn. vol. I, p. 273. Very abundant, replacing in California the Tyrannus intrepidus, Vieill., or king-bird of our eastern States, as he unrelentingly pursues and drives away all hawks and crows that encroach on his domain. The nest is the counterpart of that of the king-bird, being constructed of the same material, while the eggs so resemble those of that species that, placed side by side, it is impossible to distinguish between the two unless previously marked. SAYORNIS SAYUS, Rich.—Say’s Fly-catcher. Tyrannula saya, Ricu. & Sw. F. Bor. Am. vol. I, p. 142, pl. 45. Muscicapa saya, Bonar. Am. Orn. yol. I, p. 20, pl. 2, fig. 3—Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 217, pl. 59.—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 277. Sayornis sayus, Bairp, Gen. Rep. IX, 185. We met this bird abundantly in southern California, where, in the course of a day’s hunt, I have killed five or six of them. It is more especially plentiful in the fall, at the time of its migration southward. I found this species in New Mexico, in the northern part of Texas, near E] Paso, and, though somewhat rare in Sacramento valley, 1 there procured two specimens. In migrating it prefers the deep valleys bordered by high hills, but is found also on the open plains, where, perched on the stalk of some dead weed or on a prominent rock, it darts forth in pursuit of its prey, to return again to its point of observation. CONTOPUS BOREALIS, Rich.—Cooper’s Fly-catcher. Tyrannus borealis, Rion. & Sw. F. Bor. Am. vol. II, p. 141, pl. 35. Muscicapa cooperii, Aun. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 212, pl. 58.—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p.282. Contopus cooperi, Barry, Gen. Rep. IX, 188. Although I have not myself seen this species in California, a friend of mine procured two specimens on the Cosumnes river, one of which he presented to me. Both proved to be females. MYIARCHUS MEXICANUS, Kaup.—Ash-colored Fly-catcher. Tyrannula cinerascens, LAwrenor, Annals of N. Y. Lyceum, Sept. 1851, p. 121. Tyrannula mexicana, Kaur. Myiarchus mexicanus, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 179. Abundant. The individuals obtained for the collection were shot near Posa creek. Of shy and retiring habits, it prefers the deep shady forests, where its insect food abounds. The nest, found in the hollow of a tree or in a deserted squirrel or woodpecker’s hole, is composed of grasses lined with feathers. The eggs, fivein number are cream color, marked and speckled with purplish red dashes and faint neutral tint blotches. 38 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. SAYORNIS NIGRICANS, Swains.—Rocky Mountain Fly-catcher. Tyrannula nigricans, Swains. Synop. Mex. Birds, Phil. May. N.S. vol. I, p. 357. Muscicapa nigricans, Avv. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 218, pl. 60. Sayornis nigricans, Bairp, Gen. Rep. IX, 183. Abundant throughout all California, constructing its nest in like situations as our Tyrannula nunciola, Wils. It seems to have a marked predilection for the vicinity of streams or lakes, where it is nearly always to be seen, perched upon a stake or branch, occasionally darting in the air for an insect, then returning to the same place to renew its watch and repeat its manoeuvres. The nest, composed of mud and. mosses, lined with hair, is placed against the rocks, the rafters of a house or bridge, or against the inside of a large hollow tree, and the eggs, four or five in number, are pure white, speckled with red. TYRANNULA TRAILLIT, Aud.—tTraill’s Fly-catcher. Muscicapa trailli, Auv B, of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 234, pl. 65. Muscicapa trailli, Aup. B. of A. Fol. pl. 45. Abundant. PYROCEPHALUS RUBINEUS, Boddaert.—Scarlet-crowned Fly-catcher. Pyrocephalus rubineus, Cassin’s Ilust. B. of Tex. & Cal. p. 127, pl. 18.—Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 201. Muscicapa rubineus, Bopp. Tab. des Pl. Enl. Buff p. 42. I had the good fortune to procure at Fort Yuma a specimen of this brilliantly plumaged but small fly-catcher, which Dr. Milhau, United States army, informed me is there quite common in spring. The plumage of the specimen procured is not brilliant, owing probably to a deformity in its bill, which is crossed as in the cross-bill, thereby preventing the bird from obtaining a sufficient supply of food for its proper nutriment. I saw another specimen in Tucson, Sonora, Mexico, but did not obtain it. It stations itself upon the topmost branches of trees, and when pursued, appears wild, flying to a considerable distance before again alighting. This bird forms an interesting item for our list, as it proves to be a new species to add to the ornithological fauna of California. MYIADESTES TOWNSENDII, Aud .—Townsend’s Ptilogonys. Plilogonys townsendii, Auv. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 243, pl. 69.—Aup. B of A. Fol. pl. 419. Myjiadestes townsendii, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 321. Although I procured several specimens during my previous stay in California, still I did not find it common there. Dr. T. C. Henry, United States army, assures me, however, that in the environs of Fort Webster, New Mexico, now abandoned, large numbers of this species. may be obtained in the course of a single day’s hunt during the fall and winter months, Its flight appears feeble, and when about alighting it expands its tail several times before becoming quietly fixed on its perch. On dissecting the specimens which I procured in northern California, the stomach was filled with a red berry, growing at that season on bushes which cover the mountain sides in great profusion. PTILOGONYS NITENS, S wains.—Black Crested Fly-catcher. Ptilogonys nitens, Sw. Cab. Cyclo. Animals in Menageries, p. 285.—Cassty’s B. of Tex. and Cal. p. 169, pl. 29. Cichlopsis nitens, Barry, Gen. Rep. IX, 320. This bird is seldom found in the northern parts of California, although I obtained both old and young on the Cosumues river in 1851. Since then a naturalist and friend of mine residing ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. 39 there has not seen one, though giving much of his attention to the migratory habits of such birds as pass through that section of country. I was therefore surprised on meeting this species after sixty miles of travel through the Colorado desert in the vicinity of the Little Lagoon. On nearing the Colorado river they increased greatly in numbers, twenty or thirty being often seen on the wing at atime. In November, the period of their migration southward, they are very abundant in this section of country. They usually perch on the mesquite trees, jerking their tails almost incessantly, as do some species of fly-catchers, emitting, the while, a low piaintive whistle, and dashing occasionally in irregular curves and angles high in the air in pursuit of insects. POLIOPTILA CAERULEA, G mel .—Blue-gray Gnat-catcher. Culicivora caerulea, DeKay, N. Hist. N. Y. Part I, p. 109, pl. 56, fig. 126. Muscicapa caerulea, Auv. Fol. pl. 84.—Wus. Am. Orn. vol. II, p. 164, pl. 18, fig. 5.—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 297. Abundant. POLIOPTILA MELANURA, Lawr.—Black-headed Gnat-catcher. Culicivora mexicana, (Bonar.) Cassin’s B. of Texas and California, p. 163, pl. 27. Polioptila melanura, Bairp, Gen. Rep. 1X. I first came across this species near San Diego, in 1851, and found it abundant during the recent survey in the vicinity of Fort Yuma. The last specimen I obtained was from a hedge surrounding the cultivated fields of the Pimos Indians, whose villages are situated about two hundred miles above the junction of the Gila and Colorado rivers. Its habits resemble those of the preceding species, quick and restless in its movements, searching actively for its food, and darting occasionally in the air in pursuit of small insects. Its note is of so feeble a tone as to be heard only at the distance of a few yards. In searching its food it resorts, from preference, to low trees and weeds, where it finds the most copious harvest. MYIODIOCTES PUSILLUS, Wilson .—Green Black-capped Fly-catching Warbler. Muscicapa pusilla, Wits. Am. Orn. vol. III, p. 103, pl. 26, fig. 4.—Avup. B of A. Fol. pl. 124. Myiodioctes wilsonit, Auv. B. of A. Oct. vol. II, p. 21, pl. 75. Myiodioctes pusillus, Barrp, Gen. Rep IX, 293. During our expedition this species proved abundant, being found wherever the wood or heavy brush and thickets afforded it a sufficient shelter. DENDROICA AUDUBONII, Towns.—Audubon’s Warbler. Sylvicola audubonii, Towns. Audubon, B. of A, Oct. vol. II, p. 26, pl. 77. Sylvia audubonii, Towns. Jour. Acad. N. Sci. Phil. vol. VII, p. 191.—Aup. B. of A. Fol. pl. 395. Dendroica audubonti, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 273. Abundant, replacing in California the Sylvicola coronata of our eastern States. It assembles in the fall and spring in small flocks, often associated during their migrations with the titmouse (Parus) and ruby-crowned wren, (fegulus calendula,) skipping about in the tree tops, actively searching for insects, oftentimes flying in the air in their pursuit. Some few of these birds spend the whole winter in California, as [ have seen them in Sacramento valley throughout all the inclement season. 40 U. S. P. R. R, EXP. AND SURVEYS—ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. DENDROICA AESTIVA, G@melin.—Yellow-Poll Wood Warbler. Sylvicola aestiva, Riou. & Sw. F. Bor. Am. vol. II, p. 211.—Auvp. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p.'50, pl. 88. Dendroica aestiva, Barry, Gen. Rep. IX, 282. Abundant over the entire country. DENDROICA NIGRESCENS, To wns.—Black-throated Gray Warbler. Sylvicola nigrescens, Aun. B. of A. Oct. Vol. I, p. 62, pl. 114. Sylvia nigrescens, Aup. Fol. pl. 395.—Townsenp, Jour. Acad. N. Scien. Phil. vol. VII, p. 191. Sylvia halseyii, G. P. Giraup, 16 New Species of N. A. Birds, fig. 1. Dendroica nigrescens, Barrv, Gen Rep. IX, 270. I obtained, in 1852, a few specimens of this species near Sacramento City and also on the range of mountains which divide the Calaveras and Mokelumne rivers. During this expedition, in the month of October, I met with but a single individual in the mountains adjoining the summit of the Tejon Pass. It was then migrating southward with several other small species of birds and gleaning its insectivorus food from the topmost branches of some tall oaks. The notes of this bird closely resemble those of a locust. TRICHAS TOLMIEII, Towns .—Tolmie’s Warbler. Trichas macgillivrayii, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. II p. 74, pl. 100. Sylvia tolmieti, Towns. Jour. Acad. N. Scien. Phil. vol. VIII, p. 149.—Is. Townsend’s Narrative, p. 343. Geothlypis macgillivrayi, Barro, Gen. Rep. IX, 244. A beautiful and somewhat rare species, affording but few opportunities for the study of its habits, as it retires amidst the deep shady swamps and brushwood, from whence it seldom makes its appearance. TRICHAS DELAFIELDIT, Aud.—Delafield’s Yellow-throat. Trichas delafieldii, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. II, p. 81, pl. 103.—Is. Synop. p. 65. Sylvia delafieldii, Aup. Orn. Biog. vol. V, p. 307. Geothlypis trichas, Barry, Gen. Rep. IX, 241. Abundant and like its closely allied species, the Zrichas marilandicus, haunts the low thickets in the vicinity of water, in which localities it seeks its food on the ground, seldom appearing above the tops of the bushes. It incubates in the country, for though I was not fortunate enough to discover its nest, I shot on several occasions the bird in its young plumage. HELMINTHOPHAGA CELATA, Say .——Orange-crowned Warbler. Helinaia celata, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. II, p. 100, pl. 112. Sylvia celata, Avy. B. A. Fol. pl. 178.—Bonar. Am. Orn. vol. I, p. 45, pl. 5, fig. 2—Say, Long’s Exped. to Rocky Mts. vol. I, p. 169.—Norv. Orn. vol. 1, p. 413. Helminthophaga celata, Batrv, Gen. Report IX, 257. This bird is plentiful all over the country, having procured it in northern California, in the Tejon valley, and on the Colorado river, near Fort Yuma, It is migratory in its habits, but some few pairs incubate near the summits of the highest mountains in the mining regions. CERTHIA AMERICANA, Bon.—Brown Tree Creeper. Certhia familiaris, Wits. Am. Orn. vol. I, p. 122, pl. 8, fig. 1.—Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. II, p. 109, pl. 115.—Ik. Fol, pl. 415. _ Certhia americana, Bonar. Compar. List. p. 11.—Baikn, Gen. Rep. LX, 372." Abundant in California, especially in the mountainous districts. ee ee ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. 41 TROGLODYTES OBSOLETUS, Say .—Rock Wren. Troglodytes obsoleta, Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 435.—Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. II, p. 113, pl. 116.—In. Fol. pl. 360.—Say, Long’s Exp. to the Rocky Mts. vol. IT, p. 4. Salpinctes obsoletus, Barrp, Gen. Rep. LX, 357. I have met with this bird not only throughout the whole extent of California, but also in New Mexico and Texas, and while encamped in the Tejon valley have often, in the course of the day, obtained from five to six specimens. It frequents the rocky portions of the country, passing in the crevices and under the boulders which lie profusely scattered over the mountains. It lives upon spiders, worms, and small insects, and while in pursuit of them it utters, at intervals, a loud, quick note, of a peculiarly thrilling character. TROGLODYTES MEXICANUS, S wains.—Mexican Wren. Troglodytes mexicanus, Sw. Zool. Illus. 2d series, vol. I, pl. 11. Catherpes mexicanus, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 356. On a previous visit to California, I procured this species on the Calaveras and Cosumnes rivers. Its habits and resorts are the same as the Zvog. obsoletus. TROGLODYTES BEWICKII, Aud .—Bewick’s Wren. Troglodytes bewickii, Auv. B. of A. Oct. vol. II, p. 120, pl. 118.—Ik. Fol. pl. 18.—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 434. Thryothorus bewickii, Bairp, Gen. Rep. IX, 363. Abundant. Near Fort Clark, Texas, I found a nest of this species constructed in an old Comanche Indian shield. The target, formed of two thicknesses of hide, had been hung on a bush as a mark to fire at; from exposure to the weather, the two sides, having separated, formed a pocket, in which this bird had domiciliated itself. It is like the rest of the genus, very querulous in its notes, repeating, when disturbed, its alarm cries with great vehemence. TROGLODYTES AMERICANUS, Aud .—Wood Wren. Troglodytes americanus, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 123, pl. 119.—Ik. Fol. pl. 179.—DrKay, N. Hist. N. Y. part I, p. 54.—Bairp, Gen. Rep. IX, 368. Abundant in the wooded portions of the country. TROGLODYTES AEDON, Vieill.—House Wren. Troglodytes aedon, Vizrz. Ois. Am. Sep. vol. II, p. 52, pl. 107.—Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. II, p. 125, pl. 120.—Ik. Fol. pl. 83. Abundant. TROGLODYTES PALUSTRIS, Wils.—Marsh Wren. Troglodytes palustris, AuD. B. of A. Oct. vol. 1, p. 135, pl. 123.—Is. Fol. pl. 100.—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 439. Certhia palustris, Wits. Am. Orn. vol. II, p. 58, pl. 12, fig. 4. Abundant throughout all the marshy districts of the country. ” CAMPYLORHYNCHUS BRUNNEICAPILLUS, Lafresnaye.—Brown-headed Wren. Picolaptes brunneicapillus, Lar. Guerin’s Mag. de Zoolog. p. 61.—Cassin, B. of Tex. and Cal. p. 156, pl. 25 Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 355. 68S 42 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. This bird, though well known as a Mexican species, is now for the first time added to the fauna of California. I first discovered it on the desert extending between the Tejon pass and the Mohave river, where its purse-shaped nest, placed on the branches of the cactus, at no great height from the ground, is frequently to be met with. The nest, composed of grasses and lined with feathers, has an entrance in the form of a covered passage, varying from six to ten inches in length. The eggs, six in number, are of a delicate salmon color, very pale, and often so thickly speckled with ash and darker salmon colored spots as to give a rich cast to the whole surface of the egg. I sometimes stopped to open these nests, as the feathers with which they were lined often indicated that certain species of birds were to be found in their neighborhood. The naturalist, thus put on the alert, will more readily obtain such of those species as may have escaped his eye. In this manner I discovered the uttermost western range of the blue partridge, (Callipepla squamata, Vigors.) I obtained, at a later period, other specimens of this wren in the valley of the San Fernando Mission, in San Bernardino valley, in the vicinity of Fort Yuma, and finally in Texas, in certain portions of which it is by no means rare. Its habits are like those of the wrens, creeping into holes and under the leaves and grass in search of insects. If wounded only it is easily lost, running or fluttering to a ground squirrel’s hole, or any other cavity, where it takes refuge. On the Mohave desert, having winged one of these birds, it was discovered only on lifting a hollow log in which it had taken shelter and throwing it several times violently on the ground, when it struggled out in vain endeavors to escape. LOPHOPHANES INORNATUS, Gambel.—Plain Chicadee. Parus inornatus, Gameer, Proceed. Acad. N. Scien. Phil. vol. II, p. 265.—Is. Journal Ac. N. S. Phil. 2d series, vol. I, p. 35, pl. 8, fig. 2. Lophophanes inornatus, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 386. Abundant throughout the country, and possessing an almost endless variety of notes. PARUS RUFESCENS, Towns.—Chestnut-backed Titmouse or Chicadee. Parus rufescens, Towns. Journ, Acad, N. Scien. Phil. vol. VII, p. 190.—Avp. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 158, pl. 129.— Is. Fol. pl. 353, figs. 1 and 2. This bird and its nestlings I found in the month of July frequenting the stunted oaks and bushes covering the sand hills around San Francisco, where it appears not to be rare. I never saw it in any other part of California, though said by Mr. Audubon to be an abundant species in Oregon and on the Columbia river. PARUS MONTANUS, Gambel.—Rocky Mountain Chicadee. Parus montanus, Gamset, Proceed. Acad. N. Scien. Phil. vol. I, p. 259.—Is. Journal Ac. N. S. Phil. 2d series, vol. I, p. 35, pl. 8, fig. 1. Dr. Gambel first brought from California a single specimen of this bird, which he presented to the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, but which by some mishap was lost soon after the figure had been drawn for the journal of that institution. In 1851 I met with two small flocks of these birds in company with the Psaltria minima, on the mountains surrounding the volcano, in the southern mines, and again during the late survey on the summit of the Tejon Pass, associated with several species of Sylvicola, which were then migrating south. In its movements it is restless, diligently gleaning its food, consisting of insects, in the moss and ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. 43 interstices of the bark of trees, often suspended back downwards as it clings to the under side of a branch. Its note very much resembles that of our black-capped chicadee, (Parus atrica- pilus, Linn.) PSALTRIA MINIMA, Towns.—Least Chicadee. Parus minimus, Towns. Journ. Acad. N. Scien. Phil. vol. VI, p. 190.—Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. II, p. 160, pl. 130.— Is. Fol. pl. 353, figs. 5 and 6. Abundant, and found in the fall in flocks of from twenty to thirty individuals, following each other from tree to tree, travelling thus in a single day over a large tract of country. It incubates in California, as I have found there its pendulous nest, containing from six to eight pure white eggs. AEGITHALUS FLAVICEPS, Sundevall. Conirostrum ornatum, LawrENor, Annals N. Y. Lyceum, vol. V, p. 112, pl. 5, fig. 1. Aegithalus flaviceps, SunpEvatx, Ofversigt, VII, 129. Paroides flaviceps, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 400. I first discovered in California this beautiful little species at the terminus of the Mohave river, where I pursued them among the mezquite trees, but owing to their wildness I procured none. J remarked that in searching their food they often remain suspended with their back downwards as do the chicadees or titmice. I found their nests abundant near Fort Yuma, though from the lateness of the season few of the birds remained. The nest is spherical, formed of twigs, and having an entrance on the side; the interior being lined with down and feathers, and containing from four to six eggs of a pale blue color, and dashed with small black spots, This species is new to the fauna of California, though well known as a Mexican and Texian bird. CHAMAEA FASCIATA, Gambel.—Ground Wren. Chamaea fasciata, Gampet, Proceed. A. N. Se. Phil. vol. III, p. 154.—In. Journ. A. N. Se. Phil. 2d series, vol. I, p. 34, pl. 8, fig. 3. Parus fasciatus, Gams. Proceed. A. N. Sc. Phil. vol. II, p. 265. Abundant. This bird frequents the low brush and thickets, and while creeping actively and restlessly through the undergrowth in search of food utters a low plaintive note or whistle, holding its tail erect over its back after the manner of the wren. It incubates in the country, though I have never discovered its nest. REGULUS CALENDULA, Linn.—Ruby-crowned Wren. Regulus calendula, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. II, p. 168, pl. 133.—Is. B. of A. Fol. pl. 195. Sylvia calendula, Wits. Am. Orn. vol. I, p. 83, pl. 5, fig. 3. Abundant throughout California, I procured specimens at the Little Lagoon (Colorado desert) and as far south as the villages of the Pimos Indians. SIALIA MEXICANA, Swainson.—Western Blue Bird. Sialia occidentalis, Towns. Journ. Acad. N. Scien. Phila. vol. VII, p. 188.—Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. II, p. 176, pl. 135.— Is. Fol. pl. 393, figs. 4 and 5, Stalia mexicana, Barrp, Gen. Report IX, 223. As plentiful in California as is our Sialia wilsonii in this section of the country, and having 44 U. §. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. the same habits. The nest, built in the hollow of a tree, is composed of grasses, and contains four to six eggs of a pale blue color. SIALIA ARCTICA, Swains.—Arctic Blue Bird. Sialia arctica, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 178, pl. 136.—Is. Fol. pl. 393, figs. 2 and 3.—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 573. Met with occasionally in small flocks during the winter season. I saw it in New Mexico, and Colonel M’Call, U. 8. A., informed me that in Santa Fé it breeds like our common blue bird, in boxes put up for that purpose by the inhabitants of the city. CINCLUS AMERICANUS, Swains.—American Dipper. Cinclus americanus, Ric. and Sw. F. Bor. Am. vol. II, p. 173.—Avp. B. of A. Oct. vol. I, p. 182, pl. 137. Cinclus mortonii & townsendii, Aup. B. A. Fol. pl. 435. Hydrobata mexicana, Barry, Gen. Rep. IX, 229. This interesting species I found in abundance on the mountain rivulets of northern California, preferring the clear limpid streams, and often forsaking a locality when the water is made turbid by miners washing the earth in search of gold. Alighting on the edge of the water it patiently awaits the passage of its prey, uttering at intervals a low buzzing whistle which is repeated at short intervals, Quite unsuspicious, it is easily approached and killed, but if wounded only, it dives with great celerity, using its wings under water to propel itself forward. During the late survey I met with and procured but one single specimen, on the small stream which takes its rise near the summit of the Tejon Pass. MIMUS POLYGLOTTUS, Linn.—Common Mocking Bird. Orpheus polyglottus, DeKay, N. Hist. N. Y. part I, p. 67, pl. 39, fig. 84.—Avp. B. of A. Oct. vol. II, p. 187, pl. 138. Turdus polyglottus, Avp. Fol. pl. 21.—Wirts. Am. Orn. vol. II, p. 13, pl. 10, fig. 1—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 320. Mimus polyglottus, var. caudatus, Barr. Gen. Rep. IX, 344. This bird was first observed on Posa creek, and was found abundant in the valley of Los Angelos, where they frequented the low bushes and hedges of prickly pear, still growing around the fields of the abandoned missions, and forming an impenetrable barrier. The fruit of this plant was at the time ripe, and the throats of several of the birds killed were tinged a deep carmine from its juice. We met occasionally with this species during the second survey, under Lieutenant Parke, and when passing through western Texas it proved to be one of the most common birds of the country. MIMUS MONTANUS, Towns.—Rocky Mountain Mocking Bird. Orpheus montanus, Towns. Journ, Acad. N. 8. Phil. vol. VII, p. 192.—Avp. B. of A. Oct. vol. II, p. 194, pl. 139.— In. Fol. pl. 369, fig. 1. Oreoscoptes montanus, Barry, Gen. Rep. IX, 347. This species is often met with in southern California, having remarked it on several occasions in the environs of San Diego, and from thence to Fort Yuma. In New Mexico and Texas we found it, seeing one or more individuals daily for over three hundred miles after leaving El Paso. On being flushed it flies but a short distance, and generally alights on the ground, running some way before it stops. When in the arid regions where the cactus abounds, the ripe fruit of which affords its favorite food, it alights on the branches of that plant, and although I have closely examined the feet of several individuals, it would appear that it suffers no incon- venience from the needle like points projecting from all parts of these plants. ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. 45 HARPORHYNCHUS REDIVIVUS, Gam bel .—California Mocking Bird. Toxostoma rediviva, GAMBEL, Journ. Acad. N.S. Phil. 2d series, vol. I, p. 42. Harpes redivivus, GAMB. Proceed. Acad. N. S. Phil. vol. II, p. 264 Harporhynchus redivivus, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 349. Abundant, not only having procured it in northern California, but also as far south as Texas, on the borders of the Rio Grande. Shy and wild in its habits, when startled it flies low some distance, and plunging into a thicket alights, runs on the ground, and so conceals itself that it is not again easily found. Its notes are equal in harmony to those of our mocking bird, and among the miners it is well known as the California mocking bird. It incubates in the country, but the only nest I found, composed externally of coarse twigs and lined with fine roots, contained young, it then being the month of July. TURDUS MIGRATORIUS, Linn.—The Robin. Turdus migratorius, Aup. B. of, A. Oct. vol. III, p. 14, pl. 142.—Norr. Orn. vol. I, p. 339.—Wus. Am. Orn. vol? I, p. 35, pl. 2, fig. 1. Abundant, but only appearing in the mining regions of California during the winter season. Several flocks of these birds were observed at Fort Yuma in the month of December. TURDUS NAEVIUS, Gmel.—The Varied Thrush. Turdus naevius, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. III, p. 22, pl. 143. Orpheus meruloides, Ricn. & Sw. F. Bor. Am. part II, p. 187, pl. 38. Abundant, being found in the mountainous districts in large flocks, frequenting the moist hill sides in search of food. It does not incubate in the country, but migrates north in early spring. TURDUS NANUS, Aud .—Dwarf Thrush. Turdus nanus, Aup, B. of A. Oct. vol. II, p. 32, pl. 147. Abundant. I found this species breeding in the stunted oaks covering the sand hills around San Francisco. ANTHUS LUDOVICIANUS, Licht.—American Pipit. Anthus ludovicianus, DrKay, N. Hist. N. Y. part I, p. 76, pl. 64, fig. 99.—Avp. B. of A. Oct. vol. III, p. 40, pl. 150. Anthus spinoletta, Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 450. Alauda rufa, Wits. Am. Orn. vol. V, p. 89, pl. 42, fig. 4. Abundant. OTOCORIS ALPESTRIS, Linn.—Shore Lark. Alauda cornuta, DeKay’s N. Hist. of N. Y. part I, p. 179, pl. 73, fig. 165.—Ricu. & Sw. F. Bor. Am. vol. II, p. 245. Alauda alpestris, Wits. Am, Orn. yol. I, p. 85, pl. 5, fig. 4.—Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. III, p. 44, pl. 151.—Nourr. Orn. vol. I, p. 455. Eremophila cornuta, Barro, Gen. Report, IX, 403. Abundant. OTOCORIS RUFA, Aud.—Western Shore Lark. Alauda rufa, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. VII, p. 353, pl. 497. Abundant. Congregating with the two preceding species, they form together large flocks, covering the plains during the fall season, engaged in gleaning the seeds of grasses and small 46 U. 8S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. insects, which form their principal nourishment. At this period they are easily approached, and large numbers may be killed at a single shot. During summer, they are seen frequenting the roads and flying a few paces before the traveller as he advances. The nest, sunk in a slight hollow in the ground, is composed of grasses lined with fine hair. The eggs, four to five in number, are light green ash, covered thickly with minute light umber brown spots, sometimes forming a crown at the larger end of the egg. EMBERNAGRA CHLORURA, Towns.—Blanding’s Finch. Embernagra blandingiana, GampeL.—Cassin’s B. of Tex. & Cal., p. 70, pl. 12. Fringilla blandingiana, Gameer, Proceed. Ac. N. Se. Phil, vol. I, p. 260. Fringilla chlorura, Aup. Orn. Biog. vol. V, p. 336. Zonotrichia chlorura, Herrmann, Jour. Ac, N.S. Phil. 2d series, vol. I, p. 51, pl. 9, fig. 1. Pipilo chlorura, Barrv, Gen. Rep. IX, 519. I met with a single specimen of this bird in the Tejon valley, where I discovered it among a flock of sparrows consisting of several varieties. On a former occasion I procured a single bird of this species in Sacramento valley, and consider it as accidental in California, or at least in the northern part of it. POOSPIZA BELLII, Cassin.—Bell’s Bunting. Emberiza bellii, Cassin, Proceed. Ac. N. 8. Phil. vol. V, p. 105, pl. 4. Poospiza bellii, Barrp, Gen. Rep. 1X, 470. In the fall of 1851 I first noticed this species in the mountains bordering the Cosumnes river, and on the late expedition we found it in great numbers on the broad tract of arid land lying between Kern river and the Tejon Pass, and again on the desert between this latter and the Mohave river, often wandering at a great distance from water. The Picolaptes brunneicapillus, two kinds of woodpecker, an occasional raven, and this species, appear to be the only birds inhabiting these large and desolate plains, where the artemisia (Larrea mexicana) alone flourishes amid the surrounding weak and scanty vegetation. When undisturbed, it chants merrily its ditty from some bush top, but upon the appearance of danger drops at once to the ground and disappears in the shrubbery or grass. The nest, built in a bush, is composed of twigs and grasses, lined with hair. The eggs, four in number, are Jight greenish blue, marked with reddish purple spots differing in intensity of shade. PASSERCULUS ROSTRATUS, Cassin.—Large-billed Sparrow. Emberiza rostrata, Cassin, Proceed. Ac. Nat. S. Phil. vol. VI, p. 184. In 1851 I procured this bird on the shores of the Bay of San Diego, and also, during the late survey, in considerable numbers at Santa Barbara and San Pedro. It frequents the low sandy beach and the heavy sedge grass which fringes the shores, where it feeds upon the marine insects and seeds thrown up by the tides and in which it finds quick and easy concealment when closely pursued. SPIZA AMOENA, Say .—Lazuli Painted Finch. Spiza amoena, Avv. B. of A. Oct. Vol. III, p. 100, pl. 171. Fringilla amoena, Avp. B. A. Fol. pl. 398.—Bowar. Am. Orn. vol. I, p. 61, pl. 6, fig. 5 —Nurr, Orn. vol. I, p. 473. Emberiza amoena, Say, Long’s Exped. to Rocky mts. vol. II, p. 47. This beautiful little species teems over the whole surface of California during the summer months ; having been observed in the mountains near Shasta City, in the Sacramento valley, OO a ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. 47 and the intermediate country down to the southern part of California. Its chant, shrill and musical, repeated at intervals, resembles in sweetness and tone that of our Indigo bird (Spiza cyanea.) Its nest, attached to the upright branches of bushes or the stalks of strong weeds, is built of grasses lined with the inner bark of the oak, and contains four eggs of a faint blue tinge. JUNCO OREGONUS, Towns .—Oregon Snow Finch. Fringilla oregona, Towns. Jour. Ac. N. S. Phil. vol. VI, p. 188.—Avup. B. of A. Fol. pl. 398. Niphoea oregona, Aup. Oct. vol. III, p. 91, pl. 168. Junco oregona, Bairp, Gen. Rep. IX, 467. We met with this bird near Fort Yuma in December, having previously remarked it during the fall, in large flocks, migrating from the north, where it spends the summer in the duties of incubation. Its habits are similar to those of our common snow bird, (Junco hyemalis,) and like that species it prefers the grass fields, hedges and woods, actively employed in seeking its food on the ground and emitting at intervals a sharp chirp. The nest of this bird, built ina low cedar bush, was composed of grasses and lined with fine roots and hair. The eggs, four in number, were light greenish and roseate white with spots of faint neutral tint and larger ones varying in hue, from a reddish to a dark sepia. PASSE’.ELLA TOWNSENDII, Aud.—Townsend’s Finch. Plectrophanes townsendii, Aup. B. of A. Fol. pl. 424. Fringilla cinerea, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. III, p. 145, pl. 187. Passerella townsendii, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, p. 489, Abundant and migratory, visiting California only during the winter. Of a solitary and quiet nature, it resorts to the thickets and underwood in quest of food, scratching up and turning over the leaves and ground, making occasionally a hop backwards to ascertain the result of its labors. Its habits are the same as those of our fox sparrow, (Z. iliaca.) In the octavo edition of Mr. Audubon’s work on the Birds of America, the name of brown finch has been given to the figure of this bird, while to the figure of the 7. guttata the name of Townsend’s finch has been applied. This is evidently a mistake on the part of the engraver of the plates. ZONOTRICHIA GRAMINEA, Gmel.—Bay-winged Finch. Emberiza graminea, Wits. Am. Orn. vol. IV, p. 51, pl. 31, fig. 5 —Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. III, p. 63, pl. 159. Fringilla graminea, Auv. Fol. pl. 94.—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 482. Pooecetes gramineus, Bairp, Gen. Rep. IX, 447. A very abundant species, being found not only in California but also in New Mexico and Texas. ZONOTRICHIA GUTTATA, Nutt.—Brown Song Sparrow. Fringilla guttata, Nutr. Orn, 2d edit. vol. I, p. 581. Fringilla townsendii, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. III, p. 143, pl. 188, Fringilla cinerea, Auv, B. of A. Fol. pl. 390, fig. 4. Abundant throughout the whole country, but more especially so in the bushes bordering the streams, ponds, or marshes. Its notes are sweet but few in number, resembling those of our common song sparrow, (Zonotrichia melodia.) Its nest, usually built in a thick tuft of bushes, is composed externally of grasses and lined with hair, containing four eggs of a pale blue ash color, very thickly covered with dashes of burnt umber. 48 U. 8S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. ZONOTRICHIA GAMBELII, Nutt.—Gambel’s Finch. Fringilla gambelii, Notratt, Man. I, 2d ed. 556. Zonotrichia gambelii, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 460. Abundant, being found in the most arid parts of the country during the fall, at which time they are migrating southward. I have procured this bird in very young plumage in the month of July near San Francisco, showing thereby that it sometimes breeds in California. It was our almost constant companion during the survey under Lieutenant Parke, through Mexico, New Mexico, and in Texas. ZONOTRICHIA CORONATA, Pallas.—Black and Yellow-crowned Finch. Fringilla atricapilla, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. III, p. 162, pl. 193. Emberiza atricapilla, Au. B. of A. Fol. pl. 394, fig. 3.—Gmex. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part II, p. 875. Zonotrichia coronata, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 461. This species appears abundant in the fall season, being generally associated with the white- crowned finch and the California song sparrow. Resorting to the deep shady thickets and woods, where it passes the greater part of the time, and in the mountainous districts, it prefers the hill sides covered with dense undergrowth. It occasionally breeds in California. I found its nest in a bush near Sacramento City. It was composed of coarse stalks of weeds, and lined internally with fine roots. The eggs, four in number, are ashy white, marked with lines of brown umber, sometimes appearing black from the depth of their shades, and covered also with a few neutral tint spots. CHONDESTES GRAMMACA, Say .—Prairie Lark Finch. Emberiza grammaca, Auv. B. of A. Oct. vol. III, p. 63, pl. 158. Fringilla grammaca, Bonar. Am. Orn. yol. I, p. 47, pl. V, fig. 3—Lone’s Exp. to Rocky Mts. vol. I, p. 139. This species is numerous in California, in New Mexico, and in Texas. Arriving in this latter country in May, I found this bird mated and about to commence the duties of incubation. SPIZELLA SOCIALIS, Wilson.—Chipping Sparrow. Fringilla socialis, Wis. Am. Orn. vol. II, p. 127, pl. 16, fig. 3—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 497.—Aup. B. of A. Fol. pl. 104. Emberiza socialis, Aup. Oct. yol. III, p. 80, pl. 165. Abundant, SPIZELLA PALLIDA, Swains.—Clay-colored Sparrow. Emberiza pallida, Rien. & Sw. Fau. Bor. Am. vol. II, p. 251.—Avp. B. of A. Oct. vol. III, p. 71, pl. 161.—Fol. pl. 398, fig. 2. These birds we met with throughout our entire route in California and Texas. On the passage from the Pimos villages to Tucson, we noticed large flocks gleaning their food among the bushes, as they travelled south. In Tejon valley, during the fall season, we constantly saw them associated with large flocks of sparrows, congrega cd about the Indian cultivated fields, where they find a bountiful supply of seed and grain, passing, like the rest of the L’ringillidae, the greater portion of their time on the ground for this purpose. ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. AY PASSERCULUS SAVANNA, Wils.—Savanna Finch. Fringilla savana, Wixs. Am. Orn. vol. IV, p 72, pl. 34, fig. 4.—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 489.—Aup. B. of A. Fol. pl. 109. Emberiza savana, Aun. Oet. vol. III, p. 68, pl. 160. Abundant. PASSERCULUS ALAUDINUS, Bonap. Passerculus alaudinus, BonAp. Comptes Rend. vol. XXXVII, p. 918, Dec. 1853. This bird I shot on the swampy borders of a pond near the barracks at Benicia. Its habits, from the limited observations afforded me, I deem the same as those of our sea side finch, (Ammodramus maritimus.) When flushed from its covert of rushes and rank grass it flew but a short distance and settled down, concealing itself so quickly that unless promptly shot while on the wing it could not be captured. PEUCAEA LINCOLN, Aud.—tLincoln’s Finch. Peucaea lincolnii, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. III, p. 116, pl. 177. Fringilla lincolnii, Aup. Fol. pl. 193. Melospiza lincolnii, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 482. I have obtained this species not unfrequently both in northern California and the Tejon valley, and on all occasions found it in company with flocks of sparrows, composed of several different varieties. COTURNICULUS PASSERINUS, Wils .—Yellow-winged Finch. Emberiza passerina, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. III, p. 73, pl. 162. Fringilla passerina, Auv. B. of A. Fol. pl. 130.—Wizs. Am. Orn. vol. III, p. 76, pl. 24, fig. 5. Abundant. AMMODRAMUS RUFICEPS, Cassin .—Brown-headed Finch, Ammodramus ruficeps, Cassin, Ill. B. of Tex. and Cal. p. 135, pl. 20.—Is. Proceed. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil. vol. VI, p. 184. Peucaea ruficeps, Barry, Gen. Rep. IX, 486. In the fall of 1851 I shot, on the Cosumnes river, but one specimen of this bird, from among a large flock of sparrows, but in 1852, during the spring, in the mountains near the Calaveras river, I found it quite abundant. It flew then in pairs, picking grass seeds from the ground, and when started never extended its flight beyond a few yards. Its notes in character resemble the ditty of our chipping sparrow, (Spizella socialis.) LINARIA PINUS, Wilson.—Pine Linnet. Linaria pinus, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. III, p. 125, pl. 180. Fringilla pinus, Avp. Fol. pl. 180,—Wirs. Am. Orn. vol. II, p. 133, pl. 17, fig. 1.—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 511. Carduelis pinus, DeKay’s N. H. of N. Y. vol. I, p. 167, pl. 59, fig. 136. Chrysomitris pinus, Barr, Gen. Rep. IX, 425. Found in the mountainous districts during the winter season, feeding on the young buds of plants or extracting the seeds from the pine cone, to which it often hangs with its back down- wards while thus occupied. 7S 50 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. CARDUELIS TRISTIS, Linn .—American Goldfinch. Carduelis tristis, DeKay's N. Hist. N. Y. vol. I, p. 166, pl. 66, fig. 151—Avp. B. of A Oct. vol. III, p. 129, pl. 181. Fringilla tristis, Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 507. Chrysomitris tristis, Barry, Gen. Rep. IX, 421. Abundant. CARDUELIS LAWRENCII, Cassin .—Lawrence’s Goldfinch. Carduelis lawrencii, Cassin, Proc. Ac. N. Se. Phil. vol. V, p. 105, pl. 5. These birds are very abundant throughout the northern mining regions of California, frequenting the hill sides covered with brush, the seeds and buds of which they seek with great avidity. Later in the season I found them near Sap Diego, in quest of grass seeds on the level plains, in large flocks and so closely packed that I have shot thirteen at one discharge of my gun as they were about alighting on the ground. Their nest, built in the forks of a bush or stunted oak, is composed of fine grasses lined with hair and feathers, and contains four or five pure white eggs. CARDUELIS PSALTRIA, Say .—Arkansas Goldfinch. Carduelis psaltria, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. III, p. 134, pl. 183. Fringilla psaltria, Aup. Fol. pl 400, fig. 1—Say, Long’s Ex. to Rky. Mts. vol. I, p. 40.—Norr. Orn. vol. I, p. 510.— Bonar. Am. Orn. vol. I, p. 54, pl. 6, fig. 3. z Chrysomitris psaltria, Barrp, Gen. Rep. TX, 422. Abundant, frequenting and feeding in the same localities as the preceding species, and often associated with the pine finch, (Linaria pinus.) While thus associated, I shot, on one occasion, some sixty or seventy of both species, which appeared at the time to be picking the fine gravel mixed in with the mud used as mortar in a chimney recently constructed by a party of miners. At each discharge of the gun they would fly away, returning, however, in a few minutes to the same spot whence they had been driven. CARPODACUS PURPUREUS, Gmel.—Purple Finch. Fringilla purpurea, Wis. Am. Orn. vol. I, p. 119, pl. 7, fig. 4—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 529.—Aup. B. of A. Fol. pl. 4. Prythrospiza purpurea, Aup. Oct. vol. III, p. 170, pl. 196. Carpodacus californicus, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 413. I met with bat a small flock of these birds in the mountains on the Calaveras river. CARPODACUS FAMILIARIS, MeCall.—Domestic Purple Finch. Carpodacus familiaris, MoCaut, Proc. Ac. N. Se. Phil. vol. VI, p. 61.—Cassin’s B. of Tex. and Cal. p. 73, pl. 13. Prythrospiza frontalis, Herrmann, Journ. Ac. N. Se. Phil. vol. I, 2d series, p. 53. Carpodacus frontalis, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 415. This beautiful and abundant species is found throughout the whole extent of California Sonora, and New Mexico, collecting in large flocks during the winter season and wandering over the country. Its food consists principally of the young buds of trees and bushes. Resorting in the spring of the year to the habitations of man, it forms its nest under the eaves of the ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. 51 houses. At other times it chooses for the purposes of nidification the cactus plants, a deserted woodpecker’s hole, or the branch of a small tree. According to the locality chosen, the nest is composed of different substances, but is generally made externally of coarse grass or weeds, and lined with hair or fine roots. The eggs, from four to six in number, are pale blue, marked with spots and lines of black. COCCOBORUS CAERULEUS, Linn.—Blue Grosbeak. Coccoborus caeruleus, DuKay’s N. H. of N. Y. part I, p. 145, pl. 64, fig. 146.—Avp. B. of A. Oct. vol. II, p. 204, pl. 204. Fringilla caerulea, Aup. Fol. pl. 122.—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 529. This bird is quite abundant in Lower California, whither it migrates from the north in the fall season. Specimens of both old and young were procured there late in the summer. COCCOBORUS MELANOCEPHALUS, S wainson.—Black-headed Grosbeak. Coccoborus melanocephalus, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. III, p. 214, pl. 206. Fringilla maculata, Aupv. B. of A. Fol. pl. 373, figs. 2, 3 & 4. Fringilla melanocephala, Aup. Orn Biog. vol. IV, p. 519. Abundant and migratory. During spring we saw these birds in Sacramento valley and in the mountainous districts, feeding on the buds of young plants, and in September we saw numbers of the young plumaged birds in Tejon valley. Its song, clear and musical, resembles very much that of our robin, (Zurdus migratorius.) The nest, formed with little care, of twigs very loosely thrown together and lined with roots, is placed on the branches of a bush. The eggs, four in number, are greenish blue, marked with irregular spots of umber brown varying in intensity of shade. PIPILO MEGALONYX, Baird. Pipilo megalonyx, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 515. Very abundant in the valleys and mountains of California, where, retiring to the close sheltered thickets, it passes its time in pursuit of insects. When disturbed in its avocations it utters a note of alarm, and flying low passes from bush to bush, concealing itself with great facility. The nest, made on the ground, is composed externally of oak leaves and coarse weed stalks, the lining being of fine grasses and roots. The eggs, numbering from four to five, are of a faint greenish white, minutely dotted with reddish brown spots. PIPILO FUSCA, Swains.—Caiion Finch. Pipilo fusca, Swains. Philos. Mag. 1827, p. 434.—Cassin, B. of Cal. & Tex. p. 124, pl. 17. Abundant and a resident of the country, as it is found at all seasons of the year. It prefers the heavy growth of trees and shrubbery, on the borders of streams, building its nest in a bush or grape vine at some height from the earth, differing in this latter respect from the other American species with whose nidification we are acquainted and which always place their nests on the ground. The nest is of coarse twigs and grass and lined with fine roots. The eggs are four and of a pale blue, dashed with black spots and a few neutral tint blotches, forming a crown at the larger end. These eggs differ entirely from those of the other known species of the same genus, while they so resemble those of the different species of blackbirds as to be contounded with them, unless marked when taken from the nest. . R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. or bo = G vs a") all ad PYRANGA LUDOVICIANA, Wils.—Louisiana Tanager. Pyranga ludoviciana, Avp. B. of A. Oct. vol. III, p. 231, pl. 210. Yunagra ludoviciana, Avup. B. of A. Fol. pl. 400, fig. 3—Wairs, Am. Orn. vol. III, p. 27, pl. 20, fig. 1—Nurr. Orn. yol. I, p. 471. Occasionally seen on our late survey, frequenting the dense shady woods, uttering now and then its loud and mellow note as it sat perched amid the heavy foliage of the oak. During the month of August a fine male specimen was captured on Posa creek, in the act of eating the fruit of the elder bush, which at the same time was bearing blossoms, green and ripe fruit. Several specimens in young plumage were procured in September, while encamped at Tejon valley. YPHANTES BULLOCKII, Swains.—Bullock’s Oriole. Aanthornus bullockii, Swauson, Philos. Mag. June, 1826, p. 436. Icterus bullockii, Aun. B. of A. Oct. vol. IV, p. 43, pl. 218.—Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 549. Abundant and migratory, breeding in numbers in Sacramento yalley, and also in the southern country. Its note, consisting in a clear mellow whistle varying in cadence, is repeated at intervals, and is of the same character as that of our Baltimore oriole, ( Yphantes baltimore.) The nest, pendant from the branch of a tree, is composed of varied materials, such as rags, tow, cotton, strings, &c., when made in the neighborhood of civilization where these luxuries are obtainable ; but in the large open plains of California I have often seen it swung to the branches of the oak and composed entirely of flexible grasses. The eggs, four to six in number, are ashy white, veined at the larger end with numerous lines of black and reddish umber. MOLOTHRUS PECORIS, Gmel.—Common Cowbird. Melothrus pecoris, Rica. & Sw. F. Bor. Am. vol. II, p. 277.—Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. IV, p. 16, pl. 212.—Bairp, Gen. Rep. IX, 524. Icterus pecoris, Auv. B. of A. Fol. pl. 424, fig. 4.—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 178. Abundant. I remarked a flock of these birds as far south as Fort Yuma, and also in New Mexico and Texas. AGELAIUS XANTHOCEPHALUS, Bonap.—Saffron-headed Blackbird. Agelaius xanthocephalus, Rion. & Sw. F. Bor. Am. vol. 11, p. 281.—Avup. B. of A. Oct. vol. IV, p. 24, pl. 213. Iclerus icterocephalus, Bonar. Am. Oru. vol. I, p 27, pl. 3, figs. 1 and 2.—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 176. NXanthocephalus iclerocephalus, Baixwy, Gen. Rep. IX, 531. Abundant and found in the fall mingling among the flocks of other species of Agelaius, which collect by thousands at that period. On the approach of spring they separate into comparatively small bands, and scatter over the plains and marshes in search of food. In May they resort to the large marshy districts in the valleys, where they incubate. While on the wing over the marshes to and from their nests the male birds emit their notes, (consisting of a curious medley of sounds as though produced by strongly striking together pieces of metal or glass,) and continue them for some time after alighting. The nest is attached to the upright stalks of the reeds, and finally fixed by being wove around them by flexible grasses. It differs from the nidification of the other two California species, no mud entering into its composition. This can easily be accounted for by the fact that the nest, suspended in mid-air to the stalks of the reed, ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. 53) must be built of the lightest material, so as not to be prostrated by the strong winds which sometimes prevail in that section of the country. The eggs, four in number, are pale ashy green, thickly covered and minutely dotted with points and spots of light umber brown. The egg of this species forms a remarkable exception to the rest of its genus, its coloring and markings resembling those of our towhee bunting, (Pipilo erythrophthalmus.) While passing a few days at Fort Inge, Texas, I was much astonished one day to find the parade ground, the horse and cattle yards, covered with immense flocks of these birds, having remarked but a few stray ones previous to this period. One of the officers informed me of a like occurrence the year before, and that they then had disappeared as suddenly as they came. AGELAIUS TRICOLOR, Aud.—Red and White-winged Blackbird. Agelaius tricolor, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. IV, p. 27, pl. 214.—Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 530. Abundant. During the winter of 1852, while hunting in the marshes of Suisun valley, I have often, on hearing a dull, rushing, roaring noise, looked upwards and found it was produced by a single flock of these birds, numbering so many thousands as to darken the sky for some distance by their masses. In the northern part of California. I found a breeding place of this species occupying several acres covered with elder bushes and willow, and in the immediate vicinity of water. I was led to this retreat by following the direction taken by many small flocks on their return from the surrounding country over which they scattered for miles in quest of food for their young. ‘The nests, often four or five on the same bush, were composed of mud and straw and lined with fine grasses. The eggs are light blue, marked with lines and spots of dark umber and a few light purple dashes. I fell in with several other breeding places at different times, but, though situated in the same kind of locality as the above one, they were abandoned ; thus rendering it probable that every year different grounds are resorted to for the purposes of incubation. AGELAIUS GUBERNATOR, Wagler.—Red and Black-winged Blackbird. Agelaius gubernator, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. IV, p. 29, pl. 215.—Bairv, Gen. Rep. IX, 529. Abundant, and found in the fall season associating with the two preceding species. Its nest is built in the willow bushes and tussocks of grass, above the level of the water, in the marshes, and but a few pairs together, differing in this respect from the preceding species, which prefers dry situations near water, and congregates by thousands while breeding. The nest is composed of mud and roots, and lined with fine grasses. The eggs, four in number, are pale blue, dashed with spots and lines of black. SCOLECOPHAGUS CYANOCEPHALUS, Wagler.—Mexican Grakle. Scolecophagus mexicanus, Swains. Two Cent. and a Quart. Quiscalus brewerti, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. VII, p. 345, pl. 492. Scolecophagus cyanocephalus, Bairp, Gen. Rep. 1X, 552. This abundant and beautiful species is scattered over the whole surface of California, and is also very common in New Mexico and Texas, though not a resident of the two last, leaving before the season of incubation. During the fall it frequents the cattle yards and outskirts of towns, where it obtains a plentiful supply of food. It appears very familiar, alighting on the houses and in the streets, having but little cause of fear from man. Its note, before taking 54 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. wing, is a soft, clear whistle, but when congregated in spring on the trees, according to their usual custom previous to migrating north, they keep up a continual chattering for hours at a time, as though revelling in an exuberance of spirits, ceasing occasionally only to recommence with renewed vigor and delight. Some few pairs breed in the oaks on the sand hills around San Francisco, though, while on entering the thickets where their nests were built, the parent birds gave every sign of anxiety and alarm, I had not the good fortune to discover a single one, so well were they concealed. STURNELLA NEGLECTA, Aud.—Missouri Meadow Lark. Sturnella neglecta, Auv. B. of A. Oct. vol. VII, p. 339, pl. 489.—Bairp, Gen. Rep. IX, 537. Abundant, frequenting the prairie lands where, in the fall, they collect in large flocks. The nest of this species, placed on the ground, is composed of fine grasses, and contains from four to five eggs of a pure white, marked with deep reddish brown spots and blotches. CORVUS CORAX, Linn.—Raven. Corvus coraz, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. IV, p. 78, pl. 224.—In. B. of A. Fol. pl. 101.—Wirs. Am. Orn. vol. IX, p- 113, pl. 75, fig. 3—Ricu. & Sw. F. Bor. Am. vol. I, p. 290. Corvus carnivorus, Bairp, Gen. Rep. IX, 560. This bird appears to inhabit the whole of our northern continent, and was our almost constant companion during the late surveys. Whenever we were about breaking up camp, even in the most arid regions, it was to be seen sailing around and waiting our departure to alight and snatch from the ground what few particles of food might have been left or thrown away. Lagging at times behind ovr train in pursuit of game, I have seen these birds follow our trail for miles on the road to pick up the grains of corn which would fall through the cracks of the wagons. In California I found its nest placed high on the bold, precipitous, rocky, cliffs, secure against all danger ; but in the vast desolate plains of New Mexico it builds on low trees, and I saw two nests on cactus plants, at less than three feet from the ground, showing how much localities or circumstances will influence the habits of birds regarding incubation. It is very familiar in the neighborhood of slaughter houses and ranches, where it is rarely disturbed, its services as scavenger being considered an equivalent to the robbery it occasionally commits, when hard pressed for food, of some hapless young chicken. CORVUS AMERICANUS, Aud.—American Crow. Corvus americanus, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. IV, p. 87, pl. 225. Corvus corone, Wits. Am. Orn. vol. 1V, p. 79, pl. 35, fig. 3.—Rion. & Sw. F. Bor. Am. vol. IJ, p. 291.—Nurr. Orn vol. I, p. 209. Abundant. PICA NUTTALLII, Aud .—Nuttall’s Yellow-billed Magpie. Pica nuttalli, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. IV, p. 104, pl. 228.—Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 578. Corvus nuttalli, Avp, B. of A. Fol. pl. 362, fig. 1. This bird appears to inhabit the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains, being found abundantly in California and Oregon, associating with the crows and ravens in the fall. Noisy and restless, it flies from tree to tree, calling its companions by a loud chattering note, and if once alarmed is not apt to figure as a specimen in the naturalist’s collection, as it possesses all ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. 55 the cunning and vigilance of the crow. The nest, built in an oak, often in the vicinity of some ranch, is composed of a mass of coarse twigs, forming a sphere with a small lateral aperture, the interior being lined with fine roots. CYANURA STELLERI, Gmelin.—Steller Jay. Corvus stellerii, Gare. Syst. Nat. vol. I, p. 370.—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 229.—Aup. B. of A. Fol. pl. 362, fig. 2. Garrulus stelleri, Aup. Oct. vol. IV, p. 107, pl. 230. Cyanura steleri, Barry, Gen. Report IX, 581. Abundant, and resident in the mountainous districts, and as far south as Warner’s Ranche, where, though common, they were so wild and vigilant as not to be easily procured. They resort to the forests of pine and oak which cover the mountain sides, where, flying restlessly from tree to tree, and alighting on the lower branches, they proceed to ascend by hopping from twig to twig to the topmost point, procuring thus a plentiful supply of acorns or of the seeds of the pine. While thus employed they emit a harsh, screaming note that can be heard at a consider- able distance. CYANOCITTA CALIFORNICA, Vigors.—California Jay. Garrulus californicus, Vicors, Beechy’s Voyage, Zool. p. 21, pl. 5. Oyanocitta californica, BarrD, Gen. Rep. IX, 584. Corvus ultramarinus, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. IV, p. 115, pl. 282, fig. 3. Frequenting not only the same districts as the preceding species, but abundantly found throughout the valleys. Noisy, alert, and cunning in its habits, wild and wary, it still often seeks the habitations of man, near which to rear its young; being drawn thither by the abund- ance of food found in such localities. The nest, built in a thick-leaved bush or on the lower branches of an oak, at but little height from the ground, is made of twigs and lined with roots. The eggs, four in number, are emerald green, dotted profusely with umber brown spots. LANIUS EXCUBITOROIDES, 8 wains.—American Grey Shrike. Lanius excubitoroides, Ricu. & Sw. F. Bor. Am. vol. II, p. 115, pl. 35. Abundant. VIREO SOLITARIUS, Vieill.—Solitary Vireo. Vireo solitarius, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. IV, p. 144, pl. 239. Abundant. VIREO GILVUS, Vieill.—Warbling Vireo. Vireo gilvus, Nort. Orn. vol. I, p. 309.—Auvp. B. of A. Oct. vol. IV, p. 149, pl. 241. Muscicapa melodia, Wits. Am. Orn. vol. V, p. 85, pl. 42, fig. 2. Abundant. ICTERIA LONGICAUDA, Lawrence.—Western Chat. Icteria longicauda, Lawrence, Ann. N, Y. Lyceum.—Barrp, Gen. Rep. TX, 249. Abundant, 56 U. § P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. AMPELIS CEDRORUM, Vieillot.—Cedar Bird. Bombycillu carolinensis, Brass. Orn. vol. II, p. 337.—Avp. B. of A. Oct. vol. IV, p. 169, pl. 246.—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 248. Bombycilla cedrorum, Viri.r, Ois. de l’ Am. Sept. vol. I, p. 88, pl. 57. Ampelis cedrorum, Bairp, Gen. Rep. IX, 318. I occasionally met with small flocks during the fall and winter. SITTA ACULEATA, Cassin.—Western Nuthatch. Silla aculeata, Cassix, Pr. A. N. Sec.—Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 375. Abundant. TROCHILUS ANNA, Lesson.—Anna Humming Bird. Trochilus anna, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. IV, p. 188, pl. 252. Ornismya anna, Lesson, Hist. Nat. des Ois. Mou. p. 205, pl. 74. Calliphlox anna, Herrmann, Proceed. Ac. N. Se. Phil. yol. II, p. 111. Althis anna, Barry, Gen. Rep. IX, 137. Trochilus icterocephalus, Nurr, Orn. 2d edit. vol. I, p. 712. In the month of March, 1851, I found this beautiful species quite common at San Diego, and it had at that early period assumed its full spring plumage. In September, 1852, I procured many specimens on a small island in the Cosumnes river, where grew abundantly several varieties of flowers, to which these diminutive birds resorted in great numbers. At that season many of the young males had but a few metallic feathers about the throat and the plumage of the adults had already lost that fire and brilliancy of coloring which it possesses in spring. While on the wing in pursuit of insects, or immediately after alighting on a small branch, they utter a very weak twitter or note, sometimes continued for a minute or more. The nest, placed in the forks of a bush or on the branch of an oak, is composed of fine mosses and lined with the down taken from the fruit of the willow. The eggs, of a pure white color, are two in number. TROCHILUS ALEXANDRI, Bourcier & Mulsant.—Purple-throated Humming Bird. Trochilus alerandri, B. & M. Annals of the Roy. Soc. of Phys. and Nat. Se. Lyons, vol. IX, p. 330.—Cassin’s B. of Tex. and Cal. p. 141, pl. 22.—Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 183. On a trip to Sonora, Mexico, in the spring of 1851, I found for the first time this bird abounding in the arid country back of Guyamas. Here, amidst the most scanty vegetation, the cacti having predominance over all other, this little species, in the month of April, had con- structed its nest. The same year, somewhat later, I found it among the flowers and bushes in the burial ground of Sacramento City, which locality had been chosen by several pairs for the purposes of incubation. I found it also on Dry creek and the Cosumnes river, and think that further researches will prove it to extend over a much larger range than we are aware of at present. The nest, beautifully constructed of fine mosses and lined with the down of various plants and seeds, contains two pure white eggs. ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. 57 SELASPHORUS RUFUS, Gmel.—Nootka Sound Humming Bird. Selasphorus rufus, GouLp’s Monog. of the Trochil. part ILI.—Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. 1V, p. 200, pl. 254.—Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 134. This diminutive species migrates to the higher northern latitudes, although some few pairs breed every year in the neighborhood of San Francisco, where I observed them during the whole summer, but was unable to discover their nests. I also noticed in this same locality the white-crowned finch (Z. atricapilla) and the chesnut-backed tit, (Parus rufescens,) which birds I have seen breeding in no other part of the country, the masses migrating north, while probably these few stragglers, arriving late in the season, stop at this point. The cold sea winds, which blow strongly every afternoon during the summer at San Francisco, give to this locality very much the climate we might expect in higher latitudes. CERYLE ALCYON, Linn .—Belted Kingfisher. Alcedo aleyon, Aun. B. of A. Oct. vol. IV, p. 205, pl. 255.—Wirs. Am. Orn. vol. II, p. 59, pl. 23, fig. 1.—Nurr, Orn. vol. I, p. 594. Ceryle aleyon, Bairp, Gen. Rep. TX, 158. Abundant on all the principal lakes and water courses. PICUS HARRISIT, Aud.—Harris’ Woodpecker. Picus harrisii, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. IV, p. 242, pl. 261.—Bairp, Gen Rep. IX, 87. Occasionally observed during the survey, but a somewhat rare species, though procured in northern California and at Tejon Pass. Its clear trumpet-like notes, uttered as it climbs the trees, betrays its locality and it is then easily shot. PICUS MERIDIONALIS, Swains.—Little Georgian Woodpecker. Picus meridionalis, Ricu. & Sw. F. Bor. Am. vol. II, p. 308. Preus gairdnerti, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. IV, p. 252. Neither common or especially rare. I obtained several specimens in the mountains of northern California. ‘ PICUS NUTTALLI, Gamb.—Nuttall’s Woodpecker. Picus nuttallii, Gampet, Proceed. Ac. N. Se. Phil. vol. I, p. 259. (1841. ) Picus scalaris, (Wagl.) GAmset, Jour. Ac. N. Se. Phil. vol. I, 2d series, p. 55, pl. 9, figs. 2 & 3. (Not of Wagler.) Occasionally found in the same localities as the preceding species, but much more abundant in the valleys. PICUS SCALARIS, Wagler.—Barred Woodpecker. Picus scalaris, WacueEr, Isis, 1829, p. 511.—Bairp, Gen. Rep. IX, 94. I procured this bird first at Vallecitta, but found it abounding in the woods about Fort Yuma. This species is new to the California fauna though frequently seen in Texas, several expeditions sent having collected it. PICUS RUBER, Gmel.—Red-breasted Woodpecker. Picus ruber, Gu. Syst. Nat. vol. I, p. 429.—Larta. Ind. Orn. vol. I, p. 228.—Aup- B. of A. Oct. vol. IV, p. 261, pl. 266. Sphyropicus ruber, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 104. 8§ 58 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. This species is not rare in the mountains, and occasionally a stray one is met in the valleys. Their call note, similar to the cry of a child in pain, is peculiarly disagreeable. Their quick restless motions and untiring diligence in quest of food, as they pass around the branches and trunks of the forest trees, are like those of the rest of the family. PICUS VARIUS, Linn.—Yellow-bellied Woodpecker. Picus varius, Wits. Am. Orn. vol. I, p. 147, pl. 9, fig. 2.—Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. IV, p. 263, pl. 267.—Nurr. Orn. vol. 1, p. 574. ? Sphyropicus nuchalis, Barr, Gen. Rep. IX, 103. Though one of our commonest species on the eastern side of the continent, I now introduce it for the first time into the fauna of California, having procured it at Fort Yuma, where it is not rare, PICUS THYROIDEUS, Cassin.—Black-breasted Woodpecker. Picus thyroideus, Cassin, Ilust. B. of Tex. & Cal. p. 201, pl. 32.—Is. Proceed. Ac. N. Se. Phil. vol. V, p. 349 I procured this bird some three years since in the southern mines of California, where it frequents more especially the pine trees in search of food. I never saw it alight on the oak, though abundant in that locality. CENTURUS UROPYGIALIS, Baird.—Gila Woodpecker. Centurus uropygialis, Barrp, Acad. Nat. Se. Phil. vol. VII, p. 120.—Is. Gen. Rep. IX, 111. It was with great pleasure that I found this bird in considerable numbers on the Colorado, and am able to add another brilliant species to the fauna of California. Its ordinary notes resemble those of our red-headed woodpecker, (Picus erythrophthalmus,) but it varies them often to a soft plaintive cry, as if hurt or wounded. I found, on dissection, their stomachs filled with the white gelatinous berry of a parasite plant. This plant grows abundantly on the mezquite trees, and its fruit forms the principal food of many species of birds during the fall. MELANERPES TORQUATUS, Wils.—Lewis’ Woodpecker. Picus torquatus, Wis. Am. Orn. vol. III, p. 31, pl. 20, fig. 3—Agp. B. of A. Oct. vol. IV, p. 280, pl. 272.— Norr. Orn. vol. I, p. 577. Melanerpes torquatus, Bainp, Gen. Rep. IX, 115, This large and abundant species extends all over California, being found in considerable numbers in the mountains as far south as Tejon Pass. They appear of a gay and sociable disposition, occasionally darting in the air in pursuit of insects, or chasing each other in playful mood while on the wing. Their note is a feeble, oft-repeated twitter, continued while flying and when about to alight. On alighting they gently open their wings, moving them tremulously for some time, and more especially so if in company. MELANERPES FORMICIVORUS, 8S wains.—Ant-eating Woodpecker. Melanerpes formicivorus, Cassin’s B. of Cal. & Tex. p. 7, pl. 2.-—Baip, Gen. Rep. IX, 114. Picus formicivorus, Swaixs. Taylor’s Phil. Mag. 1827, p. 439. These gay plumaged birds, residents of California, are found in every portion of the country. Like the Melanerpes torquatus, they appear to be gay and sociable, collecting at times (a dozen or more) on the topmost limbs of some decayed monarch of the forest, whence they dart suddenly in the air in pursuit of insects, to return again to their elevated position, soon to repeat the ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. 59 same manceuvre. When gathered in numbers their loud and querulous notes are heard at all hours of the day, as they are among the noisiest and most clamorous birds of this family. In the fall this species has the curious and peculiar habit of laying up provision against the inclement season. Small round holes are dug in the bark of the pine and oak, into each one of which is: inserted an acorn, and so tightly is it fitted or driven in that it is with difficulty extracted. The bark of the pine trees, when thus filled, presents at a short distance the appearance of being studded with brass-headed nails. Stowed away in large quautities in this manner, the acorns not only supply the wants of the woodpecker, but the squirrels, mice, and jays avail themselves likewise of the fruits of its provident labor. The nest is hollowed out from the body of a tree or of some decayed branch, and varies from six inches to two feet in depth. The eggs, four or five in number, of a pure white, are placed at the bottom of this cavity, resting on the soft bed of dust and fine chips which have there fallen during the labor of excavation. MELANERPES ALBOLARVATUS, Cassin. Melanerpes albolarvatus, Cassin, Journ. Ac. N. Sc. Phil. new series, vol. II, p. 257, pl. 22. Picus albolarvatus, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 96. Mr. Bell, of New York, first discovered this species in the vicinity of Sutter’s mills, on the American river. It frequented the higher branches of the pines, keeping almost out of gunshot range. Active and restless in its movements, it utters at intervals its sharp and clear note as it pursues its avocations. COLAPTES MEXICANUS, S wains.—Orange-shafted Woodpecker. Colaptes mexicanus, Sw. Synop. of B. of Mexico, Philos. Mag. 1827, p. 440.—Ricu. & Sw. F. Bor. Am. vol. II, p. 815. Picus mexicanus, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. IV, p. 290, pl. 274. Colaptes collaris, Vicors, Zool. of Beechey’s Voyage, p. 24, pl. 9. Abundant, having procured specimens not only in California but also in the Rocky mountains, New Mexico, and Texas. Its habits are those of our golden-winged woodpecker, (Colaptes auratus.) It passes much of its time on the ground, carrying havoc among the ant-hills spread over all the dry portions of the country, occasionally varying its fare with such berries and wild fruits as there abound. COLAPTES AYRESII, A ud.—Red-moustached Woodpecker. Picus ayresi, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. VII, p. 348, pl. 494. Rare, having met with but two specimens in the mountains bordering the Cosumnes river. GEOCOCCYX MEXICANUS, Gmel.—Chaparral Cock. Geococcyz variegata, WaGLER, Isis, 1831, p. 524. Saurothera marginata, Kaur. Isis, 1832, p. 991. Saurothera bottae, Buarnvitte, Less. Traité d’Orn. vol. I, p. 145. Phasianus mexicanus, Guev. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part II, p. 741. Geococcyx californianus, Bairp, Gen. Rep. IX, 73. We found this bird throughout California, frequenting at times the most arid pertions of the country. It often crossed our path, or ran before us for a short distance on the road, dashing, when alarmed, immediately into the chaparral, where, swift of foot, it easily evaded pursuit. It 60 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. may, however, be overtaken when followed on horseback over the vast open plains where no friendly bush offers the weary bird a shelter. When closely chased, if on an elevated point, it will sometimes fly, but always sailing downward. I once saw one captured by a couple of dogs, their appetites whetted by recent success in overtaking and bringing down a coyote or prairie wolf. Hotly pressed, the bird would gain upon his enemies while sailing down the mountain slope, but taking to his feet on the first ascent, this advantage was again soon lost, and the fugitive, worn out, fell at length a victim to their relentless determination. The stomachs of the birds I examined were filled with the grasshopper and large black beetles found on the plains. The nest, laid on the branches of the cactus, is formed of a few loose sticks thrown negligently together in the same manner as that of our yellow-billed cuckoo, (Coccyzus americanus.) It contains two large, nearly spherical white eggs. 1 have not witnessed the following feat, but am assured by many old Californians that this bird, on perceiving the rattle- snake coiled up asleep, basking in the sun, will collect the cactus and hedge him around with a circle, out of which the reptile, unable to escape, and enraged by the priekly points opposing him on every side, strikes himself and dies from the effects of his self-inoculated venom. This bird is common in western Texas and on the Rio Grande. ECTOPISIES CAROLINENSIS, Linn.—Carolina Turtle-dove. Eclopistes carolinensis, DeKay, N. H. of N. Y. part I, p. 197, pl. 74, fig. 166.—Avp. B. of A. Oct. vol. V, p. 36, pl. 286. Columba carolinensis, Nurv. Orn. vol. I, p. 626.—Wixs. Am. Orn. vol. V, p. 1, pl. 43. Zenaidura carolinensis, Bainp, Gen. Rep. IX. Abundant. CALLIPEPLA CALIFORNICA, Lath .—California Partridge. Callipepla californica, Gooiv’s Odontophorinae. : Oityx californica, Aup. B. A. Oct. vol. V, p. 67, pl. 290. Perdrix de la californie, Arias, Voyage de la Perouse, pl. 36. . This very numerous and beautiful species is found in California as far south as Vallecita, where commences the desert extending to the Colorado, and which forms an impassable barrier between it and its closely allied species, Gambel’s partridge, (Callipepla gambelii.) When flushed from the ground it immediately flies to the trees, if ina wooded country, squatting so closely lengthwise on a branch that it is rarely seen and procured while thus hidden. It does not lay to the dog, but runs until so hotly pursued as to be forced to fly. It is easily tamed, and is often domesticated in California with poultry. Two years since, a gentleman having imported a large number, attempted to introduce this species on Long Island as a game bird. Unfortunately, after the first breeding season, they were all brought by the gunners to the New York market. The nest, made in the open field or at the foot of a bush, is composed of loose grasses, arranged without much care. The eggs, twelve or sixteen in number, are yellowish or grayish white, spotted and dashed with dark brown or burnt umber, CALLIPEPLA GAMBELII, Nutt.—Gambel’s Partridge. Callipepla gambelii, Goucv's Odontophorinae.—Cassin’s Ill. B. of Cal. and Tex. p. 45, pl. 9. Lophortyx gambelii, Nurr. Proc. A. N. Se. Phil. vol. I, p. 260.—Bairp, Gen. Rep. LX, 645. I first discovered this beautiful species in California on the Mohave desert, at the point where the Mohave river empties into a large salt lake forming its terminus. The first intimation of —— ZO00_OGY—BIRDS. 61 their probable vicinity was given by large quantities of their feathers strewed on the ground in the neighborhood of some deserted Indian huts. The single flock I met with, however, was so wild that it could not be approached. Later I observed them on the Big Lagoon of New river, which they had probably reached by following the river banks at the time of the overflow of the Colorado. At Fort Yuma they were quite abundant, congregating in large coveys, frequenting the thick underwood in the vicinity of the mesquite trees. I found, on dissection, their stomachs filled with the mesquite bean, a few grass seeds, and the berry of a parasite plant growing here in great quantities, and affording at certain seasons a dainty meal to the deer, who seek it with great avidity. On being suddenly flushed these birds separate very widely, nut immediately upon alighting commence their call note, resembling the soft chirp of a young chicken. This note is kept up for some time, each individual fowl seeming to vie with the others in repeating it. The alarm past and the flock once more reunited, they relapse into silence, only broken by the occasional cluck of the male bird. Once scattered, unless closely marked, they are not readily started again, as they hug or lie close in their thick, bushy, and impenetrable coverts. Dr. Milhau, U. 8. A., then stationed at Fort Yuma, informed me that in spring the Indians catch them in snares and bring them in numbers for sale. CALLIPEPLA PICTA, Douglass.—Plumed Partridge. Callipepla picta, Goutp's Odontophorinae. Ortyx plumifera, (Goutp,) Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. V, p. 69, pl. 391. Known by the miners and hunters of California as the mountain quail, from the localities which it prefers. They are wild and difficult to procure, flying and scattering at the least symptom of danger, and recalling each other together with a note expressive of great solicitude, which much resembles that of the hen turkey gathering her brood around her. During the survey I observed them only once, and then but for a few minutes, as we passed through a deep cation leading down to Elizabeth lake. Our hunters saw them on the mountains surrounding Tejon valley, but though I went several times in search of them I procured none. TETRAO OcSCURUS, Say .—Dusky Grouse. Tetrao obseurus, Say, Long’s Ex. to Rky. Mts. vol. I, p. 14.—Bonap. Am. Orn. vol. III, p. 27, pl. 18.—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 666.—Aup. B of A. Oct. vol. V, p 89, pl. 295.—Barrp, Gen. Rep. 620. Abundant in the pine regions of California and Oregon. I have never met with this species, though I have often heard of it as one of the game birds most frequently brought into the markets of the small mining towns of northern California. GALLINULA GALEATA, Licht.—Florida Gallinule. Gallinula galeata, Nurr. Orn. vol. 11, p. 223.—Bonar. Am, Orn. yol. IV, p. 128, pl. 27, fig. 1. Gallinula chloropus, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. V, p. 132, pl. 304. Found in the marshy valley districts, where it is not a rare bird. I procured several at Elizabeth lake, associated with the American coot, (fulica americana,) both of which species were swimming in search of food among the reeds on its borders. FULICA AMERICANA, G mel.—American Coot. Fulica americana, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. V, p. 138, pl. 305.—Nurr. Orn. vol. II, p. 229. Fulica atra, Wits. Am. Oru. vol. IX, p. 61, pl. 63, fig. 1. Plentiful, being found on all the small lakes and ponds which checker the plains of California. In the month of December we met with large numbers of these birds on the lakes of Warner’s 62 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. Ranch. They incubate in the country, as their eggs were obtained in Sacramento valley during the month of May. RALLUS VIRGINIANUS, Linn.—Virginia Rail. Rallus virginianus, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. V, p. 174, pl. 311.—Wits. Am. Orn. vol. VII, p. 109, pl. 62, fig. 1—Nvrr. Orn. vol. II, p. 205. I obtained this bird within a few miles of Sacramento City, but am unable to say whether it is a common species, so rarely does it show itself, even in localities where it may be in numbers. All the birds of this genus, being averse to take wing, run with remarkable swiftness, and are soon lost to the hunter, the compressibility of their bodies enabling them to slide with great ease through the dense masses of reeds which form their usual haunts. RALLUS ELEGANS, Aud .—Red-breasted Rail. Rallus elegans, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. V. p. 160, pl. 309—DeKay, N. H. of N. Y. part I, p. 260, pl. 99, fig. 221. Abundant, having seen it on several occasions in different parts of California, and also exposed for sale in the San Francisco market. While hunting in the marshes of Suisun valley, I started a specimen of /allus much smaller than the present one, but was unable to determine the species, as, (being embarrassed at the time with a load of fifteen geese killed shortly before,) it alighted before I could shoot. GRUS CANADENSIS, Temminck.—Sand Hill Crane. Grus canadensis, Ricu. & Sw, F. Bor. Am. vol. II, p. 373.—Nort, Orn. vol. II, p. 38—Barrp, Gen. Rep. 655. Grus americana, Aup., B. of A. Oct. vol. V, pl. 314. These fine birds make their appearance in California in the fall in large flocks, coming from the north to spend the winter under a more genial clime. When migrating, they follow each other in a line, giving vent the while to a loud but not unmusical rattle. In the spring I have observed large flocks start from the ground, sail around in extensive circles, gradually rising to a great height, when the signal being sounded by one or more of the leaders they would at once fall into line and commence their migrations back to the northern regions for the purposes of incubation. While in California it frequents the plains and marshes, but being wild and very vigilant is difficult of approach. Among the many thousands I have seen both in spring and fall, I have never yet discovered the white whooping crane, (Grus americana ) In the early settlement of California by Americans, when turkeys were yet scarce, I have known a sand hill crane to command from sixteen to twenty dollars in the San Francisco market for the purpose of replacing, on the Christmas dinner table, that almost indispensable feature of this particular festival. IBIS MEXICANUS, Gmel.—Mexican Ibis. Ibis chaleoptera, Temm, PI. Col. pl. 511. Tantalus mexicanus, Gmxx, Syst. Nat. vol. I, part II, p. 652. Ibis ordii, Bairv, Gen. Rep. IX, 685. Abundant, Found in small flocks during the winter, which separate in pairs towards spring. It incubates in the country, selecting to that effect the most retired portions of the marshes in the large valleys. I have killed the young still retaining the down on the head but never discovered the nest. Its habits are very similar to those of the curlew, probing the ground and ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. 63 searching in the mud of the sloughs and ponds for its food, which consists of small shells, worms, and even fish. It is often exposed for sale in the California markets. ARDEA HERODIAS, Linn.—Great Blue Heron. Ardea herodias, Wis, Am. Orn, vol, VIII, pl. 65, fig. 2.—Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 122, pl. 369.—Novrr, Orn. vol. II, p. 42. Abundant on all the large water courses and lakes. ARDEA VIRESCENS, Linn .—Green Heron. Ardea virescens, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 105, pl. 367.—Wits. Am. Orn. vol. VII, p. 97, pl. 61, fig. 1. —Norr. Orn. vol. II, p. 63. ; Butorides virescens, Barrp, Gen. Rep, 1X, 676. Abundant. ° ARDEA EGRETTA, Gmelin.—Great American Egret. Ardea egretta, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 132, pl. 370.—Wirs. Am. Orn. vol. VII, p. 106, pl. 61, fig. 4 —Nurr. Orn. vol. II, p. 47. Herodias egretia, Bairp, Gen. Rep. IX, 666. They breed in large numbers, associated with other species, on the edges of sloughs and marshes. ARDEA CANDIDISSIMA, Gmel.—Snowy Heron. Ardea candidissima, Wits. Am. Orn. vol. VII, p. 120, pl. 62, fig. 4.—Aun. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 163, pl. 374.— Norv. Orn. vol. II, p. 49.—Gmet, Syst. Nat. vol. I, part I, p. 633. Garzetta candidissima, Baixp, Gen. Rep. IX, 665. Abundant. BOTAURUS LENTIGINOSUS, Stephens.—American Bittern. Ardea minor, Wits.,Am. Orn. vol. VIII, p. 35, pl. 65, fig. 3—Aun. B. of A. Fol. pl. 337. Ardea lentiginosa, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 94, pl. 365.—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 60. Botaurus lentiginosus, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 674. Plentiful, frequenting the marshes, where I have often shot from ten to fifteen in a day’s hunt. The flesh is very palatable. ARDETTA EXILIS, Gmelin.—Least Bittern. Ardea exilis, Gmevin, Syst. Nat. vol. I, part I, p. 645—Avp. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 100, pl. 366.—Wus. Am. Orn. vol. VIII, p. 37, pl. 65, fig. 4. Ardetta exilis, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 673. Abundant, resorting to the same localities as the preceding species. CHARADRIUS VOCIFERUS, Linn .—Killdeer Plover. Charadrius vociferus, Gmux. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part I, p. 685.—Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. V, p. 207, pl. 317.—Wus. Am. Orn. vol. VI, p. 73, pl. 59, fig. 6. Abundant in all portions of the country. The traveller is often started by its melancholy ery even on the most barren wastes, where this bird finds an ample supply of insects. C4 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEY:—ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA, CHARADRIUS HELVETICUS, Linn .—Black-bellied Plover. Charadrius helveticus, Au. B. of A. Oct. vol. V, p. 199, pl. 315.—Nurt, Orn. vol. II, p. 26. Vanellus helveticus, Wits. Am. Orn vol. VII, p. 42, pl. 57, fig. 4. Tringa helvetica, Guu. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part Il, p. 676. I shot a single specimen of this bird on the seashore of San Diego, in February, 1851, but have seen it several times exposed for sale in the San Francisco market. ? CHARADRIUS CANTIANUS, Lath .—Kentish Plover. Charadrius cantianus, Laru. Birds, vol IX, p. 328.—Govtp, B. of Eur. vol. IV, pl. 298.—Yarrett, Brit. Birds, vol. II, p. 405. Kentish plover, Maceitu. Brit. Birds, vol. VI, p. 44, pl. 186. A young plumaged bird of the genus Charadrius, previously unknown td us as a North American species, was obtained at San Diego, in January, 1854. It so closely resembles in its young plumage the European plover (Charadrius cantianus) that I do not feel justified, at present, in describing it as a distinct species, more especially so as I did not procure the adult. The following is the description of the specimen procured: Upper parts of a brownish ash color, the primaries being of a dusky black. Wing coverts edged with white. Forehead, breast, a collar around the neck, and all the under parts, white. On each side of the breast an ash brown spot, which color also is that of the auriculars. Bill black. Feet dark brown. Length six inches. I found it associated in flocks with the peep, (Zringa wilsoni,) resorting to the sea beach, which, exposed at low tide, offers a bountiful supply of food to many species of waders. The low plaintive whistle of this plover is often repeated as it glides along the sandy beach, occasionally coming to a stand and gazing around for some moments as if on the lookout for danger. While thus stationary this bird is not readily perceived, as its color approaches closely that of the sand on which it rests, CHARADRIUS MONTANDS, Towns .—Rocky Mountain Plover. Charadrius montanus, Towns, Jour. Ac. N. Se. Phil. vol. VII, p. 192.—Avp. B, of A. Oct. vol. V, p. 213, pl. 318. I first met with this quiet and gentle bird on the plains near the Pueblo Los Angelos, in the month of November, scattered in small flocks industriously gleaning their subsistence over these broad levels. They appeared unsuspicious, uttering a low whistle when disturbed and flying but a short distance, resuming their occupation at once on alighting. I procured a pair of these birds in New Mexico and saw several flocks there, usually in the vicinity of prairie dog villages or on the most arid plains, APHRIZA VIRGATA, G@melin.—Townsend’s Surf Bird. = Aphrniza townsendii, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. V, p. 228, pl. 322. Aphriza virgata, Barry, Gen. Rep. IX, 698. I obtained this bird in the San Francisco market in the winter of 1849, and subsequently in June, met with it on the Farrallone Islands. They there gathered in small flocks engaged in picking up marine insects from its rock bound shores, covered with kelp and shell fish. They did not appear wild, for when fired at, uttering a low piping note as they flew, they soon alighted again. Closely pursued, however, they would, after several shots, fly away beyond danger to the adjoining islands of the group. ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. 65 HAEMATOPUS TOWNSENDII, A ud .—Townsend’s Oyster-catcher. Haematopus townsendii, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. V, p. 245, pl. 326. Haematopus townsendii, Aun. B. of A. Fol. pl. 427, fig. 2. I met with a pair of these birds on the Farrallone Islands in June. The female showed great signs of uneasiness, as do many of our waders at the season of incubation, but I was unable to find its nest, although searching long and diligently. TRINGA WILSONII, Nuttall.—tittle Sandpiper. Tringa pusilla, Wits. Am. Orn. vol. V, p. 32, pl. 37, fig. 4.—Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. V, p. 280, pl. 337. Tringa wilsonii, Nurr. Orn. vol. II, p. 121. Abundant on the sea shore and also found on the edges of ponds in the interior. TRINGA ARENARIA, Linn.—Sanderling Sandpiper. Tringa arenaria, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. V, p. 287, pl. 338.—Gme . Syst. Nat. vol. I, part II, p. 680, Calidris arenaria, Nutt, Orn. vol. II, p. 4.—Bairp, Gen. Rep. IX, 723. Plentiful on the sea shore. TOTANUS SEMIPALMATUS, Gmel.—Willet. Fotanus semipalmatus, Aup. B. of A, Oct. vol. V, p. 324, pl. 347.—Norr. Orn, vol. IT, p. 144. Scolopax semipalmata, Guex, Syst. Nat. vol. I, part II, p. 659.—Wits. Am. vol. VII, p. 27, pl. 56, fig. 3. Symphemia semipalmata, Bairp, Gen. Rep, IX. 727. Plentiful on the marshy districts near the sea. Found also on Humboldt river on the eastern confines of California and on the whole sea board from San Francisco to San Diego. TOTANUS MACULARIUS, Linn.—Spotted Sandpiper. Totanus macularius, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. V, p. 303, pl. 342.—Norr. Orn. vol. II, p. 162. Tringa macularia, Linn. Syst. Naturae, vol. I, part II, p. 672.—Wus. Am. Orn. vol. VII, p. 60, pl. 59, fig. 1. Tringoides macularius, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 735. Not so abundant a species as in the eastern States, and found occasionally only on the fresh water streams of California. TOTANUS MELANOLEUCUS, Vieill.—Tell-tale Tattler. Totanus melanoleucus, DeKay, N. H. of N. Y. part I, p. 250, pl. 94, fig. 212.—Auvp. B. of A. Fol. pl. 308. Scolopax vociferus, Au. Oct. vol. V, p. 316, pl. 345.—Wus. Am. Orn. vol. VII, p. 57, pl. 58, fig. 5. Gambetta melanoleuca, Batrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 731. Abundant in the marshy districts. Ever too ready to sound the alarm on the hunter's approach, its unwelcome vigilance often causes it to fall a victim to his disappointment and ire. LIMOSA FEDOA, Linn.—Great Marbled Godwit. Limosa fedoa, Aun. B. of A. Oct. vol. V, p. 331, pl. 348.—Notr. Orn. vol. II, p. 173. Scolopax fedoa, Linn. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part I, p. 663.—Wus. Am. Orn. vol. VU, p. 30, pl. 66, fig. 4. This bird was observed only in the vicinity of the salt marshes, and on the sea beach at low tide, where it collects in small flocks, often advancing some distance in the water in quest of food. 98 66 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. - SCOLOPAX WILSONII, Temm.—Common Snipe. Scolopax wilsonti, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. V, p. 339, pl. 350.—Nurr. Orn. vol. II p. 185. Scolopax gallinago, W11s, Am. Orn, vol. VI, p. 18, pl. 47, fig. 1. Gallinago wilsonii, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 710. Arrives in California in September and remains until April, frequenting the marshes and moist grounds. When flushed it springs with a feeble squeak, and flying in rapid irregular zig-zag lines, is soon beyond the sportsman’s reach unless his eye be quick and his aim unerring. . SCOLOPAX NOVEBORACENSIS, Gmel.—Red Breasted Snipe. Svolopax noveboracensis, GM. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part II, p. 658.—Rron. & Sw. F. Bor. Am. vol. II, p. 398.—Avup. B of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 10, pl. 351. I have occasionally met with these birds in flocks on marshy grounds and in the vicinity of ponds. Gathering together after alighting they are often shot in large numbers while engaged in search of worms, insects, and small snails, which abound in the localities they frequent. On one occasion I procured, in two hours, over sixty of these birds, besides a dozen duck and teal. RECURVIROSTRA OCCIDENTALIS, Vigor.—Western Avocet. Recurvirostra occidentalis, Vicors, Zoolog. Journ. vol. IV, p. 356.—Is. Zool. of Beechey’s Voyage, p. 28, pl. 12. This species was observed in various parts of California, resorting to the shallow pools, in which it wades breast deep, finding on the soft muddy bottom a plentiful feast of insects and snails. Although half web-footed it does not swim unless wounded, when it takes immediately to deep water, swimming with great celerity, soon advancing beyond range if not at once disabled by a second shot. Specimens were obtained from a small fresh water pond at Liver- more’s Ranche, on the salt marshes of Suisun valley, and on the borders of the reedy swamps covering a large portion of the lower part of the Sacramento valley. NUMENIUS LONGIROSTRIS, Wilson.—Long-billed Curlew. Numenius longirostris, Wits. Am. Orn. vol. VIII, p. 23, pl. 64, fig. 4—Nurr. Orn. vol. II, p. 94.—Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 35, pl. 355. These birds arrive in flocks in California during September, resorting te the fields and open prairies, where they find an abundant supply of insects. Wild in their nature, always on the alert, and the prairie offering no undulations behind which the hunter can approach unseen, they are one of the most difficult game birds to secure. Their first whistle of alarm startles at once the whole flock, which, taking to wing, speeds away a long distance before again settling down. Abundant in fall and winter, they migrate to the northern regions in spring for the purposes of incubation. NUMENIUS BOREALIS, Lath.—Esquimaux Curlew. Numenius borealis, Lavn. Birds, vol. IX, p. 180.—Nurr. Orn. vol. II, p. 101.—Avn. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 45, pl. 357 A common game bird in the San Francisco market, though I did not myself procure it. BERNICLA CANADENSIS, Linn .—Canada Goose. Anser canadensis, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 178, pl. 376.—Ricu. & Sw. F. Bor. Am. vol. I, p. 468.—Norr. Orn. vol. II, p. 349. Anas canadensis, Wits. Am. Orn. vol. VIII, p. 53, pl. 67, fig. 4. Common in California, but the least abundant of the four species found there. ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. 67 BERNICLA HUTCHINSII, Richardson.—Hutchin’s Goose. Bernicla hutchinsii, Ric. & Sw. F. Bor. Am. vol. II, p. 470.—Aup. B. of A. Fol. pl. 277. Anser hutchinsiit, Aup. Oct. vol. VI, p. 198, pl. 377. Arrive in California towards the end of September or beginning of October. On their advent they are much emaciated by their long voyage from the northern regions, but after feeding a short time on the young, tender, nutritious grasses which sprout after the first winter rains, they form one of the greatest delicacies of the pioneer’s repast. From the facility, however, with which great numbers of them are obtained, they soon fall into disrepute. Whilst hunting during a space of two months in Suisun valley, I observed them, with other species of geese, at dawn, high in the air, winging their way towards the prairies and hilly slopes, where the tender young wild oats and grapes offered a tempting pasturage. This early flight lasted about two hours, and as far as the eye could reach the sky was spotted with flock after flock, closely following in each other’s wake, until it seemed as though all the geese of California had given rendezvous at this particular point. Between ten and eleven o’clock they would leave the prairies, first in small squads, then in large masses, settling in the marshes and collecting around the ponds and sloughs thickly edged with heavy reeds. Here, swimming on the water, bathing and pluming themselves, they keep up a continued but not unmusical clatter. This proves the most propitious time of the day for the hunter, who, under cover of the tall reeds, and guided by their continual cackling, approaches closely enough to deal havoc among them, Discharging one load as they sit on the water and the other as they rise, I have thus seen twenty-three geese gathered from two shots, while many more, wounded and maimed, fluttered away and were lost. At about one o’clock they leave the marshes and return to feed on the prairies, flying low and affording the sportsman again an opportunity to stop their career. In the afternoon, about five o’clock, they finally leave the prairies, and rising high in the air wend their way to the roosting places whence they came in the morning. These were often at a great distance, as I have followed them in their evening flight until they were lost to view. Many, however, roost in the marshes. Our boat, sailing one night down the sloughs leading to Suisun bay, having come among them, the noise made as they rose in advance of us, emitting their cry of alarm, (their disordered masses being so serried that we could hear their pinions strike each other as they flew,) impressed us with the idea that we must have disturbed thousands. Such are the habits of the geese during the winter. Towards spring they separate into smaller flocks and gradually disappear from the country, some few only remaining, probably crippled and unable to follow the more vigorous in their northern migration. On examination, I found a great difference in the size of this bird, but beyond this could discover no peculiar characteristics by which to mark them as distinct species. Many have from a few white feathers up to a full and distinct white ring on the neck, at the point where the black joins the grey of the breast. Intermediate grades so closely approaching one another in size, form, and color render it impossible to make any decided, certain, and marked classification among them. I observed these birds very abundant about the bay of San Diego, searching for small shell-fish and sea grasses on the shores at low tide. 68 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—-ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. ANSER ALBIFRONS, Bechst.—White-fronted Goose. Anser albifrons, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 209, pl. 380.—Avup. Fol. pl. 286.—Govuxn's B. of Europe, vol. V, pl. 349.—Norr. Orn. vol. I, p. 346.—Rion. & Sw. F. Bor. Am. vol. II, p. 466. Anser gambelii, Barr, Gen. Rep. IX, 76]. One of the most common species, resorting to the same localities as the preceding and associating with them during the winter. Lieutenant Stoneman, United States army, informed me that he had, on one occasion, seen this as well as the others caught in a lasso while on the wing. The wind blowing violently, the birds flew low to avoid its influence, and as they passed by a point of rocks, behind which were concealed two Californians, the lasso was thrown in the air among them, seldom failing to bring down a bird, the noose encircling it by the neck, wings, or body. Of the geese this is considered the most delicate for the table, as it feeds almost exclusively on the young herbage growing on the highlands and about the fresh water ponds. ANSER HYPERBOREUS. Gmel.—Snow Goose. Anser hyperboreus, Aub. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 212, pl. 381.—Govnp, B. of Eur. vol. V, pl. 346.—Gmet. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part II, p. 504.—Wirs. Am, Orn. vol. VIII, p 76 and 89, pl. 68, fig. 5 and pl. 69, fig. 5. Frequents more especially the salt marsh districts, though found also inland. The food which it selects in these localities gives their flesh a strong sedgy flavor, which causes them to be but little esteemed. These birds often cover so densely with their masses the plains in the vicinity of the marshes as to give the ground the appearance of being clothed in snow. Easily approached on horseback, the natives sometimes near them in this manner, then suddenly putting spurs to their animals gallop into the flock, striking to the right and left with short clubs, and trampling them beneath their horses’ feet. I have known a native to procure seventeen birds in a single charge of this kind through a flock covering several acres. CYGNUS BUCCINATOR, Richardson.—Trumpeter Swan. Cygnus buccinator, Rion. & Sw. F. Bor. Am. vol. II, p. 464.—Nurr. Orn. vol. II, p. 370.—Avp. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 219, pl 382 and 383. : Occasionally seen in the air following each other in single file, and sounding their trumpet- like note as they advance. I observed a few in Suisun and Sacramento valleys, and found them frequently in the San Francisco market. AIX SPONSA, Linn.—Summer Duck. Anas sponsa, Ge. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part II, p. 539.—Avp. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 271, pl. 391.—Wirs. Am, Orn, vol. VIII, p. 97, pl. 70, fig. 3—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 394. Air sponsa, Barn, Gen. Rep. IX, 785. Abundant, breeding in the hollow trees bordering the streams of California. MARECA AMERICANA, Gmel.—American Widgeon. Anas americana, Guex. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part II, p. 526.—Wis. Am. Orn. yol. VIII, p. 86, pl. 69, fig. 4.—Avp. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 259, pl. 389. Mareca americana, Bairv, Gen. Rep. IX, 883. Abundant. ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. 69 DAFILA ACUTA, Linn.—Pintail Duck. Anas acuta, Guew. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part II, p. 528—Aup, B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 266, pl. 390.—Nurr. Orn. vol. II p- 386. Dayila acuta, Bairp, Gen. Rep. IX, 776. Plentiful, especially so in spring, when they collect in large flocks on the open plains and about the fresh water ponds previous to migrating northward. ANAS BOSCHAS, Linn .—Mallard. Anas boschas, Gmet. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part II, p 538.-—Nurr. Orn. vol. II, p. 379.—Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 236, pl. 385. ‘ bundant; breeding wherever a suitable and secure locality offers, having found its nest in the marshes, on the edges of small fresh water ponds, and once also in a wild oat field at some distance from water. The Indians entrap these as well as other ducks in a weir constructed of willow branches and shoot them with arrows from ambushes built on the shore. QUERQUEDULA CAROLINENSIS, Gmel.—Green Winged Teal. Anas carolinensis, Gu. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part II, p. 533.—Avp, B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 281, pl. 392. Nettion crecea, Barry, Gen. Rep. LX, 778. Abundant in California, having procured it as far south as Carissa creek on the borders of the Colorado desert. QUERQUEDULA CYANOPTERA, Vieill.—Red-breasted Teal. Querquedula cyanoptera, Casstn’s Illus. of B. of Cal. & Tex. p. 82. pl. 15.—Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 780. Anas cyanoptera, Viritt. Nouv. Dict. vol. VY, p. 104. Anas rafjlesti, Kine, Zool. Journ. vol. IV, p. 97. This beautiful teal is abundant in California during spring and summer, incubating on the marshes and migrating south on the approach of winter. Its nest is composed of coarse grasses, lined with the down taken from its own breast, and contains from twelve to fourteen eggs of a faint green color. I found this species in January near San Diego and at a later period in Texas near Fort Thorne, where Dr. C. Henry, United States army, informed me that it was quite a common bird. Its habits and flight, as far as observed, are similar to those of our blue wing teal, (Q. discors.) CHAULELASMUS STREPERA, Linn .—Gadwall Duck. Anas strepera, Get, Syst. Nat. vol. I, part II, p.520.—Auvp. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 254, pl. 388. Not rare, and some few pair incubate in the country, as I have procured the eggs in the marshy districts of Sacramento valley during the spring. SPATULA CLYPEATA, Linn.—Shoveller Duck. Rynchaspis clypeata, Gounp. B. of Eur. vol. V, pl. 360. Anas clypeata, Gmex, Syst. Nat. vol. 1, part II, p. 518.—Wuts. Am. Orn. vol. VIII, p. 65, pl. 67, fig. 7.—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p. 375.—Avup. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 292, pl. 394. Plentiful, preferring the fresh water ponds and streams, where it is found associated with the teal and mallard. I procured it as far south as the Big Lagoon of the Colorado desert. 70 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. FULIGULA MARILA, Linn.—Scaup Duck. Fuligula marila, Auv. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 316, pl. 397.—Nurr. Orn. vol. II, p. 437. Anas marila, Gx. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part II, p. 5¢9.—Wis. Am. Orn. vol. VIII, p. 84, pl. 69, fig. 3 Abundant on the salt bays, and occasionally penetrates the interior of the country. NYROCA VALLISNERIA, Wils.—Canvas-back Duck. Anas vallisneria, Wu.s. Am. Orn. vol. VIII, p. 103, pl. 20, fig. 5. Fuligula vallisneria, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 299, pl. 395.—Norr. Orn. vol. II, p. 430. Aythya vallisneria, Barrp, Gen. Rep. IX, 794. Not abundant, though occasionally exposed in the market for sale. In 1849 I saw twelve dollars paid for a single bird of this kind for the table. NYROCA ERYTHROCEPHALA, Bonap.—Red-headed Duck. Fuligula ferina, Aun. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 311, pl. 397. Anas ferina, Wits. Am, Orn. vol. VIII, p. 110, pl. 70, fig. 6. Aythya americana, Bair, Gen. Rep. 793. Not abundant, but occasionally breeds in the country. I saw, on the swamps of Sacramento valley, several pair in June, and inspection of the female showed the breast to be denuded of feathers, as is the case with most of the birds of this family during the period of incubation. CLANGULA ALBEOLA, Linn.—Buffel-headed Duck. Clangula albeola, Ricu. & Sw. F. Bor. Am. vol. II, p. 458. Fuligula albeola, Avuv. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p- 369, pl. 408.—Norr. Orn. vol. II, p. 445. Anas albeola, Gur. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part II, p. 517. Bucephala albeola, Barry, Gen. Rep. IX, 797. This beautiful little species is abundant, both inland and on the salt bays of the coast. I observed it as far south as the Gila river. OIDEMIA PERSPICILLATA, Linn.—Surf Duck. Oidemia perspicillata, Ricu. & Sw. F. Bor. Am. vol. II, p. 449. Fuligula perspicillata, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 337, pl. 402. Abundant. Found on the whole seaboard of California, in San Francisco bay, and about Benicia. The vast shallow flats bordering Suisun and San Pablo bays are among its favorite feeding grounds. Living almost exclusively on shell fish, its flesh acquires so rank a flavor that gunners seldom waste their shot upon it. I have known it, in consequence, to become so fearless as to pass under and about the wharves of San Diego while persons were walking overhead. ERISMATURA RUBIDA, Wils.—Ruddy Duck. Fuligula rubida, Avy. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 324, pl. 393.—Nurr. Orn. vol. I, p, 426. Anas rubidus, Wiis. Am. Orn. vol. VIII, p. 128, pl. 71, figs. 5 and 6. Observed both in fresh water and on the large salt bays and lesser indentations occurring on the California coast. ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. 71 MERGUS SERRATOR, Linn .—Red-breasted Merganser. Mergus serrator, Gmex. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part Il, p. 546.—Avp. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 395, pl. 412-—Wus. Am. Orn. vol. VIII, p. 81, pl. 69, fig 2. ; Abundant throughout California. I procured specimens on the Gila river, east of Fort Yuma. MERGUS CUCULLATUS, Linn.—Hooded Merganser. Mergus cucullatus, Guru. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part II, p. 544.—Avp. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 402, pl. 413.—Nurr. Orn. vol. II, p. 465.—Wis. Am. Orn. vol. VIII, p. 79, pl. 69, fig. 1. Abundant. PHALACROCORAX PENECILLATUS, Brandt.—Brandt’s Cormorant. Phalacrocorax penecillatus, BRanpt, Bull. Sci. Acad. Imp. Petersb. vol. III, p. 55. Graculus penecillatus, LAwRENCE, in Baird’s Gen. Rep. TX, 880. The specimens in my possession, captured on the Farrallone Islands, appear to be of the same species as that described by Brandt under the above title. Not having the work in which he describes the Phal. penecillatus, I have resorted, for the purpose of comparison, to a specimen so labelled and purporting to come from North America, in the museum of the Academy of Natural Sciences, of Philadelphia. They tally exactly in their color and markings, though they differ much in size. The tail is greyish black, composed of twelve feathers; feet black ; bill dusky, but of lighter color towards base of lower mandible; gular sac blue, and at its base a gorgelet of dirty white. Plumage of back of head, sides of neck, and to the middle of the back, interspersed with white linear feathers, varying from two lines to two inches in length. Plumage of head, neck, and abdomen black, with glossy reflections of blue and green. The back black, with glossy green reflections, each feather being margined with a narrow fringe of dark bluish black. Dimensions of the academy’s specimen: Length twenty-four inches. From the flexure to the tip of wing ten inches. From point of bill to angle of mouth three and a half inches. Length of outer toe three and three-eighths inches; of second toe three and one-eighth inches ; of inner toe one and two-eighths inch. Dimensions of my specimen: Length twenty-eight inches. From flexure to tip of wing eleven and a half inches. From point of bill to angle of mouth four inches. Length of outer toe three and six-eighths inches ; second toe three and two-eighths inches ; inner toe one and four-eighths inch. The bill in my specimen is stouter, the gular sac extends further down the throat, and the bare space around the eyes is larger. Both specimens are in full spring plumage. Late in June these birds were quite numerous at the west end of the island and did not appear to associate with other species, but flocking together on the most elevated rocks, passed the after part of the day in a state of repose, the morning having been employed in pursuit of fish, upon which they prey. This bird was not incubating at that period as were both the P. townsendii and the P. splendens. PHALACROCORAX TOWNSENDII, A ud.—Townsend’s Cormorant. Phalacrocoraz townsendii, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 438, pl. 427.—In. Orn. Biog. vol. V, p. 149. Although this bird has, by several authors, been considered synonymous with the Phala- crocorax dilophus, (Swainson,) I consider it a distinct species. In many of its markings they (74 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. bear a strong resemblance, but though I have often procured it in full spring plumage, I have never yet been able to detect the elongated tufts from behind each eye which distinguish that species at the first glance. I procured their eggs early in July, on the Farrallone Islands, and can only account for their tardy nidification from the fact that upon their first incubation the nests were rifled by the inhabitants of the island to supply their swine with a sufliciency of food. PHALACROCORAX RESPLENDENS, Aud.—Violet-green Cormorant. Phalacrocorax resplendens, Avp. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 440, pl. 419.—In. Fol. pl 412. This beautiful species, easily distinguished by the metallic reflections of its plumage as well as its smaller size, was first discovered by Mr. J. K. Townsend, on the Columbia river, and is among the cormorants which fix their resting place on the Farrallone Islands. Its nest, placed on a ledge of the most precipitous cliffs, is formed of sea weed and raised three or four inches above the surface of the rock. In it are deposited three or four eggs of a light greenish color, but coated with a calcareous deposit peculiar to the eggs of this whole genus. Its food, on examination by dissection, I found to consist entirely of fish. PELECANUS TRACHYRHYNCHUS, Lath .—American Pelican. Pelecanus trachyrhynchus, Lara. Birds, vol. X, p. 408. Pelecanus americanus, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. VII, p. 20, pl. 422.—In. Fol. pl. 311. Pelecanus erythrorhynchus, LAwRENcE, Baird’s Gen. Rep. IX, 868. Abundant during the fall, when they migrate in long lines, following each other in single file so closely and exactly that if the least curve is described by the leader each one takes it precisely at the same point however large the flock. Some few pair breed in Sacramento valley, but the larger number go further north for that purpose. PELECANUS FUSCUS, Linn.—Brown Pelican. Pelecanus fuscus, Gmew. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part Il, p. 570.—Auvp. B. of A. Oct. vol. VI, p. 32, pl. 423 & 424.—Norr. Orn. vol. II, p. 476. Abundant on our whole western coast, and seen even as far down as Panama. In the Gulf of California I observed a small black gull following this pelican incessantly on its flight, and as the latter plunged into the sea after fish the gull would immediately alight by its side. The pelican emerging from the water to discharge the fluid collected in the gular sac would drop its bill, when the fish partially protruding from between its mandibles, the gull would seize upon one and drag it out as his share of the booty. Although this feat is of hourly occurrence, I have never seen the pelican offer the least resistance, or show any anger or impatience at the intrusion or impudence of his little neighbor, who, like a tax gatherer, follows him through life, an evil inevitable. STERNA CAYANENSIS, Gmel.—Cayenne Tern. Sterna cayanensis, Gmeun. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part II, p. 604. Sterna cayana, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. V1, p. 76, pl. 429.—Norr. Orn. vol. II, p. 268. This bird is occasionally seen following up the rivers and hovering over the lakes in search of small fish, upon which it preys, plunging into the water after them, often disappearing beneath ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. 73 its surface for some seconds. The specimen in the collection was obtained in January, at San Diego. STERNA HIRUNDO, Linn.—Common Tern. Sterna hirundo, Gmev. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part II, p. 606.—Auvp. B. of A. Oct. vol. VII, p. 97, pl. 433.—In. B. of A. Fol. pl. 309. Very abundant. Seen during the spring and summer coursing over the large marshes and lakes of the Sacramento valley, where they incubate. Their migration south begins with the approach of the inclement season. STERNA NIGRA, Linn.—Black Tern, Sterna nigra, Guex. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part II, p. 608.—Auvp. B. of A. Oct. vol. VII, p. 116, pl. 438.—Ricu. & Sw. F. Bor. Am. vol. II, p. 415, Sterna plumbea, Wits. Am. Orn. vol. VII, p. 83, pl. 60, fig. 3. Abundant, and one of the most noisy birds of its genus, emitting its sharp note, crik, crik, as it flits over the water in search of its prey. When, from a flock, one of these birds is shot, the others, uttering cries of distress, fly for some time around the hunter, and plunge as if to aid their disabled or dead companion. The sportsman can, consequently, if so inclined, obtain many specimens before they are sufficiently alarmed to fly from danger. LARUS OCCIDENTALIS, Aud .—Western Gull. Larus occidentalis, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. VII, p. 161.—Is. Orn. Biog. vol. V, p. 320. Found on the whole seaboard of California. It is very abundant, as well as the greatest pest with which the egg hunters on the Farrallone Islands have to contend while gathering the eggs of the Murre, (Uria brunnichii,) which breeds here in countless numbers. At one o’clock every day, during the egg season, Sundays and Thursdays excepted, (this is to give the birds some little respite,) the egg-hunters meet on the south side of the island. The roll is called to see that all are present, that each one may have an equal chance in gathering the spoil. The signal is given, every man starting off at a full run for the most productive egging grounds. The gulls understanding, apparently, what is about to occur, are on the alert, hovering over head and awaiting only the advance of the party. The men rush eagerly into the rookeries; the affrighted murres have scarcely risen from their nests before the gull, with remarkable instinct, not to say almost reason, flying but a few paces ahead of the hunter, alights on the ground, tapping such eggs as the short time will allow before the egger comes up with him. The broken eggs are passed by the men, who remove only those which are sound. The gull then returning to the field of its exploits, procures a plentiful supply of its favorite food. Mr. Audubon gives, as one of the marked characteristics of this species, that the ends of the first seven primaries are spotted with white, whereas only six of the blue back gull (Z. argentatus) are marked in this manner. So slight a difference would scarcely warrant the introduction of a new species were there no other distinction, but having shot, one afternoon, some twenty or thirty on the wing, I found them indifferently with six or seven of the first primaries terminated with white. The back, however, of a deeper slate color instead of the light grayish blue of the LZ. argentatus, is a marked feature when the two are contrasted, 108 74 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. Though on the Farrallones during the breeding season, I saw no blue back gulls, notwith- standing a careful and diligent search. The nest of the western gull, placed on the rocky hill sides and on the flats, is composed of sea grasses and weeds, and contains from two to three eggs of a Jight olive green or brown, dashed with dark brown or black. Of these latter birds, as well as of their eggs, I obtained a great number. LARUS ARGEN''ATUS, Brunn.—Herring Gull. Larus argentatus, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. VII, page 163, pl. 448.—Nourr. Orn. vol. II, p. 304. Most abundant on the southern coast of California. LARUS HEERMANNI, Cassin.—White-headed Gull. Larus heermanni, Casstx, Proceed. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. vol. VI, p. 187, (1852.)—Is. Illus. B. of Cal. and Tex. p. 28, pl. 5. I first discovered this gull on the coast as far north as Monterey, and again met it at all the intermediate points as far south as San Diego, where it was most plentiful. It there associates during the winter with the western gull, (L. occidentalis.) Following vessels as they enter the harbors, and circling around them, it appears to be waiting for such garbage as is from time to time thrown overboard from the cook’s galley. It also alights on the kelp which covers an immense area off San Diego bay, amongst which it catches small fish and finds an ample supply of small crustacea and marine insects. Like the rest of the genus it eats carrion, having seen the body of a dead seal covered with this and the preceding species. The Coronadoes Islands, about fifteen miles to seaward from San Diego, are a favorite breeding resort of this bird. While travelling along the California coast, on one of the United States mail steamships, I observed two or three small species of gulls, for which I, of course, was unable to stop. DIOMEDEA NIGRIPES, Aud.—Black-footed Albatross. Diomedea nigripes, Aup. B. of A. Oet. vol. VII, p. 198.—Izn. Orn. Biog. vol. V, p. 327.—Cassin’s Ill. B. of Cal. and Tex. p. 210, pl. 35. This species abounds on the California coast, skimming the waves in its flight, and following in the wake of passing vessels to pick up the refuse scraps thrown overboard. Voracious in its habits, it seizes on whatever is thrown on the water, of which propensity advantage may be taken by baiting a hook and drawing them on board. ‘From the stern ports of a ship I have thus captured eight or ten of these birds in a single morning. I observed a white albatross on this coast, though smaller than the Diomedea exulans which we saw about Cape Horn. Not having procured it however, I cannot determine its species. ? PROCELLARIA,—? Fulmar. Resembles very much our common fulmar (P. glacialis) in color and form, and was very abundant at some miles from the coast ; but as I was unable to obtain a specimen, I cannot say what Procellaria it was. It may have been the Pacific fulmar (/. pacificus) described in Mr. Audubon’s works. Two kinds of petrel (Zhalassidroma) were also seen but not captured, in consequence of which their species still remains a matter of doubt. ba | oO ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. MORMON CIRRHATUS, Lath.—Tufted Puffin. Mormon cirrhatus, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. VII, p. 234, pl. 462.—Nurr. Orn. vol. II, p. 539. Alcea cirrhata, Latuam’s Birds, vol. X, p. 57, pl. 170. This curious, odd-looking, and interesting species was observed on the Farrallones, and known by the inhabitants as the sea parrot. A deep cleft or crevice in the rock is chosen by them for the purposes of incubation, and a single dirty white egg, sometimes faintly dashed with brown, is laid on the bare ground at the innermost extremity of the cavity. To procure the eggs I was obliged to wrap my hand in a stout handkerchief, having several times ascer- tained by experience that a severe and cutting wound was the result of a bite from their knife- like and powerful bill. PTYCHORHAMPHUS ALEUTIOCUS, Pallas. Mergulus cassinit, GamBet, Proc. Acad. N. Sc. Phil. vol. Il, p. 266. (1845.) Ptychorhamphus aleuticus, Cassin, in Baird’s Gen. Rep. IX, 910. In 1851 while enveloped in a dense fog some twenty miles off the bay of San Francisco, the captain of our ship, alarmed at the sound of breakers, lowered a boat to ascertain our where- abouts. Invited to join him, I took my gun and soon observed this small murre which occasionally shot by on its way to the Farrallones. Approaching within a few yards of the rock bound shores, its high peaks were seen covered with cormorants, gulls and other varieties of sea fowl. Our bearings taken, we returned to the ship, and on our way I shot a single specimen of this bird. The stomach I found, on dissection, to be filled with small fish and minute marine insects. They abound on these islands during the winter but on my return in spring they had already left to pass their summer in more northern climes. CERORHINA OCCIDENTALIS, Bonap.—Horn-Billed Auk. Cerorhinca occidentalis, Nutt. Orn. vol. II, p. 538. Ceratorhina occidentalis, Aup, B. of A. Fol. pl. 402, fig. 5. Uria occidentalis, Aup. Oct. vol. VU, p. 364, pl. 471. In the month of June on the Farrallones, while watching under the lee of a rock to shoot the sea lion, (a large species of seal,) which towards dusk leaves the ocean to crawl up on the shores, I first saw this singular bird pass by me with a small fish in its mouth and plunge suddenly as if into the ground. This aroused my attention as all other birds had retired to rest, save here and there a restless gull. On examining the ground next morning I found burrows leading under the rocks in which they lie concealed during the day, having never met them in my rambles which extended in all directions over the island and at all hours. By watching, however, several nights, I procured a few specimens. In these holes they had young, a single one being in each nest. J procured, during the winter, a young plumaged bird off the island of Santa Marguerita, on the coast of Lower California. URIA BRUNNICHII, Sabine .—Large-Billed Guillemot, Uria brunnichti, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. VII, p. 265, pl. 472.—Ricu. & Sw. F. Bor. Am, vol. I, p. 477. Uria brunnichit, Nur. Orn. vol. II, p, 529.—Govxp, B. of Eur. vol. V, pl. 398. Uria ringvia, Cassin, in Baird’s Gen. Rep. IX, 914. This bird is abundant on the sea coast, the Farrallones being one of its favorite breeding resorts. The traffic in their eggs from this place to San Francisco and inland reaches the value 76 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA. annually of between one and two hundred thousand dollars. If undisturbed, it lays but a single egg and rears but one bird each season. No nest is prepared, but depositing her egg on the bare rock, ground or any slight ledge, the female, denuding a portion of her breast by plucking out the feathers, sits upright upon it during the period of incubation. Gentle and inoffensive, it is not only harassed by man but also by the gull, its most vigilant and often its worst enemy. I have frequently seen the gulls assemble in large numbers and by raising a great clamor and spreading their wings, endeavor to frighten them away from their trust that they might begin to plunder. I one day saw three gulls approach scientifically a single murre setting on her egg. Two of them feigning ar attack in front, the murre raised herself to repel them with her sharp pointed bill, instantly the third advancing from the rear seized her solitary egg from beneath her and flew off with the booty, the two first immediately following to claim their share. The egg was dropped and broken on the rocks when a general scramble ensued between the three robbers for the valued prize. The egg hunters continue to rob them from May to July, when exhausted nature compels the bird to cease laying. During this period when driven from the rookeries, flying in terror to escape the threatening danger, they dash themselves to pieces against the rocky walls or collecting against them ten or twelve deep, numbers are crushed by the violence of each others’ strugglings. At the time of the drive, (as it is called,) these birds all leave the island and settling on the water cover it for a mile around. URIA COLUMBA, Pallas.—Black Guillemot. Uria columba, Cassin, in Baird’s Gen. Rep. IX, 912. Abundant and resident on the seacoast, breeding in the crevices of the rocks on the Farrallones. COLYMBUS GLACIALIS, Linn.—Great Northern Diver or Loon. Colymbus glacialis, Gmex. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part I, p. 588.—Norr. Orn. vol. II, p. 513.—Wits. Am. Orn. vol. IX, p- 84, pl. 74, fig. 3. Abundant on the fresh water lakes, where its lugubrious cry is occasionally heard towards evening. COLYMBUS SEPTENTRIONALIS, Linn.—Red-throated Loon. Colymbus septentrionalis, Guew. Syst. Nat. vol. I, part I, p. 586.—Nurr. Orn. vol. II, p. 519.—Aun. B. of A. Oct. vol. VII, p. 299, pl. 478. The specimen obtained was shot from the wharf at Newtown, San Diego. PODICEPS CRISTATUS, Linn.-—Crested Grebe. Podiceps cristatus, Aup. B. of A. Oct. vol. VII, p. 308, pl. 474.—Rion. & Sw. F. Bor. Am. vol. II, p. 410.—Norr. Orn. vol. II, p. 250. Abundant. Frequenting the fresh water districts, and observed also at Santa Barbara on the borders of the ocean. PODICEPS CALIFORNICUS, Heermann.—Oalifornia Grebe. Podiceps californicus, Hexrmann, Proceed. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. vol. VII, p. Form.—Size small. Bill slightly slender, curved upwards; wings short; first quill of primaries slightly longest ; secondaries short ; tertiaries longer, nearly equal to the primaries ; tarse flattened ; feet large. — Bee ZOOLOGY—BIRDS. C66 Color.—The entire upper parts of a deep sooty brown, darkest and nearly black on the top of head and back ; neck almost encircled with grayish white, and in front with an indistinct band of grayish brown. Sides and flanks tinged with brownish gray. Under parts silky white, and near the vent having a sullied appearance. Under wing coverts white. Some of the shorter primaries of a cinereous brown, faintly tipped with white; the secondaries white, of which a few have their outer webs brown. Bill dark, tipped with lighter horn color. Feet dark green. Length 12 inches. At first sight this bird appears very closely allied to the P. cornutus and P. auritus, but on comparing them marked differences are at once perceived, both in size and form. I observed this grebe on the inland fresh water ponds, as well as on the sea shore, where it was abundant, passing its time on the water in pursuit of insects and small fish, with which, on dissection, I found its stomach filled. Having procured it only during the winter, I am unable to describe its spring livery, and between the two seasons there is much difference of plumage in the birds of this genus. PODYLYMBUS LINEATUS, Heermann.—Lineated Diver. Podylymbus lineatus, HeERMANN, Proceed. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil. vol. VII, p. Form.—Size small. Bill short and strong; nostrils conspicuous; wings short; second primary longest ; secondaries short ; tertiaries longer than secondaries ; feet large. Color.—Entire upper parts dark reddish brown. A white line from base of upper mandible under the eye, and running down the neck, succeeded by another under it of reddish brown. Spots at the base of under mandible reddish brown. Throat white, marked with a few obscure spots of reddish brown. Lower neck in front and upper part of breast pale reddish brown, with which the sides and flanks are also tinged ; other under parts silky white ; the lower portion of abdomen and vent mouse color. Quills dark cinereous ; secondaries tipped with white. Bill horn color; feet black. Length 11 inches. This bird is found on the fresh water courses and marshy lakes of California throughout the year, having procured it during the winter and discovered the nest in those localities during the summer. The nest, composed of a few loose straws or rushes, is placed on the ground near the edge of the water, and contains four eggs of a dirty white color. mar rep -% yh oe . a A 7 » * | » an one Ae ni be ftp getant a ast fh caries Nite cml got net ab aa) fA oe aR .* e ouml ¥ a 2 7 < sail i , Ae mano 6 vee wait: ce ue ir WAN? By al very? s “ ; reais ‘dnatitive “est YEE bibecrure tout ddd ave dps tly baie we ais 9 tw ieee ; ea ate rah mh oA nllt te WV & , | oa. ak oe Aone | peur ore see Sa nie” gaat Py i . . fiat 7 eg ee oa tegen! daibinn sae} en prerneg iS; Lee Pee wa oe? het waite eos ‘2 ‘= wae J 9 sang 78 ’ ee ry. dart z » te i ( ) 4 lp 2 Pi A LIST OF BIRDS COLLECTED BETWEEN San Francisco and Fort Yuna, California, during the survey of railroad route from the Mississippi to the Pacific ocean, under the command of Lieutenant hk. S. Williamson, Top. E’ngs. Specimens, Pandion CArolinensiss..- oil) alerts ; ¥ i jedi wt ys qort Mite magma tne th Inca Ap used . oleae Ok Slr day! eat nal doors od) We spelt toe aly *. " dtaid cbipi iP Savio, Gf Bo wom? sate Jon Bidet LE yoy Gu) etoeGer atqatiney, Ye me 7 i 7) al t clvoday aah et willy ran f. Linke ae ; as ; ; aah . 4 “ = Z _ .. : os romerhed clink 4d “Leng rela poe eye ont peer : ‘Ba 5 RES AA OM. Bey ss yd @ eae ¥ Avs = 7a} ‘ ‘ Pecan iS ~ aie . , 4 te eM . BERT ce: Sem Deo eee oe “a ay ibd du futhita odd poRusiwonia Baad? Aaehergurad Agger oieee) Oe tien tae nt word epi, unlined: Lene othe Charts ere iii. - ' 7 . - ¥ . ’ . io i 410. “plitwaiiatneet 0s Galbaiedaia Mant wet iamils We ai dpumatciey Wik eer? lenis dnt iden. Sadets afb ily ue . a sd gab hey Sieh Gebe Sea lage E “pelt Unt Dip ye Nea rar rs Cyt sects et anlevediistige Yon ree teheso adt jo ot vite lueo 3 i awh fia iB oF axed Te hipaa ¥ ofeiad. as Roney | wa Ww Me crea x Erin (arate Ot Nati Bis iat sie tenn, eeuceien 25 wl etic “tines rites ale to yogwebu ee id j ¥ Ay hate Sik airaerpisin Seek orton alien thee, | watstadicinde te 1

ae JH Richard del ” Fishes: — Pl: F late AA 14 PANE EE DULLED tere Tau avis 1 ! pete Ber LPT fn linn, fi ai AY) Ks i Dae EN) ag ae ea PAN) We us bey esa! ALS & M4) SS Meee Ray Hii, aa a la ty - ek Seer } Daten eee q SS peter * fFanb i. bya gre ae Pints Setmey cath Se YS i. US.PRR.Ex.& Surveys: California. Pishes—— Pilate XXVilL SOs ee’, mes bo * OL BBR TG ORE or P US.PRR.Ex.& Surveys California US.P.RR.Ex & Surveys: — California te XXXVIII ia = ie Fishes hfornia. Ld ~~ BTS. PRREX & Surveys.— Califorma Fishes —— Plate XXXIX | | ax OD | al A FH | | Piacente Nareeecernerecertale (\ (s OL O(0(S \? Reacnemecntee Hani cunsliastnnannanunsauannt CRRA LAM MK LLC OCA? ( Rl MCA AREOLA ral Ce KCK ocd HHL tol LK KARUN Cee BR RCE ree | | | | (ay) d | 5 | O | Cc 4 H ‘d O e _— S 3 > z (6p) R.F TH Richard del ALPHABETICAL INDEX. Page. Accipiter cooperi -.... Se aetna alntamiolneietntemetetaete = atc 33 BUC) Se eee aeeo ee eels aeteaes 33 Aegithalus flaviceps ..----- -----026- necaseeene eaeeee 43 Apelaius pubemator-esssceenec'ascesseces a-saeeeei=> eS GUICOLOT See ate oe ele aeu hoa eslene alaeeafoel te Coe sce 53 xanthocephalus -..--...----- -----+ ---------- 52 Aix sponsa -..--- BR oe eco, oo ioe Siac epeeeeaee cepted Mipances foWROsal a saceee ase oo aces -6) see eee ia Amoertican*bart OWl. =< --< - << <<.2nccereesenm nen ie--=-= 34 Ambloplites interruptus..---..----- .-----.----------- 83 American bitter qo oenian~ ssc teaaeenises——sigee = meisnninnm 63 OO base eet oe imme] Crate ee ele tale ie = OL ahaa) Se eee Serooe ote per oseeon 44 COldiNChy =, .<. - ae cee names yawns lanceses ary samen 51 Cotyleserripennist 2=2>-(5.se cegnsmennnineeNeneee BRIPO - cone nose scccveenccceveveessseeseccee 66 | Gerrhonotus.--2-. cocnne nore'esenes ance vencnsesenisensiiiiD ALPHABETICAL INDEX. Page. Gerrhonotus multicarinatus...... .2+--. 2-2. 0-222. eee 9 Gla weodpeekeranasndaaseleqwcoclcnd seers eae se=teeeone 58 Glaucidium gnoma---.) .-<. -- <5 conc eeeees eaadem conn 34 (SUID ENE UCL see Pee genes ees He a -Comcocarose 86 Geldenieapleceus esas eae eee a ee seminar eaeero ee i 30 Grean blue heronencc<=) coceecisossecteosalageelasesianant= 63 HORNeWOW te sc ce soem eeces fee e eas een eleeeeeel= 35 MarbledsPOdWitsseet cae acon See eeelaeee aa ones 65 northern diver or loon... ----...--- .----.------ 76 Green black-capped fly-catching warbler.----.-.-- Dene Gy) WGhO)E yee Oita se ercosucSaacbencce ss ces ote ace 63 Green-winged teal << e seo. ooo ee wen eee mnelnn ones 69 PUI aREN oo Gos Bec) BEae Ed CEOS EEE CEO BOSE enGneE eo 43 Earns tC ANAGONGIS aaa stele ap ee atest ova ae oiel aieteie a 62 Haematopus townsendil.-.-\ cnn nsec ccc vesesemans sa=0 65 Hfaligetus leucocephalus.. << seer eheen Oe Rallus elegans..-.....--.. en Oe ye - 62 VIFPIMIANUS ct coswscceeneeeeetet coseecceee ne 62 Rana longipes -.-..-.... Saeco Oo eres ae 20 Krantdapesss.eces tase ssesetscchttletlesctesea settee 20 Ravensscssstssscacsceesccesn tee eeactceeee eee 54 Recurvirostra occidentalis...-....---. .----.---------- 66 Red and black-winged blackbird ....-...---. .... eoae 53 white-winged blackbird -....... ae ress sons 53 Red-breasted merganser .....---...---- ---- ---- oe 71 Wail :-e-ctGpceueteneecnceaeueeemeee eee 62 STH spe aie een ener Snes see can= 66 fOalecees tetesecun sesso eee eee sewes GD woodpecker... ---.------ Beye 57 Red-headed turkey vulture.........-.------ --------- a9 duck ...----.------ | : . e te ogre ~ wareone ed ee eee | ° ec «3 ” 4 #4: Pt + ve + ew pe ween ee v",* -**? ee | ‘ « - tw) ete a> cee 6 600 — q Osi piryeas | U Hm +P eum ne ** * ° * 4 ‘ ‘ = ‘- | ‘ Jecher a ‘ . . . z : ' “ «ores ee ee a : » pe au whee pinnae ese . . - “ o ses! ©? Ching pal Mle ged ie a yee : 7 View aheugoa't PO AO Cat Nee bee teen ois ng el cme AO , + a ‘. pa aviniet peeary} ‘5 FeO et a ese er ae. A > Ps > : } P Seta j A 7 “e Rdg beled oiy ‘cian al ys Hd posscesns eulehet Fi Pp -' wl J y P a iicn hs the mh a es ? a bon Hobs 260 16d Guo sede bees < tua “ ; a ‘ RP EA pi ee oe ee tees a any! fee : ~~ hit pp eee Me . “ P 5 wm oe , da ¢ Tame oe ~ ae de Db Siynae <-petiiemaieees »ecxen se nes MT etl ¢ ot & ts aaah Face Sheqes weg S@ ena Five of tpte StL oy dekard tena ae : ; : ? +, 2 2 4 aad a. phate Hoes eae Sees. ferow aan P.. eeties dneeenss¥ins nts hrs eee a bea TE an liar ‘- 4 : BP ae hee RAISE pee Herre Sods veel GE Lt a eee be heme te netien aes Ee ee ‘ = Ps c b, SP “gute Bohs wee em ee eee rs , ce « repens & wet, ten . ++ ar ie spe, aetot , a 7 x : FE ncnytrtendea rs eee ree bree shag) ~ , 4 BEY el ok Tee CV ie BN, cn enon 0 4) eee SS ee A ice y > i . pee ware ash: ‘pecan Bi eat = ti. Oo ee abn etn, we oe ll ap oot 4 £ setae s, wee vee oe —— ee oe . ‘ es Re Be ee ee ne ee ohagn on . < ® Kb Wwe Nise Stat eles np wierndinbe oa oz 5 ae os? we sear windy + he aeons; occa ag Pea by das mre rea ‘ hee SAM a es ASE « 2 eeeow eh tee ”. peek aid Caneeny ya SA . oun ie Reet’ end, Reger = sal Wi sia Fro Vioey ditenn 2 Vigetesy ingen tan ys er eee Ye vee “ee ent ieee Ae, Cor Rees Ned tisay 2 = a rs ae TE eS ae A Hea keen ascites ORY pla hanes Peed weeter ste s reps hewaee. Anh Aree oo ewe. onl twwaide 1 othey Danetonteal rere outa de Wee agree, eyo berwteivepde ome ea | ge coe ee ae i ory Oe hap lee naline aaamags Sere vplewe, 1 od 3 co" ee tb—alhe® t ‘ a. _ e { aes eid Baby Week Fethere eee tie ew ie vf = - i “a 66 ad WOO FURR Ee ores ts tere few a eere ere . a ae Se Peveetilng mle ores re ee ee ith da sehiirainienalirp a bY J a hp Caw ensdena vere nmeees sreromnee) deemed ” ie heanint rahe slag mete seen at Sm &. . rong «ows nt wie Siamese alii OR 7 o=2 wena vane wap thc ro » Pee PSA hs id N < ‘ i : , ROUTER “See Pag. = aed % ¥ 4 7 p : s. | iat pe - ay ] 7 a A ee aed ree opt ‘ roa hae De ie 0 ign ee vei SVE = Sine Aci, Biigjende eh a eee : a4, " = ' oo ee Gn —— a i Pat Ve: id heed | Pa q EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR A RAILROAD ROUTE FROM TITE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN. WAR DEPARTMENT. REPORT OF LIEUT. HENRY L. ABBOT, CORPS OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, UPON EXPLORATIONS FOR A RAILROAD ROUTE, FROM THE SACRAMENTO VALLEY TO THE COLUMBIA RIVER, MADE BY LIEUT. R. S. WILLIAMSON, CORPS OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, ASSISTED BY LIEUT. HENRY L. ABBOT, CORPS OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, 1855. 1d vier ered ge oF VTL TOC FT HOWE Trot COLOR £08 BTRVE OF Benne x 9 e244 ' Us © i Py . THOTEA TOKHKA UC YRROM TUE ARS SA reer ee) “ies TUON CAOKITAN A MOT KOTTAMOIEE an a * 9 UIA ADRKIOD SHY OT TRAY ONMAKOLeARE I enn . : é _ MOGMANITW 20 CRURE Few Ena EY, i Oe OS eee ee eee - ts EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR A RAILROAD ROUTE FROM THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN, WAR DEPARTMENT. ROUTES IN CALIFORNIA AND OREGON EXPLORED BY LIEUT. R. S. WILLIAMSON, CORPS OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, AND LIEUT. HENRY L. ABBOT, CORPS OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, IN 1855. ZOOLOGICAL REPORT. WASHINGTON, D. C. TSbht. ere ortre4 our of gavia POOR GBT MONG BYIW Choad 2 0e ereTone dee Gil TRAV ZA AP LL LO RROD WORM ALDI 4 at TREE Yer COPS CR TEA, ATTA EE Mad 4 OOF UM AAD Anoeor 40 Pind) idles LC ERM AE OV eee " CON ENE S.. PREFATORY NOTE, No. 1. REPORT UPON FISHES COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY. BY DR. CHARLES GIRARD. No. 2. REPORT UPON THE ZOOLOGY OF THE ROUTE. BY J. S. NEWBERRY, M. D. CHAPTER I. Report upon the Mammals. CHAPTER II. Report upon the Birds. No. 3. REPORT UPON LAND SHELLS COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY. BY W. G. BINNEY, MEMBER OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA. No. 4. REPORT UPON REPTILES COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY. BY S. F. BAIRD. dates 1 1 Numbers 1, 2, and 8 will be found in Vol. VI of the Pacific Railroad Surveys, printed and published in 1857. 859. No. 4 Prate XXIla, XXIIB, XXVa, XXVB, XLY, Figs. Figs. Figs, Figs. Figs. Fig. Figs. Figs. Figs. Figs. Figs. Figs. Figs. Figs. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 1=4.— Sebastes pauclepinis/---<-S255-- scascnasv ane ceasecnakaeecceaseacesuaneeoneee 6: and'6.—Artedius lateralis S26 pate -. cee eee eet ae ee noo wee ncanmoccsaesescomenseces 14 ——Telosto mus linea tule a. cen — ase nee ae eee eee ee nee aa eens nee eee eee b.and 6.—Artedius notospilotusiccocs acto cosoreeerete oaeee wns Ste ewaaeeeb esa cae eases 1-3.—Anarrhichthys felis 4°.—-Blennius gentligy o-oo. doco sees bo ee ec ween mnee tcetes spessemescaonecaocsooe 5 and 6.—Gobius lepidus 1-3.—Lumpenus anguillaris 4 and 5.—Cebidichthys violaceus Gand 7;—Gunnellusiormattip==-— 32" nao eee tae ceee cence ee aoe} eee eee ane 1—4:—Homalopomnus trowbridpil 2-5 --sseccrecasassscesssec, Sotccsesecenacesaeoen sous 5-8 s—= M OTTNUA (PIO XUN metas aia eee eee eee ee eee eee ees L=f.——Miplochellus caurninus, s2->-a0c=..-5-n--sacoeseeae pane eeeenncaanaceaseme SOS SSSa. 5-8.—Mylopharodon) conocephalus-sa.c- 26 ges ---2-e ee eee ao Sees pon ooon ee sess XXIX.—Mephitis bicolor XXVI.—Pica nuttalli XXXIV, Fig. 1.—Picus williamsonii Fig. 2.—Spermophilus beecheyi..........--.------------ Sasa Sos Sess Big, 2:-—I cherie (ONCICANOM 2.5 misan ea > sae Ee eee nea Salem eee ae Se ogo as eS REPTILES. ST. —Crotaluslicifer: o.com ahaa aee eet neta nee = ssan ca emusn =e nase Smeae mee ASooc SVE Bis. 1: —Scaphiopus! hol brook eases oe oe ee eee ae al Fig. 2.—Scaphiopus hammondii-..-.--------- Soda aemamemeie am ie caw canangeeancaT eas 1p Teh es 0 i ot ee ee ee ee ae ene On Cen ne Cea oe XXX, Figs. 1 and 2.—Amblystoma californiense...-.-.-..---- puvetewtendcnaanGucwaaseesascucenee Fig. Fig. RE SSS SCR BREE S38 Aan tear eSot eae eae eee eee assess 4.—Aneides lugubris -......-------.-.- Pet JS Speed seein ce eee Soe eS XLV, Fig. 1.—Siredon lichenoides....0...5--