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(.SKCM)M) KIHTION.) * FttEDERICTON: .(, .SIMPtiON, PRINTER TO THK QDEBN'R MOST KXCRI.LENT MAJC8TT. 1852. ^^.<>., — e^e^ \ ../ OTiV :ri\'y^t,A'J DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE [in I'ART] .1 OP THE FISHES .•^AV."tH\'-; » .■ NEW BRUNSWICK AND NOVA SCOTIA, VSi -v-'-v ''■'^M. I By M. H. PERLEY, Esquire, , >. HIR MAJESTY'! EMIGRATION OFFICER AT SAINT JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK. ■lih'lHJf* ,...l. (second edition.) ' rr , .. J,, Fishes are described as vertrebrated animals, witb cold red blood ; breathing by gills, through the medium of water ; with- out lungs. Body covered mostly with imbricated scales or plates, or with a smooth mucous skin. Move in water by means of fins instead of feet, which vary in number. Repro- duced by eggs, which are usually fecundated afler exclusion. Heart unilocular, or composed of one auricle and one ventricle. Head various ; no neck. Aquatic. Chiefly carnivorous. Fishes have been divided into two great groups, viz. — th*^ Bony, and the Cartilaginous. The first comprises by far the greatest number of species. . , ... ,. . . r In these two great divisions, the Fishes of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, so far as yet examined or known, ar^ here classified and briefly described.^ mii^rihsm-m^'n a«rw»w H.nnw •ljv/m: iniiH 5#i«tH« Sm' ■?v',-»: CLASSIFICATION. U \ Gbovp I.— Bohy FxiBisf. Order 1. — Fishes with spinous rays in their fins. Family 1. Percidee. 2. Triglid v . Genus 1. — Anarrhicas. t ..\ Species 1. — Anarrhicas lupus — The Wolf-fish. The general colour of this voracious fish is a leaden gray. It has 11 or 12 broad black bands on the sides, becoming indis- tinct toward the tail ; the belly is of a brownish ash-colour, tinged with pink. Its usual length is from 30 inches to 5 feet ; but in high northern latitudes, it is said to attain the length of 6 and 8 feet. It has been caught at Rockaway beach, on Long Island, (New York,) which is supposed to be its extreme southern limit. Dr. Storer says it is captured on the coast of Massachusetts, generally about rocky ledges, at all seasons of the year, but greater numbers are taken in winter than at any other time. Its ferocious-looking, cat-like head, and exceedingly coarse, thick skin, covered with slime, give it a hideous appearance, and render it an object of such disgust, that it is thrown away almost as soon as caught ; yet many fishermen regard it as excellent food. Dr. Storer says he has had it upon his own table, and that few fish are superior to it, when broiled. The flesh is said to have somewhat the flavour of salmon, when smoked. This fish is often caught at the entrance to the Bay of Fundy, sometimes near Grand Manan and Campo Bello. In the spring of the year, it is taken frequently in Saint Mary's Bay ; and it is caught at all times along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia. The voracious and savage character of the wolf-fish, or " sea-wolf," as it is often called, is apparent from its formidable array of teeth, and its vicious propensities when first drawn from the water. Dr. DeKay says, such marvellous stories are related of the strength and power of its jaws, that they more properly belong to the romance of natural history. Very many fishermen have a great dread of this fish, and seek to get rid of it, as quickly as possible ; while others lose not a moment in dispatching the savage '' sea-wolf," by heavy well-aimed blows upon the head. It fights desperately even when out of its element, and inflicts severe wounds if not cautiously avoided. " ^ •'■'•'»' ■ The food of the wolf-fish consists of cru8taedOU)>l atlif t^^a- ccous animals, which its powerful jaws, and rounded molar Of New Brumioick and Nova Scotia. 11 r a year ; annually, Martha'a ; coast of sufficient J. " gray. It ing indis- ih-colour, t in high 6 and 8 ig Island, em limit. Lchusctts, rear, but her time. Y coarse, learance, >\vn away ard it as his own 5d. The )n, when >fFundy, he spring 7 ; and it a Scotia, f-fish, or rmidablo St drawn ories are ley more fish, and hers lose by heavy ;ely even Is if not If- i< M I, id te^a- id molar teeth, enable it to break down sufficiently for its purpose. It swims rapidly, with a lateral, undulating motion, and is said to spf wn in May and June, among rocks and reefs, near which it is generally caught. • '' Family 5.— LoPiiiDvE. Genus 1. — Lopfdus. Species 1. — Lophius Amcricanus. — The American Angler. This fish has a very disgusting appearance, and its monstrous form has given rise to many popular names, sudi as " sea- devil," " fishing-frog," " bellows-fish," " goose-fish," " monk fish," and various others. The angler belongs to a small aud singular group of fishes, designated by Cuvier, pectorales pcdicuUes, from the peculiar formation of the pectoral fins, which are palmated, and shaped not unlike the hand of a child ; they are placed very far for- ward on the body ; by these and the aiu of the ventrals, which, from their position, perform the office of hind feet, the fish can creep on the bottom like a little quadruped. A specimen about 3 feet long was observed on Long Beach, above Great Salmon River, in the Bay of Fundy, in September 1850. It was taken in the weir there, which it. had entered in pursuit of herrings. Several specimens were seen in Novem- ber 1850, on the shores of Annapolis Basin, near Digby, where they were thrown up by a severe storm. They arc said to abound in that Basin, and to be very destructive to the shoals of herrings which resort there. Yarrell says, that this fish in its appetite is very voracious, and as it is not a rapid swimmer, has recourse to art to satisfy its appetite. Upon its head are two long, slender appendages, the first of them broad and flattened towards the ends, and at the dilated part, having a shining silvery appearance, not unlike a little fish. While couching close to the ground, the fish, by the actit a of its ventral and pectoral fins, stirs up the sand, or mud ; hidden by the obscurity thus produced, it elevates these appendages, moves them in various directions by way of attraction as a bait, and the small fishes, approach- ing either to examine or seize them, immediately become the prey of the angler, and thence it derives its general name. The head of this fish is wide, depressed ; the mouth nearly as wide as the head. The gape of the mouth in the specimens seen was 9 inches ; and the numerous double rows of teeth, some recurved and conical, and others long and acute, give the enormous gaping mouth a frightful appearance. These fish are never eaten, but they are sometimes opened for the sake of the numerous fishes found in their stomachs, which arc monstrously large, as compared with the length of the fish. m 12 Descriptive Catalogue of Fishtt ■ The colour of the whole upper surface of the body, uniform brown ; fin membranes, darker ; under surface of the body, ventral and pectoral fins, white ; tail, dark brown, almost black. This fish is found all along the coasts of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick ; it has been known to measure 5 feet in length, but its most common size is about 3 feet. Family 6. — LABRiDiG. Genus 1. — Ctenoldbrut. Species 1. — Ctenolabrus ceruktt^ — ^The Sea Perch, or Cunner. This fish is common on the Atlantic coast of North America, from Delaware Bay to the shores of Newfoundland, and is known by a variety of names. In New York, it is called the "bergall," a name of Dutch origin; and also the "chogset," derived from the Mohegan dialect. On account of its prevail- ing colour, it is often called " blue-fish." At Boston, where this fish is taken in myriads, it is called "blue-perch;'* but among eastern fishermen generally, it is known as the "cunner." There is scarcely any fish whose ei^urs are so variaMe as this species. In the smaller individuals, the general colour is blue, more or less mixed with brown ; and faint, dnsky, trans- verse bars may frequently be seen. In the larger species, such as arc 12 inches long, the colours are bright and showy, a light orange-Coloured tint pervading the whole body ; the head and gill-covers of a beantiiiil chocolate colour, mixed with light blue ; the fins of a bine, more or less brilliant. The jaws of the " cunner " are covered with thick fleshy lips, whence this family derives its name of labruSf )i{^d-— • that is, thick-lipped fishes. The first specimens of these fish seen by the writer in the Bay of Fundy, were taken with hook and line, in 1844, from the rocks on the sea shore near Black River, east of the Har- bour of Saint John. These were of a reddish brown colour ; the body elongated, compressed, the depth equal to one fourth of the length. These fish frequent deep pools among rocks, hide them*' selves in fucif and are said t^ ^eed chiefly on Crustacea. Where their haunts are known, and are accessible, there is much fish- ing for them, on the coasts of Mame and Massachusetts, with rod and line, for they take bait very readily, the first taken being generally the largest. They are skinned before being dressed ; the fish is sweet and palatable. Mr. H. Robinson Storer says, they are so plentiful in the Gut of Canso, that by sinking a basket with a salt fish tied therein, he continually caught them by the score, for a supply of fresh fish while at sea. Thoy arc abundant every where on Of New Brummck and Nova Scotia. 13 the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Nova Scotia> but being of small size, are very little esteemed Genus 2. — Tautoga. Species 1. — Tautoga Americana — The Tautog, or Black-fish. , The natural geographic range of this delicious fish is only from the Capes of the Delaware to Cape Cod ; but a few years since, a number were brought into Massachusetts Bay, in well-boats, and placed alive in its waters. They have since increased there so rapidly, that the Boston market has now a full and regular supply. It would seem that northern waters agree with this fine fish, for it has extended its range along the coasts of Massachusetts and Maine, and is now taken in the Harbour of Saint John. During the season of 1851, many good fish of this species were exhibited for sale in the fish-market of Saint John ; the largest weighed eight pounds. One specimen of the length of 19 inches, weighing four pounds, was bought by the writer in July, and when brought to table, was found in good condition, and of excellent flavour. The common black-fish, or tautog in the Mohegan dialect, (which is also said to mean black) is a well known and savory fish at New York, afiTording equal pleasure to the angler and the epicure. The colour of this fish is indicated by i;;s name, but varies considerably from deep dull black to glossy blue black, with metallic reflections, and occasionally to dusky brown. The body is elongated and compressed, the back much arched from the dorsal fin to the snout, but straight pos- teriorly. The lateral line follows the curve of the back. The lips are very thick and fleshy, the teeth stout and of a conical form. The tail is very short, nearly even, and slightly rounded. The usual market weight of this fish, at New York, is two pounds, but specimens have been taken weighing twelve pounds, and even more. Rocky shores and bottoms are the haunts of the black-fish ; it is readily taken with the hook baited with crabs, clams, or other small shell-fish, from April until November. It is a stationary inhabitant of the salt water, never visiting rivers, like some other sea-fish, and is supposed to feed almost exclu- sively on the smaller shell-fish. The black-fish may be kept for a long time in ponds or cars ; and even fed and fatted there. When benumbed by the cold of winter, it refuses to eat any more, and a membrane forms over the vent and closes it. With the returning warmth of spring, the fish regains appetite ; and the blossoming of the dog-wood, {cornut florida,) is understood to denote the time of beginning to fish for tautog. It is remarkable for retaining life a long time after taken out of the water. 14 Descriptive Catalogue of Fishes ;;■ .1 1 lit? , i 11 Ia Though the hand-line is generally used for black-fish, the rod is sometimes employed with great advantage. A stout trolling rod, with a strong flaxen line, and a reel, are the best implements, according to Frank Forrester. Two hooks should be used, attached to hook links of trebly-twisted gut, of the respective lengths of 12 and 15 inches, both links being securely fastened to a small brass ring. This ring is looped on the end of the line to which the sinker is appended. For all sea-fishing with bait, in shoal water, this is the best arrangement of hooks. The black-fish is altogether a bottom fish, and is generally caught in whirls and eddies, in the immediate vicinity of rocks and reefs ; it must be struck sharply, and pulled up without a moment's delay. Attempts have been made to extend the limits of this fish to the south, a smack load having been carried from Rhode Island very many years ago, and turned adrift in the Harbour of Charleston, South Carolina. Some are now occasionally caught there, weighing from one to two pounds only, but never in such quantities as to be brought to market. The southern extension was therefore a failure ; but as the black-fish has naturally found its way from Massachusetts to the Bay of Fundy, and is already taken there of large size, it may be concluded that it will establish itself in northern waters, and soon become plentiful — a matter of rejoicing to the sporting^ fisherman, and to all who love the delicacies of the 'able. Order 2. — Sofl-finned Fishes ; the fir rays almost universally flexible. , Family 1. — CvPRiNiDiE. ' !" Genus 1. — Catostomus. Species 1. — Catostomus communis — The common Sucker. This fish abounds in all the rivers and streams of New Brunswick. It is from 10 to 14 inches in length ; the flesh is seldom used as food. The body is long, rounded, and tapering ; the head dark green above, verging to black ; the cheeks bronze and golden. The upper part of the body a dark purplish colour, with pink and metallic tints on the sides, frequently of a resplendent golden hue, extending over the abdomen ; beneath, white. The head is smooth, and without scales } the month, protractile, with thick puckered lips, the low'er lip two-lobed. This fish is exclusively North American. James L. Price, Esquire, of Ludlow, on the Miramichi* whose observations in natural history are very accurate, states that the flesh of the sucker, though rather insipid food, is eaten by many persons, usually fried while fresh, but sometimes slightly salted and dried. Mr. Price says it feeds chiefly on m Of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 15 aquatic worms and larvee, and seldom takes bait. It spawns early in summer, after which it becomes meagre and tasteless j during the early i)art of May, before spawning, it is in best condition. However much the humble properties of the sucker may protect it from the voracity of man, it is not without for- midable enemies. Its young are greedily devoured by tho king-fishers ; it is the chief prey of the fish-hawk, and it affords a desirable repast even to the dainty trout. Mr. Price men- tioned to the writer, that he once met with a trout of consider- able size, in the Miramichi, which had been choked in an unsuccessful attempt to swallow a large sucker. In the autumn, the sucler is abundant in the New York markets ; at that season, its flesh is considered of the best quality, although very inferbr and tasteless. Genus 2. — Leuciscug. Species 1^-^Leuciscus chrysoleucas — The yellow Shiner. The general colour of this very pretty fish, is a beautiful golden ; tlie top of the head and back, black ; the gill-covers, a brighter yellow than the sides. Its usual length is from 5 to 7 inches, and it is found in great abundance, in those parts of ponds and quiet streams which are frequented by the yellow and white perch. The writer has taken them in great num- bers, in the latter part of summer, in the waters near Hampton Ferry ; it is an exceedingly delicate, finely flavoured fish, when eaten fresh, and may bo considered one of the most savory of the smaller fresh water fishes of New Brunswick. It has received the popular name of carp, to which family it properly belongs. Species 2. — Leuciscm cornutus — The Red-fin. This beautiful little fish is found in many of the swifl and limpid streams of New Brunswick, associated with brook trout. It is generally about 6 or 6 inches in length, very lively and active in its movements. All the fins are broadly margined with deep scarlet, whence it gets its name of the "red-fin," although it is also generally known as the roach. The top of the head is covered with minute pointed tubercles, which are also seen on the sides of the snout, and form a regular series along the sides of the lower jaw. Species 3.'^Leuciscus pukhellus — The Roach Dace, or . ,1 1, cj. ' ... -,\ Beautiful Leuciscus. i , This fisK is somewhat larger than the species last mentioned, but its colour is more silvery, and it has not the brilliant scar- let fins of the roach, all its fins being light coloured ; nor has it the roughness on the top of the head. It is not generally found in swift water, but appears to delight in eddies and pooiff, where it may be caught in great numbers, when on the feed. ^«« *H ^H 5 II in 16 Descriptive Catalogue of Fiihcs Species 4. — Lcuciscus argentcus — The shining Dace. This pretty little fish varies from 2 to 6 inches in length. The whole surface of the body is silvery ; rather darker on the hack. From its brilliancy, it is usually called the " shiner." The three species last mentioned, all take the artificial fly readily, and are often caught by fly-fishers while angling for trout ; the red-fin is the best for the table. They are in the best condition during the month of May. Species 5. — Lcuciscus cepkalus — The Chub. The chub is well known in every river and stream of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia frequented by other fresh water fishes ; it is taken of all sizes, from 4 to 16 inches. In the River Saint John, in the Miramichi at Boiestown, and in the Hammond River, the writer has taken chuV by fly-fishing, weighing three pounds and upwards. The chub also takes bait readily, but is a very timid fish ; and if once disturbed or frightened, will not bite again for some time. It is considered a coarse fish, but those of large size, eaten fresh, are very pala- table. Mr. Yarrell says, that broiling chub with the scales on, is the best mode of preparing it for table. Species 6 — Lcuciscus atronasus — The Brook Minnow. This very little fish is found in almost every brook in great numbers. It is usually about an inch and a half in length, and has three bands on its sides, running longitudinally ; the lower a broad black band, then a golden yellow band, somewhat nar- rower, and above that, a narrow dark band ; when the fish is swimming, these three bands give it a pleasing appearance. It is only caught as bait for larger fish, especially for large trout, which prey upon it greedily. Genus 3. — Fundulus. Species 1. — Fundulus fasciatus — The striped Killifish. In all the salt water creeks and bays of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, this fish abounds. In length, it is from 1 to 3 inches, the sides of a brassy yellow tinged with green. It presents much variety in its markings, having from twelve to eighteen blackish bars, often obscure, and two to five longitudinal stripes. Its popular name is derived from its abundance in creeks and estuaries, which the Dutch settlers at New York termed *< kills." It is also known by its Indian name of "mumma- chog," corrupted by the English settlers on the Gulf shore of New Brunswick, where it abounds, to "mammychub." It is only taken as bait for other fishes. Some of these fish v^hich were caught in the Harbour of Shediac in a landing net, were observed to be remarkably tenacious of life, and to live a long time out of the water after being hung up in the net. ,^.^- Of New Brunswiek and Nova Scotia. 17 Family 2. — Silurid^e. Genus 1. — Pimelodm. Species 1. — Pimelodus catus — The common Cat-fish. This unsightly fish is found in all those ponds and streams where the yellow and Avhite perch are taken, and is sometimes called the "horned pout;" its length is from 6 to 10 inches. The cat-fish is not eaten in New Brunswick, but in Maine and Massachusetts it is highly esteemed as an article of food, and by many preferred to every other species of fresh water fishes, except trout; it is usually fried, the skin being first removed. Family 3. — Salmonid^e. Genus 1. — Salmo. Species 1.—' Salmo fontinalis — The Brook Trout. Nearly every lake and stream in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, is furnished with a greater or less number of this spe- cies of the salmon family. It is taken of all sizes, from 6 to 20 inches, and is so well known, as scarcely to need a descrip- tion. Its principal characteristics are — the vermiliion dots and larger yellow spots in the vicinity of the lateral line, and the tri-coloured fins, these being blackish on their edges, broadly bordered with white, and the rest scarlet. The brook trout is a migratory fish ; when in its power, it invariably descends to the sea, and returns to perpetuate its species, by depositing its spawn in the clearest, coolest, and most limpid waters it can find. The opinion of Mr. Herbert, ("Frank Forrester") that there is but one distinct species of the brook trout in North America, cannot be disputed. Du- ring tiie last thirty years, the writer has caught many thousands of these trout, in numerous rivers, lakes, streams and estua- ries, in the lower Provinces and in Maine, and can safely say, after close and attentive examination, that he has never seen but one species of the brook trout, whatever naturalists may say to the contrary. Various causes have been assigned for the great variety in the colour of the brook trout. One great cause is the differ- ence of food ; such as live upon fresh water shrimps and other Crustacea, are the brightest ; those which feed upon May-fiiea and other common aquatic insects, are the next ; and those which feed upon worms are the dullest and darkest of all. The colour and brilliancy of the water has also a very material efifect upon the colour and appearance of salmo fontinalis. Professor Agassiz has made some very curious experiments with respect to the colours of fishes, especially the salmonidae ; and he has ascertained beyond a doubt, not only that trout of different neighbouring waters are effected by the colour and 3 18 Descriptive Catalogue ofFiahes ) I 1 I'M li; quality of tho water, but that trout of the same river vary in colour, accoruingly as they haunt tho shady or sunny side of the stream. The fish of streams rushing rapidly over pebbly beds, arc superior both in n|)pcarance and quality to those of ponds, or semi-stagnant brooks. But this may arise not so much from any particular components of tho waters themselves, as from the fact, that rapidly running and falling water, is more highly aerated, the atmosphere being more freely intermingled with it, and therefore more conducive to the health and condition of all that inhabit it. The brook trout of America, says Mr. Herbert, is one of the most beautiful creatures, in form, colour, and motion, that can be imagined. There is no sportsman actuated by tho true animus of the pursuit, who would not prefer basketing a few brace of good trout, to taking a cart load of the coarser and less game denizens of the water. His wariness, his timidity, his extreme cunning, the impossibility of taking him in clear and much fished waters, except with the slenderest and most delicate tackle — his boldness and vigour aflor being hooked, and his excellence on the table, place him, without dispute, next to the salmon alone, as the first of fresh water fishes. The pursuit of him leads into the loveliest scenery of the land; and the season at which he is fished for, is the most delightful portion of the year. The brook trout rarely exceeds three pounds in weight ; and no well-authenticated case is on record, of one of the species having reached the weight of six pounds, in these Lower Provinces. Species 2. — Salmoferox — The great grey Trout. This fish is found in all the large lakes of New Brunswick, and in very many of those in Maine, but it is believed not to exist in the lakes of Nova Scotia ; it is called by the lumberers the " togue ;" the Indians designate it by a name equivalent to '* fresh water cod." It is found in great numbers und of large size in the Eagle Lakes, a.t the head of Fish River ; in the St. Francis Lakes, from which flows the river of that name ; and in the Metape- diac Lake, which discharges itself into the Restigouche, and in the Miramichi Lake, at the head of that river. In Lake Temiscouata, this fish has been taken of the weight of 211b ; it is there called the "tuladi." It is often taken of the weight of 121b and upwards, in the Gheputnecticook Lakes, at the head of the eastern branch of the Saint Croix. One sporting friend informs the writer, that he caught two of these fish on the Saint Croix Grand Lake, one of which weighed Slbs., and the other ISlbs. ; but that he saw one, taken by a night-line, which weighed 251bs. Another sporting friend, a resident of New York, informs the writer that he has Of New Brunsiffick and Nova Scotia. 19 p vary in y side of eds, arc )ond8, or iich from as from re highly ;lcd with condition a one of ion, that ' the true ng a few irscr and timidity, I in clear iind most hooked, dispute, cr fishes, tlic land; lelightful ghi ; and e species 3 Lower It. unswick, ed not to imberers juivalent le Eagle s Lakes, Metape- che, and e weight taken of lecticook It Croix. It two of )f which saw one, sporting it he has visited the lakes on the western branch of the Saint Croix, where he caught several of the •' toguc," weighing from 4Ibs. upwards. The iargcHt he caught mousurod 20 inches in length, but weighed Hlbs. only, not being in good condition. It has been found of late years, that this species of fish exists in considerable luimbers in Loch Lomond, 12 miles from the City of Saint John ; and they have in consequence, been sought after by sportsmen, who take them from a boat, by trolling over the deepest portions of the Loch. A specimen of this fish, taken in Loch Lomond in 1848, was sent to the writer by Charles Johnston, Esquire, High Sheriff of Saint John, which was 24 inches in length, and weighed 7ilbs. On a careful examination and dissection of this fish, it was found to correspond exactly with the fish described by Mr. Yarrell as salmo ferox, the great grey trout of Loch Awe. In Scotland, this fish is taken from a boat rowed gently through the water ; the bait, a small fish guarded by several good sized hooks. They are extremely voracious, and having seized the bait, will allow themselves to be dragged by tho teeth for forty or fifty yards, and when accidentally freed, will again immediately seize it. The young fish up to 31bs. weight rise freely at the usual trout-flies ; the writer has often taken them up to that weight by fly-fishing, but never larger. When in perfect season and full grown, it is a handsome fish, though the head is too large and long to be in accordance with perfect ideas of symmetry in a trout. The colours are deep purplish brown on the upper parts, changing into reddish gray, and thence into fine orange yellow on the breast and belly. The body is covered with markings of different sizes, varying in number in different individuals. Each spot is sur- rounded by a pale ring which sometimes assumes a reddish hue ; the spots become more distant from each other as they descend below the lateral line, and the lower parts of the fish are spotless. The fins are of a rich yellowish green colour, darker towards their extremities. The tail is remarkable for its breadth and consequent power. The flavour of this fish is coarse and indififerent ; the flesh is of an orange yellow, not the rich salmon colour of the common trout, in good condition. The stomach is very capacious, and generally found gorged with fish ; it is very voracious, and well deserves the name of salmo ferox. Species 3. — Sahno trutta — The Salmon Trout, or White Sea Trout. This beautiful trout abounds in the Gulf of St. Lawrence ; it is found on the northern shores of New Brunswick, and in the estuaries of those rivers of New Brunswick and Nova S«otia whicli flow into the Gulf, and the Strait of Canso, early 20 DcicripHve Catalogue ofFitkes in June — it is caught in nets at the Magdalen Inlands in sum- nicr, and salted for export. Many sportsmen resort annually to River Philip in Nova Scotia, during the month of June, to fiHJi for tlicHe sea-trout, which enter the estuary of the river at that season. No specimen of this fish has yet been seen in the Day of Fundy, which it is supposed not to frequent. The flesh of the salmon trout is of a brilliant pink colour, and most excellent ; its excneding fatness early in the season, when it first enters the mixed water of the estuaries, is such, that it can be preserved fresh but a very short time. The body of the fish is rather deep for its length ; the lateral line is very nearly straight, passing along the middle of the body, the scales adhering closely. The upper part of the head and body, a rich oea-grcen colour ; the lower part of the sides and belly, a brilliant silvery white. The fins white, except the dorsal, which is nearly the colour of the back. Sir William Jardine in speaking of this fish, accurately describes its habits, as observed in New Brunswick. Hs says, — " In approaching the entrance of rivers, or in seeking out as it were some one they preferred, shoals of these fish may be seen coasting the bays and harbours, leaping and sporting- in great numbers, from about one pound, to three or four pounds in weight; and in some of the smaller bays, the shoal could be traced several times circling it, and apparently feeding." Mr. H. Robinson Storer, during his visit to Labrador in 1849, met with a single specimen of the salmon tront of the Gulf, at Red Bay, in the Straits of Belleisle, and not being acquainted with the fish, designated it salmo immacuiatus. The scientific description he gives, is accurately that of the salmo irutta marina^ and is as follows : — ** Colour — Silvery on sides and abdomen ; darker on back ; no spots. Description — ^Length of head, about one-sixth length of body ; depth of head, twO' thirds its length ; greatest depth of body, directly in front of dorsal fin, equal to length of head. Upper jaw the longer. Jaw» with numerous sharp incurved teeth. Eyes laterally elongated ; their diameter one-third the distance between them. Opercles rounded posteriorly ; lower portion of oper- culum naked, marked with concentric striae ; preopercle lar- ger than in the fontinalis. Scales larger than those of the fontinalis. Lotei'al line commences back of superior angle of opcrcle, and, assuming the curve of the body, is lost at the commencement of the caudal rays. The first dorsal fin com- mences just anterior to median line ; is nearly quadrangular. Adipose fin situated at a distance back of the first dorsal, little less than one-half the length of the fish. Pectorals just beneath posterior angle of operculum ;. their length three-fifths that of the head. Yentrals just beneath posterior portion of first dor- sal ; the plates at their base very large. The anal ie situated at a distance back of the vcntral«i just equal to length of head, Of New Bruntmc. and Nova Scotia. 21 and terminates directly beneath the adipose fin ; of the form of first dorsal. Caudal deeply forked ; its length equal to greater depth of l»ody. Dorsal 9 ; pectorols 13 ; vcntrals 9 ; unal 11 ; caudal 30 ; length, 13] inches." To the epicure, a fresh caught salmon trout of the Gnlf of Saint Lawrence, e pecially early in thn season, will always afford a rich treat. The Hportsiiian will find it a thoroughly game fish, rising well at a brilliant fly of scarlet ibis and gold, and affording sport second only to salmon fishing. The wri- ter has caught this fish, with the scarlet ibis fly, in the break of the surf, at the entrance of Saint Peter's Bay, on the north side of Prince Edward Island, of the weight of 5 lbs. ; but tlio most sporting fishing is from a boat, under easy sail, with a •'mackerel breeze," and oflentimes a heavy "ground swell." The fly skips from wave to wave, at the end of thirty yards of line, and there should be at least seventy yards more on the reel. It is truly splendid sport, as a strong fish will often- times make a long run, and give a sharp chase down tho wind. At Guysboro' and Crow Harbour, in the Strait of Conso, there is excellent sea-trout fishing at the end of June, as also* in the Great Bras D'Or Lake, within the Island of Capo Breton. The largest sea-trout rarely exceed seven pounds weight ; these are taken around the Magdalen Islands, and in the estuaries of all the rivers of tho Labrador coast, from Mingan to the northern end of the Straits of Belleisle. At tho entrances to many of these rivers, the sea-trout were taken in the greatest abundance, of four pounds weight and upwards, during the summer of 1851, by the Officers of Her Majesty's Sloop '* Sappho," which visited tho whole ot that coast, as far north as Chateau Bay, under command of Captain the Honor- able A. A. Cochrane. Alluding to tho sporting character of the white, or sea-trout fishing, in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Frank Forrester, in his " Fish and Fishing," says — *• Right well would it repay some of our gallant yachters, to turn the heads of their light crafts easterly, and bear away, as the old song has it, with a wet sheet and a flowing sail, for the rock-bound shores of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, for once there, right hospitable would they find their welcome, and their sport right royal." Species 4. — Salmo salar — The Salmon. The noble salmon, which honest Tzaak Walton justly calb *' the king of fresh water fish," is so well known in the North American Colonies as to need no description. As in Europe, so in America, it is agreed that there is but one species — salmo salar — The Salmon, And so also is it agreed, that the salmon of Europe and that of America, are precisely similar ; the same fish identically, ■mr--* •■;•:? - HP 22 Descriptive Catalogue of Fishes The salmon enters the rivrrs of Nova Scotia during the latter part of April. Those rivers of New Brunswick which fall into the Bay of Fundy, the salmon enters at the latter part of May ; while it seldom enters the rivers v/hich fall into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, until the month of June. The female salmon first enters the rivers ; the male fish follows, about a month later than the female ; and lastly, come the grilse, or young salmon, which continue to ascend the rivers during July and August. Salmon swim with great rapidity, shoot up the most oblique and glancing rapids with the velocity of an arrow, and fre- quently leap falls 10 a.id 12 feet in height. It is believed, that the utmost limit of perpendicular height which a salmon can attain in leaping, is 14 feet ; but their perseverance is remark- able, for although they may fail, time after time, yet after remaining quiescent for a few moments to recruit their strength, they renew their efforts, and generally succeed ; but, it is said, they sometimes kill themselves by the violence of those efforts. In New Brunswick, the salmon seldom deposits its spawn until the middle of October. Mr. Price has observed the salmon in the Miramichi, in the act of spawning, as late as the 20th of November. The fish that have spawned, generally return to the sea before the rivers become ice-bound in De- cember ; but many remain in the fresh water all winter, and go down to the sea at the breaking up of the ice in spring. On one occasion, in the month of December, Mr. Price states that he saw fifteen large salmon, caught with a spear, through a hole cut in the ice which covered a creek above Boiestown. Before entering the rivers, they live a while in the brackish water of the tide-ways, as they do also when they descend to the sea, to render the change from one to the other less abrupt, and to rid themselves of certain parasitical animals, which attach to them, when they remain long either in fresh water, or in salt, as the case may be. The spawn is not deposited until the water is greatly below its summer temperature. Professor Agassiz stated personally to the writer, that 42" of Fahrenheit's thermometer, or 10** above the freezing point, was the temperature at which sal* iOn usually cast their ova. It is absolutely necessary, that the water should be aerated, or highly supplied with oxygen ; hence the salmon resort to shallow, pure water, and swiftly running streams, the rapidity a>id frequent falls in which, im- part purity and vitality, by mingling their waters with the atmosphere. A series of interesting and carefully conducted experiments in Great Britain, have within a few years, led to a much more accurate knowledge of the habits of the salmon, than was before possessed, and corrected many erroneous impressions. It has been found, that the eggs of the salmon aro liatchvinter use. The white fish abounds in nil the Eagle Lakes, at the head of Fish River, a tributary of the upper Saint John, and also in the Saint Francis Lakes, at the head of that tributary. In these lakes, it is caught abundantly, every autumn, during the night, by torch-light, with dip-nets. It has not been observed in any of the lakes or rivers which discharge into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, nor yet in any of the waters of Nova Scotia. Some years since, this fish was abundant in the Grand Lake, where the writer in the month of May, saw great numbers taken out of gill-nets set for gaspereau, and thrown away by the fishermen as worthless. At the same time the writer caught a number of them, with rod and line, in one of those small pieces of water connected with the Grand Lake, usually called '* key-holes." It is occasionally taken in the Saint John, throughout its whole extent ; in the Harbour of Saint John, in spring, it has been often caught in the seines and weirs, with the gaspereau, and salted with that fish, from the want of knowledge of its worth. James Brittain, Esquire, of the Nerepis, states, that he takes a number of white fish every season, in his salmon nets, at the mouth of that river — and that they enter it, in large shoals, every season, at the end of March, or early in April, he having seen them through the ice. In June, 1851, several very fine white fish, weighing nearly three pounds each, were caught in a gill-net, in Darling's Lake, near Hampton Ferry. Of Kew Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 27 is8, the the cod in the irms so IS been nd, it is ere it is lorthcrn he most 1 consi- re taken '^er from poisson rd-fish." ^er ; and the falls he early (e about ckle for he head d also in try. In [ring the observed Gulf of Scotia, id Lake, numbers away by e writer of those usually int John, John, in ;ir8, with want of , of the sh every irer — and lie end of h the ice. ig nearly Darling's It is very probable, that the fish of this species found in the lower part of the Saint John, have ventured out of the great lakes, at the sources of its upper tributaries, and been swept over tho Grand Falls, by some extraordinary flood ; once over those falls, there is no possibility of return. The white fish seen by the writer have seldom exceeded a pound and a half in weight ; but they are taken in Lake Temiscouata of the weight of three pounds, and even more. It is an inhabitant of all the interior lakes of America, from Lake Erie to the Arctic Sea ; several Indian tribes mainly subsist upon it, and it forms the principal food at many of the fur posts, for eight or nine months of the year, the supply of other articles of diet being scanty and casual. Its usual weight in th' iorthern regions is from two to three pounds, but it has been taken in the clear, deep, and cold waters of Lake Huron, of the weight of thirteen pounds. The largest seen in the vicinity of Hudson's Bay, weighed between 4 and 5 lbs., measured 20 inches in length, and 4 in depth. One of 7 lbs. weight, caught in Lake Huron, was 27 inches long. Very recently, the writer had an opportunity of seeing some fresh specimens of the white fish of Lake Eric, and was per- fectly satisfied of their identity with the " gizzard-fish" of the Saint John, and Lake Temiscouata. During the summer, the white fish is not seen in Lake Temiscouata, and it is then supposed to retire to the depths of that unusually deep and cold lake. In October, it draws near the shores, and ascends the Tuladi River, for the purpose of spawning. It ascends the river during the night, and having deposited its spawn, returns as (piickly as possible to the lake. It is when this fish draws near the shore, prior to spawning, that the fishery is carried on, chiefly at a little bay in Lake Temiscouata, into which the Tuladi discharges its waters. At the same time, the great grey trout (salmo fcrox) follows the white fish to the shore, and preys upon it. While the nets are set for white fish, the fishers, with torch and spear, attack and capture the salmo ferox, frequently of large size ; and hence this latter fish has acquired the name of " tuladi," from the river to which it is attracted by its favourite prey. The white fish feeds largely on fresh water shell-fish, and shelly mollusca ; its stonuich thereby gains an extraordinary thickness, and resembles the gizzard of a fowl, hence its popu- lar name of " gizzard-fish." The stomach, when cleaned and boiled, is a favourite morsel with the Canadian voyageurs. Family 4. — CLUPEiDiE. Genus 1. — Clupea. Species 1. — Clupea elongata — Common American Herring. As the herring of North America has been found to differ greatly from the herring of Europe, (clupea harengus,) the J"»... TI^^WHi 28 Descriptive Catalogue of Fishes naturalists of the United States have distinguished it by the name of clupea elongata. Fishermen designate it by the name of "blue-back," and sometimes they cull it the "English herring ;" very often, they add the name of the locality where it is taken, to distinguish particular varieties. The statements made by the older naturalists, as to vast armies of herrings coming down annually from the Arctic Ocean, and making the circuit of the seas, is now supposed to be wholly imaginary. It is generally believed, at present, that the herring fattens in the depths of the ocean, and approaches the shore in shoals, merely for the purpose of depositing its spawn. In this opinion, Mr. Yarrell fully coincides, and there can scarcely be a better authority. It is quite certain, that the common herring is caught on the shores of New Bruns<- wick during every month of the year, which quite precludes the idea of its being a migratory fish. It is found everywhere on the coast of Nova Scotia ; and from the information obtained by the writer during his official inspection of the fisheries, it appears certain, that there are several varieties of the common herring, some of which spawn early in the spring, and others in August and September ; also, that the quality varies very considerably in different localities. The habitP; haunts and seasons of this fish are only beginning to be understood, and accurate observations on these, would be highly useful to all who are interested in the herring fishery. Species 2. — Clupea minima — The Britt. Dr. Storer, in his Report on the Fisb-^s of Massachusetts, says that this pretty little specimen of herring is found, at certain seasons, in incredible numbers, on the coast of that State, and serves as food for several other species of fish. It varies in length, from one to four inches ; the back, nearly black ; the upper parts of the sides, dark green ; sides silvery, with roseate and golden reflections. The fishermen of the liay of Fundy speak of this fish, as having been formerly very abundant, but now seen only occa- sionally. As the writer has not been fortunate enough to see a specimen, he cannot describe it from his own observation. It is said to be frequently met with in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Genus 2. — Alosa — The Shad. Species 1. — Alosa sapidissima — The American Shad. The shad of America, like the common herring, having been found to differ materially from the shad of Europe, has received a distinct name ; the designation given hy Wilson, and adopted by Dr. Storer, alosa sapidissima, is here followed. Unlike most fish which frequent the northern seas, this species comes from the south to deposit its spawn. Dr. DeKay, Of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, 29 and in his Report on the Fishes of New York, says he infers this to be the fact, from the order of its appearance along the American coast. At Charleston, shad appear in January ; at Norfolk, in February ; on the coast of New York, at the latter end of March, or beginning of April ; at Boston, in the latter part of April. In the Bay of Fundy, they seldom appear until the middle of May. The first fish which arrive, ascend the River Saint John to spawn ; it is believed, that they remain in the fresh water no longer than is necessary to deposit their ova, and then proceed up the Bay of Fundy, to their favourite feeding grounds, there to fatten upon the shrimp and " shad- worm," until they attain that degree of excellence which renders them so much sought after. The other shad, which are found in the autumn upon the same feeding grounds, and in which no roe has yet been seen, are probably fish that have not attained a sufficient age for spawning, as those which ascend the river for that purpose, are of largr size and appa- rently old fish. The body of this fish is deep and compressed ; its length varies from one to two feet. The width across the body, from the commencement of the dorsal fin, to the anal, is nearly equal to one-fifth the length of the fish. Abdominal ridge serrated throughout ; the whole body covered with large deciduous scales, except the head, which is naked. The usual weight of this fish is from one to four pounds, although it sometimes attains the weight of six pounds. Mr. Herbert (Frank Forrester) in his *• Fish and Fishing,'* speaking of the shad, says : — " This delicious and well known fish, which is by many esteemed the ciueen of all fishes on the table, has been, until very recently, regarded as one that could bu taken only with the net, and therefore of no avail to the angler. It is now, however, clearly proved, that like the herring, the American shad will take a large gaudy fly freely, and being a strong, active, and powerful fish, aflbrds great play to the sportsman. " It is indisputably true, that on nis entrance into fresh water from the salt, for the pur- pose of spawning, the shad will readily ttike a gaudy fly, the more readily the higher he runs up into the cold and highly aerated waters, in the upper parts of our lurge rivers. " The flesh of the shad is, perhans, the most delicate of any existing fish ; and, though it lacks the lusciousness, as well as the glutinous fin of the turbot, it is preferred to that fish by many judicious epicures, notwithstanding the drawback occasionea by its innumerable and sharply-pointed bones. " From personal experience and success, I can assure the fly-fisher, that he will find much spo^'t in fishing for the shad, during bis upward run in the spring, with a powerful trout-rod, a long line, and the proper flies." Of the sea shad, none are so fine as these taken at the head of the Bay of Fundy, in the muddy waters of which they attain the highest perfection, owing to the great abundance there of their favourite food, the " shad-worm" and the shrimp. The shad is but rarely seen on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia ; it is found in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the various rivers of which it ascends, as far north as the Miramichi, which seems to be its limit in that direction, none having been seen in the Bay of Chaleur. The shad enters the Miramichi in the latter part of May, and remains until the middle of July ; occasionally it ascends the South West as far as Boiestown, b it the greatest numbers 30 Descriptive Catalogue of Fishes are found below the mouth of Eticnne's River, always resting in deep, quiet water. The shad which frequent the Gulf are greatly inferior to those taken in the Bay of Fundy. The shad which ascend the Saint John, resort for spawning to Darling's Lake, (Kennebecasis,) Douglas Lake, (Nerepis,) the Washndcmoac Lake, the Ocnabog Lake, the Grand Lake» and the Oroinocto River. They are caught in the Saint John near Fredericton, but not above, the water being too rapid. The shad taken in the fresh water, are very inferior tp those which remain exclusively in the salt water of the Bay, and the longer they are in the river, the more worthless they become. i;:. Species 2. — Alosa tyrannus — The Gaspereau, or American Alewive. The alewive appears in great quantities in the Chesapeake, in March ; at New York, it appears with the shad. The earliest fish appear in the Harbour of Saint John, in April, but the main body does not enter the river before the 10th of May.- It would therefore appear, that the alewive also comes from the south, like the common shad, to deposit its spawn in northern rivers. The usual length of this species of shad, which is best known in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia by the name of gaspereau, is from 8 to 10 inches ; the back a blue green, approaching to purple ; sides, silvery. The head, dark green above, and the tip of the lower jaw of the same colour ; opercles, yellow. In the Bay of Fundy, this fish is abundant ; in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, it is less plentiful, and of much smaller size f in the Bay of Chaleur, it has not yet been noticed, and like the shad, the Bay of Miramichi would seem to be its extreme northern limit. The catch of gaspereau in the Harbour of Saint John, varies from 12,000 to 16,000 barrels each season, and sometimes reaches 20,000 barrels. It ascends the Saint John to the same localities as the shad, in order to deposit its spawn. In the Miramichi, it ascends to the source, and spawns in the Miramichi Lake. Si ■ I § ? Species 3. — Alosa menhaden — The Mossbonker. This fish is known by a variety of popular names, among which are " Kony-fish " — " hard-head " — " pauhagen " — and " menhaden.*' It is seldom eaten, being dry, without flavour^ and full of bones. On the coast of the United States, it is used as bait for cod, and also extensively as manure, for reno« vating old grass fields, but not without injury to t'ae health of those who reside in the vicinity. The mossbonker is some- times caught in the weirs, within the Harbour of Saint John, in considerable numbers ; it has occasioaaUy been lold to the Of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 31 igtiorant as fall shad, to which it bears some resemblance. The mossbonker is exclusively a sea tish, never entering the fresh water. Species 4. — Alosa mattowaca — The Autumnal Herring. Dr. DeKay says the autumnal, or fall herring, or *' shad herring," is a common fish at New York ; he has adopted the designation of that excellent naturalist Dr. Mitchill, who having first observed this fish at Long Island, near New York, con- ferred upon it the aboriginal name of the Island — Mattowaka. A careful examination has been made of the "Quoddy her- ring," taken near Campo Bello, and it has been found to correspond so exactly with the description given by Dr. DeKay, that the writer, until better informed, ventures to class it as a member of the shad family. In flavour and excel- lence, it ranks only second to the best shad of the Petitcodiac. It is exclusively a sea fish. All the members of the shad family are serrated, or toothed like a saw, on the belly, which is carinate, or shaped like a keel. Order 3. — Fishes with ventrals under the pectorals, and the pelvis suspended to the shoulder bones. Family 1. — Gadid^. This family is one of the most important to man in the whole class of fishes. Genus 1. — Morrhua — The Cod. Species 1. — Morrhua vulgaris— The common Cod. Species 2. — Morrhua Americana — The American Cod. The first of these two species is the common cod of New- foundland, well known as an article of food, the wide world over. Among fishermen, it is designated the bank cod ; it is taken in deep water off the coast of Nova Scotia, and also in the entrance to the Bay of Fundy, between Brier Island and Grand Manan. It is always a thick, well-fed fish, and often attains a great weight, sometimes 70 or 80 pounds, and evea more. The colour varies much in individuals, but is generally a greenish brown, fading into ash colour when the fish is dead, with many reddish yellow spots ; the belly, silvery opaque white ; the fins, pale green ; the lateral line, dead white. This fish is taken from the coast of Maine northwardly, as far as man has penetrated. Captain James C. Ross states, that on the west coast of Greenland, in latitude 66" 30' north, a number of very fine codfish were caught by the crew of the ''Viitdiy/' on a bank consisting of small stones, eoarse sandi w 32 Detcriptive Catalogue of Fithet and broken shells, with 18 to 30 fathoms over it. At the Peninsula of Boothia, Cnptnin Ross purchased cod from the Esquimaux, who caught thorn through holes in the ice. The Commissioners of Kritish Fisheries, in their Report to Parliament for the year 1846, state that two vessels in that year, jiroceedcd for the first time, from the Shetland Islands to Davis' Straits, for the prosecution of the cod fishery, and were very successful, the number of fish taken having been 29,403 cod. The fish were caught in the ordinary manner, with hand-lines and bait. So plenty were they in some places not far from the shore, that they were caught with raspers, or by letting down and drawing up a line with several bare hooks fixed thereon, tied back to back. The fish were, how- ever, chiefly caught upon a bank, with a depth of water from 15 to 40 fathoms, in latitude 60" and 67" north, and 55* west longitude, from 30 to 40 miles oft' the land. The codfish were in so great abundance, that nearly 2000 fish were caught by the 20 men on board, in the course of 24 hours ; the whole quantity was fished in 28 days, being an average daily catch of 1000 fish. Some of the fish, when taken out of the sea, weighed about 80 lbs., and when dressed, about 60 lbs. They were of excellent quaHty, and their livers were so rich, that they were preserved, with the firm conviction they would pro- duce six tons of oil. In 1847, another successful attempt was made by a vessel from Lerwick, to prosecute the cod fishing at Davis' Straitp. The vessel reached the fishing ground on the 23d of June, and continued to fish until the 16th of August, during which time 42,143 cod were caught. This was consi- derably above the take of the previous year, and but for stormy weather, the voyage would have been even more successful. In September 1851, the writer saw in the fish market of Halifax, a bank cod weighing 55Ibs. It was a female fish, not in good condition, having nearly finished spawning. The fishermen stated, that it was taken oft* Halifax Harbour, about ten miles from land, in four fathoms water, on a bank to which the cod resort for spawning in August and Septem- ber. The largest cod of this species brought into Halifax market, during the season of 1851, weighed 86lbs. The second species named above, the American cod, is slightly, though permanently, distinct from the common or bank cod. The back is of a light olive green, (becoming pale ash in the dead specimens) covered with numerous reddish or yellowish spots, to a short distance below the lateral line, which is an opaque white throughout its whole extent. There are several varieties of the American cod, the most usual of which are the arenosus, or shoal cod of Dr. Mitchill, with a greenish brown hue, and inconspicuous spots ; and the rupestris, or rock cod of the same author, of a smaller size, with a reddish hue, occasionally a bright red, very numerous Of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 33 on tho whole coast of Nova Scotia, and in tho vicinity of Grand Manan. Fine specimens of this variety may be seen in tho fish market of llaUfax, during the season; their qiiaHty is admirable. Tho southern limit of the American cod is New York; thence it ranges northwardly, along the whole coast of North America, to the Saint Lawrence. It is believed, that there are several species and varieties of cod, within the Gulf of Saint Iiawrcnce, and especially on the coast of Labrador ; but these have not yet been examined with jH'ecision. In the Gulf, deformed fish are of common occur- rence, the deformity frc(|ucntly consisting in a fore-shortening of the head, whence the fishermen call them •' bull-dogs." The cod is an exceedingly voracious fish. It attacks indis- criminately every thing in its way, devouring smaller fish, Crustacea, and marine shell-fish. Its stomach is the great repository, from which naturalists have lately obtained so many rare and undescribed si>ecies of shells, inhabiting deep water, and which are unattainable by any other means. A fisherman at Brier Island assured the writer, that he had often seen the cod in shoal water, with their heads straight down and tails up, working mussels and clams off the bottom. Species 3. — Morrhua pruinosa — The Tomcod. This fish ranges the whole American coost, from New York n*- rthwardly ; it is taken on the shores of Nova Scotia and Ne\ ' Brunswick, throughout the year. It frequently ascends rivers, even into fresh water. The head is small, and flattened above ; the abdomen pro- minent ; the tail long and slender ; the cheeks lustrous. It varies in length from 4 to 12 inches. The colours of the tom- cod vary greatly, scarcely any two individuals being exactly alike ; five varieties have been noticed, and it is thought the number may be still further increased. It is a savory fish, and may be taken in large quantities with the greatest ease. As it seizes almost any bait greedily, it is a great source of amusement to juvenile anglers everywhere. In the early i»rt of winter, after the first severe frost, it becomes very altundant in the mixed waters of estuaries, and hence the name of " frost-fish" which is frequently applied to it. At that season, it is in fine condition, and is consumed in large quantities. Dr. Storer states, that no less than 2000 bushels of this fish, are sent annually from Watertown alone, to the Boston market, and there meet a ready sale. Species 4. — Morrhua aglefinua — The Haddock. This fish is found everywhere on the American coast, north of New York. Its distinctive colouring is blackish brown above, and silvery ftray below the lateral line, which is jet black. The 5 34 Descriptive Catalogue of Fishes \l::^ f;vi,; back nnd sides nrc varied by purplish and gold gleams, which disappear very soon after the fish is dead. The body of the fish is stout forwunl, aud tapcsrin^f backward ; the head largo and aroluMJ ; the eyes lar^(! ; the lower jaw the shortest. This is an exeedingly fine fish when eaten fresh, or when slightly salted and smoked, in the same manner as the Finnan haddocks of Scotland. It is too thin u fish fur salting and drying like the cod, and has only half the commercial value. The haddock spawns early in sprin<^, nnd the young are said to be six inches long in September. Their food is small fish, Crustacea, nnd almost any of the inferior animals of the deep, even the sjnny aphrodita. They are in best condition for table in the latter i)art of the season. Haddocks swim in immense shoals, and are prone to change their ground after having arrived. ^Vhen their numbers nrc considered, the consumption of food, even in a short space of time, must be enormous ; and this may be one powerful reason for their seeking new localities. The haddock is a fiivoritc- object of ])ursuit, with those who follow deep-sea fishing as an amusement. Haddock fishing may be pursued with the greatest comfort and convenience, by the amateur fisherman, in Quoddy River, between Cunipo Bcllo nnd Eastport — in the llusin of Annaj)olis, near Digby — and in the Harbour of Halifax. In each of those localities, the fish are of excellent <(uality, and most abundant. After describing the usual tackle for this fishing, Frank Forrester says — " With this, in any eastern water, you may rest assured of returning home with a boat-load of fish, a set of very weary limbs, a pair of very sore hands, and an enor- mous appetite, of which, mcjudice, the first and last ulonc arc desirable." Genus 2. — Phycis. Species 1. — Phycis Americanus — The American Hake. The geographical range of this fish ap])ears to be from Cape Cod, northwardly. It is taken largely on muddy bottoms, both in the Bay of Fundy and in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, chiefly by fishing during the night, at which time it feeds on the smaller Crustacea, with which its stomach is generally found to be filled. In the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, and Bay of Chaleur, it is inva- riably called "ling," under which name, when salted and dried, it is exported by the Jersey merchants, who have fishing estab- lishments there, and who probably introduced the name. This fish is frequently taken of the length of three feet, especially in the Gulf; it is of a reddish brown colour, with slight metallic reflections on the cheeks, and a dark patch be- neath the orbits ; abdomen lighter, mixed with gray. It has one barbule under the chin ; the ventral fins are simple rays, divided or forked, one of the divisions longer than the other. i Of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 35 Head imintcd, flattened aliove ; Hnout prominent ; the upper juw projects beyond the lower ; l)otli jaws are arched with several rows of sharp, incurved teeth, wliich rencler necessary an armature of six or oi^ht inches above the hook, as this fish readily bites ofl'a coniniun cod-line. Genus 3. — Merluriun. Species 1. — Merlucius alhidus — The Silver Ilakc. This fish has the same gco i i; Genus 5. — Brosmius. Species 1. — Brosmius vulgaris — The Torsk, Tusk, or Cusk. This is a northern fish, and its southern limit on the North American coast, is Massachusetts Bay ; ever in the Bay of Fundy it is not very abundant. It is taken in deep water while fishing for cod, and is said to prefer a rocky bottom on which sea-weed grows. Its usual length is from 18 inches to 3 feet, which it rarely exceeds. The colour of the body is a uniform dark slate, the head rather darker than the body. The mouth large, the jaws filled Vi ith large, recurved teeth ; the upper jaw is a very little longer than the lower ; a single barbule under the chin. The dorRal fin begins well forward on the fish, and terminates just in front of the tail ; the anal fin is continued to the tail and nearly joins it. The caudal fin is round, and like the dorsal and anal fins, is margined with blue ^nd edged with white. This latter peculiarity renders the torsk, or cusk, easily diif^tinguished among all other members of the cod family. n ;.- •■■■.vli- Of New Brunsuick and Nova Scotia. E7 Dr. Storer is of opinion, that the torsk of America cannot be distinguished from the torsk of Europe, although LeSueur conceives there is a difference, and designates the American species B. Jlavescens. In Europe this fish rarely appears below 60", or above 73°, north latitude. It is plentiful on the coast of Norway, as far as Finmark, and also on the west and south coast of Iceland, but rare on its north and east coast. The fish of this species token in the Bay of Fundy, are usually caught in the latter part of winter, or early spring. When eaten fresh, it is very fine, but rather tough ; it is there- fore generally preferred after being dried. It then swells much in boiling, and parts into very thick flakes. In Boston, this fish is considered a delicacy, and when dried, is by many thought preferable to cod. Genus 6. — Lota. Species 1. — Lota maculosa — The Spotted Burbot, or Fresh- v/ater Cusk. This is the only member of the cod family which resides per- manently in fresh water. Some hundreds are taken annually in the River Saint John, by night-lines dropped through the ice, at the beginning of winter. Many are thus taken near Fredericton, but the best fi&hing ground is on the sand-bars, a little above the mouth of the Or&mocto River, where this fish resorts previous to its ^^pawning, which takes placo in February or March. The length of the fresh-water cusk, is from 18 inches to 2 feet. The body is compressed, and somewhat eel-shaped ; thtj head broad, depressed ; jaws nearly equal ; the gape large. The teeth are in the jaws, small and recurved, distributed in bands. The colour of the body is a yellowish brc /n, clouded and spotted with darker brown spots, and it is covered with a mucous secretion. The *ins partake of the colour of that part of ihe body from which they emanate, those of the lower surface being much the lightest. In July, 1841, the writer caught one of this sprcies of fish on tt night-Hne in Lake Temisccuata, which weighed seven pounds. It is abundant in that lake, and also in the Eagle and Saint Francis Lakes already mentioned, in common with the " Afhite-fish," and " great grey trout." Dr. Richardson (Fauna Boreali Americana) says it is common in every river and lake, from Canada to the northern extremity of this Continent. The Cree Indians call it the "methy;" the Canadian voyageurs name it "la loche," and by these two names it is known in the fur countries. Within the limits of the United States, it is called the "eel-pout." It is very voracious, feeding on smaller fiah, and cray-fish ; these last abound in Lake Temiscouata. Dr. Richardson says he opened several of these fish taken at Pine Island Lake, in the mmmmmmm 38 Descriptive Catalogue of Fishes 11; month of March, wliich were filled with cray-fish to such a degree, that the form of their bodies was quite distorted, the soft integuments of their bellies admittmg of great dilatation. The flesh of the "fresh-water cusk," is white, firm, and ot good flavour ; the liver and roe are considered delicacies. When well bruised and mixed with a little flour, the roe can be baked into very good biscuits, which are used in the fur coun- tries as tea bread. This fish is not unlike the eel in many of its habits, con- cealing itself under stones, waiting and watching for its proy ; it feeds principally at night, and is therefore generally taken by night-lines. Family 2. — Pleuronectid^ — The Family of Flounders. POPULAllLY CALLED FLAT FISH. The peculiarities of this fajnily are thus described: — "Body flat, compressed vertically ; upper surface dusky, and of va- rious colours; beneath, white; dorsal single, extending the whole length of the back ; both eyes placed on the same side of the head ; no ai Madder ; branchial rays, six." With such j"fp characteristics, the members of this family are renu;/y recognized everywhere. In some of the members, the eyes are placed on a diflerent side from their usual situation, and these are termed, reversed individuals; more rarely it happens, that both sides are coloured, when they are said to be doubled. As some confusion iias arisen, as to whether a fish is right or left, dextral or sinistral^ the following is the rule adopted. The fish is placed on its edge with the tail to the observer, and the dorsal fin up])ermost; the fish is then said to be dextral or sinistral, according as the coloured side is on the right, or left hand. All the fishes of thii family arc very tenacious of life. ■ Genus 1. — Uippoglossus. Species 1. — Hippog!,r,' vhjgaris — The Halibut. This is a very large fisn ; i* is >und on the roast of North America, from Nantucket to iv; c'Pnland ; and is frequently taken of the weight of 2001bs. l>r. Sto.cr mentions one of these fish brought into Boston market, that weighed 420lb8. after the head and bowels were removed ; and anoth"r, that weighed upwards of COOlbs., which was taken on a bank, sixty miles south east of Portland, Maine. The halibut is very voracious ; it swims near the ground, and devours other flat-fi^^h, as well as shells and Crustacea. In summer, it is caught • shallow water, and often quite near the shore; in winter it r res to deep water. The flesh is rather coarse and dry, but it is much esteemed by many ; the fins and flaps are delicacies, if the fish is in good condition. Of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 39 When tlie fishermen of the Bny of Fundy tnkc a number of these fish at one time, they salt the flesh lightly, and then dry and smoke it for winter use. On some parts of the coast of Nova Scotia, this fish is found in such abundance, and of so large size, that the localities are avoided b} those engaged in cod-fishing, as a boat, or small vessel, becomes soon heavy laden. Both eyes, and the colour of the halibut, are on the right side ; bjjt Dr. Storer mentions, that reversed specimens are some- times met with, and says he examined a fish of this species, in Boston market, tvcighing 1031bs., with the left side coloured, and bearing the eyes. Genus 2. — Plafessa. Species 1. — Platcssa plana — The common Flounder. 2. — Platcssa pusilla — The Sand-flounder, or small dab. 3. — Platcssa limanda — The Fleuk, or common dab. These several species of flat-fish are found everywhere on the coasts of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia ; very likely, other species exists, and will be hereafter noticed. The first, or common flounder, is from 6 to 18 inches in length ; the eyes and coloured surface are on the right. The f;olour is variable; some are greenish, others slate-coloured, but generally, rusty-brown prevails. In Boston, this fish is called the " winter flounder," and its flesh is highly prized. In the tide-way of the Miramichi, this fish is taken with the hook, during winter, through holes cut in the ice. The next species, the sand-flounder, or small dab, is a little fish, from 4 to 6 inches in length, nearly of a uniform olive brown ; the eyes and coloured surface on the right ; found in Khnllow and sandy bays and coves. It is very abundant during Mimmer, on the sands to the eastward of the City of Saint John, and is taken at low water by hundreds, in the shallow pools of the estuary of the Marsh Creek. The shrimp-fishers on tho^e sunds, also take them in great numbers in their shrimp-nets. The third species, the fleuk, or common dab, as it is calleu In Scotland, also abounds. It is generally taken towards autumn, when it approaches the shores prior to spawning. Several of this species were taken by the writer in October, 1850, in the upper part of the Bay of Fundy, near Parrsbo- rough ; it was found a very sweet and delicate fish, eaten fresh. It is readily distinguished from the common flounder, by its more jaiform and lighter brown colour, its more curved lateral line, and the greater roughness of the scaly surface. The eyes and colour are on the right side; it is from 8 to 12 inches in length. Another small flat-fish was observed by the writer, at Point Miscou, in August 1849, where it was taken in a smelt-seine, n^^noRfnni^^^ 40 Descriptive Catalogue of Fishes the smelt he'mg used there as bait for cod. It had several of the characteristics of the European plaice ; but as it was evi- dently the young of a larger fish, no decided opinion could be formed. Family 3. — CvcLOPTERiDiE — The Lump-fish Family. Genus 1. — Lumvus — The Lump-fish. Species 1. — Lumpvs vulgaris — The common Lump-fish. This fish is characterized by the ventrals being united in a disc, or cup-shaped form. The body is deep and rough, with bony tubercles ; it is soft and flaccid, resembling a lump of jelly. By means o ' its cup-shaped ventrals, it adheres so firmly to any solid substance, as to be removed with difficulty. The lump-fish varies in length from 10 to 20 inches. It is a native of the northern seas, being found abundantly on the coast of Greenland. The coast of New York is the most southern limit in which it has yet been observed. On the coast of Massachusetts Bay, it is frequently taken, from 31bs. to 151bs. weight, but there it is never used as food. Dr. Storer says the specimens taken there, are of a bluish date-colour on all the upper part of the body, the under part yellowish. The whole appearance of this fish, he says, is very forbidding ; the younger specimens being a soft, gelatinous mass, the older, much firmer, but both covered with firm, horny spines. This fish has been frequently noticed in the vicinity of Grand Mannn, attached to, or immediately beneath, large masses of floating sea-weed. Small specimens are frequently taken in the weirs, within the Harbour of St. John, which the fishermen throw away as worthless. In the spring, the lumi)-fish approaches the shores to deposit its spawn ; it is then taken in considerable numbers near the Harbour of Halifax, the largest weighing about five pounds. They are taken there of two different colours ; the one variety being of a dark blue, approaching to black, ani the other quite red. Those of a red colour only, are used as food ; they are C9nsidered good by many, although very fat, and somewhat oily. The dark-coloured variety is considered very inferior, and is not eaten. . Mr. Yarrell notices this difference in colour in the lump-fish, and also in the quality of its flesh, which he says is only the effect of season ; the fine external colour, and the firmness of the flesh, being lost for a time by the exhausting process of spawning. When dark-coloured, the fishermen designate it the •• worthless blue-lump." The North American lump-fish (or lump-sucker as it is sometimes termed) is considered identical with the like fish, caught on the shores of Great Britain. It feeds principally on young fish, of which it devours great quantities. >, .; ,, , .i:,,^ Of NeiD Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 41 Order 4. — Apodal, without ventral fins. Family 1. — ANGUiLLiDiE — The Eel Family. Genus 1. — Angidtta — The Eel. Species 1. — Anguilla vulgaris — The common Eel. The eel inhabits both fresh and salt water, and is taken in every situation in these Colonies which it can reach. Its colour is greenish olive above, yellow beneath ; this colour extending along the base of the anal fin, nearly to the end of the tail. It is caught in a variety of ways ; but taking the eel with hook and line, is considered much too tedious and troublesome. In summer, it is caught in long round Indian baskets, called eel- pots ; it is also taken by torch-light, with the s|>ear. In winter it is taken through holes in the ice, by spearing it in the mud, where it then lies torpid. The places where this fishing takes place are generally well known, and are termed "eel-grounds." It is very voracious, feeding on aquatic insects, small fishes, and all dead animal substances that come in its way. The structure of its branchial pouches enables it to live out of water for a long time ; and as it can move along the ground, it is not uncommon to find the tiel shifting its quarters from one creek or lake to another, by crawling through the grass. The common eel, when in good condition, is a very excellent, well-flavoured fish. It varies greatly in size, being taken from (5 inches to 2 feet or more in length. Dr. DeKay says he has examined the " silver eel," so called, and considers it only a variety of the common eel. Its general colour is silvery gray, darker above, and a clear white belly shining like satin. Species 2. — Anguilla oceanica — The Sea Eel. Dr. DcKay gives this name to a sea eel found on the coast of New York, which the writer has also noticed in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. It is described as brownish on the back ; pale on the sides ; beneath, smutty white ; fins tipped with bluish white, or pale blue. It was first observed in June 1842, at Lennox Island in Richmond Bay, on the north side of Prince Edward Island. The Indians had there taken several with torch and spear, which were three feet in length. A specimen was also shown to the writer at Pokemouche, (north of the Miramichi,) in October 1849, by a Micmac Indian, who had split, salted, and smoked it. In that state, without the head, it was about the size of an ordinary smoked salmon, and fully as thick ; it was taken in Pokemouche Gully, by torch- light, with a basse spear. The Micmacs say, that this eel is exceedingly shy, and cannot be induced by any means to enter an eel-pot. Those seen by 6 it. (■ it fi IP^'^IWIPPI^IW* HH 42 Descriptive Catalogue of Fishes the writer were excessively fat, the flesh very white, and exceedingly well flavoured. The sea eel, described by Dr. DeKay, is stated to be fifty inclics in length, and weighing nine pounds. It is probably found along the whole North American coast, north of New York. Genus 2. — Ammodytcs. Species 1. — Ammodytcs Amcricanus — The American Sand- launce. The usual length of this fish is from 6 to 12 inches. The head and body above, bluish brown, intermixed with silvery and light green ; beneath this, the sides and abdomen arc silvery — the whole fish has a beautifully brilliant appearance. It is a northern fish, but its geographical range extends as far south as New York. It is found everywhere on the coasts of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, chiefly on beaches, under stones. At Newfound- land, and on the coj st of Labrador, the sand-launce is used largely as bait for cod. On several parts of the coast of Great Britain and Ireland, this fish is readily eaten by the poorer classes ; but as more palatable species are easily obtained in America, they are allowed to collect on the shores in large quantities, to be devoured by their numerous enemies ; the cuttle-fish (sepia arctica) is said to prey upon them voraciously. GROUP II.— CARTILAGINOUS FISHES. I ill Order 1. — Fishes with free gills. Family I. — STURiONiDiE — The Sturgeon Family. Genus 1. — Accipcnser. Species 1. — Accipenser oxyrinchus — Sharp-nosed Sturgeon. This fish is taken in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia from 2 to 8 feet in length. The body is pentagonal ; the skin rough ; the head flattened above, and slightly depressed between the eyes. The wliole upper portion of the head, bony ; the head elongated, spatuliform, and covered with strong, bony shields, roughened above ant' beneath. The upper part o' ^he body is of a grayish brown colour ; inferior portion of the sides, silvery ; beneath, white. This fish ascends the River Saint John in considerable num- bers in May, and is then often taken in the Harbour of Saint John, of the length of six feet or more, in weirs, seines, and Of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 43 gnspereau nets, to which last it is very destructive. In the summer, it basks on the Oromocto shoals, about 70 miles from the sea; during very hot days, some one of these monsters may be seen, every few minutes, flinging its whoIc*lcngth into the air, apparently in mere wantonness, but probably to disen- gage itself from the lamprey col, which fastens upon its belly and eats into the flesh. Instances have occurred of the s.ur- geon having leaped into a canoe, in its eftbrts to disengage itself from several lampreys, that had fastened upon it, at the same time. This fish also basks on an extensive sandy shoal to the southward of Grand Point, in the Grand Lake, about GO miles from the sea. The Milicete Indians who formerly encamped in that vicinity, were accustomed to t caught, 18 inches long and 9 inches wide, which so closely resembled the hedgehog ray described by Doctor Mitchill, that it is believed to be the same fish. The form was more rounded than that of the skate ; the surface of a pale brown colour, with several groups of prickles arrayed in regidar lines. A double series ran along the vertebral line, and extended the whole length of the tail ; on the sides of the tail, the prickles were very stiff* and stout. It was caught near the shore, in less than two fathoms water, with a large sized trout hook, used for taking small pollack. When brought on deck, it rolled itself almost into a ball, displayed its prickles, and bore very great resemblance to a young hedgehog ; if struck with a stick, it lashed about its tail in all directions, and seemed bent on defending itself to tl»e uttermost. One of the men belonging to the vessel, after teasing it some time, threw it overboard, when it swam away, although it had been a long time out of water. A careful examination of this genus will probably show that several other species exist on the coasts of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, besides those now mentioned. Order 3. — Fishes with round mouths, formed into a sucker. Family 1. — PETROMYZONiDiE — The Lamprey Family. Genus 1. — Pctromyzon. Species 1. — Pctromi/zonAmcricanus— The American Lamprey. The lamprey is very common in the fresh waters of the Lower Provincr^. It ascends the Saint John in May, and passing into the smaller streams, generally selecting those which have stony or gravelly bottoms, it there deposits its spawn, among conical heaps of stones. They have been often seen in the summer, in pairs, at work together, constructing these mounds, which are about three feet in diameter at the base, and two feet high, composed of stones from the size of an ounce bullet to that of the fist ; they often aid each other in carrying the same stone. It is noi known at what time the lamprey returns to the sea, as it always moves in the night ; but there is an impression I*' If IS) 48 Descriptive Catalog .j Fishes that it dies in the fresli water after flpawning. This impression may have arisen from the fact, that dead lampreys arc often seen in the streams toward autumn. In August 1840, the writer, while trout fishing in the Ncrepis, saw dead lampreys along that river for miles. Mr. J. L. Price states to the writer, that the lamprey ascends the Miramichi, and all its principal tributaries, where numbers arc frequently found dead toward autumn. He has often observed it, in August, evidently in a languishing condi- tion, the head and throat greatly bloated, and the whole body covered with a white mucous secretion. Mr. Price has re- marked one peculiarity of this fish, which distinguishes it from all other minor fish — when disturbed at the spawning season, it will pursue the intruder, however formidable, with great spirit, even beyond the bounds of the water. The lamprey is usually of a bluish brown colour, mottled with dark olive green along the back ; beneath, a uniform dull yellowish olive. The fore port of the body is round ; the posterior part flattened. There ar', seven large branchial apertures back of each eye, passing backward in nearly a straight line, the first smallest. When the lamprey is unat- tached, the mouth is a longitudinal fissure ; but when attached, it is circular, the lip forming a ring, furnished with hard horny teeth of a yellow colour, within. This fish is belie ve(^ ^ do much damage to mill dams built upon gravelly or s foundations, by working its way beneath the dam, thr „.. the sand and gravel, and occasioning leaks, which gradually undermine the dam and eventually lead to its destruction. LeSueur, a French naturalist, in describing a lamprey from the Connecticut River, says the annular or ribbed appearance of the fish, is owing to the muscles, which are endowed with great strength, in order to enable it to burrow in the muddy sands of rivers, which it penetrates in a serpentine manner by means of its snout, the large lip performing the functions of a terrier. The lamprey has been known to attain the length of 30 inches, with a girth of 6 inches. The writer has never known it to be eaten in New Brunswick, but in the United States and elsewhere, it is held in high estimation by epicures. 0/ Ntw Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 49 IIST OP THE POPIILVR NAMES OP FISHES IN THIS CATALOGUE. I. The Perch Famihf. 1. The American yellow Perch. 2. The Striped Ij'nssc. 3. The Wiiite Perch. 4. The curninon Pond Fish. 11. The hard cheeked Family, (Sculpin.) 1. The common Bullhead. 2. The Greenland Bullhead. 3. The two-spined Stickleback. 4. The Norway Haddock. III. The Mackerel Family. 1. The Spring Mackerel. 2. The Fall Mackerel. 3. The Tunny, or Albicorc. 4. The Sword Fish. IV. The Goby Family. 1. The Wolf Fish. V. Fishes with wrists in their pectoral fins. 1. The American Angler. VI. The Wrasse or Rock Fish Family, 1. The Sea Perch, or Cunner. 2. The Tautog, or Black-fish. VII. The Carp Family. 1. The common Sucker. 2. The yellow Shiner. 3. The Roach, or Red-fin. 4. The Roach Dace. 5. The shining Daco, or Shiner. 6. The Chub. 7. The Brook Minnow. S. The striped Killifish. VIII. The Sheat-fish Family. 1. The ccmmon Cat-fish. IX. The Salmon Family . 1. The Brook Trout. 2. The Great Grey Trout. 3. The Salmon Trout, (White Sea Trout.) 4. The Salmon. 5. The Smelt. 6. I he Capelin. 7. The White Fish, (Gizzard Fish.) X. The Herring Family. 1. Th' common American II ji ring. 2. The Britt. 3. The Shad. 4. The Alewive, or Gaspcrcau. 5. The Mossbonkcr. 6. The Shad Herring. XI. The Cod Family. 1. The Bank Cod. 2. The American Cod. 3. The Tomcod. 4. The Haddock. 5. The Hake. 6. The Silver Hake. 7. The Pollack. 8. The Torsk, or Cusk. 9. The Fresh Water Cusk. XII. The Flat-fish Family. 1. The Halibut. 2. The common Flounder. 3. The Sand Flounder. 4. The Fleuk. XIII. The Lump-fish Family. 1. The Lump-fish. XIV. The Eel Family. 1. The common Eel. 2. The Sea Eel. 3. The American Saud-launce. m 50 Descriptive CaiaJog^ne of Fishes, ^c. XV. The Sturgeon Familij. 1. The sharp nosed Sturgeon. XVI. The Shark Family. 1. The Tlueslicr Shark. 2. The Kasking Shark. 3. The Doff-fish. XVII. The Bay Family. 1. The Skate. 2. The Hedge-Hog Ray. XVIII. The Lamprey Family. 1. The Lamprey. In all, eighteen families, comprising forty genera, and sixty two species of fish. If- ■ "■; fi m LIST OF WORKS CONSULTED. In preparing the foregoing Catalogue, the classification of Baron Cuvier has been followed, as that generally adopted in the present day by the most eminent naturalists and men of science, and best understood. The following is a list of t!'e various works consulted, to each of which the writer is under greater or less obligation : — Regnc Animal, \nxv M. le Baron Cuvier ; translated with sup- plementary additions to the class fishes, by Edward Crifiith, F.R.A., and Lt. Col. C. Hamilton Smith. Hist aire Noiurette des Puis sons, par Cuvier, et Valenciennes, Tom. 21. History of B' itish Fishes, and Sujjplement, by Wni. Yarrell. Fanna Boreali Amerieana, or Zoology of the northern parts of America, by Dr. Richaruson. Report on the Fishes of New York, by Dr. J. E. DeKay. Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts, by Dr. D. II. Storer. Synopsis of the Fishes of North America, by Dr. D. H. Storer. Observations' on the Fishes of Nova Scotia and Labrador, by Horatio Robinson Storer — in the Boston Journal of Natural History for October 1850. Fisl. and Fishing in the United States, and British Provinces of North America, by Henry W. Herl)ert, (Frank Fo vrester.) The Deep Sea and Coast Fisheries of Ireland, i.y W. Brabazon. Pailiamentary Reports of the Board of British Fisheries, from 1843 to 1850, inclusive. 1 The writer earnestly requests, that this attempt to classify and describe the Fishes of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, may be viewed with every indulgence, as the work of one who does not profess to be a naturalist, but simply an occasional observer of nature. Government Enn\gralion Office, St, Jotiii, N. B,, Janimnj, 18"i?. M. II. PERLEV. WHO lonal ^- L \ * \ .'. - " -K v^'-- ;.i '4