oe re ee Sob 40-9. 5 ace og ee eons MR Din See eg te 84 6.4 SE inte ag 2. OO onl Sothe wd Ms tatty oe 10 ve BETES SM Ate ths Be ea SARE don A ph 2/9. Dita Boe ten oe i, Mites. Af we Bei MOL tot ee oh SP inti rH Pity a, “ Mes ii eT Pag ae wie sy fodies a ee a ees te Pye 2 i ae eet } \ Ao a as : i w j a oth ai! wl Po : i UNITED STATES COMMISSION OF FISH ANIY FISHERIES, Lae o> sh faa f . am ner oo eee Pee Det Se REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR sl Ms Wee Ao A.—INQUIRY RESPECTING FOOD-FISHES AND THE FISHING GROUNDS. B.—PROPAGATION OF FOOD-FISHES. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1889. S. Mis. 90——1 Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That the report of the Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries for the year 1886 be printed; and that there be printed 11,000 extra copies, of which 3,000 shall be for the use of the Senate, 6,000 for the use of the House of Representatives, 1,500 for the use of the Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries, and 500 for sale by the Public Printer, under such regula- tions as the Joint Committee on Printing may prescribe, at a price equal to the additional cost of publication and 10 per cent. thereto thereon added, the illustrations to be obtained by the Public Printer, under the direction of the Joint Committee on Printing. Agreed to by the Senate February 26, 1887. Agreed to by the House March 2, 1887. It 298 CONTENTS. I.—REPORT OF THE COMMISSLONER, 1. INTRODUCTORY NOTE. .----..----------- - 2-205 222s ee cee e een nee ene ne Bie) IR ITOI ICO . INQUIRY RESPECTING FOOD-FISHES AND THE FISHING GROUNDS ..---------------------+ A.—Field work.--... SRS ogee ee OS INE aE Rane ne bop op eo IO DOH EEE renr ead vee pe Sj aetis- B.—Special investigations.......-------- Ap ara seek kero es ca iceaee COPS pSSPER ac cIe C.— Preparation of reports, etc. ----.-..--+---2-- -252-- <5 2252 25-552 serene cene es eee ean D.—Proposed extension of the inquiry to the Pacific coast. .-..-..--.--.----+------+--- . INQUIRY RESPECTING THE FISHERIES....---...-------------------- 2-2 sree eee eee teens AGOGO ane NEL WORK. ee ar o< 24am alee) Wan name 5 soles hie sein onle ie eini= ease nie imine sininie PE nnhemachereliishery Gmrin® 1a8O. soca ce am nee alasie ae eee ee tetera einer ina (Cpa SING fla Ne eC Or 7 GG peelsece OR Se Slee See oO eee DER SES oe HOSE aa Senagm eee scr ron- . FISHERY RELATIONS OF THE UNITED STATFS WITH CANADA..-----.----- ---------2e000- Information furnished the Secretary of the Treasury by the Commissioner.-.-....-.-- . PROPAGATION OF FOOD-FISHES..---------------- +--+ ++ eee ee pene ee eee ee eee eee eee eee PPS TEENIE OG fa ttS 1) AO N@ LES 2). cic) nn male ncnes aleicaia scincine @ nie = = oo dS few no meteeia selene Notes on the species propagated and distributed .............----------------------+---- TEAST (NETS GI aoe neee conn se BESS en onors Js SsnOce Ea eeaeeesere opslacaeaiene es The Malibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) ...--------------------+-e2000------ Te attest (GUGUS MOTTRUA) = anna =n ann me mmc a a,c aa ainjs soa qin =< 6 sien Sielia Mie VWeaelkerel (Scomber Scomurus) can osmennccns-5oseccn=-deeeeeeecsiceenice Whe Black Bass (Micropterus dolonvici)....--.---2---2--0 2-222 eee es coe ees The Bed-eye (Ambloplites rupestris) ..-.-------- ----------------- ee rens wenees PeCIRes MMR ES ER CLICDOTIIG JLUDOSUS) 02a meinen eis se een eicaala sa am ee alee olin alae The White Perch (Roccus americanus) ....-------------------2 2220+ cence The Rockfish or Striped Hbass (Roccus lineatus).-----.----------------- Whe Muelle (OsmMerus MOTKAL) < a epirin sn sola alee XLII Qn the Clackamas River, Orefon. --.2-- ..- 202000 sae wce mocenemonensecesnedenceenaes XLIV 7. THE VESSELS OF THE FISH COMMISSION. .....---------e20-0 eo oe enn nee enn seer ene n ene XLV A—The steamer Albatross. 2. 2a. 50 ne ncneccmesisvncd onc me ate: selene genes =e a¥ snes new XLV YG ISUCATIOD TVR ENON 3 annonces ene ainsi oe (daee ie <= iene ine eee ~~ XLVI C——Uhe steamer Halcyon. 2-5. saosin c nena nolem ie sehen meee nina amie ms oilo nea aie XLVI D.—The schooner Grampus. --.-.-- = 20206 score e cows ccccne no + sees seceneenn acs esensusane XLVII Assignments of naval officers .--.----. 2. .22. 20-2 ener e eee eee ence een ene eeeeenee XLVII 8. COURTESIES AND ASSISTANCE RECEIVED BY THE Fist! COMMISSION ..-..--.--.---------- XLVIII A.—From the United States Government... .. 2.2002. - 222-00 ceesee ve cse ces ennecescnnas XLVUI B.—From railroad companies of the United States -.....---..------------2e-een- sane ee XLIX C.—From steam-ship companies... 2-65 case cnc en cece cena sere cess seams sine aeeeeees L D.—From foreign governments. -....--.----.------220+ 222 -- 2 eee ener eee nen e ewe e ee snens L 9. COURTESIES AND ASSISTANCE RENDERED BY THE FIsH COMMISSION -..--.-...-.--------- LI A.—To foreign countries .-.--. Basan Sao paps bacorsoca Herrin teeoeaacr Seibert Se LI Bia Tp OUNSrS seer Stele = olen an ciel = alate lela ow ee rays emis nie Uc ml aimel alee (9) mins nie Smt eos ime le a le LII 10. PUBLIC EXHIBITIONS OF THE METHODS AND RESULTS OF THE COMMISSION........-.---- LIL AH Mouiswille, Kay, cp ois. nin occ tein wae eee sme Site a wel iminla mie ls aim minieiw nw n= latel aici olsia nt tere LII AG in coln) NODE» sac. onicin a /annminn see sn ce Omainia Dalen la eases eawees se shea sae saa eee LIIL At Chicago, Ill ...... 2-220 ee nee cone ee een cnn i rete cence ern e ence sens cance scaece LIII At Wilmington, Del........2-----0- 20-0 ee 2 cee nnn ee ce een eens cen nee seer ceeces LIII 11. VISITS FROM REPRESENTATIVES OF FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS. ....-..------2---------00e-e LIL Mr, Kadznutka Ito, of Japan ..--. 22... 2s eee nnn scenes cnn nnn omnes cece enn men me sense LIII Dr Milip Drybom, of Sweden... ce. ee osc cee eelaeelere =m wasn sear ee LIM © 12; DEATHS DURING THR YEAR. 000.06 sen ccncen cecnwalnceube sounescesenssewseaensens euepele LIL Notice of Capt. Hubbard C. Chester... 2.22 cj cece cee ccenecnns sennenenne a= esam=neane LIIL Notice of Capt. Nathaniel E. Atwood ....-. 2.0000 scececscenne seen nen cce een eenes cennseee LIV 13. PUBLICATIONS BY THM FisH COMMISSION DURING 1886 .........-- Soda sei a ie eee LIV VAMNUAL LEPOTtS ..- 22 woe ca ccwnae cen ns ceweemeccesansemswenncnsceccsecns+ceisicnsomnsn=ain LIV oy Quarto Teports -.. 2-2 on ose nce ewe newer see seen es wep mmem nee wes en ene ser = tens ensnsnwaeme Liv; MI IMGEAN oc cido wt so sde ans ees vccwsteenab shane peer ene en Mermnpe acta a dine a7 ie LV : PAMPMICES - 2. eee ence ee ctemmnneenenes aeons naeenernesenhic~ asin ewns'=-n <= cee anan LV _ DIGEST OF THE APPENDICES WHICH ACCOMPANY THIS REPORT ...-.....-22--+2seeeeseee LVI * eth Tho Rahorion s. n.,0cnn0Ledesenvasaapsdatceaso esha d duew eye chet ool i LVI B.—Scientific investigation .......--20-sccccccencnsscnewscces cen cn ccesesecce sounus LVI C.—Fish-culture ......-. Shire wcieree xe-oee swid eine mace nnn See wb OCS a's n= a Oe LVII «D.—Reports of vessels and stations ..-.....---222---eeee ene e ene ence ene nee ener ne LVII 1 —MABCCHANCOUG) Sein 2 iar ciaane swokidas meee essa delsac semen aeieeeeicaaaes 693 Ix. REPORT ON THE OPERATIONS OF THE STEAMER HALCYON FOR THE YEAR END- CEO CHEMEUR OL, Gowen cca aeee aoe aaa ws wet SOS nema se io. es setae nena 699 X. Collims. REPORT UPON THE OPERATIONS OF THE U.S. FISH COMMISSION SCHOONER GRAMPUS FROM JUNE 5, 1886, TO Marcu 15, 1887. By Capt. J. W. Collins. _ One PAO ey SDECIAN INDEX. «ou cce abou aenine nee Case soot ans socdeebens cach awonemeeeeeees 70] XI. Wiather. REPORT OF OPERATIONS AT COLD SPRING Hannon, NEW YORK, DURING ‘THE, AKASON, OFV1886.. | By Mred Mather: 222.2. --senca bac. sesso eascecesee oe caret 721 XT. Clark. REPORT OF OPERATIONS AT THE MICHIGAN STATIONS OF THE U. S. FIsu COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 1886-’87. By Frank N. Clark.-.........--.--.--.------ 729 XIII. Stome. REPORT OF OPERATIONS AT THE UNITED STATES SALMON AND TROUT STATIONS ON THE MCCLOUD RIVER, CALIFORNIA, FOR THE YEARS 1885-'87. By Liv- DUES UM UO Ole. ate Rabe aa as caeh aa scan ac a aaas a paiee oe ain scoe sr asee aueew'ecuebasete 737 XIV. Atkins. REPORT ON THE PROPAGATION OF PENOBSCOT SALMON IN 1886-’87, By CHATS Gre AtKINS 2 fete ane ests a scijansecinuat eee aetesidaasie tty see sali sae cena Sets 747 XV. Atkins. REPORT ON THE PROPAGATION OF SCHOODIC SALMON AT GRAND LAKE STREAM, MAINE, IN 1886-’87. By Charles G. Atkins XVI. Ravenel. REporr OF OPERATIONS AT BATTERY STATION, HAVRE DE GRACE, MD., FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1886. By W. de C. Ravenel..........-..-.--- XVII. Ravenel. REPORT OF OPERATIONS AT SAINT JEROME OYSTER-BREEDING STATION FOR THE YEAR 1886. By W.de C. Ravenel...........2.-----+.-------- Be aia a terse XVIII. Carswell. ReEvorT ON THE ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OF THE CODFISH AT WOOD'S HOutL, Mass., FOR THE SEASON OF 1885-'86. By James Carswell..........-.------- XIX. Atkins. REPORT ON THE ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OF CODFISH AT Woop’s HOLt, MASS., FOR THE SEASON OF 1886-87. By Charles G. Atkins.-...--..-.------------ XX. MecDonaid. REPORT OF OPERATIONS AT THE WYTHEVILLE STATION, VIRGINIA, FROM JANUARY 1, 1885, TO JUNE 30, 1887. By Marshall McDonald. Six plates......... - 793 XXL. MeDonald. Revrorv OF SHAD DISTRIBUTION FOR THE SEASON OF 1886. By Mar- ISPEVN Wa (led Da Pa caite | as oS ea A ek i ol AD ea eos) a a I, Bee ae aie Se je 801 XXII. Grabill. Revort oF OPERATIONS AT THE SHAD-HATCHING STATION ON BATTERY IsLAND, NEAR HAVRE DE GRACE, MD,, DURING THE SEASON OF 1886. By L. R. Grabill...... JEST: qemu wee tae BOE Beet Sata er en ok ge es idea sa nteeeues 807 VI CONTENTS. XXTIL. WicDonald. Report OF SHAD PROPAGATION ON THE POTOMAC RIVER DURING THE BEASON OF 1886, By Marshall McDonald once coco coc accepnceenneetes >. seeeeee XXIV. Smith. Rreporr ON THE SHAD WORK OF THE STEAMER FISH HAWK DURING THE SEASON OF 1886. By Mate James A. Smith, U.S. Navy, commanding..-.--.-.--.. “ XXYV. Smith. REPORT ON THE SHAD WORK OF THE STEAMER LOOKOUT DURING THE SEASON OF 1886. By Mate James A. Smith, U. S. Navy, commanding.......-.-..- XXXVI. Wather. REPORT OF EGGS SHIPPED TO AND RECEIVED FROM FOREIGN, COUNTRIES AT THE CoLp Spring Harsor, NEW YORK STATION, DURING THE SEASON OF 1886-’87. By red Mather...2 2s .ncavesteee bt cSt opener ee CORE eet eee see eee ar XXVII. 'feDonald. ReEvoR’T OF DISTRIZUTION OF FISH AND EGGS BY THE U.S. Fisu Com- MISSION FROM JANUARY 1, 1886, TO JUNE 30, 1887. By Marshall MecDonald.....--- XXVIII. DISTRIBUTION OF DUPLICATE SETS OF MARINE INVERTEBRATES, 1879-1888. Special index....-. Bdetet ne R A sits einer tee acta af oece oe mites ee See ine’ apace ce E.—MISCELLANEOUS. XXIX. Smith, Lis? OF THE DREDGING STATIONS OF THE U. 8. Fis COMMISSION, THE U.S. CoasT SURVEY, AND THE BRITISH STEAMER CHALLENGER, IN NORTH AMERICAN WATERS, FROM 1867 TO 1887, TOGETHER WITH THOSE OF THE PRINCIPAL EUROPEAN GOVERNMENT EXPEDITIONS IN THE ATLANTIC AND ARCTIC OCEANS. By Sanderson Smith, Hive charts: io: .26 co! enc Se ce aeencnehnen vos sees aceon eee eee XXX. Kostytscheff® CnEMICAL COMPOSITION OF FISH PRODUCTS, WITH SOME REMARKS ON THEIR NUTRITIVE VALUE. By Prof: P. Kostytscheti--_.-22--2.2-- --a-.eeeeeecas XXXII. Wiauriac. REVIEW OF CASES OF POISONING CAUSED BY SPOILED CODFISH, AND THE. UNNECESSARY PROHIBITION OF THE SALE OF REDDENED CODFIsH. By Dr. E. Mauriac. XXXII. Mizer. NOTES ON THE NORWEGIAN FISHERIES OF 1885. By A. N. Kiver .......---. (GENERAL INDEX, 2 ccs awcien saint eho cca eet ACE Saueaceescupawecs we evant aantn cite pean 833 843 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE APPENDICES. FLOUNDERS AND SOLES.* Page. Fic. 1.—Atheresthes stomias. The Arrow-toothed Halibut.......-..-.-----------eseeeee= 336 2.—Platysomatichthys hippoglossoides The Greenland Halibut..-.-........-..-.-- 3 336 3.—Hippoglossus hipposlossug. The Halibut.-.....-......2..--220.---.----0020------ 336 4.—Hippoglossoides platessoides. The Sand Dab..........-...----.--..--------+---- 336 5.—Hippoglossoides elassodon. The Alaska Sand Dab.......-....------.e.-00 Sige te 336 6.—Psettichthys melanostictus. The San Francisco Sole..........-..-. wads sdecwisna 336 7.—Paralichthys lethostigma. The Southern Flounder...................---.-s00-0-- 336 8.—Paralichthys oblongus. The Four-spotted Flounder.............-.-.------------. 336 Sa10:—Plenronectus maximus. (ENer Der bO ties qseicde aoe caus sine on amaicinm scisinswinaasia as Hac 336 4 11.—Lepidopsetta bilineata. The California Sole.........-.----.------eseeeesenceseene 336 12 imanda. terrupines. Che) Rusty Dab.<----5. 4s --....--..-2---ceaesseacesceesee eeeene eee 800 IW —General view of buildings’ and grounds) 2225.-o soc. eecac scenes «esceeceereee epee 800 TLY.— Pian of hatchery, first'tloor..-.-. 2. 2.-cec2- -keee ede emctaas eet aa: 800 EVi—Plan ‘of hatchery, Second oor. --..=+ 6 occu accemeeedemnl NV OREGIS on cere ree na eae ee eeetes 4 186. 91 60 POO OOUEIANG ews waes usecce snesse es Weirs'and traps) .2 2. scesece ee no) Lo ccnn ces] Conb eee eee ROOMNGG WOU Use satel eins uokuis'y nin smi DVICBRBIN cic cnughs Ap ae eee ce Pies wns 2 88. 13 19 BN OBIS. tis sine Ramee)! avid sc wee in| ernie WOLcae ce wc seceneitremenemss 9 1 77. 00 17 PPNURVIM ASS Css ceiencc sk skseska wal enamels MO esos Ace sane emery Cannes es 1 79.15 17 ULL ete ena Sutaie a cakancee claescs tess ee daenets eee emueremeen's 327 | 22, 726. 24 5, 046 PL i i REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XIX The American catch of mackerel for 1886—Continued, | ave Scotia | } “ hs New England | shore and Gulf | 1886. | Southern. shore. | of St. Law- | Total barrels. State. | Apparatus. | rence. | Sa | ers : i—_— | Cured. | Fresh. | Cured. | Fresh. | Cured. | Fresh.) Cured. | Fresh. | | | | | wid - | = | emis a 5 |= ae | | | Massachusetts ..| Vessels .-..-.-.--. 2,612 | 9,928 | 8,126 | 10, 032 | 54,633 |..---.- 65, 401 | 19, 960 LO SABE EEE (Veins andvaraps stiacsecte esse aae [yd eo ie sOOke |i ae) Ser iceman 1,299 | 5,991 IGRI oes eon in.5,< Wessels 25e) 24 i | 95 2, 550 6, 604 2,528 | 10, 727 780 | 17, 426 5, 898 Dereon /-) | Weirs and traps ..|.--...-.]..-..2.- 80 G5 Ob |). eet Se (RE 80 950 Mowsltampsiire.)| Vessels... 222.02 -|yae-secs|enne. a Ione ota D00Ueareese tees 125 | 1,500 Rhode Island....| Weirs and traps -.|---..-..|.--..-- G50H | HL S100), |e eee eae 650 | 1,100 Connecticut ..-.-. NACL) SRS aaa Pabeese | seracke 27D) seen [eee eaee Soars Pats), eee New York... 22 2\.-. Oo) soneecetees [eemeaeorte sans 50) |peeeeeee | 100) 35222 150) ieee Pennsylvania....|..-. AOS Sos Stereo ate actos 68 200) |: seeu es VAG ee cae 348 68 y | Total ..... .. ET eS See | 2,737 | 12,586 | 17,409 | 22, 101 | 65,608 | 780 | 85,754 | 35, 467 C.—THE SCHOONER GRAMPUS. In previous reports allusion has been made to the building of a sail- ing vessel for the work of the Commission, which was to be named the Grampus. The vessel was completed and went into commission on June Sth of the present year. Her operations are fully discussed in a report published in the appendix. The purposes for which this vessel was constructed are varied and important. For some time the Commission has felt the necessity of having a suitable sailing vessel, provided with a well, in which marine fishes can be kept alive and transported from the fishing grounds to the hatching stations on the coast where the eggs may be obtained for the purpose of artificial propagation. Such a vessel can also serve a useful purpose by bringing in alive marine species, not perhaps in a gravid condition, which can be put into large aquaria and thus afford to biologists an opportunity to study the habits of our ocean fauna under conditions that can not possibly be otherwise afforded. . Another important duty which it is believed may be performed by a welled vessel, that is seaworthy and swift, is to visit European waters and bring therefrom alive certain species of marine fishes which are held in high repute for food and do not occur in American waters. Among these may be mentioned the sole, turbot, plaice, and brill. The introduction and propagation of these species in our waters must be of great advantage to the United States, not only in giving to our people additional species of delicate food fishes, but in introducing for their capture the method of fishing with a beam trawl, which is not now in vogue here and might, perhaps, profitably employ many vessels and men. The Grampus has been fitted for using a beam trawl to test its utility in American waters in a commercial way. Although we have not the species of flat fishes which constitute the principal objects. of the beam trawl fishery in Europe, there are several kinds in our waters XX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. that are nearly as good, and it is possible that on the sandy and muddy bottoms frequented by these off our coast the beam trawl may be very effectively used. It is also of the highest importance that the movements of the migra- tory fishes should be followed in the spring and autumn, when they are . approaching and leaving the feeding grounds which they frequent in summer. Hitherto less has been done in this direction than is desirable, and a sailing vessel which is able to remain at sea in all weathers is especially well adapted to carrying on such investigation, since she is not depend- ent upon a supply of coal, and may, if necessary, cruise for weeks or months in succession. The Grampus being especially fitted for carrying on fishing operations can use all the appliances and methods for the eap- ture of fish much better than they can be used on larger and more ex- pensive steam vessels. In connection with these researches to ascertain the movements and habits of the migratory species, various forms of apparatus will be used to ascertain their presence, as well as the oceur- rence of erustacea or other forms of minute life that may constitute the food of fishes. Observations of the temperature, density of water, and the influence of winds and currents upon the movements of fish can also be studied. She is especially adapted to making researches at sea for the discov- ery and investigation of fishing grounds, as well as for collecting the fauna of the localities visited, and thus determining the value of certain regions for the purposes of commercial fishing. The Grampus is a two-masted, schooner-rigged vessel, 90 feet longs over all; 81 feet 6 inches on load-water line; 22 feet 2 inches beam, and 10 feet depth of hold; lier registered tonnage is 83.30 tons. In model and rig she is a radical departure from the vessels commonly in use in the New England fisheries; and an additional important object sought in building her was to produce a type of fishing vessel which will be safer an@ better adapted in various ways to the exigencies required of a schooner employed in the ocean fisheries. In the cruises made the present year she has shown remarkable sea- going qualities, and has demonstrated the fact that in safety, speed, and ‘“‘ handiness” she is far superior to the clipper fishing schooners of New England. Her influence is already being felt, and the principal features in her model and rig, which have been alluded to in a previous report, are being copied by the New England builders. It is reasonable, therefore, to suppose that marked innovations may be caused by her advent, and that a few years will witness a change for the better in the form and rig of our fishing vessels. Such a change will result in the obtainment of greater safety and other scarcely less desirable qualities that must prove very beneficial to the fishing inter-’ ests, and especially in preventing the sacrifice of life and property which has heretofore seriously handicapped these industries. ee REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXI 4,—FISHERY RELATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES WITH CANADA. The treaty of Washington, defining the fishery relations between Canada and the United States, terminated July 1, 1886, but, by cour- tesy of the British Government, the privileges which it had granted to American fishermen were extended tothe 1st of January following. In connection with the correspondence which ensued between the repre- sentatives of the two Governments relative to this subject, the U.S. - Fish Commissioner was occasionally called upon for information. In December, 1886, he made the following report to the honorable Secre- tary of the Treasury, in reply to several questions which the latter had presented for his consideration. This report is of special interest as giving in concise form a comprehensive view of the fishery question based upon the evidence in the possession of the Fish Commission. The questions and replies are as follows: Question 1. ‘What do you estimate to have been the value of the products of the British North American fisheries for 1885?” The Canadian fisheries in 1885, as shown by tables compiled by the Canadian gov- ernment, furnished occasional or continuous employment to 59,493 persons, with 1,177 vessels and 28,472 boats. The value of these, together with that of the other appara- tus and capital, including shore property, gives a total of $6,697,459 employed in the fisheries industries, with a total value of products amounting to $17,722,973.18. The tables from which the summary is obtained have been compiled from the annual re- port of the Deparment of Fisheries, Dominion of Canada, for the year 1885. In using the figures, it should be remembered that the tables include not only the commercial fisheries, but also the persons, apparatus, and capital employed in fishing for local supply, and probably a large number who fish only to furnish food for their own families. This class, owing to the lack of manufacturing interests and the char- acter of the soil, composes in many localities a large part of the population. Question 2. ‘What are the descriptions of the fish—in consequence of the present habits of the fish, the present methods of catching, drying, curing, and preserv- ing—American fishermen desire to take either in the jurisdictional waters of British North America, or in the open sea or open bays near the British colonial posses- sions?” Prior to, and during the first half of the present century, many of the New England vessels engaged in the offshore cod fisheries, being of small size, found it desirable to fish in the vicinity of the shore, where they could make a harbor in case of severe storms. Owing to their small tonnage, they found it difficult,to carry sufficient quan- tities of codfish to make a trip to the more distant fishing grounds profitable, and many of them found it desirable to land and dry their fish upon the shores, thus ena- bling them to bring home a much larger quantity as a result of the voyage. At that time the majority of the fish were exported to Spain and the West Indies, and the methods which our fishermen found it necessary to adopt in drying their fish on the provincial shores made them especially adapted for these markets. Since 1850 the small vessels engaged in the offshore fisheries have been gradually replaced by larger ones, and thus the privilege of fishing for cod in the vicinity of the shore has become less important, and as the codfish are more abundant on the offshore banks, 20 to 200 miles from land, vessels engaged in this fishery now prefer to visit these localities; and they have been doing so, with comparatively few exceptions, for the past fifteen or twenty years. The catch of these vessels, instead of being ex- ported, is now to a great extent consumed in this country, and our market at present calls for fish cured in a different way, so that the privilege of drying and curing fish XXII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. on Canadian soil, now that the vessels are large enough to readily carry the undried fish, is no longer of any advantage whatever to our fishermen. Formerly vessels employed in the mackerel fisheries were provided only with hand- lines, and the crews caught the fish from the vessel’s deck. When fishing in this way they found it desirable to grind up fish and clams, which they threw in large quanti- ties into the water to attract the mackerel and keep them in the vicinity of the vessel. The best results were then obtained by fishing in shoal water, as the bait thrown overboard could not sink to any great depth, and the entire body of fish were thus kept near the surface, where they were within reach of the hook and line. About 1,865 purse-seines were introduced for the capture of mackerel, and in a few years they came to be generally adopted by vessels employed in the mackerel fishery. These are fished to best advantage at some distance from the shore, and the fishermen usually ayoid shoal water, as the seines are liable to be ruined when set in depths where the lead lines may chance to come in contact with the bottom. During earlier years the halibut fishery in the vicinity of Provincial shores was of some slight importance to the American fishermen, but this has been confined wholly to deep water, many miles from land, since 1875. The shore herring fisheries, and the occasional capture of certain species for bait, were also at one time of value to fishermen from the United States; but such a de- cided opposition on the part of the resident Provincial fishermen was manifested to the exercise of the privilege of taking fish, accorded by the Treaty of Washington, that the practice of catching their own supply was practically abandoned, and the fishermen have almost without exception, since the well-known difficulty at Fortune Bay, Newfoundland, about ten years ago, purchased their cargoes of herring from the 55 ene . local fishermen, and, where these had no suitable apparatus forobtaining the same, have carried their own apparatus and hired the provincial fishermen to manipulate it. The mackerel is, then, the only species of any importance visiting Provincial waters which American fishermen at present desire to catch within 3 miles of the shore, or indeed within a much greater distance. This is practically the only Pro- vincial shore fishery in which our fishermen have had any considerable interest since the ratification of the Treaty of Washington, as the great majority of our vessels em- ployed in other fisheries on the banks off the Provincial coast seldom fish nearer than 25 or 30 miles from land, and a majority of them secure their cargoes from 100 to 200 miles from shore. At the present time the advantage to be derived from any privilege of fishing within 3 miles of the Canadian coasts, even for mackerel, is comparatively insignificant, as the results of the season which has just closed show conclusively that our vessels which have fished wholly outside of the 3-mile limit have done fully as well as the Canadian vessels which have had the opportunity of fishing everywhere, without re- striction as to distance from shore. Question 3. In the method of fishing on that open sea, or in those open bays, of preserving the catch and sending it to our ports for a market now desirable for our American fishermen, of what importance is the right to enter, in a commercial way, British colonial ports in the neighborhood? The nature of the occupation of fishing, when the size of the vessel is considered, renders it impossible for a fishing vessel to provide against all contingencies. On leaving the home ports the vessels are ordinarily provided with what is supposed to be a full outfit of provisions and apparatus, but a scarcity of fish may render it de- sirable that it should remain on the fishing grounds longer than was expected, or it may be delayed by head-winds, storms, or floating ice, until the supply of provisions or water is exhausted. It then becomes convenient, in order to prevent actual suffer- ing, that the vessel should make a harbor and obtain additional quantities. Instances have occurred during the present year when vessels short of provisions have attempted to reach one of our own ports to obtain a supply rather than incur the risk of seizure by entering those of Canada for that purpose. | : REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXIII Again, portions of the vessel’s equipment, such as anchors, cables, fishing-boats, and apparatus of capture, are liable to be lost during stormy westher, and it is a great convenience to be able to purchase new material in the nearest Provincia! port rather than to incur the loss which must be sustained, provided the vessel is obliged to return to American markets to purchase them. This is true both in the fisheries carried on near the land and also in those on the more distant fishing grounds. This season much inconvenience was experienced by many of the vessels engaged in the mackerel fishery from the tearing of their seines and the loss of their seine-boats in heavy weather, owing to the refusal of certain Canadian officials to allow them to land their seines for purposes of repair or to buy new boats for continuing their fishing operations. Many of them were provided with two boats, and some carried two seines to guard against such contingencies, but in a number of cases vessels so equipped were equally incon- venienced with the others. The only occasion that vessels would have for entering the harbor, due to the methods of preserving fish, would be for the purpose of obtaining either salt, barrels, orice. It sometimes happens that the salt is damaged by a leak in the vessel, or that a detention beyond the expected time causes the melting of the ice, and it is impor- tant that our fishermen should be permitted to purchase additional quantities in Canadian ports, rather than run the risk of losing the entire cargo of fish or of return- ing with only a partial trip. The present interpretation given to the treaty of 1818 by the Canadian authorities, while it might allow a leaking vessel to enter a port for repairs, would not allow it to replace the salt that might have been rendered worth- less by the leak. The privilege of landing cargoes of fish at Provincial ‘ports for shipment to the United States is of considerable importance to vessels engaged in the mackerel fishery, but of little value to those employed in the capture of other species. Vessels are thus enabled to land trips for shipment and to immediately resume their fishing operations, thus saving the two to four weeks necessary for making the homeward and return passage; but with the privilege of transshipping cargoes should be coupled that of refitting at the port where the fish are landed, otherwise the vessel might be short of provisions or apparatus, which would render it impossible for it to continue its fish- ing operations. Most of the vessels from Gloucester, Mass., engaged in the off-shore cod fisheries ‘have made a practice of obtaining fresh bait in Provincial ports; but a majority of vessels similarly employed from other places carry salt bait, thus being entirely in- dependent of the Canadian supply. The chief difference between the two classes is that the Gloucester vessels fish with trawls, while the crews of most of the other vessels catch their fish witb hand-lines. It is claimed by certain of the Gloucester fleet that they get more and larger fish by the use of fresh bait, but the fishermen from other ports have found their own methods profitable and have not felt disposed to follow Gloucester’s example even when they had free access to Canadian ports for the purpose of obtaining bait. A few of the vessel-owners in Gloucester have long maintained that the time lost in going to and from Provincial ports to secure bait, and the temporary demorali- zation of the crews resulting from a visit to these ports more than offset any ad- vantages that are to be derived by the use of fresh bait, and urge that salt bait would be found, on the whole, more profitable; but as a considerable percentage of the men employed on the vessels have families or relatives in the Provinces, they have continued to urge upon the owners the necessity of obtaining bait in these localities, and it has been difficult to dissuade them. After the experience of the present year quite a number of other Gloucester owners and fishermen as well are convinced that it is on the whole better to substitute salt bait than to continue the old practice of leaving the Banks in the midst of the fishing season to obtain other kindsin the Prov- inces. That this opinionis shared by the Nova Scotia fishermen is proven by the fact that for some years they have been in the habit of purchasing large quantities of salt XXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. clams from dealers at Portland and other towns in the State of Maine, to be used by them in the cod fisheries. Since the introduction of the purse-seine the mackerel fishermen have required no bait. In the halibut fishery it is only necessary to take a sufficient quantity to last one or two days, as the remainder of the catch can be obtained on refuse fish taken on the trawls with the halibut, or, if necessary, small halibut can be cut up and used for baiting the hooks. In the past the cod-fishermen frequenting George’s Banks have at certain seasons ‘of the year obtained their bait from Canadian ports, but the experience of the pres- ent year has proven that they are not dependent upon them, as most of the vessels have obtained their supply on our own coast with comparatively little diffienlty, and frequently with less loss of time than was customary when visiting localities in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It will thus be seen that though the privilege of obtaining bait and the ice neces- sary for preserving it in British North American ports has been in the past and may even still be considered a convenience to certain classes of vessels, it is not of vital importance, The agitation of the question of bait supply has had a very beneficial influence upon our own fishermen, and has resulted in the development of extensive shore-bait fisheries along the coasts of Maine and Massachusetts, which give promise of being able to supply in large part, if not wholly, the demands of our entire fleet. During the past summer the experiment of shipping bait to Boston from the more remote localities on the coast of Maine has been made with success, and the cost of trans- portation is not high enough to be a barrier to the continuance of the business. If this practice increases, as at present seems probable, it will doubtless result in a great saving of time to our fleet, which has often in the past been seriously incon- venienced in its fishing operations, owing to the time consumed in sailing from port to port in search of a supply. The U.S. Fish Commission has recently begun a se- ries of experiments with a view to determining the praticability of preserving fresh bait long enough to admit of its shipment from New England ports to the fleet fishing on the more distant banks, but the work is not yet sufficiently advanced to warrant an opinion as to the probable result. Question 4. ‘The same question in regard to the fishing on the permitted coasts and the commercial entry in the prohibited bays and harbors, but not for fishing.” There is at present comparatively little fishing by American vessels on that portion of the coast to which free access is given by the treaty of 1818; but vessels fishing in that vicinity should have the same privileges in other ports as are accorded to other vessels, as it would seem unwise to discriminate, and it would, perhaps, owing to the few settlements of any importance on the permitted coast, be more convenient for the vessel to enter ports in the prohibited districts to purchase the necessary articles than to go out of their way in an opposite direction, where there might be any un- certainty of securing them. . Question 5. ‘‘What is your estimate of the total tonnage of the American vessels, the number of fishermen thereon, engaged in the Canadian and North Atlantie fish- eries in 1886, and the total value of their catch?” A careful estimate of the extent and importance of our New England vessel fish- eries indicates that during the present year there have been 1,956 vessels, aggregating 115,130 tons, with crews numbering 17,996 men, employed in the various sea fisheries. The fleet is estimated to have been divided as follows: 1,530 vessels in the food-fish fisheries, 215 in the shell-fish and lobster fisheries, 177 in the capture of whales and seals, and 34 in the menhaden fishery. The 1,530 food-fish vessels aggregated 71,200 tons and furnished employment to 14,240 men. The vessels, with their equipment, were valued at nearly $5,000,000, and their catch is estimated to have sold at prices to fishermen for $4,590,000. Of this ae ee eee ee REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXV fleet 350 sail were engaged in the off-shore mackerel fisheries, 200 in the cod fisheries on Querean, Grand, and Western Banks, 165 others in the cod fisheries of George’s and Brown’s Banks, 65 in the off-shore halibut fisheries, and the remaining 750 in the miscellaneous shore and off-shore fisheries. The off-shore mackerel vessels are the only ones that have engaged to any extent in catching fish in the vicinity of waters under British jurisdiction. Of this fleet about one-half, or possibly a slightly larger percentage, have fished in the Gulf of St. Law- rence during a portion of the mackerel season, the remainder of these vessels having remained off our own coast. Below are given two tables, showing in detail the extent and character of our New England vessel fisheries in 1885. The figures as there explained are estimated from partial statistics furnished by collectors of customs on Treasury circular No. 63, Bu- rean of Navigation, and from special, but as yet unfinished, investigations by the U.S. Fish Commission. The statements in both tables are therefore subject to re- vision; but, as due allowance has been made for the statistics not yet received, it is believed the totals will not be materially changed by the final compilations. Table estimating by fisheries the total number, tonnage, and value of New England vessels employed in the North Allantic food-fish fisheries in 1886, with the number of men and value of apparatus and outfit on same, and the total value of their catch. [These estimates are based upon partial returns from collectors of customs on Treasury Circular No. 63, current series, and upon special investigations by the U. 8. Fish Commission. ] Value of | Number Fisheries. Number.| Tonnage.) Value. apparatus ot Aas of and outfit. men. eaten, Off-shore mackerel fisheries. .--..... 350 30,000 | $1,325,000 | $520, 009 5,500 | $875, 000 Cod-fisheries on Quereau, Grand, and Western Banks ....-......--. 200 16, 500 765, 000 330, 000 2, 800 990, 000 Cod-fisheries on Goorge’s and ISS AMIS anaes co ee ce ae 165 10, 000 640, 000 200, 000 2, 000 850, 000 Off-shore halibut fisheries...-..-.-.-. 65 5, 000 400, 000 110, 000 900 750, 000 Miscellaneous shore and off-shore THOME BICG Mei ees Cont ok wee cc cee 750 9,700 430, 000 260, 000 3, 040 | 1, 125, 000 BR Gale temo atenwokwneice cs caaeeae 1, 580 71, 200 3, 560,000 | 1, 420, 000 14, 240 | 4, 590, 000 Table estimating by fisheries the tolal number, tonnage, and value of New Engiand vessels, with the number of men thereon, employed in the various fisheries in 1386. [Based upon partial returns from collectors of customs on Treasury Circular No. 63, current series, and information obtained from other sources. ] = ; No of + r T. No. of State. No. | Tons. | Value. eater. State. No. Tons. | Value. see = — _ _ ud — a — , Lobster and shell- Food-jish. fish. MESO) onan 25 = i 525 | 18, 060 | $900, 000 | 3,600 || Maine .......... 40 750 | $30, 000 100 New Hampshire - 20 600 | 30, 000 TAU AN WOW Teh ald le ecy a2) 8b ey ery este ne! Sees lipeeese Massachusetts. .. 850 | 50, 000 2, 500, 000 |10,000 || Massachusetts. - 15 850 8, 000 40 Rhode Island .... 85 400 20, 000 80 || Rhode Island... 10 100 7, 000 25 Connecticut -...- 100 | 2,200 110, 000 440 | Connecticut .... 150 | 2,600 | 200, 000 400 ELGtad Ss aa25— <- 1, 580 | 71, 200 |3, 560, 000 |14, 240 Mota, 222.055 215° 4, 300 245, 000 505 Whale and seal. 5 OTE RM fi f Menhaden. | ? I As i Cn 2 100 | $10, 000 D0y We Miditre cas tesupell: Me aM to si VIROL a Nba teil by New Hampshire .|..-...- Nae Te U's ieee 3 oes DONG We AMS OIRO | See) gio sec tl ee ete ieee eee ees Massachusetts...| 169 | 36,000 /1, 500,000 | 2,500 || Massachusetts..| ...-..|....---.].----- Deets ote Stats Rhode Island ....|....... peer ack) eee ir || Rhode Island -.. 19 | 960 | $161, 000 291 Connecticut -.--. 15 | 2,000 100, 000 240 || Connecticut .--. 15 570 66, 550 140 OUR. «sje, 2.- one 177 | 38, 100 |1, 610, 000 | 2, 760 Mota 2 eases 34 | 1,530 | 227, 550 431 XXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Table estimating by jisheries the total number, tonnage, and value of New England vessels, with the number of men thereon, etc.—Continued. SUMMARY. State. No. Tons. | Value. a a aaa t = zit . A oe 567 | 18,850 | $940,000 | 3,720 New Hampshire . See 20 600 | 30, 600 Massachusetts... 1, 025 86,850 | 4,008,000 | 12, 540 Rhode Island .... sae mee 64 | 1, 460 | 188, 000 396 OMRON CNG sp ven uccenwaceececosey oie 280 7, 370 A76, 550 1, 220 UNM ee ae ail Gam HIN is Haran a seam hep eeaaeneeoee 1,956 | 115,130 | 5,642,550 | 17, 996 Question 6. “What change has, in your view, come to American fisheries since the last full year of the Washington treaty in regard to the character, quantity, and general features of that industry ?” There has been little change in the fisheries other than the mackerel fishery during the past year. In this fishery the scarcity of mackerel has been very marked and the catch has been much below that of the average year. The decrease, however, can be in no way attributed to the abrogation of the Treaty of Washington, but must rather be accounted for by natural causes which have affected the abundance, movements, and locality of the species. For several years prior to 1886 mackerel appeared in more than average quantities, and for eight or ten years, ending with 1885, they have been much more plentiful on our own coast than on any portion of that of British North America. For this reason the fleet of American mackerel vessels visiting waters in the vicinity of British terri- tory has of late been very smal]. In 1885, out of a total of about 380,000 barrels caught by our fleet, only 26,000 barrels, or less than 7 per cent., were taken in the vicinity of Canada, the quantity obtained within the 3-mile limit being only 3,564 barrels. The fact that, during a season when permission had been given to allow American vessels to fish anywhere in the waters of British North America without restriction as to distance from shore, less than 1 per cent. of the catch of our mackerel fleet was secured within 3 miles of British territory, and that more than 93 per cent. of the total catch of mackerel was obtained in the vicinity of our own coast, is cer- tainly significant. During the present year mackerel have been peculiarly scarce in all localities, though for the first time in eight or ten years they have been more abundant in the Gulf of St. Lawrence than off the New England coast, and a large percentage of the American vessels employed in the fishery have visited that locality. The catch has, as arule, been unusually small, but the price has increased in proportion, so that the season for some of the vessels has not been wholly unprofitable. The limited catch can not in any way be accounted for by the restrictions placed upon our vessels within the 3-mile limit, for their catch, as previously stated, has been equal to that of the Canadian vessels that fished without restriction as to distance from the shore. The vessels engaged in the cod-fishery have met with more than average success. This is partially attributed to the fact that the squid, used for bait, have been very plenty during the summer and fall months on the fishing-grounds. It has not in- frequently occurred that vessels have sailed without any bait, depending upon the supply that they could catch on the Banks upwards of a hundred miles from shore. Question 7. ‘Your Gommission has, in its annual reports, alluded to the diminished necessity on the part of American fishermen to go to British North American ports or waters for bait. What are the new features of that necessity ?” A few years ago the United States Fish Commission obtained from Norway a num- ber of gill-nets suitable for catching codfish, and used them with success in the cod- fisheries about Gloucester, Mass. Similar nets are now made in this country, and are extensively employed by the shore cod-tishermen of that vicinity, who obtain large REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXVII catches by their use. These fishermen formerly depended in large part for their bait upon frozen herring, brought from New Brunswick and Newfoundland, but where gill- nets are used bait is no longer required. Thus far, however, gill-nets have not been extensively employed in the capture of codfish on the more distant fishing-banks. The development of our shore bait fisheries, referred to in answer to a previous question, also renders our people less dependent upon the Provincial supply, and the growing sentiment upon the part of certain Gloucester owners in favor of substituting salt clams purchased in American markets for fresh bait obtained in the Provinces, seems destined to decrease still further our dependence upon the Canadian supply. It can not be denied, however, that there are still a large number of vessels that would consider it a convenience to obtain bait in the Provinces, provided commercial privi- leges, under proper restrictions, are accorded to our vessels. Question 8. ‘‘ Your Commission has also alluded to inquiries presented by it in respect to the general value of the inshore Canadian waters to American fishermen, and the yearly value of the liberties given to American fishermen by the Washington treaty. Have you ascertained new facts of public interest in that regard which you can conveniently communicate to me?” The decreased importance to American vessels of the inshore Canadian fisheries has resulted (1) From the increased size of our vessels, which did away.with the necessity of fishing close to land, where harbor could be made in case of storms, and of landing in the vicinity of the fishing grounds to dry their fish before sailing for home; (2) From the substitution of the purse-seine for the hand-lines in the capture of mackerel, which has necessitated the fishing in deeper water and at a greater dis- tance from shore; and (3) From the change in the location of the mackerel fisheries, which has for the past few years enabled our vessels to obtain full cargoes in the vicinity of our own coast, instead of going to the Guif of St. Lawrence, where they formerly met with better success, but where of late years—prior to the present season—they have found fishing unsatisfactory. This recent return of the mackerel to the more northern waters should, however, not be considered as indicating a permanent change in the location of the fishery, for within a short time, and possibly next season, they may again appear in greater abundance on our own coast; and, indeed, the study of the movements of other fishes renders it not wholly improbable that mackerel may at no distant day disappear en- tirely from the Gulf of St. Lawrence and from other portions of the Provincial shores, where they are now abundant. 5.—PROPAGATION OF FOOD-FISHES. DISTRIBUTION OF FISH AND EGGs. The cars of the Commission have been extensively used in trarspor- tation. Some changes have been made in methods of distribution. Carp and other fishes of the same family are shipped during the fall and early winter, and not in the spring, which is the season of their greatest emaciation. Eggs intended for shipment to foreign countries were packed at the stations for the entire trip, and not repacked in New York. The boxes containing them were transferred:from the non-con- ducting material surrounding them in the outer shipping cases to the refrigerating-rooms of ocean steamers. Trout have been shipped by express, without a messenger, from Washington to New York and back, with no loss. A shipment to XXVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES Natural Bridge, Va., under less favorable conditions, was not so satis- factory; but these experiments indicate that it is possible to send trout moderate distances without attendants. ; Below is asummary of the distribution for eighteen months, including 1856 and one-half of 1887; it covers, also, the distribution of 1885~86 from the McCloud River aud Cold Spring Harbor Stations not pre- viously reported. The total number is somewhat too large, since the eggs of the Salmonidi, after being counted as distributed from the station where they were obtained, were hatched at other stations, and the fry produced were sometimes again reported. The distribution of whitefish (94,670,000) is the largest that has been made up to this time. Summary of distribution from January 1, 1886, to June 30, 1887. Kind of fish. Eggs. | Fry. Large fish. ieee SUMAN LASER Ree Ree rh eA Ph ch Sl Sd ee Me Sh. 32, 600, 000 | 62, 070, 000 COSA Tec, ye a a CA a el PE 1 Le oer Perea ease ie ret es OCA Oo Sic OS Soe Oy See hE bo eases eee eee 2, 100, 000 SION UU eetora eens wpe e cca conan stan we ene mae enabe IES000W noe Bases Brook trout.. 82, 000 7,488 DOP ate la diak aetedh ase ehne sete k ames eM ekmse Alene tee sen eee 155, 800 Atlantic salmon...... 7d4, 000 446, 588 Land-locked salmon 377, 500 44, 017 LEST OR i 0K) epee 429, 000 49, 930 Brown trout 84, 500 | 26, 500 TIDIS Rate nce. se OL ae ae th BE ae es Rs terete Sea eho ee ek a cea 10,718, 000: }; 99: 752000") 022 senna ee eee OREO er ee ee ee ice yee ee oe Ene Mt ae ae PME SpE PZ 136; 1684). 5 oe. & see ol epee MONOD See Deh k eee eT ee fle Be ee ee oo eee | 1, 202 LER CHEE LS SES) T5 Sattler SE, Gt ER hd A 8 (ah eRe a 2, 805. |) ciesnt = steonte) (Gee eee a OEP pl ELenen aan te. sae SecA eR ee ecsentes Pisses badac| ate ae eee cee eee Eee 14 LAY) a1) OLE Eo Seer ee (ee eee oe 75,000: | uitoosc ese] Sees Miter OHH tomater Ls see merken Seu Re ce Weesor SERRE iat po pas alee | ohare ea aie 68 LBS oS a Te Ee UE dea SRE ep ee ae) re (hg Beh 2 3 Bk 48 | Jo oiloas bade] eee CV ELLE) RS ie Ee Ee OEE S SOREN Se Dele Renee De PD baer pe ne OWE |e bag SUR ee SDS os 125 LIE year Bea ar SRR AE = a ae Ay al ek Oe SE ie 2,828 | sccvcdchs nl eee ee MCN = Late de Metee or: SWE B soe BS hae be od sO ees eae ms ee ee 662, 000 || .2223-acec ect amet POS LES eee ete ree eS cc me, thecal fotcra eed ohare a, ata chal aca RR Re erie ee tea ale 19 IAD BIRT Ree nee tee eee ocUc esl anak Ponte ectas eee sack Rene 5) 000 |.2522- 2c ccce eee The grand total of the distribution is 210,628,413. NOTES ON THE SPECIES PROPAGATED AND DISTRIBUTED. a. The Sole (Solea solea). During 1886 several consignments of soles were brought across from Liverpool in the White Star steamer Britannic. were brought in one shipment without loss. ments 37 fish out of 49 sent were safely received at Wood’s Holl, where they were kept with the hope of using them for breeding purposes. The hanging fish-globes now employed for carrying soles across the Atlantic give better results than any other form of apparatus as yet devised for the purpose. b. The Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus). Early in the year 2 From two later consign- As the fishing for this important species in moderate depths has be- come unprofitable because of the scarcity of the fish it was earnestly desired to begin its artificial propagation during the present year. The ¢ REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXIX Grampus was accordingly sent to the fishing-banks in the latter part of September in search of halibut. It was found that the spawning sea- son was near at hand. The fish were caught in deep water, from 200 to 350 fathoms, and placed in tle vessel’s well apparently in good condi- tion; but all of them died within twenty-four hours, probably on account of the difference in pressure and temperature. Attempts will be made to get halibut from shallow water in the Gulf of St. Lawrence or on the west coast ot Newfoundland for future experiments, when it is expected that they will better endure transportation in the vessel. ce. The Codfish (Gadus morrhua). The apparatus which proved most satisfactory for hatching the float. ing eggs of the cod was the tidal box devised by Colonel MeDonald in 1881, modified by Capt. H. C. Chester’s addition of inverted glass cylin- ders, having the mouth closed by cheese cloth and the bottom perfo- rated for ventilation. During January and February eggs were hatched easily in the ap- paratus above mentioned, but owing to the severe weather it was very difficult to obtain spawning fish. On the 25th of January two acid carboys, each Can bane 40,000 cod- fish just hatched, were forwarded by express from Wood’s Holl to Washington. After being forty-four hours in transit, about 7 per cent. of them reached Washington alive. On the next day 50,000 fish were sent in acarboy. After a journey of forty-four hours fally 50 per cent. of them reached the station in good condition. On January 28 a ship- ment of 500,000 fish in ten carboys was taken from Wood’s Holl by messengers. They reached Washington on the 29th with a loss of less than 10 per cent., and were sent forward the same day to Pensacola, Fla., where they arrived shortly after midnight, February 1, with an additional loss of about 10 per cent. At Pensacola they were trans- ferred to the revenue steamer Forward, which had been placed at the service of the Commission by order of the Secretary of the Treasury, and carried to the place selected by Mr. Silas Stearns for their final destination in the Gulf of Mexico, southeast by east from Pensacola Bar, in 100 fathoms of water. This experiment was made to determine whether or not the cod can be successfully transferred to Southern waters and become the object of a profitable fishery there. In February a shipment of 500,000 young cod was forwarded from Wood’s Holi through Washington to Old Point, to be deposited in Hampton Roads, with the hope of forming a eclony in Chesapeake Bay. Work of the Grampus.—During the winter of 1886~87 the Grampus was engaged in obtaining eggs of the codfish for hatching at the Wood’s Holl Station. In many cases the fish were taken with the gear of the Grampus and carried alive in the well to the station. Between 600 and 700 live fish were thus secured. Over 43,000,000 eggs were obtained; 20,000,000 were hatched and planted in the immediate vicinity of the Station. Frequently eggs were obtained by sending men to collect XXX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. them on board fishing vessels on the grounds. Owing to the cold and inclement weather during much of the winter cod were unusually scarce and fishing, even under the most favorable circumstances, was poorly remunerated. The work of collecting, however, was continued whenever opportunity offered until the middle of March. Work of the Fish Hawk.—KEarly in January, 1887, the crew and some of the hatching apparatus of the vessel were utilized in the work at Wood’s Holl. Late in February and till near the end ef March the Fish Hawk was engaged in making short trips off Portsmouth and in Ipswich Bay, boarding fishing vessels to collect codfish spawn for ship- ment to Wood’s Holl. d. The Mackerel (Scomber scombrus). In the month of May Captain Chester secured three gravid mackerel at Wood’s Holl, and from them eggs were taken and placed in the ap- paratus which had been used for eggs of the cod. The fish commenced hatching in ninety-four hours after the eggs had been placed in the jars. This adds another very important species to the list of fishes that may be propagated at the Wood’s Holl Station. e. The Black Bass (Micropterus dolomici). 11 breeders and 100 yearlings were collected during the summer at the Wytheville Station. 48 vearlings were sent away during the year. f. The Red-eye (Ambloplites rupestris). At the Wytheville Station, during the fiscal year 1886-87, 77 breeders and 2,125 yearlings were obtained. 18 breeders were sent to the Cen- tral Station and 2,085 yearlings were distributed, including 586 in Cacapon River and 600 in Cowpasture River. On March 1, 1887, 25 red-eyes, about an inch in length, were sent to Max von dem Borne, Berneuchen, Germany, 20 of which reached their destination in safety. The red-eye is a good pan fish, gamey, and weighs a half pound on the average; it is likely to do well in ponds. g. The Sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus). During the summer of 1886, 125 sunfish, about 1 inch in length, were taken at Cold Spring Harbor and forwarded, through Mr. E. G. Black- ford, to Max von dem Borne, Berneuchen, Germany, who was fully ad- vised of their predatory character. h. The White Perch (occus americanus). 3 Three shipments of the young of this fish were sent from the Cold Spring Harbor Station to Max von dem Borne, in October and Decem- ber, 1886, and March, 1887, of which only three, from the last shipment, reached Germany alive. i. The Rockfish or Striped Bass (Loccus lincatus). 600,000 eggs were obtained at the Battery Station, near@favre de Grace, Md., but owing to pressure with the shad work, few of them were REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES, XXXI hatched. 75,000 fry were successfully planted in Lake Ontario, near Oswego, N. Y. j. The Smelt (Osmerus mordac). Large numbers of smelts were hatched at the Cold Spring Harbor Station, the parent fish having been obtained on the south side of Long Island. The hatching was rendered difficult by the glutinous nature of the eggs, but about one-half were developed. Over 2,000,000 young were planted in Cold Spring Harbor and 50,000 were deposited in Saranac Lake, in northeastern New York. About the first of April a lot of eggs were sent to Northville Station, where they arrived in bad condition and apparently dead, but upon digging into the mass about 15 or 20 per cent. were found to be good. k, The Whitefish (Coregonus clupeiformis). Notwithstanding the stormy and very cold weather 129,400,000 white- fish eggs were obtained during November and December for the hateh- ing stations at Northville and Alpena, Mich. The first eggs were re- ceived from Lake Erie November 7; the last from Lake Michigan December 13. On November 28 about 30,000 eggs were taken from two whitefish which had been hatched and reared at the Northville Station; this is believed to be the first record of their breeding in cap- tivity. The hatching season at Northville lasted from Mareh 11 to April 12; at Alpena, from April 22 to May 8. 82,600,000 eggs were distributed, mostly to neighboring state fish commissions; 62,070,000 fry were planted in waters of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and New York; 2,500,000 eggs were sent to England, 1,000,000 to Germany, and 1,500,000 to New Zealand; 5,000,000 were forwarded to the Central Station at Washington; 10,000,000 each to the State hatch- eries of Pennsylvania and Minnesota; 1,000,000 to New York, and 1,600,000 to Delaware. From the 1,000,000 eggs sent to the Cold Spring Harbor Station nearly 950,000 young were obtained, and these were deposited in deep, cold lakes on Long Island. l, The Dwarf White fish (Coregonus albula). : In January, 1886, Max von dem Borne sent 80,000 eggs of this species as a gift from the Deutsche Fischerei- Verein, by Herr von Behr, to the United States Fish Commission. These were received at the Cold Spring Harbor Station, and Mr. Mather was directed by the Commis- sioner to forward 70,000 eggs to Bucksport and .10,000 to Northville. Mr. Atkins received his allotment February 1. The first fish hatched out March 24, and about 51,000 young were obtained; these were planted April 21, 1886, in Heart Pond, a small lake near Bucksport which empties into the Eastern River, a small tributary of the Penob- scot. Some of the eggs sent to Northville were hatched March 7, but no healthy young were secured from them. XXXII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. m. The Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). The Northville Station—At the Northville ponds 186,750 eggs were taken. From December 28, 1856, to February 9, 1887, 82,000 eggs were shipped away, 10,000 to England, the remainder to Minnesota, Dela- ware, and Pennsylvania, and to the Central and Wytheville Stations. 27 young fish were sent away and 4,000 fry were retained for breeding purposes. The Wytheville Station—in December, 1886, 193 breeders were re- ceived from the Northville Station. In April 5,000 fry came from the Central Station. In January, 1887, 26,508 eggs were received from Northville and %5,000 from Mr. R. E. Follett, of Windham, Conn. During May ana te 1887, 750 yearlings and 2,488 fry were planted in suitable streams in Maryland and Virginia. n. The Saibling (Salvelinus alpinus). The Cold Spring Harbor Station.—In February and March, 1887, three shipments, each containing about 20,000 eggs of the saibling, were re- ceived from Berneuchen, Germany. 3,000 eggs from the first lot were repacked and sent to the State hatchery at Plymouth, N. H., where they arrived in good condition. The sound eggs of the second shipment were mixed by mistake with eggs of the brown trout received from Ger- many at the same time, and were distributed in this state to the hatch- eries at Corry, Pa., Wytheville, Northville, and Cold Spring Harbor. 15,000 good eggs from the last shipment were sent safely to the North- ville Station March 17, and hatched soon after; but the fry refused to eat, and most of them died of “blue sac” and starvation. o. The Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush). The Northville Station.—6,150 lake trout, hatched in January and February, 1886, were sent te Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Owing to a lack of available funds no eggs were taken. The Wytheville Station.—During the fiscal year 188687, 800 yearlings were sent to the Central Station, 50 to the Gasconade River, Missouri, and 350 were planted in streams near the station. The Cola Spring Harbor Station.—150,000 eggs were received from Northville December 19,1885. 80,000 fry were distributed to waters in and near the Adirondacks; 5,000 to Monroe, N. Y.; 5,000 to Gloucester, Mass.; and 20,000 to Long Island waters. An attempt to rear some of the fry at the hatchery was unsuccessful, on account of the high tem- perature of the water. In June, when it reached 60° Fahrenheit, the young began to die, and none liv ad until September. The Bucksport Station.—100,000 fry were obtained from eggs received from Northville. Of this naniiee 35,000 were kept for rearing; 1,439 were placed in Craig’s Pond June 17; and 2,113 in Pond B June 22. Upward of 31,000 were kept in the troughs and fed on liver, refuse meats, salt codfish, insects, and entomostraca. = tt Cee ae eae REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXXIII p. The Rainbow Trout (Salmo irideus). The McCloud River Station.—The first eggs for the season of 188586 were taken on December 26, 1885, which was somewhat earlier than usual. The species seem to spawn sooner than formerly. The spawn- ing season closed May 10. 221,425 eggs were taken from 226 fish. 30,000 eggs were lost because of high and muddy water; 15,000 were hatched for the trout ponds and the river, and 131,000 were distrib- uted, chiefly to State fish commissions and to Central Station. During the spawning season of 1886-’87, which lasted from December 26 to April 11, 268,400 eggs were taken from 299 fish. 84,100 of these were lost from various causes; 39,300 were hatched and the fry planted in the McCloud River; the remaining 145,000 were sent to State commis- sions and to Central Station. The Northville Station.—The spawning season in the ponds lasted from January 9 to April 25. 196,350 eggs were obtained from 375 fish ; 25,000 were sent to the Michigan lish Commission; 25,000 to Mr. Black- ford, for shipment to France; while 25,000 fry were hatched out and nearly all of them kept at the station. 4,920 young fish were shipped away from the station. The Wytheville Station.—During April and May, 1887, 8,000 fry were received from the Central Station, and 220,500 eggs were collected at Wytheville. During the fiscal year 1886-87, 12,095 yearlings, 271 two years old or older, and 98,000 eggs were shipped away. 40,000 eggs were sent to Germany, 10,000 to England, and 5,000 to France. The remaining eggs and fry were distributed to private applicants, to suit- able streams for stocking, and to various hatcheries. Mr. Max von dem Borne, writing from Berneuchen, Germany, on April 11, 1887, stated that the fry hatched from the eggs received were in excellent condition. | q. The Brown Trout (Salmo fario). The Cold Spring Harbor Station.—64,000 eggs were received in very bad condition from the Deutsche Fischerei-Verein March 1, 1886, and 40,000 came from the same source, in good condition, March 20. On April 16, 50,000 eggs arrived in good order from Max von dem Borne. 13,000 eggs were repacked and sent to the Northville Station, and 1,000 to the Wisconsin Fish Commission. During April and May, 23,500 young trout were planted in suitable waters in New York. In July a brown tront was caught in Allen’s Creek, a tributary of the Genesee River, New York, which weighed 3 pounds. This must have been hatched from the first lot of eggs received in America. One of this first shipment, which was hatched and reared at Cold Spring Har- bor, weighed 35 pounds in October, 1886, at the age of three and one- half years. During March, 1887, 108,000 brown trout eggs were received from Germany, but 60,000 of them were unfit to be developed. The last ship- ment of 50,000 eggs contained 13,000 dead ones. The good eggs of this S. Mis. 90——1m1 XXXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. lot were mixed by mistake with 14,500 saibling eggs, which arrived — the same day, and 50,000 mixed eggs were sent to several State and — National fish commission hatcheries. 10,000 eggs were received, also, on account of the New York Fish Commission, from Herr von Behr. The Northville Station.—20,000 eggs were received March 17 from the Cold Spring Harbor Station, having come originally from Germany. 2,500 of these were sent to the Michigan Fish Commission and 5,000 to the Wisconsin Commission. The remaining eggs yielded nearly 9,000 fry, which were kept at the station. During November and De. — cember 9,400 eggs were taken from stock-fish in the Northville ponds, — but only 1,500 fry were obtained from them. The Wytheville Station—2,165 brown trout eggs were received in — March, 1886. They were hatched at a very unfavorable time, the water being muddy during incubation and remaining so until the surviving fish were several weeks old. 286 were reared, and in November they were between 24 and 3 inches long. In March, 1887, 9,100 eggs were received from Cold Spring Harbor, and in May, 3,000 fry arrived from the Central Station. r. The Loch Leven Trout (Salmo levenensis). On January 14, 1887, the Cold Spring Harbor Station received 48,000 eggs of the Loch Leven trout from the Howietoun fishery in Scotland, but nearly one-half of them were dead. Strong and healthy fry were — hatehed from the remainder. s. The Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar). The Bucksport Station.—205 salmon were purchased from the Penob- scot River fishermen, from May 29 to June 8, and placed in the in- closure at Dead Brook. Only 147 of these lived through the summer. 1,158,776 eggs were taken from 101 females, an average of 11,473 each. Of these eggs, 1,099,000 were distributed, 320,000 being awarded to Massachusetts and 779,000 to the U. 8. Fish Commission, the work having been conducted by these two commissions conjointly. 25,000 | eggs were reserved for experiments at the station, and the fry were afterwards liberated in Craig’s Pond. The remaining eggs were sent during February, 1887, to the following places: Cold Spring Harbor, 300,000; IF. A. Walters, Bloomingdale, N. Y., 250,000; E. B. Hodge, Piymouth, N. H., 100,000; Grand Lake Stream, 104,000. The Grand Lake Stream Station.—A bout the 1st of March, 1887, 104,000 eggs were received from Bucksport. These were hatched with a loss of only 255 eggs and young, and the fry were planted in tributaries of the St. Croix River about the middle of June. The Cold Spring Harbor Station.—240,000 eggs were received from Bucksport January 7, 1886, and 260,000 on the 7th. 446,573 fry were planted in tributaries of the Hudson and St. Lawrence Rivers and Lake Ontario, During 1886 small numbers of young salmon were taken REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXXV in the streams in which they were planted in May, 1885. From infor. mation furnished by Mr. A. N. Cheney of Glens Falls, N. Y., and from other sources, it appears that more than 24 salmon were taken in the Hudson during 1886. t. The Landlocked Salmon (Salmo salar, var. sebago). The Grand Lake Stream Station.—The spawning season lasted from October 29 to November 18. 752 fish were taken, the females yielding 942,500 eggs, or an average of 1,935 each. 641,500 eggs were distrib- uted and 214,000 were reserved for Grand Lake Stream. The distribu- tion, according to the contributions for the expenses of the year, was as follows: : 4 Money con-| Eggs dis- Contributor. tributed. tributed. MNGRU pay Hash COMmMISSION: .o2-2-2 22.205 .s2cccdoeche es ees codes Sededseasewecics $860. 00 | 377, 500 Mie MaAssHehusesis fiS9h COMMISSION .. 5-2 2..---s0 rein ce wcce oe nne sccsnessce- ==: 300. 00 132, 000 he New Ganipshire fish Commission - --.)....%.--s6ccecs cece cee cicceeseccscece 300. 00 132, 000 TIPO eee soe tee bo Deu oO Mas Sho he ie ot te ble ee 1, 460. 00 | 641, 500 | The eggs allotted to the U.S. Fish Commission were distributed in March, 1887, to various State commissions, to England, France, and Germany, and to the Wytheville and Cold Spring Harbor Stations. The 214,000 reserved for Grand Lake Stream were hatched and planted with a very small loss. On March 8, 1886, 19,000 eggs were sent from the Grand Lake Stream Station to the Pennsylvania commission at Corry, Pa. Near the end of June about 12,000 fry developed from these eggs were planted in streams flowing into the lake of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, in Cambria County, Pa. The Wytheville Station.—50,000 eggs were received on March 13, 1887, from Grand Lake Stream; 12,997 yearlings were liberated in tributa- ries of the Shenandoah River, in the hope that this would establish a run in the Potomac River. The Northville Station.—29,000 eggs were received from Grand Lake Stream on March 19, 1886, and on April 14 they hatched, with a loss of only 575. On Aprii 27, 10,000 fry were planted in a lake of Clare County, and 12,000 in Rapid River, in Kalkaska and Antrim Counties, both places of deposit being in the northern central portion of Mich- igan. The Cold Spring Harbor Station.—34,000 eggs were received from Grand Lake Stream on March 18,1886. After a small loss in shipping and hatching, 31,020 fry were placed in two lakes of the Adirondack region. On April 1, 1887, 25,000 eggs received from the Grand Lake Stream Station were repacked and shipped to Leon d’Halloy, vice-pres- ident of the fish commission of the Lower Seine, France. a) Tee XXXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. u. The Shad (Clupea sapidissima). During the season of 1886 over 90,000,000 shad fry were distributed. Now, as the number of shad taken for market was less than 6,000,000 it will be seen that for every adult shad captured 15 young shad, arti- ficially hatched, were placed in the waters. As the cost of this pro- duction and distribution was less than $20,000 the young fish were ob- tained and distributed all over the United States at the rate of about $215 for a million, or about 46 fry for a cent. In 1885, which showed a great improvement over previous years, the rate was about 30 fry for a eent. The total number of eggs collected and fry planted have also greatly increased over the results of previous years, as from the begin- ning up to and including 1882 the total number of young shad obtained was only about 200,000,000, while in 1885 less than 35,000,000 fry were sent out from the stations. Shad fry for distribution in 1886 were derived from the following sources : From Battery Station, Susquehanna River...---..--- ge Uaes ST cose 43, 776, 000 romoenhral station, Oto MacwRUVOL 2s (css sc eiseteeslo a ein yee e ae 28, 151, 000 BroOmySheaMer his coco sic ctsiwe lot isis nce ee emetem els ees eee 21, 018, 000 HLOMMSHeAIOL LAL CY ON meee siaecmineetee = olale aee cine ele onto ne tee ash oes 310, 000 UST hs eae ee RE eNO eee EE Se Shr aber eiis e Soo. 93, 255, 000 The following statement shows the general planting summarized by the streams or drainage basins in which the fish were deposited: Loltributariesio£ Narragansett Bay <2 mc catalase ain em nieta ellelel atm epi ree 2, 534, 000 Dopmbutanesiot tsono Neland Soma (2 25s 2. oe ere seers alae l= eters 749, 000 MOP MASOOD RI VeEL shee we NeCn ped cnacicg eid obomeioee sence somes. = eee 2,312, 000 % Mor Welaware, WiVeL.< soot ecoe asec os eee cheeses teee nee sone. aeeten eee 21,618,000 Rotiributarires of Chesapeake Bay: .- cease see sacle see sale on elor em aenenae 52, 835, 000 RomribucariesorAlbemarle Sound soi 2s pie eneetee ee a cee setae 1, 990, 000 § To tributaries of the Atlantic south of Albemarle Sound..-.-....-..--- 4,183,000 — To Mississippi River and minor tributaries of the Gulf of Mexico ...-.-- 4, 758, 000 To Colorado River, tributary of the Gulf of California ........-..-.--.- 850, 000 Pa wommbia miver OAsITh. Jaci lk ie eae cob ake so ae cecerde Coes esac a 850, 000 — MEGHAN ule ce cows lod vs de chin ep ee een oe ae 92, 679, 000 The Fort Washington Station.—The first ripe shad was taken Apri] 16. From. that time until near the end of May the run of fish was_ abundant and reasonably steady. The maximum number of eggs taken — in one day was 3,503,000, on April 22; the period of greatest activity, was from April 20 to 27, inclusive, when 16,017,000 were procured, being nearly one-half of the entire number obtained during the season. In all, 36,362,000 eggs were collected. The number hatched and pianted | from the station in waters near by, was 3,154,000. The number for- warded to the Central Station was 33,208,000. The Central Station.—The number of eggs received alive from Fort Washington was 28,283,000. Of these, 1,586,000 were transferred to other stations, and the number of fry sent out to be planted was REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXXVII 24,997,000. The cost of collecting, developing, and transporting the eggs at this and the Fort Washington stations was $3,796.45, which is at the rate of $127.66 per million, or 78 shad for one cent. There has been a marked gradual increase in efficiency of the force in transporting and hatching eggs, the percentage of loss diminishing year by year from 1883, when it was 29 per cent., to 1884, when it was 26 per cent., to 1885, when it was 10 per cent., while in 1886 it was only 7 per cent. The Battery Station.—The work of the shad season began April 18 and ended June 10. The first run of fish continued for a week. All the runs of the season were very large. The number of eggs collected was 60,766,000. The supply of hatching apparatus was inadequate to meet the requirements. The number of fry hatched was 45,231,000, the percentage of hatching being 74.4; 43,776,000 fry were shipped away and deposited mainly in the Susquehanna River and other tributaries © of the northern part of Chesapeake Bay; 1,000,000 fry were sent to Oregon, besides 585,000 eggs, resulting in a deposit of 850,000 fry in the Columbia River. Work of the Fish Hawk.—From April 26 to May 1 the Fish Hawk visited the fishing shores and gillers in the northern end of Chesapeake Bay, and obtained 2,192,500 eggs for the Battery Station. During most of May the vessel was engaged on the Delaware in transporting spawn- takers, and in collecting, transferring, and depositing eggs. 34,454,500 eggs were obtained, from which 23,196,000 fry were hatched on board and 21,018,000 deposited in the Delaware River. ’ Work of the Haleyon.—From April 27 to May 23 the steamer Halcyon was occupied in Chesapeake Bay and in the Delaware River in gather- ing, transferring, and hatching eggs, and depositing the young shad. 4,561,000 eggs were taken; most of them were transferred to Battery Station or to the Fish Hawk, while some were hatched on board and deposited. 3,000,000 fry were received from Battery Station and de- posited in the tributaries of the Upper Chesapeake. The Cold Spring Harbor Station.—Late in April 1,796,000 shad eggs were received from the Central Station at Washington. Only 100,000 fry were obtained from these, and deposited in the Hudson River, near Albany. Hxperiments in planting shad.—Attempts have been continued to ac- climate shad in the Colorado River of the West, and thus to establish fisheries on the Colorado, Gila, and other tributaries of the Gulf of Cali- fornia. This experiment was begun in 1884 by the deposit of 983,000 fish, followed by 995,000 eggs in 1885 and 850,000 eggs in 1886, making a total of 2,831,000, all of which were planted at the Needles. If sue- cessful, the fry deposited in 1884 should return as mature fish in 1888. The effort to transfer shad to the Columbia River basin was repeated also. 1,000,000 fry, 200,000 eggs on trays, and 335,000 eges in hatching jars were sent out from Havre de Grace on May 9, 1886. The eggs in jars gave the best results, and this may indicate the proper method of XXXVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. shipping them across the Atlantic. 850,000 fry were deposited in the river basin. Plantings have been made during the present season in streams of all the Atlantic coast States from Massachusetts to Florida, Partieu- lar localities selected for planting are chosen with a view to the general distribution of shad in all waters of the Atlantic coast. v. The Carp (Cyprinus carpio). The total distribution for the season aggregated 133,769, of which 38,6354 were delivered to State commissioners and 95,135 to individual applicants. 589 applications had to be carried over until another year, and the number of fish given to each applicant was reduced from 12 to 15, instead of 20 as in preceding years. The Washington Station.—The yield of the ponds was small, possibly, in part, on account of the low temperature of the entire season. In- ability to drain them in the spring, because of the filling in of the Po- tomace flats, had an injurious effect on the carp, as it was impossible to kill the eels, sunfish, perch, and other predaceous fish that prey upon them. The Wytheville Station.—During the fiscal year 1886-’87, 452 scale earp and 3,017 leather carp were received from the Central Station. 450 scale carp were planted in south fork of Reed Creek, in Wythe County, Va., and 1,925 leather carp were distributed to 91 applicants in southwestern Virginia and eastern Tennessee. w. The Gold-fish (Carassius auratus). The Washington Station.—During the season 2,755 gold-fish were sent — out, in lots of 4 to 10 each, to applicants in 22 States and 2 Territories. 260 of the Japanese fan-tail variety were issued in small lots in De- cember, 1886. The Wytheville Station.—During the fiseal year 1886-87, 50 gold-fish were distributed to 9 applicants in Virginia, North Carolina, Missis- sippi, and Texas xz. The Tench ( Tinca tinea). Less than 1,000 tench were reared at the Washington Station, their number being reduced by the ravages of eels. At the Wytheville Sta- tion 2 breeders and 450 yearlings were received from the Central Sta- tion, and the yearlings were planted in the south fork of Reed Creek, in Wythe County, Va. y. The Lobster (Homarus americanus). The Woods Holl Station.—During the season the experiments were continued in the artificial propagation of the lobster. Eggs were ob- tained and placed in hatching jars, the number in the apparatus some- times reaching nearly 1,000,000, and the young were deposited in Vine- yard Sound and adjacent waters. In April and May Capt. H. C. Ches- REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES, XXXIX ter made some experiments with a view to keeping lobsters alive with the use of a very small quantity of sea water. These experiments seemed to demonstrate the feasibility of transporting the species across the continent. On May 29, 5,000 lobsters, 2 or 3 weeks old, were sent to the Cold Spring Harbor Station. These were planted off Rocky Point, in Cold Spring Harbor, June 5. z, The Oyster (Ostrea virginica). At the Saint Jerome Station experiments were continued in the arti- ficial propagation of the oyster, according to the system devised by Prof. John A. Ryder, and by other methods. The work lasted from April to November 20, and was in charge of Mr. W. de C. Ravenel. On June 23 ripe oysters were found in sufficient numbers to begin spawn- ing regularly. Collectors were put out and afterwards placed in ponds. Spat first appeared July 29. Sand and slime were deposited so rapidly and extensively as to interfere with the success of the undertaking. 6.—THE STATIONS OF THE FISH COMMISSION. A.—MARINE STATIONS. Gloucester, Mass.—This station was occupied mainly in the interests of the Gloucester fisheries and for the purpose of obtaining continuous and accurate veturns of their statistics. It was in charge of Mr. W. A. Wilcox, a special agent of the Commission, assisted by Capt. S. J. _ Martin. ~l Wood’s Holl, Mass.—Operations were carried on during the entire year at this important station, which is located on Vineyard Sound, at the southwestern extremity of Cape Cod and opposite the northern end of the Elizabeth Islands. It is now thoroughly equipped both for the propagation of marine fishes and for the purposes of scientific inquiry. The hatching of codfish, begun in November, 1885, was continued through the winter and into the spring of 1886, and was again taken up in November of tle same year. The propagation of lobsters was carried on from May until July, and experiments with reference to the planting and breeding of oysters were conducted .during the spring and summer. From early in July until the middle of October the sta- tion was occupied in the iuterest of the sea-coast investigations respect- — Mall ing food-fishes and the fishing grounds, under the immediate direction of the Commissioner, and during this period it was also the headquar- ters for the steamer Albatross. Capt. H. C. Chester, who had served as superintendent of the station since its foundation, was obliged to relinquish his position in June, on account of ill health, and was succeeded by Prof. John A. Ryder, as acting superintendent, until October 1, when the station was placed in charge of Mr. Charles G. Atkins. A frame store-house and a short section of wharf in front of the coal XL REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. shed were finished during the summer, completing the principal struct- ures required at this locality for the purposes of the Fish Commission. The final work upon the stone pier was also completed during this year by the Engineer Corps of the Army, and an appropriation of $14,000 was made by Congress to enable the Revenue Marine Bureau to con- struct a coal shed and wharf adjacent to the buildings of the Commis- sion. This work, however, was not begun until the following year. The system for supplying salt water to the laboratory building was entirely reorganized by the substitution of wooden and hard rubber pipes for the iron ones previously in use, thus obviating the mconven- iences resulting from the accumulation of iron rust in the water. In the present arrangement wooden mains, having a 6-inch bore, lead from the harbor to the water tower, and thence to the lower story of the laboratory, the distributing pipes from this point being entirely of hard rubber with brass fittings. A standard Gardner clock, connected by telegraph wire with the Naval Observatory at Washington, was placed in the headquarters building for the convenience of Government vessels touching at the station, and a time ball, working in the same circuit, was arranged on top of the water tower where it could be seen by the many vessels passing through Vineyard Sound. Wood’s Holl having been selected as one of the principal stations of the Signal Service, and the shore terminus of the Government cable connecting the main-land with the Elizabeth Islands, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket, the necessary accommodations were furnished that Bureau by the Commis- - sion. An office room in the laboratory building was assigned to their use, the exposed instruments were placed upon the roof of the store- house, and permission was given to use the flag.staff for displaying the usual weather signals. Saint Jerome, Md.—This station is located on the west shore of Chesa- peake Bay, about 6 miles above the mouth of the Potomac River. The experiments in oyster culture, described in former reports, were con- tinued here during a large part of the year, under the direction of Mr. W. de C. Ravenel, and upon a much larger seale than in previous years. Careful observations relative to the temperature and density of the water were made in connection with the work. B.—STATIONS FOR PROPAGATION OF THE SALMONID. Maine.—The two stations located in this State, one at Bucksport, the other at Grand Lake Stream, are operated conjointly by the United States, the State of Maine, and one or two other of the New England States. They are both in charge of Mr. Charles G. Atkins as superin- tendent; At the Grand Lake Stream Station, under the direction of Assistant Superintendent W. O. Buck, 855,500 schoodie or land-locked salmon eggs were obtained in good condition. Of this number 377,500 were allotted to the United States, and were distributed in Mareh, 1887, while 214,000, reserved by the State of Maine, were hatched and Ser. ee ae REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLI planted in Grand Lake Stream. Of sea salmon or Penobscot salmon eggs a net stock of 1,099,000, resulting from the winter’s work, were available for division among the contributors to the fund. Of the as- signment made to the United States, 779,000, nearly all were distributed in February, 1887, 25,000, however, being retained at the station for hatching, in order to make experiments in the rearing and feeding of the young during the following spring and summer. New York.—At the fish-cultural station located at Cold Spring Har- bor, Long Island, and owned and operated by the State of New York, certain privileges have been granted to the United States Commission gratuitously from year to year. During 1886 considerable work was_ done under this agreement by Mr. Fred Mather, superintendent, in hatching the eggs and distributing the fry of the following species to the rivers and lakes of New York, namely: Lake whitefish, lake trout, brown trout, shad, and Penobscot and land-locked salmon. Experi- ments were also made in the hatching of smelt and tom-cod. Virginia.—The Wytheville Station, located on the summit of the Al- leghany Mountains in southwestern Virginia, is leased from that State, and has been in charge of Col. Marshall McDonald, with Mr. George A. Seagle'as superintendent. Many improvements and additions made to the station in 1885 rendered it practically complete in all its appoint- ments for the season of 1886, and more extensive operations were car- ried on this year than hitherto. The following species were under cul- . tivation: The rainbow, brook, and brown trout, land-locked salmon, red eye, black bass, carp, and tench. Michigan.—The stations at Northville and Alpena, Mich., are oper- ated mainly in the interests of the whitefish fisheries of the Great Lakes, but at the former station lake, brook, rainbow, and brown trout, and saibling were also propagated during 1886. Both stations are in charge of Mr. Frank N. Clark. Northville Station is the headquarters for the whitefish work and is kept open during the entire year, but the Alpena Station is closed during the summer. During the season of 1886, 129,400,000 eggs of the whitefish were obtained from the fisheries of Lakes Erie, Huron, and Michigan. Of this number 56,800,000 were placed in the hatchery at Alpena, and 72,600,000 were sent directly to. Northville; but subsequently 21,000,000 were transferred from Alpena to Northville. The collection of eggs continued from November 4 to December 2. Of the total number, 32,600,000 eggs were distributed mainly to State hatcheries, and 62,070,000 were hatched and the fry planted in Lakes Huron, Michigan, Erie, and Ontario, and two smaller lakes in the State of Michigan. California.—The salmon station at Baird, Cal., on the McCloud River, was not operated during 1886, but the collection of eggs of the rain-: bow or California trout was continued as usual at the McCloud River Station, the season lasting from December, 1885, until May, 1886. The total number of eggs taken was 221,425, this having been a smaller XLII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. yield than usual, due to the loss of many breeding trout by disease and from the effects of a severe storm. The following season, begin- ning December, 1886, and ending May, 1887, 268,400 eggs were secured. Mr. Livingston Stone has continued in charge of the California work, with Mr. Loren W. Green as superintendent of the McCloud River Station. C.—STATIONS FOR PROPAGATION OF SHAD. Battery Tsland.—This station, located on Battery Island, near the mouth of the Susquehanna River, a few miles south of Havre de Grace, Md., was in charge of Mr. T. B. Ferguson, with Mr. L. R. Grabill as superintendent during the shad season, which continued from April 19 to June 10. The total number of shad eggs brought into this station was 60,766,000, of which 2,099,000 were received from the steamer Fish Hawk, and 2,433,000 from the steamer Halcyon, the remainder having been obtained by a temporary force employed for the purpose. About 44,000,000 eggs were hatched and the fry distributed. Experiments in the hatching of rockfish or striped bass met with partial success. Some improvements were made to the station during the year. Washington.—The shad eggs obtained on the Potomac River were transferred to the Central Station in Washington, where they were hatched and the fry distributed. The total number of eggs thus re- ceived was 28,283,000, of which 24,997,000 were hatched and 1,586,000 transferred to other stations. he propagation of other species of fish was also carried on at this station, which is the headquarters for the cars and for the general distribution of young fish. It is in charge of Col. Marshall MeDonald. Fort Washington, Md.—This station, situated on the Government res- ervation at Fort Washington, on the Potomac River, was occupied dur- ing the shad season as a receiving station for the eggs collected from the fishing shores and from the gillers along the river. A seine is also operated at this point by the Fish Commission. The eggs are retained at Fort Washington until they are sufficiently hardened to permit of their being safely transported, when they are transferred to Central Station, Washington. Over 36,000,000 eggs were received here during the season of 1886, of which one-third were taken from the fish caught in the Fish Commission seine. About. 3,000,000 of the eggs were hatched at the station and the fry planted in the vicinity. Operations were in charge of Col. Marshall McDonald. Delaware River.—Operations were carried on in the Delaware River, with headquarters at Gloucester City, N. J., by the steamer Fish Hawk. assisted part of the time by the steamer Halcyon, from May 5 to June 3, The total number of shad eggs taken was 34,454,500, of which 23,196,000 were hatched on board the Fish Hawk, a part of the remainder having been transferred to Battery Island Station. PT ie ie ee Be, REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLII D.—STATIONS FOR PROPAGATION OF CARP. _ Washington, D. C.—Many improvements were made in the carp ponds on the Monument Lot, in Washirgton, and a new and more commodious office’ building was constructed. Congress directed the filling in of Babeock Lake as an additional precaution looking toward the safety of the Washington Monument; but as this work was ordered not to begin before December, it did not interfere with the year’s operations. This lake was drained and the fish removed for the last time on November 11. The Monument Lot ponds are chiefly used for the propagation of the several varieties of the German carp, but tench, golden-ide, and gold-fish are also produced in limited numbers. They are in charge of Dr. Rudolph Hessel. Two or three ponds on the Arsenal grounds in Washington are still used for the rearing of scale carp. They are cared for by an employé of the Arsenal. E.—NEW HatTcHING STATIONS PROPOSED. Duluth, Minn.—The following petition from the fishermen of Duluth was forwarded, under date of April 18, 1886, to the Hon. Knute Nelson, “member of Congress from Minnesota: The fishermen of Lake Superior, whose market and shipping point is at Duluth, Minn., feel the need of some relief being obtained for them from the U. 8S. Fish Com- mission, and a careful consideration of the facts as presented to Prof. Spencer F. Baird, Commissioner, and do hereby petition you to use your influence in securing for them the favors herein set forth. They have formed themselves into an assoviation to promote their mutual interests; their aims and objects being a better understanding of the fishing laws of States; a uniform action amongst the fishermen concerning the regulation of the sizes of meshes of all nets, and the enforcement of the laws concerning them. To secure the artificial propagation of the eggs of both whitefish and lake trout by _ a fish hatchery. To this end we have pledged ourselves to aid, by manual labor and by the use of our fishing plants and men, to procure eggs in the season for such a fish hatchery. Realizing that the capital invested in the fishing industry is uot proving remuner- ative under existing circumstances, and realizing from our past experience that the continual diminished catches both of whitefish and lake trout are decreasing one- third of the previous year’s catch year by year, we therefore feel the necessity of providing for larger deposits of fry of these fishes, and assure you that a better senti- ment is prevailing to-day amongst fishermen concerning the production of such fry. While gratefully acknowledging the good work done by the Minnesota fish com- mission for us as fishermen, and the kindly interest evinced by Prof. Spencer F. Baird in the welfare of the fishermen of Lake Superior, yet we pray you to introduce a bill asking for an appropriation to establish a fish hatchery, under the instruction and charge of the U. 8. Fish Commission, and have assured Professor Baird that we will, by such manual labor as may seem fitting to the U. 8S. Fish Commission or the assist- ants, place our apparatus and fishing plants to aid them in collecting and procuring eggs for this hatchery; and your petitioners will ever pray, ete. This petition was accompanied by a letter from Mr. C. H. Evans, of Duluth, in which it was stated that if the Government would build a XLIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. fish hatchery in that city, at a cost of $10,000, and maintain it, the - people would donate a suitable site with an ample supply of good water. The fishermen of the region, who employ several steamers to collect the fish for marketing at Duluth, also offered to save the spawn and deliver it at the hatchery. In response to inquiries by Mr. Nelson, the Commissioner replied that the whitefish interest of Duluth had not been wholly neglected, as many millions of the fry of that species had been planted in Lake Superior from the Michigan stations at Northville and Alpena; but that if it was deemed desirable to increase the work, and Congress should provide the means, a hatching station could be built at the proposed location. As a result of this correspondence, the following item was inserted in the sundry civil appropriation bill and became a law August 4, 1886: Fish hatchery at Duluth, Minn.: For the establishment of a fish hatchery on Lake Superior at or near Duluth, Minn., $10,000: Provided, That the city of Duluth shall furnish, without charge, a suitable site for the said fish hatchery. A site offered by the Lake-Side Land Company, of Duluth, at the mouth of Lester River, on the northern outskirts of the city, was found, upon examination, to afford the requisite facilities for the purpose, and it was accordingly accepted. Jurisdiction to the land was ceded to the United States by an act of the legislature of Minnesota, approved March 2, 1887. Clackamas River, Oregon.—In February of the present year the Com- missioner received from the Hon. J. H. Reagan, chairman of the Com- mittee on Commerce, House of Representatives, a “Memorial of the Oregon legislature, relative to the establishment of a fish hatchery on the Clackamas River, Oregon,” with a request that it be given consid- eration. The Commissioner, in reply, stated that the “salmon fisheries of that region could not be maintained in the face of the adverse in- fluences exerted by civilization without resorting to artificial propaga- tion on a scale commensurate with the importance of the fisheries, nor without such legislation as will give a reasonable measure of protection to the salmon during their spawning.” He also explained that a recon- naissance of the Columbia River basin had been made, under the direc- tion of the U. 8. Fish Commissioner, by Mr. Livingston Stone, who reported favorably as to a location on the Clackamas River, as would be seen by reference to his account published in the Report of the U. S. Fish Commission for 1883. The following amendment to the sundry civil appropriation bill was — introduced in the United States Senate December 21, 1886, by Senator Dolph, but was not incorporated in the bill as passed : For the establishment of a salmon hatchery on the Columbia River, its tributaries or other branches, and for the current expenses of the same for one year, $20,000. eS — Pe s 7 i s § $ i § ‘ 4 g 6 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLV 7.—THE VESSELS OF THE FISH COMMISSION. A.—THE STEAMER ALBATROSS. The steamer Albatross, Lieut. Commander Z. L. Tanner, U.S. Navy, commanding, continued in active service during the greater part of the year. At the beginning of the year the steamer was at the Washing- ton navy-yard, making preparations for a cruise to the region of the Bahama Islands, for the purpose of investigating the winter range and habits of certain pelagic fishes, which, during the warmer months, are of great economic importance to the American fishermen; and of naking a series of deep sea soundings for the benefit of the Navy De- partment. She was detained in the Potomac River by ice until Febru- ary 17, but left Norfolk on the 20th of that month and proceeded to sea. The cruise lasted until May 10, when the steamer returned to Washington. March 30, while coaling at Key West, the officers and crew rendered effective service in fighting a disastrous fire which destroyed a large part of the town. From July 15 to October 28 the Albatross was surveying on the northern fishing grounds, from the lat- itude of Virginia to the Grand Bank of Newfoundland and the Flemish Cap, with headquarters at Wood’s Holl, Mass. In preparation for the proposed trip to the Pacific coast extensive repairs to the steamer were necessary, and it was decided that new boilers would be required to insure her safety fer so long acruise. The expenditures for this purpose were provided for by the following act of Congress, contained in the sundry civil appropriation bill, approved August 4, 1886: Steamer Albatross: For the construction and introduction of new boilers for the steamer Albatross, and other necessary general repairs, $20,000; for expenses of voyage from New York to San Francisco, including cost of coal and other necessary supplies, $7,500; in all, $27,500. The plans for the new boilers were prepared by Passed Assistant _ Engineer George W. Baird, U.S. Navy, of the steamer Albatross, and ie a i received the approval of Mr. C. W. Copeland, the designer of the vessel, and of Chief Engineer B. F. Isherwood, U. 8. Navy, to whom they had been submitted for criticism. Proposals for constructing the boilers were received and opened December 21, as follows: Name. Address. Time required. | Amount. Slater & Reid ..........................--.---.| 167 Charles street, New | 130 days ........ $14, 300. 00 ° York, Nes Atlantic Works Se aa oe cet: eee ae gee East Boston, Mass.--.-- J20 days -.----..-. 19, 800. 00 BE OAD PNG 2s ad Sarkis Dison taro ciase ws. | Camden, N. J ..-...-...- Reasonable time | 27, 000. 00 Donald McNeil and John McNeil ....... 2... ) Brooklyn, Now ---.---../ ds m0nths. 5-55... 16, 825. 00 SerL We Vamater & Coss: ncpict i o- -ecea ecules i) News Yorks, Ni-2- 02-5) 4monthas!2_ 22: 17, 600. 00 H. A. Ramsay and H. A. Ramsay, jr- .-......| Baltimore, Md.......... Gmonths.....--. 16, 538. 28 Columbian Iron Works and Dry Dock Company .....- Ove oa stat, See Ne 120 days .....-.-. 13, 439. 00 Oliver Reeder, C. M. Reeder, and L. B. Reeder |...... CERT ata TSA A ee eS 135 days .-...... 21, 985. 00 Pusey & Jones Company.............-...-...-. Wilmington, Del........ 12days'ss, 2: 19, 500. 00 nT ——————————————————————E———E————EE Se ' XLVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The bid of the Columbian Iron Works and Dry Dock Company, of Baltimore, being the lowest, was accepted, and the construction of the boilers was immediately begun. B.—STEAMER FisH HAWK. The steamer Fish Hawk was at Wood’s Holl from January 1 to Feb- ruary 21, when she proceeded to the eastern part of the Gulf of Maine, for the purpose of collecting cod eggs for the Wood’s Holl Station, gen- erally making Portsmouth her headquarters. She remained in this re- gion until April 12, when she returned to Wood’s Holl, having obtained several million eggs, which were.shipped directly as they were taken. While at Portsmouth the last part of February the Fish Hawk encoun- tered a severe gale, and slight damage was done to the steamer by two schooners fouling while at anchor. The steam-launch was also sunk and not recovered until the following September. From April 26 to June 3 the Mish Hawk was engaged in shad propa- gation in the Delaware and Susquehanna Rivers, being stationed most of the time in the vicinity of Gloucester City, N. J. The total number of shad eggs obtained was 34,454,500, of which 21,018,000 were hatched on board. From early in July until August 28 she was engaged most of the time in freighting for the Saint Jerome and Battery Island Sta- tions, and left the last of August for Wood’s Holl, visiting on the way the light-ships at Winter Quarter Shoal, Five Fathom Bank, and Sandy Hook, for the purpose of instructing the keepers in the meth. ods of making temperature observations. Returning from Wood’s Holl the latter part of October, an unsuccessful search was made in the vicinity of Sandy Hook for the English sole, which had been planted there some years before. The balance of the year the steamer remained in Chesapeake Bay, serving as a freight boat, the crew also assisting at times in the work at the stations. In July the command of the Fish Hawk was transferred from Ensign W. J. Maxwell, U. S. Navy, to Mate James A. Smith, who had previously commanded the Halcyon. C.—STEAMER HALCYON. This steamer, previously called the Lookout, was at Battery Station at the beginning of the year, where she remained until March 28, un. dergoing repairs. Subsequently she made an investigation of the pound and gill-net fisheries in some of the tributaries of the Lower Chesapeake, and from April 27 to May 23 was employed in connection — with the work of shad propagation in the Susquehanna and Delaware Rivers. From the close of the shad season until the last of July, and again from the first of November until the end of the year, the Halcyon was mainly in Chesapeake Bay, acting as a dispatch boat or freight boat in connection with the stations, or investigating the fisheries, From August 9 to October 25 she was at Wood’s Holl, Mass. Mate ee ee ee REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLVII James A. Smith, U. a Navy, who commanded the Halcyon during the first half of the year, was transferred to the steamer Fish Hawk in July, and was succeeded on the Halcyon by Mr. William Hamlen, D.—SCHOONER GRAMPUS, The fishing-schooner Grampus, which was under construction at Noank, Conn., at the beginning of the year, was completed June 5, and left for Wood’s Holl the same day. She is the first of a new type of vessel, designed especially for the offshore fisheries by Capt. J. W. Col- lins, who superintended her construction and subsequent operations. A description of her principal features and of her merits is given else- where in this report. The signal letters G. V. Q. F. were assigned to her by the Bureau of Navigation of the Treasury Department. The Grampus made her first cruise August 12 to the offshore fishing- grounds south of Martha’s Vineyard, where a week was spent in a fruit- less search for the tilefish. Certain alterations in her fittings, shown to be necessary by this trip, delayed the vessel in port until the last of September, when she began a cruise to the vicinity of Le Have Bank, Roseway Bank, and Seal Island Ground, for the purpose of securing and bringing to the Wood’s Holl Station, in her well, living specimens of halibut and other food-fishes, the spawn of which was desired for propagation. Returning to Wood’s Holl October 12, a short trip was made to the mackerel fleet operating at the western end of Vineyard Sound, and during most of the remainder of the year she was engaged in fishing for spawning cod, which were carried to the Wood’s Holl Station, and in investigating the fisheries of the western part of the Gulf of Maine, Massachusetts Bay, and the Vineyard Sound region. ASSIGNMENTS OF NAVAL OFFICERS. The following changes in the assignments of naval officers to the service of the Fish Commission were made during the year: Lieut. Seaton Schroeder, executive officer and navigator of the steamer Albatross, was detached January 2, and was succeeded by Lieut. H. S. Waring. Ensign W.J. Maxwell assumed command of the steamer Fish Hawk January 10, relieving Lieut. L. W. Piepmeyer, but July 24 he was transferred to the steamer Albatross, from which he was finally de- tached August 28. Ensign W. S. Benton joined the Albatross January 13, and Ensign W.S. Hogg on the 16th of the same month. Mate James A. Smith was detached from the steamer /Zalcyon and took command of the steamer Fish Hawk July 31, and August 3 Mate — Hugh Kuhl joined the Fish Hawk as executive otfiver. Assistant En- _ gineer 8, H. Leonard was detached from the Fish Hawk December 18, XLVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 8.—COURTESIES AND ASSISTANCE RECEIVED BY THE FISH COMMIS- SION. A.—FROM THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT, TREASURY DEPARTMENT.—Secretary’s Office.—In planting young cod- fish at Pensacola it was very desirable to have the use of asteamer. The revenue cutter Yorward, by direction of the honorable Assistant Secre tary, C. 8. Fairchild, transported the fish and messenger in charge of the shipment to the point selected for depositing the fish. Bureau of Statistics—This Bureau has issued circulars an@ letters of instruction to collectors of customs, at ports where fishing-vessels are documented, with the result of furnishing the Fish Commission much sta- tistical material. Light-House Board.—The assistance of this Board in securing ocean temperature observations at thirty-five of the principal light-houses and light-ships upon the Atlantic coast has been continued. Coast and Geodetic Survey.—The Commissioner has received a large supply of maps and charts published by this Survey; especially upon the fitting out of the Grampus in May a complete set was furnished for her use. Life-Saving Service.—The keepers and patrolmen of this service, by di- rection of Superintendent J. H. Kimball, continue to report the stranding of marine animals upon the sea-coast. Among the specimens thus ob- tained were the following: In March Mr. D. M. Etheridge, keeper of the Currituck Inlet Station, forwarded a rare shark, Hexanchus griseus, the first of this species seen on the United States coast. Mr. E. H. Bunkers, Fletcher’s Neck Station, Biddeford Pool, Me., sent a specimen of Argentina silus,a fish which is extremely rare on our coast, although not uncommon in Norway. On July 5 Captain Edwards, of the Amagansett Station, forwarded a torpedo, or cramp-fish, to be mounted for exhibition. WAR DEPARTMENT.—Permission for using the buildings and grounds at Fort Washington for the purpose of hatching shad was continued. Signal Office—During the occupancy of the Wood’s Holl Station in July, August, and September, the Signal Office furnished weather pre- dictions and special warnings of approaching storms. Copies of tem- perature reports made by observers at certain points of interest were also furnished as during preceding years. Engineer Office—Col. Peter C. Hains, engineer in charge of Potomac River flats improvements, gave authority to cut sods from the flats for turfing about the carp ponds. Navy DEPARTMENT.—The officers and crews of the Albatross, Fish Hawk, and Halcyon have been furnished by the Navy Department, and the facilities of various navy-yards, particularly those at Washington and Norfolk, have been extended to the Commission. - ee eat a ui 4 a REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLIX During the shad distribution in May and June the Department de- tailed Mr. H. E. Quinn to assist in the work. Bureau of Construction and Repair.—The loan of two launches was continued during the present year. Bureau of Steam Engineering.—By order of Mr. Charles H. Loring, Chief of the Bureau, a lot of engines, tools, etc., which were no longer required by the Department, were lent to the Commission and proved very useful. Bureau of Yards and Docks.—A dredge and some scows belonging to the Washington navy-yard were lent to the Commission in June. Hydrographic Office.—Upon the fitting out of the Grampus the Hy- drographic Office furnished a valuable set of charts for her use in nay- igation. Bureau of Navigation—Commodore J.G. Walker furnished the Gram- pus with the Nautical Almanac, azimuth tables, and other books. He assisted also in procuring her instruments. Naval Observatory.—Allan D. Brown, Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Observatory, detailed Mr. W. F. Gardiner in July to oversee the work of erecting a time-ball at Wood’s Holl Station. STATE DEPARTMENT.—W hen it became desirable to have the Roosen apparatus for experiments upon the preservation of bait, the Secretary of State directed the United States consul at Leith, Scotland, to procure and forward a set to the Wood’s Holl Station. In June the Secretary furnished, upon application, a circular letter to all consular officers of the United States in British North America, introducing Capt. J. W. Collins, commanding the schooner Grampus, and asking for him such official aid and facilities as might be required during a cruise in Canadian waters. The Secretary also addressed a letter to Sir Lionel Sackville West, requesting him to inform the Mar- quis of Lansdowne of the proposed scientific expedition of the vessel. INTERIOR DEPARTMENT.—Patent Office.—The Official Gazette of the Patent Office has been supplied as heretofore; also specifications and drawings of various patents relating to fish and fishing apparatus. Geological Survey.—The Director of the Survey allowed Prof. W. J. McGee to make a reconnaissance of Battery Island, with a view to de- termining the feasibility of sinking wells at that station. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.—The Government Printer has ren- dered much aid in advancing the publications of the Commission. Mr, James W. White, foreman of binding, wrapped the Commission’s quota of its annual report. BOTANICAL GARDENS.—Mr. William A. Smith, superintendent, at various times has furnished plants for the use of the Commission. B.—By RAILROAD COMPANIES OF THE UNITED STATES. The distribution of fish and eggs is greatly facilitated by the cour- _tesies of the railroad companies in transporting the cars free or at a re- S. Mis. 90-———Iv L REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. duced rate, in granting permission to carry fish and eggs in baggage © cars, and to make repairs at their shops. The Northern Pacific Railroad Company passed a car free from Saint Paul to the Pacific coast and back. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa - Fé transported a car without charge with fish for the Southern Pacific region. During the whitefish distribution the Grand Rapids and In- diana Railroad lent the Commission a baggage car, which they trans- ported free. C.—By STEAM-SHIP COMPANIES. The foreign steam-ship companies, without exception, have continued to transport free of charge the fish and eggs which are exchanged be- tween the United States and foreign countries. Messrs. Glidden and Curtis, of Boston, furnished transportation for a Fish Commission naturalist, Mr. Charles H. Townsend, from New York to Swan Island, on board the schooner Mosquito. D.—COURTESIES FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES. Australia—Mr. I. Abbott, of the botanical gardens, Hobart, Tas- mania, in September sent some seeds of hardy Eucalyptus, and offered to send those of Nymphwa gigantea, for the plant collections at the carp i ponds. England.—During the year, 61 soles were brought over alive from Liverpool in the White Star steamer Britannic and placed in large tanks at Wood’s Holl, to be kept for breeding ptirposes. Germany.—On January 28, were received from the German Fishery Association 50,000 eggs of a small whitefish (Coregonus albula); these were forwarded to Bucksport, for hatching and planting in Maine waters. On February 4, 50,000 additional eggs were received, and the good ones sent to Northville for lakes in Michigan and adjacent States. During March, 1886, 104,000 eggs of the brown trout (Salmo fario) were received. The good ones, 35,000 in number, were sent to North- ville, Wytheville, and Cold Spring Harbor. On April 16, 50,000 eggs were obtained from Max von dem Borne, of Berneuchen; these were forwarded to Northville, Mich.; Madison, Wis.; and Cold Sprint Har- bor,N..X. 4 During March, 1887, 58,000 eggs of the brown trout were received from Max von eed ewe and 50,000 from the German Fishery ABs0g ciation. On February 9, 1887, 20,000 eggs of the saibling (Salvelinus alpinus) were received from heer Gacnety On March 9 another consignment of 40,000 eggs arrived, one-half of them from Max von dem Borne, the other from the German Fishery Association. Scotland.—On January 14, 1887, the Cold Spring Harbor Station re- ceived 48,000 eggs of the Loch Leven trout (Salmo levenensis), from Sir J. R. Gibson Maitland, proprietor of the Howietoun Fishery at Stirling. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LI 9,—COURTESIES AND ASSISTANCE RENDERED BY THE FISH COMMIS- ° SION. England.—Shipments to England were made to the National Fish Culture Association, South Kensington, London. On January 15 and 29, 1886, two lots of whitefish eggs, each of 1,000,000, were forwarded by the Cunard steamer Aurania. On January 15, 1887, 1,500,000 eggs of the same species, followed on February 19 by 1,000,000, were shipped through Mr. E. G. Blackford, of New York. Few of these, however, arrived in good condition. 50,000 lake-trout eggs were sent by the Awrania on January 15, 1886, and arrived in excellent order. 10,000 brook-trout eggs were carried by the Cunarder Servia, January 29, 1886, and 10,000 were forwarded through Mr. Blackford on January 15, 1887. , 10,000 eggs of the landlocked salmon were taken March 16, 1886, by the White Star Line steamer Germanic. On March 5, 1887, Mr. HE. G. Blackford assisted in sending 25,000 eggs of the same species. Both of these shipments were successful. 10,000 eggs of the rainbow trout were sent from Wytheville during the fiscal year 1886~87. France.—During the fiscal year 1886-87, 5,000 eggs of the rainbow trout were sent to France from the Wytheville Station. On April 6, 1887, 25,000 eggs of this trout from the Northville Station were sent to Mr. E. G. Blackford for shipment to France. 25,000 eggs of the landlocked salmon, from Grand Lake Stream Station, were shipped on April 1, 1887, to Léon d’Halloy, vice-president of the Lower Seine Fish Commission. Germany.—In April, 1886, an unsuccessful attempt was.made to transport shad to the Danube River. On March 20, 1886, 20,000 landlocked salmon eggs were sent to von dem Borne for the Fischerei Verein. 30,000 eggs of this species were forwarded on March 5, 1887, through Mr. E. G. Blackford, to von Behr for the same association, and 10,000 to Max von dem Borne for his establishment at Berneuchen. In January, 1886, two shipments of whitefish eggs, each containing 1,000,000, were made from Northville to the Deutsche Fischerei Verein, Germany. These were repacked at Cold Spring Harbor. 2k ose Te DOWNY: ..... -...5 io pa dnee o/s Rae Senae ease o 6ic: o.a a ala ten SSWOLOLHAD noc same an cc dacecen eeatee petees bees noe DeSean PIMGHAN ose oss ca ko te cae eee eeetiee ks Se aa ee meena aa eee z I : oc) *~wtthme et lee Ee 6 kee, Slee eee Ae ee THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. C. Relationships and surroundings—Continued. 6. Deep-sea fish ..........- peels ner a aaa Seay aaa ates ee dele etaetane sie ele alnintae Se Ree EIESED Seale eee aco ee ale oateae Sac ste tro ctea asa oe J LICH Se) 2 he aa Nest ROA SA 2 Be Re Lt DSL far Se PEP OG reece ean aaes aiticcts ata ae ete eas Oy ane oe ac caeee at emer eee ae ae ern as cee kee hae eae eas aee oe ae teen Migration uf nahess how iifluended 252.2222 22 see cote occ ee Move plivsiCal CHUses. 2252.' Deere ace geen nase ey eee ee Tenipersiire Of the waters 4. 2u sees ss okt ese eee sees OMERGMIS See sna cee a toss ee eee ane denean ce eee nee DREN Enter ates SA ates eel ret hein ernter ere Ream tae RC WISarTiGus Gk WateEK S235 p/n eee ROO Ee Conaieion of ail OF BLY \uioc Scie se eee eee Cree es ceeamercele Wil Galcersarans costco eae oe gd ae oo cern Sik meine ener, mer erene Cy cepLoductive Maule. joss Salo Foe Se ee oo eee ee eee eee REE Pay SeaTGI tor 100G sso scn cco mas aa se see cee See eee et ees Relation of herring to’ copepods 3-2. <2. StS y sc. Seen seosee ke Cod and halibut after capelin and herring ..............--- Offshore fish after anadromous fish .........---..-.2..0..-- BITS ST Recreate tee ere tes es nen ee Ch pUriven: bycGnenles'e: coset osse ese Noe ee oases oe ee ee ae Bluefish and menhaden and mackerel ............--..--.-- Porpoises; salmon: blueish > 2.0225 228. Se ee Beton OL SUCH “we ulOn 2522 4cocce Settee toes ee eR a eer Ra (@) Human apencjes (exclusive of capture)t.- 2! 5. cesses seas ce Seen Obstructions : Sounds and concussions....:..-.--. Spey APS fe Atk | SB pa ma eka SUCATMOT Aes ey Rete: Sa nih tla hate eos eee ERE. Sb eb g ae Darr he ae Pe cn om Ree iry, py SAO ICES Hee Pee Num pers and abundance". 2e este. es Stee seers ee ee ee ee inccarkyrdaysl. soe ces 2: HOC EEGRICOOD BICC DS OB SHARAD AAP Ba Mapp pcoersccr RUE SirAWtLOn Siete Sere es tte Amica Sows 4 Rive STD PARE GS eee Bronnreporg of... Hish: Commissions. .2 eos seee eae eee From Mr. Martin’s notes....---- Se, A Dh eT OE Ee AS 1S eee OMe HEE SOMT Uy GHEE f(a! eo a n= woke ao ae NU RIee Seema arse cee = 3. Variations in abundance (on large scale, and permanent for a time). -. (a) Natural or uncontrollable variations.........-......2..----.---. Antagonisms between fish: Bluefish, squeteague, scup, cod, had- dock, halibut, porpoises, sharks, salmon, mackerel, and lobsters EMRE PO VAIL OHONY Dioiavacal oehcrs Seicrorersr-oar onan mers eee ni AEE CATTRTANIG noes eee (d) Floating wood: Mangroves, posts, &c...........-------- syeoerere Consumed by. Teredo: ....ceencmcmecne snes «6s «8 cease tees eee UTM OTA oi cies nin ccs steal anemns wen nnd axe dee ee Molina, 225.50 sancmy snes Crag ceonds > sheeehaie’s beihbaa nee Be OTEADIC MA 6 nce con cee wee ween ance enween snenes cnens'é dspighs sane eeee PGW ON) grew a ke cia wake v ath's d tae ee see et cake male danecene seek. Sees GQIAZATO SUG cncaet aac xo uliweneeueen sidde adds od) b cde cial Bae eee ete 6 ae THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA, F. Natural food—Continued. PCH TIT HS THOSE ATR COS wes cr ctareaiele Sinete le evens cei cls nee tach sia yu ce eral eae eran By RUGN CURE ES anne sje Sec aah Cac na Pa ow ay Oat ee Lobsters and ‘other crustacea .. /--//0.2-2.-2.222- scece SHArks and) OLRER NSN. aces sole eas eae eee ese Ms By Ai ees meee s ace nc nods on anees meses pee eee weeera Eposand embryos of fishy.) 2... js. fs00. 2 cocsecstaaeteeeccns Extensive support of life in the’sea...............--.-- AGUAS ce Mesreaicatclececreder masses Stace ene tne ateanes IMViERtODTALES Das sas pce aiecictine 22 wees Sol saannietenia eee eee RIAN RCAUIN ES 2 sae. = Suk ten san tasieeela ce eeee cee coer seme Protozoa (infusoria, Spon Ges) 2 wae cee awe seeees Radiates (holothuria, acalephe, &c.) ..........---- CarniVOroUsK.cse messes vers siete eta yee eee aa, s eS ceie MOMASES ic a2 too aat acne =e eed See eRe ee Prinetpal food) of }ground! fish?.52- 222-2. 222226 Squid: larve of herring and mackerel -.......- Nalpalrprsseaneea a ocaioee sao oa oeraeee ae ATbiCulates)stkce ss) saan ste cn noe ae cela Homme oem ees Nereis, bluefish, Fire Island crabs, thysanopoda- Protozoa and Tadiabes\. fossa ss sates tee eeen oe oats Jolly-hshvandsechinoideéays es sas sees see eI ASS oe ae taia ee ere elo = ite eae PME TRGOU CHONG Meta nkye im 58 onceyoiSicie atieiaiceis nislouinaisieme iene ofa a ai aer eel macer ene ELEC LIEN CULL Vi geee et niet o, ainistelnial=v ice alcraciae «nin sichauual= snahatmiae seve Se eaL ects sets SUE DOM CURE ce ace. aaa ow mias Uunag naga maleate taeeinn eels eee Mee CORSET CLPINE 3))0)ala.cia's sy cieratel ec! a alg ae nie eielels sn ain alae ule ane wae cite aoe Bel PRE OG ENAMIDVEE oe oo eda ieinin dn ae ioancide ant cae ee ads soca salecas IRBCK CLO (aoc otastae fnioa cede sone cepear sp banca ane eae NAT COR asic satsae aavcta alates ciniodcGuaseaiee s/c.) cceena: salatatae arene oe SeemeMICRGU Sack meee one ema crip em loin oleae abe mas oa anleg eee PALO SLO WUD. Of YOUNG. ceo. c\saciccels> sion cae ease isis) aeeeliene cee 4. Peculiar habits or condition during spawning season ...............- RO MOMGN EG. Of SUAND Jao. c= ans dan eee ss ae nein eee aim seis aie SCasDAaSs te sess sas scpaaaalsisneisls - acpi anieitpesinisatelawieeniaae aes elas Pe AM EO OF EOUT pet Wiss. szicen Gas Saeed eee mace van ciealene ad PP MeMOCLOM MatULLb Visa. Saisie ce sus as cetee nem ese ae aamoeeieee cals GeO uration fOLoiby-- = en ainneccscas sala = soe we eee e en ne a wrneisaenes II.—METHODS OF CAPTURE (FISHERIES). PTO MSH CEL O WTO sj inore alae. aise) = sa'asnaniaisiar sane ealsocioamemeemels ose se cae See Pear PENA Retercrianciera | aviansies 4 sapien RE ae eee ie oe F EPRI SSNS Rett fayoe a thera) Seid wih omens a's oe, quinine sa eee SaaS t as ob Saas POHrey's LOGS Sates ans aol sn. clea pia cada Rae; weaeeege claiem mae bee ease aek MPAERAMEE EB Oraee Sh hEe Re Lace Slane s pw PERE eae ik tah doce Mey AP AGNE Ie Ss 4 2 aieiic nk caltn ss ok 2s Sc REE ANS cea ke Die Ru VRINR Ete tee aelnaetas pa alvin eh ads a, s/o min’ tas eee ee heh si awie a ates PEM Lene DARK wont 2s vans cuss. -\cs4ss =o ance rane apne ae oe siepeeets See MAMA AdT PAU, onion cum kles ans d/anian guns ane tieaaeess aban sis kb danure DOM Ree EOUMO ch ai keane anaes om én pina Snoe eee ee mes ann \aciaisip eine ae OSG RATAN keen eer aces aicita aioe co hance el awe tn beet belen ceunee Le Have bank 21. cies. scaee Bae phos eane et cee ee ee een ae eres Le Have Ridges... 252.2200. PASS et Setar tne eins Meri en 2 gs ete fee ~] kg 2 Sa es One I OL Ol or or or nn yy 8 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. A. The fishing grounds—Continned. SamMDIO DANK esse. insta catalan (O) Dry ‘air process's. 2 .\.c2teecos cesses ces c snes + ac nee AG) Ear Gotree zine ye ae «claw alee wtele ele eisai te = alate a oe (d) Advisable methods for cod-fishino’. <5. 0-2-2. oo. saat Deoy ULVINE Tol os cacees Schone se claelalem aoe aaenie ecto ae Reese oa oag eee AW LETS vp pr, CRC ree (U2 Sea hs MR tee eh ote (0) Desiccationy .si. 22 225 Seo cee moos eee cee Sake aoa alee ae 4, By salting..-.-.... glace tt REE ee ee Oe aa eee or (@) Dry-salting’ 202 ols. sce aelened scons cess sees) sa- ate eee (6) Tn pickle .n 22. ecb ols sloceeseess sce Geincegae sacce see ee (ojaC pring and dryin Oe ce see ee cect eecetee cise. = sec alas eer (ad) Useof- other saline substances).---=- s2e-s—— aes ace eee CeymUSe OR aClOS epee aece oe steer sa ate opis castaree ss, Shao / Se ele eat ClbriGRGId ss 2 Sao espe eet clos ais seein ae einaie aie ae eee PACOUC ACLO te cate wercan es Semnie, pomcmere se eeneen acts = eee Oe ay SINOKIGE ao cee eeete seeden scee be seeks dp ean ta le Gs Disposition of offalior;curny 252222 -sisscec cas cee cose eee ness ee oe eee i; Great waste to throw away ----- 26 2.5 «.snes esas anes eee (a) Utilization in’ Norway 22. .---. 0225.2 2-sccges anes ve aceeeeeeee 2. Allesed evils'of throwing overboard \....:.-....0Codfish’ 2235 ces sect es ose tearm ten ceo ehee ee THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. INTRODUCTORY. In the present work I propose to give some account, as far as known, of the more important fishes of the Eastern United States north of _ Delaware Bay, together with an account of the methods by which they are pursued, captured, and utilized, as also of their application, with some statistical tables illustrating the results of the fisheries in the region referred to. For the better elucidation of the subject, I also -propose to embrace a reference to corresponding fisheries in Europe and other parts of the world, so far as these throw light upon the American species. A limitation of the subject to the region north of Delaware Bay is made, partly in view of the fact that the fisheries of that region are much more important in an economical point of view, and can be better monographed at present, and partly because this is the portion of Eastern North America which is embraced in the Washington treaty, and of which the information referred to is needed for the proper con- sideration of the international, political, and economical treatment of the subject.* , *In confining attention in the present article specially to the subject of the fish- eries of the region covered by the treaty of Washington, it is not to be supposed that there are no productive fisheries on a large scale further south, the contrary being quite the fact. No portion of the globe exceeds the Southern and Gulf coasts of the United States in the number and variety of excellent food-fish, their waters teeming with them throughout the year and permitting their capture, especially in the cooler seasons, to almost any imaginable extent. A few hours’ labor, either with the line, the cast-net, the gill-net, or the seine, suffices to supply the fisherman with food for days; and the introduction of the wholesale means of: capture (pounds and traps not yet attempted) will probably produce no appreciable effect upon the sup- ply. Among the species which may be mentioned in this connection are the menhaden, bluefish, and mullet, all of which yield important fisheries in North Carolina, Vir- ginia, and farther south. The menhaden is taken in great numbers and salted in barrels, being considered a very desirable article of food. The bluefish spends several months on the Southern coast after leaving the North- ern and Middle States, and is found of very great size—from 12 to16 pounds. Dur- ing the late autumn and early winter vast numbers of these are shipped to the Northern markets, where they find a ready demand. [I find a memorandum that on the 20th of November, 1872, three thousand bluefish, averaging 12 pounds each, or 36,000 pounds altogether, were shipped from asingle fishing station in North Carolina. 13 : 4 | , 14 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER, OF FISH AND FISHERIES, It is much to be regretted that there is no machinery employed in the United States for securing the statistics of our fisheries, the example of Canada and of European nations not having yet been adopted. The only sources of knowledge at our command are the reports of the cod and mackerel landed at American seaport towns, as made by the Statistical Bureau of the Treasury Department, the reports of inspections of mack- erel by the States of Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, and other incidental mention of local yields, such as the ae production at Gloucester, &c., as can be picked up. Of all these fish, however, the mullet is perhaps the most important, as being taken in larger quantities and occupying a greater number of persons in its manipulation, The fish, however, are almost exclusively consumed in the South, a very few being sent to Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York. At present it may be considered as even more of a staple than the shad and alewife, which have been diminished very materially in later years; the supply of mullet, however, is apparently inexhausti- ble, and is repeated from year to year, though sometimes, owing to extreme weather and other conditions, the product is less, the condition of the lower classes being af- fected accordingly. Indeed, it may be said to occupy the same position that the mackerel does in the North; and the increasing yield of this fishery has undoubtedly had much to do with the reduced demand for the mackerel. Although as a fresh fish it may be considered as inferior to the best quality of mackerel, it is by most persons considered superior to it when salted. At Cape Hatteras the mullet fishery is said to begin about the middle of July; about Fort Macon in September, and later further south, continuing for from one to two months at each station. The fish then come in from the sea for the purpose of spawning and enter the fresh water, being similar in this respect to the shad and alewife, although not apparently penetrating any con- siderable distance from the mouth. Like the herring and cod, they appear to spawn on a falling temperature, or when the waters have acquired a certain minimum. There is but little system adopted in the fishery, several individuals combining for a particular occasion and selecting one of their number as chief. The outfit consists simply of two or three six-oared boats, a seine from 75 to 100 yards long, several split- ting tables, some barrels, and salt. The fish are split and cleaned, but without re-~ moval of the head, and are slashed in the thickest side for the better penetration of the salt. The fish are all fat and plump, and are graded by size and not by quality. The lower grades are worth from $4 to $5 a barrel; the higher sometimes bring from 48 to $10. Not more than from seventy to a hundred can be packed in a barrel. As many as five hundred barrels of mulfets are taken sometimes at a single haul. The entire catch at Fort Macon alone is estimated by Dr. Yarrow at 12,000 barrels. The catch of a single county of North Carolina, Carteret, is given at 70,000 barrels. A large portion of the fish are bartered in the seaboard counties for agricultural prod- ucts, 2 barrels being usually considered equivalent to 15 bushels of corn. They are sent by the railway lines all through the interior of the State, where they meet with great demand. Mullet roes are also considered a very great delicacy ; a portion of them are pickled and the others slightly salted andsmoked. They usually bring from 25 to 40 cents a dozen, With an increased demand and improved maphods of capture and preparation, there is no reason why the yield of the mullet fishery should not be fully equaled in bulk and value to that of the mackerel, as the fish itself is in countless abundance and found for many hundreds of miles along the coast. Dr. H. C. Yarrow, U. 8S. A., from whose manuscript notes I have obtained the facts referred to above, states that two-thirds of the entire population of the coast of North Carolina is employed in this fishery. PS aay een THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 15_ Canada, on the other hand, has a special department of the fisheries, organized for obtaining the necessary data, and from which we can learn with great precision the number of vessels and boats, their ton- nage, the men employed, with the yield of the different kinds of fishing, in all the districts of the several provinces constituting the Dominion. The statistics of Newfoundland, which does not belong to the confeder- ation, are scarcely more valuable or reliable than those of the United States. It is much to be hoped that both countries will, in time, initiate and carry on a system more like that of Canada, from which, year by year, tabulated and final results may be obtained. Having been requested by the Secretary of State to proceed to Hali- fax and be present during the International Fishery Convention, I have been enabled, from the testimony adduced in regard to American fish and fisheries, and still more by personal inquiries of the witnesses, to obtain a great deal of information of much value, a portion of which will be embodied in the present report, and the remainder in an exten- sion of the subject hereafter.* The greater portion of the statistics employed in the present report is the result of special correspondence, initiated and maintained with *The treaty of Washington, made by the joint high commission in 1871, provided that nearly all the restrictions to the unimpeded use of the fisheries by the Americans, on the shores of the British provinces on the Atlantic coast, and by the subjects of these provinces in American waters as far south as the parallel of 39°, or Cape May, should be mutually conceded, and either party was tohave the privilege of exporting fish other than the products of the Great Lakes to the other country tree of duty; and that a commission should meet at Halifax, to consist of a commissioner and agent for each side, to determine what the commercial value respectively of these concessions amounted to, and if it were found that the privileges granted to the Americans were greater than those secured by the same treaty to the Dominion, a money value should be estimated for a twelve years’ period and paid by the United States. It was not supposed at the time that the balance might be on the other side. This convention was organized in obedience to the provisions of the treaty at Hali. fax on the 15th of June, and was represented by Hon. E. H. Kellogg on the part of the United States, and Sir Alexander T. Galt on the part of Great Britain, the third com- missioner, in accordance with the provision of the treaty, being Mr. Maurice Delfosse, the minister from Belgium to the United States. Mr. Dwight Foster, of Boston, was the agent for the American cause, and Mr. I’. C. Ford, of London, for the British. Mr. J. H. G. Bergne, of the foreign office, London, was chosen as secretary of the joint convention. Subsequently the selection of counsel was authorized to assist the agents in their labors, those for the United States being Mr. Richard H. Dana, Jr., of Boston, and Mr. William H. Trescot, of Washington ; the British counsel being one for each province, namely: Mr. Joseph Doutre, for Canada; Mr. 8. R. Thomson, for New Brunswick ; Mr. Wetherbe, for Nova Scotia; Mr. Davies, for Prince Edward Island ; and Mr. White- way, for Newfoundland. It is not my province to refer to the Hey and results of this convention except- ing so far as relates to the testimony available for the objects of the present report. Suffice it to say that a vast body cf testimony was taken on both sides, much of it contradictory, but leaving a residuum of well-established fact, and that this was ‘supplemented by personal inquiries and special conference with the most intelligent Witnesses, 16 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. different parts of the country for the purpose, being partly the result of answers to a series of questions issued in printed circulars prepared for the purpose. The reports of the Massachusetts commissioners of inland fisheries have furnished much valuable information, as well as the report of the commissioner of Maine. Colonel Lyman, one of the Massachusetts commissioners, has also supplied some manuscript records of the weirs and pounds of Massa- chusetts, which have contributed greatly in making up these statistical tables. Especially important, too, have been communications from Capt. N. E. Atwood, of Provincetown ; Capt. Prince Crowell, of East Dennis; Vinal N. Edwards, of Wood’s Holl; Mr. Samuel Powel, of Newport, R.I.; Capt. Benj. Ashby, jr., of Noank, Conn.; Captain Hurlbut, of Gloucester ; Captain Babson, collector of the port of Glou- cester, and others hereafter enumerated. To Mr. G. Brown Goode, assistant of the U.S. Fish Commission, I am indebted for very important service in collecting information and preparation of statistical tables, nearly all of which have been made up. by him for the purpose. The primary divisions into which an article like the present will naturally fall are as follows : I. The natural history or biology.—This considers the fishes and cer- tain other marine animals as they occur in nature, and without partic- ular reference to their relations to man, except incidentally, or as they existed in North America before its occupation by the white man. Under this head will be included, first, an account of the individual — habits and general history of each species included in my subject, and next a general view of our marine fishes as a whole; e. g., their physi- cal and mutual relationships; their migrations and movements ; their abundance; their food; their diseases and fatalities; and finally, their reproduction and growth. II. Methods of capture.—After consideration of the inhabitants of the sea, without any special relation to man, we naturally proceed to the history of the various methods by which they are pursued and captured ; this involving the subject of fishing grounds, boats and vessels, men, the apparatus of capture, bait, manner of fishing, packing on shipboard, ~ and disposition of offal. Results of the fisheries and their statistics will naturally fall under this head. III. Utilization of the products of the jisheries.—As food, clothing, ! medicine, fertilizers, industrial applications, ete., or whatéver applica- tions are made of the fish after they have been caught. The general statistics of fishery products may come under this head. IV. Maintenance and improvement of the jJisheries.—This subject nat- urally follows those preceding, and does not usually come up for con- sideration among communities until real or imaginary searcity or diffi- culties of capture, etc., begin to press upon their members. THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 17 V. General political considerations —Under this head are included the subject of the fisheries in relation to the State, bounties, inspection, in- ternational relations, &c. | I propose to consider the subject of the fish and fisheries of Eastern North America substantially as given above, although I shall not be able to follow the various subdivisions in equal detail, indeed omitting some of them entirely for the present. So much yet remains to be known in regard to many of*the topics enumerated that [ can only hope that the meagerness and incompleteness of what I may say of them will call attention to the fact and secure the co operation of others in a future more reliable rendering of the whole subject. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS IN REGARD TO THE SPECIAL IMPOR- TANCE AND VALUE OF THE SEA FISHERIES. It may be safely stated that as a source of animal food to man the sea is the great fountain head, and that without this resource the sup- ply of such food would be comparatively limited and far inferior to the demand of the various populations of the globe. In the much greater proportion of ocean to land this reservoir of food is practically inexhaustible, and not only do the people living near its shores find a daily supply for consumption in a fresh state, but by proper methods of preparation and preservation the product of the sea can be fitted for long-continued keeping and for transportation to dis- tant markets, where fishing is difficult, or into the interior, where it is impracticable. It is not a little remarkable that abundant as is the supply of fish in the warmer portions of the world it is impossible to preserve them there, and consequently, in Catholic countries especially, where the consumption of fish on certain days is a necessity, the colder countries of the North are drawn upon to furnish cod, haddock, hake, herring, ete., to their own great profit. It is difficult to make a caleu- lation as to the comparative amount of animal food derived from the ocean and the land, but itis stated (Report of the British Sea Fisher- ies, 1866, I, p. xvi) that the weight of trawled fish supplied to the Lon- don market amounts to 300 tons daily, and is nearly equal to the total amount of beef, and that the price paid to the fishermen for this food is only one eighth of that paid to the first producer of the beef. It is also a gratifying and important consideration that the sources of food in the sea are very far from being all made use of, and that while in regard to the best known and most highly appreciated fish improved methods are constantly being devised for successfully increasing the amount of the catch at less expense, there are a vast number of sea animals which, while highly prized in some portions of the world, and really of supe- rior excellence and wholesomeuess as food, are despised elsewhere. In time, however, such prejudices will be overcome and the various spe- cies referred to fully appreciated. S. Mis. 90-—2 18 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. | é z Numerous illustrations of the propositions here enunciated will be © found in the portions of the present article devoted to the considera- — tion of particular kinds of fish found in American waters. There is — practically no difficulty in even a dense population finding its subsist- ence in the sea, both as regards the food necessary for daily consump- tion and for the means of securing either necessities or luxuries by means of a trade in the same commodity, this fish supply being furnished | and maintained without the necessity of any previous cultivation or care, nature providing for the successions of the crop, and leaving it only to man to gather its full perfection. A spear, the bow and arrow, ; a hook and line, a boat, even of the simplest and most primitive char- acter, possibly even a floating log, will answer the necessary purpose ; while the more extended investments of nets, weirs, and pounds, vessels for going a considerable distance to sea or even sailing to distant waters, are generally within the reach of the successful fisherman or a combination of several of them. The case is very different on the land, where only a nomadic people can derive support from the wild game or fowl, and this scarcely more than sufficient for daily food and clothing, leaving but little for sale or export. As the population increases, this food becomes scarce and is , either exterminated or driven away, so that it offers but a scanty pro- vision for the sustaining of life. It is then necessary to resort to the arts of the agriculturist ; the land must be cleared and tilled, the seed sown, and a harvest obtained, sometimes after many months of waiting, and with a chance, unfortunately too often realized, of a partial or total destruction of the whole by storm, rain, hail, drought, blight, or destruc- tive insects. Even at best, too, only a small margin of annual profit is left after the interest on theinvestment and other deductions are made from the proceeds; and although the farmer who controls a large body of land and works it by labor-saving machinery, or can gather in- a large aggregate of the small proceeds of individual laborers, may ac- quire a competence and even wealth in time, yet comparing the profits of a laborer who has but a small tract of land at his command with those of the fisherman who has the sea for many miles under his con- trol, we shall tind the actual results to be very different in the two cases. Fishing, as an occupation, in fresh waters, is much less remunerative than the same business prosecuted in the sea, as by the limitation of area the supply becomes sooner exhausted, and is under the influence of cli matic and physical conditions and the direct agencies of man. _So fa as the rivers are concerned, it is only where they are in connection with large interior lakes, which take the place to them of oceans, that th most favorable conditions for the fresh-water fisheries are to be me with; and the great: lakes themselves, such as those along the norther border of the United States, by their vast extent and great depth, ar really, for all practical purposes, simply oceans, and furnish trout, white fish, sturgeon, and other species in enormous numbers. Even bere. eS as THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA, 19 however, the possibility of the exhaustion of the fisheries is to be con- sidered and remedies applied in the way of protection, artificial propa- gation, We. I do not refer in this to the proceeds of rivers connected with the ocean and supplied with anadromous fish, such as salmon, shad, ale- wives, &c. These are simply pathways for certain forms of sea fish, which enter them for the purpose of spawning and return to the sea again, thus coming within most convenient reach of human energy in- their capture. ; Apart from the illustrations already presented of such fisheries in the United States, I may refer to the fisheries of the Volga, which is con- nected with the Caspian Sea. Here, according to Von der Schultz, an enormous number of pounds are annually captured. For the artificial culture of fish in fresh water it is probable that the carp and tench are most profitable, as furnishing the greatest yield in pounds, and even in values, for a given outlay; and as these are herbiv- orous fish, thriving in waters not suited to most other species, there is reason to anticipate that a great advantage will.result to the United States from the measures now in progress by the U.S. Fish Commission to multiply them, especiaily as the climate and waters of this country ° appear eminently adapted to their condition. The agency of the sea fisheries is also of importance to the welfare of a nation otherwise than merely in the actual yield of food obtained, or of other articles of necessity or luxury. The influence of a sea-fish- ing life in rendering men bold, self-reliant, hardy adventurers is well known, and the infusion into the general population of such an element is of great importance. The pursuit of sea-fishing has an important and very valuable influence in training men for a sea-faring life gener- ally, there being but little practical difference between the fitting out of a vessel for a distant sea fishery and taking the same or another ves- sel for an extended voyage to various points of the globe in the inter. est of commerce. It is from the hardy population of the fishermen that the merchant marine derives essentially its material, while the armed _ vessels of governments depend more indirectly upon the same source for manning their ships. It is for this reason that in all maritime na- tions the fishing population is looked to as a source of strength and protection, supplying, as it does, an element absolutely necessary to the well-being of the country, and in many instances bounties and priv- ileges have been extended to increase the inducements to enter upon and prosecute the sea-fisheries. The life of the fisherman is, of course, not one of ease; he is exposed to dangers and hardships which to a landsman would appear appalling, but which are taken by the fisher- man in the regular way of his duty. There is, however, no class of community more liable to peril than the fishermen, their dangers being _ proportioned in a great degree to their enterprise. Of the fishing pop- ulation of the United States, that of Cape Ann may be considered as eminently typical of the bold and resolute sailor, and every year the 20 REPORT-OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Cape has reason to deplore a large loss of life and property especially as the result of winter-fishing on the George’s Bank not inaptly termed ! the ‘Gloucester grave-yard.” . Proctor’s ‘‘Fisherman’s Memorial and Record Book” gives the names — of 1,252 men and 280 vessels lost in the fisheries from the port of Glou- oe between the years 1850 and 1873, or during a period of nearly half a century. It is estimated that ten women and twenty children are annually deprived of husband and father by this service, the actual — losses averaging twenty-eight lives and six vessels annually. The total amount of property lost in the period mentioned was $1,145,500. ~ For the better illustration of the present article it would be desirable to present a statement of the product and values of. the fisheries of — the several maritime nations, so as to show the aggregate; and if relia- — ble data were available for this purpose the result would be an amaz- ing one. Unfortunately, the statistics of most nations are so inaccu- — rate or incomplete as to render such a comparison entirely impossi- ; ble. We have, however, in an important report from Mr. Richard D. ; Cutts, ‘The Fisheries and Fishermen of the North Pacific, and he Commerce in the Products of the Sea, Washington, 1872,” a table of the - products of certain portions of the fisheries of fifteen countries in the © year 1865. They are as follows: j A ee ai Ct id ae ok ta vo Aen Ue ele wana. hee 20, 730, 249 laiGiad ee eco Ficlewld'e te newle aucie mcm ene! se caicaccioce si aeh eee 17, 685, 408 Whale oil ...-.- a Are A Se RAE Ae ee Sree 6, 057, 967 — UCRTON Se ro dee heck on soot k tae ao be vad Sen Saleen tae Seis eee eee 4, 689, 687 Sardines...... eA Bete Ae PSU eL het ct. Se eho Sw eae ee ee ee 2, 600, 000 WO MoIWOr Ol) 42.2, we ine camels aan ho Melek ome eae Meee eke. Cee 3, 419, 896 | BO eOlemieeter. syaceie icine hie ieramere = eiaisia Aor aeimaty eee ey SR EE a 737, 833 PUGH ALAS 2 par see oc cace colon tie ete eee eae ek emi sek niin lalate ape ee 375, 000 4 Ta cates cls aaece ote tae ecke. aoe f a. eae rr This, however, is eile a eset aa is probably far below the — aggregate of shart year, and much less than that at the present time. — The general facts in regard to these subjects may perhaps be best appreciated by some particular statistics in regard to certain countries, especially Norway, for which I give the figures for 1866, Total product of Norwegian fisheries. The hee statistics of the average product of the Norwegian fish- | eries is given by Baars in 1866 (Les Péches de la Norwége, p. 58) : Winter herring, 600,000 barrels, at 18 francs ......--...-... ...-0- ------ $2, 400, 000 Summer herring, 220,000 barrels, at 20 francs .-.--.--.--..2 2.27. A alate 800, 000 Salted fish, 22,000,000 kilograms, at 40 frances per 100 kilograms......... 1,760, 000 Dried fish, 12,000,000 kilograms, at 35 frances per 100 kilograms.-.....--. 850, 000 — Pickled fish, G0;000 barrels, ad20; frames. str tei weeis << cme ce eeapeee 25 y | Cod-liver/oil, 60,000 barrels;/at 90. drancs 2 vec 4c oe ce es ek eel ae oe 1, 080, 000 Codrpes,o0,000 barrels, at 50) francs... sestsc pecs +40 <6 cenit ee eee 350, 006 Lobsters, 2,000,000, at'6 cents each .-.............. DAP AA I 120, 000 Fish guano, 350,000 kilograms, at 30 francs ...--.....-..----+eeeeee ses 5, 100, 006 THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 24 According to Schultz (Rep. U. S. I. C.), the annual catch of fish in the Caspian Sea and its tributaries amounts to 68,000,000 pounds, worth about $10,500,000. The subject of the yield of the fisheries af the United States and the Dominion of Canada is of more special interest in the present report. So far as Canada is concerned an excellent system of supervision by the Government enables us to gather, with more or less accuracy, the re- turns as to the number of vessels, of men, and the general yield for the different classes of objects in the various portions of the Dominion ; and which, although these returns are probably considerably below the actual figures, still answer a useful purpose as a basis for comparison and for obtaining a general average. Newfoundland, which is not a part of the Dominion, has unfort- unately no corresponding record to which reference may be made. The case is equally unsatisfactory in the United States. Here the General Government does not pretend to exercise any supervision in the collection of statistics of the sea fisheries, with the exception of such as are con- ducted by a certain class of vessels, occupied in foreign waters. Of the great local business of fishing, either by means of small boats that go out to a short distance from the land or the larger coasting vessels, we have no reliable data. It is true that certain States, especially Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, provide for the inspection of pickled fish, which is branded according to the several degrees of excellence; and this furnishes us, as far as that class of products is concerned, with tolerably reliable information. Other products, how- ever, are unrecorded, and only an approximation to the amount can be made. The State of Massachusetts has, however, lateiy undertaken to secure reliable facts under this head, and the commissioners of inland fisheries have been empowered to require, under suitable penalties, an annual return of the yield of every weir, pound, and gill-net on the coast. While it is probable that the supply of fish on the outer banks and in the deep sea, away from the immediate coast, is as great as that of former years, alamentable falling off is to be appreciated in the capture of anadromous fish, such as the shad, salmon, and the alewife, as well as of many species belonging immediately to the coast, such as the striped _ bass, the scup, and other fish. Fortunately, it is believed they are capable of remedy by proper leg- islation and protection, artificial propagation, etc., and that we may look forward in the distant future to a very considerable return to the for- mer very desirable state and condition of the fisheries. In proof of the abundance formerly existing I will only refer to the chapter under that head in the first report of the United States Fish Commission, in which the quotations are supplied from early historical records, extending back to the first peopling of the country by the whites. The capture of thousands of striped bass by means of nets stretched 22 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. across the mouths of tidal rivers, the schools of scup so thick that they crowded each other out of the water in their passage, single hauls of from three to five thousand shad, and of from one to nine hundred thou- sand alewives with.the small nets used at that time, the taking of a hun- dred sturgeon with the hook and line in a day, and other similar facts all going to prove the general statement. A fisherman could, in a few hours and within a short distance from his home, fill his boat with cod, haddock, halibut, and other valuable species, and could take hundreds of pounds where now from one to ten would be considered a satisfac- tory return under the same circumstances. As already stated, however, we may look forward, if not to the for- mer state of things, yet to a great improvement on the present condi- tion, and to this the efforts of State governments as well as of the Gen- eral Government and of the Dominion of Canada are being directed — with the utmost zeal, seconded by a growing public sentiment. It may be remarked that the number of shad and herring (alewives) barreled on the Potomac River as the result of six months’ fishing is equal to the entire yield of the Scottish fisheries for the entire year of | 1873, one of their most successful years. In an appendix to the Documents and Proceedings of the Halifax Commission, pp. 3360 et seqg., prepared by Mr. Goode, will be found a statement, as approximately accurate as possible, of the yield of the shore fisheries returned in the year 1876, wita partial returns for 1877. These, it will be understood, are entirely the results of the inshore fisheries, with scarcely an exception, the capture being made by pounds, traps, or gill-nets, set either on or close in shore, or by line-fishing from open boats, also close to the land. I have also compiled a table of the sea fisheries of Canada for the © year 1876, rearranging the tables of the report of the minister of marine and fisheries, so as to show what are purely sea fisheries, what are fresh water, and what are incidental products. In preparing this table I have converted the estimates of the weight of dry, smoked, and pickled — fish into their estimated weight when fresh, so as to supply a more ready comparison. It is extremely difficult to obtain any estimate of the yield of the distant fisheries, prosecuted in vessels and from the ports of the United States. The report of the Washington Bureau of Statistics for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1877, enumerates: ‘ Pounds. OMAN: aise cele ov p= = eh socio bee ye eee ee eee eons es = ke ob veccepmeceene 71, 373, 900 POOH Co nc ce wake Ole Cakcen eat tenet eh darted id ua wees tae en 30, 542, 500 OU hi senior con eee aan c, nobis te pisns eben (= see nenateee eee ss. el pee Seca neem 22, 328, 700 Operas. oo. 2.2 2 hast Seals Loe ROR EE REE el eee eee 11, 503,540 Fresh fish, not cured....- je bee eh tect ab eieeeeoneecls sseekoos eee 99, 677, 911 A second column gives the estimated weight of these fish when fresh, and is obtained in making up the table of Canadian statistics by mul- tiplying the weight of the codfish by three; and adding one-fifth, or 20 THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 23 per cent., to the weights of the herring and mackerel. We have thus an aggregate which we are sure is very far below the proper figures. Within the last two years a very great increase in the demand for fish fresh from the sea has sprung up in the United States, most por- tions of the interior being now regularly supplied. ‘To this end the improved methods of preservation and transportation have greatly con- duced. The use of ice in its various applications,* the employment of refrigerating chests and refrigerator steamboats and cars and other de- vices, permits the transportation of fish many miles in a brief space of time. During the present year salmon have been loaded in cars on the Restigouche River and delivered in New York in thirty hours. The fish are packed in boxes with snow and placed in a refrigerator car supplied with a quantity of ice, so that on arriving in New York the snow is generally entirely unmelted. J ishare packed in chests in Florida and delivered in New York by steamer in the same manner. Fish taken in pounds or gill-nets or with lines along the coast are concen- trated at shipping points and forwarded by rail or in smacks, properly iced. They are then repacked and sent by various lines of conveyance to their distant markets. Such is now the method and system adopted in this business that it becomes very difficult to obtain fresh fish in seaport towns, the ma- chinery of collecting and transporting being so arranged as to prevent, to a very great extent, the diversion of any portion of the stock to the local consumption. Indeed, it is not at all uncommon for fish to be sent directly away from a village on or near the coast to New York or Boston in a general shipment to market, and afterwards returned to its starting point for consumption. One supposed evidence of an increasing scarcity of fish is the increase in price at such stations. This is, however, a fallacious argument, as the market is regulated by the rates obtainable in the centers of supply rather than elsewhere, and the local prices necessarily must correspond. ‘The proprietor of a weir or pound generally has his entire catch pre-engaged to the whole- sale dealer in New York or Boston, and he cannot keep his accounts satisfactorily if he permits any portion to be diverted by the way. Formerly, before the introduction of the use of ice and the improved system of transportation, whenever a great catch of fish was made, the _ principal market would be found at a point on or near the landing, the fish being taken in wagons and peddled in the interior, but always over a limited area, the result being that prices were usually or frequently very low, and not remunerative, in cases of a glut in the market. It is to the interest of fishermen, of course, that there should be no danger of such a glut, and that all the catch be disposed at a fair price. * In 1874 there were 25,000 tons of ice brought from Norway to Hull, for the pres- ervation of fish taken by trawl nets. 24 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. I.—NATURAL HISTORY. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS IN REGARD TO THE SPECIES OF FOOD- FISHES OF THE EASTERN COAST OF THE UNITED STATES AND OF THE DOMINION OF CANADA: The peculiar difficulties of investigating the natural history and gen- eral character of the inhabitants of the sea, excepting so far as they can be observed in aquaria, have tended very bres to prevent the acquisi- tion of satisfactory information in relation to their habits and charac- teristics; and it is therefore not surprising that our knowledge of this portion of the animal kingdom is far inferior to that of species belong- ing to the land. This proposition applies almost equally to the fish of all countries, there being very few species, even on the coast of Europe, — the biology of which has been worked out in a satisfactory manner. Of } a few species we know more than we do of others, especially of the sal- mon, several kinds of herring, and the cod. All these, as constituting — an important source of wealth, have been investigated by scientific commissions, organized by Governments, and embracing men trained to ~ research, and competent to do the work assigned them. With anenlightened appreciation of the importance of this subject, the \ Norwegian Government has, for a number of years, employed some of Q its best naturalists, such as Professor Sars, Prof. A. Boeck, Mr. Robert ~ Collett, and others, in these inquiries, providing them with all the neces- — sary facilities. The inherent difficulties in the way will be readily appre- — ciated, in view of the fact that even under suth circumstances the inves- — tigators have not succeeded as yet in entirely working out the problems submitted to them for solution, but year by year further discoveries have been made, the sum of which constitutes the most if not the only — | reliable data at the service of inquirers elsewhere. In view of these considerations, therefore, I trust that I shall be ex- | cused, if the accounts I give of the present state of our well-established — knowledge of the habits and distribution of the American sea fish be more or less meager, especially as the limitation of the present report — will forbid going into very minute detail. By distributing questions, as is now being done to a considerable extent, to the most intelligent — observers throughout the country, and submitting particular questions » and inquiries, and then by collating the results, it is hoped that a large body of facts will shortly be available. The fishes of any region may be considered either in a purely zoolog- ical point of view, or as they would be treated in a natural history mon- ograph, or in their relations torparticular industries or to some special — relation they may have to the land or water. For the purposes I have in view the subject of the biology or natural history of our fishes may be treated under the following heads: A. A systematic list of the species embraced in the subject, includ- ing also the fishes and marine invertebrates serving as food and bait. THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 25 B. Biographical notices of the most important species. After treat- ing them separately they may be considered collectively, or at least by groups of species. ©. The relationships of fishes in general to each other and to the shores and sea-bottom, as also to physical condition, their migration and movements, and the influence of men upon the same. D. Their numbers and abundance formerly and at the present time. KK. Their fatalities, diseases, and destruction by natural causes and other than by ordinary human agency (which belong to the subject of the fisheries). F. Their food, animal and vegetable. , G. Their reproduction, including their fecundity, their habits during that season, their rate of growth, and their conditions of maturity. f A.—LIST OF THE PRINCIPAL FOOD AND BAIT MARINE FISHES OF THE EASTERN UNITED STATES AND BRITISH PROVINCES.* 1. PRINCIPAL FOOD AND BAIT FISHES. LOPHIID 4. 1. Lophius piscatorius (Linn.).. Goosefish; Monkfish; Molligut. Nova Scotia and Chesapeake. PLEURONECTID 4. 2. Pseudopleuronectes americanus (Walb.) Gill. Common Flounder ; Winter Flounder; Mud Dab (Massachusetts Bay) ; Sole (New York). Nova Scotia to Cape Hatteras. 5. Limanda ferruginea (Storer) Goode & Bean. Rusty Dab; Sand Dab (Maine). Nova Scotia to Long Island. 4, Glyptocephalus cynoglossus (Linn.) Gill. Pole Flounder. North Atlantic, south to Block Island. 5. Pomatopsetta dentata (Storer) Gill. Smooth Plaice; Smooth-back. Massachusetts to Maine. " 6. Hippoglossoides platessoides (Fabr.) Gill. Arctic Dab. Polar regions to Cape Cod. 7. Pseudorhombus dentatus (Linn.) Giinther. Common Flounder. Cape Ann to Brazil. 8. Hippoglossus vulgaris (Fleming). Halibut. Greenland and Newfoundland to Cape: Hatteras. 9. Platysomatichthys hippoglossoides (Walb.) Goode & Bean. Green- land Turbot. ) Greenland to Eastern Banks. * This list is intended to present the principal species of food and bait fishes found ‘north of the Delaware or the thirty-ninth degree of latitude. 26 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. GADID Zz. 10. Pollachius carbonarius (Linn.) Bon. Pollock: Coal-fish (England), Greenland to Cape Hatteras. 11. Gadus morrhua Linn. * Common Codfish; Sarandlik and Sarand- lisksoak (Greenland). Polar regions to Cape Hatteras. 12. Microgadus tomcodus (Walb.) Gill. Tomeod; Frost-fish. Newfoundland to Cape Hatteras. 13. Melanogrammus ceglefinus (Linn.) Gill. Haddock. Newfoundland to Cape Hatteras. 14. Phycis chuss (Walb.) Gill. Codling (New York); Old English Hake; a Squirrel Hake (Massachusetts); Ling; Chuss (formerly at New York); . Codling (Newport); Fork-beard (England). Newfoundland to ®ape Hatteras. 15. Phycis tenuis (Mitch.) DeKay. Codling (New York); White Hake (Massachusetts) ; Squirrel Hake (Maine). Newfoundland to Cape Hatteras. 16. Brosmius brosme (Miiller) White (d. @s.) Cusk (Massachusetts) ; Torsk or Tusk. ; North Atlantic, south to Cape Cod. MERLUCIID. 17. Merlucius bilinearis (Mitch.) Gill. American Hake; Silver Hake (Maine); Whiting (Massachusetts); Stock-fish. Nova Scotia to Cape Hatteras. SCORP ANID A. 18. Sebastes marinus; Linn. (d.@s.). Norway Haddock ; Hemdurgan; Red-fish ; Bream (Maine); Rose-fish; Snapper (Massachusetts Bay, Storer); Red Sea-perch (New York) ; Red Perch (Eastport). Polar regions to Block Island. LABRID Ai. 19. Tautoga onitis (Linn.) Gthr. Black-fish; Tautog. Bay of Fundy to South Carolina; New York. 20. Tautogolabrus adspersus (Walbaum) Gill. Burgall or Bergall (New York); Cunner or Conner ; Chogset (New England) ; Bluefish or Blne Perch. Newfoundland to Cape Hatteras. ' : | A THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA, 26 XIPHIID_A. 22. Xiphias gladius Linn. Common Swordfish. Nova Scotia to West Indies. 23. Tetrapturus albidus Poey. Billfish ; Spearfish. Cape Cod to West Indies. 24. Histiophorus americanus Lac. Sailfish. Cape Cod to West Indies. SCOMBRID 2. 25. Scomber scombrus Linn. Mackerel; Wawwhunne-kesuog (Narra- gansett Indians, Trumbull); Caballa (Cuba). Greenland to Cape Hatteras. 26. Scomber grex Mitchell (= S. pnewmatophorus De la Roche). Chub Mackerel. Nova Scotia to Cape Hatteras. 27. Sarda mediterranea (Schn.) Jordan. Bonito; Skip-jack (Boston market). Cape Cod to Florida. . 28. Orcynus thynnus' (Linn.) Goode (d. @s.). Horse-mackerel (Massa- chusetts, &c.); Albicore (Rhode Island); American Tunny. Newfoundland to Florida. : 29. Orcynus alliteratus (Raf.) Gill. Little Tunny ; Albicore; Alliterato; (Naples); Mackerel (Bermuda). Pelagic, occasional on coast (found in large numbers at Wood’s Holl, Mass., August, 1871). 30. Scomberomorus maculatus (Mitch.) Jordan. Spanish Mackerel ; Spotted Mackerel; Bay Mackerel (rare in Massachusetts Bay). Cape Cod to Florida. 31. Scomberomorus regalis (Bloch) Jordan. Cero; Black-spotted Span- ish Mackerel; King-fish. Cape Cod to Florida. CARANGID 2. 32. Carangus hippos(Linn.) Gill. Horse-crevallé; Jiguagua (Cuba). Cape Cod to Florida. 33. Trachynotus carolinus (Linn.) Gill. Pompano (Southern coast); Cavallé or Crevallé (South Carolina); Pompynose (New Orleans). Cape Cod to Florida. 34. Trachynotus ovatus (Linn.) Gthr. Short Pompano. ~ Cape Cod southward. STROMATEID A, Wetees = 35. Poron tus triacanthus (Peck) Gill. Harvest-fish (New Jersey); Butter-fish (Massachusetts) ; Dollar-fish (Maine). - Maine to Cape Hatteras, 28 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. SCLASNID As. 36. Cynoscion carolinensis (Cuv. & Val.) Gill. Salmon-trout; Spotted Sea-trout (South coast); Spotted Silversides (Scott). Cape Hatteras to Florida. 37. Cynoscion regalis (Bloch) Gill. Squeteague or Squit (New England); Shecutts or Checatts (Mohegan Indians); Chickwick (Connecticut) ; Weakfish (New York); Bluefish (Beesley’s Point, New Jersey); Trout (Southern coast) ; Salt-water Trout; Gray Trout (Southern coast). Cape Cod to Florida. 38. Pogonias chromis Lacépede. Drum. Cape Cod to Florida. 39. Liostomus obliquus (Miteh.) DeKay. Lafayette (New York); Goody — (Cape May); Chub (Norfolk); Roach (Northampton County, Vir- — ginia). - Cape Cod to Florida. 40. Scicnops ocellatus (Linn.) Gill. Bass; Red Bass; Sea Bass; Spotted Bass (South Carolina); Redfish (Gulf of Mexico). Cape Cod to Florida. 41. Menticirrus nebulosus (Mitch.) Gill. Kingfish ; Whiting; Hake (New Jersey); Barb (New Jersey). Cape Cod to Florida. ; Eo aD: Micropogon undulatus (Linn.) Cuv. & Val. Croaker; Verrugato (Cuba). SPARID Az. 43. Archosargus probatocephalus (Walb.) Gill. Sheepshead. Cape Cod to Florida. 44, Stenotomus argyrops (Linn.) Gill. Seup (Vineyard Sound); Seup. paug; Porgy (New York); Bream (Rhode Island, formerly) ; Fair- maid (Kast shore of Virginia). Cape Cod to Florida. PRISTIPOMATID As. 45. Hemulon arcuatum Cuv. & Val. Grunt. South Atlantic coast of United States. SERRANID Zi. 46. Centropristis atrarius (Linn.) Barn. Black Sea Bass; Sea Bass (New York); Black Perch (Mass.); Black Bass; Blackfish (New Jersey); Bluefish (Newport); Black-harry; Hannahills (New York, DeKay); Black-will (Eastern shore of Virginia). Cape Cod to Florida. THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 29 LABRACIDZAi. 47. Roccus lineatus (Bl. Schn.) Gill. Striped Bass (Hastern States) ; Rockfish (Pennsylvania, &c.); Missuckeke-kequock (Narragansett Indians). ‘ Nova Scotia to Florida. 48, Morone americana (Gmelin) Gill. White Perch. Nova Scotia to Florida. EPHIPPIIDA. 49, Ephippus faber (Cuv.). Moonfish; Angel-fish (South Carolina) ; Three-banded Sheepshead; Three-tailed Porgy; Porgy (Chesapeake Bay). Cape Cod to Fiorida. LOBOTID Ai. 50. Lobotes surinamensis Cuv. Flasher (New York market). Cape Cod to Florida. POMATOMID 42. 51. Pomatomus saltatrix (Linn.) Gill. Bluefish (New York and New England, except Rhode Island) ; Horse-mackerel (Newport and Bees- ley’s Point, N. J.); Skip-jack (North Carolina); Green-fish (Vir- ginia, DeKay); Tailor (Maryland and Virginia); Whitefish and Snap-mackerel (young). . HLACATID Ai. 62. Hlacate canadus (Linn.) Gill. Crab-eater. Cape Cod to West Indies. AMMODY TID Ai. 53. Ammodytes americanus DeKay. Sand-launce; Sand-eel (New Eng- land). Newfoundland to Cape Hatteras. MUGILIDAL, 54. Mugil albula Linn. Striped mullet. Cape Cod to Florida. 5d. Mugil brasiliensis Agassiz. White mullet. ; ATHERINID 2. 56. Chirostoma notata (Mitch.) Gill. Silversides; I'riar (New England), Maine to Florida. BELONID. 30 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. : 57. Belone longirostris (Mitch.) Gill. Silver gar; Bill-fish. | Cape Cod to Florida. . SCOMBERESOCID 43. 58. Scomberesox saurus (Walb.) Fleming. Skipper; Saury; Skip-jack. Nova Scotia to Florida. CYPRINODONTID A. 59. Cyprinodon variegatus Lac. Cape Cod to Florida. MICROSTOMIDA. 60. Mallotus villosus (Miiller) Cuv. Capelin. Polar regions to Nova Scotia. 61. Osmerus mordax (Mitch.) Gill. Smelt. Nova Scotia to Cape Hatteras. : 63. Megalops thrissoides (Bl. Sch.) Giinther. Jew-fish; Tarpum (Ber. | muda). Cape Cod to Florida. SALMONID A. 62. Salmo salar (Linn.) Giinther. Salmon; Mishquammauqueck (Nar- ragansett Indians). Polar regions to Cape Cod. ELOPIDA, DUSSUMIERID 4. 64. Htrumeus teres (DeKay) Brevoort. Round herring. Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras. CLUPEID A. 65. Brevoortia tyrannus (Latrobe) Goode & Bean. Menhaden (Vineyard Sound); Munnawhatteaug (Narragansett Indians); Pogy. Poghade (Kast coast of New England); Mossbunker (New York); Panhaden, Panhagen (New England); Hard-head, Bony. fish (Massachusetts Bay); Skippaug or Bunker (Kast end of Long Island); Bony-fish (Saybrook); Whitefish (Saybrook to Milford, Connecticut); Fat-back and Yellow-~ tail (coast of North Carolina); Bug-fish (Carolina). Nova Scotia to Brazil. 66. Alosa sapidissima (Wilson) Storer. Shad. Newfoundland to Florida. THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. a 67. Opisthonema thrissa Gill. Thread-herring; Menhaden (Portland) ; Shad-herring (New York). Newfoundland to Florida. 68. Pomolobus estivalis (Mitch.) Goode & Bean; and Pomolobus vernalis (Mitchell) Goode & Bean. Herring (Southern States) ; Alewite (New England); Gaspereau (British Provinces) ; Spring-herring (New Eng- land); Aumsuog (Narragansett Indians); Kyack, Blueback, Alewife, Sawbelly, Cat-thresher (Portland, Me.). Newfoundland to Florida. 69. Pomolobus mediocris (Mitch.) Gill. Tailor-herring (Potomac); Fall- shad. Newfoundland to Florida. 70. Olupea harengus Linn. English Herring. Polar regions to Cape Cod. DOROSOMID Zi. 71. Dorosoma Cepedianum (Lac.) Gill. Toothed Herring. Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras. ENGRAULID &. 72. Stolephorus vittatus (Mitch.) Jordan & Gerard. Anchovy. Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras. ANGUILLID As. 73. Anguilla bostoniensis (Les.) DeKay. Common Eel. Newfoundland to Cape Hatteras. ACIPENSERID 2. 74. Acipenser oxyrhynchus Mitch. (d.s.) Sharp-nosed Sturgeon. Cape Cod to Florida. 75. Acipenser brevirostris Lesueur. Short-nosed Sturgeon. Cape Cod to Florida. PETROMYZONTID As. 16. Petromyzon americanus Lesueur (dl. s.) Lamprey; Lamper-eel. Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras. 2.—INVERTEBRATES ACTUALLY USED AS FOOD AND BAIT ON A LARGE - SCALE. MOLLUSCA. _ Architeuthis Harveyi Verrill. _ The giant squid, and other species of giant, squids when they can be obtained. 32 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES, Ommastrephes illecebrosa Ver. The squid generally north of Cape Cod, and the only squid of the Gulf of Maine, Bay of Fundy, We. Loligo Pealii Lesueur. Squid. South of Cape Cod, and also occurring in Massachusetts Bay. Mya arenaria Linn. Long Clam. Ranging from South Carolina to the Arctic Ocean. Venus mercenaria Linn. Round Clam; Quahog. Massachusetts Bay to Florida; Quahog Bay, Me.; Gulf of Saint Law- rence (Local). Spisult solidissima Gray. Sea Clam; Surf Clam. Labrador to Gulf of Mexico. Gnathodon cuneatus. Louisiana. Mytilus edulis Linn. Common Mussel (or muscle). Modiola plicatula Lamarck. Ribbed Mussel. These two species are both said to be used as bait off Sandy Hook, N.Y. Iknownothing very positive about them. CRUSTACEA. Panopeus Herbstii Edwards. A crab, but know of no common name. Range, Long Island Sound to Brazil; used for blackfish, Southern — States. Crangon vulgaris Kabr. Sand Shrimp. North Carolina to Labrador. Mysis, sp. Used by boys in Eastport Harbor for catching pollock and red perch. Thysanopoda, sp. Used by boys in Eastport Harbor for catching pellock and red perch. Homarus americanus Edw. Lobster. Ranges from Labrador to New Jersey. ‘ Callinectes hastatus Ordway. Common edible Crab, or Blue Crab. Ranges from Cape Cod to Florida, and is occasionally found in Mas- sachusetts Bay. | 3.—INVERTEBRATES WHICH MIGHT POSSIBLY ANSWER AS BAIT. It would seem as though nearly all the species of invertebrates which are found in the stomachs of fish, as food, might serve as bait for the same species at least; and the character of the food of some fishes is very varied. The following species are among the more common ones on the New England coasts and are easily obtained and of about the right size for bait, or could be rendered so by very little cutting. Of 4 course there is the question as to whether they would all or even many ~ of them prove attractive'to fish when on a hook, but forms closely re- lated to some of them are now standard articles of bait. THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 33 CRUSTACHA. Gelasimus minax, pugnax, and pugilator. The three species of Fiddler Crabs found on the Southern New Eng- 4 land coast, Cancer irroratus. Rock Crab. Labrador to South Carolina. Panopeus. | Several species of this genus are found on the Southern New Eng- land coast and to the south of New England, one of which, Herbstti, is already used as bait for blackfish. Ire — Carcinus menas. Green Crab. Cape Cod to New Jersey. _ Bupagurus. There are several species of “ Hermit Crabs” common tu theNew Eng- land coasts, two or three of which, living not far from land, could eas- ily be obtained as bait. One common species (pollicaris) is abundant on the oyster-beds of Southern New England (Long Island Sound) and could, therefore, be obtained of the oystermen. ~Pandalus annulicornis. The Deep-water Prawn or Shrimp. Common in the Gulf of Maine and Massachusetts Bay, in moderate to considerable depths, where it can be taken in large quantities by the beam-trawl. | Palemonetes vulgaris. Common Prawn. ‘Massachusetts to South Carolina. Abundant in places, in shallow water. . ANNELIDA. Nereis virens, and other “marine worms” which occur, buried in muddy and sandy beaches; nearly everywhere. un Na MOLLUSCA. if _ There are six species of Gasteropods of medium size which might possibly answer. Buccinum undatum. Whelk. } _ Entire New England coast, but most abundant north. U rosalpine cinerea. Drill. ‘ _ Massachusetts ie to Florida. Very thick shell, for which reason I irc lapillus. Purple. - Long Island to arctic. Also very thick shall, Lunatia heros. Sea Snail. _ Georgia to Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Jrepidula fornicata. Double-decker, Casco Bay, Me., to Florida. | 8. Mis, 902-—3 34 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Tnttorina littorea. New Haven to Nova Scotia. Imported from Europe. Very abun- dant on the shores northward of Newport, R. I. Is very good eating for man. Two other Gasteropods are common south of Cape Cod, but they are of large size. Fulgur carica. Winkle. Sycotypus canaliculatus. Winkle. Of Lamellibranchs there are the following : Mulinia lateralis. No common name, but related to the Sea or Surf Clam, smaller size. ; Massachusetts to Florida. Callista convexa. Related to the Quahog, but of smaller size. New Jersey to Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Astarte undata. Scapharca transversa. Bloody Clams. Argina pexata. Bloody Clams. Florida to Cape Cod. Pecten irvradians. Seallop. Florida to Cape Cod. If ascidians could be used as bait, the best three species would be the following, but I have not heard of their ever having been found in the stomachs of fish: Molgula Manhattensis. . North Carolina to Maine; sometimes thrown up on the beaches in immense quantities; lives in.shallow water. Cynthia pyriformis. Sea Peach; abundant in Bay of Fundy, in moder- ate depths. Boltenia Boltent. Sea Lemon. Cape Cod northward, with last above in Bay of Fundy. RADIATA. Brittle-stars (Ophiurans) are often found in fishes’ stomachs, and might answer as bait. The commonest species is— Ophiopholis aculeata. New Jersey to the Arctic Ocean; low water to 100 fathoms and deeper. Some species of common starfishes and sea-cucumbers might pos- sibly also do. 4,.—LISTS OF SPECIES, ANNUAL ESTIMATE FOR 1571—72, FOUND IN THE ~ STOMACHS OF FISHES—FOOD OF FISHES. In the following lists have been brought together the principal re- sults of the various recorded examinations of stomachs of fishes in — THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA, 35 this region up to the present time, whether done in connection with the U. 8S. Fish Commission or independently. The special dates and localities are given in each case.* Lophius Americanus DeKay. Goosefish; Angler. A specimen caught in Vineyard Sound, in June, contained crabs, Cancer trroratus ; and squids, Loligo Pealii. Another contained a me- dium-sized skate. Still another a large common flounder; bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) ; fragments of clam shells (Mya arenaria) ; crabs ; and eel-grass. Wood’s Holl, 1871; E. Palmer. Specimens taken in the rivers with herring had their stomachs filled with that fish. A. E. Verrill, Eastport, Me., 1871. Alutera Schepfii. (Walb.) Goode & Bean. File-fish. A specimen taken at Wood’s Holl, in August, contained a quantity of the finely-divided stems and branches of a Hydroid, Pennaria tiarella. Pseudopleuronectes Americanus Gill. Winter Flounder. A specimen caught at Wood’s Holl, in August, contained large num- bers of Bulla solitaria. Specimens taken, in 1871, in the rivers about Eastport, were filled with herring. A. EH. Verrill, 1871. Lophopsetta maculata Gill. Spotted Flounder. Numerous specimens caught in seines at Great Egg Harbor, April, 1871, contained large quantities of shrimp, especially Mysis Americana and Crangon vulgaris ; the prawn, Palemonetes vulgaris ; numerous Amphipods, Gammarus mucronatus ; one contained a Gebia affinis. Cheenopsetta ocellaris Gill. Ocellated Flounder ; Summer Flounder. Several specimens taken in the seines at Great Egg Harbor, New Jersey, in April, contained large quantities of shrimp, Crangon vulgaris and Mysis Americana; one contained a full-grown Gebia affinis. One caught at Wood’s Holl, June 6, contained twenty-six specimens of Yoldia limatula; and numerous shells of Nucula proxima, Angulus tener, and Tritia trivittata; and Amphipod Crustacea belonging to the genus Ampelisca. Specimens caught at Wood’s Holl, in July, contained rock-crabs, Cancer irroratus; Pinnixa cylindrica; Crangon vulgaris; squids, Loligo Pealii; Angulus tener; Nucula proxima; and many ane ee Echi- narachnius parma. August 16. One specimen contained a scup and one squid (Lolig go) ; Sept. 1. Another specimen had two small crabs and two minnows. Wood’s Holl; E. Palmer, 1871. * This article is essentially the same as the one contributed by Prof. A. E. Verrill to the report of U. S. Fish Commission of 187172. Iam indebted to Mr. R. Rathbun for rearrangivg it and adding notes by Professor Verrill made at Eastport, Me., either in 1871 or previous years, and notes of the fishes found as food in the stomachs of other fishes at Wood’s Holl in 1871 by Dr. E. Palmer, Professor Verrill havi ng enu- merated in his report only the invertebrate contents. 36 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES, Gadus morrhua var. Cod. The codfishes devour a great variety of Crustaceans, Annelids, Mol- lusks, starfishes, &c. They swallow large bivalve shells, and after di- gesting the contents spit out the shells, which are often almost unin- jured. They are also very fond of shrimps, and of crabs, which they frequently swallow whole, even when of large size. The brittle-star- fishes (Ophiurans) are also much relished by them. I have taken large masses of the Ophiopholis aculeata from their stomachs on the coasts of Maine and Labrador ; and in some cases the stomach would be distended with this one kind, unmixed with any other food. In this region I have not been able to make any new observations on the food of the cod. This deficiency is partially supplied, however, by the observations made by me on the coast of Maine, &c., coupled with the very numerous observations made at Stonington, Conn., many years ago, by Mr. J. H. Trumbull, who examined large numbers of the stom- achs of cod and haddock, caught within a few miles of that place, for. the sake of the rare shells that they contained. This collection of shells, thus made, was put into the hands of the Rev. J. H. Linsley, who in- corporated the results into his “ Catalogue of the Shells of Connecti- cut,” which was published after his death, in a somewhat unfinished state, in the American Journal of Science, Series I, vol. xlviii, p. 271, 1845. In that list a large number of species are particularly mentioned as from the stomachs ofcod and haddock, at Stonington, all of which were ~ collected by Mr. Trumbull,-as he has informed me, from fishes caught © on the fishing-grounds near by, on the reefs off Watch Hill, &c. Many ~ other northern shells, recorded by Mr. Linsley as from Stonington, but — without particulars, were doubtless also taken from the fish-stomachs — by Mr. Trumbull. There was no record made of the Crustacea, &c., : found by him at the same time. ; The following list includes the species mentioned by Mr. Linsley as ‘ from the cod. For greater convenience the original names given by him — are added in parentheses, when differing from those used in this report: List of mollusks, &c., obtained by Mr. J. H. Trumbull, from codfish caught near Stonington, Conn. GASTROPODS. Sipho Islandicus (?), young, (Fusus corneus). Ptychatractus ligatus (Fasciolaria ligata). Turbonilla interrupta (Turritella interrupta). Yurritella erosa. Rissoa exarata (?) (Cingula arenaria). Lunatia immaculata (Natica immaculata). Amphisphyra pellucida (Bulla debilis). Chiton marmoreus (?) (Chiton fulminatus). THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 3% LAMELLIBRANCHS. Martesia cuneiformis (Pholas cuneiformis). Periploma papyracea (Anatina papyracea). Thracia truncata. Tagelus divisus (Solecurtus fragilis). Semele equalis (?) (Amphidesma cequalis). Ceronia arctata (Mesodesma arctata). Montacuta elevata (Montacuta bidentata). Callista convexa, young, (Cytherea morrhuana). Cardium pinnulatum. Cyprina Islandica. Gouldia mactracea (Astarte mactracea). Yoldia sapotilla (Nucula sapotilla). Yoldia limatula (Nucula limatula), Nucula proxima. Nucula tenuis. Modiolaria nigra (Modiola nexa). Crenella glandula (Modiola glandula). Pecten tenuicostatus, young, (Pecten fuseus). ECHINODERMS. Echinarachnius parma. Microgadus tomcodus Gill. Tomcod; Frost-fish. Several specimens from New Haven Harbor, January 30, contained numerous Amphipods, among which were Mera levis; Gammarus, sp.; Ampelisca, sp.; an undetermined Macrouran; numerous Entomostraca; the larva of Chironomus oceanicus. A lot taken in a small pond at Woed’s Holl, in March, by Mr. Vinal N. Edwards, contained the common Shrimp, Crangon vulgaris ; large numbers of the green Shrimp, Virbius zostericola ; the Prawn, Palemo- netes vulgaris; large quantities of Amphipods, especially of Gammarus annulatus, G. natator, Calliopius leviuscula, and Microdeutopus minax ; and smaller numbers of Gammarus ornatus and G. mucronatus. Another lot of twelve, taken in April at the same place, contained most of the above, and in addition several other Amphipods, viz: Mera levis, Pontogeneia inermis, Ptilocheirus pinguis, and Caprella ; also Nereis virens, and various small fishes. Melanogrammus eglifinus Gill. Haddock. The haddock is not much unlike the cod in the character of its food. It is, perhaps, still more omnivorous, or, at least, it generally contains a greater variety of species of shells, &c.; many of the shells that it habitually feeds upon are burrowing species, and it probably roots them out of the mud and sand. A complete list of the animals devoured by the haddock would doubt- less include nearly all the species belonging to this fauna. We have 38 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. d had few opportunities for making observations on the food of the had- dock south of Cape Cod, but have examined many from farther north. — A specimen taken at Wood’s Holl, November 6, 1872, contained a large quantity of Gammarus natator and a few specimens of Crangon vulgaris. Another from Nantucket contained the same species. The following species of shells were mentioned by Mr. Linsley, in his catalogue, as from the haddock: List of mollusks obtained from stomachs of haddock, at Stonington, Conn., by Mr. J. H. Trumbull, ° Neptunea pygmea (Fusus Trumpulli). Astyris zonalis (Buccinum zonale). Bulbus flavus (?} (Natica flava). Margarita obscura. Acton puncto-striata (Tornatella puncto-striata). Cylichna alba (Bulla triticea). Serripes Greenlandicus (?) (Cardium Groenlandicum). The above list doubtless contains only a small portion of the species collected by Mr. Trumbull, but they are all that are specially recorded. As an illustration of the character and diversity of the haddock’s food, I add a list of the species taken from the stomach of a single specimen, from the Boston market, and doubtless caught in Massachussetts Bay, September, 1871. : ; GASTROPODS. Natica clausa. Margarita Greenlandica. LAMELLIBRANCHS. . Leda tenuisuleata. ‘ Nucula proxima. g Nucula tenuis. i Crenella glandula. g ECHINODERMS. Psolus phantapus. Lophothuria Fabricii. In addition to these there were fragments of shrimp, probably Panda- lus annulicornis, and numerous Annelids, too much digested for identi-— fication. Pollachius carbonarius Bon. Pollock. A species of Thysanapoda and one or two species of Mysis serve as food for the pollock about Eastport, Me. These crustaceans go under the general name of “‘ shrimp” among the fishermen, and swim together in large schools. cererseeneee .----- -.---| Bertram, Harvest of the Sea, 1873, p. 4. nM OL iaeies tote cecenee | 14, 311, 200 23° ')| 5.93 | Buckland. MIBUNGSY ce. - 22 coer cee cee 15950) 000 aeseme Jee Arete Ae eat Bertram, Harvest of the Sea, 1873, p. 4. NGleieesnedone aah seam Seer CUO, OOD ance = cteintaiaetal loin erarate aretha Do. PMG KOLO fora Scdinnm acs ance 500:(000:|\2.-s52-e54e5 | Be Seay eaai Do 15 Poly a) a eee Sen aeeae 30; 000%|-tpeca. chon teeta pea Do. Te te ee 155, 620 Bp Apo sesceee | Buckland DaTMIDUS Bs. at/enc omens Ue 194, 112 ll 14 oO. IRE eee a ae pease s = 365000) |euioeetere eters eee Ser ee Bertram, Harvest of the Sea, 1873, Dp. 4, Carp->.-- Bcczce ooneeeine 2, 059, 750 164 54 | oie Familiar History of British Fishes. ISDOSCUBI ces scents bee 1, 050, 100 50 Weewacncenmes G. B. Goode. Ot cette = cacercese| 2 592,000 Ne ese anss5h4c S. F. Baird, As especial attention has been given by the U.S. Fish Commission to the numbers of eggs laid by the various species of sea-fishes and their average magnitude, I will not hege pursue the subject further, but merely insert some original measurements by the Commission of eggs of the herring, cod, and mackerel, showing their average size. Kinds of fish. Eggs. | Mee y | Average. Inches. Inches. Herring (Cluped vulgaris) ..---- +--+ eeee ee eee cent cece es tenner cece: 29 | 1.09 - 0372" . 41. ty a . 0380 63 2.31 . 0366 Cod (Gadus MOrrThud) ..0-22-sccccecencccccncncrcnnane neces snes cosen= 43 1.43 | .0332 46° | 71.40) 2c 62 | 1.79 | .0289 Mackerel (Scomber scombdrus) .-cecee--cee vecnnecccenccccnnesceccence- 39 0. 98 | 0251 29 0.72 | .0248 77 1.93 | . 0251 The places of deposit of eggs by fish have already been referred to to some extent under the head of migrations and movements of fish as affected by the reproductive instinct. I shall therefore make only a brief recapitulation of some of the primary divisions. The anadromous fish, as already explained, are those that run up from the ocean into the rivers and sometimes lakes in which to deposit. their eggs, returning after a short time, and followed by the young after a period sometimes of months and sometimes of one or two years. The catadromous fish, of which the eel is the only known instance, are those the eggs of which are laid in the sea, the young passing up the rivers and remaining in the fresh waters during the period of imma- ture existence, after which they return to the ocean and probably never | again leave it; others, coming from the depths of the ocean, come to the shore to spawn in the summer season, and sometimes even in the depth of winter; others, again, discharge their eggs freely in the sea wherever they happen to be, these eggs, as already explained, float- ing or sinking to the bottom and being adherent or non-adherent.* * Prof, Alexander Agassiz has paid special attention to the character and place of deposit of the spawn of fishesof the Atlantic coast, and has furnished me with the THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 83 In the investigations before the British Fishery Commission as to the injurious effects of the beam trawl-net, much stress was laid upon its destructiveness to the spawn of fish, notably that of the cod, mackerel, plaice, turbot, and other species. Ample evidence, however, was ad- duced, both within the knowledge of Professor Huxley and from relia- ble investigations by Sars and others, that the ova of most of the im- portant sea fishes are discharged in the open sea and float in it until the young fish escapes from the shell. Sars found this to be the case when visiting the Lofoden Islands for the purpose of this investiga- tion, a conclusion absolutely contrary to his previous opinions. Nothing struck him with greater astonishment than the immense number of eggs, either containing embryos or emptied of them, which were to be met with in every direction, these. being thickly scattered in the waters over many square miles. Bag pete seers 12? following list of what he calls pelagic spawners, or Hiese the eggs of which are found floating freely in the sea: The common Sea Perch. The Mackerel. The Tautog. The Striped Bass. Five or six species of Flounders. One species of Cottus. The Silverside or Atherina. The Goosefish or Lophius. The Butterfish. The Cod. The Menhaden. The Hake or Phycis. Most of these were observed by him in the vicinity of Nantucket and afew at New- port. The time of the spawning of these fish, as noted by. him, was as follows: The Flounders, from June to early September. The Perch and Tauiog, the last of June and early in July. The Cod, in August. The Hake (Phycis), from June to September ; the young of all stages swinming on the surface. The Sea Bass, recently hatched young seen from July to September, Menhaden, August and September. Atherina, June and July. Cottus, July to September. Butterfish, July to September. Lophius, June and early July. The eggs of these several species vary in size from the .06 to the .03 of an inch in diameter. He finds the young are easily identified by the pigment cells, the oil bub- bles in the egg, the position of the yolk-bag, the extent of the development of the eyes, and the character of the fins. The only sea fishes whose eggs he knows are de- posited on the ground are the Batrachus tau, or Toadfish, and some of the Cottoids, As the result of his extended inquiries on the subject, as secretary of the British commission, Holdsworthy thinks that the herring comes shoreward to spawn, but that the eggs may be emitted at a considerable distance from the coast. The eggs are discharged near the bottom and cover the gravel or sea-weed with a kind of cake, which is then immediately milted by the male. According to observers on our own coast, herring, when spawning, are sometimes in pairs; at others, a large number of both sexes appear to join together, the females discharging their eggs almost simultaneously and the males their milt, in such quan- tity as to whiten the water. The Pilchard, a clupeoid fish, second in importance in England according to Holds- _ worthy, certainly spawns in cies water, and then both the adults and the young ap- Pach the shore. 84 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Mackerel.—The mackerel, too, he found to have the same characteristic, -the eggs of both species being found far out at sea. In both cases the egg was provided with a small globule of oil, apparently for the express purpose of facilitating its suspension in the water, and which was con- tained in the abdominal sack of the young fish in hatching, and con- stituted a large part of its embryonic nutriment. Plaice—The eggs of the plaice, too, one of the principal flat-fish of Europe, were found floating freely in the sea, and the inference was drawn that most of the flat-fish family, including the turbot, sole, &e., possessed the same characteristics. An analogy in the habits and phys- iological condition of other species of the cod family, such as the had- dock, the pollock, and the hake, also induced Sars to include them in the same category. As a general rule, the eggs of fish that float freely in the sea are single, and belong to the so-called dry eggs, or lack the glutinous en- velope which is found in the case of the herring and some less impor- tant fish, which causes them to adhere to each other in masses and to any other object with which they may come in contact. The herring is almost the only sea fish of economical importance that exhibits the last mentioned characteristic. (Deep Sea Fishing, p. 42.) Many forms of animal life, including fishes of the various Antennarius, Chironectes, &c., live habitually in mid-ocean, especially among the masses of floating sea-weeds, of which some species actually make nests in which their eggs are introduced. The rate of growth of the young fish varies with the group. In Crys- tallagobius, according to Collett, and perhaps in other forms, the capac- ity of reproduction is developed in a year’s time. For the most part, however, it is thought that the ordinary fishes require a period of three or four years before they are able to propagate their kind. It is likely that the sharks require a still greater allowance, although nothing defi- pite is known on this subject. The actual rate of growth of the individual varies with the species, -and probably to a certain extent with the individual, and the average at maturity varies very much with different so-called schools. Thus among the codfish, a school of mature fish coming in to the coast of New Jersey and elsewhere on the south side of New England, may aver- age not more than 5 to 10 pounds, while another school, which visits Cape Ann for the same purpose, averages a much greater weight, indi- viduals of even 100 pounds not being extremely rare. The same dif- ference in the size of cod occurs elsewhere, as also in that of other kinds of fish. What causes this difference it is, of course, impossible to say. j Many fishes experience curious changes of shape and color during the breeding season. These alterations are very much marked in the sal- mon, the male of which develops a lengthened, hooked jaw, in which formidable teeth make their appearance, A common alteration consists ——— THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 85 in the development of a hump in the nape of the neck or in the back of the male, as in the sea bass. | . A change of color is also a very common feature, the male generally assuming brilliant tints during the brief season which are not appre- ciable at other times. It is difficult to say how long fish can maintain their ability of propa- gation or reproduction, some forms, in all probability, being more per- sistent in this respect than others. In conclusion, a volume could readily be written in regard to the pe- culiarities of habit, condition, and relationship of fishes, but as the present essay is intended more particularly as an illustration of the fisheries of the North Atlantic, I shall now bring this portion of my subject to a conclusion, and proceed to a more important division, that of the methods, processes, and results of the fisheries themselves. IL—METHODS OF CAPTURE. A.—THE FISHING GROUNDS. In the Western Atlantic there is a remarkable chain of submarine elevations situated between the Gulf Stream and the east coast of North America, and extending from the vicinity of Cape Cod to a point far east of Newfoundland, a distance of more than 1,100 miles. Many of these elevations are of large extent, and, together with others of a similar character but comparatively smaller size that are nearer the land, lying inside of the main range, they constitute what are known as the “banks” or the great fishing-grounds for cod (that is, the various species of the Gadide, of which the cod, Gadus morrhua, is by far the most abundant) and halibut. Tor the better understanding of the relative position of the banks, their importance, W&e., the description will begin with the southwestern grounds and proceed to the north and east. GEORGE’S BANK. George’s Bank is by far the largest and most important fishing- ground near the coast of the United States, and is second to none in the Western Atlantic except the Grand Bank of Newfoundland. It lies to the eastward of Cape Cod and Nantucket Shoals, and is seem- ingly an extension of the latter, since the water is no deeper between the southern part of the shoals and the western part of the bank than in many places onit. As laid down on the charts the southern limit is in 46° 40’ N. latitude, although 10 miles south of that the depth of water does not exceed 44 fathoms, and therefore the southern boundary may be placed at 40° 30/ and the northern at 42° 05’ N. latitude. The eastern part is in 66° 27’ and the western in 69° 00’ W. longitude, mak- ing the greatest length about 130 miles from the northeast to the south- west extremity. and the greatest width 95 miles nerth and south. The 86 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. depth is from 2 to 50 fathoms. On the western part, between the par- allels of 41° 10’ and 41°53’ N. latitude, and the meridians of 67° 20/ and 68° 37’ W. longitude, are a number of shoals known as the East Shoal, the North Shoal, the Southwest Shoal, Cultivator Shoal, &e. The Southwest Shoal is the largest, being 15 milesin length. There is from 2 to 15 fathoms of water on these shoals and between them from 12 to 30 fathoms. The tides sweep over these with great force, causing strong rips, and during rough weather the sea breaks heavily on them, rendering approach to their vicinity extremely hazardous. The bottom is chiefly sand, although patches of rough ground, gravel, pebbles, and rocks, of more or less extent, are found on some parts of it. Its situation between the Bay of Fundy and the Gulf Stream causes the tides to run swifter than on the other banks, and to swirl around instead of going directly back and forth in opposite directions. They ‘runaround the compass, from left toright, attaining the greatest strength when at SE. and NW., and the least in a southwest and northeast direc- tion. The first attempt at fishing on this bank of which there is any record was made in 1821 by three Gloucester vessels. But the George’s cod and halibut fishery is of later date, as it did not become fully estab- lished as a permanent business enterprise until about 1835, although vessels went there for halibut in 1830. At first the catch was mostly halibut, but since 1850 it has been chiefly codfish, although more or less halibut are taken with them. During the months of February, March, and April large schools of cod make their appearance on the bank. They are generally found on the “ winter fishing-ground,” a part of the bank lying to the eastward of the shoals, between 41° 30/ and 42° 00’ N. latitude and 66° 38’ to 67° 30’ W. longitude. This is essentially a spawning ground for the cod, which appear to come on the bank from the southeast, as they almost invariably, after reaching the ground, move slowly to the north and west as spring approaches. This is in the direction of the shoals, and, as the pursuit of the fish brings the ves- sels near the latter, great loss of life and property sometimes occur in heavy easterly gales and storms. As soon as the spawning season is over the schools of cod break up, but more or less fish are caught on different parts of the bank during the entire year, though rarely, if ever, are they found so plenty as when the winter school is on. _ The codfish fleet, which numbers about one hundred sail, is wholly from Gloncester, Mass. Besides these there are twenty-five to thirty vessels from the same port that fish on George’s for haddock in the winter, and a few others from New London, Conn., and other ports on Long Island Sound engage in the cod and halibut fishery in spring and summer. BROWN’S BANK. | Brown’s Bank lies in a northeasterly direction from George’s Bank, being separated from the latter by a gully, This bank is imperfectly OL Se THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA, 87 laid down on the charts, which therefore fail to give an adequate idea of its extent and importance as a fishing-ground. Its greatest length east and west is 53 miles, from 65° 10’ to 66° 23’ W. longitude, the great- est breadth 47 miles, from 42° 15’ to 43° 02/ N. latitude, and the depth varies from 20 to 55 fathoms. There is a small shoal on the northern part, the location of which has not been definitely determined, where itis said there is not more than 9 to 15 fathoms. The bank slopes grad- ually from the shoal in a southerly direction, but falls off steep on the northern side. The bottom is mostly composed of gravel, pebbles, and rocks, the latter predominating near the shoal. The tides are nearly as strong here as on George’s Bank, but run more directly to and from the Bay of Fundy, the northeast and southwest set being generally much weaker than on the latter bank. Cod, halibut, and haddock are the principal fish taken, although cusk, pollock, and hake are found more or less. Cod are quite plenty in the winter and some good fares are obtained, although but compara- tively few vessels fish there at that season, most of them being in the George’s fleet. At other seasons, however, the fishing on Brown’s Bank compares favorably with that on any of the banks in the vicinity, and ‘quite a number of the so-called Georgesmen are engaged in fishing there. The cod is found the year around. Halibut were formerly found very plenty, but at present occur in much less numbers. Some- times the haddock fishermen make a trip to this bank during the winter and good catches are occasionally obtained. JEFFREY’S LEDGE. This may perhaps be considered one of the best shore fishing-grounds in the Gulf of Maine, although it is comparatively small. It is seem- ingly an extension of the shoal ground that makes off in a northeasterly direction from Cape Ann. It is about 20 miles long NE. and SW. and from 2 to 4 miles wide. Its southern limit is 42° 54’, and northern 43° 11’ N. latitude, and the eastern ana western boundaries may be placed at 69° 58’ and 70° 18’ W. longitude. The bottom is rocky on the shoal- est parts, with gravel and pebbles along the edges. The depth of water is from 27 to 35 fathoms on the bank, falling.off to 40 and 50 fath- oms on the borders. Usually there is little or no tide, though occasion- ally there is some current setting to the SW. Cod, cusk,and haddock are taken in the fall, winter, spring, and early summer, with more or less hake or pollock mixed with them. Fora number of years Jeffrey’s Ledge was a favorite winter fishing-ground for haddock, which were very abundant, and even at the present time many vessels resort there in pursuit of haddock ; but since the haddock fishermen have extended their cruises to the outer banks, a less number, of course, go to Jeffrey’s. Besides the haddock catchers, the vessels engaged in the shore fisheries resort to this ground in the spring and fall. 88 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CASHE’S LEDGE. This is not avery important fishing-ground at present except for a brief season in the spring, although it is resorted to somewhat by the shore fishermen in summer and fall, and sometimes good trips are obtained. It bears east from Cape Ann, from which the shoals are 76 miles dis- tant. The bank is about 22 miles long, from 42° 49/ to 43° 11’ N. lati- tude, and about 17 miles wide, from 68° 40/ to 69° 3’ W. longitude. There are three small shoals on the western part of the ground. The southern one has 7 fathoms, the middle one 4 fathoms and the northern one 11 fathoms of water. The position of the middle shoal is 42° 56’ N. lati- tude and 68° 52’ W. longitude. From this the south shoal bears S. by BE. and the north shoal NNE., each being 34 miles distant from it. These break in rough weather, and, though of small extent, are dan- gerous to passing vessels, especially as they are almost directly in the track of vessels bound to and from Cape Sable to Massachusetts Bay. With the exception of the shoals the depth of water ranges from 15 to 60 fathoms. The ground is more or less broken, with bottom of sand, pebbles, and rocks. The greater part of the fish caught here are cod, hake, and cusk. Halibut are rarely seen, and haddock and pollock are less plenty than the other kinds. Good trips are often secured on the edge of the ground in May and June, but the dogfish, which appear about the last of June or in July, usually drive everything before them and for a time stop the fishing. The class of vessels fishing on Cashe’s range from 15 to 45 tons, and are what are known as shore-trawlers. JEFFREY’S BANK. This bank, which lies east of Cashe’s Ledge, is of comparative little importance as a fishing-ground. It is about 20 miles long SW. and NE., and 10 miles wide, the northern and southern limits being 43° 15’ and 43° 30’ N. latitude. The eastern edge is in 68° 25’ and the western in 63° 46’ W. longitude. The bottom, which is somewhat broken, is com- posed of mud, sand, gravel, and pebbles, with a depth varying from 35 to 70 fathoms. Cod, haddock, hake, and cusk are the fish most plenti- fui; some pollock are caught, but halibut are rarely taken. The best season is in late spring and éarly summer, before the dogfish schools strike, after which but few fish can be obtained. This bank is resorted to by the smaller-sized vessels of from 15 to 50 tons. GERMAN BANK. Although this bank is not usually laid down on the charts it is one of the most important in the Bay. of Fundy. It bears SE. from Baker’s— Island light (Mount Desert), from which the northwest part is about 52 miles distant. The length is about 15 miles and the width 9 to 10 miles. It lies between 43° 358’ and 43° 53/ N. latitude, and 66° 5S’ to 679° 15/ W. longitude. ‘There is from 65 to 100 fathoms of water. The bottom is THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 89 * mostly a tough red clay, but with spots of mud, sand, gravel, and pebbles on some parts. The tide sets out and in the Bay of Fundy about SW. and NE., but is not so strong as might be expected. Cod, hake, cusk, and haddock are the fish which are chiefly taken, but a few halibut and pollock are occasionally caught. The fishing season is from April to October, although fish are usually the most abundantinthespring. This bank is resorted to chiefly by vessels from the coast of Maine, but is sometimes visited by the Massachusetts fishermen. MARBLEHEAD BANK. This fishing-ground, which is quite an important one for the shore cod-fishermen, is not laid down on the charts. Therefore the fishermen who visit it are probably the only persons familiar with its location, or who are able to estimate its extent. , The ground which they call Mar- blehead Bank is situated between Grand Manan and German Banks, the shoal water bearing SSE. from Mooseabece light, a distance of 32 miles. It is about 12 to 15 miles long and 7 or 8 miles wide, and lies be- tween 44° 00’ and 44° 10’ N. latitude and 66° 58’ to 67° 13’ W. longi- tude. There is from 35 to 70 fathoms of water, and the bottom is mostly clay and gravel. The fish that occur in the greatest numbers are cod, pollock, and haddock, but with these are more or less hake and cusk. The best fishing is generally in the spring and early summer. The same class of vessels—shore fishermen—as frequent Grand Manan and German Banks also resort to this, but occasionally those of a larger size make one or more trips during the summer season. GRAND MANAN BANK. Grand Manan Bank lies at the entrance of the Bay of Fundy, and bears SW. $58. from the southwest head of Grand Manan Island, from which the northern part of the bank is 15 miles distant. It is 10 miles long and 5 miles wide, and lies ina SW. and NE. direction. The bot- tom is mostly stones and gravel, and the depth of water varies from 24 to 45 fathoms. The tides are quite strong, but not enough so to prevent trawling. Cod and pollock are the principal fish, eusk, hake, haddock, and halibut being less plenty: The fishing season is from April to October, when the fish come on the bank to feed. Inthe spring the fish are usually the most plentiful on the southwest part, but later _ in the season the best fishing is generally obtained on the other end of the ground. It is a favorite fishing-ground for the class of small vessels commonly known as shore-fishermen. SEAL ISLAND GROUND. Off the western part of Nova Scotia there is an important fishing lo- cality known to the fishermen as the “Seal Island Ground,” although no name is given on the charts. This may not, perhaps, be called a 90 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. bank, as it is shore soundings, which slope gradually from the land to’ the south and west, but continue in a northerly direction beyond what — may properly be considered the limit of the ground.. To the south it extends nearly to Brown’s Bank, from which it is separated by a nar- row gully; to the west 38 miles from Seal Island, the western land of Nova Scotia; and to the northwest about 35 miles. The southern limit is in 48° 00’, and the northern in 43° 45/ N, latitude, while the western boundary may be placed at 66° 40’ W. longitude. There is a small shoal, the Pollock Rip, with a depth of 7 fathoms, which bears SW. from Seal Island, from which it is distant 94 miles, but with this exception, the ground slopes quite gradually, the depth varying from 15 to 70 fathoms. The bottom is principally composed of coarse gravel and pebbles, with occasional rocky spots of more or less extent. The tides sweep out and in the Bay of Fundy with consider- able force, the course changing with the direction of the land, so that while they run nearly north and south on the northern part of the ground, they swing around to northwest and southeast to the south- ward of Seal Island. The flood is much stronger than the ebb, and the * fishermen estimate that one flood will carry a vessel nearly as far in a northerly direction as two ebbs will in the opposite way. The fish that are principally caught on this ground are cod, haddock, and pollock, although halibut, cusk, and hake are taken to a limited extent, and occasionally herring or mackerel are netted for bait. Cod are generally more plentiful from spring to fall than during the winter, . but haddock and halibut are found all the year. Fishing usually begins in April or May, and continues until October. Halibut were formerly very abundant, but are now comparatively scarce. This ground may be considered essentially a feeding-ground for the | cod, which come here after the spawning season is over to fatten upon the crabs and mollusks on the bottom and the herring and other species of small fish that are swept back and forth in the tide-rips. All parts of the Seal Island ground are fished on‘at the same time. This was formerly a favorite fishing-ground for vessels from the coast of Maine, but since trawling has come to be so universally adopted but few Amer- ican vessels except ‘ hand-liners” go there. The fleet engaged in fish- ing there now is principally composed of vessels belonging to the west- — ern part of Nova Scotia, which generally “fish at a drift,” going back and forth over the ground with the wind and currents. ROSEWAY BANK. Roseway Bank lies in a northerly direction from Le Have Bank and ~ SE. from Shelburne light. It is oblong in shape and of small extent, the greatest length being only 19 miles, and breadth 12 miles. The limits are 43° 13/ and 43° 32/ N. latitude, and 64° 30’ to 64° 38’ W. — longitude. The bottom is sand, gravel, and rocks, and there is a depth of from 33 to 48 fathoms. The current here is not nearly so strong as — . ‘THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 91 in the vicinity of Cape Sable, or Brown’s Bank. The general set is about WSW. and ENE., the westerly current usually being much the strongest, although both the force and direction is somewhat influenced by the winds. The principal fish are cod, haddock, and cusk, but hake, pollock, and halibut are occasionally taken. The season is usually from May to Oc- tober, during which time fishing is carried on principally by small-sized vessels from the western part of Nova Scotia, although a few American vessels occasionally go there. To the northwest of Roseway, and be- tween it and the land, is ““ Cape Negro Mud,” a good ground for cod at certain seasons. It is of small extent, with ae bottom, and a depth varying from 60 to 80 fathoms. ° LE HAVE BANK. Le Have Bank is situated to the eastward of Brown’s and south and east of Roseway Banks. It extends from 42° 5.3’ to 43° 24’ N. latitude, a distance of 31 miles, and from 63° 50/ to 64° 47’ W. longitude, a dis- tance of 41 miles. Much of this westerly extension is a long narrow prong that makes out from the main body of the bank. The bottom is largely composed of coarse gravel, pebbles, and rocks, with only here and there small spots of sand. The depth of water is from 40 to 50 fathoms. The general set of the current is mostly to the westward, but this, however, is influenced very much by the direction and strength of the winds. The fish that are chiefly taken on this bank are cod and haddock, although the other species of bottom fish are found more or * less plentiful. Cod are found at all seasons of the year, but are more abundant during the early winter than at any other time, and good trips are frequently obtained by the Gloucester vessels, which are the only - ones that go there at that season. The Gloucester winter haddock- catchers, who carry these fish fresh to Boston market, have extended their trips from George’s and Brown’s Banks to Le Have, and during the present winter (188081) have madesome remarkably good catches, LE HAVE RIDGES. The fishing-ground known as Le Have Ridges is simply a continua- tion of Le Have Bank to the eastward in the direction of the Western Bank, a distance of about 45 miles. This makes the eastern limit in 62° 50’ W. longitude, while the northern and southern boundaries are about. the same as those of LeHaveBank. The bottom is asuccessionof ridges of gravel and pebbles, with occasional patches of rocks, and the depth varies from 55 to 85 fathoms. The current is weaker here than farther west on the bank, and, excepting with easterly winds, is but little noticed. The general setis westerly. The “ Ridges” were for a number of years one of the favorite places of resort for the halibut catchers in the winter, and many good trips of cod have also. been taken at that z 92 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. : A season. At present bat few halibut are caught, except in the deep — water along the southern edge of this ground, where sometimes they have been found quite plenty for nearly the entire year. Hake are also found in large numbers in the deep water about the borders of the ground, and even on the ridges. As a general thing but few vessels besides those from Gloucester have made a practice of fishing on Le Have Ridges, though a few cod fishermen from other places stop there now and then during the summer. SAMBRO BANK. This bank lies in a westerly direction from the Western Bank, but is so small that it is of little importance as a fishing-ground and is but little resorted to by American vessels. It lies between 43° 36/ and 43°. 47’ N. latitude and 65° 40/ to 63° 00’. W. longitude, the greatest length being 15 miles and width 11 miles. There is from 50 to 60 fathoms of water, and the bottom is mostly sand, gravel, and pebbles. WESTERN BANK. The Western Bank is one of the most important fishing-grounds in the Western Atlantic, considered either as to size or the amount of fish taken on it. Lying off the eastern coast of Nova Scotia, it has Le Have Ridges on the west, and Bankquereau on the east, from both of which it is separated by gullies. The general direction of the bank is WSW. and ENE.; the eastern limit is 59° 07’, and the western 62° 27’ W, longitude, making the extreme length 193 miles. The southern limit is in 42° 51’, and the northern in 44° 46’ N. latitude, the extreme width, therefore, being 95 miles. On the eastern part of the bank is Sable Island. This is about 20 miles long and 13 miles wide, and composed wholly of sand, which for — nearly the entire length is in hummocks, caused probably by the action | of the wind. Off either end of the island are long and dangerous sand- bars. The general direction of the island and bars is east and west, — although they take the form of a crescent with the concave side on the north. The depth on the bars for a distance of from 7 to 10 miles from the island does not exceed 2 fathoms, and even 10 miles farther out in> an easterly and westerly direction there is not more than 10 or 11 fath- oms. Onthe middle ground—a portion of the Western Bank which lies in a northerly direction from Sable Island about 25 miles distant—there are several shoal spots with from 10 to 19 fathoms on them. Asa general rule the bank slopes gradually from the island to the south and west, the depth ranging from 18 to 60 fathoms. The gen- eral character of the bottom is sandy, but there are patches of gravel and pebbles. The currents in the vicinity of Sable Island are occasion- ally quite sirong, and generally irregular, being very much influenced by the winds. On the greater part of the bank there is usually but . THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 93 little current. The set of what there is, however, is mostly in a west. erly direction. Cod and halibut are the principal fish taken, though the other species of bottom fish are found in limited quantity. The for- mer are generally the most abundant in the spring, from the first of March to June, although good fares are obtained throughout almost the entire year. For more than twenty-five years the Western Bank has been a favorite resort of the halibut fishermen, At first these fish were. found very plenty in from 45 to 60 fathoms, and since 1876 have been caught in great numbers along the edge on the south and east sides in from 100 to 300 fathoms. Like the cod, they are found during the en- tire year, the period of greatest abundance, however, being from the first of January to the first of Uctober. The Western Bank may be con- sidered both as a feeding and spawning ground for the cod and halibut. It abounds with shell-fish and crustaceans, as well as with several spe- cies of small fish upon which the cod and halibut prey. Although the cod do not gather in such great schools in winter as they do on George’s Bank, it is nevertheless quite evident that they assemble at that season for the purpose of reproduction. Usually they are found the most plen- tiful on the western part of the bank in winter and early spring, but as the season advances they move into shoaler water in the vicinity of - Sable Island, the “‘ bend” of the island and about the bars being favorite grounds during the late spring and early summer. Vessels from all along the New England coast and from the British Provinces resort to this bank to pursue the cod fishery, but fishing for halibut is almost ex- clusively carried-on by the Gloucester fleet. THE GULLY. Although the “ Gully ” cannot be called a bank, being just what its name suggests, a deep gully between two banks, it is nevertheless too important as a halibut fishing-ground to be omitted from a general de- scription of the fishing banks. This lies between Bankquereau and the Western Bank, being bound on the north and east by the former, and on the south and west by the latter. The entire length of the gully is more than 60 miles, but the halibut ground is of less extent, and the limits, east and west, may be placed at the 59th and 60th meridians of west longitude. It is about 18 miles wide, on the eastern part, from 44° 08’ to 44° 26’ N. latitude, but narrower farther west. There are several ridges with rocky and gravelly bottom and a depth of 75 to 125 fathoms, on which the halibut are usually caught. On either side of these ridges the bottom is generally sand or mud, excepting in the eastern section, where it is composed mostly of pebbles and sharp rocks. The current generally sets in a westerly direction, but is very irregu- lar in strength; an easterly wind often causes it to increase very per. ceptibly, while at other times there may be but little or no tide. When the halibut fishing first began on this ground it was carried on chiefly « 94 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. in the spring on the northern and western part, but in the spring of 1877 the fishermen made trials farther out, in deeper water, and excel- lent fares were obtained as late as June and July. Since that time good fares have been taken during the winter season, and it appears that halibut come to this place especially to feed, as they generally move to other localities just previous to the spawning season. With a few ex- ceptions the Gloucester halibut vessels are the only ones fishing on this ground. BANKQUEREAU. og - This may be considered among the most important of the fishing banks lying between the 40th and 48th parallels of latitude. It lies in an easterly and northerly direction from the Western Bank, being sepa- rated from the latter by the “Gully.” The former bank is long and com- paratively narrow, and lies in an east and west direction. The extreme length is 118 miles, from 57° 20’ to 60° 04’ W. longitude. The southern limit is 44° 05’ and the northern 45° 01’, a difference of 56 miles, but the widest place, the castern part, does not exceed 46 miles. There is a shoal ground called the ‘‘ Rocky Bottom,” on the eastern part of the bank, which has a depth of 16 fathoms, while elsewhere there is from 18 to 50 fathoms. The Kocky Bottom is much frequented by | the hand-line dory fishermen during the summer, and sometimes several hundred dories are fishing theze very close together. The bottom is generally rocky, but there are patches of sand and ; gravel on some parts of the bank. The current from the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the polar current meet here, but, though this causes con- — siderable irregularity, the latter is usually the strongest, and the set is therefore chiefly in a westerly direction. The force is much influenced by the wind, so that there may be quite a strong tide for several days | together and then but little or none. But few kinds of fish, with the exception of cod and halibut, are taken on Bankquereau; hake, haddock, and cusk being comparatively rare. Halibut are found throughout the entire year in the deep water along — the edges of the bank, where, at a depth of from 100 to 400 fathoms, large numbers of them areoften taken. These are apparently both feeding and — breeding grounds for the halibut, and it is not unusual for a school of them to remain several weeks or even months in one locality, although it is probable that some of the schools that “ strike” on the eastern part of the bank in the spring are migrating farther north. The best season — for cod is from May to November, when the schools gather on the bank | to feed on the lant, squid, crustacea, and shell-fish that usually occur in great abundance. As a general thing cod are found the most plentiful on the eastern part of the bank, although good catches are frequently obtained farther west. French, British, Provincial, and American fish- — ing vessels resort to this bank for cod in summer, and the American (Gloucester) fresh halibut fleet visit it at all seasons. THE SEA FISHERIES OI EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 95 CANSO BANK. This bank lies to the south and east of Cape Canso, from which it de- rives its name; it is unimportant as a vessel fishing-ground, and is too distant from the land to be much resorted to by small boats. It. lies be- tween 45° 00’ and 45° 16’ N. latitude and 59° 58’ to 60° 42’ W. longi- tude; the greatest length, in an cast and west direction, being 30 miles, and the width 16 miles. There is a depth of from 30 to 56 fathoms, and - the general character of the bottom is sandy, with spots of gravel or pebbles. MISAINE BANK. Although Misaine Bank is quite large, it is but little resorted to by fishermen, and therefore it may be said that as a fishing-ground it is unimportant. This fact seems quite remarkable, since it is not more than 30 miles distant in a northerly direction from Bankquereau, which is a good ground for cod and halibut. The extreme length is 61 miles, in an easterly and westerly direction, the limit being 58° 08’ and 59° 28/ W. longitude. The width is 41 miles, from 44° 59’ to 45° 40/ N. latitude. The depth of water varies from 40 to 60 fathoms, and the bottom is gen- erally broken and rocky. But little can be said concerning the abun- dance of fish on this bank, since it is so rarely visited by fishing vessels that no reliable information can be obtained concerning: this matter. The natural inference is, however, that the bank has been fished on more or less, and though cod and other bottom fish are found they are not so plentiful as on other banks. ARTIMON BANK. Artimon Bank lies north from the eastern part of Bankquereau, being separated from it by a narrow gully. It is of such limited extent that, compared with the latter, it is of but little importance as a fishing- ground. The fishermen generally prefer to try on the larger bank, and therefore but comparatively little, is known about the abundance of fish on Artimon Bank, although it is known that the same kinds may be taken on one as on theother. It is i miles long and 10 miles wide, with a depth of 37 to 50 fathoms, and bottom of coarse gravel and rocks. SAINT PIERRE BANK. Until quite recently the bank of Saint Pierre was considered a very important fishing-ground for both cod and halibut, and was much re- . sorted to by Americanas well as French and British provincial fishermen. At present, however, fish are much less abundant than formerly, and it can scarcely be placed in the front rank of fishing banks. It is situ- ated to the northwest of Grand Bank and Green Bank, and off the south coast of Newfoundland, the northern part being only 11 to 15 miles distant from the French islands of Miquelon and Saint Pierre. It 96 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. is oblong in form, and extends in a northwest and southeast direction. The length is 110 miles, and width 60 miles, and it lies between the par- allels of 45° 15’ and 46° 45/ N. latitude, and the meridians of 55° 21’ and 56° 21’ W. longitude. There is from 22 to 50 fathoms of water. The bottom is generally rocks and pebbles, covered with a growth of reddish- colored bryozoans, but on some parts there are places of considerable extent where it is composed of sand or gravel. Ordinarily there is not much current on this bank, although sometimes, when driven by strong winds, the polar current, which sweeps around the south coast of Newfoundland, is quite strong. Cod and halibut are the only food- fish that are found in any numbers, although a few cusk and haddock are sometimes taken. The season for both cod and halibut is from the 1st of April to November. The best season for cod is from the 1st of June to October, when they come here in pursuit of capelin and squid. Halibut were formerly taken on the shcal parts of this ground during the spring. and summer, but at present are rarely found in any abundance except in the deep water along the edge, or on rocky spots, a distance of 15 to 20 miles from the bank, where there are no soundings laid down on the charts. Some of the schools of halibut find their breeding grounds on these rocky patches, but the greater part pass along the edge in the spring on their way to the north. With the ex- ception of the fresh halibut catchers, few fishermen besides the French make an attempt to fish on Saint Pierre, as the other banks offer much | greater inducement. GREEN BANK. Green Bank is one of the least important of its size in the Western Atlantic, if only that part laid down on the charts as such is considered. But it may be said, however, that one of the best halibut grounds is in the deep waters near its southern part, and as this is also called Green Bank by the fishermen, it may not be out of place to consider it in this connection. This bank is situated between Grand and Saint Pierre Banks, being 7 miles distant from the former and 13 miles from the lat- ter. The extreme length is 54 miles north and south, between 45° 15/ and 46° 09’ N, latitude, and it is 33 miles wide, the meridians of 549 17’ and 55° 03/ W. longitude bounding it on the east and west. The depth varies from 40 to 60 fathoms, and the bottom is composed of sand, shells, pebbles, rocks, and corals. The general direction of the polar current, which sets over this bank, is usually from northwest to southwest, its course, as well as force, being more or less influenced by the wind. But little is known of the abundance of the cod here, as the fishermen prefer to go to grounds that are better understood than to stop on this. Since 1875 halibut have generally been found very abundant in the winter and spring and ‘sometimes, even during the summer, in from 75 to 300 fathoms, along the edge of the ground between the Grand and THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 97 Saint Pierre Banks, which is near the southern part of Green Bank. This locality appears to be a feeding-ground in winter, and during the spring is in the direct line of the route followed by the halibut that are migrating from the Grand Bank to other places farther north, and at this season it is not uncommon for immense schools to make their ap- pearance, moving leisurely along the edge, perhaps im some cases only a very little for several days at a time, and again more rapidly. The only vessels fishing for halibut at this place are from Gloucester, Mass, GRAND BANK. Considered either as to area or with regard to the extent of its fish eries, the Grand Bank is by far the most important fishing-ground in the Western Atlantic, if not in the world. It lies south and east from Newfoundland, is triangular in form, with sides nearly equal, ong of them facing the east, one the south and west, and the other to the north and west. The north and east sides are each about 264 miles in kength, and the other is 225 miles from the southern to the northwestern limit. It extends over more than four degrees of latitude, from 42° 57’ to 47° 02/ N:, and nearly six degrees of longitude, from 48° 22/ to 54° 16/ W. The most remarkable shoals are the Virgin Rocks and the Eastern Shoal Water. The former are a number of rocky hummocks, severally known as the Main Shoal, Portuguese Shoal, the Haycocks, and the Eastern Shoals. On these the depth is from 4 to 25 fathoms, while between them it is from 40 to 50 fathoms. One or two of them break in rough weather, and though not very large, are at such times dan- gerous to passing vessels. They lie between 46° 25/ and 46° 30’ N. latitude and 50° 31’ to 50° 58’ W. longitude. The Eastern Shoal Water extends from about the fiftieth meridian nearly to the eastern edge of the bank and from 43° 50’ to 44° 50’ N. latitude. ‘The depth of water is from 22 to 30 fathoms and the bottom is chiefly sand, but with some patches of rocks or gravel. With the exception of the shoals already mentioned, tie bottom is generally level, the depth being from _ 30 to 50 fathoms, excepting in the whales deep, near the western part of the bank, where there is from 52 to 67 fathoms on a muddy bottom. The Grand Bank may be considered as a vast sandy plain in mid-ocean, but notwithstanding this is the gereral character of the bottom, there are extensive tracts where it is either composed chiefly of rocks and’ gravel or where these occur in patches of more or less extent. There is perhaps less current here than on any other of the banks, and oftentimes for days and weeks together it may be scarcely perceptible. This is generally the case during moderate weather, but a continuance of strong winds usually makes some tide. The principal food-fish taken here are the cod and halibut. Haddock, cusk, and hake are rare. There are a few cod (“ground keepers”) in winter, but the best season is between the first of April and the first of November. The Grand Bank is essentially a feeding-ground for the S. Mis. 90-———7 98 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. cod, which find there not only an abundance of shell-fish and crustacea of various kinds, but mollusks and several varieties of small fish that they are especially fond of. The appearance of large schools of cod at the same time with certain kinds of bait, for instance the capelin and squid, has caused these to be known to the fishermen as the ‘“ capelin school” and the ‘‘squid school.” The spring fish, which feed largely on the ‘bottom, and to some extent on lant, are at first found the most abun- dant on the southern part of the bank, but later spread over a large area. The capelin school comes in May and June, and at that time fish are found more or less plentiful all over the bank, although the locality between the latitudes of 44° 00’ and 45° 15’ and that east of the Virgin Rocks north of the forty-sixth parallel are the most generally resorted to by trawl fishermen, while the dory hand-liners gather about the Vir- gin Rocks, which is a favorite place for them at that season. The squid school appears in July and is found on the same grounds as the capelin school. | Indeed, it is quite probable that it is made up chiefly of the same fish, their numbers increased, perhaps, by some new accessions. For several years but comparatively few cod have been taken after Septem- ber. Cod-fishing on the Grand Bank dates from the earliest settlement of America. The halibut fishery, however, is of comparatively recent date. This was begun in 1865, at which time, and for several subse- quent years, halibut were found very numerous on the bank. At first they were taken almost wholly on the Eastern Shoal Water, later on other parts of the bank, and since 1875 principally in the deep water along the western edge, where immense schools have been found in the winter and spring, and, though less frequently, sometimes in sum- mer. During the early part of the year the halibut usually do not re- - main long in one place, as many of the schools perform their migrations at that season. The summer schools, however, are generally spawn fish and move but little. A large fleet of French vessels of various rigs, but mostly brigs and barks, resort to this bank to engage in the cod fishery. Besides these there is a fleet from the British provinces and another from the United States, the whole aggregating several hundred sail, with crews number- * ing many thousands of men. FLEMISH CAP. Although the Flemish Cap is quite large, but comparatively little is known of it, and its boundaries are not fully defined on any of the charts. It is the most northern of the large fishing banks in the Western At- lantic, being located between 46° 36’ and 47°59’ N. latitude and the merid- ians of 44° 06/ and 45° 25’ W. longitude. The extreme length is therefore 83 miles and width 53 miles. The bottom is broken into patches of more or less extent of mud, rocks, pebbles, gravel, and sand. A slaty rock is the most common on that part of the bank resorted to by fishing vessels. The depth varies from 73 to 155 fathoms. THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 29 Cod and halibut are the only fish taken as an object of pursuit.’ Owing to the bank being situated so far to the north and east nothing is known about the abundance of fish in the winter season. Indeed, all that is known of them is in the period between the last of April and the first of August. In the spring and early summer cod and halibut have been found in great abundance. During the spring, however, the weather is often so rough that fishing can be carried on but a small part of the time, and after June the ground is so much infested with ground-sharks ~ that the trawls are soon destroyed. Besides this there is more or less danger from drifting icebergs, which are often seen in great numbers. All these causes combined have hindered most of the fishermen from making any attempt to fish there. The only vessels known to have visited this bank for cod and halibut are a few from Gloucester, Mass., and this has never been done until within a few years. COD FISHING-GROUNDS IN THE BAY SAINT LAWRENCE. The cod fishing-grounds in the Bay Saint Lawrence are comparatively of little. importance except to the fishermen of the British Provinces. But few American fishermen go there, as the ocean banks are generally preferred by them. There is little difference between the depth of water and character of the bottom of the banks and elsewhere, and therefore the whole bay may be considered as a cod fishing-ground, with from 10 to 60 fathoms cf water, and bottom generally rocky but somewhat di- versified with areas of greater or less extent of sand, gravel, or mud. The only places of which special mention need be made are Bradelle Bank, Orphan Bank, “ Pigeon Hill Ground,” and ‘“ Miscou Flat.” Bradelle Bank is in a northeasterly direction from the North Cape of Prince Edward Island, and in a direct line between that and the north- ern Magdalen Islands, the SW. edge being 22 miles from the former headland. It is 36 miles long and 24 miles wide. Orphan Bank is north of Bradelle. The center bears ESE. from Point Miscou, from which it is 47 miles distant. It is 36 miles long NE. and SW., and 15 miles wide, with a depth of from 10 to 30 fathoms, * and bottom of rocks, coral, and sand. Pigeon Hill Ground is the shore soundings that lie southeasterly from Shippegan Island at a distance of 10 to 20.miles, and extends in the di- rection of the coast about 18 to 20 miles. Miscou Flat is a stretch of rocky shoal ground that makes out from Point Miscou about ESE. nearly twenty miles. There is from 10 to 22 fathoms cf water, the ground gradually sloping toward the outer part. On all these grounds cod-fishing is pursued only during the warmer season, from May to October. The abundance of cod, especially of the large fish, varies somewhat with different seasons, their presence in greater or less numbers being governed to a great extent by the amount of bait-herring, mackerel, &c.,on the ground. The fishing is largely ear- 100 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. ried on by the local residents in small boats, although some Nova Scotia vessels, and a limited number from the United States, sometimes engage in it. FISHING-GROUNDS NEAR THE MAGDALEN ISLANDS. The cod and halibut grounds about the Magdalen Islands are at present of little importance to American fishermen. Since the intro- duction of trawl-fishing it has usually been found that better results could be obtained elsewhere. These grounds are rocky patches, and generally of limited extent, with comparatively shoal water and sharp bottom. They occur all around the islands, but are not of sufficient im- portance to make a special description necessary. the cod and haddock fisheries in winter. In summer the small vessels engage in many kinds of fishing, changing from one to another, and fol- lowing whatever promises the best results at the time. The winter haddock catchers are usually all first-class vessels varying in size from 25 to 80 tons, averaging about 50 tons. Many of these ves- sels are among the finest in the fleet, and the majority of the larger ones are generally employed in the mackerel fishery in summer. While the smaller haddock schooners do not go farther than 30 or 40 miles from the Jand, and usually a much shorter distance, the larger ones make trips to George’s and Brown’s Banks, and occasionally even farther east.* The Georgesmen are all first-class vessels, averaging a little more than 60 tous, the extremes being from 40 to85 tons. These vessels, like all, others that are employed in the winter fisheries, are heavily ballasted with rocks or iron (generally with the former); the ballast is covered with planks, which are fastened down in the most secure manner. Above this platform the hold is divided by bulkheads and partitions into sections or pens, in which the fish are packed away in ice, or salted. Although the vessels undoubtedly fish on George’s Bank the greater *Trips are made to the western part of Nova Scotia, and during the winter of 1880-81 many of the large vessels went as far as Le Have Bank, where haddock were foundin great abundance, some of the vessels getting as many as 500,000 to 600,000 pounds each during the winter, most of which were caught on this bank. - a 106 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. part of the time, they also make trips to Le Have Bank, Brown’s Bank, Seal Island Ground, German Bank, and occasionally to some other grounds. A few trips have been made as far east as the Western Bank (Western Bank and Le Have trips are usually made in December and January), and as far south as Block Island, but only at rare intervals, The greater part of the vessels composing the mackerel fleet are clipper schooners, many of them being equal in-appearance and sailing qualities to first-class yachts. It hasalready been mentioned that some of them carry a great amount of light sail, but while this is true of the larger vessels and for some others, there are a few of the smaller ones” that have no flying-jibs. The average size of the mackerel catchers is about 60 tons, the extremes being from about 20 to 151 tons. There are few, however, over 100 tons; and the largest one is a three-masted sehooner. The bankers average larger than the vessels employed in other fish- eries. Tew are less than 60 tons; the average size is about 75 tons; while a small number are more than 100, and the largest, a three-masted schooner, is 193 tons. The fleet is composed chiefly of the finest class” of sea-going vessels, and this may especially be said of those employed - in the bank halibut fishery. There are, however, a few old-fashioned schooners that make tripsfor cod in summer. The salt carried by the cod-fishermen serves for ballast, and this is stowed in “ pens” or bins in” ' the hold. The halibut catchers and a few other bankers are ballasted like the Georgesmen, though perhaps not so heavily, the ice and salt they carry making up the deficiency. The fishing-grounds visited by the bank fleet extend from Le Have Bank to Davis Strait, although the Grand Bank, Banquereau, and Western Bank are the principal ones. The vessels of the New York market fleet belong chiefly to the ports _ on Long Island Sound. They differ in some respects from the vessels” of Northern New England, as they are, with the exception of the halibut catchers, nearly all vemeas smacks, and a considerable portion of them are sloops. The smacks take the greater part of their catch to market alive, preserving, however, the dead fish in ice. The vessels engage in the halibut fishery are arranged somewhat similar to those alread) mentioned, and the fish are kept in the same manner, namely, by icin _them. Although there is not so large a proportion of extremely shar vessels in the New York fleet as in the fishing fleet north of Cape Cod, there is, nevertheless, a general resemblance between the schooner- rigged vessels and those of Massachusetts. The average size of the market smacks is about 40 tons, the extremes being 20 and 65 tons. The smacks fish from Cape Henlopen to George’s Bank, principally on some part of the shore soundings, catching cod, haddock, &c., in the winter, and besides these several other varieties in summer. The halibut catch- ers go farther east on George’s Bank and adjacent grounds. The few vessels employed in the southern coast fisheries belong to the same class as the smacks that have been mentioned ; indeed the greater part) of them were built in the ports of Long Island Sound. ine THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 107 - The next to be considered are the,open boats, of which there are a great many kinds, a few only of which, the more notable forms, can be mentioned here. The sharp-stern fishing-boat is more universally used in the coast fisheries than any other, and to show how widely these are distributed along the coast it is only necessary to mention that the boats of Block Island and No Man’s Land, the “ five-hauded” boat of Cape Cod and the coast of Maine, and the “‘ quoddy” boat of Eastport, belong to this class. One of the most peculiar fishing-boats on the coast is the cutter-rigged sloop, used exclusively by the Irish fishermen of Boston. These are said to resemble the fishing-boats of Ireland, and are generally called “Dungarvan boats” by other fishermen. The length varies considera- bly, the average being about 30 feet on top. They have a reasonably sharp but rounding bow, square stern, with the rudder hung outside ; are deep in proportion to their length, with a wide stem and deep keel. They are said to be excellent sea-boats. The forward part is decked over, thus forming a cuddy where the crew eat and sleep. There is a cockpit aft, with a seat around it.. The midship section is partially cov- ered on each side. In the bottom of this is placed the ballast, on top of which the fish, gear, &c., are stowed. The bowsprit is adjustable, and two jibs are carried, one being set on a stay, the lower end of which fastens to the stem. In other respects they do not differ materially in rig from other sloops. In spring, summer, and fall these boats are em- ployed in the cunner, haddock, and other fisheries for Boston market, the catch being chiefly sold fresh. In autumn most of them engage in the herring fishery with gill-nets at Cape Ann and other points in Mas- sachusetts Bay. : The dory, which is so well adapted to the deep-sea fisheries, and is quite indispensable to our bank fishermen, originated during the latter part of the last century in Salisbury, Mass. This boat was originally designed for a lighter, and for many years was searcely used for any purpose besides that of removing the cargoes from vessels at Newbury- port. It was, however, employed to some extent in the fisheries early in the present century, and since the introduction of ‘trawl fishing it has come into general use. The thwarts are adjustable, and, when these are removed, several dories may be ‘‘nested” inside of each other, the whole occupying the same space as one boat, and for this reason they are much better adapted for stowage on the deck of a vessel than any other style of boat. In addition to this, they are excellent boats in a rough sea, are capacious, light to handle, and also cheap; therefore it follows, as a matter of course, that they are extensively used in most of the important fisheries, among which may especially be mentioned the bank cod and halibut fishery and the mackerel fishery (each vessel with a purse-seine usually carries two dories). Large numbers are also employed on the haddock vessels, the shore fishing fleet, and in the boat 108 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. fisheries of the coast. - These boats are flat-bottomed, with flaring sides, sharp bows, and V-shaped, oblique, projecting sterns. They are from 12 to 16 feet in length (bottom measurement), different sizes being re- quired for the various kinds of fishing. There is but little variation in the models, although for. certain purposes* they are built somewhat wider and deeper than the average. The seine-boat that is used in the mackerel fishery is a modification of the whale-boat, and is sharp at both ends. It has been found admir- ably well adapted for purse-seining, as it moves easily through the water and at the same time has sufficient buoyancy to carry safely a large seine while being towed very swiftly by a vessel. The ordinary size of these is 36 feet in length, though a few larger and smaller ones are used. In addition to the boats that have been described, the following may be mentioned as being, perhaps, the most noticeable: (1) The square- sterned, sloop-rigged lobster-boat of Bristol, Maine; (2) the square- sterned ‘‘reach-boat”; (3) “double-ender” (a canoe-shaped boat), both this and the preceding being common on the coast of Maine; (4) the “drag-boat” of Cape Cod; (5) the square-sterned, cat-rigged boat of Southern Massachusetts; (6) the sloop iobabeeeninek of Long Island Sound; and (7) the surf-boat of New Jersey. The other forms of fishing-boats are mostly modifications of those that have been noticed, and it is scarcely desirable to make further mention of them here. — - C.—METHODS OF CAPTURE OF SEA-FISHES, AND THE CHANGES IN THIS RESPECT IN LATER YEARS. The different varieties of sea-fish and their varying habits and modes of occurrence involve the necessity of special or peculiar methods for their capture ; and the great diversity of implements and processes in use in different parts of the world is therefore not a subject of wonder. For the most part, however, nearly all the methods will fall under the head of the bow and arrow, the spear or lance, the line, the seine, the beam-trawl, the weir or trap; with some subsidiary means, such as the employment of narcotics or poisons, explosives, &c. I shall consider these methods under the foregoing heads. The bow and arrow.—lIt is probable that in the pursuit and capture of wild animals our savage ancestry first made use of the hand or foot, the power of running, the strength of arm, and the acuteness of the per- ceptions, especially those of sight and smell, which in all probability were developed to a very high deg gree, and in ay respect eae if even *Dories puilt depready for Bande ABhibie ates but little rowing is required, are not so sharp as others, carrying capacity being the chief requirement. The same may be said of those used by the fresh-fish companies in the larger fishing ports. A few have been built with rounding sides, but this form has not been so favorably received by our fishermen as the other with straight flaring sides. THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 109 they did not sometimes surpass, the most highly favored of the associated animals. Very soon, however, subsidiary apparatus would be called into play, either the throwing of stones or sticks, picked up at random, or the use of a specially fashioned club either for striking or throwing ; and ultimately the arming of the stick with animplement for piercing, constituting the spear or lance, and, finally, the discharge of this spear, in a modified form, by means of a bow, constituting the bow and arrow. It is, of course, difficult to say how soon the arrow and the lance were brought into play. We only know that among the very earliest pre- historic implements are the stone tips, undoubtedly used for this pur- pose and continued to be employed by the wild tribes down to the present day. The bone and wooden tips, which doubtless were called into play at about the same time, perished, as being constructed of less durable material. The spear and the bow and arrow constitute very efficient means for capturing fish, in view of the closeness of approach to many species which is possible. No more effective method could be devised for cap- turing such species as the salmon than the spear, with its modifications of the harpoon, the grains, &c. In sea fishing it is especially such fish as the flounders, skates, eels, and other kinds that fall victims in large numbers to this method. The Esquimaux and the Indians of the north- west coast of America employ the bow and arrow very extensively for the capture of fish of various. kinds. There are numerous and varied illustrations of this fact among the collections of the National Museum at Washington. The harpoon comes legitimately in this series of weapons and has aumerous applications. The head is placed at the end of a stiff handle, and sometimes when this is buried in the flesh it slips off, but remains connected by a thong or cord either to the harpoon itself or to a buoy which is thrown overboard. The latter method is most generally em- ployed in the capture of the swordfish. In the whale fishery the end of the line is attached to a boat, which thus serves asa buoy or float. The combination of a torpedo or an explosive with a lance, either kept in the hand or discharged from a gun, is a more recent and extremely effi- cient method of capture of the large animals of the sea. The line.—This may be considered essentially under the two divis- ions of the line held in the hands or at the end of a rod affixed to some object on the shore or to a float of some kind, and having at the extreme opposite end one or more hooks baited, with or without floats, for buoy- ing the hook to a certain height above the bottom, or for showing by its motion the attack of the fish. Here we have the first idea of the hook, either covered with some substance attractive to the fish that conceals its character or simulates small fish and other objects that tend to at- tract its victims. The use of the hook and line in combination for the capture of fish is of the utmost antiquity in this respect, perhaps little inferior to the bow and arrow. While, of course, the lines themselves 110 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. have perished with time, we still have the hooks, sometimes of stone and sometimes of bone, of shell, or of metal, and usually constituting very attractive objects of archxological research. Usually the barb of the hook is on the inner or concave line. A curious anomaly, however, in this respect, is seen in the hooks of the prehistoric tribes of the coast of Lower California, which, whether made of bone or of shell (sometimes of extreme artistic beauty), invariably have the barb on the outer or con- vex outline. Sometimes the barb is dispensed with entirely, with or without some device to occupy its place and function. The hook and line, whether in the hand or affixed to the end ofa rod, is the simplest of all methods for capturing fish, and the one most uni- versally employed. Where fish are abundant it will generally take a sufficiency for all ordinary purposes, although where a large market is to be supplied it is not wholesale enough for the requirement. It does not waste the fish as much as other methods, and has especially the ad- vantage of seldom taking those about to spawn, most species refusing, when in this condition, to be allured by the bait. There are some fish, indeed, which cannot be induced to take the hook at any time, and of course we have to depend on other methods, especially the net, in one form or another, for capturing them. The trawl-line.—Where fish are needed in larger number than they can be taken by the hand-line, with a given number of persons, and where distant markets, rather than the local consumption, are to be pro- vided for, what is called the trawl-line comes efficiently into play. This term, however, is applied to it only in the United States, where it is sometimes called the ‘set-line.”. On the continent of Europe it is known as the “long-line,” while in England it is called the “ bultow,” and one variety of it, the ‘“‘spiller.” It consists of a long line, having fast- ened to if at regular intervals, usually 6 feet, a succession of short lines, usually about 3 feet in length, and having hooks at the ends. Thean- tiquity of the trawl or long-line is probably very great, the period of its first introduction into Europe not being anywhere a matter of record. It was first used in North America on the banks of Newfoundland for sea fishing by the French. Its introduction to the main land of the provinces and of the United States has been somewhat more recent, although now it is very generally made use of. According to Captain Atwood,* the use of trawl-lines was first mtro- duced into Massachusetts by a number of Irish fishermen of Galway, who settled on Cape Cod. Their suecess with this novel apparatus was so great as to induce its immediate adoption by the native population. There has been a singular antagonism on the part of those who use *Writing of the occurrences of the year 1843, Captain Atwood says: ‘About this time we began setting trawls for halibut, as has been described elsewhere.” Capt. Peter Sinclair, of Gloucester, claims to have been the first to use trawls in Massachu. * setts Bay, about 1850, and makes the statement that a man named Atwood, who be- longed at Provincetown, and was with him at the time, afterwards introduced the method of trawling in that place. THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 111 the hand-line, to the introduction of the trawl, and many accusations have been brought against it, on the score of its destruction of the fish and the injury to the fishing-grounds, in regard to which we shall in- quire hereafter. One proof of the antiquity of the long-line is the fact of its exist- ence in almost the form used by civilized nations among the Indians of the northwest coast of America. It usually happens that aboriginal methods now employed by savage tribes have been handed down from a very high antiquity, and it is not at all improbable that the people of modern Europe simply developed an implement made use of many thousands of years previously by their ancestors. The trawl-line as mentioned consists essentially of a line of varying length, sometimes, as on the coast of England, as much as 7 or 8 miles, more usually, however, from 100 yards upwards, with short lines of perhaps 3 feet in length attached at intervals of 34 to 6 feet, each with a hook, but commonly not provided with leads or sinkers. To one end of this long line is attached a weight, by means of which it 1s carried to the bottom. The line is then paid out at the side of the boat, the hooks being previously properly baited, and the other end is weighted and dropped to the bottom also. At each end of the long line is an attached buoy, which, floating at the surface, indicates the location of the two ends. Sometimes, in the ease of very long lines, there may be in- termediate weights and intermediate buoys, those at the extreme ends in such a case being differently marked for their proper designation. The bait used on the long-lines varies with the country and the cir- cumstances, the longer lines used in England for the capture of cod being baited almost entirely with the whelk (Buccinum undatum), a mollusk or shell-fish very abundant in England, and for the capture of which numerous vessels of from 10 to 20 tons. are employed. The whelk is taken sometimes with the net, more usually by the use of some bait which attracts them into a basket or inclosure, in which they are then lifted out. The abundance of this object in the Euro- pean waters is very great, as with all its consumption the numbers do not appear to decrease. In the ordinary boat fishing the long-line is usually baited with the common muscle, the use of fish, such as fresh herring, &c., being much less common than in Northern Europe andin America. The whelk and species closely allied to it are abundant in the United States; but so far comparatively little use is made of them. It is probable that in the search for improved qualities and increased quantities of bait for the capture of codfish this will soon come into play and constitute a very desirable and satisfactory substitute for the other varieties. The clam among the mollusks is more generally employed for this purpose, both the Mya arenaria, or soft clam, and the Venus mercenaria, or hard clam. There are several other species which are used in large numbers for this purpose, to which reference will be made in another 112 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. place. Of course fish may be employed, either herring or mackerel, fresh or salted, as well as capelin, portions of the cod, the lamprey, and, indeed, fish generally; the most appetizing and attractive fish bait for this’and other purposes is probably the menhaden or pogee. The trawl-line reaches its maximum of application and of size in the cod and other white fisheries which are carried on in the North Sea on a very large scale. At Great Grimsby, one of the principal centers of this kind of fishing, the long-lining is prosecuted by means of smacks of about the class and size of those employing the beam-trawl, from 40 to 60 tons, and even greater tonnage. A crew of nine to eleven hands is required to bait and work the lines; and the fish when caught are kept alive as long as possible, in wells. A complete set of long-lines, as used in all these vessels, consists of about 15 dozen, or 180, lines, each of 40 fathoms in length, and carrying 26 hooks on smaller short lines, called snoods. These are placed about a fathom and a half apart, soas to prevent the snoods from becoming entangled with each other. These - 180 lines are united into one, forming a single line of 7,200 fathoms, cr about 8 miles in length, and carrying 4,680 hooks. Contrary to the practice in Norway,where the lines are set in the afternoon and taken up the next morning, in England the lines are always put down and taken up by daylight; they are “shot” at sunrise or earlier, and taken up be- fore night ; sometimes, indeed, two casts can be made in one day. The baiting is generally done at night. A small anchor holds the line steady at every 40 fathoms, with a buoy at each end, and at each intermediate mile, as already explained. * According to Mr. Holdsworth the use of wellsin cod-fishing was‘first tried at Harwich, in 1712, and soon increased very rapidly, until now itis very extensively employed by many nations. Inthe wor k of Holds- worth (Deep-Sea Fishing and Fishing Boats) will be found very bore statements in regard to the use of the trawlin England. As already stated, the whelk is used as bait on the largest long-lines, as any other would be too readily washed away by the rapid tide. The shorter lines, shot from boats, usually in quieter waters, are served by means of the softer muscle, a mollusk, also extremely abundant in the United States. The fish are usually taken alive, and after a puncturing * Although the British fishermen set longer trawl-lines. in one string than the Americans do, they rarely if ever use so many fathoms or such a number of hooks to the vessel as the Mone The greater part of the American ‘‘bankers” set more than nine miles of traw! in the bearcgdik: having 9,000 hooks attached, while the smallest amount would be about two-thirds as much. It should also be borne in mind that it is not uncommon for the American fishermen to set and haul this amount of gear twice a day. The vessels engaged in the winter haddock fishery on our coast have a still greater number of hooks than the cod fishermen. The smallest class of these rarely have less than eight miles of trawl, with 12,000 hooks attached, while all of the larger vessels have, at least, half as much more, and quite a number have twice as many, namely, 24,000 hooks, or about sixteen miles of trawl.—J. W. COLLINS. THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 113 of the air bladder by a long needle, they are placed in wells in the vessel and carried alive to market when a cargo has been obtained. According to Holdsworth (p. 148), there is no reasonable ground to believe that the catch on the coast of England has been diminished in numbers in consequence of the action of the long or trawl lines, the principal means of capture. On the contrary, the same ground has, year by year, furnished an increasing abundance in proportion to the number and size of the vessels employed, the catch being nearly if not entirely as great on any given number of hooks as it was many years ago. ; The capture of cod on the Norwegian banks is also made principally by the trawl-line, although the hand-line and the gill-net are also brought into play. For the purpose of ascertaining the present views of the Norwegian experts charged by the Government with the supervision of fishery operations, I addressed a letter to one of their number, Mr. Robert Col- lett, of Christiania, Norway, and his reply is herewith presented : “You ask me whether any question has axisen in Norway as to the greater destructiveness to fish or to the fishing-grounds in consequence of the use of the long-lines. Not atall. Iam quite sure the long-line is just used in the ‘great cod-fisheries,’ particularly in Lofoden Islands and along the coast of Aalesund, in the spawning season, and it would be a very bad fishery if the fishermen had nothing but hand-lines. “T never heard of any putrefaction of the grounds by the fishes breaking off from the hooks, and in the great depths, where the fishery © is very good, nothing of that kind would be felt. Inever heard of such a thing in Norway, and I could give you an example from the herring fisheries that proves there is nothing probably in this outery. “Tn the year 1854 great herring flocks were caught in a little fiord, Oxlofiord, « branch of Stonfoldenfiord, in Namdalen. By an accident once, the masses could not be taken up from the nets, and several thousand barrels died before they could be used. All these dead fishes were thrown into the water on a very small area in a narrow fiord and covered the bottom with a very thick layer. Notwithstanding, two years later the fiord was again full of fish, and thousands of barrels were caught just on the spot where the fishes had been thrown out. ‘‘ As to the nature of the bait, if is partly fish, greatly invertebrates. On the great cod-fisheries in Lofoden, where they are catching the fish from January to March (the spawning season), they use herring. In Finmark they use Mallotus villosus, the best bait thatis known. (When this fish is in the fiord you cannot get cod with any other kind of bait.) ‘Here they also use cephalopods (Ommastrephes). In the southern part of Norway, where they catch cod every season, they use Mytilus modiolus, Mytilus edulis, young Clupeaharengus, Arenicola piscatorum, and Palemon squilla. Ihave not heard of any other sort of bait. The baitis S. Mis, 90-—-8 always used fresh, and it is only in the case of extreme scarcity of fresh bait that salted herring are used. ; “7 remember now another fish which they use in the northwestern — parts, viz, the Ammodytes lancea. These as well as the young herring are used whole, i. ¢., the whole little fish on a hook. “ROBERT COLLETT. ar7 93 ‘ CHRISTIANIA, NORWAY, October 4, 1577. 114 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The winter fishing on George’s Bank is entirely by hand-lines, the weather being too inclement to permit the use of the trawl. At the Lofoden Islands, 24 lines, each with 120 hooks, are usually fastened together into one, thus carrying 2,850 hooks, although sometimes, in particular localities, where the nature of the bottom requires it, a much shorter length is employed. As in England, the short lines, or snoods, are between 6 and 7 feet apart. Here, however, the lines are shot in the afternoon, remaining down all night and taken up the next morning. No line can be put down before noon, nor can it remain down after midday. * Very often a glass ball, the size and shape of an egg, is fastened about a foot from the hook, so as to buoy the bait a few feet from the bottom and make it more easily observed by the fish. The usual yield of along-line, with the number of hooks given above, is 240 to 360 fish per day, and it is readily managed by two persons, while a hand-line, worked by one person, rarely takes more than 50 per day, thus showing a marked difference in favor of the trawl. Very fre- quently the long-line, instead of being kept down for a period of twelve hours or longer, is overhauled much more frequently, especially in ¢om- | paratively shoal water, where the line is no sooner fairly down than it is again overhauled and rebaited. Various modifications as to the size and bait of trawl-lines are found in other countries ; but what we have already stated will furnish a suf- ficient idea of the general character and applications of this important item of fishing apparatus. As already stated, very grave complaints have been made against the long or trawl line in the United States, and legislation or mutual con- sent invoked either for its entire abolishment or its restricted use under certain specified conditions. The advantages of this method will readily be understood, as consist- ing in the much greater efficiency and the much larger yield of fish taken by the same force of men; as also in the fact of the more continued ex- posure of the bait, in consequence of which fish that are deterred from biting at the hand-line in its incessant motion, or only kept down dur- ing the convenience of the fisherman, are more tempted by the bait on the long-line, which is much more quiet and remains on the ground some- times for a number of hours. +9 piate, Des Paches de la Wont ELC | Panik, 1867. Hf. B., Die Fischerei Industrie Norwéges, Bergen, 1873. THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 115 The disadvantages of the long-line, as alleged by those opposed to its use, may be formulated essentially as follows: (1) It is more expensive, requiring a larger capital, and consequently rendering the poor fishermen unable to compete with the more wealthy in regard to its acquisition and employment. Objections of this kind generally come from the hand-line fishermen, who, however, when able to purchase the long-line, are very apt to forget their former scruples and to use it without hesitation. This change of policy, is excused on the score of self-protection and the necessity of employing methods similar to those of a rival fisherman for the purpose of making a living. - (2) It is sometimes objected that it requires two or more persons to use the traw]-lines instead of one. That a combination of persons should accomplish a much larger result than the aggregate of their separate endeavors is in accordance with the general principles of a sound polit- ‘ical economy. (3) It is asserted that the line is much more liable to be lost than the hand-line. This is said to be caused by the wearing of the line on rocks, although generally the buoys at each end enable the separate portions to be recovered. As a matter of actual experience, however, the ex- pense of lines absolutely lost in this way amounts to a very small per- centage of the original cost. (4) The fish are brought up dead or not always perfectly fresh, and many of them are devoured by other fish, as eels, codfish, sharks, crabs, &c., either while living or after death. This objection is, of course, one that may be fairly put; but after all, the yield of sound, merchantable fish is sufficiently great to permit an average wastage; and if it be fish killed on the hook and remaining in the water for some time, it is for the advantage of the consumer to have the services of these scavengers in assuring a supply of perfectly fresh fish for the market. Although these objections will not apply toso great an extent to the hand-line, yet they do attach to the use of the gill-net, and, in fact, toa still greater degree, in both methods a considerable loss taking place. This destruction, however, which has been claimed as involving a wast- age of the fish in the sea, is not a question for the consideration of the owner of the line, as an equivalent in weight to the very fish thus con- sumed while attached to the hook would in all probability. have been taken while swimming free in the sea by these same enemies. The practical experience in trawling, however, is that while some of the hooks are brought up entirely empty, very few hooks have muti- lated fish upon them, a large proportion being alive and in good condi- tion, and on being placed in the wells of the smacks are capable of be- ing kept for a long time. As a general rule codfish in England are sent alive to the markets, and the enormous quantity consumed there and elsewhere is taken for the most part by the long-line. If in consequence of a storm or some 116 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES, special condition the line be necessarily left down longer than usual, a still larger percentage of fish will be found dead, possibly the entire number. But it must be remembered that this fishery is almost uni- versally prosecuted in the colder waters of the ocean, frequently where the temperature varies from 35° to 42°, which of course serves to pre- serve the fish much !onger than a warmer medium. (5) The wastage of the fish by dropping off the hook before they can be taken into the boat. This accusation is based upon the alleged prac- tice of using considerably smaller hooks than those required for the hand-lines; and while it is possible that this may happen occasionally, it is quite certain that the fishermen will graduate the size of the hook so as to obviate such a danger, and even if a considerable percentage be lost, as already explained, this is the concern of the fishermen and not of the general public, the fish thus slipping away being consumed by the scavengers in place of live fish in equal bulk. .(6) The capture of roe or spawning fish. It is difficult to know what weight to attach to this objection, although it is very generally asserted that a spawning fish will bite at a long-line when it will not do so at a hand-line, the fish at this time being much more cautious in its ap- proaches. So far as the cod are concerned, however, and the Gadide generally, it is probable that the force of the objection is lessened by the fact that the long-line is used more especially at the time when the fish are not spawning. As a general rule the cod, haddock, and hake, &c., are known to spawn in the winter months, usually in Jan- uary, February, and March, sometimes a little earlier and sometimes a little later. It is precisely at this time, when, in consequence of the inclemency of the weather, in North America at least, this mode of fish- ing is more or less intermitted, consequently allowing the spawning fish a sufficient opportunity for discharging its roe undisturbed. This explanation applies more to the offshore fish, however, as the winter inshore fisheries of the New England coast are almost exclusively di- rected to outside fish that have come in to lay their eggs. When we bear in mind the very smali percentage of deep-sea fish that can be taken by man at all, and the immense yield of eggs of most of the species (amounting to several millions for each female cod, and others in proportion), we can easily believe that an objection of this kind can have but little weight, even if the fish were harried to the utmost during their spawning season. If, however, as is most probable, they are comparatively undisturbed on many fishing-grounds at that time, the objection falls essentially to the ground. To the subject of the prolific character of the fish of the sea and the number of eggs laid by some of the more prominent species, reference has been made in another part of this report (page 8&2). There is another consideration which may be borne in mind in regard to the so-called lazy or logy cod which cannot be caught with the hook and line, Many of these are in reality past the period of bearing, as . —=-—- -. THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. yi iy § there is every reason to believe that, like other vertebrate animals, after a number of years of service in this respect, the fish, whether male or female, becomes sterile. Sometimes this is the result of sickness or dis- ease; at others the fish is in its best condition for food. A codfish of 20 or 30 pounds is probably as efficient for reproduction as one of 50 pounds, and perhaps more likely to furnish a healthy progeny, able to meet the exposures of the sea. (7) The long-line fishermen, in their wholesale method of capture, in America, at least, clean their fish at sea and throw the refuse, consist- ing of the heads, entrails, &c., commonly called “ gurry” in America, overboard. This pollutes the fishing-ground and drives away fish for a period of months or even years, and this in connection with the fish that break away from the line on being hauled up, or which are partly devoured at the bottom. This, with the alleged destruction of fish by the use of the trawl-line, is the objection upon which the opponents rely as the most formidable and as carrying the greatest weight. This will be considered in con- ‘siderable detail (in another place under the head of Disposal of Offal), as, if established, it would constitute a reasonable ground for regulat- ing this fishery, even by its restriction, limitation, or total abolition. Bearing now in mind that the objection to the trawl-line is based more exclusively on the injurious effect of throwing overboard the offal of the fish cleaned at sea, the matter of self-interest and the desire to economize waste products will doubtless in time regulate the subject. It is a very significant fact that in Europe, where the practice of trawl- ing has been conducted for many centuries and on a scale greatly in excess of anything of the kind in the United States, and where the same ground has been fished over and over again by a much larger percent- age of hooks than is ever seen off the coast of North America, there has never yet been any suggestion of injury from this mode of fishing. ‘The controversy there has not been on account of the interference’ of the long-line with the hand-line fishing; but it has been in opposition to the use of the beam-trawl, and it never, apparently, has come into the mind of the hand-line fishermen that there was any evil whatever resulting from the other mode of fishing besides the advantage given by the fact of a greater proportionate yield. The drift and purse seine in- terest, too, antagonizes the beam-trawl, but not the long-line, and it is not to be imagined that any real objection to the long-line would have failed to be brought forward and to excite the animadversion of par- ties fishing in a different manner. The largest lines used in America are far inferior to those used in the British seas, where they are sometimes over 8 miles long and carry between 6,000 and 7,000 hooks. The experiences recorded in such works as that of Holdsworth on deep-sea fishing, and of other writers, all tend to show that notwith- standing the ever-increasing number of long or trawl lines in certain 118 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. localities, there is no reason to believe that the fish have decreased in number in consequence, the captures always being proportioned to the increase in the length of the lines and the size of the vessels and their crews. In some eases it is alleged that the cod, in its well-known vo- racity, swallows the head and backbone of its fellow as it is thrown into the water, and is thereby rendered ill and sometimes even killed by the feast. This can only result from the laceration of the gullet and stomach by the bones, a condition which must ensue very rarely in a fish which fills its stomach with large sharp-edged shells without expe- riencing any evil effect. The digestion of fish is very rapid, and it is not an uncommon thing to find that when a fish has been seized by another and is too long to be swallowed entire, the portion near the stomach is digested while the fragment projecting from the mouth is fresh and sound. Upon the whole, therefore, I am inclined to conclude, from all the considerations and the testimony offered, that there is no actual proof that the use of the trawl or long line in itself is injurious to the fish- eries, so far as relates to the driving of the fish away from the grounds. ° It may render the desirable fish less eager to take the hook, or it may attract predaceous fishes, so as to frighten away the more noble for the time: but that any influences thus exerted cam extend over a period of more than a few hours it is difficult to understand. If there be any evil effect, it is possibly from the gurry, but even this I am not willing to admit. This evil, if it be one, will be remedied in our waters, as it has been within a recent period in other cases, by a utilization of this material as a wasted product, the yield or profit therefrom, and its con- version into oil or guano being greater than the cost of saving and de- livering it on shore. At any rate, before any legislation is invoked, a more careful examination on the ground of the more important regions alleged to be affected should be made by scientific men. The question of refase matter on the bottom at depths of 15 to 30 fathoms can easily | be settled by the use of the water telescope, a well-known implement in scientific research. In further illustration of the subject, I call attention to the fact that in the investigations in Norway as to the cause of the disappear- ance of the herring from accustomed grounds, it was maintained that the dead fish, dropping from the gill-nets, or remaining in the meshes of the nets, that had become lost and entangled at the bottom, had pro- duced this state of things. The water telescope was brought into use and it was ascertained that the number of such fish was much less than was alleged and that after being dead one day they had entirely disap- peared, and furthermore it was found there had been an entire aban- donment of certain localities where the gill-nets had not been used at all, and fish had previously been taken wholly by drawing seines from the shore. THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH RMERICA. 119 Captain Nathaniel Atwood, of Provincetown, while earnestly com- batting the assertions in regard to the injurious effects of the trawl- line upon the fisheries, admits that they do appear to have a positive action on the abundance of the halibut, or at least those of the large in- dividuals which are specially sought after for the market. He thinks that these large halibut are quite likely each to occupy a considerable area of ground, to the exclusion of others of the same species, and that. | when they are caught, it takes a considerable time for their restoration. He mentions a curious relation in the co-existence of halibut and had- dock, the result of the capture of the halibut in the grounds conjointly occupied by them, being a very marked increase of haddock, so much so as to render them almost a drug in the market and reducing the price very materially. This is due to the fact of haddock being devoured in immense numbers by the halibut while present, and their consequent increase when their enemies are captured.* I have already adverted to the fact that in the course ofan extended and exhaustive investigation by Professor Huxley and his associates into the subject of the British sea fisheries, contained in a Blue Book of 1400 pages and involving the answering of 61,830 questions, there were but six witnesses of the entire number examined who made any objections to trawl-lines. One fisherman alone (vol. 2, p. 554, question 24,996) considered it a destructive mode of fishing in itself, his objec- tion being that by using very small hooks they caught too many young fish, which, had they been allowed to grow up, would have furnished a more fSAtAbIo yield. One fisherman, in answer to wndations 39,994 and 40,389, said he found a difficulty in getting bait of the right kind with which to supply the hooks, although approving of their use. To No. 40,976, a fisherman replied that the trammel nets, such as he used, were liable to be torn by contact with the long-lines. Another trammel-net fisherman, in answer to question 41,023, maintained that the long-lines frightened the fish away from his net, so that he could not get all that he expected. The net—Having thus concluded the subject of line fishing, we come to the second of our principal divisions, namely, that of the use of nets. It is hardly necessary to go into any minute account of this mode of *Another instance of this mutual interdependence of fish, as asserted by the fisher- men, occurs on the coast of Nova Scotia, in this case between the lobsters and the starfishes. According to this the lobsters are destroyed by the starfishes in great numbers, and in the immediate vicinity of the canning establishments where the lobsters are taken and put up there is found to be an appreciable diminution of them ' from this cause. The starfishes are then said to multiply very greatly. The fisher- men insist that the starfishes feed upon sea-weed, and that they devour this in such quantities as to clear the bottom of this covert, and that the food-fishes finding no means of concealment do not resort to what were formerly excellent fishing-grounds. The statement that starfish eat sea-weed is perhaps yet to be substantiated. 120 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. capturing fish, as I have already treated it at great length in the first volume of the Reports of the U.S. Fish Commission. I may simply re- mark that the use of the net extends back to a very remote antiquity, possibly as great as that of the hook and line, if it be not still older. That the inhabitants of the pile dwellings of Switzerland and Central Europe used the net is shown by the finding of many specimens of the netting and the sinkers. The employment of the net by all civilized nations proves that it has been handed down to them from a high an- tiquity. The seine was used in the pre-Columbian epoch by the Indians of North America, as it is not unusual to find on the rivers and skores large numbers of small rounded stones, notched on two sides, to serve as weights, of precisely the same chazacter as those in use at the pres- ent time by the Indians of the northwest coast of America. The principal forms of the net are the hand or scoop-net, the dip-net, the casting-net, the seine, the trammel-net, the gill-net, the purse-net, and the stake-net. ; The scoop-net is familiar to every one. It has various shapes, and is used for landing fish caught with the hook, or capturing fish, particu- . larly the small varieties, penned up in restricted localities. The dip-net may be considered a modification of the scoop-net, being suspended at the end of along handle. The casting-net is largely in use by the Spaniards and Italians, both in Europe and America. This is cireular, varying in diameter from 12 to 15feet. It has leaden balls around the edge, and a long rope attached to the center. This is thrown very skillfully to a considerable distance in such a way as to fall flat upon the water, and dropping rapidly to the bottom incloses any fish that may happen to be beneath it. When the rope is hauled on, the leaden balls at the edge come together at the bottom, so that the net is pursed up when drawn from the water, and the fish are found therein as in a pocket. The seine is also familiar to all. This is a continuous net, with floats of cork, glass balls, or light wood along the upper margin, and weights of lead or stone along the lower or bottom. Sometimes it has a bag in the center, for the greater facility of holding the fish. This net is some- times worked from the shore, one end being held on or near it, and the other carried around so as to form a sweep when the two ends are hauled in simultaneously. Sometimes this is dropped in the sea and made to inclose a school of fish. This becomes a purse-net when there is some arrangement for bringing the lower edge of the net together, like the ’ inclosure at the mouth of a purse, so that the fish find themselves closely confined, both laterally and below. The trammel-net is a very efficient means for capturing fish in waters where dragging is not possible or convenient. This consists of three nets bound together at the edges, the outer ones on either side having a large mesh, and the central one a fine mesh and much fuller than the others. Fish swimming incautiously against this net pass through THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 121 the outer mesh and strike against the finer central net, carrying a fold of it through the large mesh of the net in the opposite side, and thus be- come pocketed. - The simplest of all nets, perhaps, is the gill-net, which is a webbing of usually very fine twine, made to float either from the surface or car- ried to the bottom. The fish, unaware of its presence, or careless in re- gard to it, in swimming against it pass the head and shoulders through the mesh and become entangled and held until removed, or until de- voured by some predaceous fish or invertebrate. No mode of fishing is more economical than this, as the capital required is comparatively light. The nets can be managed by a few persons, and it*is only the large fish that are taken, the smaller ones passing readily through the meshes. - The stake net will be found described in the report of the U. S. Fish Commission. It comes more properly under the head of weirs and pounds. The beam-trawl!.—The beam-trawl is not used in America for the capt- ure of fish, although it has been a favorite piece of apparatus with the U.S. Fish Commission for capturing specimens of various kinds of fishes and other marine objects. It is, however, extremely probable that at no distant day it may come into use and our fisheries be prose- cuted to a very considerable degree by its aid, although hardly to such_ an extent as it is employed around Great Britain and off the coasts of France, Holland, and Belgium. It is essentially a large bag-net, the mouth of which is low and broad, and which is dragged along the bottom behind a vessel of suitable di- mensions. This is kept in shape by means of a beam of wocd resting at either end on iron runners, which hold it up at the proper distance from the ground and receive the friction of the bottom. As these run- ners are connected above to the beam, at the lower end they are united by a leaded rope, which constitutes the lower edge cf the bag. This leaded line is very slack and forms a bend reaching nearly half way the length of the net, which is usually twice as long as it is broad and ends in a long, narrowapex. As it is drawn along the bettom with the tide, the fish, which usually are found lying with their heads towards the tide, are first dislodged by the lead line, and whether they head upward or forward, are met by the upper side of the net, extending behind the beam. By the continual motion of the trawl they are ultimately carried back to the opposite end of the net, and there, getting into the pockets, are prevented from returning. The size of the beam varies considerably. By an old British enact- ment the beam was not to exceed 36 feet in length; but it is sometimes - now made nearly 50. The length of the net for a 36-foot beam would be about 70 feet, and one for a 50-foot beam would be about 100 feet long. The net is made with meshes of suitable size, and is usually saved from abrasion on its under surface or posterior end by folds of old netting. . 122 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The beam-trawl is now used almost exclusively on the coast of Great Britain for the capture of the more important food-fishes, especially of the turbot and sole, few of which reach the markets captured in any other way. About nine thousand tons of fish are furnished annually from this source alone to the London market; and it is not too much to say that without its use it would be impossible to furnish the English markets with fish. There are other modifications of the trawl in different countries, all, however, on the same general principle of the dragging of a bag of netting along the sea-bottom. Sometimes this is carried under the ves- sel, where it is used particularly for the capture of whitebait and other small fish. In other cases, as in Spain, two vessels are used. The simplest form, however, that in common use by the English, French, and Dutch trawlers, is as described. .This is dragged behind the ves- sel at the rate of one or two miles an hour, always with the current, and is sometimes kept down for several hours in succession. Many objections have been brought to the use of the beam-trawl on the score of its exhausting the grounds, destroying the spawn of the fishes, killing great numbers of small fry, &e. A royal commission was therefore ordered to investigate the whole subject of the methods of capturing fish in the British dominions, and to determine whether any of them were hurtful or not. This was composed of Professor Huxley, Mr. James Caird, and Mr. S. Le Fevre, who took up the subject, and after investigating it most thoroughly gave it as their opinion that, so far from being a destructive method of fishing, the use of the beam-trawl was one _of the most commendable; that it involved no greater unnecessary waste to fish life than other methods, and less than most; that so far from destroying the spawn of fish, no one could show that an egg of a fish was ever taken in it, especially in view of the fact that cod, mackerel, the turbot, and the flat-fish generally, the eggs of which it was especially accused of destroying in great numbers, all spawn in the open sea, their eggs floating generally near the surface until hatched, and that, con- sequently, the beam-trawl could have no influence whatever upon them. — It was also shown that the actual nesting-places of many of the fish, such as the herring, &c., are among the rocky portions of the sea-hot- tom, where the beam-trawl could not be used, requiring, as it does, a perfectly smooth, level sea-bottom for its action. The masses of so-called fish spawn taken up from the bottom by the. beam-trawl, bas proved, in all cases to belong to one of the lowest forms’ of sea animals, either the Alcyonum digitatum, or so-called dead man’s: fingers, on the English coast, or to the compound ascidian, very abun- dant in America. The report of the commission states emphatically as the final result of its inquiries that this mode of fishing has been prosecuted in many. localities from fifty to a hundred years, not only without diminishing the supply, but indeed showing increased captures, in consequence of the increased number and size of the vessels employed. THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. i ys As the beam-trawl can only be used to advantage in the capture of the flat-fish and flounders, what it may take of cod and other fishes con- stituting but a small percentage of its catch, it is not likely that its use will be introduced into the United States until these fish assume a greater proportional value. With the great number of more or less de- sirable species of the flat-fishes in our waters there is no doubt that im- mense catches could be made by this means, and the day is probably not very distant when we shall find trawlers at work along Vineyard Sound and off the coast of New York, New Jersey, and the States farther south. Here there are thousands of square miles of sea-bottom admirably adapted to its use, where a rich harvest awaits its introdue- tion. Weirs and pounds.—The various forms of this most wholesale mode of taking fish will be found fully figured and described in the first re- port of the U.S. Fish Commission. I may, however, briefly recapitu- late some of the more prominent varieties. These are, the floating trap or madrague, the heart-net or pound, the stake-net, and the weir in its various forms. These all depend upon the movement of the fish in bands, and are sometimes worked in deep water, in which the apparatus is constantly immersed, sometimes depending upon the retention of the fish which come in at high water until the water runs out, leaving the fish high and dry, or else concentrated in small inclosed pools. The Seconnet (Rhode Island) traps consist in a succession of inclos- ures held by anchors, and are similar in general character to the madrague of the Mediterranean. While in America the nets scarcely take anything else butscup, sea bass, tautog, and similar fish, thoseof the Mediterranean are especially used for the capture of tunnies or horse- mackerel. A corresponding difference in the size of the net and in the thickness of the netting is to be found. The heart-nets, or pounds proper, are principally in use in Vineyard Sound and Buzzard’s Bay. In these a wall of netting supported upon stakes extends perpendicu- larly from the shore and ends in a heart-shaped apartment, the pointed end of which passes into what is called the bowl. The fish, in their movements along the coast, come to the wall of netting and are ar- rested and turned seaward. Their course along the line of netting brings them to the main inclosure, which is so constructed that in cir- cling round in schools they cannot readily find their way out, owing to their indisposition to turn an abrupt corner. Their only escape is into the bow], which constitutes a second apartment having a bottom of netting. Here they remain until the fishermen come on the scene, and closing up the narrow entrance to the bowl secure whatever it may con- tain. They proceed to lift the netting of the bowl in which are the liv- ing fish, and throwing away the refuse, the desirable varieties are put ‘in a boat or smack, or else placed in what is called a pocket, another in- closure, in which they can be kept until marketed. Of this apparatus there are many varieties. 124 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The stake-nets are used more particularly in the waters of the Dominion for the capture of salmon. The weirs are more generally to be found on the north side of Cape Cod and on the coast of Maine and the Provinces. In these northern localities their use is principally con- fined to the capture of the herring. On Cape Cod, however, they take’ immense numbers of sea herring, alewives, and other species. Many minor varieties, and some of considerable prominence of both pounds and weirs, are to be met with in different parts of the world. I have, however, mentioned those in more general use in the United States. Other methods.—The remaining methods of capturing fish most usually employed are narcotics, poisons, and explosives. The narcotics and poisons are essentially of a simple character, in some cases the fishes being merely stupefied, and in others actually killed. These are not used in sea fishing, but many an owner of a trout pond or stream has had reason to deplore the dishonesty of the age in the loss he has expe- rienced in a single night by the poacher who has resorted to poisons for securing his bag of fish. Vegetable substances are generally used for this purpose, some of them of a character very easily obtained. It is not necessary for my present object to mention them. Explosives as a means of capturing fish have come into use quite re- cently. The explosion of dynamite and other cartridges by means of a time fuse or a wire often results in benumbing or killing large numbers of fish. It is frequently employed by poachers upon trout or other ponds. In the mining regions of California very great destruction to trout and salmon in the rivers and pools has resulted from this practice. In the sea not unfrequently the involuntary result of submarine explo- sions, for the removal of sunken wrecks or rocks, is the destruction of great numbers of fish, which show themselves on the surface soon after the explosion. In some cases, as on the coast of California, where | schools of fish have been thus exposed, great slaughter has been pro- duced in this way. This method of destroying fish is highly objection- able, on the ground that it kills many more fish than can be utilized, as they are washed away by the tides and lost. D.—BAIT USED IN THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Baits and allurements.—Having thus presented an account of the more effective apparatus by which fish are captured, I proceed to indicate the more common baits and allurements to the hook or the net employed by the American fishermen. These are of various kinds, the simplest consisting of the naked hook, which by its rapid motion through the water induces many fish to snap at it, and to be caught thereby. The bluefish, bass, pickerel, and many other varieties are caught with a hook having some bright substance forming part of the shank. This may be a piece of bright pewter, tin, bone, iron, or other substance, and presented in the form of a plate, a cylinder, a spoon, or else a screw, — THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 125 by which a rapid rotation or whirling motion is caused when drawn through the water. Not unfrequently an eel-skin or similar substance is stretched over the shank of the hook, and answers an excellent pur- pose. A bait of white cloth is sometimes quite sufficient in taking mackerel. The efficiency of a piece of red flannel fastened to three hooks, placed back to back, in taking frogs is well known to boys in the country. Vegetable substances are not much used, as few fish are attracted by them. Bread crumbs, corn, cabbage leaves, &c., may be employed in the capture of carp and other vegetable feeders. Animal matter is generally employed as bait to attract fishes to the hook or into a net, other substances being considered of little account in comparison, almost every animal of any kind or description being available to a greater or less extent for the purpose. In sea fishing mammals are not used very extensively. Portions of meat of almost any kind are used by the fresh-water angler for the capture of catfish, eels, the percoids, &c. At sea the flesh of the porpoise and other cetaceans is not unfrequently relied upon for the capture of cod and halibut when other bait fails. Few persons realize the extent to which birds are sometimes employed as bait in the great offshore fisheries, the banker, when other bait fails, being able frequently to take large numbers of fish by the use as bait of the Procellaria, including petrels, fulmars, &c., as alsoof gulls, murres, &c. Most of these forms are easily caught on the hook, some- times as many as a thousand birds, and especially of the petrel family generally (Puffinus major), have been taken and used for bait by a single vessel on the Grand Bank. The gannets, penguins, cormorants, &c., are also taken in some parts of the world for a similar purpose. On this subject, Capt. J. W. Collins says: ‘+A few years ago, when many of the Grand Bankers went “shack fishing” and depended to a con- siderable extent on catching birds for bait, many thousands (mostly Puf- Jinus major) were caught and used by the crew of each vessel on a single trip. As these trips were sometimes three or four months in length, and it was often possible for the crew to catch several hundreds in a single day—indeed I have known of one man taking nearly a hundred in a few hours—it will readily be seen that an enormous amount of these birds must have been utilized in a single summer for this purpose.” There is but little, if any, use of the reptiles in the sea fisheries of the United States, although the frog is called into play in certain forms of fresh-water fishing. The various kinds of marine vertebrates constitute the chief portion of the sea-fishermaw’s bait, partly in consequence of their more ready availability, and partly because the fishes sought for are more accus- tomed to fish as food, and are more readily attracted to it. The other kinds of bait just mentioned come iiito play as substitutes, but can Wardly be considered as representing the regular resources of the North At- 126 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. lantic fishermen, and I therefore proceed to a more detailed consider- ation of the standard articles of supply for bait, consisting especially | of fishes, crustaceans, and mollusks. In the portion of the report devoted to the methods and apparatus of fishing practiced in the Eastern United States and the British Prov- inces some allusion has been made to the subject of bait for the hand and long lines, but it may be well to review the subject in a more sys- tematic manner, beginning with the enumeration of the following as the more prominent substances used : 1, Menhaden. 8. Squid. 2. Alewives. 9. Whelks. 3. Sea Herring. 10. Clams. 4. Mackerel. 11. Mussels, oysters, and scallops. 5. Capelin. 12. Lobsters, crabs, shrimps, and 6. Sundry species of less note. other crustaceans. 7. Roes of various fishes, especially of cod and mackerel. Other varieties of animal substances are used as bait under particu- lar circumstances and in particular localities ; but those just mentioned are of most economical value, and the possibility of obtaining one or other of them in greater or less abundance constitutes a very important factor to the fisheries of the mackerel, the cod, the halibut, and other species. Of the species mentioned, the menhaden is at present peculiar to the shores of the United States, while the fifth, or capelin, is found only about Newfoundland, on the coast and islands of the Bay of Saint Lawrence, and the coast of Labrador. Dr. Gilpin refers to the occurrence — of capelin in Halifax Harbor one season; but it is unknown as a regu. lar visitant there, nor has it ever been Moeitay ely noticed even as an- occasional visitant of the Bay of Fundy. The special details in regard to the natural history and character of the fishes just enumerated belong in the chapter on the natural history and economy of the several American species, and are merely alluded to briefly in this special connection as bait. In the very great variety of fish bait, and its occurrence at the vari- ous seasons of the year at different points, all portions of the United States and the Provinces may be considered as equally well provided in this respect; and although circumstances may render the procuring of this bait in a particular locality a convenience, yet it can be easily shown that whatever be the restrictions upon either country as to par- ticular localities, there can be no question as to the possibility of se- curing an ample supply in some other, although possibly at cone greater trouble and expense. (1) Menhaden.—Of all the species mentioned as used for bait the menhaden is probably that of most importance, whether we consider its wide extent of distribution, its overwhelming abundance along the THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. tip | coast at different times, or its attractiveness to cther fish. Wherever it is met with, at different seasons of the year, from Florida to Penob- scot Bay, itis always in request for bait. It is, however, only in the northern part of the United States that it is “slivered” and put up in large quantities either in ice or in salt and carried on distant voyages for the purpose of catching cod or mackerel. There is a peculiar toughness of the flesh and rankness of flavor which seem to constitute an appetizing attraction, not to be resisted by fishes generally, and the possessor of menhaden bait will be able to entice mackerel and cod, striped bass, sea bass, and other fishes, when a fellow-fisherman near by finds other bait valueless in comparison. The earliest appearance of schools of menhaden off the coast of the Middle States is the signal for securing a quantity for the cod fishing banks; and until their disappearance from the North they are in con- stant request, this application of the fish, of course, being entirely inde- pendent of its use in the preparation of oil and guano. (2) Alewives.—The two species of alewives, taken together, have a still greater range than the menhaden, being found from Florida to the - coast of Labrador, and are, if anything, more abundant in the Middle and Southern States than at points farther north. They enter the mouths of all the rivers from the sea in vast schools, beginning in the early spring in each latitude, and can be taken for a few weeks in any quantity. They can be obtained as early as January in the Saint John’s River, Florida, and in March or April in the Potomac, and would, un- doubtedly, if other fish were unprocurable, be used for the spring cod fishery, serving a very excellent purpose in this respect. It is probable that the numerous schools of adult fish, coming in from the depths of the ocean to the shores in the spring, and of the young that pass out seaward in the autumn draw the larger sea fish into the vicinity of the land, and there can be.no reasonable question that the great decrease in numbers of the latter, within the last fifty or one hundred years, has been caused, in large part, by human agencies, which have rendered it necessary to change the location of the fishing-grounds and to greatly limit the capture in ordinary boats of cod, haddock, hake, and the like in the bays and on the shores of New England, which was formerly so extensive and profitable. As will be shown elsewhere, it is entirely within the power of man to restore, in a great measure, the previous abundance and greatly to im- prove the general fisheries of the coast. The attractions of the young shad and salmon are doubtless to be added to those of the alewife and herring in drawing the larger fish towards the shore, but they are of less moment in this respect in view of their inferior abundance. (3) Sea Herring—Nextto themenhaden, and indeed inadvance of itin some parts of British North America, is to be mentioned the sea herring, which is to be found in one locality or another throughout the entire 128 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. year, the fishes now spawning in one vicinity and then feeding in an- other. Without the sea herring the fisheries of the northeastern coast of North America would be very indifferent, and it is a subject of great congratulation that it is to be had at nearly all seasons, especially when most needed as bait. Both the menhaden and the herring are used either entire for baiting the hooks, or chopped up fine in a bait-mill as chum for attracting the mackerel within reach of the hook and line or into the net. The sea bass of the New England coast finds during the summer season the’ chum of the menhaden an irresistible attraction, bringing them within reach of the angler whenever its influence is experienced. Menhaden and herring are usually cut in pieces for bait for cod and for many other varieties of fish; only the small herring, “spurling,” are used whole. (4) Mackerel.—The mackerel is used very frequently as bait, generally the smaller and inferior individuals, or those less valuable for salting being employed. They are also sometimes chopped up as bait for mack- erel when cheaper material is not to be had. (5) Capelin.—Allied if not identical forms of capelin occur on both sides of the North Atlantic, and are every where eagerly sought after as bait for cod during the period of its presence. Unfortunately on the Ameri- can coast it is found foronly about six weeks. It is then in overwhelm- ing abundance, coming in for the purpose of spawning, the eggs being sometimes washed on the shore in great windrows, and frequently in the edges of the sca forming beds several inches deep. When perfectly fresh no fish can resist its attractions, and for shore cod-fishing during the season nothing better can be had. It is, however, not considered especially advantageous for the bank fishing. The capelin is kept fresh in ice by the American bankers from 8 to 10 days, and occasionally a little longer. The French fishermen use immense quantities of salt capelin in the Grand Bank cod-fishery, though by Americans they are not considered good bait when salted. In Norway the eapelin is used very largely in the spring cod fisheries of Finmark, and its approach is hailed with the greatest satisfaction by the fishermen. (6) Sundry fishes used as bait.—The sand-launce (Ammodytes) may also be referred to as specially useful as a bait, as it can be obtained in certain localities along the coast of the United States and the Prov- inces in vast numbers, and is frequently used as a substitute for other kinds of bait, and the corresponding European species is equally satis- factory, being used by the fishermen on a large scale. Although less in size than most of the species just enumerated, it can be used entire and constitutes quite a tough, desirable bait. This fish lives mostly in the sand, where it buries itself with great rapidity and is entirely con- cealed from view. Other baits are frequently used both in the large and small fisheries, THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 129 eels and lampreys, portions of the bellies of cod and mackerel, the eyes of these and other fishes, and indeed almost any form of refuse fish. Dead fish of any kind are also used to constitute bait for taking lob- sters. (7) The roe of fish.—There is no question but that the roe of fish con- stitutes a very large percentage of the food of the inhabitants of the sea, as it is only by the provision for the destruction of the large propor- tion that particular species are prevented from increasing in undue and overwhelming numbers. It is rarely that any fish can resist the attract- iveness of fish roe, the eggs of trout and salmon being used largely in California for this purpose when nothing else has any attraction. Besides the use of the roe of fishes as food for man it constitutes an important element on a large scale in the sardine fisheries of Europe. The salted roe of the cod and of the mackerel is prepared for this pur- pose and shipped, to the extent of many millions of pounds, about 9,000,000 pounds of cod roe (worth $600,000), and one or two millions of that of the mackerel, having been furnished in one year by Norway. Small shipments have been made from the United States to Europe for the same purpose. These eggs are used especially for attracting schools of sardines into the vicinity of the gill-nets, and for that they are considered almost in- dispensable.* It is a question whether this same roe could not be em- ployed advantageously in the mackerel fishery as a toling-bait of a more satisfactory character éven than the finely-chopped flesh of fish It keeps much more readily than any other, and its use, if not already attempted, should be experimented upon, as the roe both of the cod and the mackerel until recently has been a refuse product. It is worth considering whether it may not be prepared and used to advantage for the purpose in question. t (8) Squid.—The squid, one of the cephalopods, a group of the mol jusks, is also a highly important element in the question of bait for the capture of deep-sea fishes, especially the cod and its allies, and occurs in overwhelming numbers along the entire coast of the eastern United States and of the Dominion. Of this there are two principal forms *According to De la Blanchére, Le Péche et les Poissons, 1,500,000,900 of these fish are brought into the port of Concarneau alone, this being only one of many from which the industry is carried on in France, Spain, and elsewhere. t All bait as above referred to is used fresh whenever it can be done. It is, however, preserved in various ways, sometimes by drying, more frequently by salting. The , use of ice of late years has come into play very extensively and constitutes a necessary element in most fisheries whether for the preservation of the bait itself or of the fish when caught. For the most part the bait is preserved by keeping ice in contact with it. It is probable, however, as already suggested, that hard freezing may more ad- vantageously be substituted in many cases as being more likely to retain the same attractiveness that freshly-caught bait presents. It is quite probable that by using special apparatus and adjustments the hard freezing may be conducted at very little expense. S. Mis. 90-9 130 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. equally attractive to the fish, and occurring in very great numbers, the more northern, the Ommastrephes, being found about Newfoundland and other portions of the Dominion, and the Loligo in increasing numbers from Cape Cod south and westward. They are used either fresh, im. mediately after being caught, or sometimes kept in ice; being very largely salted, however, in which condition they maintain their attract- iveness for about three weeks.* They are usually taken at sea by means of the jig, and inshore the weirs and pounds are sometimes found to contain them in immense numbers. The squid, of one species or another, is found off the coast through- out the greater part of the year, in Newfoundland more especially in the spring and summer, and on the Massachusetts coast at almost all times. It occurs more rarely in winter, apparently passing off into the warmer waters. Itis probable that by exposing the squid to the cold of a freezing mixture and rendering them specially hard, they may be kept indefinitely or until wanted. Among other pounds where squid have been takeu in large numbers, that at Waquoit, Mass., captured more than 6,000 in a single day ; and at the same pound, the captures for the first twenty-five days in May alone amounted to 35,000. (Rep. U.S. F. C., 1871-72, page 174.) © (9) Whelks—As already mentioned when discussing the subject of the long or trawl line as used in Europe, the whelk or Buccinum unda- tum was referred to as the principal bait for that mode of fishing; and although captured every year in immense numbers for use by quite a large fleet of boats and vessels, it still appears to be as abundant as ever. Here we have another indirect illustration of the influence of man in producing a balance of power in the sea, the whelks being notorious enemies of the oyster and other mollusks and destroying them in great numbers. The drain, therefore, upon the increase of the whelk doubtless has a material effect on the supply of these other objects. In England whelks are taken on long-lines, on the snoods of which the common shore crabs are fastened or threaded, no hooks being em- ployed. When laid down, the whelks seize this bait and, retaining their hold with great tenacity, are hauled up. Another method of taking them is by means of baskets baited inside with pieces of fish, a net being stretched over the end, with the basket in the center. The whelks enter this, and when the baskets are drawn up, they remain in them. Shallow hoop-nets, too, are baited with fish for this purpose, and the incidental advantage of their capture, as already stated, is in the diminution of an inveterate enemy of the oyster. Hach smack requires *Squid can usually be kept from 2 to 3 weeks in ice, and for months when salted. While the French use salted squid almost exclusively on the Grand Bank, the Amer- icans and Provincials prefer to have them fresh, and use but few salt ones, and those only in the fall when no others can be obtained.—J, W, CoLLins. THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 131 as bait for a voyage from fifteen to twenty-five bushels of whelks. These are preserved in bags made of netting and may be kept for a long time in the wells of the smacks. When wanted, the shells are broken and the animals extracted. The whelk is especially common in the United States from Portland to the Bay of Fundy, and extends to the south of Cape Cod, although rarely. It is usually known in America as the winkle, and is so abun- dant on the coast of Maine that it could readily be used as bait for cod. There are many other of the univalves that may be employed as bait, such as the Busycon and Pyrula, which though seldom used are capable of the same application. (10) Clams.—The clam in its various forms constitutes a very impor- tant portion of the bait used on a large scale in the United States and belongs especially to the following species : The soft clam, Mya arenaria. The common hard clam, Venus mercenaria. The most important of these is perhaps the soft clam, Mya arenaria, which occurs in immense numbers along the entire eastern coast of the United States, and is consumed both as food and as bait. For the lat- ter purpose it is collected very largely on the clam flats of Massachu- setts and Maine, in some localities the plow being used at low tide to turn up immense numbers. An especially favorite locality is near Ips- wich, Mass., where the immense size of the aboriginal kitehen-middens attest the antiquity of the abundance of this species, these being rivaled, however, by the piles of recent shells heaped up by the clam- diggers. About forty barrels of salted clams constitute an average fare for a cod fishing-vessel, and there appears to be no special diffi- culty in furnishing any number that may be called for, as notwithstand- ing the demand, the price at which they are sold now is little more than it has been for many years. The so-called hard clam is more southern in its distribution than the Mya, and is less extensively used as bait, in view of the great demand for it as an article of food. On the sea coast, in a small way, however, it is used to a considerable extent. The hen clam, or Mactra solidissima, is also a species which furnishes a valuable bait, and is especially abundant at present in the vicinity of Nantucket, Mass., where large numbers are taken out and used by the cod-fishermen. In the Gulf of Mexico and the vicinity of Mobile and New Orleans the Gnathodon cuneatus, a so-called clam, is also employed largely in the minor fisheries, but has no prominence at all as a bait for the more important enterprises. According to Mr. N.B.Nutt, collector of customs at Tasnpiae clams are not collected to any ereat extent in that vicinity as bait, but they are gathered along the shore from Machias to Mount Desert and sold by dealers at Deer Isle, Booth Bay, and Portland. Forty barrels rep- 132 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. resent the allowance for an ordinary voyage of a vessel of from 50 to 75 tons. Of late years clams have been less in demand for cod-fish- ing, fresh herring purchased near the grounds or pickled herring being more extensively used. (11) Mussels, Oysters, and Scallops.—Of the mussel there are two dis- tinct species, both known under the same name, and, although gener- ically distinct, having a very close external resemblance which prevents their being distinguished by the ordinary observer. One of these is the Mytilus, the other the Modiola. These are well-known inhabitants of the waters, being found attached in great numbers to the piles of piers, and to rocks, gravel, mud, and any other object to which their byssus will adhere. They are a favorite article of food in some parts of the world, being used largely in Europe for this purpose; but they are less esteemed in the United States. Occasionally very grave inconveni- ences result from poisoning, of greater or less intensity, being produced by them. In view of the well-known fecundity of the mussle, it may be imagined that the spat in regions where they abound constitutes a very important element in the food of young fish, and the contents of the towing-net are very frequently composed largely of extremely minute mussels, which are greedily devoured by a great variety of spe- cies. The oyster is not often used as bait. It is almost too valuable to be wasted in this way, and is of so soft and delicate a texture as i break away from the hook with but a slight touch. The common scallop, Pecten irradians, which is extremely abundant off the coast of the Middle and Northern States, is largely utilized for food, and only occasionally used as bait for fish. (12) Lobsters, Crabs, Shrimps, etc.—The lobster constitutes a very at- tractive bait in the small fisheries ; but it is too valuable in itself as an article of commerce, to be employed to any great extent. Frequently, however, young lobsters, not marketable, or falling within prohibited limits of the legal enactments of certain States, are used for capturing shore fishes. Along the coast of the South Atlantic and Middle States a very favorite bait for the ordinary shore fishes is the common blue crab (Cal- linectes hastatus) a species occurring in enormous abundance, and con- stituting a favorite article of food, whether as hard or soft shell. This is a great resource to the fishermen, few fish resisting its attractions, especially when the old shell has been thrown off, leaving only a soft skin behind. Diminishing in abundance towards Cape Cod, its place is supplied, thence northward, by what is there called the common crab (Carcinus menas). This appears to constitute an especial attraction to the tautog, and doubtless constitutes its food in the sea in very great part. Shrimps also are used all along the eastern coast of the United States in sea fishing. THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Loo E.—METHODS AND ROUTINE OF FISHERY. The necessary limitations of space in the present essay require me to defer the consideration of this subject to another occasion, especially as it will come naturally within the investigations of the forthcoming cen- sus of 1880. F.— PRESERVATION OF FISH AND BAIT. The subject of the preservation of the products of the fisheries is one of very great importance, and is receiving more and more attention every day. In the earlier period of the American Republic the abund- ance of apimal life in the waters was so great that there was little dif- ficulty in taking the needed supply of food whenever it was wanted, rendering the question of its preservation comparatively unimportant. Of course, the methods of salting and drying were in vogue, but the long-continued preservation of fish in a fresh state was of comparatively little consequence. The circumstances have changed very greatly in this respect. The abundance of fish, &c., has diminished to a greater or less extent, while the population of the country has increased enor- mously. The demand for fresh fish, too, has increased more than in pro- portion to the increase of population. The great extension of the sys- tem of communication with the seaports, both by steamboats and rail- roads, has been such as to render it practicable to carry the products of the sea fresh to a great distance. The same methods are available both for keeping bait for use in the fisheries as are employed in keeping the products of the fisheries themselves, and it will therefore not be neces- sary to discriminate between them. We may consider this subject of preservation under several heads : (1) As fresh, without any special treatment; (2) as fresh, by means of ice; (3) by drying ; (4) by salting or the addition of some chemical sub- stance; (5) by smoking ; (6) that of immersion in alcohol or some saline substance, for scientific purposes, which properly does not enter into the plan of this paper. Fish may, of course, be preserved for a greater or less time for pur- poses of food or bait without any treatment whatever, this depending upon the amount of moisture in the atmosphere and the temperature. In the colder seasons of the year of any locality an object of this character can be kept for many days, especially if the entrails are removed, the adherent blood washed from the inside, and the inside surface allowed to dry in some way. In warmer latitudes and periods, however, the flesh corrupts rapidly. The difficulty is that in the tropical or sub-tropical latitudes a fish will acquire a taint of corruption or decomposition within a very short time after the capture, so that even before the boat’s load can be landed and subjected to the treatment of salt, or otherwise, it will have passed beyond the stage when this can be applied with any success. 134 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Of course, when fish are taken in cold weather and frozen they will remain in good condition as long as the cold lasts ;* and the absence of a definite continuance of this condition suggested the use of ice in some form in the warmer season of the year. The simplest method of using ice is, of course, to lay the fish on it, and thus keeping down the tem- perature. The more common method of employing ice, however, is to pound it up and arrange it in layers with the fish, one alternating with the other until the given receptacle is filled. This, however, has the very serious disadvantage in the quantity of moisture necessarily held in contact with the fish, the ice melting very rapidly and the fish becom- — ing saturated with the resultant water, from which in time comes an acidity or mustiness of the fish which is not at all palatable. In some cases, indeed, fish will keep better by being immersed in water kept cool by means of floating pieces of ice than when packed away in pounded ice itself. Fish thus treated become unpalatable. when kept some time after removal from the ice. About two weeks represents the limit of time during which, under ordinary circumstances, fish may be kept by the method indicated. After that period the fisherman finds that his bait ceases to be attractive, and the necessity for a renewal occurs. Icing of fish and bait.—The fishermen at New London and Noank, who are almost exclusively occupied in furnishing fresh fish to the New York market, by the exercise of special precaution are able to keep their fish and bait fresh a much longer time than is the experience at Glou- cester. They exercise very great care in the preparation of the bait, which is opened and thoroughly washed and cleaned, the adherent blood along the backbone being especially removed. Their bait pens are in one large apartment instead of three or four smaller ones, as is the practice at Gloucester, and are carefully lined with some non-conducting substance. The bottom is paved continu- ously with ice, to the original thickness of the block, whatever that — may be. On this is placed a layer of fish three or four inches thick, and above this a layer of equal thickness of finely-pounded ice, snow answering a very good purpose if this can be had. On this is another stratum of fish, and then pounded ice, and so on until the whole is filled. The atmospheric air is excluded very thoroughly in this way, and the amount of melting is comparatively trifling. The resultant water is immediately absorbed by the porous layers of pounded ice and held as by a sponge, so that the fish are kept comparatively dry. In the other method of breaking up the ice with a hammer and slid- ing in layers over the fish there is much greater exposure to the air, and the water from the melting ice sinks to the bottom and keeps the fish or bait saturated throughout. In this way two weeks is usually “Iam informed that the first to commence the business of freezing herring and bringing them from Newfoundland was Capt. Henry Smith, of Gloucester, in 1856. In 1857 Capt. Sylvanus Smith went into the same business and continued it for some time. ee. S&F eee Orie es a THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 135 the limit during which bait can be kept fresh, instead of six or eight weeks, as claimed by the New London fishermen, who see no difficulty whatever in carrying enough fresh bait for a long voyage to the banks, supplemented, should it be necessary, by soft clams, and thus obviating the necessity of going into Newfoundland or elsewhere for a fresh sup- ply. ; Ice can be applied much more advantageously for cooling fish (inde- pendently of freezing them) in specially constructed apparatus, known usually as refrigerators. The refrigerator, however, furnishes the most economical mode of applying cold to the fish. In some cases the fune- tion of the refrigerator is simply to prevent an unnecessary waste of ice by melting away, so that a given quantity will last a much longer time. Other forms of refrigerators have a very different function, the simplest of which consist of an arrangement by which a current of cold, dry air is made to circulate through a provision chamber, taking off the excess of moisture and allowing it to be condensed upon the ice itself. This desiccation may be so rapid and excessive as to bring it under the head of ‘‘ preservation by drying.” Itis not at present used to any great ex- tent in the sea-fisheries for the preservation, on a large scale, of fish for along time. This is most effectively accomplished by the hard freezing process, which is destined to take the place of all others before long, as preserving the animal fiber indefinitely, or as long as the freezing is main- tained at the proper temperature, and with a comparatively small con- sumption of ice and salt. According to Mr. E. G. Blackford, the eminent fish-dealer in Fulton Market, New York, a room, 10 feet each way, or of 1,000 cubic feet, with properly constructed non-conducting walls surrounding it, can be kept in effective operation in the summer weather of New York by the use of 2,000 pounds of ice and 2 bushels of salt per week, with less in colder weather. This would be, for a room of that size, 44 tons of ice and 9 bushels of salt per month. As, however, all the bait neces- sary for a trawling expedition to the banks for cod could be kept in a room of half that size, it is likely that three-fourths the amount of ice and salt would be sufficient, or about 34 tons of ice and 7 bushels of salt per month. With all the fresh bait on board required for a voyage to the banks and the filling up of the vessel, the amount for two months should not exceed at the outside 7 tons of ice. Allowing as much more for wastage, 14 tons would probably be an ample allowance. Dur- ing 1877 ice cost $2.a ton at Gloucester and $12 a ton at Newfoundland. A patent has been recently introduced to the notice of fish-dealers, by which fish are arranged conveniently in vessels which are filled up with water, and the whole then frozen into a solid cake, and keptin this con- dition until used. This process is claimed by those interested to keep the fish perfectly fresh indefinitely without the evaporation and loss of savor so frequently found in the dry-hard method. In freezing animals hard and stiff care must be taken to extract the 6 136 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. heat slowly in proportion to their size. It is a common occurrence for moose, reindeer, and other large mammals when killed ina very cold at- mosphere to become putrid internally in a few hours, although the ex- terior may be frozen stiff. The remedy here is probably immediate dis- emboweling. It is said that halibut cannot be frozen stiff and dry to advantage from the tendency to spoiling in the interior. It is not an uncommon thing for fishermen on the banks to re- new their supply of ice for bait from the floating icebergs. They do not usually venture on a large berg for this purpose; but generally there are to be found in its vicinity fragments of greater or less size which have been broken off from the main mass and are easily secured. The supply of fresh water, too, is not unfrequently obtained in a similar manner. Desiccation.—Desiccation, or drying, comes next to cold, eithernatural or artificial, asa method for preserving fish for food or bait, and, indeed, is sometimes more available. This consists, in the simplest form, in the ex- posure of the fish, usually split to some extent, toa dry atmosphere or the sun, causing the evaporation of the moisture to a greater or less degree. Sometimes this process is accelerated by the application of artificial heat, which causes a more speedy evaporation of the moisture. A cur- rent of air, either warm or cold, made to play over the fish, carries on the work very rapidly. Quite recently the production of this current of dry air by cold has been called into service, and with very excellent results, the flesh not being altered in any way, and the desiccation be- ing rapid and thorough. Of late years artificial processes of desicca- tion have been multiplied, and are being applied to all forms of marine products, including oysters, clams, lobsters, shrimps, &c., as well as fishes themselves. Of course the use of a similar method for preserv- ing vegetables and the flesh of land animals is familiar to every one. The preservation of bait by drying has not been very general; but it seems probable that when the application of the desiccating process comes to be more economically applied, it can be called into play to very great advantage. A writer in the Newfoundland Chronicle for September, 1877, speak- ing of squid bait, remarks that during the squid season, which usually lasts about six weeks, there is no other bait so attractive to codfish, and that even when salted it is preferred by the fish to fresh herring. He suggests that the proper method of preparing the squid so as to be available under all circumstances and at all seasons is to wash and dry it as soon as possible in the sun and without salt. He does not state, however, whether the experiment has actually been tried. If the bait thus prepared proves to be attractive to the fish there will be no difficulty, if it cannot be readily dried in the atmosphere of New England, in doing this by means of some of the patent desiccating processes. Considerable quantities of squid are dried on the coast of Newfound- a THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Lat . and, the bodies being first split open and the heads and entrails re- moved. I sécured a few of them in the fall of 1876 and tried them on the Grand Bank, but under such unfavorable circumstances that noth- ing definite could be learned as to the relative value of squid bait pre- pared in that manner. The Newfoundland fisher men, however, claim that, when soaked for several hours before it is used, it nearly equals for bait the squid that are just caught. The method of preserving fish and bait by salting is of course familiar to all, and need not be discussed here to any great length. It will be sufficient to mention that the principal subdivisions consist of salting by sprinkling salt on successive layers of fish, which are piled up in masses, known as kench-curing; of immersion ina saline solution, known as pickling; and of salting for a certain length of time by either of these processes and then drying by exposure to the air and by smok- ing, all of which have their advantages under particular circumstances. Salting, ete.—The salt used in the preservation of fish in the methods indicated is, for the most part, the common chloride of sodium, or table salt. The quality of this, however, varies in different regions, some varieties being considered preferable for special applications, and others much less satisfactory. " A very troublesome affection of salted and dried fish is that known as “reddening,” where patches of red color make their appearance on the surface of the fish, and rapidly extending, soon render it unfit for food. This is usually met with in the foggy August or dog-day weather. A careful examination of this substance by Dr. Farlow has shown that this redness is due to a minute algous plant abounding in the shallow sea-shores and not unfrequently included in the crystallized salt made by solar evaporation. Its presence is indicated by a slight pink or rosy tint in the salt, and at any rate it appears that fish treated _ with this salt is more liable to the affection than where the salt is ob- tained from mineral deposits or else is perfectly white sea salt. Other saline substances are used in some cases; and quite recently borax, in one form or another, has been warmly recommended as se- curing the proper preservation of the flesh by the use of a much smaller quantity of mineral matter. A favorite Swedish preparation, called aseptin, used for keeping milk and other animal substances without imparting a saline taste, consists essentially of borax. Quite recently other chemical substances have been suggested, and among others is one lately communicated by D’Amélioto the Academy of Sciences in Paris. For this purpose the meat, either raw or boiled, is cut into sections (if the action is to be very rapid) and immersed in a solution of citric acid in water in sufficient proportion to render it de- cidedly acid. After two or three hours the meat is withdrawn and sub- jected to a moderate degree of artificial heat, or exposed to the air until dry. With the artificial heat the result should be accomplished in an hour, and in the open air in five or six days. This meat can be kept for 138 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 2 years. ‘To restore it to softness and flexibility it is only neceasary to plunge it three or four days into fresh water. In time it acquires the hardness of wood, and the fatty portions have a tallowy odor. Smoking.—A remaining method of preserving fish for food, if not for bait, is that of smoking, which has been used from time immemorial. This consists merely in exposing the flesh, either fresh or after being salted to some degree, to the smoke produced by burning bark or wood. This changes the texture of the fiber apparently by the action of pyro- ligneous acid or some creosote product, at the same time preserving it and giving it a very agreeable taste. The celebrated Finmark haddies consist of the haddock slightly smoked to a moderate degree, not enough to keep them for a long time, but involving a Jess amount of salt and of smoking than usual. Other fish, of course, are readily prepared in the same way. G.—DISPOSITION OF OFFAL OR ** GURRY.” The question of a convenient or economical disposition of the offal of fish, especially of the heads and entrails, is a serious matter to the fish- erman, especially when the cleaning or preparation for market is con- ducted at sea. This waste matter constitutes a large percentage of the entire mass (about a third), and what is thrown away every year by fishermen of any considerable fishing station may amount to hundreds of tons. Men fishing in small boats, however, usually have no other convenient alternative. The objections made to this disposition of offal are of two classes, one on the score of waste, the other on the ground that the capture of fish in that locality is greatly interfered with. In the same connection I may refer to the question of waste of fish by means of the trawl-line, or the purse and gill net. As already mentioned, a severe complaint brought in North America against the apparatus referred to, is that large numbers of fish are lost from the trawl-line or from the nets in consequence of storms or otherwise; and that apart from the waste, these fish falling to the bottom, contaminate the fishing-grounds by their decomposition and drive other fish away, as shown by the ina- bility to make successful catches until after a period sufficient to allow this matter to be decomposed or removed in some manner. The assertions of injury to the fishing-grounds in consequence of the gurry being thrown overboard or of the number of dead fish dropping from the lines or partly devoured by other fishes, apply most generally to the localities of the capture of the Gadidw or members of the cod family, especially the true cod, haddock, hake, cusk, as well as of some other species, including also the halibut and others of the flat-fish — family. It must be remembered, however, that these grounds are al- ways in the colder portions of the sea, not unfrequently where the tem- perature of the water is but little above the freezing-point of fresh water, and always where it is as low as 50°. In regions where such - temperatures prevail the year round, the cod and its allies are found — THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 189 continuously. In others, as in the south side of New England, the fish come in as the waters at the bottom of the sea assume the temperature which they affect. So far as the cleaning of fish at sea and the throwing overboard of the offal or so-called gurry are concerned, the practice is highly repre- hensible in an economical point of view; and as representing an enor- mous waste of material capable of being devoted to useful purposes, the practice should be frowned down and prevented by legislation if possible. On the coast of Norway all such materials, which formerly were wasted, are now carefully husbanded and add very greatly to the per- centage of the yield of any fishery. Sometimes this material is boiled and made to furnish a large amount of oil and scrap. At others the heads are assorted and dried as a special food for animals. The actual yield of guano alone from the Norwegian fisheries has in a single year amounted to 7,700,000 pounds, a very notable element in the productive resources of the country. Whether this material be injurious to the fisheries or not, its preservation and utilization is too important to be neglected ; Se for this, instead of enacting a prohibitory law, which could not be enforced, it might be better to offer a bounty or drawback of some kind, in proportion to the amount of this material delivered on shore. In oe event, even if the fish were more conveniently cleaned at sea, the refuse might be saved in barrels and put on shore at a con- venient point. If the solid parts were for the most part saved, the juices and small particles ow be poured into the sea without any detriment. In regard to the allegation, however, that this offal or the dead fish falling from the hooks, in whatever quantity this may be present, affects the fishing-ground, it is extremely difficult to comprehend how this cana have any serious effect. In the first place, the cold water in which the fishes of the cod family occur abound to an enormous degree with marine crustaceans, the self-appointed scavengers of the ocean. These are largely a species of Gammarus and allied forms very varying in size and in overwhelming and almost incredible numbers, and their efficiency in their appointed task is so great that a large fish placed in a box or suspended in a bag of netting, will frequently be picked to a most per- fect and complete skeleton in from twelve to twenty-four hours; indeed, not unfrequently the fish on the trawl-lines are brought up skeletonized in this way. The same waters in which these shrimps are to be found abound very largely in lobsters, which are baited by precisely the same offal which is considered so detrimental to the fishing. There are also immense schools of small fish such as cunners, and more particularly the ’ Cyprinodonts, which are as active and prompt in their attacks upon dead matter as the crustacea; as witness the experience of those who find a large and valued bait cleaned entirely from the hook by these smaller fish before it has been down more than a very few minutes. The wolf- - fish or catfish (Anarrhichas), the sculpins, the sea-ravens, the goosefish, . 140 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. &ec., may also be mentioned among these scavengers, the latter espe- cially finding no difficulty in swallowing entire the largest masses of offal that are likely to be thrown overboard. There is no doubt what- ever that all such substances scattered in or floating through the water are promptly seized by the lobsters, dogfish, and other species of sharks, and numerous others of the finny tribe that are always on the watch for such material, and it is altogether incredible that with all these agencies working together there should be any appreciable quantity of dead fish or its refuse left at the end of twenty-four hours. A large part of the gurry is probably carried off from the grounds by the tides and thus distributed over a wide extent of the sea, the chances of its reaching the bottom and remaining there for any time being still further diminished. Even supposing the skeletons and bones to be thoroughly cleaned and left, and that by their whiteness or other qual- ity they should terrify the fish, another series of scavengers comes into play, namely, the sea-urchins, or sea-eggs. These, which swarm in enor- mous troops in the same waters, concentrate themselves in a very short time upon a bone and devour it as perfectly as the sea-lice do the flesh, leaving nothing whatever. It has been suggested that these sea-fleas and sea-urchins only carry on their operations in shallow water. This, however, is a great mistake, as the dredgings of scientific investigators in the vicinity of Grand Manan and elsewhere show that no portion of the sea-bottom, even to several hundred fathoms in depth, is without them, and, indeed, if there is any difference it is probably in favor of the colder and deeper water. The inquiry naturally arises, why,if the chopped fish, including en- trails and roe, constitute an attractive bait to the mackerel sufficient to draw them many miles out of their intended course, and dead fish can be used to bait perch pots, should precisely the same material, in not quite so minute a state of division, terrify and drive away the inhabit- ants of the deep sea? Itis, of course, possible that a great abundance of animal matter floating in the water, or for the moment lying on the bottom, may affect the actual fishery in consequence of the preference on the part of the fish to this matter over the more doubtful attractions of a baited hook. This, however, would be only temporary, and the interruption would soon cease. Possibly, too (and perhaps this is a powerful agency), the presence of this offal may attract the dogfish, sharks, and other predaceous species, so that they may drive away the weaker and comparatively defenseless cod.* *At one time the practice of the French fishermen of throwing overboard the gurry was bitterly complained of by the English on the ground that it materially affected the fishing. The explanation given was probably the true one, namely, that this offal _ attracted an immense number of sharks, dogfish, and other predaceous fish, which concentrated in unusual numbers, and not only devoured the offal, but drove out all the fish from the ground. Nothing was suggested as to any defilement of the sea bot- tom itself by the accumulation of decaying animal matter. (British Fishery Com- mission Report, p. ]xi.) THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 141 The fact that the throwing overboard of offal does not in itself drive away fish generally is illustrated in the fishery for the small dog shark about Provincetown. Great numbers of these are taken annually for the livers, which are removed, and the rest of the fish thrown over- board. The result is apparently to increase the number of these fish, and make the catch of a larger number practicable. The number of skates is greatly increased in any given locality, on the banks where they abound, by throwing overboard large quantities of gurry. This is especially noticeable to the trawl fishermen, who often find after remaining in one berth or position for several days, that the ends of the trawls next the vessel have on them an increased number of skates. In further reference to this subject of gurry on fishing-grounds and to the alleged wastage of fish by dropping from trawls and gill-nets, itis not a little remarkable that the question of the injury of the use of the trawl-line to the fish and fisheries of the locality where prac- ticed, should at the present time be for the most part confined to North America, while European writers now scarcely refer to any inconven- ience likely to result from this cause. The practice of line fishing is considered in its two divisions of hand-line and trawl, or long line, but this is merely a question of comparative expediency and the cost of the investmert. In the question at issue between the fishermen of Great Britain in 1866, the case lay for the most part between the trawls on the one side and the hand-line fishermen on the other, the latter making no charge of any injury to the fishing in the rejoinder against the long-lines. It is perhaps less the practice in Europe than it is in America to clean the fish at sea, and to throw the refuse overboard, a wasteful practice, which of course is to be discountenanced. In Norway, on the great fish- ing-grounds, the sale of the offal to companies organized for utilizing it is a matter of very great importance. It is sold ata fair price, the dried head of the cod being in part prepared as food for cattle, but for the most part converted into guano, which has an established position in the European markets, as might be expected, allowing it to consti- tute one-third of the total weight of nearly 20,000,000 codfish. In England the codfish taken are for the most part sold entire or dressed in the fishmongers’ establishments. If a considerable percentage of the fish taken on the long-line or trawl is necessarily lost by droppixg off from the hooks by their exces- sive weight on being hauled up, the injury, if it be one, of their decay on the sea-bottom would in all probability have impressed itself upon the minds of observers in England ; but the only allusions I have been able to find to this subject of dead fish on fishing-grounds is in connec- tion with the herring fishery on the coast of Norway, where it was al- leged that the dead fish which were lost from the gill-nets polluted the _ water and tended to drive the herring away. 142 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. According to Feddersen (Rep. U.S. EF. C., 1873-5, p. 183), neither this nor the discharge of oil into the ocean from factories on shore proved to have any deleterious influence, the fish coming year after year even in increasing abundance to localities infected as mentioned, while they were just as likely to disappear capriciously and suddenly from waters where no such complaints could be alleged; indeed, as stated on page 118, a careful examination of the bottom of the sea, by means of the water telescope failed to reveal a persistence of dead fish, the appointed scavengers of the sea very soon removing them effectually. It was only occasionally in the crevices of the rocks and apparently sheltered from convenient approach that the dead herring or their skeletons were known to remain even for a few weeks, subsequent examinations failing to indicate the presence of any dead animal matter. H.—REVIEW OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES. The time when a faithful presentation of this subject can be made has not yet arrived, and its discussion must be deferred until an ex- haustive canvass of the country has been made. As a slight contribu- tion to the subject the following tables are given: Fishery products of Gloucester in 1876. Godt 425,000 quintale: 242-2 s22son=26 v- ic saab s bea eee wos Joe ee $2, 295, 000 Mackerel, 101,032 barrela: 6. 22 = 2h\on seme om eee mateo nase pee a 909, 000 PEGE, 0,000 DAELOIS) cm «nj 5 om rain a = sienna) «(82 Cain Rig ia te 127, 5C0 Dry-fish, other than cod (pollock, cusk, haddock, and hake, about equal proportions), 40,000 quintals ile... )222 22) 22.0 See ee 120, 000 DHOUAnSh See ce et oe bes nic ssp weeoes 2 -Stbe 2b Jesleoeou, Coen eee eee 10, 000 Preah fish; 11,000,000 pounds: .. 2 2. sui god Seen kic est here eee 745, 000 Fish oil (cod-liver nine-tenths at least), 275,000 gallons....-.......-. a 132, 000 Pash mannre (herring), 6,000 tong. 226 we eae cane at oo bee be oe Se 25, 000 PES EMANOOUE thas s id cs nese ne n= os ee aso s ca we wees oem ante ease eee 10, 000 Smoked halibut (three-fourths made from catch of ‘ fresh” vessels), B00, N00. pOUnas.. .-csrsawicss. os Se RS. UR ee eee 275, 000 4, 648, 500 40 per cent. of flitching from halibut. 405,000 quintals, pickle-cured. The following table shows the value and extent of the fishing busi- ness of the port of Gloucester for the year 1875: PTC COOMED, 17 45476 QUAD THIS hm nines isicamer ein atta ols a 2 a9 unison oe ea $998, 628 meer pe s COCNSN, 160,700 QUINEBIS cose ent bry coe edn oc cece unt uup cen aeneeee 1, 021, 669 George’s halibut, 2,462,364 pounds ...-....- Be aivinie'S oe ced «seem eteneercee eee 172, 365 Bank halibut, 7,248,423 pounds ........-.. Spe alk pias wc oe Cet oe ee Ree eee 507, 389 Paplee, 4.057 Quintals,¢.. } isn ck sable abeeiiees- 1c o~ s+» debit sd. Jee eaen 12,774 RBs 2080 ITU BLS oii «od none al bee Riek ap Lype cian oan soi gtlebte Meme eee of yOa7 PEREMR SPPMLT CCE oa. tm ccc Seidl as Elban wanes m= chase Goud uae ae 32, 964 PUT, eee WRILOIS ce 2c os wenn ot sway nes eos < +s aan> nat heat ine eee 153, 168 Shore fisheries, the work of dory fishermen ; PRPOHMGHAMA de Lifial slams 250k SEMEL RRL ERS Sci SUR OLe Sei ee care 89, 738 GUE io ie oh seen ies’ enue shoo SR eh Seis eve wal wipe cafe cat ote neeeeee 185, 697 — Oil ee re CT COT eh Cem wet et He eww ene reese ose « 8, 945 THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 143 Mackerel : eee ree HeMEROIING SB) 28 22a 25h oh bess tees es eLis. des s cain anal) BRO TID BOPP AUTOLO UNOS y Yo cat aie bia h ena sfaoaler soc ucreh sistu wad ovcede nese 184, 780 UT IR ELAR CRE WERE Sa Tigi oi aa het eer aR 174, 104 EEO NG NES OCS ees Gack oe ete noaseas Eee See go Sa cue eee 24, 205 Pickled fish, 31, 750 herring... ne Do Reo Stet heii iin e paler rhe eA eee 13, 494 163 barrels cod, 404 barrels svord Galt Seas Dae E ROO CU, A SHES a Rene Meee ee 1, 097 410% barrels trout, 753 barrels fins and napes ......-.-. ..---..--...--..- 4, 042 21% barrels salmon, 205 barrels tongues and sounds...-.....---..--..--.-- 2, 282 PIII RIMS OUG) ae a alepeca Ate Se ie soe ote voce ctac Gnas ola ata een 10, 000 you GOBS MANUTE.....-..-.........-- Sd Soo. GeaeMoubiga cuss Anas LS: 20, 000 EMME e enya ae aa et lan eS ecaa ta es ocala ee tous aE aie 8, 000 REEeH aT ADOVO. 55. 2 o.isb doe ciel ote seb eh 100, 000 4, 059, 500 EEL: Oh APPLICATIONS OF THE PRODUCTS OF THE FISHERIES. The inhabitants of the sea which occupy a more or less direct rela- tion to man in their economical application are usually classed by the common name of fish, the term fisheries being applied to the methods of their capture. This, however, is to a certain extent a misnomer, as in addition to what are properly known as fish we have to consider the cetaceans, such as the whales and porpoises; the crustaceans, as the crabs, lobsters, and shrimps; the mollusks or shell-fish, such as the clams, oysters, and the like; the corals, sponges, and many other forms of animal life. The uses to which the various marine animals are put are very vari- ous, although by far the most important application is in the way of food for man, and to some extent for the lower animals. The objects of the fisheries and the applications of the animals of the sea when caught may be considered under the following heads: (1) Food.—Yor the direct use by man himself; and, second, as bait for the prosecution of the fisheries. (2) Oil.—For food or medicine ; for illumination; for use in the arts, as in the manufacture of soap, the dressing of leather, &e. (3) Manure.—Applied in a fresh state directly to the soil; as dried and subjected to chemical manipulation and combination ai other substances. (4) Utility and ornament.—A systematic account of all the uses in their minutest detail to which the inhabitants of the sea are put by man would go far beyond the limits of the present article, and it is possible but briefly to refer to some of the more important, concentrating atten- tion hereafter upon those which bear most closely upon the subject of the value of the fisheries in the United States and the Dominion of Canada. For the present it is necessary to leave out the consideration of the cetaceans and other marine mammals, as well as the corals and sponges, 144 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. and some of the applications even of the fishes and crustaceans; and to furthermore restrict our consideration to the fishes proper, introduc- ing other forms only so far as they relate to the question of bait. 1. As food for man and animals.—By far the most important applica- tion of fish is as sustenance for man; a large proportion of the popula- tion of the globe deriving its support more or less exclusively from this source. Although the fresh-water fisheries in many countries are of great importance, and supply a notable percentage of valuable food, it is from the sea that not only the great portion of the fish found in our markets is derived, but also the bulk of that which is preserved by various methods for a greater or less length of time, and for transportation to distant markets. Fresh fish can, of course, be kept in a cool climate for a considera- ble time without any special preparation; but the simplest mode of treating it for preservation is that of drying, by exposure to the sun, either with or without a certain amount of salting. Next to the drying we have the smoking either of the fresh meat or. when it is more or less salted. The salt may be applied either dry or in solution, when the fish are to be used almost immediately (which pro- cess is known as corning), or else kept for a longer period. Salt, being a substance found universally, is the cheapest and most convenient me- dium. The use of borax has already been alluded to on page 137. Sali- cylic acid, too, in solution can be used to keep fish fresh for a considera- ble length of time. Until quite recently the ice has been used by itself, without the addi- tion of any salt whereby to produce the so-called freezing mixture, the fish being kept in boxes or bins in the holds of vessels, in contact with ice, reduced to a greater or less degree of firmness, and drainage being provided to carry away the water. Sometimes the fish are packed with ice and a non-conducting substance like sawdust, which greatly retards the rapidity of melting and permits the shipment in large quantities, A much better method of using ice alone consists of its application in some of the modern circulating refrigerators, in which it is placed above the receptacle containing the fish or other meats, and a circulation so established which, while keeping the temperature of the air surround. ing the meats at a low point, extracts all the moisture from the atmos- phere, leaving it perfectly dry, and furnishing an atmosphere correspond- ing to that of an ordinary clear cold winter’s day. The flesh of fish thus treated is very much more palatable than where there is a direct contact with the ice itself; in the latter instance the fish, while not un- dergoing decomposition, becoming stale and sometimes more.or less sour. The greatest improvement, however, in the preservation of fish for food is by the use of freezing mixtures. Under no circumstances by the use of plaiii ice at melting temperatures, in an ordinary summer’s at- THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 145 mosphere, can the temperature be kept below 40°, and where the fish are not actually in contact with the ice, possibly not below 50°. This involves a tendency to become stale, as above referred to. If, however, the fish be frozen hard and stiff immediately after being caught it may be kept in this condition for an indefinite period of time, and when ecare- fully thawed out and used immediately after, will be very little if at all inferior to a fresh fish. For this purpose the fish are now exposed as ‘soon as possible after being caught to the proximity of a freezing mixt- ure of ice and salt; and as soon as well frozen they are transferred to a much larger chamber in which the temperature is kept by the same means at about 12° to 16°. These apartments have double walls, with some non-conducting sub- stance interposed, as charcoal or sawdust, and usually have several iron cylinders passing through, which are kept filled with a mixture of ice and salt, provision being made for their introduction above the chamber and for the drainage of the melted liquid below without the necessity of opening the room. Here immense quantities may be kept in a state of absolute unchangeableness as long as the condition of the market requires. This method is now employed in New York and else- where for the preservation of all kinds of fish, salmon, striped bass, cod, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, &c., being piled up by the cord. A very important result of these processes consists in equalizing the market, preventing a glut at one time and an excessive cost at another. Any one of the fish just mentioned, with numerous others, can now be obtained without any difficulty, at any season of the year, from such dealers as HE. G. Blacktord, Middleton, Carman & Co., and others, in Fulton Market, New York. There seems to be no reason why dry, hard freezing may not main- tain animal matter in a sound and wholesome condition for any period during which it may be applied without interruption; and as a case in point, I adduce certain well-substantiated facts in regard to the occurrence of a carcass of the mammoth in Siberia. Itis well known that at one time, probably during the interglacial period, the mai- moth, or fossil hairy elephant, was extremely abundant in arctic Asia and America, in the former especially, and that even now a large per- centage of the ivory of commerce is derived from the tusks of these animals found in the soil, in the river-beds, or dredged up in the Arctic Ocean off the mouths of the Siberian rivers. It is probable that herds of these animals, in crossing the rivers, were drowned and carried out to sea by che powerful current, when the meat soon decayed or was devoured, and the bones decomposing in time left only the tusks to reward the gatherer. Some years ago a merchant of St. Petersburg, in visiting Northern Siberia in the course of his trade, came across the carcass of a mammoth that had been washed out from a frozen gravel bank along one of the rivers, and lay on the beach, where it had been for many months the prey of dogs and of wolves and S. Mis. 90-—10 146 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. other wild animals. At the time he found it a considerable portion was left, although most of the meat had been consumed. It was even then not offensive at all, and the dogs were devouring it with great eager- ness. He obtained the skeleton anda portion of the skin, which are now to be seen in the Museum of the Academy of Science of St. Peters- burg. The natives assured him that the meat was fresh and fine, and in no way disagreeable. Here we have a case of meat preserved in a natural ice-house through a period, the antiquity of wbich we cannot readily measure, but certainly an estimate of many thousands of years is entirely within the mark. ; The animal was imbedded in the frozen soil below the point where the surface would thaw in the short summers of that country, and re- mained all that time, with all tendency to decay or deterioration abso- lutely suspended. All these processes mentioned for the preservation of fish for food are applied to a greater or less degree in keeping fish to be used as bait in the fisheries, namely, salting, keeping in ice, and bard freezing; dry- ing is less available. They have been discussed under that heading at page 133 e¢ seq. Next in importance is the method of the preservation of fish in oil of one kind or another. Here the fish, after being treated properly, are sealed hermetically in metallic vessels of smaller or larger’size. This method of preservation is applied more particularly to the sardines, but is also used in the case of the imitation of sardines, as the pilehards, menhaden, &c. In France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, however, where olive oil is inexpensive, nearly all kinds of fish are preserved, as the tunny, bass, perch, mullet, &c., and various mollusks. Specimens of such preparations were exhibited at Philadelphia in 1876. In the United States, where olive oil must, tor the most part, be imported ata heavy cost, other vegetable oils, especially that of cotton-seed, have been found very satisfactory substitutes. . A novel, and what promises in time to become an important, prepara- tion of food is the result of a process for obtaining the extract from the flesh of thé menhaden, as invented and patented by Mr.8. L. Goodale, of Saco, Me. The value, bothin a hygienic and dietetic point of view, of the beef extracts of Liebig and other inventors, is now well known and established, and the fish extract of Mr. Goodale, strange to say, has no fishy taste whatever, and is scarcely distinguishable from the meat ex- tract. He claims that an immense amount of this substance can be ob- tained during the ordinary process of utilizing the menhaden, adding greatly to the profits of the business and without interfering with the preparation of oil and scrap. Samples of this extract were presented at the Philadelphia Exhibition, which were considered very excellent, promising a satisfactory future. In his opinion at least 20,000,000 pounds of this extract can be obtained from the menhaden annually without interfering with the yield of oil and scrap, and possibly of nearly equal money value, THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 147 It was first brought to notice at the Centennial Exhibition, and re- ceived the high commendations of the jury on the fisheries and foods. The fish are first thoroughly cleaned and washed, and then immersed in boiling water for a short time for the purpose of removing the skin. They are then subjected to a subsequent treatment by which 3 pounds of extract are obtained from each barrel of menhaden, or 4 pounds if the entire fish is manipulated without separation from the bones. This process does not in any way affect the value of the fish for the produc- tion of oil or manure, and therefore constitutes an important utilization of a waste product, the proceeds of which will probably in time much more than pay all the increased cost of treatment. The same method can be applied to other fishes of sufficient size to warrant their evisceration, although it is hardly likely that any fish but the menhaden can be profitably treated in this manner, being actually shipped to Italy for the purpose of adulterating the genuine olive oil. There are other modes of preserving animal substances, especially fish, in use in various parts of the country, but those already given are the most important. In addition to the consumption of the flesh of fish as food, other parts of the body are used for a similar purpose, the most important being the livers and the air-bladders. The livers of many fish, especially the Gadidd@, of some of the sharks and some other species, furnish oil in very great quantity ; and those of the cod especially, and other fish of - the cod family generally, are used as food, particularly as nutriment for invalids affected by consumption or other wasting disease. The oilis also used for industrial purposes, which will be referred to hereafter. The air-bladders or sounds of fish are very extensively employed in the preparation of so-called isinglass, of which the most esteemed is that from the sturgeon and the hake. Of late years an excellent glue is made from the skin as well as the air-bladder of fishes, but this has mostly technical applications. The isinglass of fish when used as food is usually employed for the most part in the preparation of jellies, gum-drops, &c., as well as in the refining of beer and other beverages. Under the head of the application of fish as food must be ineluded their use as bait for the fisheries, as also their destruction by their fel- lows for their sustenance. These subjects will be referred to here- after. Besides the use of the meat of the fish, either fresh, salted, dried, smoked, pickled, spiced, in oil, &c., there are certain portions of the body which are considered more or less delicacies. Among these the heads of many species are preferred to the rest of the body. The boiled head and shoulders of the cod, the striped bass, and some other species are considered especially excellent, as are the fins of the halibut. In- deed, in the earlier history of the country the head and fins only of the halibut were utilized, the rest being thrown away. ‘The tongues and 148 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. sounds, too, of the cod, hake, and other gadoid fishes are very highly valued for food, and are usually put up salted separately. The air- bladders or sounds of fish have already been referred to as of special commercial value, those of the sturgeon furnishing the well-known Russian isinglass, and being utilized for the same purpose. Of late years the air-bladders of the hake have been collected very assiduously, and are worth more than all the rest of its body. They are gathered especially on the coast of Maine and in the Bay of Fundy, where vessels are in the habit of visiting the different fishing stations and buying these sounds for from 50 cents to $1.25 a pound. The drum, squeteague, and, indeed, almost any other of our species in which the walls of the air-bladder are thickened, and that organ is of considerable size, are valued for the same purpose. Several fresh-water fish in South America are also utilized in the same direction. There are establish- ments in Massachusetts where the business of collecting the air-bladders of fishes of all kinds, and of working them up into marketable products, is carried on. The skins of many fishes, too, are convertible into a coarse gelatine or tenacious glue. In Russia the cartilaginous backbone of the stur- geon is highly prized as an article of food, and is collected and sold in bundles like whips. The roes of a great many fish are used as a special article of food, sometimes with the rest of the animal, as of the herring ; at others sep- arate from it. The roes of the mullet of the southern coast of the United States are salted and barreled and consumed largely through- out the interior of the adjacent States, the meat itself being less prized. The caviare of thé sturgeon is a well-known article of commerce, and is now being put up in the United States in large quantities, particu. larly for export to Europe. I have already referred to the extent to which the business of putting up fish in oil and spices and. inclosing them in hermetically sealed tin® cans is carried on abroad, particularly by the inhabitants of France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal, this process having been until recently scarcely known in the United States; but it now bids fair to become an important element of our industries. Few persons realize the ex- tent to which the menhaden is utilized in this direction, several estab- lishments in New Jersey finding it really difficult to secure a sufficient supply of fresh fish to meet their demands. Here they are put up. in oil under name of American sardines, or spiced and known as ocean tront. The herring is also put up both in oil and spices in New York and at Kastport, in Maine. Mackerel are preserved to some extent in Canada in pound cans, like the canned salmon, several thousand pounds being included in the returns of the proceeds of the Canadian fisheries for 1876. There is no doubt but that there is a wide field in America for the utilization of fish in this way, and that a large market could soon be — THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 149 built up, not only in this country but abroad. In 1876 the value of the sardines and anchovies, prepared in oil and imported from abroad, amounted to $595,901, each year showing a considerable increase. The only advantage that foreign countries have over us in this matter is in the price of oil; and if the cultivation of the olive in California proves to be asuccess this will furnish the finer material, although the best quality of purified cotton-seed oil is believed to be equally wholesome and can be furnished at a very low figure. 2. As oil_—We have already referred to the use of the oil of the livers of fish as an article of food or medicine, but it is in its indus- trial applications that the oil of fishes merits the principal considera- tion. While there is a great difference in the amount of oil furnished by the livers in different species, almost any will yield it in greater or less abundance on being boiled and pressed, varying in amount with the species. The most of the fish-oil is, however, derived trom the body generally. In one fish abounding on the northwest coast of America, known as the ecandle-fish (Thaleichthys marinus), closely allied to the smelt and capelin, which, indeed, it resembles, the dried fish is used for the purpose of illumination, the amount of oil being such that it fur- nishes no mean substitute for a candle, being capable of ignition and burning for a considerable time. As this fish is very abundant, it is not improbable that it will hereafter constitute an important source of oil, parties in British Columbia and Alaska being now engaged in the busi- ness on a small scale. It is from the menhaden or pogy of the Atlantic coast of the United States, however, that the greatest quantity of oil is obtained. Next to the menhaden or pogy the sea herring is probably the most extensive source of supply in the United States, the fish as caught in weirs in the Bay of Fundy and elsewhere being treated for this pur- pose. It is not improbable that the offal of cod and other fish will after a time be largely utilized in this direction, as it is on the coast of Norway, where very little is wasted. A further extensive source of oil for technical purposes is found in the liver of the dog shark (Acanthias), a small species scarcely more than one or two feet in length, but occurring on the, American coast in immense numbers. As almost any fish will furnish oil when boiled or steamed and sub- jected to great pressure, other species are treated for this object from time to time, according to their.abundance or the immediate necessities, but those mentioned above are probably the most important. The capelin, it is true, furnishes an excellent source of supply, but it is found for so short a time on the coast of Newfoundland and the other regions inhabited by it, that it would hardly pay to put up permanent establish- ments for operating on a large scale. The limitations of my subject exclude the consideration of oils as ob- tained from whales, porpoises, blackfish, grampuses, “c., the supply of 150 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. which is of course very great, although diminishing in quantity, while — that from the true fishes appears to be increasing. The use of fish-oil as food or medicine is comparatively limited. Its — application is more generally to the manufacture of soap, and in the dressing of leather, for purposes of illumination, and, to some extent, in painting. During the late civil war in the United States, when the supply of turpentine was limited, the oil of the menhaden was employed as requiring less turpentine in its service. 3. As manures and fertilizers.—The refuse, or so-called ‘‘serap,” left after the expression of oil from boiled or steamed fish, is used very largely as a fertilizer, for which it is especially valuable in consequence of the large amount of phosphorus contained in the bones, and of the - nitrogenous matters. This is used either directly or after being sub- jected to chemical treatment, and, for the most part, mixed with the phosphatic earths found on the coast of South Carolina and Georgia, with the mineralized guanos of the Sombrero Island of the West In- dies, or with the well-known guano of Peru or of the islands of the Pacific. 4, Other purposes.—The remaining applications of fish are of much less moment than those to which we have already adverted, being usually exceptional and confined to limited areas. _ Although the skins of fishes have been utilized in various ways by different nations for a long period of time, within a few years this in- dustry has become prominent, and will in time represent a very impor- tant element in the total products of the sea. Although the skins of cod, salmon, and other fishes are not unfrequently used as clothing for both the feet and the body by the tribes of the northwest coast of America, it is only of late that such skins promise to come into use among civilized nations. A patent has been taken out in the United States for the manufacture of shoes from the skin of the cusk (Brosmius vulgaris). The skins of various species of sharks are now very care- fully saved in the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, and the Indian Ocean, and constitute a considerable article of commerce, the best material being furnished by the genera Scyllium, Scymnus, Spruax, Acanthias, Sqatina, Squalus, &c. These are used largely for polishing wood and metai, for covering boxes, spectacle and spy-glass cases, &c. The skin of the burbot or ling (Lota) is employed in Russia and Si- beria for trimmings of dresses and for the windows of dwellings, in- stead of glass. It is also made into bags for holding clothing, &e. The skins could be taken off from many fish which are now entirely wasted, and from others the meat could be employed in some form or other. When tanned or dressed the skins could be converted into arti- cles of clothing or ornament, and could be used in polishing wood or metal. AS already explained we are far from deriving all the benefit that we might from our sea fisheries, not only neglecting, as we do, a large part — THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 151 of our actual catch, but failing to secure what is in other countries con- sidered a source of national wealth. Apart from the increase in quan- tity of the well-established preparations of fish by drying, salting, smok ing, &c., there is a large field open in putting up fish in hermetically sealed cans, either in oil, pickle, or spices. The Centennial Exhibition of 1876 afforded an opportunity for the presentation of vast numbers of preparations of fish, as made and con- sumed in large quantities in France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, which could be readily imitated in the United States, and find a market either here or in foreign countries. Indeed, almost every fish of the Mediter- ranean in the various preparations, notably the mullet, the mackerel, the tunny, the perch, bass, &c., and even squids or cuttle-fish, were found to constitute no inconsiderable item. Of herring there are many preparations greatly in demand in Hurope, of which we know nothing. A reference to some of these will be found in the Report of the U.S. Fish Commission, Voi. II, page 183 (Wide- eren on the Herring and its Preparation as an Article of Trade). The carcasses of sharks, skates, and other now refuse fish could be converted into food for dogs, poultry, and even used in feeding young trout or salmon, &e., in piscicultural establishments. Hven if they could be sold at from 1 to 3 cents a pound for the dried meat, in the large demand that could readily be developed for the various purposes mentioned, a satisfactory profit could be derived. The meat could be chopped fine or converted into meal, as with the well. known fish-meal of Norway. IV.—MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENT OF FISHERIES. CONSIDERATIONS RELATIVE TO THE BEST MODE OF MAINTAINING AND INCREASING THE SUPPLY OF THE SEA FISIIERIES. This subject may be best treated under the following heads: First, legislation in the way of regulation and prohibition; second, the in- erease of the absolute number and variety of fish; third, equalizing the supply of fishes and bringing them from distant points within easy or convenient reach of the fishermen. 1.—LEGISLATION. The history of the fisheries for many centuries past has been largely a record of attempts either to give monopolies to favored individuals and companies, or well-meant, but in most cases ill-judged, endeavors to protect the fish from destruction and to secure the rights of the peo- plein their capture. The tendency, however, of later years, has been materially to relax and in many eases to abolish these regulations, and it is now becoming generally conceded that, so far as the sea fisheries are concerned, the less the obstacles we place in the way of the prosecu- tion of the fisheries the better. It very rarely happens that the enact- 152 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. ments for the protection and regulation of the fisheries are based upon a thorough knowledge of the habits, migrations, and general relations of the fishes themselves, and even while removing or preventing a difficulty in one direction, they bring about a still greater one in another. In many cases action, when taken, is the result of the unfounded clamor or jealousy of fishermen using one kind of apparatus against those em- ploying another, or, in some instances, it results from the influence of the wealthier classes, who wish to preserve the fishing as a sport and relaxation, as against the interest of those who depend upon it for a living. In considering the complaints, therefore, in regard toa particu- lar mode of fishing, and the invocations for its restriction, due caution should beexercised in determining how far the personal element comes into play and how far the interests of the great mass of the community and the world are at heart. Legislation on this subject is usually included under the following heads: First, the places of fishing ; second, the season ; third, the time of day ; on the size and length of the nets, and “ne size of the mesh ; fifth, the distance apart of nets, weirs, pounds, &c.; sixth, the saiiber of fish that may be taken ; seventh, the police and ropa of the boats and men; and, eighth, regulations in regard to the prepa- ration of the fish, and for securing to the purchaser a proper knowledge of their character and quality. . It will, of course, be understood that legislation can be properly en- forced against foreign nations at least only within the territorial limits of the country; and as the three-mile line is usually accepted as defin- ing the boundary between the inshore and offshore fisheries, it is usu- ally the space within that limit to which the local laws apply. In some - nations the particular areas of the fishing-grounds are assigned to the inhabitants of certain districts, those adjacent to it not being permitted - to enter, and severe conflicts sometimes result from such an attempt. How far one of the United States can enforce any fishery regulations at sea, outside of the three-mile line, or indeed even within it, is a ques- tion not to be discussed here; that the United States can do so is per- haps more certain, the easel being considered a part of the. ate? and carrying into it the conditions of its shore. In accordance with a convention consummated in August, 1843, between France and England, the exclusive right of fishing ie the fishermen of either nation was given within 3 miles of its own coast, the intermediate space being common ground. 88 Martha's Vineyard Sound : 36 BOZZANO SIDWY 2 secs cen sacs acces E 90 PAVCICIAIANU oo nce Saicce. feet ee 5 3 12 Narragansett Bay ............--0-.--- 210 AUTO Be mene, ie otis e ia cobs ot aminlavels Mele folie alsin Caen el sinaia a win aaietale op binetsninia 436 In addition to the above there are one hundred fykes, managed by fourteen men. Table showing the statistics of the manufacture of menhaden oil and guano in the United States in the years 1873, 1874, 1875, 1876. 1873. 1874. 1875. 1876. Number of factories in operation ...-..-------.-- 62 64 60 64 Number of sail-vessels employed.....-..--..---. 383 283 304 320 Number of steam-vessels employed... -- a0 20 25 39 46 Number of men employed in fisheries - . 1, 009 871 || 2-5 c0.. ocenle| a= nan eee Number of men employed in factories. . 1,197 1, 567 ss ob naeplen»| see eee Total number of men employed.-.....--- 2, 306 2, 438 2, 633 2, 758 Amourt of capital invested-.........----- $2, 388,000 | $2,500,000 | $2, 650, 000 $2, 750, 000 Number of fish’ taken... ---3-S--.n=5<.3- 397, 700, 000 | 492, 878,000 | 563,327,000 | 512, 450, 000 Number of fish taken (estimated in barrels) 1, 193, 100 1, 478, 634 1, 887, 767 1, 535, 885 Number of gallons of oil made ......-.-.--. -| 2, 214, 800 3, 372, 837 2, 681, 487 2, 992, 000 Number of tons of guano made..........-------- 36, 299 50, 976 53, 625 51, 245 Number of gallons of oil held by manufacturers : atthe end Of ther yeatcccsap-=stecmawnswarceeuda 484, 520 648, 000 125, 000 264, 000 Number of tons of guano held by manufacturers ntithe'end of the wea: 3.0. Cee cese er ccecewenste 2,700 5, 200 1, 850 7,275 Value of oil, at 87: Conte. s.ws cence cn chats swonsmich’ $819, 476 | $1, 247, 950 $992, 140 $1, 107, 040 Wiaiie.Of PURO AU eile carts cclsccwcnsaerras seus $399, 199 $560, 736 $589, 875 $503, 695 Total value of manufactured products........-..| $i, 218,675 | $1, 808,686 | $1, 582, 015 $1, 670, 735 Total number of menhaden annually taken on the coast of the United States, estimate 750,000,000. In 1874 one company, on the coast of New Jersey, put up 30,000 dozen boxes of menhaden in oil, under the name of ‘‘American sardines,” the value of which was, at least, $90,000. On the coast of New England thirty-five decked vessels and numerous small ones, engage in the bait fishery, the catch of which approximates 100,000 barrels annually, worth from $100,000 to $130,000. In the following table the cured cod have been restored to their green weight (three times as much). The salted mackerel have been restored to their green weight (one-sixth additional). By inshore fisheries is meant those conducted from shore, and by offshore fisheries those con- ducted ia large vessels, principally those having over 20 tons burden. 215 EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. 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Lys: T Abundance of fishes, former.......-.-- Set WG EEUIIROT AN ea son sinew m ae|-iea aces imatin tls 149, 150 @MeCnICANOS.. esis ooea ss enee 52, 65 Acetic acid as a preservative .... --.--.-- 178 Acipenser brevirostris.......-..--.----.- 31 fre ya VOU VERS pee coe onease 31 Actzxon puncto-striata.............--.---- 38 Awe) ATS A. uel N2q-2 a=. = <5 einmcniceais eee TAN C Gaerne elon seemesene oe it Ja TUDE INS 00) ae See ee ae ee oa 35, 37, 41 Amphidesma szequalis...-...-.--..--.---. Amphipods, food for fishes..-...-.-- 35, 37, 39, 41, a Aimphisphyra pellucida.-.........------- Amadromous fishes.-- ..5-)- 2/2 - 222 no = an 49, 2 attract other species. 166, 201 decrease of......----- 166 JL SING] OG PRS aS pepOB oBee5 CooCreaSos Sore 139 Uh eae se each Sesnoaspoe 39 Anatina papyracea’......-.-...----.----- 37 EP 08 DU) (805 ae eee pees Obs onaels 31 food tor fishes: - = =-'s...-4s=-e2c6 39 TNA Re ee arseiescnacbcecne 149 (2050) HERD 20 SSE Rar Opp er ops eRe aeCepScE 6 29 PAMISOY, 1000 Of --.--. 225-25 ssnean 35 Anguilla bostoniensis 31,41 ASST UG GWG) 1G) oe eee 35 Animal matter, chief food of fishes...... a. usedias bait... 2. =22c2- << 125, 126 Annelids, food for fishes -.-.---.. 33, 36, 38, 41, 42, 43 | ites soe SSR psp epebbecepasponarisog s66 39 UGE TG i ee oe ae St Anticosti Island, halibut ground Ue Ue 101 Architeuthis harveyi Bena. soc 31 Archosargus probatocephalus....-..---.- 28 MARES cs. hag store edie 25 Arenicola piscatorum........-...-..-...- 113 PPP AMEN POM AUD 122, 175 number Of ..<+.-2. scnaeenes 82, 175 proportion hatched.......- 175 BIZO Of <2. ccc s eden =e eee 81 fOOU OF | -32 Se. ce-ne eee eee 36, 58, 66, 174 geographical distribution ...... 46, 53, 173 methods of capture......-.-----. 174 migrations Of---. .<---ssseeeeee 47, 173, 202 pr oduct of Gloucester ......----- 142, 143 skins utilized... << -=--ess=eneeee 209 spawning of....-...... 83, 116, 122, 174, 175 statistics <...serssseteneeere 20, 22, 142, 215 WAlUG Of exci c cetuman cemkeee eee 172 variations in SiZ@..........---6- 84 varieties Of. ..2..icssscneeesee ne 212 Vvoracity Of. 0- eas seasdaeeee 75, 118 Cod fisheries, banks for........ ieee eee 85 decrease Of ...22--cceeuss=s 203, 206 of Newfoundland ..... ap SE 168 vessels used in ..-...... 104, 105, 106 Cod-liver oil 220-2 2322603) -secmeeeee 20, 142, 147, 173 Cod Poes. 2 cc... 255. 5.5 nccance ns eee e eee 20, 126, 129 Cold fatal-to fish’.-.. <=. i. -ssncs a= seaeeeee 69 Collett, Roberts... <-.-ss000 cosuieaeeee 24,113 Collins; J. W .nsisciinn comand nctememee 79, 112, 125, 180 Conilers concharum.....:..-:-.sse=seeee Consideration of fishes, by groups .--.-.--- M4 by species ....... 24 Copepods, food for fishes. .......-.------- 40, 58, a COTeLONUS! 252-252-5542 52 4 Cormorants, eating fish .......------..s0- rr used as bait .....---.ce.se0s 125 Cotton-seed oil, substitute for olive oil.-- 146 OGUOHS)<.%acensScccecuenenee aaa ae ee 83 Cox’s Ledge, temperature..-....--.. ren neh <4 Crab-eater :..-.+--2+.....-.0ssseeoeeeeee Crabs as food and bait ........ 32, 33, 39, 44, 126, 12 QS SCAVONGELS....-.0--0saa-ee eee food for fishes.....-. 35-37, 40-44, 90, 174, 183 former abundance in Potomac ..-.. Crangon vulgaris.....- 32, 35, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 3 Crenella glandula ...........-s200--00---- 37, Crepidula fornicata...........-scs0<----- unguiformis Crevall6 -sscee~ ea ac ones anes Crisia ebumes:.--......5o2.ccsaee see ee Croakers 2255622 20200 scccesee tenes Crocodiles, destructiveness ........------ Crowell, Capt. Prince: ....-2.2.-5..--..6 Crustaceans, as bait /.........:...-. 32, 33, 126, 138 as scavengers .....--...---. 139 food for fishes. ...--...-- 36, 42, 76, 79 Crystallagobius -.-.......0..cc- sees =sanne 84 Ctenolabrus burgall..........------------ 43 Cultivator Shoal. .... 25-05 s-e-s6 eee 86 Comners'éo..cceisccs €bes cca. eee 26, 46, 52, 215 Cured-fish products of Gloucester. .....-. 142 Currents as affecting fishes...-...-..---. 57, 68 (6) 112) Rea sesegee ees seo * 26 fishing on the banks..-....-.--- 87 product of Gloucester .-..-..-- 142 shoes mace from skins of......-.--- 150 Cuttle-fish’=:-. 2... = .+s-.deeccheeeewee ‘owe 164088 food for whales ......--..----- 63,76 Cutts, Richard D., cited...-....-...-s.seee= 20 Cyanea APOtICN. «<0 2552s hCob os een eee 80 Cybium repale ....-..-<. -\- <6 -ece wee mine aslo oe a Entozoa injuring fish .-....--.. Ephippus faber ..-.--..-.-.---.. es Epidemics among fish .--........--..-.-.- Equalizing supply of fishes HMtromeus teres .-...---..--20-.-- ce cee nee Eugomphodus littoralis...............--. Eulamia milberti .....-...-- CDAOSMICIOIEOE 44 CDSG Tee ee ee eer cocie Gade 43 TSTETT py SRO OVS Sh SS pee ie oie oe oe 33 JOnPiCarpUS)..=---.csessssas2 5 29 POUNCATIS. we eels casemate sional 33, 39 Explosives used in fisheries..-.--.....--- 124 Exhanstion of fresh-water fisheries ...---. 19 ea AV EUAN Gre cin ccc nce se tecans cae ARC SES MO Ath oJ. con cet eceacnaa Watalities Of fishes'..--.-...2...--..--...- Fecundity of fishes .--.-..----.- Feddersen, Arthur, cited Fertilizers obtained from fish refuse..... 150, 180 Fiddler crab........... Aer man CR Stine 33 Mb Ol-s... 2-7 52> ceneesaceneeee 35 Finback whales, food of...........-....-- 63 Fish, definition of.......... seehoacrese sas 211 LITE Un Li A eee eeescemen ctor i< Anes 190 Fish-guano in Norway .-....-.--......--. 20 oducts of Gloucester ...... 142, 143 Fish-hawks destructive to fish .......... 64 Fish-oil produgts of Gloucester ....,..... 142, 143 219 Page. Fishermen, desirable class .--...-.-.---.. 19 ignorant about fish...-..-.... 45 Fisher’s Sound, temperature......-.-.-.. 56 MIBVe ry MTN cent cnaec ee mae, eee cece 103 MISHING “DALES ACE et ERcemesics samen ses olen 107 Fishing-frog, spawning of..........----.. 80 Hshing- cron eee eaten os ne aes 85 ishwaysyerechion Of 200s 34 oes elas k 158 Tash one ae eee eee eae ee cas sence 29 Flat-fish coming inshore .....--......-.. 52 fopdifor fishes. 50. o..sene cease 43 spawning of......... SOS meGOCOS 122 statistics of ~..-.2-..-...- noe oe 215 Miemish) Capes eee ses see SpocssRcnS 98 Higunderspeee A tetse este chee uaeee seeee 25, 35 food for*ishes\-. 22 = secu eee 35, 39, 44 foo drof sees nd ere ee 35 number of eggs........--..--- 82 SPANO Leet wecieee seen 83 Htatishics|Oteces ett. 4-- scene 215 Food as affecting movements of fishes... 58 Hood-tighes MistiOLlsss-eeesseeas oe eee 25 Hood of ‘searfishes..--.-<--.<.-- <2 -~--0-02 72 Food supply from the sea ..........-.--- 17, 18, 144 Horbes;Hlenry/Oirs swans n\aleeelelse eens 69 JOT Meese ota eee eee 200 HOrd, WiC eke outa ae iceee eae 15 Fossil fishes, great numbers explained... 71, 72 Hosters winhtsccsccsteson si Sesccstescease 15, 198 Freezing method of preservation... --. 135, 144, 177 Fresh fish, former method of disposal. ... 23 increasing demand for........ 184 products of Gloucester......- 142 sent to central markets.-..... 23 statistics in 1877........-..--- 22 MPATS 2 sass sea teescaleecaca cesta acne 29, 46 LOPS aS DAM sean oats =i =e erate 125 baitiortsssssi22asci2scesdaeeenieacs 125 destructive to fish--------.-5-.-2-- 64 Hrost fis hwessns sean secs aa aclasee ete 26, 37 Frozen-herring business begun...-..-.-..- 134 Ue MIC AMCAE Mee Asin stl cas ceten senate 34 Fulmars used as bait 125 Fundulus pisculentus 42 INSTIS 'COMUS= 2225 - sn eeecee ec ncice dame mate 36 Wire or ce soaccnngsscpdascoscc 38 LOIRE “Reape o Ssh o meses Ssc6sc 214 Gadidse . 22s 2 233 26, 46, 47, 53, 63, 85, 116, 138, 147 Gadusimorrhua) 2-222 <:sasess56esenc~ 26, 36, 82, 85 Galeocerdo tigrinus.-..........--.....--. 44 Galfsir AlowrD sssisci cscs acsdescccsauer (GaN AT HS ee ete tt e+ see women ce emis ee eniere armulatns: 522 222-22 hsesceres mucronatus ......--....------ TET Re) Bene Soon bmp AMcSCOCiGo OLHBUMIS iA se smiesee setae yas Wainnpis asi bartes se- he het ec eee eee Caring ghhss <2 eee amsee meee Gartishet-=eteecee: S Sha Se Set ao A ey) to Gaspereau : Gasteropods, food for fishes.--..-..--.--- Goebiaiaiiining +s 22 2222 nes escent Golagimus mings) see -6 252 conc ceteeore Pupilatorye see eee seesaw ee PUPHAKLA=s .stseses cn ceseeee Gelatine from fishery products .-.-....--. George's Bank Peeeeeece eases eee ee loss'of* life one s< 202-028 Gephyreaias bait ..2-5.2:~..25-5.-2-.. 22. (Germanthan kee ou Sect 2. a jace Sekt Sages GillPnetessetetneeet tet tekken GilpiniDriees nS AI Sue eee Gazzard shad rosie} ise cee eee Gloucester fishermen, loss of life fishery prodicts:--4.4--5--=- method of preserving fish... - 134 Glue prepared from fishes .-.-...--..--.- 147 Glyptocephalus cynoglossus...... sseseteee 25 Gnathodon cuneatus ....--.-..-----.----- 32, 131 Goodale, 8. L:, fish extract ........-..--.- 146 Goode; GiBrown) cited’ 2225 32.2532 55 78, 82 M statistics by .-...-. 16, 22, 207, 214 Gogsefish se sssacs seers tte eek see 25, 35 number of eggs......2.-..-..-06 82 pelagic spawner ..........0..-.. 83 Gouldia mactracea ......... Sabon CoN AS An 37 Grand Bank of Newfoundland ........... 97 Grand Manan Bank ..ccscsceccnccesceeses 89 220 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [218] Page. Great Lakes, fisheries of...... Holdsworth cited .........-.....s0. 66, 112, 113, 117 Green Don keecseercsserere-atr=necn Holdsworthy cited --.-.--...-. 2 ooee r 83 Green /MObiisce orb inasrcpicecremaneeseaceas Holland, regulations on herring fishery. .. 155 Greenland halibut banks....-.----------- Holothuria chry sacanthophora. Rests. ba. - 44 Greenland TMTO0D .nnc-ccecrcssssscrsrc cue 25 | Homarus americanns.........-.---- 32, 40, 42, 43, 44 Growth of fishes, rate of -.....-..--..---- Hook end line, 080 Of... 2... onsen 109 GUNG ae maeee ans avannivasees scons =enene Horse mackerel /.... 0s. -<-cscecesueaaaee 27, 29, 58 Guano prepared from fish offal...-.-..--. 139, 141 food for fishes........---. 44 menhaden ....-...- 214* LOOM OLscanan at eee 42, 59, 76, 174 Gulf of Mexico, destruction of fish in ....66, 69,70 | Hulbert, Captain, cited --....-..--..-----. 79 Gulf Stream, summer course. .-..-.-...---- 205' | Hurlbut, Captain: --.- - ooo e ee eee 16 AVOMIR SAS id base coe nob ck Sais eometeaieanante 125 Huxley, ‘prof! TE. eee 77, 83, 119, _ PAnIA CENA (eer osics == foe men naan 58, 64 | Hy droids, food for fishes <=. - 5.5 -eeeeeeeete Gully fishing-ground......--..------.---- 93 | Ice for preserving fish and bait ....23, 134, 144, 173 Gurry, disposition of.-..-....--..+--.--5- 138,180 | Icebergs supply ice and water .--...-.--. 136 effect on fishing-grounds . ~165, 168,180") ‘.dotes irrorata: 2-52.22 Sooe- oe. ee eee 41 ISON ics eee tenes oa Son ncoce wens aemcee 26, 46,75 | Ilyanassa obsoleta...-...--.---- ese 39 BNOMsNOLe HAN. srs sae ae ee 53 | Implements used in fishing .-.... mate 108 devoured by halibut .--..--..--. 119 | Improvements in handling fish ae oe eee 23 fisheries, decrease of..--...-.--- 2069) Srinsorias 225 sosee bee same ee ee 79 vessels used..-..------ 105i) Inshore fishes. 222022. so escs eee 46, 51 fishing on the banks ......-----. 86)|| Inspection of fish: ----2-.-.- eee 21,158 food Ofsseee cece ceed .---.36, 37, 38 | Invertebrates as bait and food .....-....- 31, 32 former abundance ..-....--.---. 22 destroy fish. 2-2) .sceseeeene f 66 BMDKed sc cap sets cate Geese i Tsin glass prepared from sounds ....-.---- 147, 173 spawning season of Je@hrey’S Banik 22... c.2~ == nema ee 88 Hemulon arcuatum..-+5.--2..6---2---56- : Jefrey's Ledge ~ .--..- nn. noe eee 87 Hap, destructiveness of .....-.--..-----.- 4 | Jelly-fish, association with other fish .... 80 GRO eae s scenes ces nea sane aie ieiomee mei aetalate(s feeding on small fishes -..---.. 66 an offshore fish .....----- 53 food for fishes .....-.---.-e--+- 63, 79 DAL@lOY sees tere reants DOW=SD oe ccc nc come can a eee we eam iate eta 30 fisheries, decrease of --- Joint High Commission, organized -....-. 15 fishing on the banks ------------.-- GNU Opal e RES Se ete - 15, 172, 213 AUT 0) CURE SSE See RSs See. = : ‘ Dan oishye- ose cceecaseae shea ae eee 27, 28, 187 asin lass LOM =<. semis sae neeieeen a COMmIng INSHOLG \seosse eee 52 product of Gloucester-.---.-------- 2 fOOW OL aoe =a can ren ee 41 NOR WIID OC OLE arene eee eee eels 3, 116 statistics Of>- 2S 2s. < cecaneeee ee 215 BIN Wilh. Soeaaee Coe eso oeebane ao aserce- Kingfishers destructive to fish .--.-..--.- 64 an offshore fish .....-.....-...... 08) ||) IKeyvaGKs |= soe cecc eeu ceo nee omc eseane 31 Da OLe ee tee aoe eseenraennassite DUB DTACIO foresee sels = aa alain cinta tate 26, 29 banks near Greenland Matay6ttelncocsc sec ccsccee anmcniey aaa 28, 52 CeEGrGAselOl == -= eek aneae nen en h (ake Herring. < ocoes-o--.darcceee cesmeeeie 193 fisheries, vessels used ....---.--- LOGS) Wake trott/oe cease co oak ne eae see ee 52, 193 fishing on the banks..--.--------- 85 | Lamellibranchs, food for fishes....--...-. 34, 37, 38 product of Gloucester ....------- 1424) Wampreys.-s. cose scse~ ssceeeceemmts 31, 49, 64, 55, 112 RLADISHICS Olees won ctr mae eust te ccns 215 | Landlocked salmon 49, 53 too large for freezing.--.---..--- TAG) TeievreS «cc cress. 3-65 eee eee 122 Hand-lines used in fishing...----....---- 109 | Le Have Bank 91 PEPANI GEN OTS ie aciciele mt aain/e ie ee enim nmin = alm mmiml 120 | Le Have Ridges.-.--...-.--- 91 Harpoons used in fishing ----.--.----.--- 109 | Leda tenuisulcata ....-..--......c.2cceeee 38 PEGI OS tAIS Ble ote tate a aia eeinee neo etn ait 27 | Legislation on the fisheries -....-----.-. 60, 77, a Mahone DOXES 2a- 2 ass cccece sentences a= 163 | Le ptoclinum albidum - <2. -fc.cossasceeeee Haycocks, RUA Eb aneeen see nec rec eeee 97 | Libinia canaliculata---....--....---see6 . “ Hay-seed, food tor mackerel...--..--..--- 183 | Limanda ferruginea.............-..-.--.- 25 Heads of fishes utilized........-...-...-- 180, 209)))) EAmMNOVIA Ne Sis weed cance an siec ne enteel sere 73 Heart-nets, used in fisheries--...-----.--.- 23) MUI sea see etdaldsasiew ae athena eee 26, 150 Herons, destructive to fish.....-...-.-..- 64 Linsley, [sys Lae Oe oe pasoce sciioss- = 36, 38 PP OTUNEL-OL UMS: onan casa anaes pase eerie 33,39 | Liostomus obliquus ..............scceccce 28 1S Tog ee Pace sac inesanieoe 24, 31/53, 61.) Littorina littorea.- 20.5. \isoceccas eas one 34 abundance of....-..--- 22, 184, 185, 190, 210 diver; bait for codtish. .22.c..ccessememae 180 affected by temperature ......--- Lobotes surinamensis .-..-- (seen ems ca ence a BUAQTOMOUS semen oc en rons sae 50, 37 Lobster product in Norway. -..--.-------- as bait ....90, 111, 113, 126, 127, 177, 179, 180 | Lobsters as food and bait........--.--- decrease of........... 48, 50, 51, 61, 167, 206 QS SCAVENGEYS- .--.-. cannes CSCe BONOTENY onc cecteememeane c= 84, 189 destroyed by starfish 9 size and number .....--..-. 82, 185 food for fishes ......-.... 40, 42, 43, 44, fe fishery regulations .-.......--.-- 155, 156 transplanting. -...0 00.560. cemas FO00 TOL POS sa egheneanee ataemen = 58,64 | Loch Fyne herring fishery ...-.--.-...--- *80 food for fishes. ..35, 39, 41, 44, 58, 63, 66, 74, Lofoden Islands, fisheries of ..-....-..--- 114, 209 77, 90, 174 setting long-lines - ...-.. 155 TOOWOL: 2 cneemekeeyecnas sae at 42, 58, 74, TG | MUGOLIGED W's eee 2 cs = swim actos eae 130 geographical distribution .---.-- 184 pallida .-...--..----+-------+---0-6 42 methods of capture -.----.------ 189 Ter eb ea see AB es 32, 35, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 MOVEM ONS Otnatewss wai pene deee ae 47,185 | London markets, supply of trawled fish. 17 OU TLOM ows oa dratinnenes=nckeaan & 149 | Long-lines, advantages Ons sta. 118, 114, 115, 118, 119 preparations in Europe.....----- 151 antiquity Of... .<. 5... chewces "110, 111 preserved in Oil... 4. censnsmecsen 148 bait nsed on....-. coon oeaeee M, 111 product of Gloucester ...----.--- 142, 143 oatch off. 2... c. - oar en meeesete 1l4 spawning of.........-. construction and use. --110-112, 117, 176 statistics of... - LOophins 2.22.5 1-22 cccccnene snonmssene seme 80, 83 value for food AMELICANUS ...- 2602-2, cesestecns 35 AE IROULOI sat oivia.on cu tem sicnusgmesunee nec Piscatorius .-.-..2.---naseenencnn 25 Hickory shad, food of 3 | Lophopsetta maculata. .......---.- nse 35 Hill, Stephen De ice te ee eee 2 Lophothuria fabricii..-..-...-.- bach nese = 38 Hind, BEIT OLUOKLE sn nn of ares be cane tin ee 7 MLOUN sci. ccccdakewssie se aigune giant yeaa 150 Hippoglossoides platessoides........ Kena 25.) Lull, Commander EH, P2202. a scene eet 155 Hippoglossus vulgaris.............-..---- 25 Lumpfish, TOOUMOL < cbGeusnwenme a bipts #. ania 39 Histiophorus americanus ............---- 27 numberof eggs........ stent 82 a [219] THE SEA FISHERIES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. Page. Lunatia heros............ sleianticset Soecee 33, 43, 44 PEM ACI LM baa css assess eS 36 Lyman, Theodore, suppliedstatistics. --.- 16 McKenzie, George, statements ......----- 168 PROB OEG see ccn aca sacceatsaneeneasees 27, 47, 58, 61 ARIDAG ne Cen eee 90, 112, 126, 128, 177 aL PLON Sos tee ce noe aete pe Sh aie 126, 127 CERN ST Ys a as ee ee ee 148 compared with mullets ..-..--.. 186, 198 GaSe ni) Ae one Seniacise 183 size and number .....--. 45, 82, 183 fisheries, vessels used ..-..---- 106 fishing-SToOuNndS..--/-5-dasens-< 102 food for fishes .40, 44, 59, 63, 65, 77,174, 208 POCO fie nae eis a5 ces 40, 58, 76, 79, 168, 183 geographical distr ibution...--- 18] Giothods of capture. -.--........ 184 ‘movements of ..-47, 102, 165, 168, 181, 202 preparation for Fe eae al 184 product of Gloucester.....---- 142, 143 Toes, used as bait .............. 126, 129 SGasOH LOG 22 0 cnc cmssctis sata sei 181 BSPaWwnIng OF 5-22 cj nessc5 83, 84, 122, 182 REMbiIShICSOlsccccease Gaceaeniesn 20, 22, 215 supposed hibernation.-...-.. 54, 182, 202 ACEO Mei iele 2 we cca -cinitoaccca ccs ensac 40 MeGuS HOLIGISSIMNG: . = - 02 cee cienceeaccicnice 131 Madragues used in fisheries.--..----.-..-- 123 Magdalen Islands fishing-grounds ..--..- 100 DL TTS SG Ci ae ee ee ee 97 Maintenance of fisheries......-..--..--.- 16, 151 Male fish caring for eggs.-.....----.--- 80, 81 Mallotus villosus...........----------+-- 30, 53, 113 Mammals destroying fish -..........----- TST Eh (WELES 02 94 Fee 15 Man, influence on fishes -. .59, 66, 67, 77, 78, 130, 213 Manatee, LOBOUO Some ns a acc vnmansi v= n.c= Marblehead Bank....-.-.-.------++---+ee 89 Margarita sroenlandica ..-......--.------ 38 BOSOMEA Scene cccee cose ead 38 Martesia cuneiformis os..-...-...c-.6.---- 37 Marin OSEph, ClteG,..< 52-5 ...s-s<=0<--- 50, 166, 167 Massachusetts, inspection and statistics. . 21 MLPC KET CONGE 2 anten sels auc neinincceime 43 Megalops 7 Oe ATT a ga le 30 Melampus bidentatus ...,.........---...- 42 Melanogrammus,eglefinus...-....--.---- 26, 37 MGRHAGON on 6. ca meen am mcmes 30, 31, 40, Ay be 67 abundance of....-------------- 138, 184 BS DAG... saice saeete ots 112, 126, 177, 179, 180 HBNETIOSH Oe nen oo ea 191 rood for fishes. .42, 44, 58, 59, 63, 65, is 78 LOOM OL s= os cate eeiw amine seam ae 3, 7 MOVEMENUS Ol; sash ees same se ae 47 BU LLO MG we «eo nn cee on cea ae 149 WAGKEG 1 Olloascun samesceceates 146, 148 SPAWN Of. 20. -cscee aemeenle = : 83 statistics of..... ees ose 214, 215 RTE AGC soem e se ses ap arate oiaza ee value for food.... Menobranchus:.-...-....... Menticirrus nebulosus Merlucius bilinearis -.....-.........-.-.- Mesodesma arctata ....---ceccece---ccene RRS RIOUS OT MSHI Scacwcece-camencemaans Microdeutopus minax......-.......---- #3 Microgadus tomcodus..........-----.---- Micropogon TANCES cape late MIM EARTOUNO Does. eccccsiceceabeneacauencns MIerAuMOnS Of f1ShOS;.-c20<.0oscesuteeeEnaeme a PRR R G8 cia sow wan a nn's, 0 bande meee renioe 25 Montacuta bidentata. .....cccncvncucccene 37 221 Page. Mon tacuta elevate. <5... neeseneecwesie ces 37 Monte Bolea, fossil fish at..........--.--. 72 MQ ON AS Rete ccs eaein cine ae enae atau meaner 29 WEOLONE/ AMERICANA) 4-0 5-escaes secs as 29, 42 Mortality. Of SNS ose aece seis eweecnice 48, 66, 68, 69 Mud sdestroyinraish: oocc~cmannee cas ces 68, 71 swallowerl by fish.........-..------ 43 Mon allpulaccecsaakecascessactesedcute ss 29 brasiliensis’. ones msc. escent 35 Pipe-fish, carrying ofgs in pouch .....--- 80 toudsorminnos cee mend--cesussesee 208 Pyruls,:ssseeet ese ee eee 131 Quahors 22e0 656s el scec tome eee 32, 34 « Quintal, weight of :-2....5-..sseeeeeeeee 212 Radiata. 2.6 3252220322 Seen cael eee 34 Raia diaphana:....%..i2sccscquenteceneeeee 43 Depvid...cecti<. 22 Jone eee ee eee 43 Rangeleyitrout) * 23/)5.2 3. cease eee 49, 53 Rathbun; Richard. : 22.2.2 as. eee 35 Rays, food for'fishes:...:-< 2. ssa 43, 44 food of 222.5. 2. i eee 43 Red bass ..2355.4.550.caccct one 28, 52 D6tch:: 225262022 ieee eee 26, 39 Red rags as\ bait... 2. 3.22 5c-2 eee 125 Red snappers coming inshore.-........-.- 52 fishery fOr... --02s cena 192 Reddening of salted fish...............--- 137 Redfish: 2.025355 cehlss5ht eee eee 26, 28, 39 Refrigerators for preserving fish...... 135, 144, 178 Reproduction of fishes... 22225 i eseemeee 57, 80, 85 Reptiles, destructive to fish. ............. 64 not much used as bait.......-.. 125 RRishOS OXaTata ss... Se et eee 36 River fisheries, regulation desirable ....- 157 Roccus lineatus....... aieinia S's ose ee ara 29, 42 Rockfishiios: sose22 22525 cote eee 29, 42, 51 Roes of fishes, utilized.......-. 126, 129, 148, 173, 180 Romans, fish-culture among.............. 161 ROS fISh 26.3: ane'ces Shea weedeat eee 26 Roseway Bank: 255.4. 5.2 ec nteae eee 90 Round herring), 24226 ..2..0.- scene eeeen 30 Rudderfish; food of: =. 32252322. -5-ene eee 40 Rusty dab ie2.6. Jotisc occ ss ewes ee 25 sable Island Bank: 2... 2. sneer 92 Sable Island fishing-ground 103 Se ee! VIE socio oss bet sa qe eRe Reena! 65 Sailfish 2256225. Sale ieee eeceseeeeeee 27 St. Pierre Bank}; ..02¢ .< fsccss ass pee 95 St. Lawrence, fishing-grounds in........- 99 Salamanders eating fish eggs -.-.........- 64 Salicylic acid used for preserving fish -..- 144 ae Page SULT De aU RR oCeD Oar DOO OC ODE RE COOnOS 28, 52 Salpx, food for fishes .--..........------- 76 Salted fishiin NOLrway~-..ccs-c0s-+e1se--- 20 WAG As fO0d 22. cccessese es 67, 184, 185 Salting, method of preservation .--.--. 137, 144, iit MTOM SAIN. (2 oho asa ce sae cS ncitone ee nda EEMMMELN a ee wciecaniccian sacle eae pamiaisic 35 Sand-dollars, food for fishes.........---.- 35, 40 REP ee oe cocaine ne canceasiacds ache 29 Stn HG 33 So ee he 29, 65, 128 Sand-sharks, food of.........-....-------- Sarda mediterranea .............- Sep ooee 27 WIENS 9 bso aa codec eo Stlale oeeinms «tis 40, 44 Sardines, bait for ..... 2 OEE an ceicia mers tines 129 . AOTC sine se ate eelc cis sibiatche 149 packed in(Oll- onc. aeeece 146 Statistics in 1865 ..........----- 20 Seems eee non re0) OL (St scacecseeesassces 24, 80, 83 mawHsh. Micrations Of ...=.--.s2+¢------- 54 Sead, capricious movements of.--..--.--- 48 PRHDLO SHOR 8502 oo oleae oom ee 41 SDT ADTT SCS | re 34, 126, ee OOO TOY fiShes. so ciaesc ans ewes ass Scapharca transversa .-...--...---.------ 34 Dealns, transplanting... -..2....-c-scccnsv- 161 SVCLETN I VOGEL oS a 19, 21 Scizenidxs Na ei once aticiss see oricior ci 28 BME A OCOUALUS canis otis + cmeeeemice c= 28 GOULET ET (Gy 6 ee a eee ea een 27 pneumatophorus.............--- 27, 48 BUGMNLNN: Soe c cs a gas svccsccescusupeasenen cas 28 Serripes groenlandicus ..-........--.-.--- Set-line used in fishing . PHAM See csanee aainee wacmiracescocaate ey decrease of - devoured iby enls) 522.2035 52.205. fisheries regulated food for otters -2 =. ~shs---ssesee'= 00 12) ae eh Se Se RR et Ser ei aa MIOVEMeNnts Of Sess ss sca wenewinas propagation of................ 62, 162, 164, 197 protection for.........-.-- save Savelsas 159 BIMUISHIOS OF ee ee ee see en sain see aia 215 PRN) A Th tO ee see opeeigEesoncse 161 Sharksioce weet oes e eee oceania 64, 67 as Scaven@ers .--....-------- enti 75 attracted by,oftall 7---)-------.-..----...--.=- 40, 41 Shore fisheries, increase and decrease.-.-. 203, 204 regulation desirable ---.. 157 Shrimpsiasibaltj- seems eassece ss 32, 33, 126, 132 tood for fishes. ---. 35-43, 58, 76, 79, 168, 183 Siberian mammoth, preservation of ..--.. 145, 179 SiliversidGs'-.'o-- «see oe hac cacecsen cael: 28, 29, 83 Simenchelys parasiticus -........---..--- 65 SinclaimCapt Peteroerse een erent eens 110 Siphotislandious(:.- 222-6. o2 cs canenese Rare 54 WAV A AROUS eee emi eee ee 80 BLOlODHOLeS Viblatus 62 o>. c nn ecces eee = 31 BuOrer TOLOrred tO. J---.--00+=--a0, caese nas 46 Storms destroying fish .......:-..--.....- 68, 72 Strait of Belle Isle fishing-ground....--.- 101 BiTIPON DAG. a. ovate wae ceca ees ) c MSG OTS mee emote ee eta eee GOCTERSO OL oe ccenian aa eee = fOOWIOL- =” ee meee spawning of statistics of MiLOMALOld Dinas 2s 2 oret cee acca se acmees Strongylocentrotus droébachiensis.-...--- 39 UEP GON con) siceia pice wan sae cals se cniels cents 31, 49, 193 GeCreRSOIOl S922 — eae e ewe nae oe 22, 51 MIPSLNAVONOL = she cee ease cere 54 ANN CIABS ALON. Heap seas eke === hail a8 statistics Of225--- tosses de a ocee 215 Surt Clant joss. odes cise sacs es ecceeciaes oe cle 32 AS Abo oess ese eee ae enero 34 Survival of the fittest ........2.-.-------- 77 Spd eydi lt (o) epee ela es ee ae ae 27, 47, 53, 64 ‘ HOOMIOD meme ce ce ten cee oes neasas 40, 58, 76 Statistica Offs fs See eres ae 1438, 215 Sycotypus canaliculatus ..........-...... 34 SIM ORL AEG eee wie a caine nein ee a= ee eee 80 peckianus......... Spe SocecOe 39 SRAPElNS CIVISUS. Joss ceccseatoccssacs ens 37 MANOV es a cance tcae ese ease ekscacesm ea, 29 Tailor shad. anadromous ...... .-......--. 49 Manner eer foe a: aaecans Sas pases naeeae 72 Romp WM sane ss meme ait. Shatv emesis ce meaenos 30 Tautog ..---. Dene et aeas aes ee eemaee 26, 46, 52, 187 Date tor 3. 2o2 ees cages sete 132 food TOrMsHEs- se ace cenceesacee eae 44 FOOWMOL AS oe econ eee Peuateats Senne ae 39 propagation of ...-..-..--- AS Snone 163 Protection tore -scececesases sens 159 spawning Of -/.-...-...--e-00--- 83 BUMISHCSOL A tec ccaster es atccn= 215 transplanting ..-..... 161 DAWLOCMONILIG cnc c2- cece sceutenee cnaeee 26, 39, 44 Tautogolabrus @USPCISNS -ceacesessece eee 6, 42 VEMOVAlOUPICOLMNIS! =) 2 .c.ssncetececcenee 58, 74 Temperature as affecting fish ............ 47, 55, 69 Tench profitable for culture...........--. 19 RETOAO sea. ascot cee tee easeensmessecoececete ‘Tetraptarus albidus ..............------- Thaleichthys marinus homaons Sess eee ses se Thracia truncata. : Thread herring Three-mile limit Te ee eee ne difficulty of estimating. - ys disregarded ........-..'-. 168 veanOpoda Seen senecaeeewaa surat 32, 38, 39, 40, z Ruger BUarKs, TOOd'OL co eusoseee deeees Eee Toadfish depositing eggs on bottom...... 83 food of SEOMICON Ses 2 coo e Sys s5 se ee eee food of ~ 37 Statistios of sss: icuwestsest ee 215 OOUHOG Nerming: 2:2 iccas. oo) eso ueee ee 31 Tornatella puncto-striata ................ 38 DUOMO Sas eaaes has Soe enccalseseee Cenc 26 PDOWADP NCW... 7s52ccecs- es eee yy a 74 Trachynotus carolinus .........@........ 27 UVAUUR Te ry acdaerccaetercpeas rAf - Page. Tracurops crumenopthalmus ......-..--- 41 Trammel-nets:-<.- ccs 0c mace eee 120 Transhipping, benefit to Americans ...-.. 168 Transportation of fish.........-...... 254 23, 161 Traps, construction Of -. 2.255 > 25. eoeeeee = 193 used in fisheries “<<... >-2222ecaeee 123 Trawl-line fishing not injurious.-.......-- 118, 118 objections to.......138, 14), 176 Trixwl-lines, bait used on: 22>. 2 saceeee ee 179 introduction in America ...- 110 use limited in England...-.. 155 T180 Of vee cen ccaen eee 110, 175, 176 Treat, Capt: U.S - 2. cos. sae eee 203; 204 Treaty of Washington, cited ..........-. 15, 200 Trescot, William Wc 15 Triforis Nigrocinctus:s----. «asseeaeepeee 40 Tritia trivittata--oeeeeee Se 64 product of Gloucester. ..-...---.-- 143 relative rate of growth ......-..- Sn 719 TOeS Used 98 Dat ---.--. enue eeees 129 transplanting 2. <-.-.--- eee 161 Trombull, dO 2202 ot eae eee 36, 38 Drygon Contrary. --. <6 -.ce- =p sseeceeeen 43 ‘PHMNIGSs (lee ee ec en = nels cc alee eee 27, 53, 64, 187 TOOE. O05" SACs Stee eee 40, 58, 59, 76 MtWHZINe oe; oot one a ee 146, 190 Turbonilla interrupta..---..---.-..25.-5. 36 Turbots, desirability of importing. .....-. 161 number of ges... os ccna eee SpaWDIny’ Of -22---- 7 aseee eee 122 taken by beam-trawl.-.-......-.. 122 Turritella-6rose.-- 22-6. -- 2-5 eee 36 interrupts ----< 32S eee eee 36 Turtles destructive to fish .-........-.... 64 Ulva Tatissima 2-6. 222.2 nae eens 42 Unceiolairrorate 5.2.54. paseo eee 41 Urosalpinx cinerea: :-.---.-- 64. seeeeeeeee 33 Vegetable matter, basis of food .......-.- 72, 74, 76 Vegetable substances used as bait ....... 125 Venus mercenaria.........--..-------+- 32, 111, 131 Werrill, AWE. (Cited... ce no eee 35, 38, 39, 42, 44 Vessels used in fisheries _.......-.....--- 104 WVirbius'Zostericola: ...---- <<... 37 Wiroin ROCKS) 2. ~~ sococ eas one eee 97 Volcanic eruptions destroying fish. ..-.--- 68, 69, 70 Molea River disheries <2. 22 ;s-ces asses 19 Wall-eyed pike: ..-.:-../.: 26h: ae Walruses, food of........-..---. Water- snakes, destructiveness........- IWeakfish S25 cic ni. Se ciac nie meee Weirs and traps used Weirs, construction of used in fisheries .....--....-.ssss- 123 Wells used in fisheries .....-.........--- Western: Bank. 22222 252222 430s seepeamee Wothorbe, Mir (2.2222 os nec ee Whale-oil statistics in 1865..............- "WHIGIGH occ cence Cacis oe no aweaen See eeeee devouring fish.....--... 600 OF 2222.5 2155. pane eee method of feeding................ Wohelks 22.2.2. o:. «chaawee Gee ene seen 33, 180 BN Wnib) 2) cvangceanae 111, 126, 130, 179, 180 Whitoher, W. E., cited: -<.-.-.-.canpaceuee 59, 6 60 White perch On cn Caaads dee seg eae 29, 42, 51 White whales destroy certain fishes.....- 6 Whitesves Cited ... ccc. as--scuneneeneees 208 AWiHITeHbh. 22.025 oo eee 29, 30, 49, 193, 208 propagation of........----..... 194, 1 197 taken at spawning season..... 52 Wihiteway, Mr ooo 5. ooo aceeemenees 15, 209, 212 B14 bY a a Se aie aia 26, 28, 52 Widegren, Hjalmar, cited ........... fa ie et Winds as affecting fishes........--------- 57, 6 Winklos .o02.c- cs ccesweeeanaeenne -- 34, 179, 80 Wolf-fish, food Of- 22... : <2 cc nen ceemennee Wood eaten by marine animals..---++--+- 3 Wood's Holl, temperature ....--.---.--- 55 utilizing fish at .....-.--. 67, 190, 218 ‘Worms, food for fishes. ..... -s.cscenaneen= 7 , 79 TOGO! Offs. 625.025 cach eae ee eee iphias pladins = --5-2-22225 cos pees 27,40 Y ATTOWs Lite Oia oss kann anee .criseedeouse nics «con -> += nc abanawen 11+29= 40 Paralichthys oblongus .......----..----- prleiS Sakicin> se Rene eee 11+ 30= 41 Paralichthys dentatus.: so.< ce shen ewes co eS oee sees eae . 10+30= 40 Paralichthys lephostigma....-+siweuebee-es => so6 shook Ven eeee ee 10-++-27= 37 reralichthys albioutti. 022-6 soir eats bee ome eje oat eee See 10+27= 37 © Earaicuthys californious .-:..<40-5 oon sedioe naa te s+ su wiaewenen ye 10+25=> 35 RPAIPEUEYS WIGIODIG:,..... ~..- scat pi cutee Rone Dette ay 2 on 300s wen Denice 12+ 2= 37 Almyiopsovia quadrocellata:s.~ 3). vosnce ss veh ee-svces seeceuane ames 9+26= 35 [3] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. PPA | II.—PLEURONECTIN &. PRBS OCS ICANG A a ie Bate ale ak) BA abioaclmb'e caalsled sais alsisiss snule ss [43] Pea arnomNUs WHI -1Ta PONS 2 on. . 79s o\ne enjoined = arent aocn nsw oecpeles ec [12+ 25= 37] Platophrys ocellatus .--.-.---..---.+----- ------ ------ ++ +2 ee enone 104+27= 37 PeHeOneC les TACUIAGUS...--- ------ -2- 5 so ser meecwe sass cees socnes - 11+25= 36 ESET EE LESIEHOMLDUS = se tae sac See wee eee ae ene ee EE 124+24— 36 Syacium papillosum..........---.---. +2. +--+ e222. eee eee eee. 1L425= 36 Ree mahighystarciifirons, oo) 2.) 47 isbec lela lene Hee Yeeisbe 10+-26= 36 STS, rele qe SBR eee ao Seco one Ce oboe Beene Hoe coeae ee 10.-+-:25.— 35 REAM CHOMIONS TOPTUA =. --- 06a 9e stam n ener ee nanan sees set neon sks 10+4-25= 35 ETE MU MV SS PLLODUCLUS oo -iejo) soo Sms soeisicloisj=.- 2-0 seins 's sisieisa sisies = = 10+24— 34 DED VAINBCTOOS™), occ e owen acne oaecce ane aes scm ea sess - 10+24— 34 IRE SELOUCTOSFOMUS = 21.215 so = eisieieuinaelaee coe TS es Sy oh 10+24= 34 EM MMECLONSOULS Ce oisio csc = Sa lcees ioe ieee ee cb ies cis asus ee eels ees Skits 10-+24= 34 EET a, ETAT SSS Ong BES ES COL CUD BAUO DOCO SOOO AEA SeeE mEEciogae 33 PEPMPOUPSGLCS MARIMUS _.... -...\.220cesced e540 Seis ntcisiais ie iaera etter toe 12+19— 31 III.—PLATESSIN2. : CER AUG ALG MINUS 8S 5.2% aja! s2 ac s)njscna sia a diese me eyese's ae ce ee 13 + 52= 65 IMBIOceD a alIs) CYNOMlOSSUS <== = <\<.<.- -cje oe.c see w cose es Sasa neers “e seit [58] Microstomus pacificus.......---. +--+. +++. ----+--------+------------ 124+40= 52 Microstomus kitt ........ he Sea Se ete eal etaion wera Nae pets ee lS eS [13-4 35= 48] De eeeMEN MES CMe Sains ofc an/= sos cane sacs nse dnecees sees ease cose ) RIS BBs Een ee LOSE NE Pca miele ieievcaiemjoieuie’s sind <2ue's'sSulu, Saekeontwece Sed. [14+29— 43] EME CBISR RE i) S06 5, Ad sada da ere sm ae Shs ete ajemraknten a5 24 1 LOSS ae ae mummers DIMBERI ASS. 225 ou acess oso Se as 5. eee cedaeesase ds 1-20 = AG REPSUUTRNO Bet ogc too main ae 25 on alot ae\so eine oes oh wed kee Namientacls - [40] MEME MRT PLCIA Se ee cS ens cela co eee wees aeetencaepee t=) hob Ogee a0 Peemrmionthys decurrens /-. 2/52 S02 es ik wee ee eas. TA EG 0 Se MUN YS VOLS) 52 FU lee eee iss dws stags sees ese) .2)) 1S 25 EMME RED Se ois \So ee omer ee ene CS cous ee ge ae Sa cies eas a ee, et RRR ES 62-0210) aw e)oa gate oes oa Kan ose age sRo Weds oacst cues Llere oto Pseudopleygonectes americanus ....-.-..-.-.-...------------------ 10+26= 236 pamneopscurs, PUG UIAA. - on 00 one anc oof anes uct iawere seen see OMG PmemMMUBM Ee SECUAGUSS | ois 02) iioae dq Scicaicb oes cose cee lessen eee ess 12 =F 23585 IV.—SOLEINZ. SMMENEOAODID 5 o5/s05'aanon tan sss sade skcarocuse cease et ees asied [8+41= 49] RM Sar sidw ams Ae Oem ne fe sta se. * see cia tected ote OLE Mate dae 9+40= 4) (TST aR RTI SIS Se! A i aS a a oe 10-+-37= 47 SRPIPEGAEDIAGA = 222/04 suum emere na Ne nas Soe c acid cue baud ee ese oes) doae [46] Serene GUCUALOS sos aecanas Weosta sos'scc ceca nese ndusdecees tubeces 9-+-28= 37 NORE VEGOUS . 2 oe Shoe tra rales oa oid des a didianwie anes co ee eae e tek 8+29— 37 Ree ALSO HISPICUS a7 seenl wean no Sse an ls ecco ae Soe Se oe 9-+-25= 34 SE AIPCASUUS | 2: ooehteee aia cate so daire idole aids De nle naa bebe oe 8+20—= 28 PEROT PD GUS (can heres orice deaths a amen de deck saldlege vows 9+19= 28 V.—CYNOGLOSSINZ. , Symphurus atricauda ...............- SLE EDDY CRANE Rn RB 0 Ea 10-+-42—= 52 MERI MEMIENNLPECRODTIS Cotten ena CS oe oe eS Aa 9+40= 49 Symphurus plagiusa Wee eee ence nnn ee eee cee ee ee eee eee cece ences OF3B= 47 228 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [4] The subdivision of the flounders into genera leaves room for consid- erable variety of opinion. Most of the species are well defined and easily recognized, but they do not fall readily into generic groups unless we regard almost every well-marked Species as the type of a distinct genus. A natural result of an attempt at sharply defining the genera is to reach what seems an extreme degree of generic ‘subdivision. On the other hand, attempts to unite these smaller groups to form larger ones often leave these larger ones at once unnatural and ill-defined. It will probably appear to some that,the process of generic subdi- vision has been in this paper carried too far. It is possible that this is true, but the arrangement which we have adopted seems to bring out the relations of the different forms better than can be done by a more ‘ conservative” view of the genera. For those who would reduce the cumber of groups we suggest the following list of genera as represent- ing a not unnatural mode of arrangement. J.—HIPPOGLOSSIN A. ATHERESTHES. PLATYSOMATICHTHYS. HIPPOGLOSSUS. '¢ Lyopsetta. Hirroctossonnes) Hopsetta. Hippoglossoides. PSETTICHTHYS. Hrerocuossina § Zimpogiossina. t Xystreurys. Paralichthys. PARALICHTHYS ‘ Ancylopsetta. JI.—PLEURONECTIDA. PHRYNORHOMBUS. ZEUGOPTERUS. LEPIDORHOMBUS. CITHARUS. Bothus. PLEURONECTES Pleuronectes. ARNOGLOSSUS. PLATOPHRYS. ( Syacium. Orthopsetta. | Citharichthys. Azevia. Etropus. Thysanopsetta, CITHARICHTHYS 4 MONOLENE. III.—PLATESSIN&. Pleuronichthys. PLEURONICHTHYS ; Hypsopsetta. ISOPSETTA. = [5] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 229 Parophrys. | Inopsetta. ° Lepidopseita. | LTimanda. PLATESSA { Pseudopleuronectes. | Platessa. Flesus. Liopsetta. Platichthys. _ MicrosTomvs. CYNICOGLOSSUS. IV.—ONCOPTERIN 2. ONCOPTERUS. V.—SOLEIN#. Apionichthys. APIONICHTHYS ; Achiropiis. GYMNACHIRUS. Achirus. Baiostoma. Monochirus. Moxocues} Microchirug. Quenselia. ACHIRUS } SOLFA. BRACHIRUS. V1I.—CYNOGLOSSIN#. ¢ Symphurus. Bascanius. | Delothyris. Charybdia. Bibronia. Acedia. SYMPHURUS¢ Larval forms. Sa ANALYSIS OF SUBFAMILIES OF PLEURONECTID. a. Flounders: Edge of preopercle free ; mouth with developed teeth ; pectoral and ventrals well developed (one pectoral* or one ventral occasionally absent). b. Mouth nearly symmetrical, the dentition nearly equally developed on both sides, the gape usually, but not always, wide. c. Ventral fins symmetrical, similar in position and in form of base, the ventral fin of the eyed side not being extended along the ridge of the abdomen. HipPoGLossin # I, ec. Ventral fins unsymmetrical, dissimilar in position and usually aiso in form, the ventral fin of the eyed side being extended along the ridge of the ab- domen. Eyes and color on the left side -..........-- PLEURONECTIN & II.t *Both pectorals are wanting in the genus Mancopsetta Gill (= Lepidopsetta Gthr.), an antarctic member of the Plewronectine. tIn the Samarine, the eyes and color are on the right side, the mouth is small bue nearly symmetrical, the ventral fins are both lateral but with, base somewhat pro- longed, the gill-rakers are minute, and in most of the species some of the dorsal rays are filamentous and simple, resembling spines. The group, like the Onc opterine, seems to lie between Pleuronectine and Platessine. It seems to include the genera Samaris, Lophonectes, Pacilopsetta, and Nematops, all belonging to t he Indo-Pacific fauna. 230 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [6] bb. Mouth unsymmetrical, the jaws on the eyed side with nearly straight outline, the bones on the blind side strongly curved; teeth chiefly on the blind side. d. Ventral fins unsymmetrical, that of the eyed side extended along the ridge of the abdomen, snout with a free ray or other appendage in connection with the first ray of the dorsal. Eyes and color op the right side. ONCOPTFRIN& III. dd. Ventral fins nearly or quite symmetrical, that of the eyed side with short base; eyes and color on the right side (with occasional exceptions). PLATESSIN IV. aa, Soles. Edge of preopercle adnate, usually obscured by the scales; mouth very small, much twisted toward the blind side, and with rudimentary teeth; pectoral and ventral fins generally small, occasionally obsolete. e. Eyes on the right side, separated by a bony ridge ........-.--. SOLEINE V. ee. Eyes on the left side, not separated by a bony ridge....CYNOGLOSSIN VI. ANALYSIS OF GENERA OF PLEURONECTIDA FOUND IN AMERICA AND EUROPE. Subfamily I.—HIPPOGLOSSIN &. «a (Large-mouthed flounders with the ventral fins symmetrical. ) Mouth symmetrical, the jaws and the dentition nearly equally devel- oped on both sides; gape usually wide, the maxillary more than one- third length of head. Lower pharyngeals narrow, usually with but one or two rows of sharp teeth ; teeth in jaws usually acute. Eyes large; edge of preopercle free. Pectoral and ventral fins well developed, the ventral fins similar in position and in form of base, the ventral fin of the - eyed side not being attached along the ridge of the abdomen. Septum of gill cavity without foramen. a. Vertebre and fin-rays much increased in number (the vertebrae about 50, the dorsal rays about 100, the analrays about 85) ; body comparatively elongate ; caudal fin lunate ; lateral line simple; anal spine mostly obso- lete. Dextral species, Arctic in distribution. (Genera allied to Hippoglossus. ) ce. Large teeth in both jaws arrow-shaped, biserial, some of them depressible; upper eye with vertical range; gill-rakers short; scales deciduous, cili- ated ; lateral line without arch; flesh soft. Vertebrie (stomias) Dea 3) =o 40s co inimale ae eam csiee evan ce eee ATHERESTHES, 1. ec. Large teeth not arrow-shaped, biserial above, uniserial below; scales very small, cycloid; gill-rakers long and slender; eyes strictly lateral. d. Lateral line without anterior arch; lower pharyngeal teeth uniserial. PLATYSOMATICHTHYS, 2. dd. Lateral line with an interior arch; lower pharyngeal teeth biserial ; vertebrie (hippoglossus) 164-34=50 -...--....-...----.-- HIPPOGLOSSUS, 3. aa. Vertebre and fin-rays in moderate number (vertebrae less than 46, dorsal rays less. than 95, anal rays less than 75); caudal fin double truncate or rounded, the median rays longest. Jf. Lateral line without distinct anterior arch; vertebra, 40 to 46; body nor- mally dextral;* caudal peduncle distinct ; scales ciliated ; anal spine usually strong. Species of subarctic distribution. (Genera allied to Hippoglossoides.) *Frequentl y sinistral in Hippoglossoides elassodon. [7] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES Zot g. Lateral line simple (without accessory dorsal branch); teeth sharp, those of lower jaw uniserial; dorsal beginning above eye. h. Teeth in the upper jaw biserial. i. Scales comparatively large, thin, and deciduous (lateral line 70) ; body slender, the flesh soft; vertebree (ewilis) 11+34—45. LYOPSETTA, 4. ii. Scales small and adherent (lateral line 96); body robust, the flesh firm ; vertebrae (jordani) 114+32—43......-....-.-.EOPSETTA, 5. hh. Teeth in the upper jaw uniserial ; scales small and flesh firm ; vertebrz (platessoides) (V3) 3245 Vela ecas ceecoes HIPPOGLOSSOIDES, 6. gg. Lateral line with an accessory dorsal branch; vertebre 40 to 42; scales small, firm, ctenoid; dorsal fin beginning before the eye; teeth sharp, unequal, some of them canine-like; mouth not large; lower pharyngeal teeth sharp, uniserial; vertebrie (melanostictus) AD Gee A iret a Ok er ae ceed arts tesalionaha in’ wtelers aie PSETTICHTHYS, 7. ff. Lateral line with a strong arch in front; no accessory branch; vertebre in smaller number (35 to 41); teeth uniserial; anal spine usually obsolete ; body normally sinistrai.* (Species chiefly of the tem- perate or sub-tropical seas, none of them Arctic and none Euro- pean.) (Genera allied to Paralichthys. ) k. Dorsal fin beginning above the pupil; gill-rakers short and thick; teeth rather small; no canines; body indifferently dextral or sinis- tral (in some species at least). Ie Scales cheno: s2eaue suse a fos taal stele as oc6 cess EEPPOGHOSSINA. Cs ll. Seales cycloid ; caudal fin subsessile, the caudal peduncle extremely short; skin of shoulder-girdle with patches of cup-shaped scales ; vertebraa (liolepis) 124-25==37 ......-...-.------ XYSTREURYS, 9. kk. Dorsal fin beginning in advance of eye. m. Scales weakly ciliated; caudal fin with a distinct peduncle; teeth unequal, some of the anterior canine-like; gill-rakers rather long and slender; vertebrx, 35 to 41 ...-..-.-:...---. PARALICHTHYS, 10. mm. Scales very strongly ctenoid on both sides of body; mouth small- ish, with small, sharp teeth; anterior rays of dorsal notably ex- serted, the rays of the anterior part of the fin longer than some of those further back, thus forming a more or less distinct lobe ; gill membranes considerably united; gill-rakers short and broad; caudal peduncle short; left ventral produced; vertebra (quadro- Géllatay iste 26 = 3h) -ea ees sana eee eens ANCYLOPSETTA, 11, Subfamily II.—PLEURONECTINZ. (Large-mouthed flounders, with the ventral fins unsymmetrical. ) Mouth symmetrical, the dentition nearly equally developed on both sides ; gape usually wide (narrow in Platophrys, Etropus, etc.), the max- illary commonly more than one-third length of head. Lower pharyn- geals narrow, each with one or more rows or a narrow band of small, sharp teeth; teeth in jaws acute. Eyes not minute; pectorals and ven- trals usually well developed. Edge of preopercle free. Ventral fins dissimilar in form or in position, that of the left or eyed side inserted on the ridge of the abdomen, its base extended along this ridge, its rays more or less wide apart. Caudal fin rounded or subtruncate ; no ac- *Dextral in some species of Hippoglossina; occasionally dextral in some species of Paralichthys and Xystreurys. 232 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [8] . cessory lateral line ; anal spine usually weak or obsolete; a pelvic spine sometimes developed. Vertebra in moderate or small number, 31 to 40 (except in Monolene). Body sinistral. Species chiefly tropical or sub- tropical in distribution. a. Pectoral tin of beth sides present; dorsal rays less than 100. b. Septum of gill cavity between gill arches and the termination of the shoulder- girdle with a large foramen; the emargination below the shoulder-girdle near the isthmus not deep; lateral line with astrong arch in front; last rays of dorsal and anal inserted more or less on the right side of the median line ; teeth subequal, in bands. e. YVomer toothless; ventral fins free from the anal; caudal fin subsessile ; scales small, each with very long spinules; vertebrae (regius) LO Rou eee eat ate eraiee ate PHRYNORHOMBUS, 12. ec. Vomer with teeth. d. Ventral of eyed side united to the anal; scales small, very rough; body ovate; vertebre (punctatus) 12 + 25— 37. ZEUGOPTERUS, 13. dd. Ventral fins free from the anal; scales ciliated, deciduous; body oblong, much compressed ; vertebre (whiff-iagonis) 11 + 30=41. LEPIDORHOMBUS, 14. bb. Septum of gill cavity below gillarches, without foramen ; a deep emargination * near the isthmus; ventral fins free from anal. e. Vomer with teeth; lateral line with a strong arch in front. f. Teeth unequal, those of the upper jaw biserial, some of them canine- like; scales weakly ciliated; body elongate; mouth very laroes . seed ss et etal eae ae ts ree siete CiTHARUS, 15. ff. Teeth subequal, in villiform bands ; body broadly ovate ; caudal fin sub- sessile ; interorbital area broad ; scales small, cycloid, or wanting ; vertebrx 31 to 36-_....----. PLEURONECTES, 16. ce. Vomer toothless; ventral fins free from anal; caudal fin subsessile. h. Lateral line with a distinct arch in front; teeth small, uniserial, or inperfectly biserial. i. Interorbital area a narrow ridge, sometimes with a median groove. j. Seales cycloid or weakly ciliated, deciduous ; vertebre 10 -+ 28 = DO Loic wn cesminrcye solde Stain ea wicla datas Mine ARNOGLOSSUS, 17. ii. Interorbital space more or less broad, deeply concave; scales small, ctenoid, adherent ; body ovate (pectoral of left . side usnally filamentous in the male) ; vertebra (lunatus) — Oa (SU bie cer ntaee oon foe e aac nein PLATOPHRYS, 18. hh. Lateral line without arch in front ; scales ciliated. k. Teeth in upper jaw biserial, in the lower uniserial, the front teeth of upper jaw enlarged ; vertebrie 35 or 36. ; SYacruMm, 19. kk. Teeth in both jaws uniserial; interorbital space very narrow, the ridges coalescing between the eyes. 1. Mouth not very small, the maxillary more than one-third length of head. : / m. Gill-rakers very short and thick, tubercle-like; scales small, firm, ctenoid ...........--....--.-----AZEVIA, 20, mm, Gill-rakers slender, of moderate length ; scales thin, decid- uous, ciliated ; vertebrm 34 to 40....CITHARICHTHYS, 21. . [9] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 233 li. Mouth very small, the teeth subequal, the maxillary less than one-third length of head. n. Teeth uniserial; vertebra 9 + 25 = 34.... ETROPUS, 22. nn. Teeth in villiform bands ....---- THYSANOPSETTA, 23. aa. Pectoral iin of blind side wanting ; eyes very close together; caudal fin subses- sile; teeth small, uniserial; mouth moderate; lateral line of eyed side arched, that of right side nearly straight; dorsal fin beginning on snout, its anterior rays not ex- serted, its rays all simple and very numerous; scales small; body thin, very elongate ; vertebre (sessilicauda) 43; (deep-sea flouncers, of uncertain relationship). MONOLENE, 24. Subfamily IT1—ONCOPTERIN &. (Small-mouthed flounders, with the right ventral fin extending along the ridge of the abdomen, dorsal beginning at the snout, a bony promi- nence of some sort connected with its first ray; eyes and color on the right side.) a. Left side of snout with a horizontal slit-like cavity, into which a curved, bony, ray-like appendage is depressible; lateral line with an anterior arch and with numerous accessory branches nearly atright angles withit ; scales cycloid ; right ventral fin free from the anal fin; left ventral fin present; gill-rakers short and SIE TAUGIN.. oa doer ai GUC EHEE Ser Bcc BEAT AE ESIC DEIEDODE POH IDE ta eee ONCOPTERUS, 25. Subfamily IV.—PLATESSIN &. Mouth small, unsymmetrical, the jaws on the eyed side with nearly straight outline, the bones on the blind side strongly curved; dentition chiefly developed on the blind side; eyes large; edge of preopercle not hidden by the scales ; pectoral fins well developed; vertical fins well separated ; ventral fins nearly or quite symmetrical ; anal spine usually strong (obsolete in Microstomus). Body dextral (except frequently in Platichthys stellatus). Species arctic or subarctic in distribution. a. Vertebrz in moderate number (from 10 + 26 = 36 to 11+ 33 = 44); dorsal rays 65 to 80; anal rays 45 to 60. b. Teeth small, acute, in several series; lateral line nearly straight, with an acces- sory dorsal branch; lower pharyngeals narrow, with small biserial teeth; scales cycloid. (Genera allied to Pleuronichthys). e. Lips thick—each with several longitudinal folds; dorsal fin beginning on the blind side ; vertebrz 38 to 40. .......... PLEURONICHTHYS, 26. cc. Lips simple; dorsal fin beginning on the median line; vertebre (quttulatus) TH gtk Ps cee 5) ae SO ee Ree ee HYPSOPSETTA, 27. bb. Teeth chiefly uniserial, all more or less blunt, conical or incisor-like. (Genera allied to Platessa). d. Lateral line with an accessory dorsal branch. e. Lateral line without distinct arch in front. Jf. Teeth compressed, incisor-like, close-set. g. Scales closely imbricated, mostly cycloid ; upper eye on median line; vertebra (vetulus) 11 + 33 = 44.._.........--.PAROPHRYS, 28. gg. Scales scarcely imbricated, all very strongly ctenoid; eyes both laters leases tote less a dann deaceweleaosee tote INOPSETTA, 29. 234 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [10] 7. Teeth conical, separated, not incisor-like ; scales closely imbricated, all strongly ctenoid; mouth comparatively large (approach- ing that of Psettichthys); vertebrw (isolepis) 10 + 32 = ADA i SA, OS gS ERE Se Seen nee ISOPSETTA, 3C. ee. Lateral line with a distinct arch in front; scales imbricated, rough- ctenoid ; vertebree (bilineata) 11 +- 29 = 40.LEPIDOPSETTA, 31. ~ dd. Lateral line without accessory dorsal branch. h. Lateral line with a distinct arch in front; scales imbricated, rough-ctenoid ; vertebrie (limanda) 40. ....----.-LIMANDA, 32. nn. Lateral line without distinct arch in front. i. Scales regularly imbricate, all (on eyed side) ctenoid in both sexes; no stellate tubercles on head nor on bases of dorsal and anal fins; teeth, incisor-like, close-set ; lower pharyngeals very narrow, each with two rows of separate, conical teeth ; fin rays pealy £5 3.0. /ahae Ras MEHL wah graben PSEUDOPLEURONECTES, 33. ii. Scales imperfectly imbricated, or else not all ctenoid. ‘j. Scales chiefly cycloid in both sexes; lower pharyngeals small and narrow, separate, each with 1 to 4 rows of small, bluntish beeth j.j.2 s3oh be ea hoes ean See ae ee PLATESSA, 34. jj. Scales rough-ctenoid in the fale more or less cycloid in the female (fin rays scaly in the male, naked in the female); lower pharyngeals very large, more or less united in the adult, their surface somewhat concave, the teeth in five or six rows, large, blunt, close-set ; teeth in jaws incisor-like; fin-rays of dorsal, and anal without tubercles at base .......----. LIOPSETTA, 35. jij. Seales all in both sexes and on both sides of the body repre- sented by coarsé scattered stellate tubercles; similar tubercles between bases of dorsal and anal rays; lateral line without scales; lower pharyngeals broad, each with three rows of blunt, coarse teeth ; teeth incisor-like..-........... PLATICHTHYS, 36. aa, Vertebre in increased number (varying from 13-+35=48 to 13-++-52—65); dorsal rays 90 to 120; anal rays 70 to 100; teeth broad, incisor-like; scales small, all cycloid. (Genera allied to Glyptocephalus). k. Left side of skull normal; anal spine obsolete; vertebra 48 to Dees aiatalatea ae) a ele ape oe Oe See ecae mee ace eame te MICROSTOMUS, 37. kk. Left side of skull, with large mucous cavities; anal spine strong; vertebre 58 to 65.............-. GLYPTOCEPHALUS, 38. Subfamily V.—SOLEIN A. (Soles with the eyes on the right side, and separated by a bony ridge.) Body oblong or elongate, with the eyes and color on the right side; eyes moderate or small, separated by a distinct bony ridge, the upper eye: usually more or less in advance of the lower; mouth small, more or less twisted towards the blind side; teeth little developed, in villiform bands; edge of preopercle adnate, usually concealed by the scales; gill open- ings more or less narrowed, the gill membranes adnate to the shoulder- girdle above; blind side of head usually with fringes; pectoral fins . small, sometimes wanting; ventral fins developed, one or both of them sometimes obsolete; scales usually ctenoid, rarely wanting; lateral line straight, usually single. orn [11] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES, 235 a. Gill openings very small, separate, each reduced to a slight slit below angle of opercle ; right ventral beginning at the chin, confluent with the anal; pectoral fins wanting or very small; lateral line present, straight; eyes small; snout dilated, the dorsal beginning upon it. b. Seales present, ctenoid ; caudal fin somewhat confluent with dorsal. c. Left ventral rudimentary, with two rays .----..------------ APIONICHTHYS, 39. ec. Left ventral well developed, with five rays...-....----------./ A CHIROPSIS, 40. bb. Seales none; caudal fin not confluent with dorsal and anal.-GYMNACHIRUS, 41. aa. Gill openings of moderate extent, confluent below. d. Vertical fins well separated. e. Right ventral fin with extended base, confluent with the anal fin; verte- bree about 28; body ovate in outline, the depth nearly half the length ; pectoral fins rudimentary or wanting; lateral line straight; scales well developed, ctenoid, those on the head more or less enlarged, those of the blind side of the head with fringes...............---.------ ACHIRUS, 42. ee. Right ventral fin with short base, free from the anal; vertebrie 34 to 50; body elliptical or elongate, the depth one-third to two-fifths the length ; lateral line single* on both sides. f. Vertebre 34 to 40; body oblong; pectoral fins usually small, sometimes WiekbIN cvOnh ben Obit. S10 Ge ae meen cree a Sey ye a MONOCHIRUS, 43. ff. Vertebr 47 to 50; body elongate; pectoral fins subequal, present on | CC ARES SIS Sag eye eae arte el a LEO ae a EN Se AAs SP oe Soma, 44. dd. Vertical fins fully confluent around the short tail, body oblong; scales very small, ctenoid; vertebre, (zebra) 8-+-41—49.............-.-. BRACHIRUS, 45. Subfamily VI.—CYNOGLOSSINZ. (Soles with the eyes on the left side, not separated by a bony ridge.) Body elongate, more or less lanceolate in outline, with the eyes and color on the left side; eyes small, very close together, with no distinct interorbital ridge between them ; mouth small, twisted toward the blind side; teeth little developed, in villiform bands; edge of preopercle covered by the scales; gill openings narrow, the gill membranes adnate to the shoulder girdle above, joined together and free from the isthmus below; pectoral fins wanting (in the adult); ventral fins small, that of the blind side often wanting; vertical fins more or less confluent; scales ctenoid; lateral line sometimes wanting, sometimes duplicated. a. Ventral fin of eyed side only present, free from the anal ; no pectoral fins; no lateral lines headawithouttnnoes:2-<- 424228 254 anes nA SYMPHURUS, 46. Subfamily I.—HIPPOGLOSSIN Genus I.—ATHERESTHES. Atheresthes Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 51 (stomias). TyPE: Platysomatichthys stomias Jordan & Gilbert. The single species which constitutes this genust{ is one of the most *Two lateral lines on the blind side in the Asiatic genus, Pardachirus. t Arrow-shaped canine-teeth are also found in the Asiatic genus Psettodes Bennett, a curious group somewhat allied to Atheresthes. In Psettodes, the caudal fin is rounded, the dorsal fin begins on the nape, above middle of the cheek, the scales are small and etenoid, and there are no gill-rakers. remarkable of the flounders. Of all the group, it approaches in form and general characters most nearly to the Gadoid fishes, from which we may presume the flounders to be descended, although Dr. Gill has sug- gested the possibility of their descent from Trachypteroid fishes. t 236 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [12] | ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF ATHERESTHES. a. Head about 33 in length; depth, 34; D. 103, A.86; Lat. 1.135. Gill-rakers about 4-+-12, long and slender; interorbital ridge broad, scaly; eyes large; vertebrae, 12 + 37=49. Color olive brown, the margins of the scales darker; blind side dusted with dark points; inside of mouth and gill-cavity black. ‘STOMIAS, 1. 1. ATHERESTHES STOMIAS. (THE ARROW-TOOTHED HALIBUT.) [Plate I.] Platysomatichthys stomias Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U. 8S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 51, 301, (San Francisco). Atheresthes stomias Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 57, 454 (off San Francisco). Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 242 (San Francisco, Port Etches, Afognak Island, Popoff Island, Shumagins). Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 66 (Point Reyes to Farallones). Jordan and Gil- bert, Syn. Fish..N. A., 820, 1882. Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1883, 354 (Wrangel and Nabu Bay, Alaska). Jordan, Nat. Hist. Aquat. Anim., 1884, 188, plate 53 (Point Reyes). Habitat—Coast of Alaska, southward in deep water to near San Francisco. This species is not uncommon in the deep water off San Francisco, and is brought in in considerable numbers from the sweep-nets (parran.- zelle) used Mm this region. Farther northward it is taken on the coast of Alaska, and it is properly a member of the Alaskan fauna. Genus I].—PLATYSOMATICHTHYS. Reinhardtius Gill, Cat. Fishes East. Coast N. A., 1861, 50. (Nomen nudum.) Platysomatichthys Bleeker, Comptes Rendus, Acad. Sci. Amsterdam, xiii, 1862, 426. (pinguis = hippoglossoides. ) Reinhardtius Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1864, 218. (hippoglossoides. ) Type: Plewronectes pinguis Fabricius = Pleuronectes hippoglossoides Walbaum. But a single species of this genus is known, an Arctic fish, in some degree intermediate between the true halibut and Atheresthes. We continue to use the name Platysomatichthys for this genus, as the earlier name Reinhardtius was introduced without explanation or spe- cial designation of a type, although there is no question as to what species the author would have included in the group if he had taken the trouble to define it. [13] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 237 ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF PLATYSOMATICHTHYS. a. Head, 34 in length; depth, nearly 3; D. 100, A. 75; Lat. 1. 160; interorbital space, broad, flat, scaly ; color brown, nearly plain ..-.-.. HIPPOGLOSSOIDES, 2. 2. PLATYSOMATICHTHYS HIPPOGLOSSOIDES, (THE GREENLAND HALIBUT.) [Plate IT.] Pleuronectes cynoglossus “abricius, Fauna Greenlandica, 1780, 163 (Greenland, not of Linneus). Pleuronectes hippoglossoides Walbaum, Artedi Piscium, 115, 1792 (based on Fabricius). Reinhardtius hippoglossoides Gill, Cat. Fish. E, Coast N. A., 1861,50 (nameonly). Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1864, 218. Platysomatichthys hippoglossoides Goode & Bean, Bull. Essex Inst., ii, 7, 1879 (coast of Massachusetts and northward in deep water). Collett, Norske Nord Havs Exped., 1880, 142 (Finmark, Hammerfest). Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. N. A., 1882, 819. Goode, Nat. Hist. Aquat. Anim., 1884, 197, pl.56 (George’s Bank and northward), and of late American writers generally. Pleuronectes pinguis Fabricius, Zoologiske Bidrag., 1824, 43 (Greenland). Hippoglossus pinguis Reinhardt, ‘‘ Kgl. Dansk. Vidensk. Selsk., 116, 1838.” Platysomatichthys pinguis Bleeker, l.c., 426, 1862. Hippoglossus grenlandicus Giinther, iv, 404, 1862 (Greenland). Habitat.—Arctic parts of the Atlantic, south to Finland and the Grand Banks. Genus III.—HIPPOGLOSSUS. Hippoglossus Cuvier, Régne Animal, ii, 1817 (hippoglossus). TYPE: Pleuronectes hippoglossus L. This genus contains but one species, the well-known halibut, abun- dant on both coasts of the North Atlantic and of the North Pacific. : ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF HIPPOGLOSSUS. a. Head, 3%; depth, about 3; D. 105, A. 78; Lat.1.150 or more; interorbital space, broad, flat, scaly; gill-rakers, few, short, compressed, wide-set; color, dark MEOW VCRUC OL On se cmt OU a a's oe cis Satoiee) bavaletetels atciaicic is xtsieets HIPPOGLOSSUS, 3. 3. HIPPOGLOSSUS HIPPOGLOSSUS. (THE HALIBUT.) [Plate IIT. ] Pleuronectes hippoglossus Linneus, Systema Nature, ed. x, 269, 1758 (European Ocean) (of Gmelin, Bloch, and early writers generally). Hippoglossus hippoglossus Jordan, Cat. Fish. N. A., 1885, 133. Hippoglossus vulgaris Fleming, British Animal, 1828, 197. Giinther, iv, 403, 1862. Day, Fishes Great Britain, ii, 5, pl. xciv, and of European writers generally. * Only an outline of the very extensive synonymy of this common food-fish is here given. 238 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [14] Hippoglossus vulgaris Storer, Fish. Mass., 145, 1839. DeKay, New York Fauna, Fishes, 1842, 294, pl. 49, f. 157. Storer, Synopsis Fish. N. A., 1847, 475. Lockington, Rep. Com. Fisheries, California, 1878-’79, 39 (F abel Islands). Locking- ton, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1879, 71 (San Francisco). Bean, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1879, 63 (Unalashka and St. Michael’s, Alaska, Eastport, Maine). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 454 (Puget Sound, San Fran- cisco). Goode, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1880, 471 (Fisher’s Island, Connecticut, &c.); Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 66 (San Francisco, Cape Flattery). Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 242 (San Francisco, Puget Sound, Port Althorp, Chugachik Bay, St. Paul, Unalashka, St. Michael’s. Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. N. A., 1882, 819. Bean, Cat.Col. Fish. U. 8. Nat: Mus., 1883, 20 (Port Althorp, Alaska). Dresel, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 244, (Davis Straits, Greenland). Goode, Nat. Hist. Aquatic Anim., 1884, 189, plate 54 (Sandy Hook, Montauk Point, Block Island, and northward), and of American writers generally. Hippoglossus maximus ‘‘Gottsche, Wiegmann’s Archiv, 1835, 164.” Hippoglossus gigas Swainson, Nat. Hist. Class’n Anim., ii, 1839. Hippoglossus ponticus Bonaparte, Catalogo Metodico, 1846, 47 (Black Sea, after Pallas). Hippoglossus americanus Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1864, 220. Habitat.—All northern seas, southward in deep water to France, Sandy Hook, and San Francisco. The halibut, the largest and most widely distributed of all the Pleuronectide, is too well known to require discussion here. Genus I[V.—LYOPSETTA. Lyopsetta Jordan and Goss, Cat. Fish. N. A., 1885, 135 (exilis). Type: Hippoglossoides exilis Jordan & Gilbert. This genus contains but asingle species, a small, soft-bodied flonndet, of the waters of the North Pacific. In its Agate characters Lyop- setta is very close to Hippoglossoides, of which it might well be regarded a subgenus. The introduction of the name Lyopsetia is to be regretted from its close resemblance to Liopsetta, a word of similar sound, but very different meaning. At the time of the introduction of Lyopsetta, Tiopsetta was regarded as an obsolete synonym. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF LYOPSETTA. a. . Body rather slender, the flesh soft; mouth rather small, the maxillary 2¢ in head; teeth small, Medan close-set, nearly uniform. Eyes very large, 3+ in awit! separated ne a sharp, scaly ridge. Scales rather large, thin, deciduous, weakly ctenoid; pectorals small, the right pectoral nearly 2in head. Gill-rakers short, slender, x-+9. Head, 4; depth, 3}; D. 78, A. 62, Lat. 1.,71. Vertebre 11+ 34= 45. Pale brown, with dark points; bronze spots sometimes present; fins dusky ; dorsal, anal, and ventrals edged with yellow....................---.-EXILIS, 4. 4. LYOPSETTA EXILIS. Hippoglossoides exilis Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 154 (off San. Francisco), Jordan & Gilbert; Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 454 (Puget Sound, San Francisco, Monterey Bay). Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. ‘ Mus., 1881, 67 (San Francisco, Point Reyes, Seattle, Puget Sound). Jordan & Gilbert. Syn. Fish. N. A., 1882, 827. [15] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 239 Habitat.—North Pacific, in rather deep water. San Francisco to Pu- get Sound, and probably northward. This small flounder is brought in in large quantities by the sweep- nets off San Francisco. It is of little value as a food-fish, Genus V.—EOPSETTA. Bopsetta Jordan & Goss, Cat. Fish. N. A., 1885, 135 (jordani). Type: Hippoglossoides jordani Lockington. This genus contains but a single species, a large flounder which is abundant on the coast of California. It is very close to the genus Hippoglossoides, and its separation as a distinct genus is perhaps hardly justified. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF EOPSETTA. a. Body broadly ovate; maxillary 2} in head; teeth in two series aboye, the inner series much smaller, the outer canine-like in front, gill membranes somewhat united; gill-rakers strong, x -++ 15; eyes large, 3} in head, separated by a narrow, blunt, scaly ridge; scales small, firm, strongly ciliated, smooth on blind side; anal spine strong; head 3$; depth 24. D. 94, A. 72, Lat.1. 96. Vertebr 11 + 32 =43. Color, olive-brown, nearly uniform... .-..--.-...--.--.-.----JORDANI, 5. 5. EOPSETTA JORDANI. (THE ‘CALIFORNIA SOLE. ’’) Hippoglossoides jordani Lockington, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1879, 73 (San Francisco). Lockington, Rep. Com. Fisheries, California, 1878-’79, 40 (San Francisco, Farallone Islands). Lockington, Scientific Press Supplement, April, 1879, 120. Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 454 (Puget Sound, San Francisco, Monterey Bay). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 67 (Mon- terey, Puget Sound, San Francisco). Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. N. A., 1882, p. 826. Jordan, Nat. Hist. Aquat. Anim., 1884, 187. Habitat.—Coast of California, Puget Sound to Monterey. This is one of the commonest flat-fishes of the California coast, be- ing found in abundance in shallow water from Monterey northward, It is a good food-fish, and large numbers are dried each year by the Chinese. Genus VI.—HIPPOGLOSSOIDES. Hippoglossoides Gottsche, Wiegmann’s Archiv, 1835, 164 (‘‘ limanda” = platessoides). Drepanopsetta Gill, Cat. Fish. East Coast N. Am., 1861, 50 (platessoides), Pomatopsetta Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1864, 217 (‘‘ dentata ”= platessoides). TyPE: Pleuronectes platessoides Fabricius. This genus, as here restricted, contains two closely related species, the one of the North Pacific, the other of the North Atlantic. Both are essentially Arctic species, inhabiting shallow waters in the regions where they are most abundant. si 240 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [16] ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF HIPPOGLOSSOIDES. a. Teeth small, unequal,the anterior largest; gill-rakers short, X-+-10 in number; max- illary 2} in head; eye 5} in head; interorbital space with an obtuse, prominent ridge, with usually about six series of scales; head, 3%; depth, 24; D. 88 (80 to 93); A. 70 (64 to 75); Lat. 1. 90; vertebrae 13-4-32=45; color nearly plain brown. PLATESSOIDES, 6. aa. Teeth small, subequal; gill-rakers slender, X-+16; maxillary 2} in head; eye large, 4 in head ; interorbital space a narrow, knife-like ridge with usually a single series of scales; head, 34; depth, 24; D. 80 (77 to 84); A. 61 (59 to 64) ; Lat. 1. 100; color brown, sometimes mottled wigh darker..............---..-.. ELASSODON, 7. 6. HIPPOGLOSSOIDES PLATESSOIDES,. (THE SAND DaB.) [Plate IV.] Pleuronectes linguatula Miiller, Zool. Dan. Prodromus, 45, 1776 (not of Linnzus). Pleuronectes platessoides Fabricius, Fauna Greenlandica, 1780, 164 (Greenland), and of numerous copyists. Citharus platessoides Reinhardt, Kong]. Dansk. Vid. Selsk, 116, 1838. Drepanopsetta platessoides Gill, Cat. Fish. East Coast N. Am., 1861, 50 (name only). Hippoglossoides platessoides Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1864, p. 217. Collett, Norske Nord-Havs. Exped., 1880, 144 (Norway te Spitzbergen). Goode, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 471. Jordan and Gilbert, Syn. Fish. N. A., 1882, 826. Stearns, Proc. U. 8S. Nat. Mus., 1883, 125 (Labrador). Goode, Nat. Hist. Aquatic Anim., 1884, 197, pl. 55 (Wood’s Holl and northward), and of recent American writers generally. Pleuronectes limandoides Bloch, Ausl. Fische, iii., 24 tab. 186, 1787 (Europe), and of various copyisis. 1 Hippoglossoides limandoides Giinther, Cat. Fish., iv, 405, 1862. Day, Fishes Great Britain and Ireland, vol. ii, p. 9, pl. xev. Hippoglossoides limanda Gottsche, Wiegm. Archiv, 1835, 168 (not Pl. limanda L.). Pleuronectes limandanus Parnell, Edinburgh New Phil. Journ., 1835, 210. Platessa dentata Storer, Fish. Mass., 143, 1839. (Boston and Provineetown; not Pl. dentatus Linnzeus.) DeKay, N. Y. Fauna, Fish, p. 298, 1842. Storer, Syn. Fish. N. A., 1846, p. 476. Hippoglossoides dentatus Giinther, Cat. Fish., iv., 406, 1862. Giinther, Voy. Challenger, Fishes, 1880, 3. (Station 49, south of Halifax.) * Pomatopsetta dentata Gill, Proc.’Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1864, p. 217. Habitat.—North Atlantic, south to Cape Cod, and the coasts of Eng- land and Scandinavias The identity of the American and European representatives of this species (platessoides and limandoides) is now conceded by all writers. A little difference is recognized between Arcticand subarctic examples, the former having a somewhat greater number of fin-rays. Thus, Greenland specimens, according to Collett, have D. 88, A. 69, specimens from Iinmark have D, 92, A. 72; these representing the var. platessoides. Specimens from England (var. limandoides) have D. 80, A. 66, while those from intermediate localities present in general fin for- mul likewise intermediate, showing that no sharp division is possible. ’ This is a rather common food-fish of the deeper waters northward, on both sides of the ocean. ‘ [17] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 241 7. HIPPOGLOSSOIDES ELASSODON. [Plate V.] Hippogtossoides elassodon Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 278 (Seattle, Tacoma, Washington Territory). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 454 (Puget Sound) and elsewhere. Bean, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 242 (Puget Sound, St. Paul, Humboldt Harbor, Shumagins, Tliulink, Unalashka, St. Michael’s). Jordan and Gilbert, Syn. Fish. N. A., p. 826, 1882. Bean, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1883, p. 20 (Cualasbka). Jor- dan, Nat. Hist. Aquat. Anim., 1884, 188, pl. 52. Habitat.—North Pacific, south to-Puget Sound. This is a rather abundant shore fish in Puget Sound, and it seems to be still more common northward, being, in Alaska, a food-fish of some importance. Genus VII.—PSETTICHTHYS. Psettichthys Girard, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1854, 140 (melanosiictus). TyPE: Psettichthys melanostictus Girard. This genus contains but a single species, found on the coast of Cali- fornia. Itis nearly related to Hippoglossoides, but possesses the peculiar accessory dorsal branch to the lateral line, characteristic of so many of the Pacific coast flounders. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF PSETTICHTHYS. a. Body elliptical; mouth rather small; maxillary 23 in head; teeth large, sharp, uniserial ; eyes very small, 5 in head, separated by a broad, flat, scaly interspace; gill-rakers slender, X + 14; scales very small, ctenoid, adherent; accessory lateral line lone; first rays of dorsal exserted, the longest 3 in head; head 4; depth 24; D. 85, m! 60, Lat. 1. 112; vertebra 11-+29=40; color dark yen feos every- where finely speckled with darker ¢.2-.- 22. .234.-223 82. 2255-6 MELANOSTICTUS, 8. 8. PSETTICHTHYS MELANOSTICTUS. [Plate VI. ] Psettichthys melanostictus Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1854, p. 140 (San Fran- cisco; Astoria, Oregon). Girard, U.S. Pacif. R. R. Exped., Fishes, p. 154, 1859. Giinther, Cat. Fish., iv, 420, 1862 (copied). Lockington, Rep. Com. Fisheries Cal. 1878~79, p.40 (San Francisco; Farallone Islands). Lockington, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1879, p.76 (San Francisco). Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U. -S. Nat. Mus. 1880, p. 453 (Puget Sound, San Francisco, Monterey Bay). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8S. Nat. Mus., 1881,p. 67 (Monterey; Puget Sound). Jordan, Nat. Hist. Aquatic Animals, 1884, 186, pl. 51 (Monterey to Wrangel, Alaska). Hippoglossoides melanostictus, Jordan and Gilbert, Syn. Fish. N. A., 1882, p. 828. Habitat.—Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska south to Mon- tery. This is one of the commoner flounders of the Pacific coast, being everywhere known by the name of “Sole.” It lives near the shore, and reaches a length of about twenty inches. In color this species is quite unlike the species of Hippoglossoides, hut in most other respects the two groups are closely allied. J, oo 242 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [18] Genus VIII.—HIPPOGLOSSIiNA. Hippoglossina Steindachner, Ichth. Beitriige, v, 13, 1876 (macrops), Typr: Hippoglossina macrops Steindachner. This genus is intermediate between Hippoglossoides and Paralichthys, agreeing with the former in the insertion of the dorsal and in genera) appearance, and with the latter in the direction of the lateral line. Two species, the one from Japan, the other from Patagonia, have been lately referred to Hippoglossina. A fourth species, apparently still unde- scribed, is in the museum at Cambridge, from Japan. Some of these species are dextral, and perhaps all of them are normally so, or perhaps, as in the case of Xystreurys liolepis, all are indifferently dextral or sin- istral. ANALYSIS OF AMERICAN SPECIES OF HIPPOGLOSSINA. a. [Eye very large, 3} in head; body elliptical ; dorsal beginning over middle of eye ; pectoral of left side half head, much longer than maxillary, which is 27 in head and reaches middle of eye ; interorbital space a narrow ridge; teeth very small, sharp, uniserial ; scales of left side all strongly ctenoid, those of blind side ciliated only on posterior third of body ; head 23; depth 24 to 24, D. 66 or 67; A. 52; Lat. 1. 75 to 80; no anal spine. Color, brownish, with obscure darker blotches; body sinis- tral (in the only specimen known) ] (Steindachner)..----..----------- MACROPS, 9. aa. [Eye small, 44 or more times in head; upper eye slightly before lower; snout 4} in head; interorbital space flat, with minute scales, half vertical diameter of eye; dorsal beginning above eye, of moderate height; mouth wide, maxillary extend- ing beyond middle of orbit; lateral line with a semicircular curve ; pectoral 2 in head; ventrals well developed, symmetrical. Grayish, minutely mottled with brown. Head 34; depth, 24; D. 72; A. 56.] (Giinther) ...--.-....-.. MIcRopPs, 10. 9. HIPPOGLOSSINA MACROPS. Hippoglossina macrops Steindachner, Ichth. Beitr., v, 13, pl. iii, 1876 (Mazatlan). Habitat.—Pacific coast of Mexico, Mazatlan. We know this species from the description and excellent figure pub- lished by Dr. Steindachner. 10. HIPPOGLOSSINA MICROPS. Hippoglossina microps Giinther, Voyage, H. M. 8. Alert. Jan. 4, 1881 (Patagonia). Habitat.—West coast of Patagonia. This specimen is known only from Giinther’s short description of a specimen four inches in length. Genus IX.—XYSTREURYS. Xystreurys Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1880, 34 (liolepis). Type: Xystreurys liolepis Jordan & Gilbert. This genus is very close to Hippoglossina, differing chiefly in the sub- sessile caudal fin and the smooth seales. In its peculiar gill-rakers it agrees with those of a Japanese species of Hippoglossina examined by us. The typical species, like some other Pacific coast flounders, is al- ———— [19] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 243 most indifferently dextral or sinistral. The lately-described Hippoglos- sina punctatissima Steindachner, from Japan, seems to belong to Xyst- reurys. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF XYSTREURYS. a. Body broadly elliptical; mouth small; maxillary reaching pupil, 23 in head; eyes large, 44 in head, separated by a very narrow, blunt, scaly ridge; teeth small, con- ical, blunt, uniserial, those below subequal, those above larger in front. Gill- rakers very short, broad, weak, 2-7. Scales small, cycloid, with many accessory scales. Skin of shoulder girdle and gill arches with cup-shaped, tubercular scales. ~ Dorsal inserted above pupil; no anal spine. Pectoral of eyed side faleate, varying much in length, usually much longer than head; anterior nostril of blind side with a short flap. Head 34, depth 12; D. 80; A. 62; Lat. 1.123; vertebra 12 4-25 = 37 Olive-brown, mottled with darker, sometimes with very distinct round black blotches or ocelli; pectoral of colored side barred...-...-.-.-........LIOLEPIS. 11. 11. XYSTREURYS LIOLEPIS. Xystreurys liolepis Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1880, p. 34 (Santa Barbara). Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1880, p. 454 (Santa Barbara ; San Pedro). Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1881, p. 66 (Santa Barbara). Paralichthys liolepis Jordan and Gilbert, Syn. Fish. N. A., p. 825, 1882. This species is rather common on the coast of California, from Point Concepcion southward. It is a very variable species, the coloration and the length of the pectoral fins having a wide range of variation. Genus X.—PARALICHTHYS. Paralichthys Girard, U. 8. Pac. R. R. Surv., Fish., 1859, 146 (maculosus = californi- cus). Pseudorhombus Bleeker, Comptes Rendus, Acad. Sci. Amsterd., xiii, 1862, notice sur quelques genres de la famille des Pleuronectide, 5 (polyspilos). Uropsetta Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 330 (californicus = maculosus). Chenopsetta Gill, Proc. Ac, Nat. Sci. Phila., 1864, 218 (oceliaris = dentatus). TYPE: Pleuronectes maculosus Girard= = Hippoglossus Be es nivus Ayres. This genus, as now restricted, contains a considerable number of species, inhabiting both coasts of America and the eastern and south- ern coasts of Asia. As indicated by the reduced number of vertebra, the species range further southward than do those.of the type of Hi ip- poglossoides. The name Pseudorhombus has been often used for this genus by Eu- ropean writers, but the preferable name of Paralichthys has clear priority. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF PARALICHTHYS. a, Gill-rakers in large number, about 9 + 20, as long as the eye and very slender; body elongate, rather robust ; head small, 32 to 4} in length; maxil- lary about as long as pectoral and about half length of head; depth of body 2} to 2} in length; caudal peduncle very long; interorbital space flattish, its width less than vertical diameter of eye; scales moderate, somewhat ciliated, about 100 pores in the lateral line; arch of lateral line 3} in straight part; dorsal rays 67 to 71; anal rays 51 to 57; vertebra 10 + 25=35; color grayish brown, uniform, or mot- | ‘244 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [20] tled with blackish and pale, the head sometimes sprinkled with F black dots; young brownish, with spots of light bluish. (Eyes and © color normally sinistral, but reversed examples almost equally com- MOD) peetorasc cee nee Beco rence scl. se a Meeeee CALIFORNICUS, 12, aa. Gill-rakers in moderate number (6 +13 to 5 +16), rather long and slender. b. Dorsal rays 70 to 75; anal rays 54 to 60. c. Scales not very small, about 100 in the course of the lateral line ; head small, 43 in length; depth, 2}; interorbital space rather broad and flattish, } diameter of eye ; eyes small, 53 in head; gill-rakers rather short, 4 + 15, the longest about # eye; pectoral 14 in head; curve of lateral line high and short, 4 in straight part, its height 1% in its length; mouth moderate, the maxillary 2} in head; teeth rather few, the anterior canines large; color dark brown, more or less mottled and spotted with DAIET os... 5- b's pen sen Se EKee ee nee eae e = eee ea eee BRASILIENSIS, 13. cc. Scales very small, about 120 in the lateral line; head 33 in length; depth, 2}; eyes small, wide apart; gill-rakers X + 17; curve of lateral line nearly 5 in straight part, barely twice as long as high; maxillary 2} in head ; color brownish-gray, thickly mottled with many larger and smaller spots, points and rings; side with three or four larger spots of irregu- lar form and ocellated with paler..-...../.....---...- ADSPERSUS, 14. bb. Dorsal rays, 85 to 93 in number; anal rays, 67 to 733 gill-rakers, 5+ 15 or 16 in number, long and slender, the longest } length of eye; body ovate, the depth about 2} in Jength; head about 33; caudal peduncle long; maxillary about half head, reaching past posterior margin of eye; mouth large, oblique, the gape curved; canines large, conical, wide- set ; interorbital area a rather flattish ridge, in the adult about equal to vertical diameter of eye, narrower in the young, forming a bony ridge; scales cycloid, each with numerous small, accessory scales; lateral line with about 95 pores, its arch 4 times in straight part; color brownish olive, always with numerous paler and darker spots of vari- ous sizes and with obscure ocelli; vertebra 11+30=41..DENTATUS, 15. aaa. Gill-rakers few, shortish, wide set, the numbers 2+ 8 fo 3 +10. d. Body ovate, more or less compressed, and opaque; the depth about 2% in length ; no distinct, definitely-placed ocelli; scales cycloid. é e. Dorsal rays in large number (85 to 92, asin P. dentatus); analrays 65 to 73; pores of the lateral line about 100; accessory scales few ; gill-rakers 2+ 10, lanceolate, dentate, wide-set, and much shorter than the eye; eyes small; interorbital space in adult broad, flattish, and scaly, as wide as length of eye; caudal peduncle rather long; depth about 24 in length; head about 3%;*length of arch of lateral line nearly one- third that of straight part; color dusky olive, darker than in P. den- tatus, and with very few darker mottlings or spots. -LETHOSTIGMA, 16, ce. Dorsal rays in moderate number (70 to 80); anal rays 54 to 61. j. Seales very small, about 120 in the lateral line; depth of body about half length; head 33 in length; gill-rakers roughly toothed, 3 +- 9 in number ; arch of lateral line 44 in straight portion; mouth very large, oblique, the broad maxillary more than half head, and reaching past eye; D.78, A. 59; coloration brownish, the body and fins spotted with darker 222 24% MER Bea ke Ue eae SQUAMILENTUS, 17, Jf. Scales moderate, 90 to 100 pores in the lateral line. g. Interorbital width about equal to length of eye; dorsal rays 75 to 81; anal rays 59 to 61; gill-rakers 2 or 3+9 or 10; coloration grayish- brown, with numerous (more or less distinct) whitish blotches, which are rarely obsolete; vertebrae 10 -+- 27 =37........--..-ALBIGUTTA, 18. gg. Interorbital width not half the length of the eye; dorsal rays 76; anal rays 60; form of P. albigutta; eye large (43 in head); maxillary [21]. FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 245 21 in head (as long as pectoral); teeth rather small; arch of lateral line a little longer than high, its length 5,4; in the eerie part; gill- rakers 3+-11, shorter and thicker than in P. brasiliensis, the longest about half eye; color brown, the body and fins irregularly blotched and with obscure ocelli; parnorals barred; eyes speckled. PATAGONICUS, 19, dd. Body oblong, strongly compressed, semi- translucent; scales weakly cili- ated; about 93 pores in lateral line; curve of lateral line about 3% times in straight part; mouth large, oblique; maxillary narrow, its length 2+ in head; interorbital area a very narrow, bony, scaleless ridge; head 32 to 4in length; pea 21; gill-rakers 2-++8 in number, about half as long as eye; D. 7 , A. 62; coloration light grayish, thickly mottled with darker; ead large horizontally oblong, black ocelli, each surrounded by a pinkish area; one just behind middle of the body, below the dorsal; one opposite fine) above anal; two similar smaller spots below last rays of dorsal and above last of anal; verte- Pee LA 180 lt es oS RON ENE ee ees = 32 OBLONGUA, eu: 12. PARALICHTHYS CALIFORNICUS. (BASTARD HaLinuT; MONTEREY HALIBUT.) | Pleuronectes maculosus Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1854, 155 (young, San Diego). Paralichthys maculosus Girard, U. 8. Pacif. R. R. Exped., Fishes, p. 147, 1859 (not Rhombus maculosus Cuvier, alsoa speciesof Paralichthys). Giinther. Cat. Fish., iv, 431, 1862 (copied). Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Phila., 1864, p.197. Lock- ington, Rep. Com. Fisheries, California, 1878-79, p. 41 (Monterey; Tomales Bay). Lockington, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1879, p. 79 (San Francisco). Jor- dan and Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 454. (San Francisco, Monterey Bay, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, San Pedro, San Diego.) Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1881, 66 (Tomales Bay; Monterey; San Diego). Jordan, Nat. His. Aquat. Anim., 1884, 182. Hippoglossus californicus Ayres, Proc. Gal. Acad. Nat. Sci., 1859, p. 29, and 1860, fig. 10 (adult, San Francisco). Pseudorhombus californicus Giinther, Cat. Fish., iv, 426, 1862 (copied). Uropsetta californica Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 330. Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., i864, .198. Paralichthys californicus Jordan and Gilbert, Syn. Fisk. N. A. 1882, 821. Habitat.—Coast of California; Tomales Bay to San Diego.. This large flounderis one of the common food-fishes of the Pacific coast, where it takes the place occupied on the Atlantic side by Paralichthys dentatus. It reaches a length of three feet and a weight of sixty pounds. From its resemblance to the halibut, it usually goes by the name of bastard halibut. It is readily distinguished from the At- lantic members of the same genus by its fewer fin-rays and by its more numerous gill-rakers. The specific name californicus must be used for this fish, the earlier name, maculosus, being preoccupied in the genus Paralichthys. As was first shown by Mr. Lockington, the small fish, called Paralichthys macu- losus, is simply the young of the larger fish, then called Uropsetta cal- ifornica. Unlike other species of the genus, Paralichthys californicus is almost as frequently dextral as sinistral. 246 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [22] 13. PARALICHTHYS BRASILIENSIS. Hippoglossus brasiliensis Ranzani, Nov. Spec. Pisc., 10, tab. iii, 1840 (Brazil). Pseudorhombus brasiliensis Giinther, Fishes Centr. Amer, 473, 1869 (Brazil, Guatemala), Platessa orbignyana Valenciennes, D’Orbigny Voy. 8. Amer. Mérid. Poiss., pt. 5, pl. 16, f. 1, 1847. Rhombus aramaca Castelnau, Anim. nouy. ou rares, Poiss., 78, pl. 40, f. 3 (not of Cu- vier). Pseudorhombus vorax Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iv, 1862, 429 (‘‘ South America”). Habitat.—South America, said to range northward to Guatemala. This species is known to us from numerous specimens from Rio Janeiro and from Maldonado, in the Museum of Comparative Zoology. The locality ““ Guatemala” given by Giinther seems to be somewhat doubtful, and the species may not occur in West Indian waters at all. 14. PARALICHTHYS ADSPERSUS. ? Hippoglossus kingi Jenyns, Voyage Beagle, Fishes, 1842, 128, pl. 26. (Valparaiso : from a drawing only.) Pseudorhombus adspersus Steindachner, Ichthyol. Notizen,v, 1867,9, Plate II. (Chinchas Islands. ) Paralichthys adspersus Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U. S._Nat. Mus., 1882, p.370. (Capo San Lucas.) Jordan and Gilbert, Bull. Fish. Com., 1882, pp. 108 and 111. (Mazatlan, Panama.) Jordan, Cat. Fish. N. A., 1885, 133. Habitat.—Pacific coast of tropical America. Cape San Lueas to Peru. Numerous specimens of this species were obtained by Professor Gil- bert at Mazatlan and Panama. As all these have been destroyed by fire, we have taken our description from Callao specimens in the Mu- seum of Comparative Zoology. The species is very close to P. brasili- ensis, differing chiefly in the smaller scales. This may prove identical with the remarkable H. kingi of Jenyns, in which case it must stand as Paralichthys kingi. 15. PARALICHTHYS DENTATUS. (THE SUMMER FLOUNDER. ) Pleuronectes dentatus Linneus, Syst. Nat., 1, 458, 1766, and of numerous copyists. Mitchill, Trans. Lit. & Phil. Soc. N. Y., p. 390, 1815 (New York). Platessa dentata Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., p. 143, 1839. Pseudorhombus dentatus Goode and Bean, Proc, U.S. Nat. Mus., 1879, 123. Paralichthys dentatus Goode, Nat. Hist. Aquat. Anim., 1884, 178. (Detailed account; includes P. lethostigma.) Jordan, Cat. Fish. N. A., 1885, 134. Pleuronectes melanogaster Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. erate Ny YN; pies 1815. (Doubled example.) Platessa ocellaris DeKay, N. Y. Fauna, Fishes, 1842, 300, Pl. 47, fig. 152. . Pseudorhombus ocellaris Giinther, iv, 430, 1862 (copied). Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U. 8S. Nat. Mus., 1878, 370 (Beaufort). Cheenopsetta ocellaris Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci., 1864, 218. Paralichthys ocellaris Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1882, p. 617 (Charleston). Paralichthys ophryas Jordan and Gilbert, Syn. Fish N. A., p. 822, 1882 (Charleston). ep [23] - FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 247 Habitat.— Atlantic coast of United States from Cape Cod to Florida. This species is the common flounder of the coasts of the Northern States, its range apparently not extending much south of Charleston. Of the species found in that region it is the most important from a com- mercial point of view. It reaches a length of about 5 feet and a weight of about 15 pounds. It has been confounded by nearly all writers with the more southern species now called lethostigma, from which it is best distinguished by its much greater number of gill-rakers and by its mottled coloration. On account of this confusion it is impossible wholly to disentangle its synonymy from that of P. lethostigma. So far as the proper nomenclature of the two is concerned, this confu- sion makes little difference. There is no doubt that this is the original Pleuronectes dentatus of Linnzeus, as the original Linnzan type is still preserved in London. This has been examined by Dr. Bean and its identity with the present species fully established. It seems also certain that this is the Platessa ocellaris of DeKay, who properly distinguishes his ocellaris from his oblonga, the latter being P. lethostigma. A little doubt must be attached to the melanogaster of Mitchill, very scantily described from a doubled (black-bellied) example of this species or of P. lethostigma. As the former species is much more common about New York than the latter it is probable that Mitchill’s fish belonged to it. We have also received a doubled example from New York corre- sponding exactly to Mitchill’s description. We may therefore regard the name melanogaster as a Synonym of dentatus. The differences in the gill-rakers of these species was first noticed by Jordan and Gilbert in 1883. These authors erroneously referred all these synonyms to the species with the few gill-rakers and described the present one as new under the name of Paralichthys ophryas. The discovery of the Linnean type of Pleuronectes dentatus has rendered a reconsideration of this matter necessary, and it is evident that to the “P. ophryas” belong also the prior names of dentatus, melanogaster, and ocellaris. The name Platessa orbignyana Valenciennes, applied to a South Amer- ican example and doubtfully referred by Dr. Giinther to his Pseudo- rhombus dentatus, belongs to Paralichthys brasiliensis. . 16. PARALICHTHYS LETHOSTIGMA. (THE SOUTHERN FLOUNDER.) [Plate VII. ] Platessa oblonga DeKay, New York Fauna, Fishes, p. 299, pl. 48, fig. 156, 1842. (New York; not Pleuronectes oblongus Mitchill.) Storer, Syn. Fish. N. A., 1846, p. 477. Pseudorhombus oblongus Giinther, Cat. Fish., iv, 426, 1862 (copied). Pseudorhombus dentatus Goode, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1879, 110. (St. John’s River, St. Augustine.) Goode and Bean, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1879, 123 (Pensacola). - Chenopsetta dentata Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil., 1864, 218. 248 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [24] Paralichthys dentatus Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mas., 1882, p. 302. (Gal- veston, New Orleans, Pensacola.) Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1882, p.617._ (Charleston.) Bean, Cat. Col. Fish, U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1883, p- 45 (Galveston). Paralichthys dentatus Jordan and Gilbert, Synopsis Fish. N. A., 1882, 822. Paralichthys lethostigma Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1884, 237 (Jackson- ville, Florida). Habitat—South Atlantic and Gulf coast of United States, north to New York. This species is the common large flounder of the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States, ranging as far north as New York. It very closely resembles Paralichthys dentatus, with which it has been repeatedly confounded. It is, however, sharply distinguished by the character of the gill-rakers. It is also always darker in color, and al- most uniform, while the dentatus is usually profusely spotted. Its only tenable name is the very recent one of Paralichthys lethostigma. 17. PARALICHTHYS SQUAMILENTUS. Paraliehthys squamilentus Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1882, p. 303 (Pen- sacola). Jordan and Gilbert, Syn. Fish. N. A., p. 823, 1882 (Pensacola, Charles- ton). Bean, Cat. Coll. Fish, U.S. Nat. Mus., 1883, p. 45 (Pensacola). Habitat —South Atlantic and Gulf coasts of United States. This species is very close to Paralichthys albigutta, from which it dif- fers chiefly in the small scales. It seems to be rather rare. Besides — the original types from Pensacola another referred to the same species is in the National Museum from Charleston. 18. PARALICHTHYS ALBIGUTTA. Pseudorhombus dentatus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1878, 370 (Beaufort). Paralichthys albigutta Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, p. 302 (Pensa- cola; Beaufort). Jordan and Gilbert, Syn. Fish. N. A., 1882, p.823. Jordan and Swain, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1884, p. 233 (Cedar Keys). Habitat.—South Atlantic and Gulf coast of the United States. This species is common on the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It has the few gill-rakers of Paralichthys lethostigma, the mottled coloration of Paralichthys dentatus, while from both it is distinguished by its smaller number of dorsal and anal rays. In the number of its vertebrae it agrees with P. lethostigma. It seems to reach a smaller size than either of these species. 19. PARALICHTHYS PATAGONICUS. » Pseudorhombus dentatus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iv, 425, 1862 (Port Famine). Paralichthys patagonicus Jordan, sp. noy. (east coast of Patagonia). This species is extremely close to P. albigutta, from which it is sepa- rated only by characters of slight importance. The locality inhabited by it is, however, widely distant. The types of the species are in the Mu- | seum of Comparative Zoology. There are three specimens, the largest — about 8 inches long, No. 11399, from the east coast of Patagonia. [25] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 249 20. PARALICHTHYS OBLONGUS. (THE FouR-SPOTTED FLOUNDER.) [ Plate VIII. ] Pleuronectes oblongus Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc., 1, 391, 1815 (New York). Chenopsetta oblonga Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1864, p. 218. Paralichthys oblongus Goode, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1880, p. 472 (Southern New England). Jordan and Gilbert, Syn. Fish. N. A., 1882, p. 824 (specimens from Wood’s Holl, Mass.). Platessa quadrocellata Storer, Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., 1847, p. 242. Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., p. 397, pl. 31, fig. 3 (Provincetown). Habitat.—Coasts of New England and New York. This species is rather common on the coast of Cape Cod and the neighboring islands, but it has been rarely noticed elsewhere. The limits of its range are not yet definitely known. It is a very strongly marked species. Its translucency of coloration’ indicates that it lives in deeper water than the other species of the genus. Genus XI.—ANCYLOPSETTA. Ancylopsetta Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil., 1864, 224 (quadrocellata). Notosema Goode & Bean, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., XIX, 193, 1883 (dilecta). TYPE: Ancylopsetta quadrocellata Gill. This genus is also very close to Paralichthys, differing in the subses- sile caudal fin, the short gill-rakers, the rough scales, and in the pro- longation of the anterior rays of the dorsal fin. These characters are found in quadrocellata as well as in dilecta, the distinctions of the sup- posed genus, Notosema, being chiefly of degree. Besides the two spe- cies here mentioned, a third as yet undescribed, the types having been accidentally destroyed, was obtained by Professor Gilbert at Panama. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF ANCYLOPSETTA. a. Anterior (produced) rays of dorsal shorter than head; pectoral of eyed side about two-thirds length of head. Body oval, very deep. Depth of caudal peduncle half length of head; head 4 in length; depth, 13. Gill-rakers very short, 2-+-6 or 7. Mouth small; maxillary reaching middle of eye, 24 to 2? in head; teeth small, the canines scarcely differentiated ; eyes moderate, separated by a very narrow, sharp, scaly ridge; scales of both sides ctenoid; ventral of eyed side produced, about half as long as head; no anal spine; color dark olive, with four large ob- long ocellated blackish spots, the first above the arch of the lateral line, the three posterior forming an isosceles triangle, the hindmost being on the lateral line. D. 70; A. 55; Lat. 1. 85-58 pores in straight part; vertebra, 9-4 26 =35. QUADROCELLATA, 21. aa. [Anterior (produced) rays of dorsal longer than the head, the longest half depth of body, pectoral of eyed side nearly as long as head; body elliptical; head 34 in length, depth 2; gill-rakers subtriangular, moderately numerous ; mouth moder- ate, the maxillary 24 in head; teeth unequal, those in front much largest; eyes large, 3 in head, the interorbital space very narrow; scales highly ctenoil; ven- tral of eyed side produced, more than three times length of right ventral; color dark brown, speckled with darker, three large subcircular ocellated spots nearly as 250 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [26] large as eye, with white center, dark iris, narrow, dark margin, and a brown en- circling outline, these arranged in an isosceles triangle, the apex on the lateral line, the others before it and distant from the lateral line a distance equal to their own dmimeter. D.69, A.56, Lat.1, with 48 pores in straight part.) (Goode ¢ LET, a a Sa ee Oe EEE he rey Hoare Soe ee. 5 on DILECTA, 22. 21. ANCYLOPSETTA QUADROCELLATA. Ancylopsetta quadrocellata Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil., 1864, p. 224 (Pensacola). (Not Platessa quadrocellata Storer). Pseudor hombus quadrocellatus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1878, p. 370 (Beaufort). Paralichthys ommatus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1882, p. 616 (Charleston). Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. N. A., p. 824, 1882. Jordan & Swain, Proce. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, p. 234 (Cedar Keys). Habitat.—South Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. This species is not rare along the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. On referring the species to the genus Paralichthys it became necessary to change the specific name quadrocellatus, pre- occupied in the latter genus. We, however, now consider it best to retain Ancylopsetta as a group distinct from Paralichthys. 22. ANCYLOPSETTA DILECTA. Notosema dilecta Goode & Bean, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., xix, 193, 1883 (Gulf Stream, off the coast of South Carolina). Ancylopsetta dilecta Jordan, Cat. Fish. N. A., 1885, 134. Paralichthys stigmatias Goode, Nat. Hist. Aquat. Anim., 1884, 182 (name only, by in- advertence for dilectus). Habitat.—Gulf Stream. This species is known from the original types obtained in the deep waters (75 fathoms) of the Gulf Stream, off the Carolina coast. Genus XII.—PHRYNORHOMBUS. Phrynorhombus Giinther, Catal. Fishes Brit. Mus., iv, 414, 1862 (wnimaculatus). TYPE: Rhombus unimaculatus Risso= Pleuronectes regius Bonnaterre. This genus is allied to Zeugopterus, from which it differs chiefly in the separation of the ventral and anal fins. It is, in our opinion, worthy of separation. Butasingle species is known. The peculiar flannel-like character of the scales is similar to that of Monochirus hispidus. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF PHRYNORHOMBUS. a. First ray of dorsal produced in a filament, about one-third as long as head ; first ray of pectoral sometimes filamentous ; scales small, each with about four long spin- ules ; eyes moderate, separated by a high, narrow scaly ridge ; snout short, abruptly projecting ; gill-rakers short, about X + 10; month curved, the maxillary not quite half head. Depth, 2in length; head 3}; D.78 to 79, A. 67, Lat. 1. 70; vertebrae 10-+-25 =35; color, dark gray, with dusty marblings and black spots, one at the end of the curve of the lateral line; a reddish ocellus edged with black on middle of tail; fins TOUGH DLOCC DOG co on cole we cathe ee ET ate oe wwe atm sia yc rie ee eC [27] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 251 23. PHRYNORHOMBUS REGIUS. (THE Top-KNOT.) La Petite Limandeile, Duhamel, ‘‘ Traité sur la Pesche, iii, sect. 9, p. 270, pl. 6, f. 5.” Pleuronectes regius, ‘‘la Calimande royale” Bonnaterre, Encyclopédie Méthodique, 1788 (after Duhamel). Pleuronectes calimanda Lacépéde, Hist. Nat. Bo ida. ., iv, 1803 (after Duhamel). Pleuronectes punctatus ‘‘ Fleming, Werner, Mem., ii, 241” (not of Bloch.) Tthombus unimaculatus Risso, Europe RMeridionate, 1i1, 252, f. 35, 1826 (Nice). Phrynorhombus unimaculatus Giinther, iv, 414, 1862 (Dalmatia; Plymouth). Scophthalmus unimaculatus Steindachner, Ichth. Bericht., vi, 1868, 49 (Barcelona). Zeugopterus unimaculatus Day, Fish. Great Britain, ii, 17, pl. xcix (Belfast). Rhombus wniocellatus Nardo, Prodr. Ichth. Adriat., 135, 1827. Habitat.— Coasts of Southern Europe, north to England. This small flounder reaches a length of 5 or 6 inches. Our speci- mens are from Venice. We adopt the earliest name, regius, for this species, as it seems to belong to this fish without doubt. Genus XIII.—ZEUGOPTERUS. Zeugopterus Gottsche, Wiegmann’s Archiv, 1835, 178 (hirtus). Scophthalmus Bonaparte, Catologo Metodico dei Pesci Europei, 1845, 49 (hirtus). (Not of Rafinesque.) Zeugopterus Steenstrup, Oefvers. Dansk. Vidensk. Selsk. Forhandl., 1865, 95-112. _ Type: Pleuronectes hirtus Abilgaard=Pleuronectes punctatus Bloch. This genus is distinguished from Pleuronectes both by the union of the ventral and anal fins, and by the perforation instead of emargina- tion of the septum of the gill-cavity. This latter character was first noticed by Professor Steenstrup, who used it to define his genus Zeu- gopterus, which is equivalent to Lepidorhombus, Zeugopterus, and Phryno- rhombus of the present paper. But one species is known, widely dif- fused in Northern Europe. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF ZEUGOPTERUS. a. Body ovate, covered with small but very rough shagreen-like scales; blind side smooth ; caudal peduncle very short, the last rays of dorsal and anal inserted on the left side of it almost meeting across the base of the caudal fin; none cf the dor- sal rays exserted ; lateral line indistinct; eyes large, separated by a very narrow, scaly ridge; snout very short; gill-rakers short, thickish; lips thick; maxillary half as long as head. Left ventral inserted at chin, fully confluent with anal; right ventral long. Brown, with round black spots, one behind the curve of the lateral line, and one behind this on the straight portion; one near upper edge of gill opening, and one above upper eye; an oblique band from lower eye to subop- ercle. Depth2 inlength; head3; D.93 to 99; A.70to 80. Vertebra 12+ 25 =37. PUNCTATUS, 24. 24. ZEUGOPTERUS PUNCTATUS. (THE BLACK FLUKE.) Pleuronectes punctatus Bloch, Ausliindische Fische, iii, 31, tafel 189, 1787. Gmelin, Syst. Natura, p. 1235, 1788. Bloch & Schneider, Systema Ichth., 1801, p. 155 Zeugopterus punctatus Collett, Norges Fiske, 1875, 139. Day, Fishes Great Britain, voi. ii, p. 18, plate 6. ¢ 252 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [28] Pleuronectes hirtus Abildgaard, Miiller, Zo6l. Danica, 1788, III, 36, taf. 103. Rhombus hirtus Yarrell, Brit. Fish., ed. 2, ii, 334. Giinther, iv, 413, 1862, and of several authors. Pleuronectes kitt Bloch & Schneider, Systema Ichthyologiz, 1801, 162. Habitat.—Coasts of Northern Europe, south to France. The specimens of this species which we have examined are from the North Sea. Genus XIV.—LEPIDORHOMBUS. Lepidorhombus Giinther, Catal. Fishes, iv, 411, 1862 (megastoma). TyPE: Pleuronectes megastoma Donovan = Pleuronectes whiff-iagonis Walbauin. This genus contains one or two European species, related to Zeugop- terus, but in general appearance resembling the species of Arnoglossus. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF LEPIDORHOMBUS. a. Dorsal rays, 85 to 87; anal rays, 67 to 69; depth, 24 in length; head, 34; interorb- ital space a very narrow scaly ridge; mouth very large, the maxillary 2} in head ; the anterior teeth hooked backwards, about 4 in head; eyes very large, the lower somewhat before the other; anterior rays of dorsa) short, but considerably exserted ; scales small, very deciduous. Lat.]. about 100. Vertebra 11+30—41. Color, yel- lowish brown, dorsal and anal with some dark blotches...-.. WHIFF-ILAGONIS, 25, aa. Dorsal rays, 78 to 80; anal rays, 58 to 64; depth, 24 in length; otherwise ‘essen- tially as in the preceding, of which it is probably a variety -----. NORVEGICUS, 26. 25. LEPIDORHOMBUS WHIFF-IAGONIS. (THE Wuirr, MERRY SoLe, or SAIL FLUKE.) Passer Cornubiensis, ‘‘ Jago in Ray, Syn. Pisc., 163, f. 2,” 1713. Whiff Pennant, “ British Zoology, iii, 238, 1776.” Pleuronectes whiff-iagonis Walbaum, Artedi Piscium, iii, 120, 1792 (after Pennant). Pleuronectes megastoma Donovan, ‘ Brit. Fish., iii, pl. 41,1802,” and of many authors. Rhombus megastoma Giinther, iv, 411, and of numerous authors. Zeugopterus megastoma Collett, Norges Fiske, 138, 1875. Arnoglossus megastoma Day, British Fishes, iv, 21. Pleuronectes bosci Risso, Ichth. Nice, 1810, 319, pl. vii, f. 33 (Nice). Arnoglossus bosci Giinther, iv, 416. Pleuronectes pseudopolus “ Pennant, British Zool., iii, 324, pl. 411, ed. of 1812.” Rhombus cardina Cuvier, Régne Animal, ed. 2, 1828 (excl. syn. pars), based on the Whiff of Ray and la Petite Limandelle of Duhamel. Zeugopterus velivolans (Richardson) ‘ Yarrell, Brit. Fish., ed. 3, 1,656,” 1859. - Zeugopterus gottsche ‘‘ Winther, Ichth. Dan. Mar., 38.” Habitat.—Coasts of Europe, most abundant northward. This species is not uncommon in Northern Europe, where it is held in slight esteem as a food-fish, being thin, dry, and bony. It reaches a length of probably less than 2 feet. Its names, “ whiff,” “‘merry sole,” and “ sail-fluke,” are said to be de- rived from its habit of frequently swimming at the surface of the water “ with its tail erected above the water, like a boat under sail.” [29] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 253 Dr. Day has adopted Giglioli’s determination of the identity of this species with the Arnoglossus bosci. The descriptions of the latter spe- cies certainly agree closely with our specimen of Lepidorhombus. We have therefore placed bosci in the synonymy of Whiff-iagonis. Vinci- guerra apparently regards bosci as specifically distinct from the others, although he places both in the genus Arnoglossus. The appropriate specific name of megastoma has been usually taken for this species, but the unmusical name of whiff-iagonis applied to it by Walbaum has ten years’ priority. This name is given in honor of the “ Reverend George Jago, of Loo.” Our specimen is from the coast of France. 26. LEPIDORHOMBUS NORVEGICUS. Pleuronectes cardina Fries, Vet. Akad. Handl., 1838, 181 (not of Cuvier). Rhombus norvegicus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iv, 1862, 139 (after Fries). Collett, Norges Fiske, 1875, 139. (Christiania; Bergen; Bodo.) Habitat.—South coast of Norway to the Arctic circle. This species is known to us from descriptions only. According to Professor Collett, “it is distributed, although in scanty numbers, from the south coasts up to the polar circle.” It would appear to be very close to the preceding species, differing somewhat in the numbers of the fin-rays. Genus XV.—CITHARUS. Pleuronectes Bonaparte, Catalogo Metodico dei Pesci Europei, 1846 (linguatula, the only Linnzan species mentioned). Citharus Bieeker, Comptes Rendus Acad. Sci. Amsterdam, xiii, Pleuronevt., 6, 1862_ (linguatula). TYPE: Pleuronectes linguatula L. This well-marked genus, an ally of Lepidorhombus and of Arnoglossus contains but a single species—a rather rare inhabitant of the Mediter- ranean. ANALYSIS OF THE SPECIES OF CITHARUS. a. Body elongate, with soft flesh and large caducous scales. Mouth very large, oblique ; the maxillary 2 in head; lower jaw projecting ; some canine teeth, es- pecially in front of upper jaw; two or three rather large teeth on vomer; eyes large, close together; left ventral on the abdominal ridge, a little in prea of right ; its base scarcely lengthened; gill-rakers slender, of moderate length, X +9; no foramen in gill septum ; dorsal beginning before the eye on right side; caudal pointed ; fins all high, but fragile; head, 3% in length; depth, 23; D. about 65; anal, 45; lat. 1., 37; color, grayish, translucent.................- LINGUATULA, 27. 27. CITHARUS LINGUATULA. Pleuronectes linguatula Linnieus, Syst. Nat., ed. x, p. 270, 1758 (after Artedi), and of early authors. Citharus linguatula Giinther, Cat. Fish., iv, 418, 1862. Steindachner, Ichthyol. Berichte 1865, Sechste Fortsetzung, p. 51 (Barcelona, Alicante, Cadiz), and of most re- cent authors. 254 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [30] Pleuronectes citharus Spinola, ‘‘ Ann. Mus., x, 166,” 1807. Pleuronectes macrolepidotus Delaroche, ‘‘ Aun. Mus., xiii, 853,” 1809 (and of ether Euro- pean writers, probably not of Bloch). Solea limanda Rafinesque, Indice, 1810, 14 (after Linnieus). Solea cithara Rafinesque, Indice, 1810, 52 (based on Citharus of Rondelet). Pleuronectes solea var. pataracchia, “ Naccari, Ichth. Adriat., 11.” Habitat.—Mediterranean Sea. This species is known to us from specimens in the Museum of Com. parative Zoology, from Cette (Theodore Lyman), and from Cadiz (Dr. Steindachner). It does not seem to be very common anywhere. Genus X VI.—PLEURONECTES. Pleuronectes Artedi, Genera Piscium, 1738 (includes all flounders). Rhombus Klein, Pisc. Missus, IV, 34, 1740 (rhombus ; pre-Linnzan). Pleuronectes (Artedi) Linnzus, Syst. Nat., ed. x, 1758, 271 (includes all flounders then known). Rhombus (Klein) Walbaum, Artedi Piscium, 1792 (rhombus; non-binomial), Bothus Rafinesque, Caratteri di Aleuni Nuovi Generi, etc., 1810, 23 (rumola=rhom- bus), ete. Scophthalmus Rafinesque, Indice di Ittiologia Siciliana, 1810,53 (rhombus ; maximus). Rhombus Cuvier, Rtgne Animal, 1817, and of most writers (not of Lacépéde) (first subdivision of Pleuronectes). Pleuronectes Fleming, British Animals, 1828, 196 (first restriction of Pleuronectes, in which the name Pleuronectes is retained; maximus). Psetta Swainson, Nat. Hist. Classif. Anim., ii, 302, 1839 (maximus) (not Psettus Cuvier). Pleuronectes DeKay, New York Fauna, Fishes, 1842, 301 (maximus). Psetta Bonaparte, Catologo Metodico dei Pesci Europei, 1846, 49 (rhombus ; maximus). ' Passer Valenciennes, Voyage de la Venus, 1855, 341 (substitute for Rhombus, preoc- cupied; type ‘‘le turbot;” not Passer Brisson, a genus of birds). Lophopsetta Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 216 (maculatus). Bothus Jordan & Gilbert, Synopsis Fish. N. A., 1882, 815, and in Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. ; 1882, 577 (rhombus). i Psetta Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. 1882, 577 (maximus). Type: Pleuronectes maximus Linneus. We here include in the genus Pleuronectes three species, the Turbot, the Brill, and the ‘“ Window-Pane.” The Turbot and the Window- Pane are both evidently very closely related to the Brill, although in ~ size and appearance they are quite unlike each other. The Turbot differs strikingly from the other two in a single character, the reduced or rudimentary condition of the scales. This character, however, shows a considerable range of variation in the same species, some turbots being distinctly scaly and others wholly naked, and it is apparently a character which the species has acquired comparatively recently. We have therefore regarded it as of subgeneric value only. We, however, place the two scaly species in a distinct subgenus, Bothus, and in the view of a genus taken by many recent authors, Bothus and Pleuronectes should be regarded as sufficiently distinct. If the non-binomial names of Klein, as reprinted or revived by Walbaum in 1792, be admitted, [31] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES, 255 Rhombus would take the place of Bothus as the name of this subgenus. Our reasons for considering the Turbot as the type of the genus Pleu- ronectes may be briefly stated: In the earliest restriction of the Linnean genus, Pleuronectes, in which the latter name is retained for one of the subdivisions, the Turbot has been retained as the type. We therefore find ourselves compelled to transfer the name Plewronectes from the small-mouthed flounders to the present group. The genus Pleuronectes, as it appears in the tenth edition of the Sys- tema Nature, is intended to contain all flat-fishes, 18 of which are characterized and named. Omitting foreign species, the following table shows the European species included by Linneus, and the generic names which have since his time been specially based on each of these species : EME AS reise ays ain oe a aaa an, stare neha aera) owe eames Hippoglossus Cuvier, 1817. MPRA ae 8 Sti a 22 5 oo CEG) Le) ect icin Moai oer Glyptocephalus Gottsche, 1836. Platessa..Platessa Cuvier, 1317; Pleuronectes Swainson, 1839; Pleuronectes Bleeker, 1862. WBE) 5 cio sen paceuo. cee soaesobeecee sece cond oqobons oo esness Flesus Moreau, 1871. I hl? a oe Bog aoe GeOIGEO SEH DES CERH ee Caan oc HOGooSreSe Limanda Gottsche, 1835. REE re ert. he yok as Ueno tian aw Seon oes cats saan es eels Solea Quensel, 1806. EOE ee eee Pleuronectes Bonaparte, 1846; Citharus Bleeker, 1862; Bothus Rafinesque, 1810; Scophthalmus Rafinesque, 1810. ESROMNDUS: << ai55, 050%" < Rhombus Cuvier, 1817 (preoccupied). IN) Se eee eee ..-- Pleuronectes Ileming, 1828; Psetta Swainson, 1839 , Passer Valenciennes, 1855 (preoccupied). I STISWIB? =. 2 OR CGE SCENE Ree ey Can See ene eae (An abnormal specimen of Flesus.) The first subdivision of the genus Pleuronectes, after the removal of the soles, seems to have been that of Cuvier. Cuvier subdivides the group into three subgenera, Hippoglossus, Khombus, and Platessa, re- taining the name Pleuronectes for the group as a whole, but for none of his subdivisions. Fleming, next after him, makes use of these subdivisions, but reject- ing the name of Rhombus, he distinctly adopts the generic name Pleu- ronectes for the *“‘Turbot” group. His genera are, therefore, Pleuronectes the “‘ Turbot,” Solea the “Sole,” Platessa the “ Fluke,” and Hippoglossus the “Halibut.” Pleuronectes maximus, the “Common Turbot,” is evi- dently intended as the type of Pleuronectes, as understood by him. This is, So far as we have ascertained, the first restriction of the name Pleu- ronectes, to any group of flounders, and if it be so the name Pleuronectes must go with the Turbot and its relatives. In that case it would take the place of the preoccupied name Rhombus, and of the prior but al- most forgotten name of Bothus, uniess we see fit to place the Turbot and the Brill in different genera, in which case Bothus should be used for the Brill. The next restriction seems to be that of Swainson, in 1839, who indi- cates Pl. platessa as the type of Pleuronectes. 4 ; Next is the restriction made by DeKay, 1842, who again makes the Tur- 256 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [32] bot the type of Pleuronectes by adopting the then nearly obsolete name of Pleuronectes in place of Rhombus. 1n1846 Bonaparte retained the name Pleuronectes for a group composed of Citharus, Arnoglossus, &c.- The only Linnean species mentioned by him, linguatula, may be regarded as his type. In 1862 Bleeker, and following him Giinther and nearly all modern authors, have regarded Pleuronectes platessa as the type of Plewronectes. The reason for this view lies apparently in the fact that Artedi before Linnzeus had mentioned the species later called platessa first in his list of species of Plewronectes. This reason is now regarded as an insuffi- cient one, andthe name Plewronectes must retain the signification given it by the first author, who has properly restricted it. We must there- fore follow Fleming* in regarding Pleuronectes maximus as the proper “yve of Pleuronectes. ANALYSIS OF THE SPECIES OF PLEURONECTES. 4. Scales wanting or rudimentary, the blind side nearly or quite naked; eyed side covered with scattered bony tubercles or warts. Vertebra, 31. (Pleuronectes. ) », Body broadly ovate, thick, and opaque, the depth about 1} in the length ; head 3 in length, its tubercles much smaller than those on the body; interorbital space flattish, about as wide as eye; anal spine inconspicuous; nune of the dorsal rays exserted; gill-rakers rather strong, not as long as eye, about 54-13 in number ; lower pharyngeals small, narrow,each with aband of small pointed teeth. D, 62 to 69; A, 45 ta 50; vertebrae 12+-19= 31. Color, grayish or brownish, usually sprinkled with small dark spots......-....--- MAXIMUS, 28. 2, SCHICS ODSOLCLE. conc a2 ccr sce ec see min vem aa= semen aacieme var. maximus, 28, (a). CEM SoplLR Tene ITs WIPRO T Sa eR oeses Bo ssosiddes s45oG6Gc0ssq55500 var. me@oticus, 28, (b). aa. Scales cycloid, imbricate, well developed on both sides of the body; no bony tubercles. Vertebra 36. (Bothus.) c. Anterior rays of dorsal little exserted, the longest about 4 in head; body ellip- tical ovate, nearly opaque ; scales very small; blind side well scaled; no bony tubercles; interobital space flattish, nearly as wide as eye; gill-rakers mod- erate, 4+12 in number; lower pharyngeals small, narrow, each with a band of pointed teeth. Head 3inlength; depth1. D. 72 to 83; A. 53 to 61;Lat. 1. about 130. Vertebrie 12+24=—36. Grayish brown, with darker spots and MOTHNYGS .... = serene ens vor weecwe penn anne ewe ses ose ammeiee eons RHOMBUS, 29. cc. Anterior rays of dorsal much exserted, free for more than half their length, their length nearly half head; body broadly ovate, subtranslucent; interor- bital space flattish; gill-rakers long and slender, about 8+22; blind side of body well scaled ; no bony tubercles ; head 3}; depth 13. D. 65; A.52; Lat. 1. about 120. Vertebra 11-4-25=36. Color light olive grayish, everywhere on the left side closely spotted with paler and with blackish, the dark spots of VATIOUSSIZOSs cpis' piay ocete oe ly Seen rien ete e/a mnie on = wniedeine = mate MACULATUS, 30, *I’leming’s definition is as follows: ‘Gen. XLVI. PLEURONECTES, TURBOT.—Mouth entire ; teeth numerous, slender: lateral line curved. Eyes on the left side.” .Tbe species mentioned by him are.; P. maximus—Common Turbot. P. rhombus—Brill. P. megastoma—W hiff. ; P. punctatus—Top-knot. P. arnoglossus—Scald-tsh. —— [33] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 257 28. PLEURONECTES MAXIMUS. ‘ (THE TURBOT.) [Plates IX and X.] a. Var. maximus. Rhombus aculeatus Rondelet, De Piscibus, and of early pre-Linnxan writers. Pleuronectes maximus Linneus, Syst. Nat., ed. x, 271, 1758, and ed. xii, 459 (and of early writers generally). Scophthalmus maximus Rafinesque, Indice, 14. Tthombus maximus Giinther, iv, 407, 1862. Steindachner, Ichthyol. Berichte, vi, 1868, 48 (Lisbon, Vigo, Trieste, Constantinople, Odessa, Cadiz). Day, Fishes Great Britain and Ireland, vol. ii, p. 11, plate xevi. Psetia maxima Swainson, Nat. Hist. Fish., ii, 302, 1839. Pleuronectes cyclops ‘‘ Donovan, British Fishes, iv, pl. 90,” 1801. Pleuronectes tuberculatus Shaw, Gen’! Zool., iv, 312, 1803. Rhombus aculeatus Gottsche, Wiegm. Archiv, 1835, 172. b. Var. meoticus. Pleuronectes meoticus Pallas, Zoogr. Ross. As., iii, 419, 1811. Rhombus meoticus Giinther, iv, 409, 1862 (Erzeroum). Rhombus stellosus Bennett, ‘‘ Proc. Zool. Soc., 1835, 92” (Erzeroum). Rhombus torosus Rathke, Fauna der Krym., 349, 1837 (Crimea). Rhombus rhombilis Rathke, Fauna der Krym., 351, 1837 (Crimea). Habitat.— All coasts of Europe except the extreme north. Variety meeoticus in the Black Sea and extending into the Mediterranean. | This species is the famous turbot of Europe, a broad, thick flounder, reaching a large size, its surface nearly scaleless and covered with rough warts. Inspite of numerous statements to the contrary, the turbot has never been found in American waters. The fish so called by the Bahama and Key West fishermen, and which they often maintain is the turbot of Europe, is a trigger-fish, Balistes carolinensis Gmelin. The turbot is an excellent food-fish, generally common on the coasts of Europe, and everywhere highly prized. It is the most valuable of the European flounders. ’ According to Dr. Steindachner, there is a complete gradation be- tween the ordinary turbot in which the scales are obsolete and concealed, and the scaly turbot (var. me@oticus), which is more or less completely scaly, at least on the left side. Seindachner observes (Ichth. Berichte, ii, 48, 1868) : “Completely scaled on the sides of the body and the head (in part also on the blind side) is a very large individual from Lisbon and two smaller ones from Vigo, and from the Baltic Sea; for the greater part scaly onfour examples from Trieste ; only here and there on two examples from Odessa and Constantinople, and finally naked on numerous ex- amples from Trieste, Cadiz, and the German Ocean.” The turbot reaches a weight of 40 to 50 pounds or more. Khombus torosus Rathke, described from the Crimea, is apparently a . local variety of Pl. maximus, having the warts on the body elliptical . S. Mis. 90——17 258 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [34] and the blind side wholly smooth, which is said not to be the case in var. meoticus. Rhombus rhombitis is much the same, but sparsely covered with conoid warts. ; We find also references to Rhombus hybridus Malm (Goteborg, Mus. Arsskr., iii, 1881, 24). We bmve not seen the original description. 29. PLEURONECTES RHOMBUS. (THE BRILL.) Rhombus levis Rondelet, De Piscibus, and of many early non-binomial writers. Pleuronectes rhombus Linnzus, Systema Nature, ed. x, 271, 1758 (after Artedi), and of early writers generally. Scophthalmus rhombus Rafinesque, Indice di Ittiologia Siciliana, 1810, 53. Psetta rhombus Bonaparte, Pesc. Europ., 49. Pleuronectes cristatus Lichtenstein, in Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 153 (Eu- ropean Ocean). Bothus rumolo Ratinesque, Caratteri di Alcuni Nuovi Generi, &c., 1810, 23 (Sicily). Rhombus vulgaris Cuvier, Regne Animal, 1517 (and of various authors). Pleuronectes lioderma Nardo, Ichth. Adriat. No. 132 (Venice). chombus barbatus Risso, Eur. Merid., iii, 251, 1826 (Nice). Rhombus levis Gottsche, Wiegm. Archiv, 1835,175. Giinther, iv, 410, 1862. Stein- dachner, Ichthyol. Berichte, vi, 1868, 48 (Bilbao, Corunna, Vigo, Lisbon, Ca- diz, Malaga). Day, Fishes Great Britain, ii, 14, pl. xevii, and of most recent authors. . Pleuronectes passer Gronow, Syst.ed. Gray, 1854, 90. Rhombus linneit Malm, Bohusléins Fauna, 513 (Sweden). Habitat.— All coasts of Europe, except the very extreme north. The brill is a common food-fish of Europe, especially southwards. It is less esteemed than the turbot and reaches a very mnch smaller size. It rarely exceeds 8 or 10 pounds in weight. 30. PLEURONECTES MACULATUS. (THE WINDOW-PANE, ) Pleuronectes maculatus Mitchill, Rept. in Part. Fish. N. Y., 1814, 9 (New York). De Kay, New York Fauna, Fishes, p. 301, tab. 47, fig. 151, 1842. Storer, Syn. Fish. N. A., 1846, p. 479. Storer, Hist. Fish. Nat. Mass., 1867, 204 (Prov- incetown, Holmes’ Hole). Lophopsetta maculata Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad., 1862, 216, and 1864, p. 220. Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1878, p. 371 (Beaufort). Bothus maculatus Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. N. A., 1882, p. 815. Pleuronectes aquosus Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc., 1, 389, pl. 2, fig. 3, 1815 (New York). Rhombus aquosus Cuvier, Régne Animal. Giinther, Cat. Fish., iv, 411, 1862 (New York). Habitat.—Atlantic coast of United States, from Cape Cod to South Carolina. This small flounder much resembles the European Brill, but is smaller, thinner, and more translucent in body. Its weight rarely exceeds a pound or two, and its value as a food-fish is but slight; nevertheless, it is a near ally of the European Turbot, and in its technical character it very closely agrees with the latter species. ~~ [35] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 259: Genus XVII.—ARNOGLOSSUS. Arnoglossus Bleeker, Comptes Rendus Acad. Sci. Amsterd., xiii, 1862, 6 (Arnoglossus laterna). TYPE: Pleuronectes arnoglossus Bloch & Schneider= Plewronectes la- terna Walbaum. This genus is composed of several species of small translucent floun- ders, found in the Mediterranean and the Hast Indies. They much re- semble the species of Citharichthys, which they represent in the Old World fauna, the arch of the lateral line in Arnoglossus constituting the chiet difference. The characters of the different European species have not been well set forth by authors, and possibly all the nominal species are reducible to two or three. We find also in the Zoological Record a reference to Arnoglossus _ soleiformis Malm, Goteborg. Mus., Arsskr., ili,1881, 24. We have not seen the original description of the fish briefly noticed in this paper, and know nothing of the species thus named. We have also provis- ionally placed in Arnoglossus two American species which we have not seen. These have been referred by their describers to other genera, Hemirhombus and @itharichthys ; but as both have uniserial teeth and an arched lateral line, they would belong technically to Arnoglossus rather than to either of these groups. But the one (jfimbriatus) differs from Arnoglossus in the small scales and tubercular gill-rakers, while the other has small, firm, strongly ctenoid scales, nothing being said of its gill-rakers. Possibly the two should constitute one or two additional genera between Arnoglossus and Azevia; but we do not wish to attempt to define these groups without having seen any of their species. Bleeker has questioned the propriety of distinguishing Arnoglossus from Platophrys, as the broad interorbital characteristic of Platophrys is subject to much variation. As the two genera differ also in various other respects of form, dentition, squamation, &c., we think it best to keep them separate. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF ARNOGLOSSUS. a. Mouth small, the maxillary reaching front of pupil, its length about 3 in head; scales rather large, thin, and caducous, weakly ctenoid ; 40 to 60 in the lat- eral line; gill-rakers slender. (Arnoglossus. ) b. [Dorsal fin with four anterior rays produced. D. 95, A.77, lat. 1.60. Maxillary 31 in head; interorbital space a very narrow, sharp ridge. Depth 23 in length. Color uniformyerayishee (Gunther). 2. soos esos oe 2 = sae LOPHOTES, 31. bb. Dorsal fin with its second ray much produced, nearly as long as head; body rather deep, the depth 24 in length; maxillary about reaching front of pu- pil, 3 in head; eye large, 4 in head; interorbital space not very narrow, with a median groove; D. 80 to 90 (83 in specimens examined), A. 60 to 67 (63 in our specimens) ; lat. 1. about 55. Curve of lateral line 34 in straight part; gill-rakers slender and weak, X-+-6. Vertebre 10+-28—38. Color dark brown, with darker markings; fins spotted ....-......-..-.--.---.GROHMANNI, 382. 260 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [86] aa. Mouth larger, the maxillary reaching middle of eye, its length 2} to 22 in head; none of the dorsal rays much produced; body more elongate, the depth 23 in length. Dorsal rays 86 to 90; anal rays 67 to 70; Lat. 1. about 50. ce. [Maxillary nearly 3 in head; color grayish, dotted with brown. } CONSPERSUS, 33. ce. Maxillary 24 in head; eye large, 4 in head, the interorbital space very nar- now, without median groove; curve of lateral line 3% in straight part; gill- rakers slender and weak, about X+7 in number; vertebra 10-+-28—38; color nearly uniform translucent grayish...........-.-------. e+e. LATERNA, 34, aaa. Mouth very large, the maxillary about half length of head; scales small, 65 to 70 in the lateral line; species of uncertain position. d. [Scales cycloid ; mouth very large, the maxillary half length of head; teeth uniserial, those in front of jaws larger, those below largest; some of the teeth depressible; eye 5 in head,.the interorbital ridge low, about one-fourth width of eye; gill-rakers tubercular, X+-9; anterior nostril with a filament oné-third length of snout; first ray of dorsal longer than second; lateral line with a slight arch, its length 34 in the straight portion, none of the dorsal rays pro- duced ; head 3}; depth nearly 2; D.80; A. 60; Lat.1. 70; color grayish-brown; the dorsal and anal fins each with two roundish dark blotches on their pos- terior half, each larger than the eye ; a similar dark blotch on base of caudal; pectoral with a dark band at base, its outer half marked with a dark blotch, which is reticulated and mottled with lighter; the intervening part of the fin pearly white, with dark specks onthe rays] (Goode §: Bean) . .. FIMBRIATUS, 35. dd. [Scales strongly ctenoid, firmly fixed; lateral line with the ‘‘curved portion bold and sharply defined”; eye large, 3} in head, about eight times the di- ameter of the interorbital space, which is very narrow and scaleless; maxil- lary nearly half length of head; dorsal fin beginning on the blind side, before the eyes; pectoral about as long as head; caudal fin subsessile; ventral of eyed side enlarged in the male, its length 34in body, about three times length of right ventral; head 4; depth 24; D. 93; A. 73; Lat. 1. 66 (20-+-46); color light brownish-gray; a dark blotch as long as eye on anterier rays of anal; another paler at end of curve of lateral line; a few obscure dusky blotches elsewhere on body) (Goode:g; Bean) 320 05s 2 toe eeceeieseee VENTRALIS, 36. 31. ARNOGLOSSUS LOPHOTES. ? Bothus imperialis Rafinesque, Caratteri, 1810, 23 (Palermo). Arnoglossus lophotes' Giinther, iv, 417, 1862 (European, probably British). Habitat.—Mediterranean Sea.. b We do not know the species called Arnoglossus lophotes. In fact only the original types, dried skins from unknown locality, seem to be known as yet. Among the Mediterranean fishes, this.one approaches most nearly to the description given by Rafinesque of his Bothus imperialis. The name imperialis should therefore perhaps be adopted in place of lophotes, According to Doderlein, the ‘“‘ Tappa or Linguata Impiriali” of the Sicilian fishermen is Arnoglossus bosci. This, according to Day, would be Lepidorhombus whiff-iagonis, but Rafinesque’s description _ cannot well be applied to the latter species. The’following is a trans- lation of Rafinesque’s description : “ Bothus imperialis.—Almost three times longer than broad, dorsal fin beginning before the eyes; lateral line arched at the base; left side smooth olive, clouded with dusky; right side white’; tail even. - It is [37] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 261 called Tappa Impiriali or Linguata Impiriali. it is still better than the Linguata to eat. It is rarely taken, because it lives on the sandy or muddy bottoms of the sea, where it creeps under the sand or the mud. It is very distinct from the preceding (B. tappa) being larger; it has the following numbers of fin-rays, that is, dorsal nearly 100; anal nearly 80; ventrals 8; pectorals 12; caudal 15.” According to Day, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1852, 748, pl. 53, as quoted in the Zoological Record for 1882, this Arnoglossus lophotes.is identical with Arnoglossus grohmannt. If so the latter species may have been the original Arnoglossus imperialis. 32. ARNOGLOSSUS GROHMANNI. ?? Bothus imperialis Rafinesque, Caratteri di aleuni nuovi generi e specie, 1810, 23 (Palermo). 2 Pleuronectes grohmanni Bonaparte, Fauna Ital., Pesci, 1837. Arnoglossus grohmanni Giinther, Cat. Fish., iv, 417, 1862. (Mediterranean.) Steindach- ner, Ichthyol. Bericht. Akad. Wissen. Wien, 1868, Sechste Fortzetzung, p. 50. (Barcelona, Cadiz, Malaga.) This small flounder seems to be rather common in the Mediterranean. It reaches a larger size than A. laterna, and it is less transparent than the latter. The numerous specimens examined by us were collected by Dr. Jordan at Venice. 33. ARNOGLOSSUS CONSPERSUS. Arnoglossus conspersus Canestrini, “Archiv Zool., i, 10, tav. 1, f. 2, 1861.” Giinther, iv, 416 (copied). Steindachner, Ichthyol. Bericht. Akad. Wissen. Wien, 1868, Sechste Fortzetzung, p. 50 (Malaga). Vinciguerra, Risultate Ittiol. del Violante, 1883, 104 (Genoa). Habitat.—Mediterranean Sea. We have not seen this species, and regard it as distinct from Arno- glossus laterna, chiefly because it is so considered ‘by Dr. Steindachner. Dr. Vinciguerra gives a comparison of the two species, thinking them very doubtfully distinct, but without reaching a positive conclusion. 34. ARNOGLOSSUS LATERNA. (THE SCALD-FISH. ) Arnoglossus (Perpeire) Rondelet, De Piscibus, xi, ec. 14, 324, 1554. Pleuronectes laterna Walbaum, Artedi Piscium, 204, 1792 (after Rondelet). Arnoglossus laterna Giinther, Cat. Fish., iv, 415, 1862. (Cannes, Broxham, Plymouth.) Steindachner, Ichthyol. Bericht. Akad. Wissen. Wien, 1868, Sechste Fori- setzung, p.50. (Barcelona, Alicante, Malaga.) Day, Brit. Fishes, vol. ii, p. 22, plate xcix, fig. 2. Pleuronectes arnoglossus Bloch and Schneider, 1801, p. 157. Pleuronectes diaphanus Shaw, Gen’l Zool., iv, 309, 1803. Pleuronectes casurus Pennant, “ Brit. Zool., 1812, iii, 825, pl. 53.” Pleuronectes leotardi Risso, Ichth. Nice, 318, 1810.- ? Bothus tappa Rafinesque, Caratteri, 1810, 23 (Palermo). 262 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [38] Solea arnoglossa Rafinesque, Indice, 1810, 52 (after Perpeire of Rondelet). Rhombus nudus Risso, Hur. Mérid., ili, 251, 1826. Pleuronectes pellucidus Nardo, Ichth. Adriat., 134, 1824. Habitat.—Coasts of Southern Europe, north to England. This small flounder reaches a length of about six inches. It is com- mon in the Mediterranean and as far north as the English coast. Our specimens were collected by Dr. Jordan in Venice. 35. ARNOGLOSSUS(?) PIMBRIATUS. Hemirhombus fimbriatus Goode & Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1885, 591. (Deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico.) Habitat.—Deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico. We know this species from the original description only. As the authors of the species say that ‘“‘the teeth are uniserial in both jaws” we are unable to see why they have placed it in Hemirhombus. So far as the description goes it agrees better with Arnoglossus, in which genus we have provisionally placed it. But the gill-rakers in jimbria- tus are said to be tubercular, as in Azevia, while-those of Arnoglossus are slender. The proper position of the species is therefore uncertain. 36. ARNOGLOSSUS (?) VENTRALIS. - Citharichthys ventralis Goode & Bean, Proc..U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1885, 592. (Deep waters of Gulf of Mexico.) Habitat.—Deep waters of Gulf of Mexico. We know this species from the original description only. It is cer- tainly not a Citharichthys. Among the known genera it seems to come nearest Arnoglossus or to Lepidorhombus, but the latter genus has a ped- unculate caudal and teeth on the romer, while the former has cycloid or scarcely ctenoid deciduous scales. Genus X VII.—PLATOPHRYS. Solea Rafinesque, Indice di Ittiologia Siciliana, 1810, 52 (rhomboide) (not of Quensel, 1806). Platophrys Swainson, Nat. Hist. Class’n Fishes, iy 1839, 302 (ocellatus). Peloria Cocco, Intorno ad Alcuni Pesci del mar di Messina, Giorn. del Gabin., 1844, pp. 21-30, Lettere di Messina (heckeli, a larval form of P. podas) (not Pe- lorus of Montfort, 1808). ? Coccolus* (Bonaparte) Cocco, 1. c. (annectens : larval form—probably of P. podas, with the right eye in transitu to the left side). Bothus Bonaparte, Catologo Metodico, 1846, 49 (podas) (not of Rafinesque). Rhomboidichthys Bleeker, Act. Soc. Sci. Indo-Nederl. Manad. & Makassar, 67 (myri- aster), 18578. Platophrys Bleeker, Comptes Rendus Acad. Sci. Amsterd., 1862, xiii Plewron, 5 (ocel- latus). * “Parvus mole et pleuronectiformis, medius inter Pleuronectidas et Bibroniinos hic piscis videtur! Attamen dum illi oculos unilaterales habeant, iste vero bilater- ales; in hoc novo genere oculi, alter a latere, altere in vertico vix ad appositum latus convenus positi sunt.” (Bonaparte: quoted by Facciola, Su di Aleuni Rari Pleuronettidi. ) on ge [39] | FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 263 TYPE: Rhombus ocellatus Agassiz. This well-marked genus is widely diffused im the warm seas. The sexual differences are greater than usual among flounders, and the dif- ferent sexes have often been taken for different species. As a rule, in the males the pectoral fin of the left side is much prolonged, the inter- orbital area is much widened and very concave, and there are some tubercles about the snout and lower eye. The young fishes, as is usually the case, resemble the adult females. This genus has been generally called Rhomboidichthys, but the appropriate name, Platophrys, is earlier, as Bleeker bas already noticed. Lately Dr. Emery has shown that the larval flounder, known n as Peloria heckelt, is in all probability the young of Pleuronectes podas. The generic name Coccolus, based on forms slightly more mature than those called Peloria, probably belongs here also. We have seen no larval forms so young as those which have been described as Peloria heckeli. We have, however, examined smail trans- parent flounders, one with the eyes quite symmetrical, taken in the Gulf Stream, and another with the eyes on the left side, taken at Key West. Both these may be larvee of Platophrys oceliatus. The figures published by Emery seem to make it almost certain that the corresponding Euro- pean forms belong to P. podas, although some doubt as to this is ex- pressed by Facciola. The species of Platophrys are widely distributed through the warm seas, no tropical waters being wholly without them. The group called Engyprosopon seems to be worthy of generic distinction from Platophrys, as its scales are large and rough ctenoid. All the known species of Engyprosopon are Asiatic. All the species of Platophrys are extremely closely related and can be distinguished with difficulty. On the other hand the variations due to differences of age and sex are greater than in any other of our_ genera. A species apparently belonging to Platophrys has been scantily de- seribed by Schneider (Systema Ichthyologia, 1801, 156) under the name of Pleuronectes surinamensis. His types were small, smooth individu- als (“exampla satis parva et glabra”), with the fins scaly, the mouth small, the lateral line arched in front, and the dorsal rays 96, the anal rays 55. These may be the young of any of the West Indian species, possibly of P. lunatus or ocellatus. The following analysis of the species of Platophrys will doubtless be found tobe very unsatisfactory. There are certainly three species (podas, maculifer, and lunatus) which are known to be distinct in their adult state. The young forms of maculifer and lunatus are not well known, nor is it known how they differ from ocellatus, spinosus, and other species which presumably reach a smaller size. Only a thorough study of the species, in all stages of development, in their native waters can give us the characters by which the species can be really discriminated. 264 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [40] ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF PLATOPHRYS. a. Anal rays—at least anteriorly—each with a spinule at base (these are formed by a slight widening of the tip of the interhiemal spines, each being coy- ered by a little rough scale); front of dorsal with similar projections. b. Color brownish, more or less marked with spots of light blue and brownish, which are usually edged with darker, these usually arranged in rings ; a large black blotch on the lateral line; mouth small, the maxillary 4 in head; interorbital width ranging with age and sex from 23 to 44 in head; snout short, scarcely forming a re-entrant angle at its base; an angle opposite upper eye; depth 14 in length, D. 85 to 91, A. 70. PopDAS, 37. bb. Color brown, covered with pale rounded spots; fins dotted with brown; a faint dark spot at first third of lateral line; snout with horny points; mouth small, the maxillary reaching front of eye. Eyes very wide apart, 23 in head ; the interorbital space 13 in head; pectoral fin short ; curve of lateral line5instraight part. Depth 1%in length. D. about 74; anal about 57. Scales about 80. (Described from specimens 4} inches long, which have been partly dried before being placed in al- cohol) isn gee tee se a Secnccoweee een ee eps a= 2 SPINOSUS, 38. aa, Anal rays without spinules at their base. ce. Anterior profile of head convex before the interorbital area, the very short snout scarcely forming a re-entrant angle at its base; form elliptic- ovate, the outlines more regular than in Pl. lwnatus. d. Dorsal rays 85 to 95. e. Seales not very small, about 75 pores in the lateral line. (No blue mark- ings, at least in young specimens. ) jf. Mouth small, the maxillary 3 in head; no spines about the snout; eye 34 in length; interorbital width 3 in head (in types); pectoral short; curve of lateral line 6 times in straight part; color dark brown, with numerous stellate white spots, the most distinct of them with darker edgings; these generally scattered over the body, but some of them on sides of body are gathered together in little rings. (Perhaps these spots are blue rather than white in life.) Fins mottled with dark brown, the pectoral finely barred. Head 4in length; depth14; D. 89, A. 65, scales 75. Specimens examined, 34 inches long..CONSTELLATUS, 39. J. Mouth smaller, the maxillary 3? in head; eye 3} in head; interorbital space 23; teeth small, biserial above ; arch of lateral line 2 in head. Head 4 in length; deptli lj. D. 85 to 90. A. 64 to 67. Lat. 1. 72 to 78. Color light grayish, tinged with reddish, with small round spots of darker gray, and with lighterrings inclosing spacesof the ground color ; vertical fins, similarly colored, with a small black spot at base of each 9th or 10th ray; two black spots on lateral line; some other black spots on body and on caudal fin. Vertebre, 37....-.-. OcELLaTUS, 40. ee. Seales smaller, 90 to 95 pores in the lateral line. Mouth small, oblique, the maxillary 3; in head; teeth in both jaws in two irregular series; arch of lateral line 2? in head. Head 4; depth 13. D.90 to 95. MICRURUM, 47. ce. Color light brown, with grayish and ete bluish dots, some darker areas and a few round brown spots ocellated with lighter; intcrorbital space with a vertical brown bar bordered by lighter ; fins mottled and spotted ; interorbital space in adult male broader than eye ; insertion of dorsal on blind side oe head ; pectoral fins in males about 3 in body; head, 4 in length; copes peel 92, A. 72, Lat. 1. 60; gill-rakers short and broad, X +.7; maxillary 2} in head, its Pipmmraea terry: Nace wee oa ae OSL S shee ee Soeegae LATIFRONS, 48. ece. Color light olive-brown, nearly uniform, the vertical fins with elongate dark spots; eyes 43 in head, the lower slightly advanced ; interorbital space very narrow, as broad as pupil (in both sexes?), somewhat concave; maxillary 24¢ in head; pectoral 13 in head; head 3/ in length; depth 2}; D.86, A. 69, Lat. Ly Bet EC GE Hes Rei ae ep erie aie at aia ie a RO a Plate ge SO OVALE, 49. 45. SYACIUM CORNUTUM. Rhomboidichthys cornutus Giinther, Shore Fishes Challenger, 1880, 7, pl. Habitat—Coast of Brazil, in deep water. This species is known from Giinther’s description and figure. In very young examples the conspicuous processes about the head are undeveloped. 46. SYACIUM PAPILLOSUM. Aramaca Maregrave, Hist. Brasil., 1648, 181. Pleuronectes papillosus Linneus, See Nat., x, 271, 1758 (based on Marcgrave), and of the earlier copyists. Aramaca papillosa Jordan, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1886, 602 (synonymy confused with _ S. micrurum). ? Pleuronectes macrolepidotus Bloch, Ausliindische Fische, vi, 25, tab. 190, 1787 (and of some copyists) {apparently based on Marcgrave). Pleuronectes aramaca Donndorf, Beytriige zur xiii Ausgabe des Linnischen Natur- systems, 1798, 386 (after Marcgrave). Thombus aramaca Cuvier, Régne Animal, ed. ii, 1827 (after Marcgrave). Citharichthys aramaca Jordan and Gilbert, Synopsis Fish., N.A., 1882, 816. (Pensacola. ) Thombus soleeformis Agassiz, Spix Pisce. Brasil., 86, tab. 47, 1829. (Atlantic Ocean. ) Hemirhombus solewformis Giinther, Cat. Fish., iv, 423, 1862. (Copied.) Aramaca soleeformis Jordan, Proc, U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1886, oY » 270 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [46] Hippoglossus intermedius Ranzani, Novis Speciebus Piscium Dissertatio Secundo, 1840, 14, pl. 4. (Brazil.) Hemirhombus patulus Bean MSS, Jordan and Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1882, p. 304. (Pensacola.) Goode and Bean, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1882, p. 414. (Pensacola.) Bean, Cat. Col. Fish U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1883, p. 45. (Pensa- cola. ) Citharichthys petulus Jordan and Gilbert, Syn. Fish. N. A., p. 964, 1882, addenda. Jordan, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1884, p. 38. (Pensacola.) Hubitat.—West Indian fauna. Charleston to Rio Janeiro. Of the species found in the deep waters about Pensacola and ealled by Dr. Bean Hemirhombus petulus wehavenumerous specimens. Lately we have received from Mr. Charles C. Leslie, of Charleston, a specimen which shows its presence also in Carolina waters. It has not yet been recorded from Cuba, but in the Museum of Comparative Zoology is a specimen (26104) taken by Mr. Samuel Garman at Kingston, Saint Vin- cent. But its range extends much farther to the southward, for among the collections made by Professor Agassiz at Rio Janeiro there are many specimens (11375, 4666), the largest about a foot long. These seem to be completely identical with Florida examples, differing only in having the blind side pale, it being usually partly blackish in northern examples. These Brazilian specimens agree very closely with the figure of Rhombus soleeformis, except that Agassiz has represented that species as having a dusky blotch at the shoulder. No such marking is appar- ent in any of our specimens. The coloration and the breadth of the in- terorbital both render it unlikely that Agassiz’s solewformis could have been micrurum. The Aramaca of Maregrave, which is the sole basis of Pleuronectes papillosus, Pleuronectes macrolepidotus, and Rhombus ar amaca, cannot well be any known species other than the present one. According to Marcgrave’s rude figure and his description, this species has the form of a sole, the eyes wide apart, the left pectoral produced, the mouth very large, the body oblong, and the coloration stone-like (sand-color) on the left side and white on the eyed side. Mierwrum is not colored in that way, and its eyes are not noticeably far apart. We therefore adopt for this species the oldest name of Syactum papillosum. : The species is common in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and reaches a length of more than a foot. 47. SYACIUM MICRURUM. Syacium micrurum Ranzani, Noy. Spec. Pisce. Diss. Sec., 1840, 20, pl. 5. ( Brazil.) Hippoglossus ocellatus Poey, Memorias, ii, 314, 1860. (Cuba.) Hemirhombus ocellatus Poey, Synopsis, 407, 1868. Poey, Enumeratio, 138, 1875. Citharichthys ocellatus Jordan and Gilbert, Syn. Fish. N. A., 964, 1882. (Key West.) Jordan, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1884, 143. (Key West.) ‘Hemirhombus aramaca Giinther, iv, 42, 1862. (Cuba; Jamaica.) (Not Rhombus ara- maca Cuvier.) mul Citharichthys wthalion Jordan, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1886, 52. (Havana. ) Hemirhombus ethalion Jordan, Proc. U. 8S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 602. [47] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 271 Habitat.—West Indian fauna. Key West to Rio Janeiro. We have found in the Museum of Comparative Zoology specimens purporting to be the types of Hemirhombus ocellatus Poey (No. 11144; Poey’s number, 88). These are female specimens, and they differ from the types of Hemirhombus ethalion, also from Cuba, only in their greater size. Numerous specimens (11373) from Rio Janeiro belong to the same species. Among these are males, which have the interorbital space much broader than in the types of ocellatus and ethalion. Besides these specimens, we have examined others from Hayti, Cuba, and Key West, and there can be no reasonable doubt of their identity, and that all are identical with Giinther’s Hemirhombus aramaca.. This fish is described and fairly well figured by Ranzani under the name of Syacium micrurum. It is the type of his genus Syacium, a - generic name which, strangely enough, has received no notice from subsequent authors until the present time. 48. SYACIUM LATIFRONS. Citharichthys latifrons Jordan and Gilbert, Bull. U. 8. Fish Comm., 1881, 334. (Pan- ama.) Habitat.—Pacific coast of tropical America. Panama. This species is known only from the original types, taken by Pro- fessor Gilbert at Panama. The several variations 1n this species have not been studied. 49. SYACIUM OVALE. Hemirhombus ovalis Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc., 1864, p. 154. Giinther, Fish. Central America, p. 472, 1869, plate Ixxx, fig. 1. (Panama.:) Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U.S. Fish Com., 1882, p. 108-111. (Mazatlan; Panama.) Citharichthys ovalis Jordan, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1885; 391. (Mazatlan; Panama.) Habitat.—Pacific coast of tropical America: Mazatlan to Panama. This well-marked species has been well figured by Dr. Giinther, from whose account our analysis has been taken. Numerous specimens bave been collected at Mazatlan and Panama by Dr. Gilbert. The sexual changes in this species have not been reported. Genus XX.—AZEVIA. Azevia Jordan (genus novum). (Panamensis.) TYPE: Citharichthys panamensis Steindachner. This genus is proposed to include a single species hitherto referred to Citharichthys, but distinguished by its tubercular gill-rakers, as also by its small, firm scales, and other characters of minor importance. A second species of this genus was obtained by Professor Gilbert at Mazatlan, and at first recorded by us under the name of Citharicthys panamensis. The specimens have, however, all been destroyed by fire. The name Azevia is a Portuguese name for the sole, used at Lisbon, according to Brito-Capello. It probably corresponds to the Cuban name Acedia. 272 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [48] ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF AZEVIA. a. Scales quite small, about 75 in the lateral line, ctenoid, and adherent. Body rather elongate. Mouth large, the maxillary about half length of head, the upper jaw somewhat booked over the lower; about three front teeth in upper jaw, enlarged and hook-shaped ; canines strong. Anterior profile gently and evenly convex. Eyes large. Pectoral 1iin head. Head4inlength; depth 2j. D.95o0r96, A. 76 to78. Scales 73 to 78. Vertebrie 33. Gill-rakers tubercle-like, broader than high. Color brownish, sprinkled with dark dots, and with some whitish rings; large vaguely-defined oval spots on head and body ; dorsal with five or six, anal WitGebhree) Garis’ SPOUd. (clea seen tes elem natn ies eile fenton ee PANAMENSIS, 50. 50. AZEVIA PANAMENSIS. Citharichthys panamensis Steindachner, Ichth. Beitr., iii, 62, 1875. (Panama.) Jor- dan & Gilbert, Bull. U.S. Fish Com., 1882, 108 and 111. (Panama.) Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Fish Com., 1882, p. 112. (Punta Arenas.) Fabitat.—Pacific coast of Central America. Our description of this species is taken from the specimens from Pan- ama in the museum at Cambridge, a part of the series of Dr. Steindach- ner’s original types. The species is apparently not uncommon on the west coast of Central America. Genus XXI.—CITHARICHTHYS. Citharichthys Bleeker, Comptes Rendus Acad. Sci. Amsterd., xiii, Pleuron, 6, 1862, (Cayennensis = Spilopterus. ) Orthopsetta Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 330. (Sordidus.) Metoponops Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1864, 198. (Cooperi=Sordidus.) TypPE: Oitharichthys cayennensis Bleeker=Citharichthys spilopterus Giinther. This genus includes small flounders of weak organization, especially characteristic of the sandy shores of tropical America. 'The subgenus Orthopsetta includes species of more northern range and somewhat dif- ferent in form, and especially noteworthy as having an increased num- ber of vertebre. We are not certain that Citharichthys has priority over Orthopsetta, the two having the same ostensible date. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF CITHARICHTHYS, a. Vertebrx about 40; interorbital ridge sharply elevated; the head not closely com- pressed ; eyes large. (Orthopsetta Gill.) b. Dorsal rays 95; anal rays 77; lateral line 65 to 70; head 3} in length; depth 24; eyes large, 34 in head, the interocular space scaly, concave, 4 in eye; a sharp elevated ridge bounding the lower eye ; mouth not large; the maxillary 3 in head; teeth sharp, subequal anteriorly , smaller behind; lower pharyngeals narrow, each with a row of slender teeth; gill-rakers slender, close-set, 7-+--14; scales large, thin, deciduous, slightly ciliate; numerous accessory scales pres- ent; pectorals long, 14 in head; flesh soft. Color dull olive- brownish, the males with spots and blotches of dull orange, the dor- sal and anal blackish, similarly mottled with dull orange; females paler, nearly plain. Vertebriw, 11 -+- 29—=40-........SORDIDUS, 51. A et OR [49 ] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 273 bb. Dorsal rays 85 to 90; anal 68 to 72; lat.1. 55 to 60; head 32 in length; depth 24; eyes large, separated by a sharp, scaleless ridge ; maxillary 2% in head; teeth slender, rather long; gill-rakers share rather slender; pectoral 12 in head; color olivaceous, the scales edged with darker; fins dusky; a small ink-like spot on the middle of each seventh to tenth ray of each of the vertical fins. ....STIGMUS, 52. aa. Vertebre 33 to 36; interorbital ridge low and narrow, the head closely com- pressed (Citharichthys). c. Eyes large, 3 to 44 times in the head. d. [Head large, 3} in length; pectoral of left side elongate, one-third longer than head; maxillary 24 in head; ‘‘lateral line slightly curved over the pectoral”; scales thin, deciduous, cycloid ; eye 341n head, five times interorbital space, which is a rather prominent narrow sharp ridge; a strong spine on the snout over the upper lip, above this another shorter spine ; caudal fin subsessile ; head, 34; depth, 24; D. 91; A. 73; Lat.1. 48. Color grayish-brown.] (Goode § IBPAINO) We cmc ies Bret ne Sei ie SES a ae pes a ae eA to a DINOCEROS, 53. dd. Head smaller, about 4 in length. - e. Body comparatively elongate, the depth about 24 in length; mouth very small; the maxillary 34 in head; teeth very small, the anterior scarcely enlarged; eyes large, 4 in head, separated by a very nar- row, sharp scaleless ridge, one-sixth diameter of the eye; snout with a small blunt spine; rays of vertical fins all exserted; left pectoral twice length of right. Head, 4 in length; depth, 24; D. 83; A. 67; Lat.1. 40. Color light brown -...---.. ARCTIFRONS, 54. ee. Body comparatively broad, the depth about half the length ; mouth larger, f. [Snout with a strong sharp spine on eyed side, above upper lip. Eyes ‘large, 3 in head; greatest depth of body over the pectorals ; inter- orbital space with a wide ridge, about half diameter of eye; teeth ininute, close-set, stronger on blind side; body extremely thin; D. 73 to 75, A. 60, Lat. 1.40. Ashy gray, with dark lateral line. Deep-water species with loose scales.] (Goode) -.--UNICORNIS, 55 ff. Suout without distinct spine. Eyes moderate, 34 to 44 in head; great- est depth of body under middle of dorsal; interorbital space a nar- row, scaly ridge with aslight median groove ; maxillary 2} in head; teeth small, those in front slightly enlarged ; body not very thin; gill-rakers moderate, 6-++ 13. g. Dorsal rays .80; anal 56; scales large, cycloid ; no accessory scales ; head 4 in length; depth 2; D.80,A.56, Lat.1.41. Vertebrie 9+ 2534. Eye 32'in head. Gain light slivedbrawst with some 20 dark brown spots, the largest about as large as eye; four of these spots arranged at equal intervals along the lateral line, the second being most prominent ; dorsal and anal with round dark spots, one on the middle of each sixth to seventh ray, besides smaller, irregu- lar spots and mottlings; caudal spotted; two brown spots, one above the other, at base of caudal; shallow-water species. Macrops, 56. 99. Dersal rays 68; anal 52; scales smaller, the lateral line with about 53 pores ; quilts eooalaely oval, without angle ; eyes moderate, 44 in” head, close together, the orbital ridges Coaleseens: the lower fear Teeth small, uniserial; maxillary 2+ in head; gill-rakers short and very slender, X-+-12. Color dark brown, with whitish blotches, the fins MOthletlees es sc oe eee ctlnins bees nee ZACHIRUS, 91. 90. GLYPTOCEPHALUS CYNOGLOSSUS. (THE CRAIG FLUKE.) [Plate XIX.] Pleuronectes, sp., Gronow, Museum Ichthyol., 1, iv, 39, &c. (Belgium.) Pleuronectes cynoglossus Liuneus, Syst. Nat., ed. x, 1758, 269 (after Gronow). Giin- ther, iv, 449. Day, Fishes Great Britain, ii, 30, pl. 103. (Lofoten, Finmark) (and of European writers generally.) Glyptocephalus cynoglossus Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 360, 1873. Goode & Bean, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1875, p. 21. (Salems Mass.; Halifax; La Have Bank; Bedford Basin, Halifax ; Eastport, Me.) Goode, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. : ‘1880, 337. (Deep sea, eh coast New England.) Goode, Proc. U. S. Nat. hicks 1280, p. 475. (Deep sea, New England coast.) Collett, Norske Nord-Havs el 1880, p.150. (Lofoten; Tana Fjord, Finmark.) Goode & Bean, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zoology, xix, 1883, 195. (Station 343.) Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. N. A., 1882, 838. Goode, Nat. Hist. Aquat. Anim., 1884, Solea cynoglossa Rafinesque, Indios di Ittiologia Siciliana, 1810, 53 (based on the ; Pole or Cynoglossum of Rondelet). Platessa pola Cuvier (Régne Animal, 1817). Lacépéde, Hist. Nat., Poiss., edition of 1832, vi, 50, and of several Rie feed Pleuronectes saxicola Faber, ‘‘ Tidsskr. f. Natury., 5 B., 244, 1828.” Glyptocephalus saxicola Gottsche, Wiegmann’s Archiy, 1835, 156. Platessa saxicola Kroyer, ‘‘ Danmark’s Fiske, 1843, 338.” [77] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 301 Pleuronectes nigromanus Nilsson, ‘‘ Prodr. Ichth., Scand., 1832, 55.” Platessa elongata Yarrell, ‘‘ Supplement Brit. Fish., 1839.” Pleuronectes elongatus Giinther, iv, 450 (copied). Glyptocephalus elongatus Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1873, 362. Glyptocephalus acadianus Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1873, 360 (Nova Scotia). Habitat.—North Atlantic, chiefly in deep water, south to Cape Cod and France. This species is found in rather deep water on sandy bottoms. It _reaches a length of 12 to 18 inches. It is considered’a fair food-fish. The nominal species, acadianus and elongatus, have been shown by Goode and Bean to be identical with cynoglossus. Beyond this the synonymy needs no special remarks. : This flounder has been taken in great numbers with the beam trawl in deep water off our New England coast. It is pronounced by the U. S. Fish Commission to be not inferior as a food-fish to the European sole. 91. GLYPTOCEPHALUS ZACHIRUS. Glyptocephalus zachirus Lockington, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1879, p. 88 (San Francisco), Lockington, Rep. Com. Fisheries California, 1878-79, p. 42 (off Point Reyes). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1880, p.453 (San Francisco; Mon- terey Bay). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1881, p. 68 (San Fran- cisco; Monterey). Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. N. A., 1882, p. 838. Jordan, Nat. Hist. Aquat. Anim., 1884, 1838 (deep waters about San Francisco), Habitat.—Deep waters of the Northern Pacific; thus far known only from about San Francisco. This species is a thin, dry flounder, reaching a length of something over a foot. It is taken in the sweep-nets in deep water about San Francisco, and thus far has been known from uo other locality. It is readily known by its long pectoral fin. Genus XXXIX.—SOLEA. Solea Klein, Pisces (non-binomial). Solea Quensel, Vet. Akad. Handl., 1806, 230 (solea). Pegusa Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., 1862. iv, 462 (aurantiaca). TYPE: Solea vulgaris Quensel= Pleuronectes solea L. As now understood by us, this genus includes some six or seven species of soles, most of them belonging to the European fauna. The genus is distinguished especially in the group to which it belongs by the elongate body, this elongation being connected with a much increased number of vertebrae. The soles of this genus are the only ones having much value as food. They reach a considerably larger size than any others of the species found in America or Europe, and as food-fishes they are especially excellent. The European sole (Solea solea) is the most highly esteemed of them all. _ The subgenus Pegusa cannot well be separated from the true soles, as Solea klein is intermediate between the two groups. In the waters of the East Indies the related genus Pardachirus Giin- ther (= Achirus Kaup, not Cuvier) takes the place of Solea. Its species 302 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [75] are destitute of pectoral fins. There is a conspicuous pore at the base of each ray of the dorsal and anal, and on the blind side there is an ac- cessory half lateral line. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF SOLEA. . Nostril of blind side simple, not forming a distinct tube, its edge scantily it - black spot on pectoral fin at its tip. (Solea.) hb, Pectoral of eyed side about one-third length of head, that of blind side a very little shorter; eyes well separated, the upper considerably in advance of . lower; scales small, ctenoid on both sides ; those of blind side of head with few fringes ; color dark brown, with darker mottlings, rarely plain brown, immaculate (var. cinerea); vertical fins with darker edgings; tip of pectoral jet black. D.73 to 80; A. 61 to 69; lat. 1. 140 to 150. Vertebras 9 + 40 = 49. Head;\3 infleneth 5 depth) abowt 4.322 5eee ose - 5. eee SoLEA, 92. bb. [Pectoral of eyed side less than one-third length of head, that of blind side similar; eyes well separated; scales small, ctenoid on both sides; color clear brown, thickly covered with pale and dark brown spots and dots; fins similarly spotted ; vertical fins without dark edgings; tip of pectoral black: D.80 to 92; A. 75 to 76; lat. 1.128 to 150. Head, 44 in length; depth, 22.'| (Steindaliner) on. cee 6 owen to ee eae CAPELLONIS, 93. bbb. [Pectoral of eyed side as long as snout to eye. Form elongate; lower jaw included ; teeth sharp, in three rows. Posterior nostril concealed; ante- rior in a short tube; color uniform blackish. D. 84. A.65. P.8 V.4 OS Na Naca 679 eMac er lh a bap Niet at BRASILIENSIS,* 04. aa. Nostril of blind side with its margih produced into a tube, which is more or less conspicuously fringed. (Pegusa Giinther.) ce. Seales of blind side cycloid; nasal tube moderate, its fringes few and short; scales of blind side of head with few fringes ;, pectoral fin with its black ocellus near the base, the fin short, that of the eyed side not one-third length of head. Eye rather large, the interorbital space moderate ; scales rather small, those on the blind side cycloid. Pectoral fin black at base, its tip and margin whitish; coloration of body subject to many varia- tions, usually gray, profusely dotted and speckled with black and whitish, sometimes very finely mottled and sometimes nearly plain; vertical fins broadly edged with black. Head, 43; depth, 33}. D.74 to 82; A. 59 to 64; lat. 1.100 to 110. Vertebra, 10 + 38=48 .-..-..-.-- ere KLEINI, 95. cc. Scales of left side of body ctenoid; nasal tube broad, well fringed, seales of eyed side with fringes ; black ocellus on pectoral near the tip of the fin. d. [Fringes of left nostril comparatively few, the margin of the nostril very dd. a « =~ broad; pectoral fin comparatively long, about 2} in head, the black ocellus on its posterior half; eye small, its diameter equal to the interorbital space ; scales small; color yellowish, marbled with round brownish blotches, and speckled with black. Head 5}; depth 23. Dorsal 81 to 89; anal 66 to 62. Lat. 1.117. Vertebrae 46.] (Giinther : Steindachner)....-. AURANTIACA, 96, Fringes of left nostril very numerous; longer than the diameter of the nasal tube. . Scales of lateral line 110 to 140, . [Dorsal rays 80 to 89; anal rays 61 to 68. Lat. 1.120 to 140. Pectoral fin 2to2}in head. Depth 3in length. Head 5. Color ashy gray with a dark brown point at the base of each scale; vertical fins with dark dots; pectoral with a large round black spot near its tip, this spot edged with paler an- te riorly. ] (Steindach MOM) eitinle co sare in nied inin's whe ote Sede ann RIT eee LASCARIS, 97. Tp, 96; ‘A. 84. Head 6 in length; depth 3; middle of. pectoral and end of caudal black, according to Agassiz. Posalbiy two species are confounded under this name. [79] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 303 Sf. (Dorsal rays 75 to 76; anal rays 59 to 61. Lat. 1. 112 to 118; pectoral fins about 24in head; depth 23. Head 44in length; color brown, with numer- ous obscure dusky cloudings; pectoral with a black ocellus in the middle of its posterior half.] (Steindachner: Giinther) .-.--..----. THEOPHILA, 98. ee. [Scales in lateral line 90 to 95; D. 83 or 84. A. 65. Head 54 in length; depth 3. Eye 5 in head, equal to interorbital width; nasal tube of left side long and much fringed; lips not fringed; blind side of head with many fringes; right pectoral} in head. Color grayish, very much mottled and spotted on body and fins; base of candal dark; pectoral black, edged Nepalese (CAME) ssc cn. s'sienn mea ane Smee clee acl sesma atte VARIOLOSA, 99. 92. SOLEA SOLEA. (THE COMMON SOLE.) [Plates XX and XXI.] Pleuronectes solea Linnzus, Systema Nature, ed. x, 1758, 270 (and of the earlier copyists). Rolea vulgaris Quensel, Vet. Akad. Handl., 1806, 230, and of nearly all later writers. Solea buglossa Rafinesque, Indice, 1810, 45. Solea cinerea Guichenot, Explor. hive Poiss., 1850, 106 (plain brown variety). Solea angulosa Kaup, Wiegmann’s Archiv, 1858,95. (Algiers; Rochelle) (= P. angu- lata, MSS. Paris Museum. ) Solea azevia Capello, Journ. Acad. Sci., Lisboa, i, 1867, 166, fig. 2 (plain brown va- riety). Solea vulgaris var. azevia Steindachner, Ichthyol. Berichte, vi, 1468, 54, with plate. Solea linnwi Malm, Bohusliins Fauna, 532 (about 1860). Habitat—All coasts of Europe, except the extreme north. This species is the famous sole of Europe, one of the most prized of all food-fishes. It abounds on almost all coasts of central and southern Kurope, preferring sandy or gravelly shores, and it is usually captured, according to Dr. Day, with the trawl. It usually reaches a length of 12 to 18 inches. ' No specimens of the European sole have yet been taken on the American coasts. Several attempts have been made by the United States Fish Commission to introduce the species into our waters, but thus far without evident success. The Solea azevia of Capello is considered by Steindachner to be an uuspotted variety of the common sole. The Solea cinerea, scantily de- scribed by Guichenot, seems to be the same form. Solea angulosa Kaup is said to have D.84; A.71; P.7; V.7-6; C. 19; the pectoral as long as the distance from its root to the lower eye. It may be a common sole, with the number of fiu-rays slightly increased. 93. SOLEA aS: Solea capellonis Steindachner, Ichthyol. Berichte, vi, 56, 1868 (with plate) (Gibral- tar; Dalmatia). Habitat.—Mediterranean Sea. This species is evidently very closely related to the commen sole, of which, it seems to us, it may be a mere local variety, with unusually ’ 304. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [80] variegated coloration. Steindachner, however, compares it with Solea Kleint, which it much resembles in color, but from which it differs in numerous respects. We have not seen the species. 94. SOLEA BRASILIENSIS. Solea brasiliensis (Cuvier Mss.) Agassiz, Spix Pisc. Brasil., 1829, 87 (Brazil). Kaup, Wiegmann’s Archiv, 1858, 95 (Montevideo). Habitat.—Coast of Brazil. We know this species only from the descriptions of Agassizand Kaup. These two accounts do not agree very well and may refer to different fishes. It would appear to be very close to the European sole. None of the collections from Brazil in the museum at Cambridge contain any species of Solea. 95. SOLEA KLBEINI. Rhombus kleinii Risso, ‘‘ Europe Méridionale, iii, 1826, 255.” Solea kleinii Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., 1862, iv, 464, and of numerous writers. Solea luctuosa Guichenot, Explor. Algérie, Poissons, 1850, 107. Habitat.—Mediterranean Sea. This species is subject to great variations in color, some of our speci- mens being excessively spotted, others almost plain. In all cases, how- ever, the coloration of the pectoral is distinctive. Our specimens are from Venice and from Palermo. 96.SOLEA AURANTIACA. (THE LEMON SOLE.) Solea aurantiaca Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iv, 13862, 467. Habitat.—Coasts of Europe, north to England. We have not seen this species. According to Dr. Day it is identical with Pleuronectes nasutus Pallas, and he regards both as the same as the original Pleuronectes lascaris Risso. Day therefore adopts for the Lemon Sole the name of Solea lascaris. Knowing none of these fishes from autopsy we can have no opinion of value in this matter, but it would seem to us that the Solea aurantiaca-of Giinther and also the Pl. lascaris of Risso correspond better to the species called lascaris in the present paper than to the Plewronectes nasutus of Pallas, which is the Solea theophila of this paper. 97. SOLEA LASCARIS. Pleuronectes lascaris Risso, Ichth. Nice, 1810, p. 311, tab. 7, f. 32. Solea lascaris Giinther, iv, 467. Steindachner, Ichth. Berichte, vi, 1868, 50. Rhombus polus Risso, ‘‘ Europe Méridionale, iii, 249,” 1826 (not Pleuronectes polus Cuvier). : Solea scriba Valenciennes, Webb & Berthelot, [les Canaries, Poissons, 84, pl. 18, f. 3. Habitat.—Mediterranean Sea. [81] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 305 We have not seen this species, and we take the above synonymy from Giinther. According to Dr. Day the name lascaris belongs to Solea aurantiaca. This species should stand in that case, perhaps, as Solea seriba. 98. SOLEA THEOPHILA. Pleuronectes theophilus Risso, Ichth. Nice, 1810, 313. Pleuronectes nasutus Pallas, Zoogr. aaa a lil, 1811, 427. Solea nasuta Steindachner, l. ¢., 58. Solea impar Bennett, Phos. Gama Soc. Zool., i, 147,” 1831. Giinther, iv, 468. Habitat.—Mediterranean Sea. We do not know this species. According to Dr. Day it is identical with Solea aurantiaca, and should receive the name of Solea lascaris. Notwithstanding the close relation of S. theophila and S. aurantiaca, it would seem that the two are different, as the number of fin- -TayS iS con- siderably smaller in the present species than in S. aurantiaca, or than in the species called by us S. lascaris. The Italian naturalists should be able to settle these questions of synonymy. Judging from the literature alone, these three species would appear to be valid. S. aurantiaca would seem to be distinguished by the little development of its nasal fringes, its fin-rays being ‘‘ D. 81 to 89; A. 66 to 68.” 8S. lascaris has the nostril with a wreath of fringes © and the fin-rays substantially similar, and S. theophila (=nasuta=impar) has the nostril well fringed and the fin-rays fewer; ‘‘D. 75 to 76; A. 59 to 61.” Risso says of his Solea lascaris that its soieal rays are 85, anal 68. This agrees with our S. lascaris, which is that of Giinther, and differs from our theophila, the impar of Giinther, with which Day has identi- fied Risso’s lascaris. Risso further says that his Solea theophila (named for M. Théophile Rainaut, of Sospello) has 75 dorsal and 64 anal rays. This corresponds with the Solea impar of Giinther, and as the name theophila has priority over impar we have adopted it. Possibly all three are forms of a single species, Solea lascaris Risso. 99. SOLEA VARIOLOSA. Solea variolosa Kner, Novara Fische, 1869, 289 (Rio Janeiro). Habitat.—Coast of Brazil. This species is known to us from the account given by Professor Kner. Genus XL.—_MONOCHIRUS. Monochirus Rafinesque, ‘‘Précis des Découvertes Somiologiques, 1814” (hispidus) (fide Bonaparte). Monochirus Cuvier, Régne Animal, ed. i, 1817 (microchirus.) (Not of Rafinesque.) Monochir Cuvier, Régne Animal, ed. ii, 1828 (microchir.) (Modified orthography of Monochirus.) S. Mis. 90——20 306 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [82] Monochirus Swainson, Nat. Hist, Class’n Fishes, ii, 1839, 303 (linguatula). Microchirus Bonaparte, Catalogo Metodico dei Pesci Europei, 1845~50 (after Swain- son: lingula). Buglossus Giinther, Cai. Fish. Brit. Mus., iv, 1862, 462 (variegata). Monochir Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iv, 1862, 462 (monochir). Quenselia Jordan, Subgenus noyum (ocellata). TypPE: Monochirus hispidus Rafinesque. This small group of European soles seems to be worthy of generic distinction from Solea, not so much from the reduction of the pectoral fins as on account of the reduced number of vertebre, which forms a step in the direction of the genus Achirus. The species are, however, much more nearly related to Solea than to Achirus. Three subgenerie groups are included under the head of Mon- ochirus as understood by us, and these might perhaps with no great impropriety be taken as distinct genera. We think it better, however, to place all together in one group, for which the name of Monochirus has‘priority. We have not seen the paper of Rafinesque in which this name is said to occur, but have taken our quotation from Bonaparte. For the second subgenus, the same name, Monochirus, was proposed by Cuvier, but this is antedated by Monochirus of Rafinesque. The name Microchirus given by Bonaparte to the same group has priority over Giinther’s name Buglossus. For the third group, we have suggested the new name Quenselia in honor of the Swedish naturalist who first sep- arated the soles generically from the flounders. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF MONOCHIRUS. a. Veriebree 37 to 40; scales normal, strongly ctenoid. b. Pectoral of both sides well developed, that of the eyed side not quite half head, that of blind side not quite a third; vertebra 37. (Quenselia Jordan.) c. Interorbital space very narrow, the eyelids thick, covered with rough scales; blind side of head with conspicuous fringes; scales sub-villous, the spin- ules conspicuous, though less so than in Monochirus hispidus; color dark gray, with some vague dusky blotches behind the gill opening; 4 round jet-black spots ocellated with white and about as large as eye disposed in a quadrangle behind the middle of the body; a black bar across base of caudal; fins dusky ; pectoral mostly blackish. Vertebre 9-+-28=37. Head 4 in length; depth 24; D. 66 to 67. A.52 to 54. P.5-5. Lat. 1. 70 to 1D ucaailinc sui neseatccs mee dbcepe saetamme te heap seme so tes en's tlie bb. Pectoral fin of blind side minute, that of eyed side small, not twice as long as eye. (Microchirus Bonaparte. ) d. Scales in the lateral line 55 to 60. Depth 94 in length ; head 44; color nearly uniform brownish, sometimes spotted with darker; a few dark spots on dorsal and anal fins, each involving part or all of the membrane of about every fourth ray ; pectoral rid black, its length not quite half more than that of eye.........- «\niainie <2 ns Senn ve» ons dd. Scales in the lateral line 5 t6 80. Ay; 63 to 73. . 53 to 57. P. 5-3. Verte- bre, 10 4-30 = 40. Depth 3 in length; head 4%; color brownish gray, with broad irregular dark cross-bands which are darkest on the dorsal and anal fins; pectoral partly dusky, its length not greater than that of eye. VARIEGATUS, 103. [83] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 307 ddd. [Seales very small, 112 to 118; D. 72 to 79; A. 56 to 62. Depth, 2%; head, 4} in length; colors of Monochirus luteus, each sixth or seventh ray of dor- sal and anal blackish brown; caudal with brown spots; posterior half of dorsal and anal with narrow, dark brown cross-spots.] (Steindachner) Minoutus, 103. aa. Vertebre 34; pectoral fin of eyed side more than half length of head, that of blind side wanting ; scales sub-concave, elongate, and with the free margin some- what erected; each scale with several long spinules, giving the body a villous appearance (as in Phrynorhombus) ; (Monochirus). . Seales of blind side with shorter spinules; scales on head slightly 1 re- duced; eyes rather large, with thick scaly eyelids; head 44 in length; depth 23; D. 52 (‘56 to 61,” Giinther). A. 41 (44 to 49, Giinther). P. about7; lat. 1. 54 (63, Giinther). Vertebre 9 + 25 = 34. Color, brown with irreg- ular dark marblings on body and fins; dorsal and anal mostly dark ; caudal abruptly pale, with light brownish cross-streaks..-.-.--...-. Hispipvus, 104. & 100. MONOCHIRUS OCELLATUS. Pleuronectes ocellatus Linneus, Syst. Nat., ed. x, 1758, 269 (‘* Surinam”). Solea ocellata Giinther, iv, 465. Quenselia ocellata Jordan, MSS. Pleuronectes pegusa Lacépéde, Hist. Nat., Poiss., iv, 639, 1803. Pleuronectes rondeleti Shaw, Gen’! Zool., iv, 307, 1803. Solea oculata Risso, Europe Méridionale, iii, 248, 1826, and of numerous writers. Habitat.—Mediterranean Sea; Madeira Islands. Our specimens of this pretty species are from Palermo, where they were collected by Professor Doderlein. This species, with some other African and Asiatic species, marks a transition between the typical forms of Monochirus to those of Solea. It may be regarded as forming the type of a new subgenus for which the name Quenselia is suggested. 101. MONOCHIRUS LUTEUS. Pleuronectes luteus Risso, Ichth. Nice, 1810, 312. Monochirus luteus Costa, ‘‘ Fauna Napoli, ii, 49.” Solea lutea Giinther, iv, 469, 1862, and of most recent writers. Habitat.—Mediterranean Sea. Our numerous specimens of this species were collected by Professor Doderlein at Palermo, and by Professor Jordan at Venice. 102. MONOCHIRUS VARIEGATUS. Pleuronectes variegatus Donovan, British Fishes, 1801, pl. 117. Solea variegata Giinther, iv, 469. Pleuronectes microchirus Delaroche, Ann. Mus., xiii, 356, f. 2, 1809. Pleuronectes mangili Risso, Ichth. Nice, 1810, 255. Pleuronectes lingula “‘ Hamner in Pennant, Brit. Zool., ed. of 1812, iii, 313, pl. 48.” Pleuronectes fasciatus Naccari, ‘Giornale Fis. Pav., iii, Adr, Ittiol,, 9, 1822.” Habitat.—Mediterranean Sea. Our specimens of this species were collected at Palermo by Professor Doderlein, Most of the synonymy given above is copied from Giinther and Bonaparte, and has not been yerified by us, 308 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [84] 103. MONOCHIRUS MINUTUS. Monochirus minutus Parnell, Mag. Zool. and Bot., i, 527, 1837. Solea minuta Giinther, iv, 470. Steindachner, Ichth. Berichte, vi, 1868, 61. Habitat.—Me diterranean Sea. We know nothing of this species. According to Dr. Day, it is iden- tical with Monochirus luteus. Steindachner, however, regards the two as distinct, and describes MW. minutus as having 112 to 118 scales in the lateral line—a number nearly double that found in his specimens as well as in our specimens of M. luteus. If this count is correct, the two species must be different. 104. MONOCHIRUS HISPIDUS. Pleuronectes pegusa Risso, Ichth. Nice, 1310, 310 (not of Lacépéde). Monochirus hispidus Rafinesque, ‘‘Précis des Découvertes 1814” (fide Bonaparte, Cata- logo Metodico, 1845, 50). Solea monochir Becnpante, “Fauna Italica,” about 1840. Giinther,iv, 470, 1862. Habitat.—Mediterranean Sea. Our specimens of this curious species are from Palermo and from Venice, the former collected by Professor Doderlein, the latter by Dr. Jordan. Genus XLI.—ACHIRUS. Achirus Lacépéde, Hist. Nat., Poiss., iv, 659, 1803 (fasciatus, etc.). Achirus Cuvier, Régne Animal, 1828, (restriction to fasciatus, etc.). Trinectes Rafinesque, Atlantic Journal and Friend of Knowledge, i, 1832 (scabra). Grammichthys Kaup, Wiegmann’s Archiv, 1858, 94 (lineatus, fasciatus) (Achirus being restricted to Pardachirus barbatus, etc.). Monochirus Kaup, 1. ¢. (maculipinnis). ?Aseraggodes Kaup, 1. ¢., 1858, 103 (quttulata). Baiostoma Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 413 (brachiale). Bezostoma Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. N. A., 1882, 965 (amended orthography). TYPE: Achirus fasciatus Lacépéde. This strongly-marked genus contains numerous species, all very closely rélated, and nearly ali American. It has been united by Dr. Giinther with Solea, but apparently for no good reason, as the number of vertebre is very much less than in the European soles, and the right ventral fin is decurrent along the abdomen and united with the anal in the American soles, while it is short and wholly free in all the Eu- ropean forms. It is also worth noticing that the name Achirus is prior in date to that of Solea. The species with rudimentary pectoral fins have been set apart by Dr. Bean to form the genus Baiostoma, but the very slight development of these organs in some of the species, and the evidently very close relationship of them all, leads us to regard Baios- toma as a subgenus only. If we follow Kaup in restricting the name Achirus to the Asiatic group called Pardachirus, the present genus would receive the name of Trinectes. It seems to us that both Lacépéde [85] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 309 and Cuvier regarded the species called by us fasciatus as the type of their genus Achirus. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF ACHIRUS.* a. Pectoral fins small; present at least on the right side. (Baiostoma Bean.) b. Pectoral fin present on both sides, that of the left side rudimentary, of a single ray; that of the eyed side with about 3. ¢. [Dorsal rays 60 to 67 ; anal rays about 48; lat. 1.80; depth 1% in length; color brownish, irregularly spotted with darker, and with about 10 black vertical lines crossing the lateral line.] (Giin- UG iE as SS SE es Bs SPY BST phe ai pa ..--ACHIRUS, 105. ce. Dorsal rays 53 to 57; anal rays 40 to 42; lat.1.75 to 80; depth 12 in length; scales smaller and less rough than usual in this genus, those of nape scarcely enlarged on eyed side, those of blind side much fringed ; scales of colored side with scattered, hair-like appendages, some black, others pale; color oliva- ceous; head, body, dorsal, and anal fins covered with a net- work of dark lines; traces of about 8 dark cross-streaks sometimes present; caudal fin yellowish, nearly plain, or with a few dark dots or reticulations; its base dusky. iVertobras 6 -- 20 26 sawn eee eee ee oe INSCRIPTUS, 106. bb. Parineal of right side only present. d. Dorsal rays 65 to 66; anal rays 48 to 51. e. Pectoral well dbealopell with about 6 rays. Scales of eyed side without hair-like filaments; scales of lateral line 77 to 80; chin little prominent ; dorsal rays 65; anal rays 51; depth 14 in length; head 33; right lower lip fringed. Color brown- ish, with 9 or 10 narrow blackish cross-lines; small rounded blackish spots on the membranes of each of the vertical fins, much as in A. lineatus.... KLUNZINGERI, 107. ee. Pectoral fin small, its rays about 2 in number; scales of eyed side with numerous hair-like filaments ; scales of lateral line about 70; chin prominent, protruding beyond upper jaw; D. 66, A. 48 to 50; depth 1? in length ; pectoral black, not much longer than eye; eyes rather large, the upper not in ad- vance of lower; color brown, with traces of dark cross- bands; numerous irregular blackish clouds and blotches on the body and fins; no small spots.-........MENTALIs, 108. dd. Dorsal rays, 50 to 58; anal rays, 35 to 47. f. Pectoral fin of 4 to 6 rays, considerably longer than eye; body with 8 to 10 narrow vertical dark bars, these sometimes obsolete with age. g. Vertical fins, all with round dark spots, thee usually especially distinct on the caudal fin; some of the scales of eyed side with black, hair-like appendages; pectoral fin with 5 or 6 rays, about 3 in head; its length equal to that from outer edge of one eye to outer edge of another; head 3} in length, depth about 14; color brown, the young spotted with whitish, the adult sometimes with darker; body with about 8 narrow vertical cross-streaks of blackish. LINnATUS, 109. x. Dorsal rays 49 to 58; anal rays 38 to 44; scales 70 to 85. Var. lineatus, 109 (a). * Besides the species here mentioned, another, Achirus lorentzi Weyenbergh (Algunos Nuevos Pescados del Museo Nacional y Algunas Noticias Ictiologicas 1877, 13, pl. 1, f. 1—Buenos Ayres), has been described from Santa Fé, Uruguay. We have not seen the description. 310 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [86] xx. Dorsal rays 50 to 51; anal rays 35 to 37. 4- SPMIOS 10:00 71 226s amore hcerae Var.. brachialis, 109 (b). AY AOORIOS Ho T0107 crocs noe eee Var. comifer, 109 (¢). gg. Vertical fins dark, without distinct markings. Body broad, ovate, the depth about 14 in length ; pectoral fin with 4 rays; scales of right side with numerous black hair-like append- ages; color brownish, with 8 or 9 narrow vertical black bars; fins dark, without distinct markings; D. 56, A. 42, Dati? Ole PRe SEED chien ha eee ee MAZATLANUS, 110. Sf. Pectoral fins of 2 or 3 rays, about as long as eye. h. Body with 6 to 12 narrow dark bands; these sometimes obsolete. i. [Body rather narrowly ovate, its depth 13 in length ; «pectoral fin very small, of about 2 rays, not much longer than eye; color brownish olive, with six pairs of deep brown vertical lines extending on the dorsal and anal fins. JD. 58, A. 44, lat. S5.9 Galnther) 2 ee ees eee FONSECENSIS, 111. ii. Body broadly ovate; the depth 1} in length; pectoral as long as eye; fringes on lip of right side, few and small, incon- spicuous; scales on blind side moderately enlarged; hair- like appendages on scales few or none; D. 56. A. about 39. Seales about 76; color brown, finely mottled and speckled with darker, and with about a dozen narrow, very faint cross-streaks ; fins with similar dark spots; scales all finely dotted under the lens....-.-..-.--. PUNCTIFER, 112. hh. Body with very numerous (20 to 40) black cross-bands, which are as broad as the interspaces. j. (Blind side of snout with few fringes; pectoral rays 3; depth 1} in length; D. 55, A. 48, lat. 1.80. Color grayish; head, body, and fins with numerous blackish, irregular wavy bands, broader than the interspaces; caudal fin with deep black spots.] (Géinther)......-------- bs Satciee Scutoum, 113. jj. Blind side of head profusely covered with fringes; scales on body very rough, those of the eyed side of head enlarged and with long spinules ; numerous patches on body covered with appendages like short, coarse black hairs; lower lip with fringes on eyed side nearly half as long as eye; pec- toral small, not longer than eye, which is rather large, about 5 in head; lower jaw included ; upper eye largest and much advanced; anterior rays of dorsal, with fringes of cirri. Head 3% in length; depth 12; D. 55, A. 47. Scales 77 to 80. Color dark-brown, with numerous (about 40) close-set, straight, black cross-bars, each about as wide as the interspaces; vertical fins, with about threo elongate black spots on the membrane between each pair of rays. GARMANTI, 114. aa. Pectoral fins wholly wanting. (Achirus.) k. [Dorsal rays 46; anal rays 33; right lower lip with serrated fringes ; nostril in a fringed tube; depth 14 in length; head 3; color brown, head and body with numerous large, rounded, or kidney-shaped white spots, edged with dark brown. Lat.l. 70.] (Giinther) ....-.-. FIMBRIATUS, 115. kk. Dorsal rays 50 to 55; anal rays 37 to 46; right lower lip fringed ; left nostril with some fringes ; depth 14 in length; head 4; none of the scales of eyed side with hair-like ap- pendages; color dusky olive, more or less mottled and with about eight dark vertical stripes, these varying very much [87] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. oll in width and in number; vertical fins with the membrane of every second or third pair of rays blackish, besides dark cloudings at base of fin ; caudal with numerous longitud- inally oblong spots; blind side often with rount, dark spots, especially in northern specimens, usually immacu- late in southern ones Sain browni). Lat.1. 66 to 75; ver- tebree 8 + 20 = 28-. oie Side ce DE ASCLA TUS SANG. kkk. Dorsal rays 59 or 60; une rays ee to ie 1. [Snout and chin ickont evident fringe or barbel; right lower lip fringed; head 4 in length; depth 12; D. 59, A. 45; scales 63 to 65 ; color brown; about 12 dark cross-bands on head and body; between these faint, paler cross-bands, which form spots on dorsal and anal; caudal similarly spotted, the spots forming obscure cross-bands. (Stein- PACUNE) ese oe aaah fais Saye lslaoets ah aatelnere PANAMENSIS, 117. UW. Snout with a fringe-like barbel near its tip, as long as eye; a shorter one on the chin; eyed side with some patches of black hairs; scales of blind side of head scarcely enlarged or fringed ; scales small, not very rough ; head 3} in length; depth 14. D.60, A. 41; scales 80; color pale, the eyed side with small scattered black points and blotches of varying size ; a few narrow obscure dark cross-streaks; blind side TTT AC UL AGO oats Bes akg cle ob hota iene erent are JENYNSI, 118. 105. ACHIRUS ACHIRUS. Pleuronectes oculis dextris, corpore glabro, pinnis pectoralibus nullis Gronow, Museum, i, No. 42. (Surinam.) Pleuronectes achirus Linneus, Syst. Nat., ed. x, 1758, 268 (based orn Gronow). Solea gronovii Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iv, 1862, 472 (Surinam). Achirus gronovii Jordan, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 602. (Name only.) Habitat.—Coasts of Guiana. We know this species only from Dr. Giinther’s description. We place Achirus gronovii in the synonymy of the Linnean species Pleuronectes achirus. Pleuronectes achirus is based on a description by Gronow of some Achirus from Surinam. Gronow’s fish agrees with the present spe- cies in having 60 dorsal rays and 48 anal rays, in being brown, with trans- verse black bands, with dark spots on the fins, as well as in coming from Surinam. But Gronow explicitly denies the presence of pectorals, and the present species has rudimentary pectoral fins on both sides. Proba- bly these were overlooked by Gronow, and as no other species found in the same region has so large a number of rays, we feel justified in the use of the name Achirus achirus for this species. 106. ACHIRUS INSCRIPTUS. Achirus inscriptus Gosse, Nat. Sojourn Jamaica, 52, pl. 1, f. 4, 1851 (Jamaica). Jordan, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1884, 143 (Key West). Solea inscripta Giinther, iv, 1862, 473 (Jamaica). Monochir reticulatus Poey, Memorias, ii, 1861, 317(Cuba); Synopsis, 409 ; Bnuniecstio, 139. Solea reticulata Giinther, iv, 472 (copied), Beostoma reticulatum Bean & Dresel, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 152 (Jamaica). Habitat.—W est Indian fauna, north to Key West. 312 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [88] This species is known to us from numerous specimens taken by Dr. Jordan at Key West, and from specimens from Hayti, in the museum at Cambridge. These specimens belong undoubtedly to the species called reticulatus by Poey, and this is apparently not different from the inscriptus of Gosse, as the agreement with the latter is even closer than with the former description. 107. ACHIRUS KLUNZINGERI. Solea klunzingeri Steindachner, Zur Fische des Cauca und der Fliisse bei @uayaquil, 1879, 44 (Guayaquil). Achirus klunzingeri Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1885, 391 (Panama). Habitat.—Pacific coast of tropical America. Panama to Guayaquil. This species is known from Dr. Steindachner’s description. A speci- men, since destroyed, was obtained by Professor Gilbert at Panama. 108. ACHIRUS MENTALIS. Solea mentalis Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iv, 475, 1862 (Para). Habitat—Coast of Brazil. This species is known to us from a specimen, 3 inches long (No. 11449, Mus. Comp. Zool.). It was obtained at Para. 109. ACHIRUS LINEATUS. a. Var. lineatus. Pleuronectes fuscus subrotundus glaber “ Brown, Jamaica, 445” (Jamaica). Passer lineis transversis notatus Sloane, Jamaica, 2,77, pl. 246, f. 2 (Jamaica). Pleuronectes lineatus Linnzus, Syst. Nat., ed. x, 1758, 268 (based on Brown and Sloane; not of ed. xii, which is Achirus fasciatus). Monochir lineatus Quoy & Gaimard, Voy. Uranie, Zool., 238, 1824 (Rio Janeiro, D. 52, A. 42). Achirus lineatus D’Orbigny, Voyage Amér. Merid. Poiss., pl. 16, f. 2, 1847 (Cayenne). Monochir maculipinnis Agassiz, Spix Pisc. Brasil., 88, pl. 49, 1829 (Brazil). Poey, Synopsis, 1868, 409 (Cuba). Solea maculipinnis Giinther, iv, 473 (Cuba, Jamaica, Brazil). Kner, Novara Fische, ili, 289 (Rio Janeiro). Achirus maculipinnis Jordan, Proc, U.S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 602 (name only). b. Var. brachialis. Baiostoma brachialis Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 413 (South Florida). Beostoma brachiale Jordan & Gilbert, Synopsis Fish. N. A., 1882, 965 (copied). Achirus brachialis Jordan, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1833. (Egmont Key.) Jordan, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1834, 149. c. Var. comifer. Achirus conifer Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 31, 143 (Key West). Habitat.—West Indian fauna—Key West, and Egmont Key to Uru- guay. The Pleuronectes lineatus of the tenth edition of the Systema Natura is based wholly on the description of Brown and the figure and descrip- [89] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 313 tion of Sloane in their works on Jamaica. It is very evident from Sloane’s figure that the species he had in view was the Achirus maculipin- nis. So far as we know, but two species of Achirus (inscriptus and ma- culipinnis) are found in the waters of the Antilles. There seems to be, then, no doubt that the maculipinnis of Agassiz is the original Plewro- nectes lineatus of Linnzus. If it be so, it must stand as Achirus line- atus. The Pleuronectes lineatus of the twelfth edition of the Systema Nature is described from a fish sent from Charleston by Dr. Garden. This is Achirus fasciatus. We have placed the Florida species, comifer and brachialis, in the sy- nonymy of lineatus. They differ from the latter only in the slightly smaller numbers of the scales and fin-rays. The following table shows our count of a number of specimens from different localities : Locality. D. | A. | Seales. LESTay VIVES Tig od Sue a OSS SERIES SAGE ORE ate ie He RS ol pet A CR ACs Je gr (comifer)..| 50 | 35 | 55 to 67 LESTE i a as Se I a Se ct gO ne IO ER RAS he a (brachialis)..| 51 | 37 | 75 to 77 HTT GG J sb egos gag SOP COO eS EeOe ORCt AS aE Hes SOB E Ar, Seen ABmEE SS Arias eis ae (lineatus) .-| 54 | 43 85 Rio J ayero Ne re cae Soe ata ea la tae eNews SOE See iy Seeks (maculipinnis)..| 57 | 42 85 ESA ae says am ecias dase ae eke santa ea) Sas ewe mille is = Smemics ais COLCULLD UNAS) =.<\|| 549144. 72 Rio Gea CGS ESTED ogee 2 Baie AE ed AS eee (maculipinnis) ..| 49 | 38 70 Re Nee ets. Neti e ya So naias aljdic Sou BadSkc cme SeQeaabiegaaabete ce > (maculipinnis) ..| 53 | 40 68 Manacapuru........-.--.. DP RE OSE SBC SOU SESE RSE rie SOE eR oe SEE (maculipinnis) ..| 55 | 42 75 It is evident from this table that neither the fin-rays nor the scales form characters by which the subspecies can be absolutely distinguished. It is evident also, from the examination of large series of specimens, that the coloration is subject to very great variations—as great as in Achirus fasciatus. In some of these the caudal is dark and immaculate, in others pale and usually profusely spotted. In some the ground color is nearly plain blackish, in others it is pale, usually with narrow dark cross-bands, but sometimes closely spotted everywhere. The specimens examined by us are from Pensacola and Egmont Key (brachialis), Key West (comifer), Cienfuegos (Cuba, Poey), Coary, Teffy, Tapajos, Porto Alegre, Pernambuco, Cannarivieras, Manacapuru, Porto do Moz, Rio Grande do Sul, Rio Janeiro, San Matheo, Rosario, Itaba- puana, Obidos, Xingu, Gurupa, Jutaby, Curuga, Para, Bahia, Santa- rem, Ica, Fonteboa, San Paolo, Rio Trom sit Sambaia, Manes, Javary, and Tabatinga. The species would appear to be one of the commonest in Brazil. 110. ACHIRUS MAZATLANUS. (Mexican SOLE; TEIPALCATE.) Solea mazatlana Steindachner, Ichth. Notizen, ix, 23, 1869 (Mazatlan). Jordan & Gil- bert, Bull. U.S. Fish Comm., 1882, 108 (Mazatlan). Achirus mazatlanus Jordan, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1885, 391 (Mazatlan). Solea pilosa Peters, Berliner Monatsber., 1869, 709 (Mazatlan). Habitat.—Pacifie coast of tropical America. 314 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [90] This species is not rare on the west coast of Mexico. We have ex- amined numerous specimens collected by Professor Gilbert at Mazatlan. The Solea pilosa of Peters, as Dr. Steindachner has already indicated, is the same fish. The date of Steindachner’s paper is said to be a little earlier than that of Professor Peters. ' A specimen of this species is in the museum at Cambridge, collected by Professor Sumichrast at Chiapas. 111. ACHIRUS FONSECENSIS. Solea fonsecensis Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iv, 1862, 475 (Gulf of Fonseca). Habitat.—Pacific coast of tropical America (Gulf of Fonseca). Only the original type of this species, obtained by Sir John Richard- son, is yet known. 112. ACHIRUS PUNCTIFER. — Monochir punctifer Castelnau, Aninaux Nouv. ou Rares, Amérique du Sud, 1855, 80, pl. 41, f. 3 (Rio Janeiro). Habitat.—Coast of Brazil. We refer a sole (11436, M. C. Z.) from Itabapuana to Monochir puneti- fer Castelnau, although the figure published by this author does not represent it very well. The black pepper-like spots are much smaller in nature than in the picture. The following is Castelnau’s description : ‘“‘Longueur totale, 12 centimétres; plus grande largeur sans les nageoires, 7 centimétres ; avec les nageoires, 9 centimétres. Nageoire dorsale de 48 rayons; anale de 42 rayons; caudale de 16 rayons. Les écailles sont fines et Apres, surtout celles dela téte. Le poisson est entiérement d@’un _ pbrun vert et couvert, ainsi que les nageoires, de points noirs nombreux et assez rapprochés les uns des autres ; en dessous il est d’un brun rou- geatre. J’ai trouvé une seule fois ce Monochir au marché de Rio.” 113. ACHIRUS SCUTUM. Solea scutum Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iv, 1862, 475 (Gulf of Fonseca, Panama). Habitat.—Pacifie coast of tropical America. All that we know of this species is included in the description of Dr. Giinther. 114. ACHIRUS GARMANI. Achirus garmani Jordan, sp. nov. (Rio Grande do Sul). Habitat.—Coast of Brazil. The type of this species is an example in good condition, 6 inches long (11246, M. ©. Z.), from “the Rio Grande in South America.” I have taken pleasure in naming it for my friend Mr. Samuel Garman, curator of ichthyology in the Museum of Comparative Zoology, to whose kindly aid I have been much indebted in my studies of the South American fishes. (D. 58. J.) [91] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 315 115. ACHIRUS PIMBRIATUS. Solea fimbriata Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iv, 1862, 477 (Gulf of Fonseca). Habitat.—Pacifie coast of tropical America (Gulf of Fonseca). This species is known from Giinther’s description of a specimen taken by Sir John Richardson. 116. ACHIRUS FASCIATUS. (THE AMERICAN SOLE; HOG-CHOKER.) (Plates XXII and XXIII.) Pleuronectes lineatus Linnzeus, Syst. Nat., ed. xii, 458 (on a specimen from Charleston, received from Dr. Garden), (not Plewronectes lineatus of edition x). Gronow, Systema, ed. Gray, 1854, 90 (in part, chiefly based on Linnzus). Achirus lineatus Cuvier, Régne Animal, 1828. Gill, Cat. Fishes East Coast N. Am., Rept. U. S. F. C., 1872-73. Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8S. Nat. Mus., 1878, 368 (Beaufort; Neuse R.). Goode, op. cit., 1879, 110 (St. John’s R.). Goode & Bean, op. c., 1879, 123 (Pensacola, Potomac R.). Bean, op. c., 1880, 77 (Poto- mac R., New Bedford, Tompkinsville, N. Y., Newport, Chesapeake Bay, Providence). Jordan & Gilbert, op. cif., 1882, 618 (Charleston). Bean, op. cit., 1883, 365 (Havre de Grace). Grammichthys lineatus Kaup, Wiegmann’s Archiv, 1858, 101. Achirus fasciatus Lacépéde, Hist. Nat., Poiss., iv, 659, 662, 1803 (excl. syn. ; description based entirely on the Linnzan account of the fish sent by Garden). Pleuronectes mollis Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc. N. Y., i, 1815, 388, pl. 2, f. 4 (New York). Achirus mollis Storer, Synopsis, 1846, 228. Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 1867, 206, pl. 32 (Charles River, Holmes’ Hole, Mass.). DeKay, New York Fauna, Fishes, 1842, 303, pl. 49, f. 159 (New York, ascending the Hudson River to Peekskill). Achirus achirus mollis Jordan, Cat. Fish. N. A., 1885, 137. Pleuronectes apoda Mitchill, Amer. Monthly Mag. and Crit. Rev., Feb’y, 1818, 244 (Straits of Bahama), (perhaps A. lineatus). Trinectes scabra Rafinesque, ‘‘ Atlantic Journal and Friend of Knowledge, i, 1832 (Pennsylvania, in fresh water).” Solea achirus Giinther, iv, 476, 1862 (New York) (not Pleuronectes achirus L.). Achirus achirus Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1885,19. Jordan, Cat. Fish. N. A., 1885, Sv Solea browni Giinther, iv, 477, 1862 (New Orleans, Texas). Achirus lineatus var. browni Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 305 (Pen- sacola, Galveston). ' Habitat.—Atlantic coast of the United States, from Cape Cod to Texas, often ascending streams. This species is the best known of the American soles, and it is com- mon along our coast from Cape Cod to Texas, often ascending the rivers for a considerable distance above tide-water. It seldom exceeds 5 or 6 inches in length, and is of but little value as food on account of its small size. It was first described in the twelfth edition of the Systema Nature from a specimen sent to Linnzus by Dr. Garden. This specimen received the name of Plewronectes lineatus, but the Pleu- ronectes lineatus of the tenth edition was a different fish, the name being originally based on a description of an Achirus found by Brown 316 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES [92] and Sloane in Jamaica, a region in which the present species does not occur. The specific name next in date to lineatus is that of Achirus fasciatus Lacépéde. Eacépéde quotes in his synonymy only the Plewronectes achirus of the tenth edition of the Systema, which is a species from Surinam. His description of Achirus fasciatus is however wholly taken from the account given by Linneus of the fish sent by Garden. It therefore belongs to the present species, for which fasciatus seems to be the oldest tenable name. The Pleuronectes apoda of Mitchill seems to be this species, as Mitchill expressly states that it has no pectoral fins. DeKay, however, speaks of it as a species of Monochirus. If DeKay examined Mitchill’s speci- men we may infer that the latter belonged to A. lineatus rather than to A. fasciatus. . This species has not yet been recorded from the West Indies. The — form found along the Gulf coast has been described as a distinct species under the name of Solea browni. The differences are not very evident. We have compared a number of specimens from Boston (fasciatus) with others from Pensacola, and find the following differences, none of which are constant: In the Gulf variety (browni) the blind side is always immaculate, while in almost all Atlantic examples (fasciatus) the blind side is profusely covered with round dark spots. In one specimen, however (11360, Boston), the blind side is immaculate. The darker cross-streaks on the eyed side are usually broader and more numerous in southern specimens, and the scales on the blind side of the . head rougher. There are no constant differences either in the fin-rays or in the scales. We have examined specimens of this species from Boston, Chester- town, Tarrytown, New York, Port Monmouth, Havre de Grace, Poto- mac River, Neuse River, Beaufort, Charleston, Pensacola, Mobile, and Galveston. In one large specimen from Pensacola (11482 M. C. Z.) there is a rudiment of a pectoral fin on the eyed side. It consists of a single ray two-thirds as long as the eye. 117. ACHIRUS PANAMENSIS. Solea panamensis Steindachner, Ichthyol. Beitriige, v, 10, 1876, Taf. ii (Panama). Habitat.—Pacifie coast of tropical America, Panama. Our knowledge of this species is derived from the description and excellent figure of Dr. Steindachner. The species is evidently very closely related to Achirus fasciatus, which it closely resembles in form and color. 118. ACHIRUS JENYNSI. Achirus lineatus Jenyns, Voyage Beagle, Fishes, 1842, 139 (Rio de la Plata) (not P, lineatus L.). Solea jenynsi Giinther, Cat, Fish. Brit. Mus., iv, 476, 1862 (after Jenyns). Habitat.—Region about Rio de la Plata. [93] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. one The Museum of Comparative Zoology contains a single specimen (11425, 3 inches long) of this species. It was obtained in the Uruguay River by Prof. Jeffries Wyman. It is near A. fasciatus, from which species it differs mainly in having fewer fringes on the scales of the left side of head, and in having rather conspicuous cirri on the snout*and chin. Genus XLIT.—-GYMNACHIRUS. Gymnachirus Kaup, Uebersicht der Soleine, Wiegmann’s Archiv, 1858, 101 (nudus). TyeE: Gymnachirus nudus Kaup. We have examined none of the species of this singular genus. All that we know of it is drawn from the descriptions of Kaup and Giin- ther. Two species have been described. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF GYMNACHIRUS. a. [Pectoral fin of right side present, very small, of two rays only, one-third as long as eye; jaws hidden in thick skin; lips slightly fringed ; left side of head with a network of fringes; gill opening not reaching upward as far as pectoral; vertica] fins covered with thick skin; caudal as long as head; head 54 (with caudal); depth 2; D. 68, A. 50; color yellowish olive, with 14 brown bands, as broad as the interspaces, which again are crossed by narrower bands, all these bands ex- tending over the dorsal and anal, the first crossing the snout, the second and third the eye; caudal with three brown bands.] (Giinther).--.....--.. FASCIATUS, 119. aa. [Pectoral fins both wanting. Body somewhat longer than high. D.51; A. 42. Body with 14 black cross-bands; concentric rings about eyes; caudal with two black bands and a pale margin.] (Kaup)..---.---...--.0.e02 obec Nupws, 120. 119. GYMNACHIRUS FASCIATUS. Gymnachirus fasciatus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iv, 488, 1862 (locality unknown). Habitat.—Unknown, probably Brazil. We know this species from Dr. Giinther’s description only. Possibly Gymnachirus nudus may be the same species carelessly described by Dr. Kaup. ; 120. GYMNACHIRUS NUDUS. Gymnachirus nudus Kaup, Wiegmann’s Archiv, 1858, 101 (Bahia). Giinther, iv, 488 (copied). Habitat.—Coast of Brazil. The scanty description of Kaup gives all that is known of this species. Genus XLIII.—ACHIROPSIS. Achiropsis Steindachner, Ichth. Beitrige, v, 110, 1876 (nattereri). Type: Solea natterert Steindachner. This is another of the remarkable genera found in the fresh waters of South America. Although its species bear a strong general resem- blance to the species of Achirus, they differ remarkably from the latter 318 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [94] in some details of structure, and their real relations are with Apion- ‘ichthys. Achiropsis differs from Apionichthys chiefly in the develop- ment of the left ventral fin. This is rudimentary in Apionichthys and perfect in Achiropsis. 6 ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF ACHIROPSIS. a. [Gill-opening on both sides present, but reduced to a short slit as long as eye next to the upper end of the opercular margin ; eye very small; snout with a proboscis- like prolongation beyond the mouth; blind side anteriorly covered with fringes, but without true scales; scales on body ctenoid; fins scaly. Dorsal and anal fins slightly joined to the caudal; ventral of right side continuous with the anal. Body oblong. Color grayish brown. Head 5 in length; depth 2}. D, 82. A. 61. V.5-5. P.0., 37 to 40 scales in an oblique series above lateral line.] (Stein- TAGE) ASSO O aa one essa oe eeeasice Ga aec GaSeee bbe: NATTERERI, 121. aa. Gill-opening of eyed side wanting, the gill-membrane being throughout adnate to the shoulder-girdle ; gill-opening of blind side an oblique slit just below posterior angle of opercle, its length 4} in head. Eyes small, close together, the upper considerably in advance of lower, their diameter equal to the interorbital width ; snout protruding over the mouth, proboscis fashion, making the anterior profile aregular curve. Snout 2? inhead. Scales small (larger than in A. natiereri), not as rough as in Achirus, those on the blind side of the head wanting anteriorly, their place taken by cirri and fringes of moderate length; lateral line distinct, straight; fin-rays scaly; lower lip slightly fringed on eyed side, not on blind side. Nostril as in Achirus, around foramen in front of interorbital space, not produced into a tube. Dorsal beginning on the snout, the dorsal and anal slightly joined to the caudal; ventral fin beginning at the chin, in front of the isthmus, the tip of the snout being in contact with its first ray; ventral of right side with ex- tended base, wholly continuous with the anal; left ventral lateral, normally placed, its five rays opposite the 3d, 4th, and 5th rays of the right ventral; no pectoral fins. Body oblong, less deep than in Achirus. Color sand-color, with faint traces of about 8 narrow cross-bands; body and fins profusely and finely mottled and speckled with darker. Head, 44; depth, 24. D. 60. A. 44. V. 5-5, P. 0. Scales 70, about 28 in an oblique series above lateral line. ASPHYXIATUS, 122. . 121. ACHIROPSIS NATTERERI. Solea (Achiropsis) nattereri Steindachner, Ichth, Beitriige, v, 110, 1876 (Rio Negro). Habitat.—Rivers of Northern Brazil. We know this species from Steindachner’s description only. 122. ACHIROPSIS ASPHYXIATUS. Achiropsis asphyxiatus Jordan, sp. nov. (Goyaz, Brazil). Habitat.—Rivers of Brazil. The type of this species is a female specimen in good condition, 4% inches long (11106 M.C, Z.), from Goyaz, Brazil. It differs from all other flounders in having but a single gill-opening. Possibly this character is only accidental in the individual, and that a small gill-opening may normally be present on both sides. . It is certainly not present on the eyed side in the typical example, [95 | FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 319 Genus XLIV.—APIONICHTHYS. Apionichthys Kaup, Wiegmann’s Archiv, 1858, 104 (dumerili). Soleotalpa Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iv, 489, 1862, (wnicelor). TYPE: Soleotalpa unicolor Giinther = Apionichthys dumerili Kaup. Besides the species here mentioned, we find in the Zoological Ree- ord a reference to Apionichthys bleekeri Horst, Nederl. Tijdschr. Dierk. Verh., iv, 30,1878. It is decribed from aspecimen from unknown loeal- ity in the museum at Utrecht. This genus is a near ally of Achiropsis, from which it is only to be separated by the rudimentary character of the left ventral fin. Although it bears some external resemblance to Symphurus, its affinities are with Achirus. The species, if more than one really exists, have yet to be ex- actly defined. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF APIONICHTHYS, a. Left ventral reduced totwo minute rays; body ovate-lanceolate, slender, and thinner than in Achiropsis, the eyes much smaller, reduced to mere points; scales very small, rough, those on head enlarged a little and fringed; upper eye in advance of lower, almost in the middle of the length of the head; gill-openings small, about equal on the two sides; right ventral beginning at the chin, and extending along the abdomi- nal ridge so that it is continuous with the anal (left ventral destroyed in specimen examined); dorsal and anal slightly connected with caudal; color brown, rather pale, the body and fins profusely covered with round, dark spots of varying sizes, the largest as wide as from eye toeye. Head 41; depth 22. *D.78. A.56. Scales NUR fel eh es hanela cei apace cle win ako hie wey wl psd ied te ats UNICOLOR, 123. aa. [Left ventral wholly obsolete; scales ctenoid, cycloid on blind side; fin-rays scaly ; depth, 23; head, 44. D. 70to73. A.52t054. V. 5-0. Lat.1.87+t090. Color elear/brownish yellow. |, (Steindachner)....--0. ..--2. -20 -. eee. eee eee OTTONIS, 124 123. APIONICHTHYS UNICOLOR. Apionichthys dumerili Kaup, Wiegmann’s Archiv, 1858, 104. (No locality ; no descrip- tion. Soleotalpa Bik Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iv, 1862, 489. (West Indies.) (?) Apionichthys unicolor Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 603. (Name only.) Apionichthys dumerili Bleeker, Neder]. Tydschr. voor Dierkunde, ii, 1865, 305. Stein- dachner, Ichth. Beitr., viii, 1878, 48. (Surinam. ) Apionichthys nebulosus Peters, Berliner Monatsberichte, 1869, 709. (Surinam.) Habitat.—Brazilian fauna. We have examined a single specimen of this species (4677 M. C. Z.) 23 inches long, from Obydos, in Brazil. It evidently corresponds to the Apionichthys dumerilt of Bleeker and Steindachner, and apparently also to the Apionichthys nebulosus of Peters, although Peters failed to find the rudimentary left ventral fin. This fin, in fact, is not present in the specimen examined by us, it having been destroyed in attaching the metallic tag. Giinther’s Soleotalpa unicolor may be the same, but: the account of the coloration does not accord with the specimen examined by us, nor *D.76. A.57. Scales 92. Color uniform brownish gray (Giinther). D. 72) -An 53, Seales 95, Color brownish, mottled with darker spots (Steindachner), 320 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [96] with the statements of other authors. Perhaps the plain coloration. may be due to age, or to the poor condition of the typical specimen. Kaup’s Apionichthys dumerili has not been described at all, but simply mentioned as the type of the genus. As his species cannot be identi- fied, its name should not be used. ‘ 124. APIONICHTHYS OTTONIS. Apionichthys ottonis Steindachner, Ichth. Notizen, vii, 41, 1868 (Sicily). Habitat.—Mediterranean Sea. | This species is unknown tous. Judging from the published deserip- tions, it must be very close to Apionichthys unicolor, and only the different locality would appear to indicate specific distinction. Genus XLV.—BRACHIRUS. Brachirus Swainson, Nat. Hist. Class’n Fishes, 1839, ii, 303 (orientalis, zebra, commer- soniana, ete.) (not Brachyrus Swainson, nor Brachyurus Fischer, both prior names). Synaptura Cantor, Catal. Malayan Fishes, 1850, 232 (commersoniana, zebra) (name a substitute for Brachirus, preoccupied by Brachyurus, which is regarded as the correct orthography). Solenoides Bleeker (fide Kaup). ? Buryglossa Kaup, Wiegmann’s Archiv, 1858, 99 (orientalis). ? Eurypleura Kaup, 1. c. (substitute for Achiroides). ? Achiroides Bleeker, Verh. Bataav. Genootsch., xxiv, Pleuron., 6, 1862 (melanorhyn- chus). ; ? Anisochirus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iv, 1862, 486.(panoides). TypE: Pleuronectes zebra Bloch (as restricted by Swain., Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1883). We have had opportunity to study but few of the numerous species referred to this genus, and have no opinion as to the proper limitation of the group. Possibly neither of the European species should be re- ferred to it. We retain the name Brachirus (i. e., Brachychirus), notwithstanding the priority of the name Brachyrus, which seems to have the same meaning. If, however, this name of Swainson be rejected, that next in order of date is Synaptura, which has now the advantage of general usage. ANALYSIS OF THE SPECIES OF BRACHIRUS, a. [Pectoral fins subequal; one of the nostrils of the blind side large, round, much dilated ; depth, 3 in length, with caudal; head, 5; upper jaw overhanging ; pecto- rals both present, equal in length, their heusrtih equal to their distance “srore the eye; color greenish brown, marbled with darker. D.72; A. 58 to 60; P. 8. ROU ins wns oon an nn ow se owns cde an Hew ows anes eb nuellinnss Peo enn Savianvt, 125, aa. [Pectoral fins unequal, the right pectoral $ its distance from the eye; nostril on - each side dilated, trumpet-like ; lateral line straight ; ventral not inserted at chin; body rather elongate, depth 3} to 4. D. 72 to 76; A. 58 to 60. Color chestnut, much spotted and variegated; three rows of pale ocelli bordered with dark along side of body.] (Capello). ..-.-.0¢-eereceecereer cree sree rece oo 2-LUSITANICUS, 126, [97] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 321 125. BRACHBRUS SAVIGNYI. Synaptura savignyi Kaup, Wiegmann’s Archiv, 1858, 97 (Naples), Giinther, iv, 480. 1862 (copied). Habitat.—Mediterranean Sea. We know nothing of this species, except what is contained in the scanty description of Kaup. According to Professor Giglioli, none of the Italian naturalists have seen this species. 126. BRACHIRUS LUSITANICUS. Synaptura lusitanica Capello, Jorn. Ac. Sci. Lisb., v, 1868, 92, and vi, 1869, 153, tab. 9, f. 1 (Lisbon). Habitat.—Coast of Portugal. We have not examined this species, and know it from Capello’s description only. Genus XLVI.—SYMPHURUS. Symphurus Ratfinesque, Indice all’ Ittiologia Siciliana, 1810, 52 (nigrescens). Bibronia Cocco, Alcuni Pesci del mare di Messina, 1844, 15 (ligulata ; larval form). Plagusia Cuvier, Régne Animal, ed. ii, 1828 (based on Plagusia of Brown; name pre- occupied in Crustaceans, Latreille, 1806). * Plagiusa Bonaparte, Catalogo Metodico, 1846, 51 (lactea; substitute for Plagusia preoccupied). Aphoristia Kaup, Wiegmaun’s Archiv, 1858, 106 (ornata). Glossichthys Gill, Cat. Fish. E. Coast N. A.,51, 1861 (nomen nudum: plagiusa). Ammopleurops Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., iv, 1862, 490 (lacteus = nigrescens). ? Bascanius Schiddte, ‘‘ Naturhist. Tydsskr., v, 269, 1867” (tedifer ; larval form). Acedia Jordan, subgenus novum (nebulosus). TYPE: Symphurus nigrescens Rafinesque. We have adopted for this genus the name Symphurus instead of Aphoristia, as the so-called Ammoplewrops lacteus is a genuine member of the latter genus, and as it seems to be evident that the latter species is the original of the Symphurus nigrescens of Rafinesque. The following is Rafinesque’s description : “TIT. Gen. Symphurus. Ala caudale acuta, e riunita all’ ale dorsali, ed anaii, occhj alla sinistra. Osserv. Sidovranno ragguagliare in questo genere due specie del genere Achirus di Lacepede, cioé gli A. bilineatus, e A. ornatus. “Sp. no. 44. Symphurus nigrescens. Nerastro senza fascie, allungato, una sola linea laterale da ogni lato.” This single lateral line assumed to distinguish Ammopleurops from Aphoristia is not a real lateral line, but a depression along the median line produced by the junction of the muscles. The species of Symphurus are somewhat numerous and very closely allied. With the exception of the European Symphurus nigrescens, all of them are American. The development of the species is imperfectly known. According to Giglioli, the larve called Bibronia, may belong to this genus, and so possibly may Delothyris and Charybdia. S. Mis. 90 21 , 322 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [98] The name Plagusia belongs properly to the present genus rather than to the type of Plagusia bilineata, to which it has been restricted by Kaup and Giinther. It is, however, preoccupied in crustaceans, and in any case, both Plagusia and the substitute name Plagiusa are antedated by the name Symphurus. One of the American species referred to Symphurus, nebulosus, seems to differ widely from the others and is probably the type of a distinet genus, or subgenus, for which we have suggested the name Acedia. This name is applied by the Cuban fishermen to Symphurus plagusia. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF SYMPHURUS. a. Scales ctenoid, not keeled. (Symphurus.) b. Scales small, moderately ctenoid; ‘the number in a longitudinal series from 75 to 105. e. Dorsal and anal fins chiefly black anteriorly and posteriorly, with paler edg- ings; body moderately elongate, the depth 33 in length; the head 43. Scales rather small, not very rough, about 80 in a longitudinal series. D.90; A.73 to 75. Color rather pale, plain or more or less mottled with darker, but without cross-bars; fins chiefly black with PRICEIOU RIGS 6 oc ag spree is wi ea omni eee NIGRESCENS, 127. ce, Dorsai and anal pale anteriorly, becoming more or less abruptly black pos- teriorly. d. [Caudal fin abruptly pale; depth 44 in length; head, 54. D. 96 to 100; A 86 to 87. Scales, 88 to 90. Color, grayish, speckled with brown; dorsal and anal fins black on last tenth, the caudal abruptly pale; tips of fin-rays vermilion.] (Goode § Bean) -... -MARGINATUS, 128. dd. Caudal fin black, asisa large part of the dorsal and anal; the black either continuous or in the form of large spots. Color, brownish, often mottled, usually with more or less distinct darker cross-bands, and with longitudinal streaks along the rows of scales, sometimes nearly plain brown. e. Scales quite small, 98 to 105. f. Body decidedly elongate, the depth about 47 in length; D. 97; A. 82; BEANE, DOsLy ete saath ase at nerae heee ee ae eon - ELONGATUS, 129. if. Body less elongate, the depth 34 in length; head, 5}; longitudinal streaks very distinct; D. 100; A. 80; scales about 105.... ATRICAUDA, 130. ec. Scales somewhat larger, 75 to 85; body rather elongate, the depth 3,4 tu 3} in length; the head 5} to 53; D. 90 to 95; A. 75 to 80. PLAGUSIA, 131. ccc. Dorsal and anal pale throughout, or more or less mottled or spotted with darker; the caudal similarly colored, not distinctly black; body not very elongate, the depth 3 to 34 in length. (Probably all va- Piet Ss Of/ 5. MlAGad ose e ost rtewe > o> oie nls eens eee PLaGiusa, 182. «x. Body with dark cross-bands more or less distinct ; the fins mottled or speckled; upper eye slightly in advance of lower. y. Dorsal rays 86 to 95; anal rays 75 to 80; head 5 in length; depth 3}; scales 85 to 93 ; cross-bands more distinct than in related species. Var. plagiusa, 132 (a). yy. Dorsal rays 78 to 85; anal rays 70 to 72; head 5in length; depth 34; scales 80 to 90; color light brown, with darker cross-bars, which become obsolete with age...........-..----. Var. pusillus, 132 (b). [99] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 323 ax. [Body uniform grayish, without cross-bands; last part of dorsal and anal with 3 or 4 oblong black blotches, each somewhat larger than the eye; upper eye directly above lower; head, 5% in length; scales, 85; D.92; A.75.] (Goode § Bean) Var. diomedeanus 132 (c), bb. [Seales rather large, very rough-ctenoid, about 65-34; depth, 3+ in length; head, 44; D.90; A.69 to 75; color clouded brown, somewhat blotched. ] (GCode ie Bean) pana ma agrees nee omit aac a PIGER, 133. aa. [Scales very small, ctenoid, each with a median keel, which is dark and promi- nent; snout and jaws naked; fin-raysin increased number.] (Sub- genus Acedia Jordan.) h. Head, 53; depth, 43; D.119; A. 107; scales, 120; grayish, every- where mottled with brown.] (Goode § Bean) .-..NEBULOSUS, 134. 127, SYMPHURUS NIGRESCENS. Symphurus nigrescens Rafinesque, Indice all’ Ittiologia Siciliana, 1810, 52 (Palermo). Plagusia lactea Bonaparte, Fauna Ital. Pesci, about 1840. Ammopleurops lacteus Giinther, iv, 490 (copied). Plagusia picta Cocco (fide Giglioli). Bibronia ligulata Cocco, “Aleuni Pesci del mare di Messina, 1844,390” (Messina) (larva). ? Bascanius tedifer Schiddte, Natur. Tydsskr., v, 269,1867 (free-swimming oceanic larve). Habitat.—Mediterranean Sea. We have examined three specimens of this rare species, obtained at Palermo by Professor Doderlein. As already noticed, this is a genuine member of the genus usually called Aphoristia, having no lateral line. These three specimens have the body nearly uniform in color. They correspond to the Ammopleurops lacteus of Kuropean authors. A speci- men in the museum at Cambridge from Naples is somewhat mottled and represents the nominal species Ammopleurops pictus. 128. SYMPHURUS MARGINATUS. Aphoristia marginata Goode & Bean, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., xii, 153. (Off St. Vin- cent, etc.) Habitat.— West Indies. This species is known only from the original types, taken in deep water (94 to 324 fathoms) in the West Indies. 129. SYMPHURUS ELONGATUS. Aphoristia ornata var. elongata Giinther, Fishes Centr. Amer., 1869, 473. (Panama. ) Aphoristia elongata Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U.S. Fish Comm., 1882, 111. (Panama.) Habitat.— Pacific coast of tropical America. This species is not uncommon on the Pacific coast of Central America, where it represents the closely related Symphurus plagusia. Its relations with Symphurus atricauda are still closer. 324 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [100] 130. SYMPHURUS ATRICAUDA. Aphoristia atricauda Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 23 (San Diego). Jordan & Gilbert, Synopsis Fish. N. A., 1882, 842. Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 380. (San José, Lower California.) Jordan, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 54. Habitat.—Lower California, north to San Diego. This species is common inthe bay of San Diego, in which locality the numerous specimens before us were taken. A small specimen 14 inches long, with light spots on the colored side and a pale ocellation on the black of the tail, taken by Mr. L. Belding near Cape San Lucas, prob- ably belongs to the same species. Symphurus atricauda is very close to S. elongatus, and both might well be regarded as geographical varieties of S. plagusia. 131. SYMPHURUS PLAGUSIA. (ACEDIA.) Plagusia Brown, Jamaica, 445, No. 1. (Jamaica.) Pleuronectes plagusia Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 1801, 162 (after Brown). Achirus ornatus Lacépéde, Hist. Nat. Poiss., iv, 659, 1803 (on aspecimen ‘‘ presented by Holland to France’’). Plagusia ornata Cuvier, Régne Animal, ed. ii. Aphoristia ornata Kaup, Wiegmann’s Archiv, 1858, 106. Giinther, iv, 490 (San Do- mingo, Jamaica). Poey, Synopsis, 1868, 409. Poey, Enumeratio, 1875, 140 (Havana). Kner, Novara Fische, iii, 292. (D.90; A. 75; depth 3} in length; Rio Janeiro. ) Plagusia tessellata Quoy & Gaimard, Voyage Uranie, Zoologie, 240, 1824 (Rio Janeiro). Plagusia brasiliensis Agassiz, Spix Pisc. Brasil., 1827, p. 89, tab. 50. (Brazil.) Aphoristia plagiusa Jordan, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1886,53. (Havana.) (NotS. plagiusa of this paper. ) , Habitat.—West Indian fauna (south to Rio Janeiro). The numerous specimens of this species examined by us are from Ha- vana, Pernambuco, Santos, Rio Janeiro, Curuga, and Victoria. The synonymy of this species is somewhat doubtful. The original type of Pleuronectes plagiusa was sent to Linnzeus by Dr. Gardena, of Charleston. It would therefore appear probable that this specimen represented the species of this genus which is found on the Carolina coast. But this typical specimen is still preserved in the rooms of the Linnzan Society in London, where it has been examined by Goode and Bean. From their notes (Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1885, 196) we quote: “ The type of this species may have come from Africa or India. There is con- siderable doubt as to its origin. (See Garden’s Correspondence with Linné, page 314.) D. ca 92, A. ca 50. Seales 77. The species is more elongate than our specimens of Aphoristia plagiusa, so called, the depth being contained in the total length without caudal 44 times and the head 6 times.” As, however, no species of this genus are yet known from Africa or India, it is rather probable that Garden’s fish actually came from — [101] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 325 Charleston. The greater slenderness of the original type is perhaps due to distortion, and the smaller number than usual of the scales does not afford a marked distinction. On account of the fact that the West Indian species as arule is a little slenderer than the northern one and has a little larger scales, Dr. Jordan has elsewhere adopted for the former the Linnzan name, but, on the whole, it seems more probable that the original plagiusa was the northern fish. The name ornotus is also doubtful in its proper application. The only thing distinctive in the description of Lacépéde is that the typical speci- men was “given by Holland to France.” Many of the species in this Dutch collection seem to have come from Surinam, and this is probably no exception. But Lacépéde’s description might apply as well to any other species of Symphurus as to this. The name Plewronectes plagusia, given by Schneider to the species de- scribed by Brown, seems to admit of no doubt, as this is the only one of the group yet known from Jamaica. If, therefore, the name plagiusa be used for the northern species, or dropped altogether as not identi- fied, the present species will stand as Symphurus plagusia. We have compared numerous specimens from Rio Janeiro (represent- ing the nominal species tessellatus or brasiliensis) with others (plagusia =ornata) from Havana. There is certainly no permanent difference, The Brazilian specimens are a little more slender on an average, but there are numerous exceptions, and all variations in color are found in both. 132. SYMPHURUS PLAGIUSA. (TONGUE-FISH. ) a. Var. plagiusa. Pleuronectes plagiusa Linnzus, Syst. Nat., ed. xii, 1766, 455 (on a specimen from Dr. Garden, probably from Charleston, but the locality not quite certain ; and of various copyists). Glossichthys plagiusa Gill, Cat. Fish. E. Coast N. Am., 1861, 51 (name only). - Plagusia plagiusa Gill, Cat. Fish. East Coast N. Am., 1872-3, 794 (name only). Aphoristia plagiusa Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1878, 363 (Beaufort). Jordan, op. cit., 1880, 22 (St. John’s River). Jordan & Gilbert, op. cit., 1882, 305 (Pensacola) ; 1882, 618 (Charleston). Jordan & Gilbert, Synopsis Fish. N. A., 1882, 842. Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 144 (Key West). Plagusia fasciata Holbrook, MSS. De Kay,New York Fauna, Fishes, 1842, 304 (Charles- ton). Aphoristia fasciata Jordan, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1886, 53. b. Var. pusillus. Aphoristia pusilla Goode & Bean, Proc. U.S. N. Mus., 1885, 590 (Gulf Stream ; lat. 40°). c. Var. diomedeanus. Aphoristia diomedeana Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1835, 589 (Gulf of Mexico; 24 fathoms). Habitat—South Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. 326 - REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [102] _ This species is very common on the sandy shores of our South Atlantie and Gulf States. Our numerous specimens are from Beaufort, Charles- ton, Pensacola, and Key West. The reasons for continuing to regard this species as the original Pleuronectes plagiusa of Linnzeus, are given under the head of Symphurus plagusia. If however, the name plagiusa be referred to the West Indian form or dropped as unidentifiable, the name fasciatus would then hold for this species. : The characters distinguishing elongatus, atricauda, plagusia, plagiusa, pusillus, and diomedeanus are of slight value, and doubtless all will ultimately prove to be varieties of a single one, the coloration of the fins being more marked in southern specimens. A specimen nearly six inches long collected at Beaufort, N. C., by Prof. O. P. Jenkins seenis referable to pusillus rather than to the typi- cal plagiusa. It is highly mottled in coloration, the body and fins being profusely speckled and blotched with blackish besides 9 or 10 rather distinct cross-bands. D.85, A. 72. Seales about 80. Depth 34 in length. Another large specimen 7 inches long from the Florida Keys is in the museum at Cambridge. This has: D. 82, A. 72, lat. 1.76. Depth 3 in length. Color brown almost plain, except that the fins are mottled, especially posteriorly; candal fin not black. If these two specimens are really typical of Symphurus pusillus, it probably cannot be separated as a species from 8S. plagiusa. The form called diomedeanus is known to us from the description only. It is certainly very similar to S. plagiusa. Perhaps it is identical with our Key West specimens of the latter. These are very pale, and nearly plain gray, as would be expected in fishes taken from the coral sands. 133. SYMPHURUS PIGER. Aphoristia pigra Goode & Bean, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., xiii, 5, 1886, 154 (St. Kitts, Key West, Cedar Keys, in about 250 fathoms), Habitat.—West Indies and Gulf of Mexico, in deep water. This species is known to us from the original description. It is evi- dently a better-defined species than are most of the others. 134. SYMPHURUS NEBULOSUS. Aphoristia nebulosa Goode & Bean, Bull, Mus. Comp. Zool., xix, 1883, 192 (Gulf Stream, off the coast of Carolina). Acedia nebulosa Jordan, MSS. Habitat—Gulf Stream. ‘ This species is known from the original account only. The deserip- tion would indicate a species considerably unlike those forming the rest [103] FLOUNDERS AND- SOLES. 327 of the genus. If its scales are really keeled it may form the type of a distinct genus. The increased number of fin-rays also indicates a probability that the number of vertebre will be found to be similarly increased. For the subgenus of which this is the type, we have sug- gested the name of Acedia. LARVAL FORMS. (BIBRoNIE. ) The very young of all the Plewronectide so far as known are trans- parent and with the eyes symmetrical. Ata length of from one-fourth of an inch to an inch the eye of one side moves by degrees to the other side, where it becomes the upper eye. The question has been much discussed as to how this change comes about—whether by a twisting of the head so that the eye moves over the line of the profile, whether by passing from side to side beneath the frontal bone, or by passing between the frontal bone and the bases of the dorsal rays, or whether by each of these methods in different genera. The present writers have had no opportunity to make any observations on this point, the state- ments which follow being entirely. drawn from others, chiefly from the papers of Dr. Luigi Facciola.* According to Prof. Japetus Steenstrup,t who has examined some “‘ plagusiiform” specimens (Symphurus?) about 25 millimeters in length, the eye, by acombined movement of rotation and translation, goes from its original position to the other side by passing under the frontal bone. In other flounders examined by Prof. Alexander Agassiz the éye is said to have crossed from side to side above the frontal bone, pene- trating the space between this bone and the dorsal fin by sinking into the tissues of the head. In the species examined by Dr. Facciola the eye was found to pass between the frontal bone and the dorsal rays, but without penetrating any tissues. During the passage of the eye the first dorsal ray formed a projection detached from the cranium, and in the notch between this and the head the eye has passed from one side to the other. It has not been easy to determine with certainty the species to which these larval forms belong. The first of these which were known were described by Cocco as distinct genera, allied to the flounders, but dis- ~ tinguished from them by the symmetrical arrangement of the eyes. For the group thus defined Bonaparte has proposed the family name of Bibronidi (bibroniide), and this name has been adopted by some of the Italian ichthyologists. vi, 1887, and ‘‘Su di Alcuni Rari Pleuronettidi del mare di Messina, ” Nat. Sicil., iv, 1885. t “Om Skjebheden hos Flynderne og navnlig om Vandringen af det Svre Oie fra Blindsiden til Ojesiden tvers igjennem Hovedet,” 1864. 328 ©REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [104] Lately the relations of these forms have been made the subject of careful study by Dr. Carlo Emery, Dr. Luigi Facciola, and others of ° the Italian naturalists, and no doubt remains that the ‘‘ Bibrontide” are larval flounders and soles. For the sake of completeness, we give the following analysis of the nominal genera and the synonymy of the species: ANALYSIS OF THE NOMINAL GENERA OF BIBRONIE OR LARVAL FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. a. Eyes wholly sinistral ; mouth toothless, shaped as in the soles; upper jaw hook- shaped; head very small; caudal fin subsessile, free from the dorsal and anal; scales small, caducous, cycloid; eyes small; pectoral fins both present, the right pectoral small; ventral fins both present, free from anal; dorsal fin of long, simple rays, their tips much exserted; body moderately elongate; the depth 3 in length; dorsal rays 100; anal rays 80. P. 12-4. DELOTHYRIS, A. aa. Eyes partly sinistral, the one on the left side, the other on the vertex (in the act of transition); form pleuronectoid....-....--...--..---- Cocco.vs, B. aaa. Eyes, one on either side of the head; strictly symmetrical (or with the right eye somewhat higher than the other), and with a notch before it, between the cranium and the dorsal fin. b. Vertical fins scarcely or not confluent; left ventral largest, on abdominal ridge. c. Body excessively compressed, broadly ovate, its depth 12 in its length; both profiles very convex; the snout not forming an angle; no scales; none of the dorsal rays prolonged ; ventral fin single (Facciold) ; pectoral fins short, rounded, with fleshy base and fringe-like rays; D. 85; A. 65. Jaws equal, RVC DUS sCUbeRDOeLN an cline oes anne alee aii emcee ee arene PELORIA, C. ce. Body more elongate; scales present or absent; pectorals adipose, with fringe- like rays. d. Ventral fin single ; first four rays of the dorsal well separated and with much exserted tips; dorsal and anal slightly joined to caudal; depth about At in Jenoth; D. 4; 1065 A. 100. (Emeny) - 22.21 5--5--56 ? CHARYBDIA, D. dd. Ventral fins both present, the left ventral with more prolonged base; dorsal with only the first ray (if any) prolonged; dorsal and anal free from caudal; depth 2} to2in length (Facciold)...-...-...----- CHARYBDIA, D. bb. Vertical fins fully confluent ; form lanceolate. e. Body linguiform, the depth 6 in length; no teeth; snout obtuse; eyes minute; ventral fins two; four or five of the dorsal ‘rays produced; pec- iorels pedunculate.. D905 4.80 (on ces peas ba ee = noes BrBRonia, E. ee. Body plagusiiform ; perfectly transparent.-....---..----- BASCANIUS, F. Synonymy of genera of larval Pleuronectide or Bibronia. Bibronia Cocco, ‘‘Intorno ad alcuni Pesci del mare di Messina. Lettera al Sig. Augusto Krohn da Livonia. In Giornale del Gabinetto & Lettere di Mes- sina. Ann. iii, tom. v, fase. xxv. Gennaio e febbraio 1844, pag. 21-30, tay. 2” (fide Facciola) (ligulata). Peloria Cocco, 1. ¢. (heckeli). Coccolus (Bonaparte) Cocco, 1. ¢. eabeneas; Bascanius Schiddte, Naturhist. Tidsskr., v, 269, 1867 (tedifer). Thyris Goode, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 344 (pellucidus : name preoccupied): Delothyris Goode, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1883, 110 (pellucidus). Charybdia Facciolad, Naturalista Siciliano, iv, 265, 1885 (riippelli). [105] | FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 329 Synonymy af species of Bibronie. 1. DELOTHYRIS PELLUCIDUS. Thyris pellucidus Goode, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 337, 344, 475. (Gulf Stream, off Rhode Island). Jordan & Gilbert, Synopsis Fish. N. A., 1882, 840 (copied). Delothyris pellucidus Goode, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1883, 110. This fish is unquestionably a larval form, but probably the adult is not yet known. In some respects it resembles Monolene, in others it seems allied to the Cynoglossine. The type was nearly three inches in length. 2. COCCOLUS ANNECTENS. Coccolus anneciens (Bonaparte) Cocco, |. c., 1844 (Messina). This species has not yet been described in detail, but from the form of the body it would seem to resemble most closely the young of Plato- phrys podas. 3. PELORIA HAICEELI. Peloria heckeli Cocco, 1. c., 1844 (Messina). Emery, Contribuzione all’ Ittiologia, 405 (Naples). Facciola, Nat. Sicil., 1885, 5. The specimens of this species described by Facciola are 20 to 36 ™™ inlength. According to Facciola,* it can be confounded with no known species of Pleuronectoid. Dr. Emery has maintained that it is the young of Platophrys podas, and his figure and description seem to ren- der this determination almost certain. 4. CHARYBDIA. (Species.) Peloria riippeli Emery, Contribuzione all’ Ittiologia (Naples). The description given by Dr. Emery of P. riippelli diverges so widely from that given by Dr. Facciola, that the identity of the two may be questioned. If, as is possible, the pectorals in the achirous forms dis- appear with age, this species may belong to the Cynoglossine. More likely, it is a relative of Arnoglossus, or of Monolene. 5. CHARYBDIA RUPPELLI. Peloria riippelli Cocco, |. c., 1844 (Messina). Charybdia riippelli Facciola, Nat. Sicil., 1885, 5 (Messina). This is probably the young of some species as yet unknown in the adult condition. Some of its characters suggest Arnoglossus ventralis. According to Facciola, the body is naked; the form oval; the mouth as long as the eye;.right eye higher than left; first dorsal ray only prolonged; no scales; left ventral with its base longer than the right; length 30 to 40™™. D.113, A. 91.. *“Non 8 a dubitarsi che questi Pleuronettidison giovani di altro specie pid grandi. Diro soltanto che la Peloria heckeli non puo confondersi con nessun Pleuronettide conosciuto.” (Iacciold.) ; 330 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [106] 6. CHARYBDIA RHOMBOIDICHTHYS. Charybdia rhomboidichthys Facciola, Nat. Sicil., 1885, 6 (Messina). Form, oval; the two outlines similar; snout, obtuse, somewhat prom- inent; teeth, insensible; eye, 4$ in head, the right a little above the left; none of the dorsal rays prolonged; scales, cycloid, thin; lateral line without arch; length 40™™. D. 99, A. 74, V. 6. This form seems to be allied to Syacium and Arnoglossus. 7. BIBRONIA LIGULATA. Bibronia ligulata Cocco, 1. c., 1844 (Messina). Facciola, Nat. Sicil., 1885, 4 (Messina). This form is known from specimens one-third of an inch in length. If we suppose that in Symphurus the pectoral fins become atrophied with age, this may well be the larva of Symphurus nigrescens. 8. BASCANIUS TZ:DIFER. Bascanius tedifer Schivddte, ‘* Naturhist. Tydsskrift, v, 269, 1867” (Oceanic). We have not seen the original description of this form, but from the references made to it by other authors it would appear to be a larval Symphurus. RECAPITULATION. The following is the hist of the genera and species of flounders now recognized by us as occurring in the waters of North America and Europe: F The general distribution of each may be indicated by the following letters : K. Europe (North of Spain). M. Mediterranean Sea. B. Bassalian or deep-sea fauna of the Atlantic. G. Greenland fauna. N. East coast of United States; Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras. S. South Atlantic and Gulf coast. W. West India fauna. . Brazilian fauna (Rio). . Patagonian fauna (Terra del Fuego). . Panama fauna. : . Chilian fauna (Valparaiso), . Californian fauna. . Alaskan fauna. \ FPadwHA Subfamily I.—HIPPOGLOSSINA. 1. Atheresthes (Jordan & Gilbert). 1. Atheresthes stomias (Jordan & Gilbert). A. 2. Platysomatichthys Bleeker. 2. Platysomatichthys hippoglossoides (Walbaum). G. 3. Hippoglossus Cuvier. 3. Hippoglossus hippoglossus (Linneus). E. G. A. [107] 4. 5. 10. ala Ie 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. Lyopsetita Jordan & Goss. 4, Lyopsetta exilis (Jordan & Gilbert). A. Eopsetta Jordan & Goss. 5. Eopsetta jordani (Lockington). C. . Hippoglossoides Gottsche. 6. Hippoglossoides platessoides (Fabricius). EK. G. 6 (b). var. limandoides Bloch. E.G. 7. Hippoglossoides elassodon Jordan & Gilbert. A. . Psettichthys Girard. 8. Psettichthys melanostictus Girard. C. A. . Hippoglossina Steindachner. 9. Hippoglossina macrops Steindachner. . P. 10. Hippoglossina microps Giinther. V. . Xystreurys Jordan and Gilbert. 11. Xystreurys liolepis Jordan & Gilbert. C. Paralichthys Girard. 12. Paralichthys californicus (Ayres). C. 13. Paralichthys brasiliensis (Ranzani). R. W. 14. Paralichthys adspersus (Steindachner). P.V. (Possibly to be called P. kingi.)* 15. Paralichthys dentatus (Linnzus). N. 8. 16. Paralichthys lethostigma Jordan & Gilbert. N.S. 17. Paralichthys squamilentus Jordan & Gilbert. S. 18. Paralichthys albigutta Jordan & Gilbert. 5. 19. Paralichthys patagonicus Jordan. TT. 20. Paralichthys oblongus Mitchill. N. Ancylopsetta Gill. 21. Ancylopsetia quadrocellata Gill. S. 22. Ancylopsetta dilecta (Goode & Bean). B. Subfamily I1.—PLEURONECTIN ZA. Phrynorhombus Giinther. 23. Phrynorhombus regius Bonnaterre. M.E. Zeugopterus Gottsche. 24. Zeugopterus punctatus (Bloch). HE. Lepidorhombus Giinther. 25. Lepidorhombus whiff-iagonis (Walbaum). TE. 26. Lepidorhombus norvegicus (Giinther). KE. (Doubtful species.) Citharus Bleeker. 27. Citharus linguatula (Linneus). M. Pleuronectes (Linn:eus) Fleming. § Pleuronectes. 28. Pleuronectes maximus Linnezeus. E.M. 28 (D). var meoticus (Pallas). M. § Bothus Rafinesque. 29. Pleuronectes rhombus Linnzus. E.M. 30. Pleuronectes maculatus Mitchill. N. 331 re ne a aan PE eae EN 2 * Hippoglossus kingi is known from a drawing only, executed by unscientific hands. In all respects but one this drawing agrees well with P. adspersus. The first 18 of the 66 rays of the dorsal are represented as lower than the others, apparently forming a distinct portion. Depth 2 in length, Anal rays 51. 332 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [108] 17. Arnoglossus Bleeker. oD. 36. § Arnoglossus. . Arnoglossus lophotes Giinther. M. (Doubtful species; perhaps identical with A. grohmanni—perhaps with Bothus imperialis Rafinesque.) . Arnoglossus grohmanni (Bonaparte). M. . Arnoglossus conspersus (Canestrini). M. (Doubtful species; probably same as the next.) . Arnoglossus laterna (Walbaum). M. E. § Arnoglossus ? fimbriatus (Goode & Bean). B. (Probably type of a distinet genus. ) § ——. Arnoglossus? ventralis (Goode & Bean). B. (Perhaps type of a distinet genus. ) 18. Platophrys Swainson. 37. 33. 39, 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. Platophrys podas (Delaroche). M. Platophrys spinosus (Poey). W. (Doubtful species.) Platophrys constellatus Jordan. Y. Platophrys ocellatus (Agassiz). S. W.R. Platophrys maculifer (Poey). W. (Synonymy doubtful.) Platophrys ellipticus (Poey). W.(Doubtful species.) Platophrys lunatus (Linneus), W. R. Platophrys leopardinus (Giinther). P. 19. Syacium Ranzani. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. Syacium cornutum (Giinther). R. Syacium papillosum (Linneus). 8S. W.R. Syacium micrurum (Ranzani). S.W.R. Syacium lalifrons (Jordan & Gilbert). P. Syacium ovale (Giinther). P. 20. Azevia Jordan. 50. Azevia panamensis Steindachner. P. 21. Citharichthys Bleeker. 51. 52. ag cn oo oman an § Orthopsetia Gill. Citharichthys sordidus (Girard). C. Citharichthys stigmeus Jordan & Gilbert. C. (Doubtful species. ) § Citharichthys. . Citharichthys dinoceros Goode & Bean. B. . Citharichthys arctifrons Goode. B. . Citharichthys unicornis Goode. B. . Citharichthys macrops Dresel. S&S. « Citharichthys uhleri Jordan. W. ; . Citharichthys spilopterus Giinther. S.W.P.R. . Citharichthys sumichrasti Jordan. P. 59 (b). *Citharichthys microstomus Gill. S. 22. Etropus Jordan & Gilbert. 60. ELtropus ectenes Jordan. V. 61. Ltropus rimosus* Goode & Bean. S&. 62. Etropus crossotus Jordan & Gilbert. S.W.P.R. *We are probably in error in regarding Etropus rimosus as identical with Cithar- ichthys microstomus. The latter has a larger mouth, the maxillary 2? in head, instead of nearly 4 as in the former. [100] FLOUNDERS AND SOLES. 333 23. Thysanopsetta Giinther. ’ 63. Thysanopsetia naresi Giinther. T. 24. Monolene Goode. (Genus of uncertain relationships. ) 64. Monolene sessilicaudaGoode. B. 65. Monolene atrimana Goode & Bean. Bb. Subfamily ITI.—ONCOPTERINA, : 25. Oncopterus Steindachner. 66. Oncopterus darwint Steindachner. T. Subfamily IV.—PLATESSIN A. 26. Pleuronichthys Girard. 67. Plewronichthys decurrens Jordan & Gilbert. C. A. 68. Plewronichthys verticalis Jordan & Gilbert. C. A. 69. Pleuronichthys cenosus Girard. C. A. 27. Hypsopsetta Gill. 70. Hypsopsetia guttulata (Girard). C. 28. Parophrys Girard. 71. Parophrys vetulus Girard. C. A. 29. Inopsetta Jordan & Goss. 72. Inopsetta ischyra (Jordan & Gilbert), A. 30. Isopsetta Lockington. 73. Isopsetta isolepis (Lockington). A.C. 31. Lepidopsetta Gill. 74, Lepidopsetta bilineata (Ayres). C. 74 (b). umbrosa (Girard). A. 32. Limanda Gottsehe. 75. Limanda ferruginea (Storer). G. 76. Limanda limanda (Linneus). E. 77. Limanda aspera (Pallas). A. 78. Limanda beani Goode. B. 33. Pseudopleuronectes Bleeker. 79. Pseudopleuronectes americanus (Walbaum). N. 80. Pseudopl euronectes pinnifasciatus (Kner). A. (Generic relations uncer tain.) 34. Platessa Cuvier. § Plalessa. 81. Platessa platessa (Linneeus). E. M. 81 (bd). pseudoflesus (Gottsche). E. 82. Platessa quadrituberculata (Pallas). § Symphurus. 127. Symphurus nigrescens (Rafinesque). M. 128. Symphurus marginatus (Goode & Bean). W. 129. Symphurus elongatus (Giinther). P. 130. Symphurus atricauda (Jordan & Gilbert). C. 131. Symphurus plagusia (Bloch & Schneider). W. R. 132. Symphurus plagiusa (Linneus). &. 132 (0). pusillus (Goode & Bean). S. 132 (¢). diomedeanus (Goode & Bean). S. 133. Symphurus piger (Goode & Bean). W. § Acedia Jordan. (Probably a distinct genus.) 134. Symphurus nebulosus (Goode & Bean). W. LARVAL FORMS. (Bibronic.) A. DELOTHYRIS Goode. . Delothyris pellucidus (Goode). B. B. CoccoLus Bonaparte. - Coccolus annectens (Bonaparte). M. C. PELORIA Cocco. . Peloria heckeli (Cocco). M. D. CHARYBDIA Facciola. . Charybdia sp. (Emery). M. . Charybdia riippelli (Cocco). M. . Charybdia rhomboidichthys (Facciola). M. E. BrBrRontA Cocco. . Bibronia ligulata (Cocco). M. FF. Bascanius Schiédte. . Bascanius tedifer (Schiddte). B. INDIANA UNIVERSITY, Bloomington, Ind., July 10, 1887. 336 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [112] LIST OF PLATES. PLaTeE I. Page. Fic. 1.—Atheresthes stomias Jordan & Gilbert. The Arrow-toothed Halibut.... 12. 2.—Platysomatichthys hippoglossoides Walbaum. The Greenland Halibut... 13 3.—Hippoglossus hippoglossus Linneus, The Halibut...-..-.-.-...-.-...- 13 PuateE II. 4.—Hippoglossoides platessoides Fabricius. The Sand Dab.......--.....--. 16 5.—Hippoglossoides elassodon Jordan & Gilbert. ‘The Alaska Sand Dab-..... 17 6.—Psettichthys melanostictus Girard. The San Francisco ‘‘Sole”.........- 17 PuaTE III. 7.—Paralichthys lethostigma Jordan & Gilbert. The Southern Flounder... 23 8.—Paralichthys oblongus Mitchill. The Four-spotted Flounder ........-.- 25 12.—Limanda ferruginea Storer. The Rusty Dab.........--. 22-22. .22-cc06 63 PLATE IY. 9.—Pleuronectes maximus Linneus. The Turbot (left side)............---. 33° 10.—Plewronectes maximus Linneus. The Turbot (right side)..-..----..... 33 PLATE Y. 11.—Lepidopsetta bilineata Ayres. Var. uwmbrosa Girard. The California MRO1O 7 eats ce dese = erlanin = cess meee amen o neko e = hein oe else ae en 62 13.—Limanda aspera Pallas. The Alaska Rusty Dab. .........-.---.--- 2. 64 PLATE VI. 14.—Pseudopleuronectes americanus Walbaum. The Flat Fish, or Winter Ploander 2.22 222) ese aeiaat he eee latatetete iain es no = 9 cinco ete ee 65 15.—Platessa platessa Linneus. The Plaice.....-....-.--...-.0. --enen seem 67 PLaTE YII. 16.—Liopsetta putnami Gill. The Eel-back Flounder (male)...--..--.-.-.-. 70 17.—Liopsetta glacialis Pallas. The Alaska Kel-back Flounder (female).-.. 71 PratTe OVE: 18.—Platichthys stellatus Pallas. The Great California Flounder.......0... 72 19.—Glyptocephalus cynoglossus Linnwxus. The Pole Flounder .......--.-..- 76 20.—Solea solea Linnzus. The Sole (right side) ............---.------.---- 79 PLATE IX. 21.—Solea solea Linnzeus. The Sole (left side). .......-...-----------s Juste 22.—Achirus fasciatus Lacépede. The American Sole, or ‘‘ Hog-choker” (Tight side) .. 2... ©. - 22. cee enw wenn cone ce wene comnns vonece sasene seem 91 23.—Achirus fasciatus Lacépede. The American Sole, or ‘ Hog-choker” (left sid6):... ..cube nee beens Sas aes >> anh chew eke h wee Onn ween 91 ot Report U. S. F. C. 1886.—Jordan & Goss. The Flounders. PLATE I, Fic. 1.—ATHERESTHES STOMIAS Jordan & Gilbert. The Arrow-toothed Halibut. (From No. 27186: Point Reyes, California.) Fic. 2.—PLATYSOMATICHTHYS HIPPOGLOSSOIDES (Walbaum). The Greenland Halibut. ~ ‘+ Fic. 3.—HIPPOGLOSSUS HIPPOGLOSSUS (Linnzus). The Halibut. (No. 10439: Eastport, Maine.) Report U. S. F. C. 1886.—Jordan & Goss. The Flounders. PLATE II. ‘ Fic. 4.—HIPPOGLOSSOIDES PLATESSOIDES (Fabricius). The Sand Dab. (No. 21002: Le Have Bank.) Fic. 5.—HIPPOGLOSSOIDES ELASSODON Jordan & Gilbert. The Alaska Sand Dab. (No. 27938: Humboldt Harbor, Shumagins, Alaska.) Fic. 6.—PSETTICHTHYS MELANOSTICTUS Girard. The San Francisco ‘‘ Sole.” (No. 27602: San Francisco, California.) bd Dees Tl Report U. S. F. C. 1886.—Jordan & Goss. The Flounders. PLATE III. Fig. 7.—PARALICHTHYS LETHOSTIGMA Jordan & Gilbert. “The Southern Flounder. (No. 21279: Saint John’s River, Florida.) Fic. 8.—PARALICHTHYS OBLONGUS (Mitchill). The Four-spotted Flounder. (No, 10730: Wood's Holl, Massachusetts.) i eas Be 2s Fa iae ee ane FIG. 12.—LIMANDA FERRUGINEA (Storer). The Rusty Dab. (No. 21020: Halifax, Nova Scotia.) Report U, S. F. C. 1886,—Jordan & Goss. The Flounders. PLATE IV, LEFT SIDE. Fic. 9.—PLEURONECTES MAXIMUS Linnzeus. The Turbot. (From No. 36902: Europe.) RIGHT SIDE. Fic. 10.—PLEURONECTES MAXIMUS Linnzus. The Turbot. (From No. 36902: Europe.) Report U, S. F. C. 1886.—Jordan & Goss. The Flounders. PLATE V. Fic. 11.—LEPIDOPSETTA BILINEATA (Ayres.) The California ‘‘ Sole.” (Var. umbrosa Girard.) (No. 27602: Saint Paul, Kodiak.) 2 Pstise se Coos oe eS ee FiG. 13.—LIMANDA ASPERA (Pallas). The Alaska Rusty Dab. (No. 27944: Sitka, Alaska.) PLATE VI. The Flounders. Jordan & Goss, oO 2 ca) S) w 7) =) 1 3 a @ o i i ‘ Fic. 14.—PSEUDOPLEURONECTES AMERICANUS (Walbaum). The Flat Fish, or Winter Flounder, The Plaice. Fic. 15.—PLATESSA PLATESSA Linnzus. (From No. 21175: France.) Report U. S. F. C. 1886.—Jordan & Goss. The Flounders. PLATE Vil. Fic. 16.—LIOPSETTA PUTNAMI (Gill). The Eel-back Flounder (male). (No. 5368: Salem, Massachusetts.) Fic. 17.—LIOPSETTA GLACIALIS (Pallas). The Alaska Eel-back Flounder (female). (No. 27497: Kotzebue Sound.) | Report U. S. F. C. 1886.—Jordan & Goss. The Flounders. PLATE VIII Fic. 18.—PLATICHTHYS STELLATUS (Pallas). The Great California Flounder. (From a reversed example.) (No. 24164: San Francisco, California.) a wy Fig. 19.—GLYPTOCEPHALUS CYNOGLOSSUS (Linnzus.) The Pole Flounder. (Atlantic.) ODED: He RIGHT SIDE. . Fic. 20.—SOLEA SOLEA Linnzus. The Sole. . : (From No. 17324: Helsinburg, Sweden.) PLATE IX. or ‘‘Hog Choker.” ) Report U. S. F. C. 1886.—Jordan & Goss. The Flounders. Fig. 22 2. - o x ° £ O bel)} iS} ELS S 6 é 4) ° oie n> Gre < ¥ c oa ee 8% me) re o = ne -3 <= a) Z Eg. Sie Ee z e rir = ao 6 t B a @ 6 a ae oy igof IE ma “0 cE Oo Pio Ww (o} Oo *o = + o 9° nN = 6 0 ar) te uw ~ =i is BS F 2 te a :§ is MS - to Ak nZ fe S rs & Ag ioe if LEFT SIDE. Fic. 23.—ACHIRUS FASCIATUS Lac The American Sole, Massachusetts épéde. i: s Holl (No. 12985: Wood INDEX. {NotTe.—The references are to page-figures in brackets. ] Page. AQUI 10 ee ee 5, 97, 98, 99, 103, 111 MAMMON Be Hvis. anode na a ees ai2-onc 102 JUTTING GEL eee e Bae Ogre Sea ae OGRE Ee aoe 96 IACHITODSISe c= a 3-5-2 0 oonsns 5, 11, 56, 93, 94, 95, 111 asphyxiatus .......-.. Sigcemccoe 94,111 MAUUOLOL ac a aes cose ae.-sse a weaaeee 94, 111 Achirus 5, 11, 56, 77, 82, 84, 86, 87, 91, 93, 94, 95, 97, 110 THORS) GAS Srcneaoreesees= 85, 87, 91, 110 THOU ee ae SA 91 LEAS Soeeemecereee Snore neranor 97 MEARS ee tnacse cates c seams 88 MOMNIG! socseeesoacc sis~sitsasigs <3 88 fasciatus...... 3, 84, 87, 88, 89, 91, 92, 93, 110 LOD) STEER Rees pene eeee cceooe 86, 91, 110 POHSCOONSIS. 2 oco0eeqsecnce eke se 86, 90, 110 ZUNE Sh aoabeesbonesoe pee ae 86, 90, 110 GTA Sa Seteesereece PMOFOGnE Ree 87, 110 PUINGEOVUHA sa !.c as ene en 3, 85, 87, 89, 110 TLD GS pono cecnconesoseesseeear 87, 92, 110 LOMA CORY scam nce testes aa 85, 88, 110 MIMNGRINSo<-202s5san005- 85, 88, 89, 91, 92, 110 rachialis;55=- = 19 dontatarcdisdeisosene cee aemcoese 23 OPIONPass-see eee ete eee eee ene 25 | Goellavis a2 4.2--5~su sa eminceme = 22 GHaryibdias-cses essence cathe eed 1, 5, 97, 104, 105, 111 rhomboidichthys.-..........----. 106, 111 ip POU eek oe alesis 105, 111 Citharichthys.-..4, 8, 35, 44, 47, 48, 50, 53, 54, 55, 108 WEAANON sapecetaee eee saa 46 BERIB ACA a canteen anew sae me 45 arctifronsvs<<==2-%22256 3, 49, 51, 108 CAVENTIONSIS «Jose eo since - 48, 52 GinNDCELOS: +24 -wanemesemeewen esses: 47 PUMA = .csse es! ete beens = 3 46 Panamensis :2.-5--55---<-. 47, 48 SOTHIGUS 25524-22258 3, 48, 50, 51, 108 spilopterus .-. -3, 43, 48, 50, 52, 54, 108 STLSMBUS 226. 2oeee a 49, 50, 51, 108 sumichrasti-: .-.-...--...50, 52, 108 MANLOVE (5s tacse cd see ween 49, 51, 108 MBICOMNIS’. (555222 42 = eee can 49, 51, 108 MONOKSIES 22-5020 aterm se Soeree 38 Citharne?). £222. seienc eee uewens 4, 8, 29, 31, 32, 107 Teen NT eee rete m ciao eb ee 29, 107 DIStOSSOIMOSR 2 -c5650sasarsaooeeue 16 ID OCCOMIS) se beaee casey nines saat Aca 1, 38, 39, 104, 111 annectens...........<..- 38, 41, 42, 105, 111 OORLSTOMUTIONG fan ema ninniw sacs cuwaneceeese 74 Cremnobates. ----- aSgiatenamp ek Ses ade sce heee 74 CyniCOplOssus esr aewesee sens ees ek OT, 74, U0 microcephalus’-222.5 220i... 74 WACMOUB vases sorcerawecs se oe 75 CWO RIOSSA Jnndses Cannons to nsdwem sie tome ees 73, 74 microtephala';i<5-% Jceeds. cones 74,75 CVNOPIGKBINGD Fii.c:< oes eee cles 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 11, 105, 111 CS PNORIOKSUMN cs os Jata/oio 3s dastd ole te oe eee 76 UO NALO CLOSBIS duke e'asn war's sb ye uela tue sieaneee 73 GUNOSCLONS isisisv sds dc dcdavacsenesaeeeorneee 74 PIRI GUI M se. agck cuecm aco ekeeee ss 1, 5, 97, 104, 111 ° pellucidus 5. 0 See sc tv seaeseee 105, 111 AVEPANO DSS UID: ot =eaee eee 69 Glossichthys....0..22..s:5--s cee eeeeeeeeee 97 plagiusa:<... 2... --seeeee eee 101 | Glyptocephalus.....-.....---.. 10, 31, 73, 74, 76, 110 acadianus:...<. .ssesseeeee 77 Cynoglossus' 2-<.-2sssseke 3, 76, 110 elongatus ..... a tsa ene 77 PaCihChs=--.s0casseneeeeee 75 Saxicola.: 2.25: 2tscceseneee 76 ZACDITUS .22. 6.8 See 3, 76, 77, 110 Grammichthys'.----.<.-.- 25-22 = soe 84 lineatus’-...-.sccne seen eee 9L Gymnachiris':- 32525222. 502ene eee 5, 11, 98, 111 fasciatus ...-(j2-5-<.s5s-eeeee 93, 111 nudus:'-->\.-.icess=5 >see pene 93, 111 Hemirhombus=-occesso-s0..sae eae eee 35, 38, 44 sathalion..-~. sesso eee 46, 47 BYaMACa 2... ote s ese eee 46, 47 fimbriatus ~~ 52. oteeeeneeees 38 - FUSCUS)! (22.52 25 aae nee 52 g@uineénsis: ..-- 3.25. ears 44 ocellatus \... ..- -:sese se eueeee 46, 47 Ovalis\ 22.3. .J.0see ee ee eee 47 petals ~- os os ccs eee seme 46 solewmformis °<-.v0-c-.e eee 45 Heterodon .’..1-60.2is8.4 ss. cee see 74 Meterodontus.=.25- 2222-34 .. aeee dene 74 Heteroprosopon «22. ove ec ace onsen eee 57 corautus:..~ p-orcsne eee 57 Heterosomata/2.3.522s2 ec. aeons 1 Hippoglossinalo26os 0 F./dece'= = es eee 4, 7, 18, 107 MACLOPS's s an\ccwstces sa are 18, 107 Mmi¢rops..%..-0.45).- ase emeee 18, 107 punctatissima............... - 19 Happaglossinie..-.-cese=nse<--eee 2, 4, 5, 6, 11, 106 Hippoglossoides .. .--. 4, 6, 7, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 61, 107 dlentatus!.22. 2S. ssaaeeeeme 16 elaasodon 46 PUD PIN mae aes = aes ols = 13 ponticus: .-.<-Assssacs meters 14 MU CATISS 2 sre tee eentaete eso 13, 14 EURO WS OULN ie on) —noScne see ccesieniinne 4, 9, 59, 109 eutinlatay.-o:o)s4s4e5---- 3, 59, 109 EE On Vat 5, 9, 60, 61, 109 TEL LeegaBOnOce no ocar SoosnEaear 60, 109 LSC E GIN? OSS DESEO SEO SOoeE Mae ee 2, 4, 10, 61, 109 (EGID RRB esBec.cdeaecn sctasceeae 3, 61, 109 DESO 98 (Anca Rpe Scop Soeecee peeeson 74 (L827 GID OARS S4 SS eR eee bee Sree CABOp eas 74 Lepidopsetta ....-..--......------ 5, 10, 61, 62, 109 bilineata --. 224022254. 3, 61, 62, 109 TMDEOSAs Ss = ----5- 62, 109 Te GY ae aterne Soa cee ESE aero 61 WIN DEONAR = = 5 wislyeasiesisiie ae = ~'= 61 Lepidorhombus.....--.-. 4, 8, 27, 28, 29, 38, 75, 107 NOryegicus)----=------- 28, 29, 107 whiff-iagonis ....-..- 3, 28, 46, 107 7 NTS hc cet Ob eS OS SOSeO ORC OCS Dee Og pbeegeS 74 LnTInS) cacotontcnctest bapa sto Sd=reseceeioge 74 Tinian eee eee 5, 10, 31, 61, 62, 65, 109 HS DEE See CEP OEE ASc 5- Sogebe 63, 64, 109 Ji GPITS BSCE RoCOCOMOtOan ec upc 63, 64, 109 ferruginea.--.-..--. pects eeeeeee- 63, 64, 109 [STS A Dy Sea 3, 63, 64, 109 PCCAMIGM Has ase aaa ee aa a= = 64 MONUIC Ane ean aesiem eames = sien ae 64 TOS HR assdnort oobern= hance esrems 63 “7 GAD sages Bes HOCe Ans EEOeBae 64 Linguata impiriali......-.....---.-.-.----. 37 Liopsetta .------.--.--.---.5, 10, 14, 66, 69, 70, 109 MVINONSIS) Le onde anos a Seek Ess 70, 72, 109 PASO Medan ce cas as ease sca ao 70 SAM AlIg) (moc oa alos om<- 3, 66, 70, 71, 72, 109 TPE el See peeeoasoeess ele 70, 71, 72, 109 Lophonectes ......-----------0-.0---------5 5 Lophopsetta ...--------------------------.. 30 MACW AG: 2. nas) nemo asec 4 34 NGC ANA nian me wm 9 <= = 99 wa ean ee sinnin een een 74 Lucanus ..-------------------+-----------.- 74 Lyopsetta...--.-----------.------------ 4, 7,14, 107 sol Die eee eee eee es 2, 14, 50, 107 Mancopsetta -.---..-------------------- scene 5, 62 SRS TAR SIS 3S OPA ole ain omit om alc lle hs ieee aa ta 48 , COODOUenenin date ante at aesee 48, 50 ROLGIGUS yo. uoomaqneame tees ice 48 ES eae 5, 82, 110 TOO RDO ARES e SO COn SECIS Doe ae trans oeeae 73, 74 IMIGrOSUOMITUS .<---6.<5 cc as0---5-- 5, 9, 10, 73, 74, 110 Weihty sce seo cae eas seen 3, 74, 75, 110 latidenssc. asec eeee ce ee eee 73, 75 Ri pacificug): 2ouceneswesees 3, 74, 75, 110 Li Gh cth> 3A 5 eee ees So seae 81, 82, 90 LE (3th jy) CP BE ee He nGotric 88 MAG PINNIS - =... cam omenaaeesea = 88 EEE WD) BSR p era sco See eae heer 90 isin ty 1 Ein) eee eet mei cee Seine 87 Monochirus........----..- 5, 11, 81, 82, 83, 84, 92, 110 ISTNOUS 22. -2c/aac.ote 3, 26, 82, 83, 84, 110 WELOUIG' =~ 2:2 <0:- cae se genet 3, 82, 83, 84, 110 MORN GUS) «5500 - anzeinaeae oe 83, 84, 110 OCellatus......20+9+see00+3, 82, 83, 110 AND SOLES. 339 Page. Monochirus variegatus.................. 82, 83, 110 Monolen@ccacpeccsneciccaaesccsoec 4, 8, 9, 55, 105, 109 BUTIMTAN A ses e eae ers a> we eee 56, 109 sessilicauda.............-... 3, 55, 56, 109 Monomitrate 68 28 Scie JCapOrScoece 74 MvlalenGus peas ee ta nese) ep Pe ee 74 Mey ZOD RC ttan os cae etee cee sate ee cerae 62 FOLMU SUNG eels a soe eaee tin 63 IN GDB crane ae oa eecema nn eee foe nant ieee Te 74 INGDUIS tee ces face eos: ence ae hme eee 74 INEM LODE Sb cco mem tae neh aecian eetinn Saye cls 5 N@tOSeM aise” seee mice /sek Secs coer aap eae 25 CHG Cha ass mete ear ee eae 25, 26 Oncoptierings..-s2.s0ostonse ge cesake 2, 5, 6, 9, 56, 109 Gneopternstsees sere eas eee ee 5, 9, 56, 57, 109 CAR WANT Aa ea cele ere li 56, 57, 109 Qphiosomuses seis sas sone pate ear eeihe ie e 74 Opbisomay essen foo Saas he ean NS 74 Orihiopsebiaa a: see eee. oats 4, 48, 108 SOT Gas eee ee a cy 50 Paralichthys,..->-..<:..-. 4,7, 18, 19, 21, 25, 26, 107 AUS POrSUS sas ae os 62 eee 20, 22, 107 albigutiay: sesetn es Leas 2, 20, 24, 107 brasiliensis .......... 20, 21, 22, 28, 107 californicus ........... 2,19, 20, 21, 107 dentatus ...........2, 20, 21, 22, 24, 107 lebituecodenosdasusceese oat a. 22, 107 lethostigma......-. 2, 20, 22, 23, 24 107 lolepis-..cs-ee eee 19 MaCUlOSiAs ne. sse see eee 21 oblonguseeesees 2 oe 2, 21, 25, 107 ocellarigny 3-500 sons eee 22 OMMALUS ee aera sens eee eee 26 OpRryas oe cesar sen ae 22, 23 patagonicus............. 20, 21, 24, 107 squamilentus .............. 20, 24, 107 SuloMaAtiag.. 5 se eces eae 26 LEE RG EG SIRE) anon onaemoesooe a Gacmen asaeice 11, 77, 8¢ barbatus 5.625 fo. eas 84 BParophrysisss: soe cecear espe eee 5, 9, 57, 59, 60, 109 BV MOSD oe een anc a aaa 59 GCOBNOR Gs <= minis mnlaein’s aeiminiejeia so erase, 58 hmbhandl S-- oe enn2s. eee eee aan 60 SSONVIURS seinvios a ee See ee a 60 SOLE DIS eee esp eee eee 61 quadrituberculatus.-............- 68 MOGULS ees ara ees eres ee 3, 59, 60, 109 ASSOLE cancer tee etal aces eee eee 30, 31 Commmbiensis ce. cco eee ee 28 BGGRsa F'3. nwcesenicc selec eee 77, 78, 110 Belong sit oo os..ce somes Seen eee 1, 38, 39, 104, 111 heeckeli.-. 2... ain iataletel sien a 39, 41, 42, 105, 111 DOGAS ec seeming eae bate dacee cena 38 PUP PEL, Se eee Noe ORL. eee 105 Glan sires stains os 2 =p ayes eee a ee ale 38 Peltorhamphus s.osse-2-aceaesenceeec else 56 hrynorhombus ..... eis ue ae 4, 8, 26, 27, 83, 107 TOPS! occ came aets 3, 26, 27, 107 unimaculatus.............. 27 CED DOTS aie adeno sees eee eee ee 97, 98 EMO PISIM Son ana cmcisina sc nsictasenesiaeeee 2, 97, 98, 100 lineata secs. ces ees. Soe 98 Pragwiensige-- - =) sos seen a se 100 TORCIRUA sons ee aus yey estos 101 [5a CN ae eee SERIO UNT a pean 99 Page Plagusia ornata ....-.----------.0 Sone eet 100 PlCHA sooo w cece ewe ccesecccensesees 99 PIAGINEA. <2 acne cece nescence nan ar-- 101 POsselAte oss te ceraree scheme ==> 100 renee aia alate 2, 5, 9, 10, 31, 59, 65, 66, 73, 74, 109 bilineata 2: cecescceteascc.ceacet ee 61, 62 COINUH. <2. 522 -c cnc cemcn case cnsccce 57 GONGALA: cucccnescssnducnvcssbesccer 16, 22 Ovinensisss-+++s-sss=+s 5 se sees see == 70 elongata. .... 2220-2 -cnnceceenconne dirt ferruginea...--..-------+---------- 63 OSHS ice deee se daw aaa ta ee sss 3, 67, 68, 109 PAHS. 2525252. sesor sens --- 67, 109 PlAbTA... 206252 n-ne cone enon - a 3, 69, 70, 71 Nimans). ss scscce cen sennuecewonn r= 64 melanogaster .----..--------+----+- 69 microcephala ....--.-...0----s---+. 75 oblonga... --..-20------0ceseeeeeeee 23 WCEHATIS coco eccosn sake as eas eubieces 22, 23 orbignyana ......-----------------+ 22, 23 passer ....------- -pasdeagoorestsoe 69 plana .....-.-------.-----------=--- 65 platessa .----.-.--.-------. 3, 66, 67, 68, 109 ‘ pseudoflesus...-.---.----- 67, 109 pola .-...---.----------2---2---20-5 76 pseudoflesus......----------------+ 67 pusilla...........-.---------------- 65 quadrituberculata -....-.--.--- 67, 68, 109 quadrocellata.......-----+---------- 25, 26 TOSHEMGD wns cme case kine eeents= me mim 63 SAXICONA ..- 2. oe ewer wer epeseneee-- 76 Stelataccerces oe -e > eee neers ee. 72 VLE AIS apn wisn ae wis meee ta = =| 67 IRIStRSSINe s-c cae sae se em sad) 054,10, 6,9; 56, 109 Platichthys ---.----------------+-+-+ 5, 10, 66, 72, 109 TUGOSUS -.--00e eee cenane------- 72 stellatws..-<--cecesceen 3, 9, 60, 72, 109 MIM BLOSUS formers sros-ss 1s aeee eels 61, 62 Platophrys -------------- 1, 4, 8, 35, 38, 39, 40, 44, 108 constellatus.....--.........- 40, 42, 108 @LIPLICUS <.5 enc ueent ane sna 41, 43, 108 Leopardinus: --s.-5---eeeeeee 60 italicus..-2:-.~..5lseeeseseeee 69 Wobb oo. see s. cncaeeeees 3, 32, 34, 107 maculiferds ---*.<52-steenemee 43 mMacnIOSOS:. == 5 scence se eee 19, 21 MPHOvUCUSE |... -2.---caaceneeeeen 33 MANCUS ..sscc se awecmaace sce 41 mangili...... See Poet: 83 maximus....... 3, 30, 31, 32, 33, 66, 107 moticus........32, 33, 107 MOZAStOMA. 62.26 sos naweew e- 28,32 melanogaster....-..-..0.--..- 22 microcephalus........-.....«. 74, 75 miocroohinus:22.252-.-5-weceee 83 MIcrOstomUs <6... .caseeseiee 75 MOUIS : cc ccaceweve cunuadeeeeen 91 pad FLOUNDERS Page Pleuronectes nasutus .-.......-.------+---- 80, 81 MICTOMANUS s.occetenacesmaiaio Tih oplon ras; se seen eaes ta< 23, 25 OCGEAtUS 22 5 coe aneadamerssi 83 MRNAS Secs c esas saweecaecnses 68 papillosns ose ce nc. scmcseses 45, 46 MASsOLs eee mecca eee eases 34, 68 WEPUSA sos secisGsc as seas once ne 83, 84 pellucidus cesses sess sasaewenes 38 TUL PENT SY an ee ropeaeee 62 IOS sees ce teats aac teats 12,13 PINNVASCIaAtUs)= som enee sacs «= - = 66 Plagiusa. =.= =. .).s2--.5=- 100, 101, 102 DMAICUSING asset ne sees minis 100, 101 DIANUS - 5 c= cic soa sicawaaieises =a 65 MIAUESS Ass sown nnca clams 31, 32, 66, 67 Mlatessoides 5.25). ots. cocks 15, 16 POGMS soos o4seseeseee 44 Tunatos 22.2. Ba oc ar 43 Innulatuss. 2-62 .easeemeces 43 MACWITELUS, = sseee ee eee 43 WMANCUSe s- oe casa eee ew «.-41, 103 MYTIAsher eos sess Meek oe 38 ocellatus| os eelsenaeee 42 Podss) -- oh on esaeae eee 41 SpInOsus, 2. sac: 2 Seeeseke 42 HOM bOSsOleas: seers eeie= sss Eee 56 PR OMUDUG has en he Wise oe oie crepe seal 2, 30, 31, 32, 57 aculedtus 322525. es cence see 33 AQUOSUS) 3.4. sae 2. ageeaemtesoaee 34 ATAMACH voce o se see See 22, 45, 46 bahianus' 2s 252. s2ecnssearemeetes 42 barbatus: 225223. o2s sec. ~ seen eee 34 CandidISSiIMUs) coe esse ee heee eee 41, 42 Carding siiaec .oscaccsiev za ssecoeee 28 diaphanus).2. ss 2... ss ae see 98, 99, 111 DIED IOSSA sn oo Steen eta ce mes meen 79 meDnlOsus. .2..cacaeseten 98, 99, 102, 111 GApellOnisnecesaseueoec ona ae = a= == 78, 79, 110 nigrescens -........ 3, 97, 98, 99, 106, 111 CINGLOR 2 s15s ase ne eat ten eena nas Camm 79 Piger:..\..i.J2es0 cee scene 99, 102, 111 CIHALA na. neee nee ceo ees ans ccmainelsicns 30 plagiusa = )3-2.5. asses 3, 98, 100, 101, 111 CROP LOSSalee seen e eee he ae neee cin 76 diomedeanus --...- 99, 101, 111 PimpTinta ccs Pees es we enlecociasenes 91 pusillus)--22— sage 98, 101, 111 (ONSeGENSISsa4 Sena eke mesa nee ae ase 90 plagusia .....- *..98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 111 PTOUGN eae on steele cesinicns sacisne ae 87 pusillus <.<22 hoses eee e eee 102 TV Cfoh Dt RS a ane R oer 81 | ‘Synaptura’2:i+.22252 225202 ee eee 74, 96, 111 INSGMIPUA waco csv ncsneceuees s see Eee 87 lusitanica <:.:.:/)) eee 97 Guy Msloscsae cesses tet desumensee deere Ooh SAVIGNYi /c. 222224245 ee ee ee eee 97 Lat the eee ae ON Ot 3)77, 78, 80,110 |'Lappar impiriall 2/2.) 22 922-e ee 37 Kklunzingeri-s...2<225--4-eeedses = 2= =e 88. |) (Dbymallus 22222242 2:4qqssee ress 74 PASOATIN' sos ace cosbel tice eee eee 78, 80,81, 110) | *Dhymalus: ==: s::2ccccc- cee ee eee aoe 74 Limanda waccavcesccacdzee Sees etescaa=s 80 | "Dhyvis s2d232524582 2222 20 eee 104 JINN Jin de scaes scnnsechece Gens aheae 79 pellucidus::..22.. cece e eee eee 105 Utes 1 (ceed a eo 80. | "Thysanopsetta--- 222.2. 2 foe -e sean 4, 9, 58, 55, 109 WOGOR sp acts omeaecaddcrcesne ee seen cnvas 3 NATES 5... Leese eee ee 55, 109 MGCULIPINNIS.-aeecss Sales es in 88 | Trinectes\ss<::.:22:2225: fc ce eee 84 MaZAlaNas «<5 <0csss05bedncasawsaccans 89 SCADLA . 2oc< oo sce w a sas eee 91 UAW GALI ag as ackiaa teehee echo baie 88: | Uropsetta. 222: 22223262252 eee 19 MAING tooanwceancsrasede dees seeeneces 84 californica :<:222csdeseceaeoeeeee 21 MONGCMIP jesser Wssss eet e aes cat ce 84.) Maphidion 2-2 222222 22~/.- sce cane eee 74 MAsUbhiseawded baakosesessaeeetscer ces 81. | Cynoscion parvipinnis Ayres, Proc. Cal. Ac. Nat. Sci., 1861, 156 (coast of Lower Califor- nia). Cynoscion parvipinne Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1880, 456 (San Pedro, San Diego). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 48 (San Pedro southward). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 274 (Guaymas, Mexico). Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. 8. Fish. Com., 1881, 320 (San Pedro, San Diego, Gulf of California). Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. North Am., 580, 1882. Rosa Smith, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1883, 234 (Todos Santos Bay, Lower California). Rosa Smith, West American Scientist, 1885, 47 (San Diego). Otolithus magdalene Steindachner, Ichthyol. Beit., iii, 1875 (Magdalena Bay, Lower California). Habitat.—Coasts of Lower California; Guaymas to the Santa Barbara Islands. This species is common along the coasts of Southern California, as far north as San Pedro. It is an excellent food-fish, not inferior to its rela- tive, the weak-fish of the Atlantic coast. As in the case of the latter species, the flesh of Cestreus parvipinnis is soft, and the fish does not bear transportation well. Types of Otolithus magdalene, from Magdalena Bay, are preserved in the museum at Cambridge. 16. CESTREUS XANTHULUM. Cynoscion xanthulum Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1881, 460 (Mazatlan). Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. 8. Fish. Com., 1881, 319 (Mazatlan). Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 107 (Mazatlan). Habitat.—Pacific coast of Mexico; Mazatlan. S. Mis. 90-———~24 370 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [28] This species is not rare about Mazatlan. The specific name (Gavi0s; ov Aor) is intended to allude to the yellow color of its lips and gums. It is closely related to Cestreus albus, a species which seems to replace it farther south. 17. CESTREUS ALBUS. Otolithus albus Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc, Lond., 1864, 149 (Chiapam; Panama). Giin- ther, Fishes Central America, 387 and 429, 1869 (Chiapam). Steindachner, Neue u. Seltene Fische k. k. Zool. Mus. Wien, 36, 1879 (Panama). Cynoscion album Jordan & Gilbert, Bull, U. 8. Fish. Com., 1881, 319 (Panama). Habitat—Pacific coast of tropical America; Panama. This species is not rare at Panama. Like the others of the genus, it isa food-fish of importance. Specimens from Panama are in the museum at Cambridge. 18. CESTREUS STOLZMANNI. P Otolithus stolemanni Steindachner, Neue u. Seltene Fische k. k. Zool. Mus. Wien, 1879, 35, plate ii, fig. 1 (Tumbez, Peru). Cynoscion stolzmanni Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. 8. Fish. Com., 1881, 320 (Panama). Habitat.—Pacifie coast of tropical America; Panama to Peru. This species is not rare about Panama, where specimens were obtained by Professor Gilbert. A specimen collected by Prof. Alexander A gas- siz, at Panama, is in the museum at Cambridge. 19. CESTREUS NOBILIS. (THe ‘‘WHITE SEA Bass” OF CALIFORNIA.) Johnius nobilis Ayres, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sci., 1860, 78 (San Francisco). Atractoscion nobilis Gill, Proc. pene Nat. Sci. Phila. 1862, 17 (name only). Jordan & Gilbert, pater U. S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 48 (San Francisco southward). Jor- dan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. North Am., 579 and 933, 1882. Cynoscion nobilis Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus , 1880, 456 (San Francisco, Monterey Bay, Santa Barbara, San Pedro, San Diego). Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Fish Com., 1881, 320 (copied). Rosa Smith, West American Scientist, 1885, 47 (San Diego). Ololithus californiensis Steindachner, Ichthyol. Beitr., ili, 31,1875 (Lower California). Habitat.—Coast of California, north to San Francisco. This species is one of the largest in size of the Sciznoid fishes, reach- ing a weight of 60 to 70 pounds. Its flesh is more firm than that of most of the other species of Cestreus, but its quality is searcely less delicate than that of the weak-fish. The young fishes are somewhat different in color from the adult, being marked by two or three distinct dusky cross-bars on the back and sides. These young fishes are often taken by fishermen to be a distinct species, and called sea-trout. Such specimens have been described by Dr. Steindachner under the name of Otolithus californiensis. Typical exam- ples of this nominal species, from San Diego, are in the museum at Cam- bridge. [29] REVIEW OF THE SCIZNIDA. 371 20. CESTREUS PHOXOCEPHALUS. Cynoscion phoxocephalum Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. 8. Fish Com., 1831, 318 (Panama). Habitat.—Pacific coast of tropical America; Panama. This species is not uncommon about Panama. It somewhat resembles Cestreus nobilis, but it is not known to reach the large size of the latter. The tapering form of the head reaches an extreme in this species, and the silvery luster of the scales is brighter than in any other. A specimen of this species from Panama is in the museum at Cam- bridge. 21. CESTREUS LEIARCHUS. Otolithus leiarchus Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 78,1830 (Brazil; Cayenne). Gtin- ther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 308, 1860(Bahia). Jordan, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1826, 540 (pote on type of Cuvier & Valenciennes). Habitat.—Coasts of Brazil and Guiana. This species is known to us from the examination of the type, a dried skin of a young example in the museum at Paris. The absence of the anal spine (‘ letarchis ”) is due to its being covered by varnish. The description given in our analysis is taken from an example (34500, U.S. Nat. Mus.) from unknown locality (Brevoort Coll.) and from speci- mens trom Rio Janeiro, Porto Alegre, Bahia, and Santos, in the mu- seum at Cambridge. C. letarchus is closely related to Cestreus phoxo- cephalus, but it more strongly resembles the typical Cestret than the latter species does. 22. CESTREUS VIRESCENS. Otolithus virescens Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 72, 1830 (Surinam). Cynoscion virescens Jordan, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 588 (name only). Otolithus microps Steindachner, Neue Fisch-Arten k. k. Museen Wien, Stuttgart, und Warschau, 38, plate viii, fig. 2, 1879 (Perto Alegre, Brazil). Habitat.—Coasts of Guiana and Brazil. We know this species from a specimen (4584, M. C. Z.) 18 inches long from Victoria, Brazil. . This specimen agrees well with Steindachner’s description of Otoli- thus microps. The scanty account given by Cuvier and Valenciennes of Otolithus virescens agrees, so far as it goes, with O. microps, and with no other South American species known. We have been unable to find the type of virescens in the museum at Paris. There seems to be little reason for doubting the identity of the two. We have therefore taken the older name instead of microps. 23. CESTREUS MICROLEPIDOTUS. Otolithus microlepidotus Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 79, 1830 (Surinam). Giin- ther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 211, 1860 (copied). Steindachner, Neue und Seltene Fische k.k. Zool. Mus. Wien, 39, 1879 (Maranhao). Cynoscion microlepidotum Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 588 (name only). Habitat.—Coasts of Surinam and Brazil. 372 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [380] This species is known from the original discription of Cuvier and Valenciennes and from a more detailed account given by Dr. Stein- dachner. It would appear to be well distinguished from all the others mentioned in this paper. 24. CESTREUS STEINDACHNERI. Cestreus steindachneri Jordan, sp. nov. (Curuga, Brazil). Habitat.—Coasts of Brazil. The type of this species is a specimen (10922, M. C. Z.) collected at Curucga by Professor Louis Agassiz.. We have taken pleasure in nam- ing the species for our friend, Dr. Franz Steindachner, of Vienna, who has contributed more than any one else to our knowledge of the fishes of South America. Cestreus steindachneri seems to be allied to O. microlepidotus, but it is readily distinguished from that species by numerous characters. It somewhat resembles C. acoupa, but its scales are not half as large as in that species. 25. CESTREUS BAIRDI. Otolithus (?) bairdi Steindachner, Neue Fisch-Arten k. k. Museen Wien, Stuttgart, und Warschau, 40, plate i, fig. 2, 1879 (Santos, Brazil). Habitat.—Coast of Brazil. We have examined asingle specimen of Cestreus bairdi, a young ex- ample (10887, M. C. Z.) 9 inches long, from Para. This species has almost exactly the dentition of the species of Ar- choscion. It cannot, however, be referred to that genus, as it has the fins as in the ordinary species of Cestreus. The difference in the dentition is one of degree only, the lateral teeth being a little larger and more un- equal than usual, and cannot be used to separate this species from the genus Cestreus. Genus IV.-ANCGYLODON. Ancylodon Cuvier, Régne Animal, ed. 1, 1817 (jaculidens = ancylodon). TYPE: Lonchurus ancylodon Bloch & Schneider. This genus contains a single species, remarkable for the large size and peculiar form of its canine teeth. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF ANCYLODON. a. Body oblong, moderately compressed, the general form about as usual in Cestreus: mouth oblique, the lower jaw projecting; maxillary moderate, 2} in head; snout rather pointed, 44 in head; preorbital narrow; eye 64 in head; large canine of upper jaw very long, lance-shaped, i. ¢., widened toward the tip and then abruptly pointed; about two canines in front of lower jaw on each side, also lance-shaped, but much smaller; outer teeth of upper jaw enlarged and showing something of the same form; enlarged lateral teeth of lower jaw compressed; gill-rakers moder- ate, slender, 3 +- 8, the longest % eye; caudal fin rhombic; spinons dorsal very weak; soft dorsal and anal scaly; pectoral 1} in head; lateral line becoming straight before vent ; color bluish above, silvery below; caudal lobe darker; head 3t in length; depth 4; D, IX-I, 28; A. II, 10; scales 75 (pores), 8 rows. ANCYLODON, 26, [31] REVIEW OF THE SCILENIDZ. 373 26. ANCYLODON ANCYLODON. Lonchurus ancylodon Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 102, plate 25, 1801 (Surinam). Aneylodon jaculidens Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss.,v, 81,1830 (Cayenne). Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 311, 1860 (Surinam; West Indies). Jordan & Gil- bert, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 111 (Panama). Ancylodon atricauda Giinther, Shore Fishes of the Challenger Exp., 1880, 12 (Mouth of Rio de la Plata). Habitat.—Both coasts of tropical America; Surinam; Panama. We have not been able to compare any specimens of this species in good condition, from Surinam, with specimens from Panama. The original types in the museum at Paris are in poor condition, but we did not see, when examining them, any characters by which we could sep- arate them from the specimens collected by Professor Gilbert at Panama. Our description is taken chiefly from a specimen in the museum at Cambridge from Rio Grande do Sul. Others from Guiana, Montevideo, and Rio Janeiro are in the same collection. The specimen described by Dr. Giinther as Ancylodon, atricauda dif- fers from our account only in having the head 3 in length and 31 rays in the soft dorsal. It is probably identical with A. ancylodon. Genus V.—NEBRIS. Nebris Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 149, 1830 (microps). TypE: Nebris microps Cuv. & Val. This genus is one of the most peculiar in the family. The cavernous structure of the head reaches in this genus its extreme of development, the head being more spongy to the touch than in Stelliferus, Collichthys, or Pachypops. But one species is known. We retain the name Nebris, notwithstanding the prior Nebria, as we regard the two names as sufficiently distinct. The number of vertebra in Nebris is 10+ 14. The genus, therefore, belongs to the Scienine and not to the Otolithina. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF NEBRIS. a. Body plump, anteriorly tapering to the slender caudal peduncle; profile straight head broad, heavy, extremely spongy above, eye minute, 94 in head, 24 in snout, 4 in interorbital area; 14 in width of maxillary, which is very broad; mouth very large, oblique; lower jaw projecting, premaxillary anteriorly on a level with the middle of the eye; maxillary extending to below posterior margin of orbit, 24 in head ; teeth all minute, those of the lower jaw in a single series; those in upper jaw in a band which widens backwards; tongue large and thick; head entirely scaly ; margin of the preopercle indistinct, with a very wide membranous edge, which is nearly covered with scales; gill-rakers long and slender, 5 + 15; scales small, cycloid; lateral line little arched; the bases, at least of all the soft fins, densely covered with small scales; dorsal spines feeble, shorter than the dorsal rays; caudal lanceolate; pectorals 1} in head; ventrals 13; color silvery, darker above; pectorals dusky on their inner margin; head 3 in length; depth 44. D. VITI-I, 31; A.II-13. Scales 18-50 (pores)-18 1.1.2... .220 -seesacees MICROPS, 27. 374 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES, [32] 27. NEBRIS MICROPS. Nebris microps Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 149, plate 112, 1830 (Surinam), Giinther, Cat. Fish, Brit. Mus., ii, 316, 1860 (copied), Steindachner, Ichthyol. Beitr., iv, 10,1875 (Bay of Panama). Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U.S, Fish Com., 1882, 111 (Panama). . Habitat.—Both coasts of Central America, Surinam, Panama. The specimen from which our description is taken was obtained by Professor Gilbert at Panama, where the species is not rare. The original type of the species, from Surinam, has been examined by us, but it is not in very good condition, and no characters distinguishing it from the Panama form were noted. No direct comparison of Atlantic and Pacific specimens has yet been made. Numerous specimens from Panama are in the museum at Cambridge. Genus VI.—LARIMUS. Larimus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 145, 1830 (breviceps). Amblyscion Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 165 (argenteus). Monosira Poey, Anales de Hist. Nat. Esp., 1881, 326 (stahli). TypE: Larimus breviceps Cuvier & Valenciennes. This genus seems to be a very natural one, and well worthy of dis- tinction, although it is very closely related to Bairdiella and other more typical Sciasnoids. The short snout and oblique mouth reach an extreme in Larimus argenteus, but no definite generic line can be drawn between that species and the others. Besides the following, one other species, — Larimus peli Bleeker, is known, from Guinea. The species called Lari- mus auritus (Brachydeuterus auritus Gill) is not a Scienoid fish at all, but allied to Pomadasis. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF LARIMUS. a. Dorsal wjth 27 to 30 soft rays; mouth extremely oblique or vertical. 'b. Mouth large, the cleft vertical; profile slightly convex, nearly horizontal; no traces of dark stripes along the rows of scales; snout very short, 54 in head; eye large, 4%; profile slightly convex, little oblique; snout very short, 54 in head ; maxillary not extending beyond anterior margin of pupil, 2in head ; teeth all minute; preopercle with a striated and ciliated membranaceous border ; gill-rakers } length of eye, 7-+-16; scales on head all cyecloid; highest dorsal spine 2} in head; ventrals a little shorter than pectorals, which are about as long as head; color plumbeous above, golden below and on sides; a black axil- lary spot; a large steel-blue opercular spot. Head 3;in length; depth 34. D. X-I, 27; A. II, 6. Scales 6=49-6 ..... -......--.....---------- ARGENTEUS, 28. bb. Mouth not quite vertical; upper parts with dark streaks along the rows of scales ; profile slightly convex, alittle oblique; snout very short, 6 in head; eye 4; maxillary extending to below front of orbit, 2 in head ; teeth in lower jaw uniserial, in upper uniserial in front, in about two series laterally ; preopercle with a ciliated, membranous border; gill-rakers slender and long, 10+ 21; dorsal spines weak, the highest 1} in head ; ventrals a little shorter than pec- torals, which are as long as head; scales large, those on head chiefly eycloid ; color plumbeous-silvery, with more or less conspicuous oblique blackish streaks [33] ‘ REVIEW OF THE SCIZNIDEZ 375 following the rows of scales above ; a black axillary spot; region about pseu- dobranchiwe dusky. Head 34; depth,3. D. X-I, 28; A. II, 6. Scales 6-48- FORRES ste ean soa eo ade ene, ore Since Sie cin carson wie tiie lie/as BREVICEPS, 29, aa. Dorsal rays 24 to 26; mouth lower and less oblique, the snout more convex and the profile descending forwards. e. [Color white, with faint streaks and without vertical dark bars; second anal spine long, nearly 2 in head; body deep; snout short, 5 in head; eye 34 in head; mouth large, maxillary 2 in head, lower mandible preduced and curved ; a pore on each side of the symphysis; gill-rakers long and sien- der; teeth uniserial, numerous, and very small, those of the lower jaw slightly larger ; pectorals lanceolate, reaching beyond vent, slightly longer than head. Head 3} in length; depth 3. D. X-I, 25; A.II, 5.] - (Poey.) STABLI, 30. ce. Color grayish, silvery below, with about seven dark.vertical cross-bars ; sec- ond anal spine short, 34 in head. Body heavy forwards, much compressed, the back somewhat elevated ; profile convex; snout very short and blunt, 5} in head; eye 4, about equal to the flattish interorbital area; mouth large, less oblique than in other species ; tip of premaxillary on level of middle of pupil; maxillary 2 in head reaching to below posterior third of eye; lower man- dibie with a slight knob at its symphysis, a small pore on each side of it; teeth minute, firm, in a single series in each jaw; pharyngeal teeth all long and slender; the pharyngeal bones small and narrow, sub-triangular; gill-rakers extremely elon gate, as long aseye, 12 + 24; preopercle with minute cilia ; third and fourth dorsal spines about 2} in head; second anal spine short, one-fourth shorter than the first anal ray; scales large, ctenoid; anal and soft dorsal with a scaly sheath at base; color in life grayish olive above, with some silvery; be- low, clear silver white, back with7 to 9 rather conspicuous darker vertical bars extending to below middle of sides: fins dusky-olive; anal fin and lower rays of caudal yellow, ventrals orange yellow, dusky towards tip; lower side of head very bright silvery; inside of mouth and lining of gill cavity, cheeks and opercles, with some light yellow. Head 33 inlength, depth 3. D. X-I, 24 t0r205.6 ASTT, 5, to.6.,..Scales 5—49-9.to\ll sa. .).5.).). 22-2. se BASCIADUS) ol, 28. LARIMUS ARGENTEUS. Amblyscion argenteus Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 165 (West coast Cen- tral America). Larimus argenteus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Fish Com., 1882, 110 (Panama). Habitat.—Pacifie coast of tropical America; Panama. This singular fish is not uncommon about Panama, where several specimens were obtained by Professor Gilbert. Of all the known spe- cies of Scienide this one kas the mouth most nearly vertical. There is, however, ip its structure nothing to warrant its separation as a distinct genus, Amblyscion. Many specimens from Panama are in the museum at Cambridge. 29. LARIMUS BREVICEPS. Larimus breviceps Cuy. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 146, pl. cxl, 1330 (Brazil, San Domingo). Storer, Syn. Fish. North Am., 321, 1846 (copied). Giinther,: Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 268, 1660 (San Domingo). .Giinther, Fishes Central America, 387 and 425, 1869. Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. 8. Fish Com., 1882, 107 (Mazatlan). Gilbert, loc. cit., 112 (Punta Arenas). Bean & Dresel, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 158 (Jamaica). Habitat.—Both coasts of tropical America, north to Mazatlan and San Domingo. 376 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [34] _ We have not been able to compare directly Atlantic and Pacific ex- amples of this species, so that ws cannot be quite sure as to their iden- tity. The specimen now before us from Jamaica has the dark streaks on the scales much less sharply defined than Mazatlan examples, but we have no other evidence of difference. Specimens entirely similar to this are in the museum at Cambridge from Brazil, Porto Rico, and from Jérémie, Hayti. 30. LARIMUS STAHLI. Monosira stahli Poey, Fauna Puerto-Riquefia, 326, plate vi, 1881 (Porto Rico), Habitat—West Indian Fauna, Porto Rico. This species is known from Poey’s description and figure only. The nominal genus, Monosira, supposed to be distinguished by the uniserial teeth, is strictly synonymous with Larimus, and the species is evidently very close to Larimus breviceps. A specimer of Larimus in the museum at Cambridge (Panama, Dr. Jones) agrees better with J. stahli than with L. breviceps. It has the mouth less oblique than in the latter, and but 24 soft rays in the dorsal fin. . 381. LARIMUS FASCIATUS. Larimus fasciatus Holbrook, Ichthyology 8S. Carolina, 153, plate 22, fig. 1, 1860 (Charleston). Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 269, 1860 (copied). Uhler & Lugger, Fishes of Maryland, 102, 1876. Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 606 (Charleston). Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. North Am., 578, 1883. Habitat—South Atlantic coast of the United States. Our specimens of this species were procured at Charleston by Mr. Charles C. Leslie. Specimens are in the museum at Cambridge, from Charleston and from Florida. Genus VII.—ODONTOSCION. Odontoscion Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 18 (dentex). TYPE: Corvina dentex Cuv. & Val. As here understood, this genus consists of a single species, whicn may be described as a Larimus armed with canine teeth. It also ap- proaches closely to Bairdiella, one of the species of which genus (Batrdi- ella archidium) would be placed in Odontoscion were it not for the plectroid spine on the preopercle. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF ODONTOSCION. a. Teeth in both jaws in a single series ; the two front teeth in lower jaw large canines, some of the teeth on the side of the lower jaw also enlarged, canine-like ; teeth of the upper jaw largest forward, smaller than those in the lower jaw; body oblong, com- pressed, the profile straight and rather steep; snout short, blunt, 4 in head; eye large, 5} to4in head; preopercle rounded without any distinct spines, with crenu- lated membranaceons margin; highest dorsal spine 2 in head ; distance from first anal spine to middle of base of eaudal 3} in length; distance from vent to first anal 3% Me lhe a ny [35] REVIEW OF THE SCIANID&. 377 spine 1} in base of anal; mouth large, oblique, maxillary reaching beyond middle of orbit, 2 in head; preorbital very narrow, about 4in eye; gill-rakers long and _ stiff, 5-++ 14; lower pharyngeals small, with conical teeth; scales thin, ctenoid ; soft dorsal and anal scaly; scales below lateral line innearly horizontal series ; dorsal spines long and slender, separated from soft dorsal; the. spine of soft dorsal short and stout; caudal subtruncate, upper lobe longer; anal short and high, second anal spine 24 in head; ventrals half way to anal, pectorals 13 in head; color dusky silvery, everywhere soiled with dark points, which form faint streaks along the series of scales; snout and anterior part of the chin black ; upper part of base of pectoral and axil black. Head 3 to 3} in length; depth 34. D. XI or XII-I, 23; A. 11,8. Scales 7-49 to 52-10..-....-...----- --- 2-2 eee ee eee e eee eee DENTEX, 32. 32. ODONTOSCION DENTEX. (CORVINA. ) Corvina dentex Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 139, plate 109, 1830 (San Domingo). Storer, Syn. Fish. North Am., 320, 1846 (copied). Larimus dentex Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 269, 1860 (Jamaica, Trinidad). Odontoscion dentex Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 18 (name‘only). Poey, Synopsis, 325, 1868 (Cuba); Enumeratio, 49, 1875 (Cuba). Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 44 (Havana). Habitat.—West Indian fauna. This small species is generally common in the West Indies, where it is a food-fish of some importance. The numerous specimens before us are from Havana, where the species is known to the fishermen as Corvina. Genus VIII.—CORVULA. Corvula Jordan & Eigenmann, genus novum, TYPE: Johnius batabanus Poey. We propose the above name for four species of American Sciznoids, allied to Bairdiella in nearly all respects, but having the preopercle un- armed as in Larimus. The typical species is remarkable in form and coloration, but it is probably congeneric with the others with which we here associate it. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF CORVULA. + a. Body rather short and deep; depth 24 to 34 in length; distance from insertion of ventrals to first anal spine about equal to depth of body; color silvery, usu- ally with faint dusky streaks along the rows of scales. b. [Dorsal rays XI-I, 26; posterior dorsal rays much shortert han the anterior ones ; eye very large, 34in head ; dorsal outline strongly convex, somewhat eleva- ted anteriorly ; ventral outline considerably, strongly convex ; snout short, 5 in head; mouth moderate, somewhat oblique, reaching to below hinder mar- gin of pupil; tip of premaxillary little above lower margin of orbit; mavxil- lary 2} in head; teeth in narrow bands, the outer series of the upper jaw en- larged; longest dorsal spine 12 in head; the highest (third or fourth) dorsal ray 2 in head; base of anal and soft dorsal with a scaly sheath, the mem- branes with minute scales; second anal spine smail, 24in head ; color brown- ish, paler below; upper two-thirds of body with dark streaks along the rows of scales; pectoral and especially anal with dark points; base of spinous dorsal light yellow; numerous dark dots on belly, lower part of sides, and under side of head. Head 3 in length; depth 24; D. XI-I, 26; A. II, 10; Bcales 7-00-10, | ‘CStemdachner,)). sc .6+ cou dele ccs cone Coes sosicee Macrops, 33. 37 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [36] bb. Dorsal rays X-1, 28 ; depth, 23 in length; posterior rays of soft dorsal rays higher than the anterior ones; eye small, 5 int head; dorsal outline strongly and reg- ularly convex and digoatads pouteR outline straight; snout acute, not round- ed, 3} in head; mouth moderate, oblique, maxillary extending beyond pupil ; ifslength 2} in head ; teeth of the lower jaw bluntish, in two series anteriorly, in a single series laterally; those of the inner series largest ; teeth of the upper jaw in a narrow bard, the outer series enlarged; preopercle with a eren- ulate membranous margin ; gill-rakers slender, about half as long as the eye, 7+ 13; dorsal spines slender, the longest 14 in head; soft dorsal rounded pos- teriorly ; 16th dorsal ray highest, 2in head; caudal convex; second anal ray #+ in head ; pectoral short and broad, slightly shorter than ventrals which are 13 in head ; scales‘large, those about the head, nape, and anterior part of breast cycloid, the remainder ctenoid; color, silvery white, darker above; sides and back with rather distinct dark lines along the scales; spinous dor- sal, tips of ventrals and anal dusky; upper part of head brownish; lower part of head, cheek, and breast with numerous rusty dots, base of soft dorsal and anal rusty ; head 3} in length; depth 22. D.X-I, 28; A. II, 8; scales Pema Oe is Cy. 3 eS Le, Shee Ae ane te SIALIs, 34. bbb. Dorsal rays X to XII-I, 23 to 25; depth of body about 34 in length; form of C, sialis, but the body more dee jaws equal; outer teeth above enlarged lower teeth nearly uniserial; eye large, 44 in head ; snout bluntish, 4}; maxil- lary 2} in head, extending i middle of pupil; praieere with flexible SEITE ; second anal spine, 3} in head; caudal fin subtrancate. Head3} in length; depth about 34. D. XIII, 22 2 to 24; A. II, 9; scales about 46; color silvery, with faint streaks along the rows of scales Wess ote aisciors SUBZQUALIS,* 35. aa. Body rather elongate and compressed, the depth 34 in length; distance from in- sertion of ventrals to first anal spine half greater than depth of body; col- oration dusky, with conspicuous dark streaks along the rows of scales. ce, Body oblong, compressed, the depth nearly uniform from yventrals to vent; profile nearly straight and horizontal ; mouth rather wide; maxillary 2} in head, reaching middle of eye; upper jaw with several series of minute teeth and an outer somewhat enlarged series; lower jaw with a single series of rather strong teeth, a pair of minute canine-like teeth at the symphysis ; snout short, without pores, 3} in head; chin with 5 large pores; preopercie with a crenulate, dermal border; gill-rakers slightly longer than pupil, 5+ 13; lower pharyngeals with many small teeth, some of the inner ones much elon- gate ; eye slightly shorter than snout, 4} m head, about equal to the inter- - orbital area; scales large, their exposed edges much striated, the striew end- ing in cilia; scales below lateral line in undulate, sub-horizontal series ; lateral line slightly curved, becoming straight above anal; soft portions of vertical fins densely covered with scales; soft dorsal and anal with a sealy sheath at their base; dorsal caudal and anal rounded behind; ventrals slightly longer than pectorals, 1+ in head. Color coppery-grayish, with many minute brown points; scales of back and sides each with a dark spot, these forming very distinct dusky stripes along the series of scales; stripes below the lateral line mostly of continuous spots, those above broken and irregular; upper part of head and fins uniform brownish with many minute points. Head 3? in Jength ; ; ; depth 34. D. XI-I, 26; A. II, 8; scales 6-50-7 .... BATABANA, ¢ 36. v The followi ing is the substance of Poey’ ) ‘account of his Cor vind subaqualis: Body rather elongate ; eye 3$ in head; snout short, rounded ; mouth moderate ; maxillary extending to below anterior margin of pupil, the jaws subequal ; tbethein fine bands, the outer series longer, and larger above than below ; symphysis with four pores } pre- opercle finely dentate ; dorsal fins separated ; second dorsal spine stout; caudal with a salient angle; base of anal scaly; anal spine rather strong, its insertion rather pos- terior; color silvery; depth 3% (with caudal); head 3%. D. X=], 253 Add, Fs [37] - REVIEW OF THE SCLENIDA, Park?) 33. CORVULA MACROPS. Corvina macrops Steindachner, Ichthyol. Beitr., iii, 24, fig. 2, 1875 (Panama). Sciena macrops Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U.S. Fish. Com., 1831, 316 (copied). Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1885, 382 (Panama). Habitat.—Pacifice coast of tropical America, Panama. This species is apparently rareat Panama. Specimens were obtained there by Dr. Gilbert, but as these have been destroyed we have copied our diagnosis from Steindachner. We do not find the species in the museum at Cambridge. 34. CORVULA SIALIS., Corvula sialis Jordan & Eigenmann, sp. nov. (Key West), Habitat.—F lorida Keys. The only specimen of this species, as yet known (No. 26575, U.S. Nat. Mus.), was collected by Mr. Silas Stearns at Key West, Fla., in 1880. We give here a detailed description of this specimen : Depth, 2§ (32 in total); head, 3+ (3% in total); D. X-I, 28; A.II, 8. Length, 64 faction. Bolly compressed; the back elevated, regularly rounded om snout to posterior margin of soft dorsal; eanetat outline almost straight from chin to first anal spine; base of anal oblique; caudal peduncle short and thick. Profile slightly convex posteriorly, somewhat depressed over the eyes; snout rather acute, slightly longer than eye; eye 42 in head, 14 in interorbital area; preorbital one-half as wide as eye; mouth moder- ate; maxillary extending past pupil, its length 2! in head; premaxil- lary anteriorly on level with the lower border of the orbit; lower jaw in- cluded ; maxillary broad, not entirely concealed by the preorbital when the mouth is shut. Teeth of the lower jaw blunt, conical, in two series, those of the inner series much larger than those of the outer series ; upper jaw with a narrow band of villiform teeth and an outer series of larger teeth, which are remote from each other and decrease in size to- wards the angle of the mouth. Chin with five small pores; snout with six pores, arranged in a —-~ shaped figure. Preopercle with a narrow, crenulate, membranous border; opercle with two scarcely distinguishable spines; scapular scale entire. Gill-rakers moderately developed, about half as long as the eye, 5+12; pseudobranchiz large. Scales about the head in front of dorsal and on anterior part of breast cycloid, marked with concentric striz; those on top of the head im- bedded, indistinct; scales of the body all ctenoid ; membranes of caudal, anal, aod soft damsel densely covered with ee scales nearly to their tips. First dorsal spine short, inserted over the base of the pectoral ; fourth dorsal spine highest, reaching to soft dorsal, 14in head; anterior 380 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [38] 5 t dorsal rays shorter than the middle and posterior ones; the eleventh longer than the fourth by an eye’s diameter, little more than half the t length of the Head ; soft dorsal very broadly rounded posteriorly ; cau- dal short, broad, rounded behind; anal inserted posteriorly, the tips of the anal extending nearly as far as the tips of the dorsal; second anal spine moderate, scarcely more than two-thirds the length of the rays, little less than 3 in head; ventrals lanceoiate, slightly longer than the rounded pectorals, 14 in head. Color (in spirits), light brownish above, silvery on sides and below; the centers of the scales with many dark dots, these forming horizontal lines along the series of scales below the lateral line and oblique, irregular, often interrupted, lines above the lateral line; all the fins with dark dots; spinous dorsal dusky; soft dorsal browuish for two- fifths of its height; the other three-fifths pale; anal and tips of ventrals dusky; pectoral pale; head with many minute rusty dots; these ag- gregated, and forming brownish spots on the maxillary and lower part of the head. 35. CORVULA SUBZQUALIS. Corvina subequalis Poey, Ann, Lyc. Nat. Hist., New York, 1875, 58 (Cuba). Poey, Enumeratio, 48, 1875 (Cuba). Habitat.—W est Indian fauna. We refer two specimens from Saint Thomas to this species, although they differ in some respects from Poey’s description of Corvina sub- equalis. The specimens are in the museum at Cambridge, and are in rather poor condition. The more elongate body and the smaller num- ber of dorsal rays distinguish subequalis readily from sialis. 36. CORVULA BATABANA. Johnius batabanus Poey, Memorias, ii, 184, 1860 (Batabano, Cuba); Synopsis, 324, 1868 (Cuba); Enumeratio, 49, 1875 (Cuba) ; Fauna Puerto-Riquefia, 327, 1881 (Porto Rico). Larimus batabanus Jordan, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 43 (Havana). Habitat.—West Indian fauna. This rare species is known to us from a single specimen, obtained by Dr. Jordan in Havana, and from several specimens sent by Professor Poey to the museum at Cambridge. Its strongly marked coloration is a very unusual trait in this family. It diverges in several ways from the other species referred by us to Corvula, but we think that all should be placed in one genus. Genus IX.—PLAGIOSCION, Plagioscion Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 82 (a generic description only no species or type being indicated). Diplolepis Steindachner, Beitriige zur Kenntniss der Sciwnoiden Brasiliens, 1863, 2 (squamosissimus ; name preoccupied in Hymenoptera). Plagioscion Jordan & EKigenmann (squamosissima). TYPE: Sciena squamossissima Heckel. [39] REVIEW OF THE SCLENIDA. 381 This genus consists of fresh-water Scizenoids, inhabiting the rivers of South America. The genus seems to us a valid one, although closely allied to Corvula and Pseudotolithus, from both of which it is well dis- tinguished by the peculiar squamation of the lateral line. This char- acter suggested to Dr. Steindachner the name JDiplolepis, a name which is, unfortunately, preoccupied. As no species of Plagioscion was named by the describer of that genus, we have hesitated as to the propriety of making use of that name. The original description of Plagioscion must, however, certainly have been based on some species of the present genus, as it agrees with no other American form. We have therefore retained the name given by Dr. Gill in preference to coining some new one for the group. Like most fresh-water fishés, the species of Plagioscion are subject to many variations, especially in regard to the size of the second anal spine. But three of the numerous nominal species seem to us valid. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF PLAGIOSCION. a. Second anal spine small, scarcely longer than eye, its length 4 to 54 in head; teeth of lower jaw with the inner series considerably enlarged; snout of moderate length, 5 in head; eye,54; maxillary, 2}in head; gill-rakers rather long, X+-12; pseudobranchiz usually small on one side and obsolete on the other; upper part of the preopercle crenulate on its bony margin; pectoral fin short, 13 in head‘ anal spine, 4} to 54, its length subject to much variation ; caudal convex; ven- trals filamentous at tip. Color, silvery; darker above, the axil with a large black spot. Head 3} in length; depth 3}. D. X-I, 31 or 32. A.II,7. Scales (large ones or pores) 49 to 53. Lower pharyngeals narrow, armed with villiform Cee eee 2 eR ends obs send i 6 45s SQUAMOSISSIMUS ae aa. Second anal spine large and strong, its length 2 to 3 in head. b. [Teeth of lower jaw with the inner series considerably enlarged ; snout very short, blunt, 5}in head; head depressed above the eyes; mouth large, rather ob- lique, subinferior, the maxillary 24 in head, reaching past eye; back elevated ; ventral outline nearly straight ; caudal peduncle slender ; preorbital broad, a lit- tle narrower than eye, which is 5} in head; preopercle rounded, nearly or quite entire ; teeth of outer series in upper jaw and inner series of lower notably en- larged; dorsal spines slender, the highest 2? in head; pectoral 1} in head; ven- trals 12; scales all ctenoid; head 32; depth 32; D. X-I, 31 to 33. A.II,6. En- larged scales in lateral line about 50; about 100 in a longitudinal series above it. Color grayish above, silvery below; upper vertical fins punctate; lower fins yel- lowish’s “axil dark. (Steimdachner:)) 22. 22. 222) 2 2 ecess.- Boe SURINAMENSIS, 38. bb. Teeth of lower jaw subequal, those of the inner row scarcely enlarged ; head very convex above, not spongy ; preopercle with a broad membranous margin, which is slightly crenulate; preorbital broad, as broad as eye ; mouth large, oblique, the lower jaw slightly included, the maxillary 27 in head; snout bluntish, 3¢ in head, eye 6 in head ; gill-rakers X + 13, slender and moderately long, the longest about 2 diameter of eye; outer teeth above somewhat enlarged; pectorals long, 13 in head, shorter than the ventrals, which have filamentous tips; second anal spine 24 to 23 in head; dorsals connected, the soft dorsal largely scaly at base ; caudal rhombic, the middle rays produced. Color plain silvery, the axil dusky. Head 34; depth 3}. D. X-I, 34 to 36. A.II,7. Scales 49 (pores); 80 cross-series. AURATUS, 39. 382 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [40] 37. PLAGIOSCION SQUAMOSISSIMUS. Sciena squamosissing Heckel, Annalen des Wiener Museum, ii, 438, 1840. Reinhardt, Videnskab. Medd. Naturhist. Forening Kjébenhavn, 108,1854. Steindachner, Beitr. zur Kenntniss der Fisch-Fauna Siid-America’s, 1879, 3 (Amazon, Ori- noco, Rio Negro). Pachyurus squamosissimus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 526, 1860 (copied). Diplolepis squamosissimus Steindachner, Scien. Brasil., 2, 1863 (Brazil). ? Sciena rubella Schomburgk, Naturalists’ Library, Fishes of Guiana, ii, 133, 1843 (Rivers of Guiana). (D. IX, 34; A. II, 6; anal spines presumably small.) Johnius crowvina Castelnau, Anim. Nouy. ou Rares de l Amér. du Sud, Poissons, 11, plate v, fig. 1, about 1855 (Rio Crixas, Rio Araguay). Sciena crouvina Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 287, 1860 (copied). Johnius amazonicus Castelnau, Anim. Nouv. ou Rares de ’VAmér. du Sud, Poiss., 12, plate iv, fig. 1, about 1855 (Amazon). Sciena amazonica Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 284, 1860 (River Chapin, Para). ? Corvina monacantha Cope,* Trans. Am. Phil. Soc., 1866, 402 (near Parimaribo, Dutch Guiana. ? Scieana monacantha Jordan, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1886, 587 (name only). Habitat.—Rivers of Guiana and Brazil. J We have examined specimens of this species from Obidos, Avary, Rio Puty, Tajaparu, I¢a, Coary, Rio Trombetas, and Lake Hyanuary in Brazi:. Our description is chiefly taken from 10867, M. C. Z., from Obidos, and 10857 from Coary. We regard the Johnius amazonicus and Johnius crouvina of Castel- nau as identical, and we follow Dr. Steindachner in placing both in the synonymy of the earlier Scicna squamosissima of Heckel. We have seen no specimens of this species from Guiana. It seems to us, how- ever, that the scanty descriptions published of Sciwna rubella and Cor- vina monacantha resemble this species more than any other, although it is not impossible that both should be referred to Plagioscion surinamen- sis. If the latter.should be found to be the only species of the genus in Guiana, it should stand as Plagioscion rubellus. 83. PLAGIOSCION SURINAMENSIS. Pseudosciena surinamensis Bleeker, Arch. Néerl. Sci. Exact. et Nat., viii, 458, 1873 (Surinam). Sciena surinamensis Steindachner, Fisch-Fauna des Cauca, 1880, 4(Rio Cauca). Jor- dan, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1886, 587 (name only). Sciana magdalene Steindachner, Zur Fisch-Fauna des Magdalenen-Strome s, 6, 1878 (Rio Magdalena), Sciena magdalene Jordan, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1886, 587 (name only). Habitat.—Rivers of the northern part of South America. ~ *The following is the substance of Professor Cope’s deseription of Corvina mona- cantha : First ventral ray Pagecees as‘a filament which reaches past the vent ; pseudo- branchie none; eyes 5 in head; depth equal to length of head; preopercle sharply serrate on its tibial margin; pharyngeal patches of teeth small, the teeth bristly; caudal fin sublanceolate ; pectorals as long as ventrals without filaments ; anal spine short, single in typical specimens; color, silvery, grayish above ; no eM D. X-I, 33; A. 1,5. Scales 10-49-16. > [41] REVIEW OF THE SCIMNIDA. 383 This species is known to us from descriptions only. We can see no evident difference between the magdalene and the surinamensis as de- scribed by Steindachner and Bleeker. We therefore refer the former to the synonymy of the latter. As already stated, this may be the orig- inal Sciena rubella of Schomburgk. 39. PLAGIOSCION AURATUS. Johnius auratus Castelnau, Anim. Nouy. ou Rares de l’Amér. du Sud, 12, plate iv, fig. 2, 1855 (Rio Ucayala). Sciena aurata Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 287, 1860 (copied). FFabitat.—Rivers of Brazil. This species seems to be very abundant in the rivers of Brazil. We have examined specimens, old and young, from Tajapuru, Cachiura, Ca- neta, Para, Rio Sao Francisco, Avary, Obidos, Rio Puty, and Teffy. A specimen (10855, M. C. Z.) from Tajapuru has especially served as the type of our description. Genus X.—BAIRDIELLA. Bairdiella Gill, Cat. Fish. East Coast North America, 33, 1861 (argyroleuca=chrysura). TyPE: Bodianus argyroleucus Mitchill = Dipterodon chrysurus Lacé- pede. This genus is characterized by the oblique mouth, little cavernous skull, few rows of teeth, slender gill-rakers, and the preopercle armed with a plectroid spine. It seems to us a natural group, and perhaps worthy of recognition as a distinct genus, although its relationships with Ophioscion and especially with Stelliferus are very close. The numerous species are all American, and some of them are remarkable for the great size of the second anal spine. In others, this spine is quite small. These variations among species unquestionably closely allied shows how slight is the systematic value to be attached to the size of this spine. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF BAIRDIELLA. a. Teeth of lower jaw unequal, mostly biserial, some of those of the inner series very slender, canine-like ; two small canines on front of lower jaw, inserted on a symphyseal knob ; second anal spine very small, 3 in head (species approaching Odontoscion). b. Body moderately compressed, the back little elevated ; profile somewhat con- cave anteriorly ; snout acute, slightly longer than eye; eye 4$ to 5 in head; mouth large, terminal, very oblique; maxillary extend- ing to below posterior margin of pupil, 24 in head; teeth of the upper jaw long and slender, in 3 to 4 series, the inner ones depressible back- ward, the outer ones enlarged and fixed ; 5 or 6 distinct serre near the angle of preopercle, the lowest a robust flattish spine directed down- wards; gill-rakers slender, 64-15; longest dorsal spine 2} in head; anal fin small, its base slightly oblique; second anal spine shorter than the first rays, 3 in head; pectorals about as long as ven- trals, 14 in head; seales about the head cycloid, the rest all cte- 384 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [42] noid; membranes of soft dorsal and anal scaled for nearly half their height ; color lustrous bluish gray above, silvery below; middle of sides with indistinct lengthwise streaks formed by clusters of dark dots in the centers of the scales; snout and tip of lower jaw blackish; a dark blotch on opercle above; sides of head bright silvery ; fins ight straw color; upper half of pectorals dusky: spinous dorsal finely speckled with black; axil brown above; lining of opercle black above; iris bright yellow ; head 3 in length ; depth 34; D. X-I, 24 or 25; A. II, 8. ROSIER O-G2H7 5 ain ois heccp en coe okecceeet Ones were ene ARCHIDIUM, 40. aa. Teeth of the lower jaw unequal, chiefly biserial, those of the inner series some- what enlarged; no distinct ¢ anines; second anal spine moderate or large ; preorbital narrow (Bairdiella). c. Second anal spine moderate, 24 in head, not as long as the soft rays, not reach- ing to tip of last ray when depressed; mouth large, somewhat oblique, the premaxillary on the level of lower part of the eye; maxillary reaching middle of eye, 2? in head; body oblong, compressed, the back a little elevated, the profile depressed over the eyes; snout prominent, bluntish, as long as eye, which is 44 in head; upper teeth in two series, the outer row slender, enlarged ; lower teeth in two series, the inner larger, similar to the outer in upper jaw ; preopercle serrate, the teeth near the angle larger; the lowest and largest directed downward; gill- rakers slender, rather long, 84-16; scales on head cycloid; base of anal little oblique; ventral outline rather regularly rounded; dorsal spines slender, the highest 2} in head ; caudal long, double truncate ; pectorals about as long as the ventrals, 1? in head; soft dorsal and anal scaled at least half their height. Color greenish above, silvery below ; back and sides more or less densely punctate with dark dots (especially in northern specimens), these forming narrow, somewhat irregular streaks along the sides; fins plain, mostly yellow in life. Head 3 in length; depth 3. D. XI-I, 22; A. II, 10. Scales 8-52-8. CuRyYSuURA, 41. ec. Second anal spine very long, nearly or quite # length of head, reaching when depressed beyond the tip of the last soft ray; base of anal fin very oblique, making an abrupt angle with the straightish ventral outline. d. Mouth terminal, very oblique, the premaxillary anteriorly on the level of the middle of the eye; body subrhomboidal and angular in outline ; profile steep, slightly convex; snoutshort, 5in head; mouth moderate, the max- illary reaching middle of eye, 22 in head; teeth in upper jaw in two or three series, the outer considerably enlarged, all of them more or less de- pressible ; gill-rakers long, 8-+ 16; dorsal spines stout, the highest about 2 in head ; second anal spine enorméus, larger than in any other species, 17in head; longer than any of the rays ; second anal spine and the anterior rays extending beyond the tips of the last rays; the margin of the fin concave, ventrals slightly longer than pectorals, 1} in head ; opercular scales and some of the scales of the cheek and top of the * head ctenoid, those of the interorbital space and a few on the lower parts of the cheek and opercle cycloid; color bluish-gray above and on sides, silvery below; a dark, ill-defined bluish-gray blotch on opercle ; mouth yellow within ; black towards the tip of the lower jaw ; spinous dorsal with black punctulations and a black margin, soft dorsal dusky yellow; caudal and anterior rays of the anal brighter yellow; caudal and membrane between anal spine and first ray with black dots; axil of pectorals and inner membrane of the upper rays of the pectoral brownish, Head 3}in length ; ict 34. D. X-I1, 23; A.II, & Scales 8-49-9.. pia oninid Au siachaiae Wai 4:6) 4'4 mminate Se bie See etree Shae eons IE cee [43] REVIEW OF THE SCI#NIDZ. 385 dd. Mouth not quite terminal, the premaxillary anteriorly scarcely on level of lower margin of orbit; preorbital narrow, but broader than in the pre- ceding species. e. Dorsal rays X-I, 28; dorsal spines very slender, the highest 14 in head; dorsal outline convex, especially anteriorly ; ventral] outline straightish; profile straightish anteriorly ; eye moderate, as long as snout, 4¢ in head; maxillary 2} in head, reaching much beyond middle of eye; teeth in the upper jaw in a narrow band, the outer series enlarged ; gill-rakers 8 +- 19; basal half of soft dorsal scaly ; anal spine very strong, its tip reaching past tip of last anal ray; pectorals about equal the ventrals, 14 in head; color grayish silvery above, silvery on sides and below; dorsal region with faint streaks produced by the darker centers of the scales; sides without dots; spinous dorsal blackish; ventrals and pectorals pale; a dark axillary spot; lining of gill cavity with dusky blotches. Head 3} in length; depth 3}. D. X-I, 28; A. II, 8. Scaleste—ol —l Osos eS ae eije Hata ee Meo e Ek vats es IcrsTia, 43. ee. Dorsal rays X-I, 23; dorsal spines ites stiff, the highest 2 in head; second anal ening rather strong, curved, 12 in head, as long as first soft ray, and reaching beyond tips of other rays; body oblong, compressed, scarcely angular in outline; profile straight, rather steep, the snout short and rather acute; eye as long as snout, 44 in head; mouth mod- erate, nearly horizontal; premaxillary on level of lower part of orbit ; maxillary reaching beyond middle of eye, 22 in head; teeth asin B. icistia; preopercle strongly serrate; gill-rakers 9 + 18. Ventrals slightly longer than pectorals, which are 13 in head; caudal truncate ; color soiled grayish above, silvery below; faint, dark streaks along the rows of scales; spinous dorsal and anterior part of anal densely covered with dark dots; head 34 in length; depth 3}. D. X-I, 23; A. Bs) GRIER Ol niece mse Sale sine wom sahl ate e's ; caudal fin lanceolate, almost as long as head; snout short and bluntish, projecting a little beyond the premaxillaries, about as long as eye; eye 3% in head; mouth small, low, maxillary not extending to below middle of eye, 2} in head; teeth in both jaws in moderate bands, the outer series of the upper jaw enlarged ; highest dorsal spine 14 in head; anal spine very thick, strong; as long as the rays, 1} in head ; pec- torals about as long as ventrals; first ventral ray filiform. Color, grayish; anal and ventral fins largely black. Head 3} in length; depth 3}; D. X-I, 22; A. II. 7; scales pote et Tyrica, 59. [57] REVIEW OF THE SCJIENIDA. 399 bb. Caudal fin irregularly double truncate or f-shaped, much shorter than the head ; soft dorsal with 24 or 25 rays. e. Teeth in the lower jaw equal, in a broad villiform band. f. Snout much projecting beyond the premaxillaries; head low, slender, blunt, somewhat spongy; body rather deep, com- pressed; the back considerably elevated; profile steep, concave over the head; snout shorter than the eye, which is 44 in head; mouth small, maxil- lary reaching to below middle of eye, 3 in head; outer series of teeth in the upper jaw slightly en- larged ; highest dorsal spine slightly more than half length of head; anal spine moderate, shorter than the rays, 24 in head; first ventral ray filamentous pectorals much longer than the ventrals, scarcely shorter than the head. Color, dull brown above, lighter below; upper fins brown; spinous dorsal dusky at tip; anal black; ventrals and pectorals dusky. Head 3} in length; depth 3; D. XI-I, 25; A. DSi pSCaleso—ol— 8) oa cia. oetaseeneias 4 ImMicEpPs, 60. ff. Snout scarcely projecting beyond the premaxillaries; head not very slender; body robust; profile steep; snout rather acute, somewhat longer than eye, which is about 5} in head; mouth moderate; maxillary 3 in head, reaching beyond middle of orbit; teeth in broad villiform bands, the outer series in upper jaw larger; highest dorsal spines, 2 in head; caudal irregularly double truncate, the median rays longest, 12 in head; the upper angle not produced; second anal spine stout, scarcely shorter than the rays, 2 in head; pectorals as long as the ventrals, 14 in head. Color, steel gray above, dull silvery below, every- where densely covered with brown points, these becoming more numerous and larger below; nar- row, very distinct dark lines following the series of scales, those below the lateral line horizontal, those above extending obliquely upward and back- ward; fins plain; edge of the spinous dorsal and the whole of the anals and ventrals blackish. Head 33 in length; depth 33; D. X-I, 24; A. II, 7; scales G=502O RP SS oe ears sles sacescs, see deeisaos Sormra, 61. ee. Teeth in lower jaw unequal, a series of larger ones being present besides those of the villiform band; upper lobe of caudal produced, acute, the lower lobe rounded ; form of 8. sciera; [head somewhat compressed, the snout ob- tuse, a little longer than eye, which is about 5 in head ; premaxillaries below level of eye, the snout projecting beyond them; margin of preopercle with wide-set spinous teeth; preorbital nearly as wide as eye; maxillary reaching beyond middle of eye 37 in head ; third dorsal spine 1} in head; second anal spine very strong, 2 in head. Color, dusky sil- very, with distinct purplish brown streaks along the series of scales; fins, brown. Head 3}in length; depth 3; D. X-I, 25; A. Il, 8; scales 6- ? -15. | (Gin- EOE alae SEES sees ce smawade VERMICULARIS, 62. 400 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [58] aa. Preopercle, with its bony margin sharply serrate in young examples, becoming en- tire with age: body rather elongate, not much com- pressed. (Sciwnops Gill.) i. Caudal fin slightly concave, about half as long as head; a large black ocellus at its base above. Body elongate, rather ro- bust, back somewhat arched; profile rather steep, somewhat convex; head long, rather low; eye small, 7 in head; snout bluntish, rather long, 4 in head ; mouth large, nearly horizontal; maxillary not quite reaching posterior border of orbit, 2} in head; teeth in both jaws in villiform bands, the outer series of the upper jaw much enlarged; lower teeth subequal; gill-rakers 5 +- 7, shorter than the diam- eter of the pupil; longest dorsal spine 24 in head ; second anal spine 12 in the longest ray, 33 in head; pectorals as long as ventrals, 2 in head; scales of the breast imbedded, cycloid ; soft dorsal scaleless ; color grayish-silvery, iridescent ; each scale with a center of dark points, these forming rather obscure, irregular, undulating brown stripes along the rows of scales; a jet black ocellated spot about as large as eye at base of caudal above; this sometimes du- plicated; the body occasionally covered with ocelli. Head 3} in length; depth 33. D. X-I, 24; A.II,8. Sealesi4—-O0-7) 2.5226 2 se cen ces eehes OCELLATA, 63. aaa. Preopercle, with its bony margin entire or irregularly crenulate or ciliate, never distinctly serrate. j. Second anal spine small and slender, 3} to 44 in head; mouth small, the back not greatly elevated. k. Body.more or less elongate, little compressed, formed as in Ophi- ° oscion ; teeth of lower jaw equal (Johnius Bloch). 1, [Caudal rhombic, its length } that of head ; no black ocellus at its base. Body rather elongated, the form much as in Sciena (Ophioscion) typica, but the head less de- ' pressed; profile, depressed above eye; eye 4 in head, as long as the snout, which is rather long, bluntish at tip; preorbital, 3 length of eye ; mouth moderate, horizontal ; maxillary extending to below middle of eye, 24in head ; teeth in many series; outer series of the upper jaw somewhat longer, those of the lower jaw all subequal; preopercle entire (in the figure) ; scales of the cheek cycloid; those of the opercle and body ctenoid;.46 series of scales above the lateral line; 40 below it ; spinous dorsal little longer than high, the spines slender, scarcely flexible, the third longest, 2 in head; soft dorsal densely scaly, the longest ray 2? in head; second anal spine small, lit- tle longer than the eye, 3} in head; pectorals 13 in head. Color, greenish or bluish gray above, silvery below ; fins yellowish. Head 3} to 34; depth 34 to 33; D. X-I, 28 or 29; A. II, 7; lateral line, 45.] CBOSS) sc 2se hs sae sla bdeae HETEROLEPIS, 64. kk. Body rather elongate, considerably compressed ; teeth in lower jaw unequal, those of the inner series more or less enlarged; mouth rather large; preopercle with flex- ible serra, ————— [59] REVIEW OF THE SCIZNID&. | 401 m. Slits and pores of snout anteriorly obsolete, or nearly so (Pseudosciena Bleeker). n. Caudal peduncle long, the caudal: fin subtruncate; profile rather steep, the snout pointed, 4 in head; eye small, 5 to 6; preorbital narrow, about 24 in eye; mouth rather large, little oblique, the maxillary reaching beyond pupil, 24 in head; teeth above ina narrow band, the outer enlarged; teeth in lower jaw in few series, some of those in the inner consid- erably larger; lower jaw included ; snout 33 in head; preopercle serrulate, the teeth all membranaceous, becoming obsolete with age; gill-rakers 4 + 8, short and slender; scales small, those below lateral line in oblique series,as well as those above; dorsal spines weak, the longest 2? in head ; pectoral short, 13 in head; second anal spine very small, 43 in head, about half as long as soft rays, the insertion well forward; caudal subtruncate; soft dorsal scaleless. Color grayish, darker above; a gray blotch on oper- cle; fins reddish. Head 4in length; depth 44; D. X-I, 26 to 29; A. II, 7. Scales 8-52 to 55-18. AQUILA, 65. mm. Slits and pores on snout anteriorly well developed (Cal- laus Jordan). o. Head and body compressed, the back arched, the outline oblong-elliptical ; profile straightish, rather steep; head bluntish, the snout 44 in head; eye rather large, 54 in head,as wide as the broad preorbital ; maxillary extending to middle of pupil, 3} in head ; mouth rather large, a little oblique, the lower jaw slightly included ; preopercle finely and evenly ser- rate, the serre flexible and not bony; gill-rakers slender and very short, scarcely as long as pupil, X-+ 12in number; teeth in moderate bands, some of the outer moderately enlarged above, some of the inner ones below, these smaller than those of the upper jaw; soft dorsal and anal scaled at base only ; dorsal spines moderate; second anal spine small, 4! in head ; caudal lunate, its upper lobe the longer ; pec- toral long, 14 in head; color bluish above with faint dark horizontal streaks, following the rows of scales; axil dark; fins pale; head 3 in length; depth 3; D. X-I, 23; A. II, 9. Scales 50..... DELICIOSA, 66. jj. Second anal spine long and stout, its length 2 to 3in head; back elevated; mouth small, inferior; snout with con- spicuous slits and pores. p. Vertical fins high ; membranes of dorsal and anal scale- less; caudal fin subtruncate, its middle rays the long- est (Sciena). q. Dorsal spines slender and weak, the 4th to 6th sub- equal, 1? in length of head; ventrals long and lan- ceolate, the outer rays reaching almost to vent, scarcely shorter than head; body rather short and deep, the back elevated, profile steep, depressed above the eye; ventral outline slightly arched; snout blunt, 402 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [60] scarcely longer than eye, 47 in head; eye 53 in head; preorbital broad, nearly as wide as eye ; mouth rather small, inferior, maxillary reaching middle of eye, 23 in head; teeth in both jaws in broad, villiform bands, the outer series above somewhat enlarged ; pharyngeal teeth all more or less conical, the inner series somewhat rounded and molar-like; gill-rakers short, flattened, 5-+-8; preopercle with an irregular entire border; dorsal spines all thin and slender; middle rays of soft dorsal highest 14 in head ; caudal subtruncate, the middle rays longest; second anal spine stout and long, about 2 in head, reaching when depressed beyond the last ray; first and second soft rays elongate 1? in head, the rest rapid- ly decreasing in length ; pectorals 1} in head; scales strongly ctenoid, those about the head cycloid; a scaly sheath at base of anal and soft dorsal. , Color dark golden, each scale with many blackish dots, these forming stripes along the rows of scales; rows of scales below lateral line undulating ; membranes of dorsal spines blackish; anal black, the last two rays pale; ventrals black, their first rays with the outer border white, caudal edged with dusky below and behind. Head 3} in length; ee 3. D. X-I, 235 A. IT, 7. Seales 8-60-17 .-.<.. .--225 UMBRA, 67. pp. Vertical fins low, the membranes of the dorsal and anal = closely scaled ; caudal fin lunate, the upper lobe the longer. (Cheilotrema Tschudi.) . Dorsal rays X-I, 27 or 28; snout moderately blunt; second anal spine 24 in head; dorsal spines grad- ually shortened behind the third, which is 24 in head; ventrals short, 14 in head; body oblong, the back considerably elevated; profile steep, the nape con- vex; snout short and blunt, but less so than in 8. fasciata, 34 in head; eye, 5; preorbital broad, nearly as wide as eye; teeth as in Sciena wmbra, the bands broader; pharyngeal teeth all conic, the inner series enlarged; gill-rakers short, thick, 6 +9; middle rays of soft dorsal longest, 2} in head; second anal spine long and stout, 24 in head, not reaching nearly to tip of last ray ; first anal rays scarcely elongate, about 2in head; pectorals broad, 14 in head; all scales of of head strongly ctenoid; a scaly sheath at base of anal and soft dorsal. Color blackish, with coppery luster, each scale with a cluster of dark points, an obscure, broad, pale cross-band extending downward from front of soft dorsal to tips of ventrals; fins rather dark, belly silvery, dusted with dark specks ; suborbital region coppery, with round, dark dots; membrane about angle of opercle jet black; tips of ventral and anal black; young (‘* Corvina jacobi”) with three broad longitudinal dark bands. Head 3% in length; depth 23. D. X-I, 27; A. II, 7. Scales, 10-55:70 10U=1.7.. > sjcaues one vene name SATURNA, 68. . 7 [61] REVIEW OF THE SCIZNIDZ. — 403 rr. Dorsal rays XI-I, 23; snout extremely short and -blunt; second anal spine 24in head. Body deep, the back elevated ; anterior profile very steep and some- what convex ; the back a little compressed ; snout low, thick, blunt, and short, 33 in head, its pores and slits conspicuous; mouth inferior, horizontal, the maxillary reaching middle of eye, 3 in head; teeth in broad bands, the outer above somewhat en- larged; preopercle with membranaceous serre ; pre- orbital very broad, as broad as eye; gill-rakers very short and thick, rough, as long as high, 5 or 6 of thei developed; eye 5} in head; dorsal spines moderate, the longest 2} in head; second anal spine stout and rather shorter than in related species; longest soft ray of dorsal 24 in head; pectoral shortish, 13. Color dusky, the young with two or three vague blackish cross-bands; fins all dusky. Head 3 in length; depth 24. D. XI-I, 23; A. II, 8. Scales 57. FascIiAtTa, 69. ‘57. SCIZANA GILLI. Corvina gilli Steindachner, Ichthyol. Notizen, vi, 29, 1867 (Rio de la Plata). Habitat.—Atlantic coast of South America. We know this species from the account given by Dr. Steindachner. It is very close to Sciwna adusta, and may prove to be the same, but the description seems to indicate some differences. 58. SCIZANA ADUSTA. Sciena (Corvina) adusta Agassiz, Spix Pisc. Bras., 126, plate 70, 1829 (Montevideo). Jenyns, Zool. Beagle, Fishes, 42, 1842 (Maldonado; Montevideo). Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 289, 1860 (South America). Habitat.——Coast of Brazil and the West Indies. We refer to this species several specimens in the museum at Cam- bridge from Pernambuco, Fonteboa, and Jérémie, Hayti. Our descrip- tion is drawn chiefly from the largest example (22417, M. C. Z., 7 inches long) collected at Pernambuco by Rev. J.C. Fletcher. These speci- mens agree almost perfectly with the figure of. Sciana adusta, given by Agassiz, the only discrepancy being that the second anal spine is a little longer than is shown in the figure. They agree fairly with the descrip- tions of Jenyns and Giinther, except in the number of rays in the soft dorsal. In Agassiz’s text, as well as by Jenyns and Giinther, 28 soft ‘rays are enumerated. We count 22 and 23 in different specimens. But in Agassiz’s plate but 19 or 20 are shown, and it has occurred to us that the number 28 in the description was a misprint for 18 or for 20, and that possibly this number, 28, may have been copied withouié verification by Jenyns and by Giinther. If this is not so Agassiz’s description must refer to one species, the one examined by Giinther and Jenyns, and his figure to another, the one examined by us. In that case our species must receive a new name. But we regard this as highly im. probable, and refer all these accounts to the synonymy of Scicna adusta. 404 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [62] 59. SCIZENA TYPICA. Ophioscion typicus Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1865, 165 (west coast Central America). Corvina ophioscion Giinther, Fish. Central America, 387 and 428, 1866 (Panama). . Sciena ophioscion Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U.S. Fish Com., 1881, 315 (Panama). Habitat.—Pacific coast of tropical America; Panama. This species is not uncommon about Panama. In its slender head and lanceolate caudal fin it would seem to differ widely from most of the related forms. Its relations with S. sciera are, however, close, and S. imiceps is evidently intermediate. The undesirability of such words as ‘“typicus” as specific names is very evident in this case. If we follow the law of priority we have a name which is self-contradictory, as this is one of the species most un- like the real type of Sciena. 60. SCIANA IMICEPS. Sciena imiceps Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. 8. Fish Com.) 1881, 309 (Bay of Panama). Habitat.—Pacific coast of tropical America ; Panama. This small species is not rare at Panama. It resembles the species of Stelliferus, and it has real affinities with the latter group. The head is, however, different, being low and narrow, and little cavernous, while the gill-rakers are very short, as in the other species referred to Ophio- scion. 61. SCIZNA SCIERA. (CORBINETA. ) Sciena vermicularis Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Fish Com., 1861, 315 (Mazatlan ; Panama) (not Corvina vermicularis Giinther). Gilbert, 1.c., 1882, 112 (Punta Arenas). Sciena sciera Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 480 (Panama). Habitat.—Pacific coast of tropical America. This species is one of the most abundant of the Sciznoid fishes on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It was at first taken by Jordan and Gil- bert for the Corvina vermicularis of Giinther, but the latter species is well distinguished by the enlarged teeth * of the lower jaw and by the sharp upper lobe of the caudal. 62. SCIZNA VERMICULARIS. * Corvina vermteularis Giinther, Fish. Central America, 387 and 427, plate 67, fig. 2, 1869 (Panama). Sciena vermicularis Jordan, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1885, 381 (Panama). Habitat.—Pacific coast of tropical America; Panama. This species is rare about Panama. One specimen was obtained by Dr. Gilbert in 1883. Besides this, only Dr. Giinther’s original type is on record. *This character is not mentioned in the description of S. vermicularis. We give it on the strength of our remembrance of the species, as no specimens of the species now exist in any American museum. [63] REVIEW OF THE SCIHNIDA. 405 63. SCLIANA OCELLATA. (THE RED: DRUM, OR CHANNEL Bass; ‘‘ RED-FISH.”’) [Plate IV.] Perca ocellata Linnzeus, Syst. Nat., ed. xii, 485, 1766 (South Carolina). Goode & Bean, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1885, 202 (examination of Linnzan types). Centropomus ocellatus Lacépéde, Hist. Nat. Poiss., iv, 257,279, 1802. Corvina ocellata Cuvier & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., 134, plate 108, 1830 (New Orleans). DeKay, New York Fauna, Fishes, 75, plate 21, fig. 61, 1842 (New York). Storer, Syn. Fish. North Am., 319, 1846 (copied). Holbrook, Ichthyol. 8. Carolina, ed. 1, 149, plate 21, fiz. 2, 1855 (South Carolina). Johnius ocellatus Girard, U. S. & Mex. Bound. Survey, 14, plate viii, fig. 1-4, 1859 ( In- dianola, Tex. ). Sciena ocellata Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 289, 1860 (America). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882,280 (Pensacola, Galveston). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 606 (Charleston). Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. North Am.,57i, 1883. Jordan & Swain, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 233 : (Cedar Key, Florida). Goode, Hist. Aquat. Anim., 371, plate 125, 1884. Scicnops ocellatus Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863,30 (name only). Uhler & Lugger, Fishes of Maryland, 100, 1876 (southern part Chesapeake Bay). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1878, 378 (Beaufort). Goode & Bean, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1879, 113 (St. John’s River, Florida). Goode & Bean, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1879, 1382 (Pensacola). Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 93 (St. John’s River, Florida; Beaufort, N. C.; Fort Macon, INS C3). Lutjanus triangulum Lacépeéde, Hist. Nat.Poiss., iv, 181 and 217, plate 24, fig. 3, 1802. Sciena imberbis Mitchill, Trans. Lit. & Phil. Soc., New York, 411, 1815 (New York). Habitat.—South Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States, New York to Texas. This species is common along our coast, especially to the southward, where it one of the largest and most important of the food-fishes. On the Texas coast, where it is known as ‘ Red-fish,” or ‘‘ Pescado Col- orado, ” it exceeds in economic value all other fishes found there. 64: SCIZANA HETEROLEPIS. Johnius heterolepis Bleeker, Archives Néerlandaises, viii, 1873, with plate (Surinam). Habitat.—Surinam. We know this species solely from Dr. Bleeker’s account of it. It much resembles the species of Ophioscion, but from these it is apparently sep- arated by the entire preopercle, which, in the figure, is represented much as in Sciena and Johnius. 65. SCIZENA AQUILA. (THE MAIGRE.) ? Labrus hololepidotus Lacépede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., iii, 517, plate 21, fig. 2, 1802 (Cape of Good Hope). Cheilodipterus aquila Lacépede, loc. cit., v, 685, 1803. Sciena aquila Cuvy. & Val., v, 28, pl. 100. Giinther, ii, 291, and of writers generally. Perca vanloo Risso, Ichthyol. Nice, ed. i, 298, plate 9, fig. 30, 1810. Sciena umbra Cuvier, Mém. Mus., i, 1 (not of Linnzus). ? Sciana capensis Smith, ‘Tl. S. Afr. Fishes, plate 15.” 406 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [64] Habitat.—Coasts of Southern Europe (said to range southward to the Cape of Good Hope). Our description of this species is taken from specimens in the museum at Cambridge from Cadiz, Spain. If the accepted synonymy be correct, and the species found at the Cape of Good Hope be identical with the Maigre of Europe, the species should stand as Scicna hololepidota. But this identity seems rather assumed than proved. The Australian ‘“ Jew-fish,” until lately also identified with Sciena aquila, is now recognized as a distinet species (Sciena neglecta Ramsay). It is, therefore, not improbable that the form . found at the Cape is also different. This species reaches a large size. It isin many respects analogous. to Sciena ocellata, which species is perhaps its nearest relative among the American forms. 66. SCIZNA DELICIOSA. Corvina deliciosa Tschudi, Faun. Peru. tchthyol., 8, 1845 (Peru). Sciena deliciosa Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 295, 1860 (copied). Habitat.—Pacific coast of South America, north to Panama. This species is said to be one of the most abundant food-fishes on the coast of Peru. A great number of specimens are in the museum at Cambridge. Most of them are from Callao, but a few from Panama. This is a strongly marked species, having no very near relatives any- where, and, if the other subgenera are to be noticed, this must form an additional one, for which we have suggested the name of Callaus (from Callao). It resembles Genyonemus lineatus as much as any of our spe- cies, but it reaches a much larger size and it has no barbels. 67. SCLEINA UMBRA. Sciena No. 2 Artedi, Genera, 39; Syn., 65, 1734 (Venice; Rome). Sciena umbra Linnus, Syst. Nat,, ed. x, 289, 1758 (based on Artedi). Sciena nigra Bloch, Iethyologia, vi, 35, taf. 297, 1792. Johnius niger Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 76, 1801. Corvina nigra Cuy. & Val., and of most recent authors. Coracinus chalcis Pallas, Zoographia Rosso-Asiatica, iii, 256, 1811. Corvina canariensis Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poigs., v, 93, 1830 (Canaries), Habitat.—Coasts of Southern Europe. This species is generally common in the Mediterranean. The speci mens examined by us are from Venice. As there can be no possible doubt that this is the original Sciena umbra of Linneus, we have adopted the name umbra instead of the more frequently used name nigra. 68. SCIZANA SATURNA. (RED RoncapDoR, BLACK RONCADOR.) Amblodon saturnus Girard, U.S. Pac. R. R. Survey, 98, 1859 (San Diego, California), Corvina saturna Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 288, 1860 (San Diego). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1880, 456 (Santa Barbara, San Pedro, San Diego). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc, U.S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 49 (Santa Barbara southward). Rosa Smith, West American Scientist, 1885, 47 (San Diego). i [65] REVIEW OF THE SCIANIDA. 407 Rhinoscion saturnus Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil., 1862, 17 (California). Sciana saturna.Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. North America, 572, 1883. Johnius saturnus Jordan, Cat. Fish. North America, 93, 1885 (name only). Corvina (Johnius) jacobi Steindachner, Ichthyol. Beitr., viii, 3, 1879 (San Diego), based on young specimens. Sciena jacobi Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. North America, 571, 1883 (copied). Rosa Smith, West American Scientist, 1885, 47 (San Diego). Habitat.—Coast of Southern California, north to Santa Barbara. This species is common on the coast of Southern California, where it is a food-fish of some importance, and is usually known as the Red Ron- cador or Black Roneador. It reaches a length of something more than a foot. The nominal species, called Corvina jacobi, described from young specimens taken at San Diego, is doubtless identical with Corvina sa- turna. The only difference indicated by Steindachner which could have any serious importance is in the coloration. In the species of Hamu- lon, Anisotremus, and other analogous groups the young often have ex- actly the coloration assigned to C. jacobi, while the adult may be very differently marked. We have not seen the very young of saturna, but have no doubt that it passes through the ‘ jacobi” coloration in the course of its development. 69. SCIZANA FASCIATA. Cheilotrema fasciatum Tschudi, Faun. Peru. Ichthyol., 13, plate i, 1845 (Peru). Corvina fasciata Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., i, 305, 1860 (copied). Corvina fasciata Steindachner, Ichthyol. Not., vii, 21, 1868 (Chili). Habitat.—Pacific coast of South America. Our account of this species is taken from a large specimen (10839, M. C. Z.) from Payta, Peru. : The species is closely related to Sciena saturna, but it is a more ro- bust fish with heavier head. The genus Rhinoscion, based on S. saturna, is perfectly identical with Cheilotrema. The name /fasciata is not a fortunate one, as the dark bands are not conspicuous and not perma nent. Genus XIII.—RONCADOR. . Roncador Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 28 (stearns?). TYPE: Corvina stearnst Steindachner. This genus contains, so far as known, a single species, a large Sciz- noid of the California coast, much resembling Aplodinotus grunniens and having similar teeth, except that the lower pharyngeals in Roncador are Separate. The Spanish name, Roncador (grunter), is one of general ap- plication to these fishes, but on the California coast it is used most par- ticularly for the present one. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF RONCADOR. a. Body oblong, heavy forward; the back elevated and compressed; depth 3 in length; head 3} to 3}; profile long, steep, and convex, abruptly rounded at the snout; snout very blunt, 3} in head, about equal to the interorbital space; eye 5 408 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [66] in head ; mouth moderate, low, subinferior, the lower jaw included; maxillary 24 in head, reaching at least to below middle of eye; preorbital nearly as broad as eye; teeth in both jaws in broad villiform bands, none-of them enlarged; lower pharyngeals large, with many rounded molars, the outer series and a patch at the outer corner, composed of villiform teeth; gill-rakers slender, rather short, 7--15; posterior margin of preopercle with short, stout teeth; dorsal spines strong, the longest 2 in head; caudal lunate, the upper lobe the longer; second anal spine stout, 34in head; pectorals much longer than ventrals, about as long as head; scales below lateral line in slightly oblique series. Color grayish silvery, with bluish luster, some streaks of dark points along the rows of scales; breast and belly with two dusky longitudinal streaks; a very conspicuous jet black spot as large as eye at base of pectoral; axil and lining of gill cavity black, D. X-I, 24; A. II, 8; scales OU —O wats ael sco wes cous cesems aia eele eaten male ae selela eae alae ete ee STEARNSI, 70, 70. RONCADOR STEARNSI. (THE RONCADOR.) [Plate V.] Corvina stearnsi Steindachner, Ichthyol. Beitr., iii, 22, 1875 (San Diego). Roncador stearnsi Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 28 (San Diego) (gen. noy.). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 456 (Santa Barbara, San Pedro, San Diego). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 49 (Santa Barbara, southward). Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. North Am., 572, 1883. Rosa Smith, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1883, 234 (Todos Santos Bay, Lower California). Goode, Hist. Aquat. Anim., 379, plate 129, 1884 (Santa Barbara, Cal.). Rosa Smith, West American Scientist, 1885, 47 (San Diego). Jordan, Cat. Fish. North America, 93, 1885 (name only). Habitat.—Coast of Southern California, north to Santa Barbara. This species is rather common on the coast of Southern California, where it is a food-fish of some importance. It reaches a weight of 5 or 6 pounds, . The black ocellus on the base of the pectoral fin in this species is as characteristic as that at the base of the caudal in Sciena ocellata. Genus XIV.—LEIOSTOMUS. Leiostomus Lacépéde, Hist. Nat. Poiss., iv, 439, 1802 (wanthurus). Liostomus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci., 1863, 63 (corrected orthography). “TypE: Leiostomus xanthurus Lacépede. This genus, as now understood, contains but a single species. It is distinguished from Scicena chiefly by the obsolescence of the teeth in the lower jaw, aud by the more paved teeth of the pharyngeals. The soft rays of the dorsal fin and especially of the anal are more numerous than in related groups. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF LEIOSTOMUS. ~ a. Body short, deep, much compressed ; back in front of dorsal compressed to asharp edge; profile steep, convex, depressed over the eyes ; dorsal outline convex, high- est at front of dorsal; depth 3 in length; head 3} to3}; snout very blunt, as [67] REVIEW OF THE SCIMNID&. 409 long as eye, 34 to 34 in head; mouth small, inferior, horizontal ; maxillary 3 in head, extending to below pupil; no teeth in lower jaw, in the adult ; upper jaw with a narrow series of minute teeth; gill-rakers short, slender, 8 + 22; lower pharyngeals small, with three series of molars posteriorly and many villiform ¢ teeth anteriorly; preopercle entire; preorbital broad, 14 in eye; third dorsal spine highest, 14 in head ; soft dorsal with the sheath at its base, formed by a single series of scales; caudal long and forked, as long as head; anal long and slightly falcate; second anal spine, 24 in the longest ray, 4in head; ventrals } shorter than pectorals which are as long as the head; scales smal!, strongly etenoid, extending on caudal and base of pectorals but not on other fins; lateral line little curved anteriorly ; scales below lateral line in oblique series. Color bluish above, silvery below; about 15 narrow dark wavy bands extending from the dorsal downward and forward to below lateral line ; a round black humeral spot rather smaller than eye; fins plain olivaceous, the caudal not yellow. D. X-I, 31; A. ii), scales 9-60 10 70-12: 222. ocean onan tone. wciaace ns ses - MANTHURUS, 715 71. LEIOSTOMUS XANTHURUS. (THE SPOT; GOODY; PosT-CROAKER; OLDWIFE; LAFAYETTE.) [Plate VI. ] Leigstomus xanthurus Lacépéde, Hist. Nat, Poiss., iv, 439, plate 10, fig. 1, 1802 (Caro- lina). Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 142, 1830 (Martinique). DeKay, | New York Fauna, Fishes, 70, 1842 (New York). Storer, Syn. Fish. North Am., 321, 1846 (copied). Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 63 (N.Y. to S.C.). Uhler & Lugger, Fishes of Maryland, 99, £876 (Lower Potomac, Chesapeake Bay, Sinepuxent Bay). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1878, 377 (Beaufort). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 281 (Pensacola, Gal- veston). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 606 (Charleston). Jor- dan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. North Am., 574, 1883, Bean, Internat. Fishery Exhib. Berlin, 55, 1883 (Brazos Santiago, Tex.: Pensacola, Fla.). Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 233 (Cedar Key, Florida). Jordan & Meek, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 237 (St. John’s River, Florida). Goode, Hist. Aquat. Anim., 370, plate 124, 1884 (Newport, R.I., andsouthward). Jordan, Cat. Fish. North America, 94,1885 (name only). Homoprion xanthurus Holbrook, Ichthyol. 8S. Carolina, ed. 1, 170, 1856 (South Carolina). Girard, U.S.and Mex. Bound. Survey, 11, 1859 (Brazos Santiago, St. Joseph’s, Texas). Seiena xanthurus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 288, 1860 (New York). Mugil obliquus Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc., New York, 405, 1815 (New York). Leiostomus obliquus DeKay, New York Fauna, Fishes, 69, plate 60, fig. 195, 1842 (New * York). Storer, Syn. Fish. North Am., 321, 1846 (copied). Holbrook, Ichthyol. S. Carolina, ed. 1, 164, plate 24, fig. 2, 1856 (South Carolina). Girard, U.S. and Mex. Bound. Survey, 11, 1859 (Brazos Santiago, Tex. ; Indianola). Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 32 (north to Mass.). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1878, 377 (Beaufort). Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 93 (St. John’s River, Florida; Wood’s Holl). Sciena obliqua Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 288, 1660 (North America). Sciena multifasciata Lesueur, Journ, Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., ii, 225, 1821. Leiostomus humeralis Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 141, plate 110, 1830 (New York). Leiostomus philadelphicus Goode, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1879, 113 (St. John’s R.). Goode & Bean, 1. c., 1879, 131 (Pensacola) (not Perca philadelphica L.). Habitat.—South Atlantic and Gulf coasts of United States; Cape Cod to Texas; Martinique (?). 410 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [68] This species is one of the most common food-fishes of our southern coast, being an excellent pan-fish. Notwithstanding the numerous -nominal species which authors have recognized, there is no evidence whatever of the existence of more than one species of Leiostomus on our coasts. The name zanthurus is an unfortunate one, as in this species the caudal fin is never yellow. This name came about through confusion with Bairdiella chrysura, in which species the caudal fin is bright yel- low. Genus X V.—PACHYURUS. é Pachyurus Agassiz, Spix Pisces Brasiliens., 1829, 123 (squamipennis). Lepipterus Cuvier & Valenciennes, Histoire Naturelle des Poissons, v, 1; 1830 (francisci). F TYPE: Pachyurus squamipennis Agassiz. This genus is composed of fresh-water Scienoids inhabiting the rivers of Brazil. It is well separated from Sciwna (Ophioscion) by the weak dentition. Two groups or subgenera are readily distinguished by the form of the mouth, the group called Lepipterus agreeing in this respect very closely with the species called Pachypops, from which Lepipterus tan only be separated by the absence of the small barbels at the chin, which are usually present in the species of Pachypops. As these barbels are quite small, and in individuals even occasionally absent, Dr. Steindach- ner has proposed to unite Pachypops with Lepipterus as a subgenus under Pachyurus. There is no doubt that Pachypops, Lepipterus, and Pachy- urus together constitute a single natural group. The characters drawn from the form of the mouth and of the preorbital are subject to inter- gradation. Unless the presence of the barbel can here, as elsewhere, be used as a mark of generic distinction, all the species must be placed in. Pachyurus. It seems to us, however, that convenience is but served by placing all the species in which barbels are habitually developed in one genus (Pachypops), and those which never have them in another (Pachy- uUrus). » ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF PACHYURUS, «. Mouth terminal, oblique, small, but larger than in other species; the maxillary reaching front of pupil, its length about 2} in head; jaws subequal; caudal fin densely covered with scales, so that it is thick to the touch; preorbital scarcely turgid (Pachyurus). b. Body compressed; the back elevated, the nape depoaeanly compressed; head low and narrow ; profile depressed above the eyes, so that the sharp, projecting snout inaves a considerable concavity in the line of the profile; teeth in broad bands, all equally minute in both jaws; preorbital broad, broader than eye; skull not specially cavernous; pores and slits on snout obsolete ; preopercle sharply but rather finely serrate on the bony border; eye large, 5¢in head; snout 3%; interorbital width 5}; gill-rakers almost obsolete, 2-+ 4in number, not higher than wide; pseudobranchiw small; caudal fin rhombic, much thickened; soft dorsal scaly, but not thickened; longest [69] REVIEW OF THE SCIMNID2. Alt dorsal spine 24 in head; anal scaleless, its second spine very strong, 14 in head; pectoral 1? in head; color silvery, with narrow dark streaks above the lateral line; both dorsals profusely covered with fine dark spots; head 34; depth 3}. D. X-I, 35; A. II, 7; scales 67 to 68; those in the lateral line RCALCGLy AL COL se eet holes he ona Lh cate os wine co uaelanitetas SQUAMIPINNIS, 72. aa. Mouth small, inferior, the maxillary barely reaching front of eye, about 34 in head; lower jaw included; caudal fin less thickened ; preorbital more or less cav- ernous and turgid (Lepipterus Cuv. & Val.). e. [Dorsal rays X-I, 33; body elongate; head long and depressed over the eyes; depth 6 in length; head 4; maxillary concealed under preorbital; teeth in fine bands; mouth small, maxillary not reaching to front of eye; preopercle serrate; dorsal spines feeble, flexible, and little elevated; dorsal rays sub- equal; caudal rounded; dorsal and caudal completely scaled ; second anal spine curved and compressed, larger and stronger than in related species ; color entirely silvery, with numerous darker lines along the back; brown spots on second dorsal. D. X-I,33; A.II,7.] (Cuv. & Val.)..FRANCISCT, 73. ce. Dorsal rays X-1, 26 to 29. d, Second anal spine very long, 2 in head; anterior profile more or less concave, rather steep posteriorly; profile of snout convex; snout 3in head; mouth small, with very small teeth overlapped by the turgid and translucent preorbital ; eye large, 44in head; maxillary 34; caudalfin rhombic, densely scaled, but less thickened than in P. squamipinnis; soft dorsal much scaly; anal naked; dorsal spines slender, the longest 2 in head, about as long as sec- ond anal spine; preopercle strongly serrate ; gill-rakers very small; pec- toral 14in head; color brownish, silvery below ; traces of 2 or 3 faint dark streaks on posterior part of body above; spinous dorsal mostly black; soft dorsal with some dark spots; head 34 to 3% in length; depth 3} to 34. D X-I, 26 to 29; A. II, 6to 8; scales 65 (pores) to 70 (series)... BONARIENSIS, 74. dd. [Second anal spine shorter, 3 in head; body slightly compressed and some- what elongate; head conical, elongate; snout produced and somewhat pointed, 2} in head; eye 4in head; preorbital much swollen, concealing the maxillary ; mouth inferior, small; maxillary not reaching to below eye; preopercle with moderate spinous teeth; longest dorsal spines ? of depth of body ; all the spines slender ; soft dorsal scaly } of its height; caudal pointed ; second anal spine 3 in head; anal rays naked, shorter than dor- sal rays; scales small, finely ciliated; teeth minute, scarcely perceptible in upper jaw, in a fine villiform band below ; body and second dorsal with blackish spots; head 4 in length; depth 44. D. X-I,26; A.II, 7; scales Sea el GAIN ET ) aiete ak Rad 2 ae Raine ope arian a= aan _ SoHOMeATEGET. 75. 72. PACHYURUS SOQUAMIPINNIS. ‘ Pachyurus squamipinnis (misprinted ‘squamipennis”) Agassiz, Spix. Pisc. Bras., 122, plate 71, 1829 (Brazil). Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 281, 1860 (Atlantic Ocean). Steindachner, Ichthyol. Beitr., viii, 13, 1879 (Rio Sao Francisco; Rio das Velhas). Pachyurus lundii (Reinhardt, MS.). Liitken, Velhas-Flodens Fiske, xx, 1875 (Rio das Velhas). Habitat.—Rivers of Brazil. The numerous specimens of this species which we have examined are from the Rio das Velhas, in Brazil. The largest of these (8634, M. C. Z.) is about 15 inches long. : 412 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [70] 73. PACHYURUS PRANCISCI. Lepipterus francisci Cuy. & Val., Hist. Nat., v, 152, plate 113, 1830 (Rio Sao Fran- cisco), Pachyurus francisci Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 281, 1860 (copied). Pachyurus corvina (Reinhardt MS.), Liitken, Velhas-Flodens Fiske, xx, 1875 (Rio das Velhas). Habitat.—Rivers of Brazil. We know this species from descriptions only. 74. PACHYURUS BONARIENSIS. Pachyurus bonariensis Steindachner, Ichthyol. Beitr., viii, 8, 1879 (Rio de la Plata). Habitat.—Basin of the Rio de la Plata. We have examined three specimens of this species in the Museum of Comparative Zoology. Two of them, each about a foot in length, are from Buenos Ayres, the other from Rosario. 75. PACHYURUS SCHOMBURGKI. Pachyurus schomburgki Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 282, 1860 (Rio Capin; Ca- rife; Pard). Steindachner, Ichthyol. Beitrige, viii, 11, 1879 (Para; Cameta; Obidos; Lake Saraca; Rio Negro; Rio Branco). Pachyurus nattereri Steindachner, Beitr. zur Kenntn. der Scien. Brasil., 10, plate iii, 1863 (Rio Branco; Rio Negro). Habitat.—Rivers of Brazil. This species is known to us from descriptions only. We have failed to recognize it in the collections at Cambridge. We follow Steindachner in regarding his Pachyurus natterert as a synonym of schomburgki. Genus XVI.—PACHYPOPS. Pachypops Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 87 (trifilis). TyPE: Micropogon trifilis Miiller & Troschel. This genus, like Pachyurus, is composed entirely of fresh-water spe- cies, inhabiting the Amazon region. It differs from Pachyurus only in the presence of small barbels at the chin, and in some individuals these appendages may be rudimentary or even wanting. [or this reason Dr. Steindachner has proposed to regard this character as of no systematic importance, and to place these species in the subgenus Lepipterus under Pachyurus. But unless it can be shown that the Pachyuri sometimes possess barbels, it seems to us better to retain the two groups as dis- tinct genera. P ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF PACHYPOPS. a. Dorsal rays X-I, 25 to 27; body without conspicuous dark brown spots: caudal rhombic ; teeth all equally small. b. Maxillary scarcely reaching front of eye, its length 4 to 4} in head; barbels 3, minute (sometimes obsolete); snout prominent, blunt, 24 in head; eye very large, 3 in head ; mouth very small, overlapped by the turgid preorbital ; teeth small, equal; gill-rakers very small; soft dorsal and anal completely scaled ; pectorals 14 in head ; caudal rhombic, 14 in head; second anal spine 2} in head ; [71] REVIEW OF THE SCILENIDA, 413 longest dorsal spine 1}. Color uniform dusky, paler below; dorsals punctate with black. Head 34; depth 4. D. X-I, 25 to 27; A. II, 6. Scales 58. FURCREUS, 76. bb. [Maxillary reaching line of front of eye, its length 3} in head; barbels 3, well developed ; body oblong, compressed ; eye not very large, 34 to 3% in head; snout prominent, rounded, 34 in head; preorbital broad; teeth equal; pre- opercle rather finely serrate; soft dorsal closely scaled; anal scaly at base only; pectoral, 1¢ in head ; caudal rhombic, 14 in head ; second anal spine, 24 ; third dorsal spine, 12. ioler silvery, with 5 dusky foeictt iain bands ; dorsals edged with black, the membranes of the spinous part with longitudinal series of dark dots. Head 34; depth 34. D. X-I, 26; A. II, 6. Scales 50 to 55. ] MRURRIRELENNEN son aren ee le wt. Sarees cao cl kleine ted cea eein soe Ne TRIFILIS, 77. ae Dorsal rays X-I, 31 or 32; back and dorsal fins sprinkled with round dark spots; caudal fin not rhombic; outer teeth above slightly enlarged. Body rather elongate, the back elevated; head rather slender, depressed above the eye; snout rather long, Sesh at tip, 3 in head; eye large, 5 in head; mouth small, low, inferior, scarcely overtipped by the snout, the maxillary reaching front of eye, 34 in head; teeth in broad bands, the outer teeth of upper jaw somewhat enlarged ; barbels at chin 3, minute, not longer than nos- tril; preopercle sharply serrate. Guill-rakers slender, very short; preopercle and especially preorbital much swollen, cavernous, and translucent; mandi- ble not cavernous ; dorsal spines strong, the longest 2 in head, as long as the large anal spine; pectoral 1? in head; caudal fin f-shaped, the upper lobe pointed. Color brown, with round dark-brown spots scattered over the back and sides, these forming streaks along the rows of scales, which are more or less irregular or interrupted, the spots not being confluent ; both dorsals with rows of similar spots; ventrals dusky. Head 3} in length; depth 33. D. X=I, 31 or 32; A. 11,6 to8. Scales 75 (8-67-13):...........:- ADSPERSUS, 73. 76. PACH YPOPS FURCRAWUS. Perca furcrea Lacépéde, Hist. Nat. Poiss., iv, 398, 424, 1802 (? Surinam). Corvina furcrea Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 111, 1830 (same type). Pachypops furcreus Steindachner, Beitr. zur Kenntniss Scienoiden Brasiliens, 7, plate 1, 1863 (Rio Negro). Pachyurus furcreus Steindachner, Ichthyol. Beitr., viii, 12, 1879 (Surinam; Rio Trom- betas; Rio Negro; Amazon, near Cameta). Corvina biloba Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 112, 1830 (habitat not known). Pachypops biloba Steindachner, Ichth. Notiz., 206, 1864 (Surinam). Habitat.—Rivers of Brazil and Guiana. Specimens of this species are in the museum at Cambridge from Rio Trombetas, Rio Negro, Obidos, and Cameta. The specimen here de- scribed was obtained in Rio Negro by Rev. J. C. Fletcher. This species was named in honor of a French chemist, Fourcroi. 77. PACH YPOPS TRIFILIS. Micropogon trifilis Miller and Troschel, Schomburg Reise, iii, 622, 1848 (Guiana). Giinther, Cat. Fish? Brit. Mus., ii, 273, 1860 (copied). Pachypops trifilis Gill,. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 87 (copied). Steindachner, Beitr. zur Kenntniss Scienoiden Brasiliens, 7, plate ii, figs. 1-3, 1863 (Rio Gua- poré ; Rio Negro). Pechyurus trifilis Steindachner, Ichthyol. Beitr., viii, 12, 1879 (synonymy). Habitat.—Rivers of Brazil and Surinam. This species is known to us from Dr. Steindachner’s descriptions and figure only. 414 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [72] 78. PACHYPOPS ADSPERSUS. ? Corvina grunniens Schomburgk, Nat. Libr. Fish. Guiana, 1843, 136 (Rio Essequibo). Pachyurus (Lepipterus) adspersus Steindachner, Ichthyol. Beitr., viii, 5, 1879 (Rio Para- hyba, Rio Doce, Rio San Antonio, Mucuri). Habitat.—Rivers of Brazil. We have examined numerous specimens of this species in the museum at Cambridge from Rio Doce, Santa Clara, Rio San Antonio,and Men- chez. The specimen described, 15 inches in length, is from the Rio Doce. The scanty deseription of Corvina grunniens indicates some river Sciznoid, with distinctly spotted dorsal and anal fins, and with the fim rays D. 1X, 32; A.II,7. The account comes nearest among known species to Pachypops adspersus, and if this species occurs in the Essequibo it should probably stand as Pachypops grunniens. But without a better knowledge of the local fauna of Guiana, such an identification would be premature. Genus X VIL.—POLYCIRRHUS. Polycirrhus Bocourt, Nouv. Arch. Mus. d’Hist. Nat., iv, 22, 1868 (dumerili). TyPE: Polycirrhus dumerili Bocourt. ; This genus is composed of three species of Sciwnoid fishes, distin- guished from Micropogon chiefly by the absence of serre on the pre- opercle, and from Genyonemus by having the normal number of dorsal spines. All the known species are marked by well-defined dark eross-: bands, and all belong to the fauna of South America. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF POLYCIRRHUS. a. Dorsal rays about IX-I, 22; caudal fin double truncate; body rather elongate, the back somewhat elevated, the headlow andsmall; profile steep; ventral outline straightish ; snout, not very short, somewhat acute, 34 in head ; interorbital area broad, convex, 3in head; eye 54; mouth small, entirely inferior, max- illary extending past middle of eye, 23 in head; teeth small, villiform, the outer scarcely larger; preopercle rounded, its edge with soft cilia; third dorsal spine 3 in head; soft dorsal with a scaly sheath, its membranes with small scales; ventrals filiform at tip, 1} in head; anal inserted well forward, its second spine 2? in head; caudal double truncate ; lateral line much arched anteriorly. Color, bluish-gray, silvery below; 6 rather broad distinct cross- bars extending down to edge of belly ; two inconspicuous dark cross-bars on head; lower fins pale. Head 33 to 33 in length; depth 3} to 34. D. IX-I, 22 to 25; A. II, 7 or 8; scales 6-47 to 52-9 .... 2... 2s2e se ccenns DUMERILI, 79. aa. Dorsal rays X-I, 26 to 32. b. Caudal fin obliquely truncate, or somewhat pointed. Dorsal rays X-I, 29 to 31; snout short, 3? to 44 in head; body more elongate than in P. dumerili, the snout lower, shorter, and more pointed; maxillary 3} to 3}in head; gill-rakers minute; fins scaly; soft dorsal rays 3 in head; eye 44 to6; longest dorsal spine 24; caudal 1,); in head; second analspine very small, 44in head ; pectoral 14; preopercle ciliated on its membranous border. Coloration less marked than in P. dumerili, the darker cross-bands narrower, more numerous (about 8), and less sharply defined; the anterior band sometimes reduced to a large round black blotch above base of pectoral; pectoral mostly dusky. Head 4; depth 34. D.X-I, 29 to31; A. II, 8; scales about 7-58-11 ..BRAsILIENSIS, 80. [73] REVIEW OF THE SCIANIDA. 415 bb. Caudal fin slightly lunate or §-shaped ; body compressed, rather robust; head low, little compressed, the snout extremely short and blunt, 43 in head; gill- rakers small and slender; barbels well developed, about as in the other species; eye 43 in head; mouth larger and more oblique than in the other species ; the maxillary 3} in head; pectoral 14 in head; longest dorsal spine 2; second anal spine 33. Color soiled, hardly silvery; about eight short, rather faint, dark cross-bands, as wide as the interspaces; finsalldusky. Head 32 in length; depth 3%. D. X-I, 26; A. Il, 9; scales 55.......PERUANUS, 81. 79. POLYCIRRHUS DUMERILI. Polyoirrhus dumerili Bocourt, Nouv. Arch. Mus. d’Hist. Natur., iv, 22, 1868 (La Union). Jordan, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1883, 288 (La Union) (note on Bo- court’s type). Genyonemus fasciatus Steindachner, Ichthyol. Beitr., ii, 31, 1875 (Panama). Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U.S. Fish Com., 1882, 111 (Panama). Habitat.—Pacific coast of Central America; Panama. This small species is rather abundant about Panama. An examina- tion of Bocourt’s type of Polycirrhus dumerili has shown its identity with the Genyonemus fasciatus of Steindachner. The specimens in the museum at Cambridge are from Panama. 80. POLYCIRRHUS BRASILIENSIS. Genyonemus brasiliensis Steindachner, Ichthyol. Beitr., ii, 34, 1875 (Parad, Santos). BMicropogon ornatus Giinther, Shore Fishes Challenger, 13, plate vii, fig. A, 1880 (mouth of Rio de la Plata). Habitat.—Coast of Brazil. The specimens of this species in the Museum of Comparative Zoology are from Rio Janeiro and Santos. The identity of ornatus with brasili- ensis has been claimed by Dr. Steindachner. Giinther’s description does not agree very well with the specimens examined by us, which are a part of the number of Dr. Steindachner’s original types. It is not likely, however, that they belong to a different species. 81. POLYCIRRHUS PERUANUS. Genyonemus peruanus Steindachner, Ichthyol. Beitriige, ii, 27, 1879 (Callao; Payta). Habitat.—Coast of Peru. The specimens of this species in the museum at Cambridge are from Callao and Payta. They are among the original types of Dr. Steindach- ner. Genus XVIII.—GENYONEMUS. Genyonemus Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 87 (lineatus). TYPE: Leiostomus lineatus Ayres. This genus contains but a single species, abundant along the coast of California. Although in a general way allied to Polycirrhus and Micropogom, it has some points of resemblance to Corvula and Bairdiella, and especially to Scicena deliciosa. 416 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [74] ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF GENYONEMUS. a. Body oblong, somewhat compressed, the back little elevated ; depth 3} to 3} in length ; head 34 to 34; profile little convex, rather abruptly decurved at the snout; snout 44 in head; mouth subinferior, some what oblique; maxillary 3 in head, reaching posterior margin of pupil, lower jaw included; teeth in villiform bands, the outer series above slightly enlarged; chin with five small pores and two series of minute barbels; preorbital two-thirds width of eye, which is 5¢ in head; pre- opercle with a crenulate membranous border ; opercle with radiating striw; gill- rakers short and slender, 7+19; third dorsal spine highest, 14 in head; first soft rays of dorsal highest, decreasing in height to the last ; caudal lunate ; first ventral ray produced as a filament, 14 in head; pectoral slightly longer than ventrals; scales large, strongly ctenoid, those below lateral line in horizontal series; color silvery with brassy luster and black punctulations, these forming faint, oblique dark lines along the rows of scales; fins yellowish; axil black. D. XIII-I, 21 or ee A. 1, 11; scales'7—54-10 oa. ee od oes se noe paseo se ee eee LINEATUS, 82. 82. GENYONEMUS LINEATUS. Leiostomus lineatus Ayres, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sci., 1855, 25 (San Francisco). Gi- rard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, 135 (San Francisco). U. S. Pac. R. R. Survey, 99, plate 22 B, fig. 1-4, 1859 (San Francisco). Sciena lineata Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 288, 1860 (copied). Genyonemus lineatus Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 89 (name only). Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862,17 (name only). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 456 (San Francisco, Monterey Bay, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, San Pedro, San Diego). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1881, 49 (San Francisco, southward). Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. North America, 574, 1883. Jordan, Cat. Fish. North America, 94, 1885 (name only). Habitat.—Coast of Southern California, north to San Francisco. This little fish is generally common along the coast of Southern Cali- fornia, where it is a food-fish of some importance and is usually known as the “Little Roncador.” Genus XIX.—MICROPOGON. Micropogon Cuvier & Valenciennes, Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 213, 1830 (lineatus= Surnieri.) . TyPeE: Micropogon lineatus Cuv. & Val.= Umbrina furnieri Desmarest. The species of this well-marked genus are very closely related and are all American. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF MICROPOGON. a. Dorsal rays X-I, 28 to 3 b. Scales comparatively wre about 9 in a vertical series between faith of dorsal and lateral line, 12 in an oblique series ; outer teeth of upper jaw evidently enlarged ; dark spots on scales above lateral line not forming continuous stripes; 16 scales in an oblique series from vent upward and forward to lateral line. Body rather robust, the back elevated; profile regularly rounded, scarcely depressed above eyes; snout 3 in head; eye 5in head; preorbital broader than eye; preopercle strongly serrate along its whole posterior mar- sgin; maxillary reaching front of pupil, 3 in head; gill-rakers slender, very short, numerous, about 7 + 16; third dorsal spine 2 in head; pectoral 12 in [75] | REVIEW OF THE SCIANIDA. 417 head ; caudal double truncate, 13 in head; second anal spine 3 in head. Color brassy, paler below; middle part of body with short, irregular dusky vertical bars crossing the lateral line; many dark-brown spots on sides of back, irregularly placed, and not forming continuous streaks along the rows of scales ; usually some of these coalesce to form two dark streaks concurrent with the back. Head3 in length; depth 3}. D.X-I, 28 or 29; A. II, 7; lat. ho SESS SSS eee eae Rae tee Sea aes s UNDULATUS, 83. bb. Scales larger, 7 in a vertical series from front of dorsal to lateral line, 9 or 10 in an oblique series; teeth of outer series in upper jaw scarcely enlarged ; dark spots on back forming continpous dark streaks nearly as wide as the pale interspaces; body a little more slender than in M. undulatus; profile almost straight, a little depressed above the eye; snout long, 3 in head ; eye small, 6 in head, 1} in interorbital area; preorbital wider than eye; maxil- lary 3 in head, reaching front of pupil; teeth in broad, villiform bands; pre- opercle less strongly serrate than in M. undulatus ; third dorsal spine highest, 1} in head ; dorsals connected by alow membrane ; dorsal with a sheath at its base formed by a single series of scales ; soft dorsal naked ; second anal spine 5 in head; scales of the breast and head cycloid; a dark spot on opercle; axil dusky; short vertical bars extending across lateral line; many oblique lines above these; markings more regular, though less sharply defined than in M. undulatus. Head 3? in length; depth 3} to 3%. D. X-I, 30; A. II, 7; BEPC OMINO NSS ca cigs a wal meine cars cinaicnaels acini sala iwin eyes 4=5 FURNIERI, 84. aa. Dorsal rays X-I, 24 to 26; outer teeth of upper jaw scarcely enlarged ; scales rather large ; snout little projecting ; lateral line 48 (oblique series, 53 pores) ; scales between front of dorsal and lateral line, vertically 6 or 7; obliquely 8; 16 in an oblique series from vent; profile gibbous above the eyes, de- pressed at the nape; eye 1# in snout, 6 in head; mouth broad, inferior, slightly oblique ; maxillary entirely concealed by the broad preorbital, which is wider than the eye; maxillary extending to below anterior margin of the orbit; teeth in both jaws in villifurm bands, those of the outer series of the upper jaw somewhat enlarged; preopercle with two strong spines at the angle and many smaller ones above these; gill-rakers little developed, not half the length of the pupil, 7-+ 12; third dorsal spine highest, reaching to first soft ray, 14 in head; soft rays of dorsal subequal; caudal double truncate; anal spine moderate, 12*in the rays, 34 in head; pectorals } longer than ventrals, slightly less than 1} in head; scales on cheek, opercle, and breast cycloid, the rest ctenoid; soft dorsal with a weak scaly sheath anteriorly ; soft dorsal and anal naked; lateral line arched anteriorly, be- coming straight slightly in front of anal fin. Color, grayish silvery ; dorsal region and sides above lower edge of pectorals marked with dark streaks ex- ‘tending obliquely upward and backward along the series of scales; about ten short oblique bars extending downward and forward across the arched portion of the laterial line ; lining of gill cavity blackish ; fins all yellowish ; tip of spinous dorsal blackish; upper edge of pectoral and border of soft dorsal dusky. Head 33 in length; depth 3%. D. X-I, 24 to 26; A. II,7; ROBLES oO) eects eieinina «cs cicanaatas se aeee fe seyelesascans ECTENES, 85. aaa. Dorsal rays X-I, 20 to 22; outer teeth of upper jaw scarcely enlarged; snout somewhat projecting; scales still larger; lateral line 42 (49 pores); scales above the lateral line, vertically, 5 or 6; obliquely, 8; 12 in an oblique series from vent; maxillary extending scarcely beyond the vertical from the anterior margin of the eye; body less elongate than in Micropogon ectenes; highest dorsal spines 14 in head; anal spine about 4 in head; coloration essentially as in Micropogon ectenes. Head 34 in length; depth 33. D. X-I, 20 to 22; A.II,7. Scales 7-48-15............ tl dwisie nutes es ALTIPINNIS, 86. S. Mis. 90-——27 418 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISIL AND FISHERIES. [76] 83. MICROPOGON UNDULATUS. (THE CROAKER.) [Plate VII. ] Perca undulata Linneus, Syst. Nat., ed. xii, 483, 1766 (South Carolina). Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 87, 1801. Micropogon undulatus Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 219, 1830 (New Orleans), Storer, Syn. Fish. North Am., 325, 1846 (copied). Holbrook, Ichth. 8. Carolina, 145, plate 21, fig. 2,°1856 (South Carolina). Girard, U. 8. & Mex. Bound, Survey, 18, plate xii, 1859 (mouth Rio Grande, Indianola, Gal- veston, Saint Joseph’s Island, Texas). Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 271, 1860 (in part) (New York). DeKay, New York Fauna, Fishes, 84, 1862 (New York). Uhler & Lugger, Fishes of Maryland, 102, 1876 (southern part Chesa- peake Bay). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1878, 378 (Beaufort). Goode, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1879, 115 (Saint John’s River, Florida). Goode & Bean, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1879, 132 (Pensacola). Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. “Mas., 1880, 94 (Saint John’s River, Florida). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 282 (Pensacola; Galveston). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 606 (Charleston). Bean, Internat. Fishery Exhib. Berlin, 56, 1883 (Arlington, Florida). Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. North Am., 575, 1883. Jordan, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1884, 36 (Pensacola). Goode, Hick, Aquat. Anim., 378, plate 128, 1884 (Newbee, R,I., and southward). Goode & Bean, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1885, 202, Linnwan types (South Carolina). Sciena croker Lacépéde, Hist. Nat. Poiss. ., iv, 309, 314, 316, 1802 (Carolina). Bodianus costatus Mitchill, Trans, Lit. and Phil. Soc. New York, 417, 1815 (New York), Micropogon costatus DeKay, New York ‘Fauna, Fishes, 83, plate 72, fig. 230, 1842 (New York). Storer, Syn. Fish. North Am., 325, 1846 (copied). Habitat.—South Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States, Cape Cod to Texas. This species is generally common along our Atlantic coast, becoming ~ very abundant southward, but not extending into the West Indies. It is a food-fish of some importance. 84. MICROPOGGN FURNIERI. (VERRUGATO. ) Umbrina furnieri* Desmarest, Premitre Déoaie Ichthyol., 22, plate ii, fig. 3, 1823 (Cuba). Micropogon furniert Jordan, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mas. , 1884, 37 (Havana). Bean & Dresel, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 157 (Jamaica). Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 44 (Havana). Sciana opercularis Quoy & Gaimard, Voy. Uran., Zool., 347, 1824 (Rio Janeiro), Micropogon lineatus Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 215, plate 119 (Brazil; Porto Rico; Havana). Micropogon argenteus Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 218 (Surinam). Micropogon undulatus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 271, 1860 (in part; not Perca un- dulata L.) (Surinam ; Bahia; Guatemala ; Gane: Taare Giinther, Fishes Central America, 387, 1869 (Atlantic coast of Central America). Poey, Synop- sis, 325, 1868 (Cuba). Poey, Enumeratio, 48, 1875 (Cuba). Giinther, An. & Mag. Nat. Hist., July, 1880 (Rio Plata), Poey, Fauna Puerto-Riquefia, 325, 1881 (Porto Rico). * This § species, although named for its discoy erer, Marcellin Fournier, is always written furnieri by Desmarest, [77] REVIEW OF THE SCIAZNID&. 419 Habitat. West Indies and coasts of South America. This species is generally common in the West Indies and southward along the coast of Brazil. It is very close to the northern Micropogon undulatus, and for this reason its real distinction from the latter has been generally overlooked until quite lately. We have examined nu- merous specimens from Cuba and from Rio Janeiro. 85. MICROPOGON ECTENES. Micropogon cctenes Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1881, 355 (Mazatlan) ; Bull. U. S. Fish Com., 1882, 107 (Mazatlan). Habitat.—Pacifie coast of Mexico; Mazatlan. This species was found by Professor Gilbert in moderate abundance at Mazatlan, where it seems to take the place of the closely allied Mi- cropogon altipinnis. 86. MICROPOGON ALTIPINNIS. Micropogon altipinnis Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc., 1864, 149 (San José; Panama; Chia- : pam). Giinther, Fish. Central America, 387 and 425, 1869 (Chiapam; San José; Panama). Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U.S. Fish Com., 1882, 111 (Panama). Habitat.— Pacific coast of Central America. This species is closely related to the others of the genus. It was found by Dr. Gilbert at Panama. Specimens from Panama aré also in the museum at Cambridge. Genus XX.—UMBRINA. Scizena (part) Artedi, 1738 (includes Corvina). Scizna (part) Linnzus, Systema Nature, ed. x, 289, 1758 (wmbra; cirrosa). Umbrina Cuvier, Réegne Animal, ed. i, 297, 1817 (cirrosa ; Sciena L. being restricted to Sciena umbra, a Linnean, and Sciwna aquila, a non-Linnzan species). Scicena Bleeker,* Poissons de la Céte de Guinée, 1862, 66 (cirrosa; not the earliest restriction to a Linnean type). Umbrina Giinther, Gill, Jordan & Gilbert, and of authors generally. TyPE: Sciena cirrosa Linneus. , This genus contains a consislerable number of species, most of them being American. It agrees with Scie na in nearly all respects, except- jng the presence at the chin of a short, thick barbel. A similar barbel is found in the genus Menticirrhus, but notwithstanding the fact that all European writers have confounded Menticirrhus with Umbrina, the two genera are not among the most closely related in this family. *“Je note ici que Vespece typique du genre Sciena Art. étant V Umbrina cirrosa CV., le nom de Sciwna devra étre appliqué aux espéces dont Cuvier a fait des Um- _ brina, et ne pourra plus étre employé dans le sens de Cuvier. Ni M. Giinther ni M. - Gill, dans leurs travaux sur les Sciénoides, paraissent avoir fait attention 4 ce que le nom générique d’Artedi est mal employé par les auteurs modernes, et M, Gill cite méme le Sciwna aquila comme le type du genre.” (Bleeker, 1. c.) In quoting Umbrina cirrosa as the type of Artedi’s genus Sciwna, Bleeker means merely that it is the one placed first by Artedi in the list of species. 42() REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [78] We find ourselves unable to follow Bleeker in using the name Sciena for the group usually called Umbrina, for reasons which may be again briefly stated. Sciena was originally (Artedi, 1738; Linnéus, 1758) founded on the typical species of the two modern genera Umbrina and Corvina. In 1817, Umbrina was set off from this group and Sciena was made to apply to the group later called Corvina, a third species (aquila) being added to Sciena. Later (1829) Corvina was separated by Cuvier. This gave Umbrina, Corvina, and Scicna, the latter name then standing for aquila. In 1862, Bleeker proposed to use Scicena for the type of Umbrina, because in enumerating his species of Scicena, Ar- tedi had made the Umbrina ‘No. 1” and the Corvina ‘No. 2.” This is, however, a matter of no significance. In our view but one arrange- ment of these names is allowable. Umbrina must stand, Sciena must take the place of Corvina, and the third species (aquila) must take a new name—Pseudosciena Bleeker. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF UMBRINA. a. Dorsal rays X-I, 22 to 24. b. Snout moderate, 34 in head; stripes on body yellowish, bordered with steel blue; preopercle with its bony margin distinctly serrate, the teeth at the angle broad and flattish. Body rather deep, the back elevated, the dorsal out- line regularly rounded, highest at first dorsal spines; profile steep ; snout low, bluntish, 34 in head ; eye small, 14% in snout, 1} in interorbital area, * about 54in head; mouth moderate, inferior ; maxillary reaching front of eye, 3¢ in head; preorbital one-third broader than eye; teeth villiform, in broad bands, the outer above little enlarged; lower pharyngeal teeth stout, conical, the inner posterior series slender. Spinous dorsal high the third spine 14 in head; soft dorsal scaleless; second anal spine small, 12 in soft rays, 2} in head; pectorals little shorter than ventrals, which are 1? in head; caudal slightly lunate, the upper lobe the longer. Color olivaceous, silvery below ; upper parts with many wavy lines, yel- lowish in color, and each bordered on each side by a distinct streak of steel blue; the lines partly following the rows of scales, running nearly straight upward and backwards at the shoulders, more nearly horizontal, more irregular and more or less broken posteriorly ; free membrane of opercle jet black within and without; gill cavity pale. Head 3$in length; depth 3} to 34. D. X-I, 22 to 24; A. II, 7; scales 9-51 (pores)-12; about 65. transverse series of scales 4... . 625-2 < secceweenen sannge CrrRoSA, 87. bb. [Snout very short, 44 in head; stripes on body dusky. Body somewhat elon- - gate; the ventral outline straightish, dorsal outline elevated and much convex ; profile steep and convex, slightly depressed over the eyes; snout bluntish, 44 in head; eye 6 in head, about equal to the broad preorbital ; mouth subinferior, horizontal; maxillary reaching past middle of eye, 34 in head; barbel very short; dorsal spines rather strong, the longest 2} in head; anterior dorsal rays highest; base of membrane scaly ; cau- dal slightly lunate ; anal spine very strong, 3 in head; ventrals shorter than pectorals, which are 14 in head; scales very thin, covered with mi- nute scales on their base ; scales below the lateral line in horizontal series ; lateralline regularly arched to above posterior margin of anal. Coloration much asin Micropogon undulatus ; conspicuous undulating black lines fol- low the series of scales on whole of boby above the pectoral ; pectoral, ven- tral, and anal blackish, with broad whitish margin. Head 3} in length ;_ depth 3. D, IX-I, 24; A, II, 9; scales 6-60 (about)-10.] (Giinther.) REEDI, 88. [79] REVIEW OF THE SCIENID&. 421 aa. Dorsal rays X-I, 26 to 28; serrx of preopercle slender, not notably flattened. ce. Body with about nine dark vertical cross-bands, besides narrow undulating streaks along the rows of scales. Body rather stout, the back somewhat arched ; eye 34 in head; preopercle finely denticulate ; mouth moderate, the maxillary reaching to below middle of eye ; teeth subequal, villiform, in broad bands; gill-rakers minute, slender, 5-+9; second dorsal spine highest, 1? in head; second anal spine about 24; pectorals short, 1} in head; ventrals 14; lateral line little arched. Head 3%; depth 3. D. X-I, 26 to 28; A. II, 6 or 7; scales 5-48-10.-.....-.... BROUSSONETI, 89. cc. Body without dark cross-bands, the rows of scales above with distinct undu- lating streaks. d. Snout bluntish, short, 44 in head; serrz of preopercle comparatively numer- ous and strong, subterete. Body not very deep, the profile somewhat de- pressed over the eyes ; eye 14 in snout, 14 in interorbital space, 5 in head ; preorbital not quite so broad as eye; mouth inferior, the maxillary reaching to middle of eye, 23 in head ; teethin broad bands, the outer series above little enlarged ; gill-rakers shortish, rather stout, shorter than pupil, 6+-9; " pharyngeal teeth longer and more numerous than in cirrosa; highest dorsal spine 14 in head ; caudal slightly lunate ; second anal spine strong, 24 in head ; color bluish above, silvery below; a dusky blotch on center of opercle ; back and sides with distinct streaks of deep olive following the centers of the rows of scales, these lines regular and not interrupted; they run obliquely upward and backward below as well as above the lateral line, those below being more nearly horizontal; fins chiefly bright yellow; membrane of opercle pale; lining of gill cavity dusky. Head 34 in length; depth 34. D. X-I, 27; A. II, 6 or7; lat. 1. with about 50 pores; about 60 transverse rows of scales..-.-...----.---- RONCADOR, 90. dd. Snout longer than eye, 3 to 34 in head; preopercle distinctly serrate. e. Second anal spine large, 2 in head; profile straight, moderately steep ; snout rather acute; eye 44 in head; mouth small, inferior, the maxillary nearly reaching middle of orbit, its length 24 in head; teeth subequal; gill-rakers scarcely developed, 4 + 9; third dorsal spine highest, 1} in head; anterior dorsal rays much longer than posterior ones; anal fin pointed, the second soft ray longest, the second spine very strong, 2 in head ; ventrals slightly longer than pectorals, 14 in head; lateral line moderately arched anteriorly ; color bluish, silvery below ; conspicuous dark lines following the rows of scales, those below lateral line oblique as well as those above; spinous dorsaldusky. Head 32 in length; depth ot), DL Aol, os Aon, GO seales 5-48-38 oA 2.5 (08 225 cas a XANTI, 91. ee. Second anal spine short and thickish, 3 in head. Back elevated, the an- terior profile steep and rather convex; snout blunt, much protruding ; mouth small, horizontal; the maxillary reaching just past pupil, 3 in head; eye 5 in head; preopercle finely and sharply serrate; gill-rakers very small; pectoral short, 14 in head; longest dorsal spine 2; caudal fin slightly lunate, the upper lobe the longer; scales above lateral line in very oblique series, in oblique series below lateral line anteriorly ; color, grayish, yellow below; faint dark lines along the scales on the upper half of the body, golden lines on scales below; dorsals finely punctu- late; fins pale; gill cavity pale within. Head 33 to 33; depth 3} to 3}. D. X-I, 28 or 29; A. II, 6; lat. 1. 50 to 53. ...........GALAPAGORUM, 92. aaa. Dorsal rays X-I, 31 to 33; preopercle with its edge weakly crenulate; snout very blunt, not longer than eye, 4 in head; back elevated ; profile de- pressed posteriorly, anteriorly gibbous; mouth rather large, subter- minal; maxillary reaching posterior border of pupil, 2} in head; gili- 422 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [80] rakers short and slender, 54+9; second dorsal spine highest, 2 in head; soft rays high; second anal spine 24 in head ; pectorals slightly shorter than ventrals, which are 1? in head. Color bluish, silvery below, dark * streaks along the rows of scales very faint, broader than the pale inter- spaces. Head 3}inlength; depth3. D.X-I, 33; A. II,7; scales 8-53-9. DoRSALIS. 93. 87. UMBRINA CIRROSA. Sciena No. 1. Artedi, Genera 38, 1734 (Mediterranean). Sciena cirrosa Linneus, Syst. Nat., ed. x, 289, 1758 (Mediterranean ; after Artedi). Johnius cirrhosus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 72, 1801. Umbrina cirrhosa of recent writers generally. Perca umbra Lacépéde, Hist. Nat. Poiss., iii, 16, 1802 (not Sciena umbra Linneus). Chilodiplerus cyanopterus Lacépede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., iii, 546, plate 6, fig. 3, 1802 (on a painting by Pluimier). fF Coracinus boops Pallas, Zoographia Rosso-Asiat., iii, 259, 1811. Umbrina vulgaris Guichenot, Exp]. de Algérie, 43, 1850 (coast of Algeria). Sciena cestreus Gronow, Cat. Fish., ed. Gray, 52, 1854 (Mediterranean). Habitat.—Mediterranean Sea. This handsome species is rather common in the waters of Southern Europe. Our specimens are from Venice and Palermo. ’ ; 88. UMBRINA REEDI. Umbrina reedi Giinther, Shore Fishes, Challenger, 25, plate xiii, fig. B, 1880 (Juan Fernandez ). Habitat.—Coast of Chili. We know this species from Giinther’s description only. 89. UMBRINA BROUSSONBETI. Umbrina broussoneti Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 187, 1830 (Jamaica). Storer, Syn. Fish. North Am., 324, 1846 (copied). Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, © 77, 1860 (San Domingo, Jamaica). Cope, Ichthyol. Lesser Antilles, 471, 1870 (St. Martin). Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. N. Am., 576, 1883 (specimens described from Indian River, Florida). Umbrina coroides Cuy. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 187, 1830 (Brazil). : Storer, Syn. Fish. North Am., 323, 1846 (copied). Poey, Enumeratio, 48, 1875 (Cuba), Habitat.—W est Indian Fauna; Florida to Brazil. This species is known to us from two specimens taken by Dr. J. A. Henshall in the Indian River, Florida. These agree on the whole bet- ter with Umbrina coroides ©. & V., than with Umbrina broussoneti; but we think that Dr. Giinther is probably right in regarding the two nominal species as identical. We have also examined specimens from Jérémie, Hayti, and from- Pernambuco in the museum at Cambridge. 90. UMBRINA RONCADOR. (THE YELLOW-FINNED RONCADOR. ) Umbrina undulata Steindachner, Ichthyol. Beitr., iii, 21, 1875 (San Diego) (not of Girard). Umbrina xanti Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mas., 1881, 48 (Santa Barbara south- ward). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1880, 456 (Santa Barbara, San Pedro, San Diego) (not of TNE ‘ F a [81] REVIEW OF THE SCI@NIDA. 423 Umbrina roncador Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1881, 277 (west coast Lower California), Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. North Am., 576, 1883. Rosa Smith, West American Scientist, 1885, 47 (San Diego). Habitat.—Coast of Southern California; north to Santa Barbara. This species is rather common along the coast of Southern California from Santa Barbara as far south as Cerros Island. It is a handsome species, brightly colored in life, and of some value as food, 91. UMBRINA XANTI. Umbrina xanti Gill, Proc. Acad.-Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 256 (Cape San Lucas). Jor- dan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 363 (Cape San Lucas). Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Fish Com., 1832, 107 (Mazatlan) and 111 (Panama). Gilbert, Bull."U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1882, 112 (Punta Arenas). Umbrina analis Giinther, Fishes Central America, 387 and 426, 1869 (Panama). Habitat.—Pacific coast of tropical America, Cape San Lucas to Pan- ama. This species is rather common along the west coast of Mexico, speci- mens having been taken by Dr. Gilbert, at Mazatlan, Punta Arenas, and Panama. These are identical with Gill’s types of U. xanti and with Giinther’s U. analis, both of which have been examined by us. 92. UMBRINA GALAPAGORUM. Umbrina galapagoi'um Steindachner, Ichthyol. Beitr., vii, 20, 1878 (James Island, Gal- apagos). Habitat.—Galapagos Archipelago. This species is known from Dr. Steindachner’s original types, most ef which are still in the Museum of Comparative Zoology. 93. UMBRINA DORSALIS. Umbrina dorsalis Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 257 (Cape San Lucas). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1882, 363 (Cape San Lucas). Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Fish Com., 1882, 107 (Mazatlan). Habitat.—Pacific coast of Mexico. This species seems to be rather rare. A large example was taken by Dr. Gilbert at Mazatlan, and this has been compared by us with the types of U. dorsalis, young examples taken at Cape San Lucas by Mr. Xantus. Genus XXI.—MENTICIRRHUS. Menticirrhus Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 86 (alburnus). Cirrimens Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1862, 17 (ophicephalus). Umbrula Jordan & Eigenmann, subgenus noy. (littoralis). TyPE: Perca alburnus Linneus= Cyprinus americanus Linneus. Tis genus is one of the most strongly marked in the family. It has been confounded by all European writers with Umbrina, with which it has not very much in common except the présence of the barbel at the chin. All the species are American, and most of them are closely re- 424 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [82] lated to each other. Two of them, however (littoralis, elongatus), while retaining the external form and appearance of the others, differ from them widely in the form of the lower pharyngeal teeth and in the pres. ence of gill-rakers. These we have placed in a distinct subgenus, which we have called Umbrula. Another species (ophicephalus) is also some- what aberrant and represents a third subgenus (Cirrimens). The species of Menticirrhus are all bottom fishes. The low, elongate body, the large pectorals, and the obsolete air-bladder are all characters related to this peculiarity of habit. ‘ ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF MENTICIRRHUS. a. Dorsalspines about 13; head very low, thick, sub-terete, the snout blunt and very prominent; lower pharyngeals with acute teeth; gill-rakers obsolete. (Cirrimens Gill.) b. Body formed as usual in Menticirrhus; long and low, little compressed ; head with very convex cross-outlines, high in front, gibbous above the nostrils; profile depressed above eye; snout 3} in head } projecting for one-third its length ; eye small, 5 or 6; mouth very small, inferior, the outer teeth in the upper jaw mod- erately enlarged ; maxillary reaching to opposite middle of eye, 33 in head; gill-rakers minute, reduced to little fleshy projections; gill openings contracted, the membranes more | united below than in other species; preopercle with flexible cilia; lower pharyngeals small, the teeth mostly pointed ; spinous dorsal high, the longest spines 1} in head; pectorals short, 14 in head, not reaching tips of ventrals; caudal §- shaped, the lower lobe the longer. Color, dark gray; pec- torals dusky. Head 4; depth 4. D. XII-I, 23; A. I, 8; scales “4)(porep) =. 24.20 shee se aoes ee Be OPHICEPHALUS, 94, aa. Dorsal spines usually eleven; head not terete, more depressed, with lower snout. c. Gill-rakers obsolete, reduced to tubercular prominences, covered with teeth similar to those on the other gill arches; lower pharyngeals narrow, the teeth villiform or cardiform, all of them acute or conical, none with rounded heads (molar); teeth in the outer series of upper jaw more or less enlarged; scales on breast large. (Menticirrhas.) d. Soft dorsal rather short, its rays I, 18 to I, 22; snout prominent. . Snout very prominent, 34 in head, its tip slightly turned upward, project- ing beyond the premaxillaries for a distance about two-thirds diameter of the eye; spinous dorsal elevated, its longest spines 1} in head, reaching beyond front of so{t dorsal; eye large, but considerably smaller than in I, nasus, 54 in head; mouth comparatively small, inferior, the maxillary reaching middle of eye, 3} in head; posterior margin of spinous dor- sal deeply concave; rays of soft dorsal low, subequal; caudal deeply f-shaped, the upper lobe much the longer, 14 in head; ventrals short, 13 in pectorals; pectorals 1} in head; lateral line coneurrent with the back. Color, bluish above, silvery below; spinous dorsal dusky ; lining of gill cavity and inner side of pectorals dusky. Head 34in length; depth 4. D. X-I,,22; A. I, 83 scales 6-50-10. ..0y. 05.2205 5% Simus, 95. ee. Snout lesa promineyt, about r in head, its tip not recurved; dorsal spines not elevated, the Jongest barely reaching soft dorsal, 1} in head. [83] REVIEW OF THE SCIANID®. 425 f. Dorsal rays X-I, 22; eye very large, 44 in head; snout projecting be- yond lower jaw for a distance about equal to half the diame- ter of the eye; mouth small, inferior, the maxillary reach- ing to below middle of eye, 3 in head; pectoral 14 in head, caudal fin f-shaped, the upper lobe pointed, the lower rounded. Color, silvery; fins blackish. Head 3}in length; , depth 4. D. X-I, 22; A. I, 8; scales 6-54-14 ....Nasus, 96. ff. Dorsal rays X-I, 19 or 20. g. Snout low and pointed, 3} in head, projecting much beyond the pre- maxillaries; eye rather large,54in head ; body long and low, with rather depressed profile, and low, sharp snout; maxil- lary extending beyond pupil, 3 in head ; preopercular serre somewhat bony, stiffer, and more distinct than in any other species, rather small and distant; gill-rakers minute, about half length of nostril; outer teeth of upper jaw much en- larged, as in M. alburnus; scales on breast large; dorsal spines high, the longest reaching beyond front of soft dorsal, 14 in head ; pectoralsrather short, 14. Color, plain, dark gray above, paler below ; gill cavity dusky ; lower fins all dark. Head 31; depth 4. D. IX-I, 20; A. I, 9; scales 55 (pores). AGASSIZI, 97. gg. Snout rather short and blunt, 4 in head, projecting beyond premax- illaries for about half a diameter of the eye; eye small, 7 in head ; maxillary reaching nearly to posterior margin of eye, 3in head; outer teeth of upper jaw much enlarged ; pec- toral long, 14 in head; ventral 2 in head; longest dorsal spine as long as pectoral, anal spine half as long as the rays; upper lobe of caudal not produced, Color, plumbeous, bright silvery below; lower fins mostly black. Head 3 in length; depth 4. D. X-I, 18 to 20; A. I, 9; scales 6-50-14. PANAMENSIS, 98. dd. Soft dorsal longer, its rays I, 23 to I, 25. h. Mouth comparatively large, the maxillary reaching to below middle of eye, 22 to 34 in head; teeth on lower pharyngeals acute ; back and sides usually with oblique dusky bars; lower lobe of caudal longest. 4. Outer teeth of upper jaw decidedly enlarged; dorsal spines not much elevated, the longest usually not reaching front of soft dorsal, 14 to 13 in head. Coloration, grayish silvery, the dark markings not pronounced and often obsolete. j. Dorsal rays X-I, 22 or 23; snout rather shorter and less pointed than in M. americanus, 34 in head; mouth smaller, the max- illary 3 in head. Coloration usually plain, sometimes very dark, otherwise as in Menticirrhus americanus. Head 33; depth 44. D. X-I, 22 or 23 (rarely 24); A. I, 7; scales 55 (BOP SLO eseol ee os aes ters beeaesas MARTINICENSIS, 99. jj. Dorsal rays X-I, 24 or 25; snout longer, 34 in head; maxillary reaching nearly to middle of eye, 24 to 3in head; eye small, 2 in snout ; teeth villiform, in broad bands, the outer series of the upper jaw very much enlarged, larger than in the other species; ventrals short, 14 in pectorals; pectorals 1} in head; caudal f-shaped, the broad rounded lower lobe longer than the acute upper; scales all ctenoid, those of the breast larger and regularly placed Color, grayish silvery, with ob- scure darker clouds along the back and sides; these marks 426 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES [84] forming dusky bars, running obliquely forward and down- ward to considerably below the lateral line, these often obsolete; the bar at the nape saddle-like; lining of gill cavity dusky; pectoral yellowish, dusky at tip; an obscure dusky streak along lower parts of sides running into lower lobe of caudal. Head 3}; depth 4 to5. D. X-I, 24o0r25; A. I, 7; scales 6-55 (pores)-12.............-. AMERICANUS, 100, ii. Outer teeth of upper jaw less enlarged; spinous dorsal elevated, the longest spine reaching past front of soft dorsal, its length 14 in head; coloration strongly marked, body scarcely sil- very. Profile slightly depressed above the eyes; eyes small, 2} in snout, 2in interorbital area, about 7 in head; snout long, bluntish, 34 in head; mouth large; maxillary reaching middle of eye, 24 in head; ventrals 14 in pectorals, which are 1} in head; scales all ctenoid. Color dusky gray above, sometimes blackish, the back and sides with distinct dark oblique cross-bands running downwards and forwards, the anterior one at the nape extending downward, meeting the second and thus forming a Y-shaped blotch on each side; a dark lateral streak bounding the pale color of the belly, most distinct posteriorly, and extending on lower lobe of caudal ; inside of gill-cavity scarcely dusky ; pectoralsdark. Head 3% to 4 in length; depth 44 to 43. D. X-I, 26 or 27; A. I, 8; scales 4-00 (pores) =14 2a laisse 2 eee SAXATTETS, 101. hh. Mouth smaller, the maxillary feublame sourcely! " front of eye, 34 in head; teeth on lower pharyngeals bluntish; coloration grayish, witha dark streaks along the rows of scales. Snout long, little projecting, 3} in head; eye small, 7 in head, 2} in snout, 14 in interorbital area; outer teeth in upper jaw moderately enlarged, about asin WV. saxatilis ; lower pharyn- geals a little broader than in M. americanus, the teeth coarser, and many of them bluntish, none of them really molar, those of the inner posterior corner of the bone much enlarged ; ventrals 14 in pectorals, which are 14 in head; scales all ctenoid. Color sooty-grayish, with bright reflections; the back, all the fins, and under side of head dusky ; undulating lines along sides running upward and backward, made of dark points in center of each scale ; back often with very faint dark cross-bars; edge of opercle dusky ; lining of gill- cavity slightly dusky. Head 4 in length; depth 4 to5. D. X-I, 25 or 26; A.1,8; scales 7-60-11 ....-.. UnpULATUS, 102. ce, Gill-rakers present, very short and somewhat slender; lower pharyngeals rather broad; some or nearly all of the teeth molar, i. e., enlarged, with thickened, rounded heads, the molar teeth covering at least the anterior portion of the bone; teeth in the outer series of upper jaw scarcely larger than the others; . scales on breast small. (Umbrula Jordan & Eigenmann.) k. Upper lobe of caudal longer than lower; scales rather small, about 25 in an oblique series from vent forward to lateral line; axillary scale one-third length of pectoral; snout very little projecting; gill-rakers very short, 3-+-5, the longest about one-third diameter of pupil; lower pharyngeal bones narrower than in littoralis, the molar teeth smaller, covering the whole anterior part of the bone; conical teeth on poste- rior part of the bone, the outermost row enlarged ; body (854 REVIEW OF THE SCIHNIDE 427 more elongate than in other species; profile low, little con- vex; eye small, 24in snout,7in head; snout long, 3 in head ; mouth small, the maxillary scarcely reaching front of eye, 3 in head; second dorsal spine 13 in head; anterior soft . rays of dorsal almost twice as long as the posterior ones, caudal with an f-shaped margin; ventrals 1? in pectorals; pectorals 1? in head. Color bluish on sidesand back, silvery below, without stripes or bands. Head 34 in length; depth 4%. D. X-I,22t0 24; A. 1,7; scales 5-53-13. .ELONGATUSs, 103. kk. Upper lobe of caudal not longer than lower; scales rather large, 15 to 18 in an oblique series from vent upward and forward to lateral line; axillary scale not one-fourth length of pectoral; snout distinctly projecting beyond mouth, 3} in head; gill-rakers larger than in other species, the longest about 4 length of pupil, the number X + 7; lower pharyngeal bones broad, most of the teeth developed as coarse molars, only those along the posterior margin conical; maxillary reaching past front of orbit, 34in head; outer teeth of upper jaw scarcely enlarge]; longest dorsal spines reaching past front of soft dorsal, the free margin of the fin concave; cau- dal rather deeply lunate, the lower lobe rounded, the upper pointed; ventrals 1? in pectorals, which are 1} in head. Color silvery gray above, with biuish and bronze reflections, immaculate; a dark-bronze shade along sides on level of pectorals, extending to tail and along cheeks; belly below this abruptly white; dorsals light brown, spinous dorsal black at lip, the base narrowly white; caudal pale, its tip usually black ; inner lining of pectoral and ventrals blackish; gill cavity pale. Head 3} in length; depth 42. D. X-I, 23 to 25; A. I, 7; scales 6-53 (pores)-12 ...... LITTORALIS, 104. 94. MENTICIRRHUS OPHICEPHALUS. Umbrina ophicephalus Jenyns, Zool. Beagle, Fish, 45, 1842 (Coquimbo, Chili). Giin- ther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 277, 1860 (copied). Cirrimens ophicephalus Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 17, 1862. Habitat —Coast of Chili and Peru. This singular species is represented by numerous specimens large and > small in the Museum of Comparative Zoology. These are from Caldera, Chili (8603, M. C. Z.), and from Callao, Peru. It seems to us that the name Cirrimens proposed for this species can be used for a subgenus only. 95. MENTICIRRHUS SIMUS. Menticirrhus nasus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U.S. Fish Com., 1882,107 and 111 (Ma- zatlan and Panama) (not Umbrina nasus Giinther). Jordan, Cat. Fish. North America, 94, 1885 (name only). Menticirrhus simus Jordan & Eigenmann, sp. nov. Habitat.—Pacific coast of tropical America; Mazatlan to Panama. This species is known to us from the specimens collected by Dr. ©. H. Gilbert at Mazatlan and Panama. It was at first identified somewhat doubtfully with Menticirrhus nasus by Jordan and Gilbert. The examination of the original type of Um- . 428 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [86] brina nasus has convinced Dr. Jordan that this is a different species. We here describe in detail the typical specimen under the name of Menticirrhus simus. Menticirrhus simus sp. nov. Type No. 28292, U.S. Nat. Mus. Depth 4 in length (5 in total); head 34 (44). D. X-I, 22; A. I, 8; scales 6-52-10. Body robust; back somewhat compressed and regularly arched ; depth about uniform between the first dorsal spine and the first soft ray; caudal peduncle rather heavy ; distance from last dorsal ray to be- ginning of middle caudal ray slightly more than 2 in head. Head subconical; profile steep, slightly depressed over the posterior part of eyes; snout abruptly blunted, turned up anteriorly, suggest- ing the form of snout in the genus Heterodon ; five large incisions in the upper lip, three large oval and three small round pores above them, as in other species of Menticirrhus; snout 34 in head ; eye 53 in head; mouth horizontal, inferior, the snout extending 4 of its length beyond the premaxillary; maxillary extending past middle of eye, slightly more than 3 in head. Teeth in lower jaw villiform in rather broad bands; upper jaw with a band of small teeth and an outer series of enlarged ones ; largest teeth of the outer series slightly longer than the anterior nostril; preopercle with fine widely placed teeth on its membranous border; gill-rakers ob- solete; pseudobranchie very large; lower pharyngeal teeth villiform, those of the inner series much enlarged ; first dorsal beginning behind base of pectoral; the first spine minute; the second spine highest, reaching to third dorsal ray, 11 in head; posterior margin of spinous dorsal deeply concave; dorsal soft rays low, subequal; caudal un- equally lunate, the upper lobe much the longer, 11 in head; anal in- serted under fifth dorsal ray; its spine weak, 5 in head; the anterior anal rays much the longer, but not extending to tip of last rays; ventrals 12 in pectorals; pectorals 11 in head. “Seales large; all strongly ‘ctenoid ; those in the lateral line and those above it more or less covered with ‘sae ones. Soft dorsal, with a very narrow scaly sheath. Bases of pectorals and caudal adheres sealy, the rest of the fins naked. Color, grayish above, lighter below; lower parts of sides with numerous dark points; faint lines following the rows of scales above; spinous dorsal dusky, anal with dark specks; axil and inner margin of pectoral dusky; other fins plain ; lining of gill cavity dusky. ; This species differs from Menticirrhus nasus (Giinther) in the size of the eye, the size of the teeth, and the size and shape of the snout. Dr. Jordan has examined the type of M. nasus and verified the description of Giinther. The large size of the eye in M. nasus is not due to the im- maturity of the typical example. [87] REVIEW OF THE SCIZNIDZ. 429 96. MENTICIRRHUS NASUS. Umbrina nasus Giinther, Fishes Central America, 387 and 426, 1869 (Panama). Jor- dan, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1883, 289 (Central America). Habitat.—Pacific coast of tropical America, Mazatlan to Panama. This species is known to us from Dr. Giinther’s original type. No others have since been taken, if, as we suppose, our Menticirrhus simus is really a distinct species. 97. MENTICIRRHUS AGASSIZI. Menticirrhus agassizi Jordan, sp. nov. (Caldera). Habitat.—Coast of Chili. This species is known from a single specimen, 63 inches long, in the Museum of Comparative Zoology, from Caldera, Chili. It was found mixed with specimens of Menticirrhus ophicephalus, in bottle 8603. This species is named in honor of Professor Louis Agassiz. 98. MENTICIRRHUS PANAMENSIS. Umbrina panamensis Steindachner, Ichthyol. Beitr., iv, 9, 1875 (Panama). Menticirrhus panamensis Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. 8. Fish Com., 1882, 107 (Mazatlan); l.c.,111(Panama). Jordan, Cat. Fish. North America, 94, 1885 (name only). Habitat.—Pacific coast of tropical America, Mazatlan to Panama. This species is known to us from specimens taken by Dr. Gilbert at Panama and Mazatlan. 99. MENTICIRRHUS MARTINICENSIS. Umbrina marvinicensis Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 186, 1830(Martinique). Storer, Syn. Fish. North Am., 323, 1846 (copied).. Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 277, 1860 (copied). Jordan, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 539 (note on type of Cuvier & Valenciennes). Omtrina gracilis Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 189, 1830 (Brazil). Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 277, 1860 (copied). Jordan, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 539 (note on type of Cuvier & Valenciennes). Umbrina arenata Cuv. & Val.,Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 190 (Brazil). Jenyns, Zool. Beagle, Fishes, 44, 1842 (Bahia Blanca; Maldonado). Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 276, 1860 (Jamaica). Umbrina phalena Steindachner, Ichth. Notizen, ix, 20, 1869 (Santos, Brazil). Umbrina januaria Steindachner, Ichthyol. Beitr., v, 122, 1876 (Rio Janeiro). Habitat.—W est Indies to Patagonia. We have examined the types of Umbrina martinicensis and U. gracilis in the museum at Paris. We have also examined numerous specimens in the museum at Cambridge, apparently identical with these, from Rio Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Victoria, Bahia, and Montevideo. The species seems to be as common in South America as its analogue M. americanus is in North America. The two are exceedingly alike, and martinicensis is probably a geographical variety of the other, distin- guished perhaps by a slightly smaller number of rays in the dorsal fin. 430 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [88] Were it not that the Sciznoid fauna of South America is chiefly dif- ferent from that of North America, we should scarcely hesitate to place martinicensis in the synonymy of americanus. Umbrina januaria is ap- parently based on the specimens from Rio Janeiro examined by us. Umbrina gracilis was based on the dried skin of a young example, dis- torted and varnished. Umbrina arenata, as described by Cuvier & Valenciennes, does not differ at all from J. martinicensis. As described by Dr. Giinther, the scales are 72 to 78 in arenata. It is evident, however, that Giinther has counted not the pores, but the number of vertical series of scales, and these range from 70 to 80 in nearly all of our species, the number exceeding the number of pores by about 20, and similarly exceeding the number of oblique series. We see no reason, therefore, for not placing arenata in the synonymy of martinicensis. 100. MENTICIRRHUS AMERICANUS. (THE CAROLINA WHITING.) [Plate VIII. ] Alburnus americanus (the Whiting) Catesby, Nat. Hist. Carolinas, ete., pl. 12, f. 2 (Jordan, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1884, 195). Cyprinus americanus Linneus, Syst. Nat., ed. x, 321, 1758 (based on the Whiting of Catesby) (not Cyprinus americanus of the twelfth edition, which is a Cyprinoid, Notemigonus bosci Cuv. & Val.). Perca alburnus Linnus, Syst. Nat., ed. xii, 482, 1886 (on specimens sent from Charles- ton by Dr. Garden). Schépf, Schrift. Naturf. Freunde Berlin, viii, 162, 1788. Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 87, 1801. Centropomus alburnus Lacépeéde, Hist. Nat. Poiss., iv, 249, 257, 264, 1802. Sciena alburnus Gronow, Cat. Fish., ed. Gray, 51, 1854 (South Carolina). Umbrina alburnus Cuvier & Valenciennes, v, 180, 1830 (in part). Holbrook, Ichthyol. 8. Carolina, 136, plate 20, fig. 2, 1856 (South Carolina). Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 275, 1860. " Menticirrhus alburnus Uhler & Lugger, Fishes of Maryland, 101, 1876 (Chesapeake Bay). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1878, 378 (Beaufort). Goode, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1879,113 (Saint John’s River, Florida). Goode & Bean, Proc. U. 8S. Nat. Mus., 1879, 1382 (Pensacola). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 282 (Galveston). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 606 (Charleston). Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. North Am., 577, 1883; Goode, Hist. Aquat. Anim., 376, plate 127 b, 1884. Goode & Bean, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1885, 202 (Linnean types). Jordan, Cat. Fish. North America, 94, 1885 (name only). Umbrina phalena Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1858, 167 (Indianola, Brazos Santiago). Girard, U.S. and Mex. Bound. Sevier 13, 1859. Habitat—South Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States, Chesapeake Bay to Texas. This species is very common on the sandy coasts of our Southern States, where it is a food-fish of some importance. As elsewhere stated, this may be identical with the South American Menticirrhus martinicensis, [89] REVIEW OF THE SCLENIDA. 431 This species has generally received the specific name of alburnus given to it by Linnzus in the twelfth edition of the Systema Nature. In the tenth edition of the Systema, Linnzus had already given the specific name of americanus to the Whiting of Catesby. There is no doubt that Catesby had this common species in mind, although his rude figure resembles the Surf Whiting (littoralis) fully as much as it does the common Whiting. 101. MENTICIRRHUS SAXATILIS. (THE KING-FISH; SEA MINK.) [Plate IX.] Johnius saxatilis Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 75, 1801 (New York). Menticirrhus saxatilis Jordan, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 288, 1883 (note on type of Bloch & Schneider). Jordan, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1884, 129 (Key West). Jordan, Cat. Fish. North America, 94, 1885 (name only). Umbrina alburnus DeKay, New York Fauna, Fishes, 78, plate 7, fig. 20, 1842 (New York). Storer, Syn. Fish. North Am., 323, 1846 (Massachusetts) (not Perca alburnus L.). Sciena nebulosa Mitchill, Trans. Lit. & Phil. Soc. New York, 406, plate 3, fig. 5, 1815 (New York) (not of Gmelin). Umbrina nebulosa Storer, Fishes Massachusetts, 35, 1839 (near Boston light house). Ayres, Fishes of Brookhaven, L. I., 259, 1842. Storer, Hist. Fish. Mass., 124, plate ix, fig. 4, 1867 (Boston light-house; Lynn; Provincetown). Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 275, 1860 (New York). Menticirrhus nebulosus Goode & Bean, Fish. Essex Co. and Mass. Bay, 17, 1879 (Dan- vers ; Spite Bridge; Marblehead light-house). Bean, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 93 (Wood’s Holl, Mass; Noank, Conn.; Cohasset Narrows, Mass). Goode, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1881, 113 (St. John’s River, Florida). Jordan & Gil- bert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 282 (Pensacola). Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. North America, 577, 1883. Goode, Hist. Aquat. Anim., 375, plate 127a, 1884. Habitat Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States, Boston to Key West and Pensacola, most common northward. This species is generally common along the coasts of our Northern States, its greatest abundance being north of the limit of M. americanus, a species which it very closely resembles, the differences being of com- paratively little importance. Southward its distribution seems to be pecuiiar. A large specimen was obtained by Dr. Jordan at Pensacola ‘and several small ones at Key West. All these are very dark in color, but not otherwise evidently different from the common northern form. The name savatilis should be used for this species. The original type of Johnius saxatilis, sent by Schépf (?) to Bloch, is still in the museum‘at Berlin, where it has been examined by us. The name savatilis for the Whiting, like that of regalis for the Weak-fish, came about through a confusion of the vernacular names, the supposed ‘ King-fish” being named ‘‘Johnius regalis” by Bloch, and the supposed “ Rock-fish,” “ Johnius saxatilis,” 432 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [90] 102. MENTICIRRHUS UNDULATUS. (THE CALIFORNIA WHITING OR ‘ SUCKER.”) Umbrina undulata Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1854, 148 (San Diego, Cal.). Girard, U. 8. Pacif. R. R. Survey, 121, 1859 (San Diego, Cal.). Menticirrhus undulatus Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1462, 17 (name only). Jor- dan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 450 (Santa Barbara, San Pedro, San Diego). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1881, 48 (Santa Bar- bara, southward). Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. North Am., 578 and 933, 1883. Rosa Smith, West American Scientist, 1885, 47 (San Diego). Jordan, Cat. Fish. North America, 94, 1885 (name only). Habitat.—Coast of Southern California, north to Santa Barbara. This species is rather common along the sandy coasts of Southern California, where it is a food-fish of moderate importance. Girard’s type of Umbrina undulata has been examined by us. It is a young ex- ample of this species. 103. MENTICIRRHUS ELONGATUS. Umbrina elongata Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1864, 148 (Chiapam). Giinther, Fishes Central America, 387 and 425, plate 64, fig. 2, 1869 (Chiapam). Stein- dachner, Ichthyol. Beitr., iv, 9, 1875 (Panama north to ‘‘San Diego,” con- founded with M. undulatus). Menticirrhus elongatus Jordan & Gilbert, Bull. U. S. Fish Com., 1882, 107 (Mazatlan). Jordan, Cat. Fish. North America, 94, 1885 (name only). © Umbrula elongata Jordan & EKigenmann. Habitat.—Pacific coast of tropical America, Mazatlan to Panama. This species is rather common on the west coast of Mexico. Its rela- tions are evidently with M. littoralis, but in several respects it repre- sents a transition towards Menticirrhus undulatus, its nearest relative among the typical Menticirrhi. 104. MENTICIRRHUS LITTORALIS. (THE SuRF WHITING; SILVER WHITING.) Umbrina littoralis Holbrook, Ichthyol. S. Carolina (first edition), 142, plate 20, fig 1, 1856 (South Carolina). Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 276, 1860 (copied). Menticirrhus littoralis Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1878, 378 (Beaufort). Bean, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1880, 93 (Florida). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 283 (Pensacola, Galveston). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 606 (Charleston). Jordan & Gilbert, Synopsis Fish. ~ North Am., 933, 1883. Bean, Internat. Fishery Exhib., 56, 1883 (Matanzas River Inlet, Florida). Jordan, Cat. Fish. North America, 94, 1885 (name only). Umbrula littoralis Jordan & Eigenmann. Habitat.—South Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States, North Carolina to Texas. This species is generally common in the surf along the sandy shores of the Southern States. It resembles M. americanus somewhat in external characters so that it has often been confounded with it by careless ob- servers. Its technical distinctions are, however, numerous, and in the es [91] REVIEW OF THE SCIZNID&. 433 form of its pharyngeal teeth it differs in a marked degree from all the other species of Menticirrhus except M.elongatus. Were it not that M. elongatus and M. undulatus are both in several respects intermediate between WV. littoralis and the typical forms of Menticirrhus, we should re- gard the subgenus Umbrula, based on IM. littoralis, as certainly worthy of full generic rank. Genus XXII.—PARALONCHURUS. Paralonchurus Bocourt, Nouv. Arch. Mus., iv, 21,1869 (petersi). TyPE: Paralonchurus petersi Bocourt. This genus seems to be most nearly related to Loncehurus, being in some respects intermediate between that and ordinary Sciznoids. But one species has been described. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF PARALONCHURUS. a. Body long and low ; head slender, flattish, somewhat spongy above, with protub- erant snout; eye 84in head; snout 3}; interorbital area 3}; mouth horizontal ; maxillary 23 in head; teeth in villiform bands; upper jaw with a conspicuous outer row of larger ones; chin with 5 pores, a multifid barbel at the symphysis; rami with a row of slender barbels along inner edge; dorsal low, highest behind; soft dorsal scaled at base only; caudal pointed, as long as head; anal spines small ; second spine as long as snout; pectorals very large, 24 in body; scales rather large, cyeloid; color light olive with faint stripes on rows of scales; pectoral dusky; other fins plain. Head 5} in length; depth 4. D. X-I, 30; A. II, 9; scales 8- cst erate ene arate 5 MSP ea an ae Sasicere w Se ae We ee Mie x wis Sa seeineade PETERSI, 105, 105. PARALONCHURUS PETERSI. Paralonchurus petersi Bocourt, Nouy. Archives du Muséum, iv, 1869, 22 (San Salva- dor). Jordan, Proc. U. 8S. Nat. Mus., 1886 (Panama). Habitat.—Pacifie coast of tropical America, Panama. This rare species is now known to us from the original account of Dr. Bocourt and from Dr. Jordan’s notes on the original type in the museum at Paris. Specimens were later taken by Dr. Gilbert at Panama, but all of these have been destroyed by fire. A second species of Paralonchurus was obtained by Dr. Gilbert, but the typical specimens were destroyed by fire and no description has been published. The following is Bocourt’s description : pe. XT, 30; A. 1,9." C17; P. 21; V.1,5. ‘L. lat. 505° U. trans. 8. “ CARACTERES.—Corps allongé comprimé; la plus grande hauteur, prise 4 la naissance des pectorales, est contenue quatre fois dans la lon- gueur (la caudale non comprise), la téte y entrant trois fois et demie. Museau déprimé, percé en avant d’un gros pore; deux lobes arrondis au-devant de la bouche, au-dessus de chacun desquels se trouve un autre pore. Diameétre horizontal de Veil, compris trois fois et demie dans la largeur de l’espace interorbitaire, et prés de dix fois dans la S. Mis. 90-——28 : 434 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND'FISHERIES. [92] longueur dela téte. Bouche placée sous le museau, ’extrémité du max- illaire ne dépassant pas verticalement le bord postérieur de Vorbite. Quatre pores sous la machoire inférieure; entre les deux premiers on apercoit un petit barbillon multifide touchant 4 la symphyse, et il y en a dix @une grande ténuité placés sur chacune des branches de Ja ma- choire inférieure. Préopercule arrondi; une crénelure membraneuse existe sur son bord postérieur. Ligne latérale infléchie au-dessus de Vanale. Pectorales trés développées. Dorsale profondément échanerée et & rayons épineux faibles ; le premier, trés court, prend naissance au- dessus de Vorigine des pectorales; le quatriéme, le plus long, égale la largeur de l’espace interorbitaire. Ventraies attachées au méme niveau que les précédentes. Anale petite, et 4 épines médiocres. Caudale pointue, sa longueur égale celle de la téte. Anus plus éloigné, de Vex- trémité de la queue que du bout du museau. Vessie aérienne épaisse, argentée et prolongée en une pointe tres déliée. Ecailles eycloides. ‘Un seul exemplaire a été rapporté de La Union, République du Sal- vador. ‘ Longueur totale, 0™ 256.” Genus XXIII.—LONCHURUS. Lonchurus Bloch, Syst. Ichth., plate 360, 1793 (barbatus = lanceolatus). Type: Lonchurus barbatus Bloch. This genus contains apparently but a single species, a rather rare in- habitant of the Caribbean waters. This species we have not been able to examine. , . The genus seems to be one of the most remarkable of the family. Ex- cept its analogue, Paralonchurus, it seems to have no very near rela- tives. « ; ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF LONCHURUS. a. [Body long and low; the profile straightish, depressed over the eyes ; interorbital area as broad as eye, which is as long as snout; snout small, 10 in head; snout soft, depressed, with conspicuous pore at tip; mouth oblique, subinferior; maxil- lary reaching a little beyond eye; teeth in fine bands; barbels 2, not longer than eye; preopercle with crenulate, membranaceous margin ; upper ray of pectoral much elongate, 2} in body; caudal elongate lanceolate, 4 in body; first ray of ventral reaching front of anal; anal short and high, its spines weak, inserted before middle of soft dorsal; scalesmostly cycloid; lateral line becoming straight above anal; color brownish; pectoral and caudal fins black, other fins dusky. Depth 4 in length. D.X or XI-I, 38 to 40; A. II, 7 or 8; lateral line 60 to 70.] (Cuvier § Valenciennes.) ...--.- ------ -----0 ++ 222 cere ne eee nes LANCEOLATUS, 106, , ¢ 106. LONCHURUS LANCEOLATUS. Perca lanceolata Bloch, Nov. Act. Se. Copenh., iii, 383. Lonchurus lanceolatus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 317, 1860 (copied). Lonchurus barbatus Bloch, Ichthyol., plate 360, 1793. Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichthyol., 102, 1801 (Surinam), Cuv, & Val., Hist, Nat, Poiss., v, 193, 1830 (de- seribed from Bloch’s type). [93] REVIEW OF THE SCLENIDA, 435 Lonchurus depressus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichthyol., 102, 1801 (Surinam). Cuv, & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 195, 1830 (copied). Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 317, 1860 (West Indies). Habitat.—Coast of Guiana. This remarkable species we have had no opportunity to examine. We follow the suggestion of Dr. Giinther, in regarding the nominal species, Lonchurus depressus, as a synonym of L. lanceolatus. Genus XXIV.—POGONIAS. Pogonias Lacépéde, Hist. Nat. Poiss., iii, 138, 1802 (fasciatus = cromis). Pogonathus Lacépéde, Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 121, 1803 (courbina=cromis). TYPE: Pogonias fasciatus Lacépéde. This genus contains, so far as known, but a single species, a large coarse fish of our Atlantic coasts. ' ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF PUOGONIAS. a. Body oblong, the back much elevated, ventral outline almost straight, the depth rapidly diminishing from the first dorsal spine backwards; depth 24 to 3 in length ; head 34; profile rather steep and slightly convex ; mouth mod- erate, inferior, the maxillary not reaching middle of eye, 34 in head; teeth in broad bands, the outer series above scarcely enlarged ; snout blunt,] onger than eye, 34 to 4 in head; lower pharyngeals large, completely united, coy- | ered with many blunt molars and a small patch of conical teeth at the outer posterior corner; gill-rakers 4-++12, very short, slender; dorsal spines high but slender, the 4th highest, 2 in head; caudal subtruncate; second anal spine very large, about 2 in head; pectorals about as long as head; scales large, those on breast small; color grayish silvery, with 4 or 5 broad dark vertical bars, these disappearing with age; fins blackish. D.X-~I, 19 to 21; Reet: Gis Mees OA a HOlO0 0) 22 soe ach eke e feces ania cocina ™ Cromts, 107. x. Body deep, the depth about 24 in length; snout blunt, 32 in head. D. X-I, 21; scales47; back usually without distinct oblique streaks - Var. cromis, 107 (a). ax. Body more elongate, the depth about 3 in length; snout more acute, 3? in head. D. X-I, 19; scales 50; color more silvery, with oblique faint dark streaks along the rows of scales above....- Seeeeonaa Var. courbina, 107 (b). 107. POGONIAS CROMIS. (THE DRUM.) [Plates X and XI.] a. Var. cromis. Labrus cromis Linnezus, Syst. Nat., ed. xii, 479, 1766 (Carolina). Gmelin, Syst. Nat., 1292, 1788 (Carolina). Pogonias cromis Goode & Bean, Fishes of Essex County and Massachusetts Bay, 17, 1879 (Provincetown). Goode & Bean, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1879, 131 (Pensa- cola). Bean, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 93 (St. John’s River, Florida; near Charleston, 8. C.). Jordan, Cat. Fish. North America, 93, 1885 (name only). Labrus chromis Schopf, Schrift. Naturforsch. Freunde Berlin, viii, 158, 1788 (New York). Sciena chromis Bloch & Schneider, Syst, Ichth., 82, 1801 (Carolina). Lacépéde, Hist. Nat. Poiss., iy, 314, 1802, 436 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [94] Pogonias chromis Cuvier, Régne Animal, plate 29, fig. 1, 1829. Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 206, 1830 (New York; Montioyided’. DeKay, New York Fauna, Fishes, 80,1842 (New York). Storer, Syn. Fish. North Am., 324, 1846 (copied). Holbrook, Ichth. 8. Carolina, ed. 1, 112, plate 16, fig. 2 (South Carolina). Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Ming. 5h 3 270, 1860 (Lake Pontchartrain), Uhler & Lugger, Fishes of Maryland, 98, 1876 Clasti Shore, Maryland). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1878, 377 (Beaufort). Jordan & Gilbert, Proc: U. S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 280 UPEREApistisg Galveston). Jordan & Gilbert, Proce. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1882, 605 (Charleston). Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. North Am., 568, 1883. Jordan & Swain, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, 233 (Cedar Key). Jordan & Meek, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., 1884, 237 (St. John’s River, Florida). Goode, Hist. Aquat. Anim., 367, plates 121 and 122, 1884. Pogonias fasciatus Lacépede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., iii, 137, 1802. Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 210, pl. 118, 1830 (New York). DeKay, New York Fauna, Fishes, 81, pl. 14, fig. 40, 1842 (New York). Storer, Syn. Fish. North Am., 324, 1846 Siapieial Girard, U. S. & Mex. Bound. Survey, 11, 1859 (Brazos Santiago). Holbrook, Ic hthyol. S. Carolina, 1138, pl. 16, fig. 1, 1860 (South Carolina). Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 270,1860 (copied). Giinther, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., July, 1880 (Rio Baas, Mugil grunniens Mitchill, Report in part Fishes New York, 16, 1814 (New York). Labrus grunniens Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc., 405, 1815 (New York). Mugil gigas Mitchill, Report in part Fishes New York, 16, 1814 (New York). Scicena gigas Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc., 413, 1815 (New York). Pogonias gigas Ayres, Fishes of Brookhaven, L. I., 260, 1842 (Brookhaven, L. L.). Sciena fusca Mitchill, Trans. Lit. and Phil. Soc., 409, 1815 (New York). b. Var. courbina. Pogonathus courbina Lacépede, Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 121, 1803 (Rio Plata). Habitat.—Atlantic coasts of America; Long Island to Montevideo. This species is common on the sandy coasts of the United States, where it reaches a very large size. It is probably the largest of all the Scicenide. It is a rather coarse fish, of no great value as food. There is no doubt that all the North American names belong to a single species, the form called fasciatus being simply the young. The South American form (courbina) is scarcely different from the Northern. We have examined specimens in the museum at Cambridge from Rio Grande do Sul and other localities in Brazil. We have found only the slight differences noticed in the analysis above. Genus XX V.—APLODINOTUS. Aplodinotus Rafinesque, Journ. de Phys., 1819, 418 (grunniens). Amblodon Rafinesque, Journ. de Phys., 1819, 418 (based on the pharyngeal teeth of A, grunniens, supposed to belong to a species of Buffalo-fish). Haploidonotus Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil., 1861, 102 (grunniens) (amended or- thography). Butychelithus Jordan, Man. Vert., ed. i, 242, 1876 (richardsoni=grunniens). TyPE: Aplodinotus grunniens Rafinesque. This genus contains a single species, a large coarse fish, confined. to the fresh waters of the United States. The genus differs from Ron- cador chiefly in ahs complete union of the very large lower pharyngeal bones. —————— [95] REVIEW OF THE SCIH&NIDA. 437 ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF APLODINOTUS. a. Body oblong; back much elevated and compressed; depth 2? in length; head 34; profile long and steep, straightish; head slightly compressed ; mouth moderate, subinferior, low; the maxillary reaching past middle of eye, 3 in head; teeth in villiform bands, the outer above scarcely enlarged; lower pharyngeals completely united; the teeth less blunt than in Pogonias; gill-rakers short, thickish, 6+-14; preopercle obscurely serrated; snout bluntish, longer than eye, 44in head; dorsal spines strong and high; second spine highest, 24 in head; a scaly sheath at the base of spines; the two dorsals connected; second anal spine very large, more than half the length of the head; caudal double truncate ; scales rather thin and deep, the series somewhat oblique; scales on breast rather large; color grayish silvery, dusky above, sometimes very dark; back sometimes with oblique dusky streaks along the rowsof scales. D. X, 30; A. II, 7; scales 9-55-13. GRUNNIENS, 108. 108. APLODINOTUS GRUNNIENS. (THE FRESH-WATER DRUM, GASPERGOU, THUNDER-PUMPER, SHEEPSHEAD, CROAKER, BUBBLER, WHITE PERCH.) - [Plate XII. ] Aplouinotus grunniens Rafinesque, Journ. de Phys., 1819, 88 (Ohio R.). Graham, Pre- liminary List Kansas Fishes, 77, 1884 (Kansas River). Jordan, Cat. Fish. North America, 93, 1885 (name only). Amblodon grunniens Rafinesque, Ichth. Ohiensis, 24, 1820 (Ohio R.). Agassiz, Am. Journ. Sci. and Arts, 1854 (‘Tennessee R.). Girard, U.S. Pac. R. R. Survey, 96, plate 23, 1859 (St. Louis; Arkansas R.; Poteau R.; Milk R.). Haploidonotus grunniens Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 104. Jordan, Fishes of Upper Georgia, 319, 1876 (French Broad R.; Cumberland R.). Jordan, Man. Vert., ed. i, 241, 1876. Nelson, Fishes Illinois, 44, 1876 (Lake Michigan). Jor- dan, Cat. Fish. Illinois, 50, 1878(La Salle; Peoria). Bean, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1880, 94(Sandusky, O. ; Cincinnati, O.; Detroit, Mich. ; Au Sable Riv., Mich.). Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. North America, 567, 1883. Jordan, Ohio Geol. Survey, iv, 983, 1883 (Ohio R. ; Great Lakes). Forbes, Catalogue Fish. Illinois, 62, 1884 (Lake Michigan; Illinois R., Ohio R.). Goode, Hist. Aquat. Anim., 370, plate 123, 1884. ' Sciena oscula Lesueur, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1822, 252, plate 13. Kirtland, Rept. Zool. Ohio, 168, 192, 1838 (Ohio). Corvina oscula Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 98, 1836 (copied). Richardson, Faun. Bor. Amer., ili, 68, 1836. Kirtland, Bost. Journ. Nat. Hist., iii, 350, plate 6, fig. 3, 1840. DeKay, New York Fauna, Fishes, 73, plate 21, fig. 63, 1842 (New York). Storer, Syn. Fish. North Am., 319, 1846 (copied). Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 297, 1860 (Ohio Canal; Lake Pontchartrain). Sciena grisea Lesueur, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1822, 254. Corvina grisea DeKay, New York Fauna, Fishes, 76, 1842 (New York). Corvina richardsoni Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 100 (Lake Huron). Richardson, Faun. Bor. Amer., 64, 77, 1836. DeKay, New York Fauna, Fishes, 76, plate 20, fig. 55, 1842.. Storer, Syn. Fish. North Am., 320, 1846 (copied). Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 298, 1860 (copied). Haploidonotus richardsoni Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 105 (name only). Lutychelithus richardsoni Jordan, Man. Vert., ed. i, 242, 1876 (copied). Amblodon concinnus Agassiz, Amer. Jour. Sci. Arts, 1854, 307 (Tennessee R.). Haploidonotus concinnus Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 104 (name only), Jordan, Man. Vert., ed. i, 242, 1876 (copied). 438 | REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [96] Amblodon lineatus Agassiz, Am. Jour. Sci. Arts, 1855, 307 (Osage River). Haploidonotus lineatus Gill, Proc. Acad, Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 105 (name only). Jor- dan, Man. Vert., ed. i, 242, 1876 (copied). Amblogon neglectus Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1858, 167 (Rio Grande). Girard, U. S. and Mex. Bound. Survey, 12, plate v, fig. 6-10, 1859 (Rio Grande, Matamoras). Haploidonotus neglectus Gill, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, 105 (name only). Corvina (Amblodon) neglecta Steindachner, Ichth. Notizen, vi, 1867, 38 (‘f southern part of the west coast of the United States”). Habitat.—F resh waters of the Eastern United States, chiefly west of the Alleghanies; Great Lakes to Dakota, and Texas. This species is one of the common inhabitants of our deep and slug- gish rivers and of our lakes. Under favorable circumstances it reaches a large size, and a weight of 40 to 50 pounds. It is held in rather low esteem as a food-fish, its flesh being rather coarse and flavorless. In the lake region, as the ‘‘ Sheepshead,” it is altogether worthless, but farther south it holds a higher rank, the “‘ White Perch” of the Ohio being regarded as a tolerable food-fish. In Texas the same species, as the “ Gaspergou,” is regarded as one of the best of the river fish. There is no doubt that all of the nominal species above enumerated should be referred to a single one, A. grunniens. Genus XX VIL—EQUES. Eques Bloch, Ichthyologia, 1793 (americanus=lanceolatus). Equietus Rafinesque, Analyse de la Nature, 1815, 86 (substitute for Hques, the latter name being considered too short). Pareques (Gill Mss.) Goode, Bull. U. 8. Nat. Mus., v, 50, 1875 (acuminatus). TYPE: Eques americanus Bloch=Ohetodon lanceolatus L. This genus is one of the most remarkable in the family in respect to its osteology, as well as to the coloration of some of its species. One of the four known species, Hques acuminatus, resembles considerably Scicena and other typical members of the family, while the bizarre form and coloration of Hques lanceolatus gives it some resemblance to the Chetodonts. The two other species are, however, intermediate, and we know of no sufficient character on which Pareques can be maintained as a distinct genus. ANALYSIS OF SPECIES OF EQUES. a. Dorsal rays X to XII-I, 36 to 46; first five or six of the interneurals * wedged in between the neurals of the second and third vertebra, the rest between third and fourth. (Pareques Gill.) b. Profile elongate, rather steep, but not nearly vertical; distance from snout to first dorsal spine about equal to depth of body (form approaching that of Sciwna wmbra). c. Dorsal spines little elevated, the longest about 54 in length of body; vertica- fins unspotted ; body oblong, compressed, the back somewhat elevated ; eye about equal to snout, 4 in head; interorbital area not quite as broad as eye; preorbital 14 in eye; mouth larger than in Lques punctatus, max- * Not examined in Lques pulcher. — —— [97] REVIEW OF THE SCLENIDA. 439 illary reaching past middle of orbit; teeth of upper jaw slightly en- larged; gill-rakers short, rather slender, 6 + 9; caudal peduncle and fin less deep than in Hques punetatus ; second anal spine slightly shorter than soft rays, 2$ in head; soft dorsal scaly; scales large, the series below lateral line slightly oblique; longitudinal streaks on body not following the. rows Of scales S22 2...c056 c. Sed0.5 25 25. Te Aa Ses ACUMINATUS, 109. x. Color nearly black, with longitudinal whitish stripes on the body, not on the fins; one stripe from upper edge of eye straight to upper edge of caudal peduncle, one just above this to last rays of soft dorsal, two confluent behind from nape to middle of soft dorsal, two below the first from pec- toral to base of caudal, the lowest to edge of caudal peduncle; fins dusky. Head 3; depth 22. D. X-I, 38 to 40; A. II, 7; scales 50; eye 4in head; snout 33; maxillary 3; second anal spine 2}; longest dorsal spine 12; pectoral 1+. (West Indian specimens. )----.-.--. Var. acuminatus, 109 (a). xx. Coloration dark smutty brown, with traces only of seven paler streaks ; region at base of soft dorsal darker; spinous dorsal, tips of ventrals, and inside of gill cavity black; fins otherwise smutty. Head 34 in length; depth 23. D. X-I, 40; A. II, 7; scales 6-51-10; second anal spine 24; eye 4; snout4; maxillary 24. (Specimens from Charleston.) Var. wmbrosus, 109 (b). ec. Dorsal spines elongate, the longest 2% in length of body; soft parts of vertical fins with white spots; body robust, the back much compressed, the gen- eral form much as in Hques acuminatus, but the caudal peduncle deeper and more compressed; profile rather steep, depressed over the eye; snout slightly longer than eye, 34 in head; eye as wide as interorbital region; preorbital broad, as wide as eye; mouth small, sub-inferior ; maxillary almost entirely concealed below the preorbital, 24 in head, reaching to below middle of eye; teeth in both jaws in broad bands, the outer series of the upper jaw enlarged; preopercle entire, the membrane with slight cilia; gill-rakers small, slender, 6+-11; lower pharyngeals small; the teeth all conical, those of the posterior angle and inner series somewhat enlarged ; anterior dorsal spines as high as body ; membranes of the soft portions of the vertical fins closely scaled to the tip; caudal broadly rounded ; analshort and high; second spine about 3 of longest ray, 3in head; anal spine placed midway between base of pectoral and base of caudal; pectorals and ventrals short and equal, 14+in head. Color, dark brown, a light bar in front of eye extending around the chin, a second pale bar extending around the head immediately behind the eyes, a third extend- ing from in front of dorsal over base of pectorals; a light bar along base of soft dorsal; a light bar extending from behind the elevated portion of the spinous dorsal downwards, dividing into two, the branches running straight back, the upper branch to beginning of last fourth of soft dor- sal, the lower branch to base of caudal; 2or3 light, undulating longitudinal bars below these; fins all dark brown, the soft portions of the vertical fins with many whitish stellate spots. Head 3$in length; depth3. D. XI or XIT-I, 46; A.II,6 or 7; scales 8-55 to 59-11 or 12...PuNcTaTuUs, 110. 6b. [Profile very steep, ‘‘steeper than in Hques lanceolatus.” Body deepest below first dorsal spine, thence rapidly tapering to the narrow caudal pedun- cle; eye 3in head; snout 14in eye; mouth subinferior, the thick convex snout projecting beyond it; first ventral ray filiform, 34 in body; longest dorsal spines 1} to 23 in length of body, their height nearly twice that of the body below them; color olivaceous, three dark-brown longitudinal bands along the sides, the middle one from eye backwards reaching tips of the middie caudal rays; the upper from occiput backward to end of soft dorsal; the lower from lower corner of eye to behind anal; two very 440 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [98] faint broad cross-bars, the anterior from base of first dorsal to ventrals, the next from middle of soft dorsal to anal; tip of snout and chin black; an oblique bar below eye; spinous dorsal, pectoral, and ventral black, edged with white; edges of caudal yellowish; anal with brown points anteriorly. Head 3} to 34 in total length; depth the same. D. X-I, 37 or 38; A. IT, 7; lat. 1. 50.] (Steindachner.)........-.. 25.- PULCHER, 111) aa. Dorsal rays XIV or XV-I, 53; about twelve of the anterior interneurals wedged in between the occiput and the neural spine of the third vertebra; pro- file almost vertical, the distance from tip of snout to first dorsal spine much less than depth of body. (Zques.) d. Body deepest below first dorsal spine, rapidly tapering to the narrow caudal peduncle ; profile very steep, little convex; eye little longer than snout, about 4 in head ; preorbital broad, nearly as wide as eye; mouth small, slightly oblique; maxillary reaching to below anterior fourth of eye; teeth all villiform in broad bands, the outer scarcely enlarged ; preopercle with a fringed membranous border; gill-rakers very short and slender, 6+-9; anterior dorsal spines much elongate, 1? in body ; soft rays low, the membranes scaled to the tips; anal small; its second spine 3 in head; ventrals 14 in head; pectorals scarcely shorter ; color, light yellowish; a narrow brownish band from the corner of the mouth up across the mid- dle of the eye, and meeting its fellow on top of head; another broader band edged with a narrow white line on each side from the nape down and back over opercle, meeting its fellow between the ventral fins and extending to the tips of their outer rays; a third and still broader band, also bordered by white, extending from the tips of the dorsal spines to their base, then downward and backward to the tips of the middle cau- dalrays; body below this band silvery white; above it somewhat darker. Head 4 in length; depth 22%. D. XIV to XVI-I, 53; A. II, 5; scales irregular, with smaller ones intermixed... ............LANCEOLATUS, 112. 109. EQUES ACUMINATUS. a. Var. acuminatus. Grammistes acuminatus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 184, 1801. Eques acuminatus Castelnau, Anim. Nouv. ou Rares de l’Amér. du Sud, 10, 1855. Giin- ther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 280, 1860 (Cuba). Poey, Memorias, ii, 370, 1861 (Cuba); Synopsis, 325,1868 (Cuba). Cope, Ichthyol. Lesser Antilles, 471, 1870 (St. Croix). Poey, Enumeratio, 49, 1875 (Cuba). Jordan, Cat. Fish. North America, 94, 1885 (name only). Pareques acuminatus Goode, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., v, 50, 1876 (Bermudas). Bean, In- ternat, Fish. Exhib. Berlin, 54, 1883 (Key West). Eques lineatus Cuv. &. Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 1830, 169 (Brazil). b. Var. umbrosus. Sciena acuminata Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. North Am., 573, 1883 (Pensacola). Eques acuminatus umbrosus Jordan & Eigenmann, var. nov. (Charleston; Pensacola). Habitat.—West Indian fauna, South Carolina to Brazil; var. wmbrosus on the United States coast. This species is not uncommon in the West Indies. In several respects it differs widely from the type of the genus Hques, in all these respects approaching the type of the genus Sciena. It however seems,impos- sible to regard Pareques as a genus distinct from ques, as in several —— ™ [99] REVIEW OF TNE SCIAZNID&. A441 regards Eques punctatus is intermediate between Hques acuminatus and Eques lanceolatus. A third species of the subgenus Pareques was obtained by Professor Gilbert at Panama, but the types were destroyed by fire before a de- scription could be published. Northern specimens of this species (Charleston, Pensacola, Key West) are much more plainly colored than the ordinary West Indian form. We propose for such the varietal name of Hques acuminaius wm- brosus, taking as our type a specimen from Charleston sent us by Mr. Charles C. Leslie. Of the ordinary striped form we have examined specimens in the museum at Cambridge from Rio Janeiro, Porto Rico, St. Thomas, and Sombrero. Our description of var. acuminatus is especially drawn from No. 563, M. C. Z., from the island of Sombrero. 110. EQUES PUNCTATUS. (SERRANA. ) Serrana hispanis Parra, Piezas de Hist. Nat. de Cuba, 2, plate 2, lower figure, 1787 (Cuba). Eques punctatus Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 106, 1801 (based on Parra, 2, plate 2, fig. 2). Desmarest, Premiere Décade Ichthyol., 40, plate iii, fig. 2, 1823 (Cuba). Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 167, plate 116, 1830 (Cuba, Martinique). Storer, Syn. Fish. North Am., 322, 1846 (copied). Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 281, 1860 (Jamaica). Poey, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 173 (Parra, plate 2, lower figure). Poey, Synopsis, 325, 1868 (Cuba). Cope, Ichthyol. Lesser Antilles, 471, 1870 (St. Croix). Poey, Enumeratio, 49, 1875 (Cuba). Jordan, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1886, 43 (Cuba). Habitat.—West Indian fauna. This handsomely colored species is not uncommon in the West Indies, The specimen here described was obtained by Dr. Jordan at Havana. Others are in the museum at Cambridge, from Cuba and from Jérémie. Hayti. 111. EOQUES PULCHER. Eques pulcher Steindachner, Ichth. Notizen, vi, 43, 1867 (Barbadoes). Habitat.—West Indian fauna; Barbadoes. This species is known from Steindachner’s description oniy. 112. HOUES LANCEOLATUS. (SERRANA. ) Guapena, Edwards, ‘‘ Gleanings, plate 210” (‘‘ Caraibes islands’’). Chetodon lanceolatus Linnus, Syst. Nat., ed. x, 277, 1758 (based on Edwards, plate 210). Linneus, Syst. Nat., ed. xii, 466, 1766. Gmelin, Syst. Nat., 1254, 1788 (copied). i Sciena lanceolata Castelnau, Anim. Nouy. ou Rares de l’Amér. du Sud, 10, 1855. — Eques lanceolatus Giinther, Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus., ii, 279, 1860 (West Indies). Poey, Enumeratio, 49, 1875 (Cuba). Poey, Synopsis, 325, 1863 (Cuba). Poey, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1863, 177 (Parra, plate 2). Cope, Ichth. Lesser Antil- les, 471, 1870 (St. Croix; St. Martin). Jordan & Gilbert, Syn. Fish. North Am., 932, 1833 (Pensacola). Jordan, Cat. Fish. North America, 94, 1885 (name only). 442 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [100] Serrana Parra, Piezas de Hist. Nat. de Caba, plate 2, upper figure, 1787. (Cuba). Eques americanus Bloch, Ichthyol., plate 347, 1793. Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 105, 1801. Eques punctatus var. Bloch & Schneider, Syst. Ichth., 106, 1801 (based on Parra, plate 2, fig. 1). Eques balteatus Cuvier, Regne Animal, plate 29, fig. 2, 1829. Cuv. & Val., Hist. Nat. Poiss., v, 165, 1830 (Martinique). Storer, Syn. Fish. North Am., 322, 1846 . (copied). Sciena edwardi Gronow, Cat. Fish., ed. Gray, 53, 1854. Habitat.—West Indian fauna, ranging northward to Peusacola. This interesting fish is widely distributed in the West Indian waters. The specimen described by us is in the National Museum, having been taken near Pensacola. : RECAPITULATION. The following is a list of the species of Scicenide recognized by us as occurring in the waters of America and Europe. The distribution in general of each species is indicated by the use of the following letters: E. Europe. N. Atlantic coast, north of Cape Hatteras. S. South Atlantic and Gulf coast. W. West Indies. . California. . Pacific coast of Mexico and Central America. . Rivers of North America. . Coasts of Brazil. . Rivers of South America (Amazon). . Pacific coast of South America. —4rPne90 Subfamily 1.—OTOLITHIN &. 1. Seriphus Ayres. 1. Seriphus pollius Ayres. C. 2. Archoscion Gill. § Lsopisthus Gill. 2. Archoscion remifer (Jordan & Gilbert). P. 3. Archoscion parvipinnis (Cuv. & Val.). W.,B. § Archoscion. 4. Archoscion analis (Jenyns). V. 3. Cestreus Gronow. (To be called Cynoscion, if Cestreus be regarded as preoccupied by Cestreus. ) 5. Cestreus predatorius Jordan & Gilbert. P. 6. Cestreus acoupa (Lacépede). B. 7. Cestreus squamipinnis (Giinther). P. 8. Cestreus othonopterus (Jordan & Gilbert). P. ; 9. Cestreus striatus (Cuvier). B. 10, Cestreus obliquatus (Valenciennes). W. (Doubtful species; unknown to us.) 11. Cestreus nothus (Holbrook). S. 12. Cestreus regalis (Bloch & Schneider), N.,S. 12 (b). — thalassinus (Holbrook). S. 13. Cestreus reticulatus (Giinther). P. 14. Cestreus nebulosus (Cuv. & Val.). S, 15. Cestreus parvipinnis (Ayres). C. [101] REVIEW OF THE SCIENIDA, 448 16. Cestreus xanthulum (Jordan & Gilbert). P. 17. Cestreus albus (Giinther). P. 18. Cestreus stolzmanni (Steindachner). P. 19. Cestreus nobilis (Ayres). C. 20. Cestreus phoxocephalus (Jordan & Gilbert). P. 21. Cestreus leiarchus (Cuy. & Val.). W.,B. 22. Cestreus virescens (Cuv. & Val.). B. 23. Cestreus microlepidotus (Cuv. & Val.). B. 24. Cestreus steindachneri Jordan. B. 25. Cesireus bairdi (Steindachner). B. 4 Ancylodon Cuvier. 26. Ancylodun ancylodon (Bloch & Schneider). B., P. Subfamily I1.—SCLENINA, 5. Nebris Cuv. & Val. 27. Nebris microps Cuv. & Val. B., P. 6. Larimus Cuy. & Val. 28. Larimus argenteus (Gill). P. 29. Larimus breviceps (Cuv. & Val.). W.,B.,P. (Perhaps more than one species included in the synonymy. ) 30. Larimus stahli (Poey). W. 31. Larimus fasciatus Holbrook. S&S. 7. Odontoscion Gill. 32. Odontoscion dentexr (Cuv. & Val.). W. 8. Corvula Jordan & Higenmann. 33. Corvula macrops (Steindachner). P. 34. Corvula sialis Jordan & Kigenmann. S&. 30. Corvula subequalis (Poey). W. 36. Corvula batabana (Poey). W. wn 9. Plagioscion Gill. 37. Plagioscion squamosissimus (Heckel). A. 33. Plagioscion surinamensis (Bleeker). A. 39. Plagioscion auratus (Castelnau). A. 10. Bairdiella Gill. 40. Bairdiella archidium (Jordan & Gilbert). P. 41. Bairdiella chrysura (Lacépede). S. 42. Bairdiella ensifera (Jordan & Gilbert). P. 43. Bairdiella icistia (Jordan & Gilbert). P. 44, Bairdiella ronchus (Cuv. & Val.). W., B. 45. Bairdiella armata Gill. P., W., B. 46. Bairdiella aluta (Jordan & Gilbert). P. (Doubtful species.) 47. Bairdiella chrysoleuca (Giinther). P. 11. Stelliferus Stark. 48. Stelliferus oscitans (Jordan & Gilbert). P. 49. Stelliferus rastrifer Jordan.’ B. 50. Stelliferus fiirthi (Steindachner). P. 51. Stelliferus minor (Tschudi). V. 52. Stelliferus stellifer (Bloch). B. 53. Stelliferus lanceolatus (Holbrook). S. 54. Stelliferus ericymba (Jordan & Gilbert), P. ' 55. Stelliferus naso Jordan. B. 56. Stelliferus microps (Steindachner). B. 444 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [102 12. Scizena (Artedi) Linnzus. § Ophioscion Gill. 57. Sciwna gilli (Steindachner). B. 4 58. Sciena adusta Agassiz. B., W. y 59. Sciena typica (Gill). P. (Nomen ineptum; perhaps to be called Sciena ophioscion. ) 60. Sciena imiceps (Jordan & Gilbert). P. 61. Sciwna sciera Jordan & Gilbert. P. 62. Sciena vermicularis Giinther. P. § Scienops Gill. 63. Sciana ocellata Linneus. S: : § Jéhnius Bloch. 64. Sciena heterolepis Bleeker. B. (Species unknown to us.) § Pseudosciena Bleeker. 65. Sciena aquila (Lacépéde). KE. (Perhaps to be called Sciwna hololepidota.) § Callaus Jordan. 66. Sciena deliciosa Tschudi. YV. § Sciena (= Corvina Cuvier), 67. Sciena umbra Linneus. EE. § Cheilotrema Tschudi. by 68. Sciena saturna (Girard). C. 69. Sciwna fasciata (Tschu@i). V. 13. Roncador Jordan & Gilbert. 70. Roncador stearnsi (Steindachner). C. 14. Leiostomus Lacépede. 71. Leiostomus xanthurus Lavépede. S. (W. ?) 15. Pachyurus Agassiz. § Pachyurus. 72. Pachywrus squamipinnis Agassiz. 11 SHIR IBOTTS ens minis ciaieycimiatelaisiSel ee e's ie '='21e 65 A016 ba re ee 2,9, 94, 103 - grunniens.-..--.-.--- 65, 94, 95, 96, 103 FAPAGUCODYARCHOS 5-2... .-n0<--2-2cesece eos 12, 22, TOGUOG nasser oer sc cmees 22 PAT@RGACIOMN «occ 2 scene cnces ss 2, 4, 10, 11, 12, 30, 100 SUNS eee aes ajauie mein anita 10, 11, 100 [an PIMINIS (oa steerer wean 11, 100 ‘ TEMULOT, Gee ne ose sa tena ss 10, 11, 100 PLPHETROIOIN ooo cans com ceeee oaanoea ne 12 MODUS epee ceseewnnaastee oes 28 iBaivdiolla =. 22222. -.<-ceste 7, 32, 34, 35, 41, 42, 44, 47, 48, 49, 51, 52, 73, 101 ITER eee cree ae NN oat 44, 47, 101 Cie iG hi nlen ase eeneeseaeee 34, 42, 44, 101 PPP YTOlGUCB. 27 ALA (Ee BE a ae Seite stale 90 Page. Callaus) 2 ssc- vies ce sce timcciae ste 53, 59, 64, 102 deliciosaiss oc se... een onn Ret eceECr 54 @arolina Wihiting seas sseees ose eee eee 88 Centropomus alburnus -.-..-.------.--.:..- 88 ocellatus=.-25- Steasceueene- 63 CO@StnBuss 72 acca. saae sess anaes 12, 100 Coestrens!—a-saasleosseoeees- 2, 4, 10, 12, 22, 28, 30, 100 CXG neh SA eeieeeo doeeecooeccs 13, 21, 30, 100 albus sce: oss ce oeces ee ees Secon 17, 28, 101 baindi-- sense ane ee ee 10, 20, 21, 30, 101 carolinensis. .-.-- seated mean 12, 26 leiarchws 22.) scmacee sees =aeeacee 19, 29, 101 microlepidotus....-..-..-.. 18, 20, 29, 30, 101 NEVAIOSUS! 2-2 sae oe eke eae de aaee 16, 26, 100 NODA soss,.c aa Smee eacersiamniels 18, 28, 29, 101 nothus .-...- oh tate Lia meshes ees 15, 28, 24, 100 ODMqQUaIS sees se settee 1, 12, 14, 23, 100 othonopterus: .----.----....- 14, 22, 23, 100 parvipinnis ..--.--.-- Scene es ae 16, 27, 100 phoxocephalius’ =~ -os= scutes 19, 29, 101 PYSAALOTIOS. 22s 15 5 wie sais 13, 21, 100 deseribed)=. 2 25-.eere 138, 21 TEpaligh woe ee ace ce eae es 15, 24, 25, 100 thalassinus).--.52s52) 15, 24, 25, 100 MOU CH auUN sass see asia ieee eee 16, 26, 100 SQUAMPINNIS eo -ae eeeitaie eere 18, 22, 100 Steindachnerl = as. <5 seep sees 25 VATCRC CNS) ates = eneaee chee eee eae 20, 29, 101 XAN GNU OM oes emcees ee eee ee 17, 27, 101 Cheetodon lanceolatus.......-.....-..--.0- 96, 99 Channe) Base)'s-2-.-2-0e~ eeesaeies earache 63 Cheilodipterus acoupa ..........--.-------- 21 ROUTLG): sescne saree atc) eee 63 CYaANOPleLas eee 2 oan eee 80 Cheillotremay 328s. oa veaeeere esas 53, 54, 60, 65, 102 fasciatum ss eesceetms sans Seees 54, 65 SALUDNWIM SS pecscie eee eae - 54 @itriniens!: 2. <<). 2k. se gene te tee 81, 82, 85, 103 ophicephalas)- --.i-/s-\sa— sees 85 Colliehth ys). conveewe as sa tan eee 4, 5, 6, 31 Luciduiste. seca 43. S ace aes 6 Coracinus POOpste ses +=. n22 2S oceeneee eee 80 eh dietary tee ot erent 64 Gonbineta sesso eos setae et etc os 45, 62 Govwine 2 os oes 2, 35, 46, 53, 55, 77, 78, 102 AUUMLOSIGY tens nseoeelescscahe reso 46, 47 ; 447 448 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Page. Page. Garvins AOOsta. s26ouen oo ty peene eee eral 61 | Dipterodon chrysurus.......-.....--.--.--- 41, 45 PL ae cae tide ae oy eee 51 DYOM (a5 6 <5 ee per oeenine= 6p asin e ee 93 PrOreyLOleuGataanaes canes feces ane 3 45°| Blacate ..-.02.2.600c..0-.ee-0= «eee 19 MOMG GA oe oer wee cca es wees wise sees eet 45,46 | Enneacentrus fulvus......0..2..-asewaeaeee 44 HE eee ASE Ss Seesacne 1p) | QMS en eee «oie eee eet 2, 5, 9, 47, 96, 98, 103 CANBNIBUSIA Dts eel-coaes se chas/sasans * 64 ScUMINAtUS ...2.5-- eee oe 96, 97, 98, 99, 103 GUIOAOLOUCS .------.cces~cerccaene 47 umbrosus) --2e-ee0 97, 98, 99, 103 ON ERORE bee ina = a nigaie mame ee metele 52, 64 @Mericanus .......----.e.0- scape 96, 100 MOUUOK cece teea ssatcas suceasaes 34, 35 balteatus ... 0.6 «6050005 sesee eee 100 PARGIRiR sas dees ss kee es ase eee seer 65 lanceolatus.....<..< «Soest a ewee cee 73 AURGNIS 5 a ane oon de eee ee 70, 71 BnduiBtos -3- ls. 5-22: 75, 76, 77, 78, 102 S. Mis. 90——29 THE SCLENIDA. 449 Page. IMONOSIa cc see aaca oer eae oan as dee ates 32, 34 SURELY DR ae PE ee a aa a ee eee 34 DEUS ATO SS he eon neta anal aale ee etaaaiere 94 PUUNNICNS coe cses scone eae ces 94 ODL GUNA oe en ge ceman seaemeeee 5 67 Mig rilide oes ssn ose suecaseeccesn eae 12 INGUTIGK coc acces anatase date ee 2, 5,.6; 31, 101 WGCLOPA sensor Se aoe see ee ee 31, 32, 101 INO TEM SONGS -DOSCI on 2 oe ears cereeeere eee &8 MAGHTOSCION Fase ee Soe eee 2, 6, 34, 41, 43, 44, 101 ATChiGiUM ye sais nos ae sion see 44 COnbext 6. coe etna a meee 35, 44, 101 Oldiwite 2 22S Ty Uae eee fie SST ie wa tee 67 Ophioscion.-... 41, 47, 48, 53, 54, 55, 58, 62, 63, 68, 102 ty PlOUS cesses oe ekae ste ae sos ee 98, 62 Otelithinwe: 26 Hon. sae eee sree eee 2, 3, 4, 5, 31, 100 QOtolititus Sees eee ace eee nee 1, 2,4, 10, 12 albaas to scs cess cee cones neces eee 28 analis) tt. och te tee eae cen 10, 11 ARS ONUCUS mele amr aelnenie ees eee 4 Dainty wecet See eee ree serene ct eee 30 biadritia) So 2se Ses ean eee 5 califormiensish..<-.ccseecececee eee 28 Carolinensisia: Sosssco- sees aeeee 26 CAYVONMENAISE cee na caticae coe 21 UrUMMONG I o= 2 toe Seren eee ee 27 PUACHOU PAN ao. ae eemiee eee 23 lelarchus cesar oeeeeee eee eae 29 magdalente =< -c5. ssa. sscsee ane wee 27 microlepidotus... 2.---s2 225% .c-nseo5-> 72, 78, 102 MUM OTe acer ciee eee 72, 73, 102 MOLU ANUS seen csiats ca cmie eine ea 73, 102 HCOTHHOLRBIS Wim e Bis ioe Sea'as cicic aia winivies cies wise etaeis 32 IROBIFCEDS ROL oeccct occu See saceauccdeeabivies 67 PABHO OSC Us wos oot oho onan 8, 53, 59, 78, 102 AUS ee oe Soe ase te 54 SUTINAMENSIS ..<..sec ee wow ns 40 PACUCGIONGHUS paver set er stan emewe ae rceoe ses 4,7, 39 VOUS Se arcapiemt sae ese o ae 7 POW OPW 252. 2oesee ce cssaaceescseccceea soon 63 PROG-HSU <5 -socisscecmiecaceet acsncenaogaees see 63 HLONUONCAUOL. pop = Sasdeaccccs seamencsbeceee 64 SHUMUBOIONE Ge attests eee cse Mosc sce case 53, 65 AADUINNSS-o 2st suscteesecuvenecs 65 MSOCDUS COMES a oe coche bet tees asec seach 24 PROM IGH SIL de aeiens atte ner See acaee sad aloe 89 NOUBA Oc cetes aware tacts oe tape ee 7, 65, 94, 102 SLOAINIAI snus chacce cent von emeitene Ac 66, 102 BLONDE «Seen perme case Tce peat aOemeaae aL 46 Sciena....1, 2, 3,7, 8, 9,47, 58, 54, 55, 59, 63, 64, 66, 68, 77, 78, 80, 96, 98, 102 ROUND AA) cepa men ams en me ecesaeeke 98 RIN ine sp cerice ens cate c sere 56, 61, 102 PI PUUNUS ss ana tet eee seackn teks 88 PUGH cas meals gp ance ca seen Cones 47 IACODICW sw nos own onan Canon anaes 40 SNUG: =. Senn ans 3, 53, 54, 55, 59, 63, 64, 77, 102 MPIALOL basen eee sevens semen ees 41, 46 CANOUEID Sennuncacauns osc eee ten 63 DPRLIDUG ss hann cued cosceMeeee aia 80 WUTONUE seas usts bariacsnuteenes occ ce 93 CDT YEULCUON Gs an ccjecktew cued pee swecic 47 OUEYSUND is: <7 5 xpaeti aor awieedaes «sc 45 CISMOHH oe cedouar ie av cuss ksletatics tax 77, 80 POOKOM ge ae che as Pi coiualec ae ae dine) a doe 3. 50 hres Hoot Head TM tTONt A WIGOSt PATS. 05. solace eb sashes eee 1. 48 From apex of proboscis (retracted) to neck... 2. ence -cemcn -cocone seueee 0. 96 ALBAN AOU Kis acim Saisie = Gis aoe mn lalate Sales ctiape winias Cte ace 0. 20 fenwuoon Wish SOPMeNt +s. --\on.qccined coainne os Seana ste < toa a -iae = 0. 20 (ene nheoiaiIst SOSMENb eco. -swn awe cee sce macser seca. += \me se oe nl see eee 0. 04 Distance trom (head: to first segments... -- sass. See ee Pee 1.40 Mencth)of amature, seoment: oo 22.5 eos. weno ercee jaca ees | 0. 50 0:46") Soccer 0. 86 | *Mataring segments very irregular, some long and narrow, others thick and short with rounded corners. +t Variable. Additional measurements of No. 4. Length. | Breadth. ~—- mm. mm. SUSU GTE TN RO oy eNO Seo oe ee iceeoacaeaaeeessoec te 0. 20 0.3 Sermoent 20% from head c- -e. =(-6—8 |: <= = =a 0.08 Thickness, including flaps -..----- ---- ---- -----+ 2-2-2 eee eee eee ween ee eee eee 0.16 Breadth of segments 18°" back of head, four lobes...-.--.---.-----------+-- 0. 46 Length ..-.---- ---- 22-2 eee eee eee cee ee eee nee rene ene teens cone cee eee 0. 16 IOI ORS snc .cceuk es cic Cisse enn eae cielo wom sdabpinee) se wins» shiem Sees ea le em Sele ee eee 0.10 Breadth of segments 22™™ back of head .....----- -----+ -----+ +--+ +++ +--+--- Orage Breadth of segments 33"™ back of head, two lobes.....-..---- ee ey Ste eae 0. 66 Length, including flaps ... ....-------- :+ +222 -- 2+ ceee cere cece cee e eee eee ee 0616 Breadth of segments 45™™ back of head, round segments....s. .s49 hess c8eeeeee 0.78 ‘ [27] ENTOZOA OF MARINE FISHES OF NEW ENGLAND. 479 Millimeters. eee ics an ane ela anion nals aid g pmineid waaieas fh ciqcnp cinema eels one ou 0.74 IGE NONLOFIO’ BEOMIONUS 6. 0) ¢ vanes nu oeas quelsssecee seueeeicninese canes 1.90 Breadth of posterior segments ...--..-- Sey ete Ae rie Sing cis oe cieiaisae la one dina eee 0. 84 In another specimen: Mee PUM MORVETIOSOPMONtS. sac ols. Joo Ws a2 ou ee le dents nee dnesaecedseceese 2. 20 SEMINOLE HUSLPEION SCSIMICNES* = 4r2 cps ew ws nh. 5 lla a sled ees ede aniocdelseo ewe 0.73 Number of joints in onespecimen about 342, the last 11 of which were mature. There was one prominent, transverse rib at about the posterior third of each bothrium ; another, much less prominent, about the middle, at the extremities of the inner pair of recurved hooks, and two other faint, transverse lines, parallel with the ribs and apparently homolo- gous with them, between this and the base of the hooks. The trilocu- lar auxiliary acetabula showed but faintly in most of the specimens. There is considerabie difference between the anterior segments of the specimens examined and those figured by Van Beneden (Vers Cestoides, tab. xii). In Van Beneden’s figures the anterior segments are repre- sented as being several times as long as broad, and with the flaps rudi- mentary and rounded. The sketches of the head and anterior segments (Figs. 1, 2) were made from a mounted specimen. The proportions are identical with those of the living specimens, as is proved by comparing these sketches with some memorandum sketches made at the time of collecting. Among all the specimens, eight or ten in all, not one was noticed in which the segments differed materially from those repre- sented in the figures. In Wagener’s figures (Entwick. d. Cestoden, tab. xxii, fig. 274) the proportions of the anterior segments are about the same as I have found them. The transverse cost of the bothria do not agree exactly with the figures of Van Beneden and Wagener, but the differences are so slight, that I have no hesitation in pronouncing the specimens which I have examined identical with those figured by Van Beneden and Wagener. Family DIBOTHRIORHYNCHIDA! Dicsing. RHYNCHOBOTHRIUM Rudolphi. Tenie spec. Fabricius. Bothriocephali (Rhynchobothrii) and Tetrarhynchi spec. Rudolphi. Bothriorhynchus Van Lidth. Rhynchobothriwm bisulcatum, sp. nov. ° [Plate IV, Figs. 9-23. ] Head subconical, bluntly rounded in front. Bothria two, lateral, separating slightly at posterior corners, coalescing in front, each di- vided into two distinct lobes by a median suleus, which extends from the posterior border about one-fourth the length of the bothrium, where it divides into two less distinct but clearly marked sulci, which diverge . 4 480 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [28] — 7 and inclose two sides of a triangular space. At the extreme anterior end of each of these secondary sulci is situated one of the four probos- cides. Hach bothrium is broadly convex on the posterior border, with often a slight emargination on the posterior edge of each lobe. Each lobe is triangular, the posterior side being the posterior edge of the bothrium, the outer side being the marginal edge of the bothrium, and the inner side being bounded by the median suleus and one of its branches. The central portion or fave of each lobe is sometimes de- pressed, which gives rise to the appearance of a double furrow on each side of the median triangular piece. Posterior edges of bothria thick and fleshy, overlapping the neck. Neck tubular, conical, sometimes slightly swollen back of the head, a little shorter than the bothria, the posterior fourth prolonged into a collar, which incloses the anterior part of the body and its articulation with theneck. Proboscides (trypanorynchi Dies.) four, a little shorter than head, armed with numerous hooks arranged in spirals, about eight visible in each spiral; spirals about 0.02"™ apart. Hooks recurved, pointed, broad at base in an antero- posterior direction, very thin from side to side, those near the base of the proboscis shor ter-curved and blunter than the others. Proboscis sheaths straight in front, but with a single short spiral curve at the posterior end where they join the contractile bulbs, with one of which each is connected. The four contractile bulbs, which lie side by side iii the neck, are about twice as long as broad and about one-half the length of the neck. The distance between the point of articulation be- tween the neck and the body and the posterior end of the contractile bulbs is normally about one-third the length of the latter. So far as examined the heads presented the same general outline, with one exception. In the exceptional case noted there is a slight constriction of the bothria where they overlap the neck, at the point which marks the greatest diameter of the head in all the other speci- mens. This imparts to the head a more rounded outline in front than in the others, and a less diameter proportionally at the base of the bothiia. The body, usually very much attenuated anteriorly, is unjointed for a short distance back of the head. Fine transverse lines soon make their appearance, and shortly afterwards the first segments are formed. The latter are usually much broader than long, and rectangular in out- line. Although they sometimes are lengthened with rounded corners, so as to give to the series of segments a beaded appearance.: The mature proglottides are always squarish, or rectangular, some. times longer than broad, sometimes broader than long. The male gen- ital openings are marginal, irregularly alternate, always near ‘the an- terior edge of the proglottis. Female genital openings lateral, median dehiscent, apparently not appearing until the proglottides are almost ready to separate. Length of strobiles with mature proglottides from 40™™ to 230™", [29] ENTOZOA OF MARINE FISHES OF NEW ENGLAND. 481 The following measurements of head and neck give proportions which hold good for all: . . Marginal| Lateral Dimensions. Sean eae | mm. mm. ren M PT OTMNOA Cet cle aiciot cm eicin aca daen sae vcecccenssaa=saeacas 0 cnnan = Snsaarcieaseses—~ | 0.90 | 1. 04 MEH E Rees tesa ce eee eect cctimesieadtaen descent se cde sauecaturaneneeatees 1.10 | 1. 04 vachcie Te Ge) See oe eee AS Se ARAB pose SSO SCS SSB RSOOCS Se AS OCsSC HOSEISce Or Soepeeda sic 0.76 | 0. 70 SET O OK TAN TOMO. accccc cciciae semeiasiscs's ce aeine tee sce esos sss secede sdeecee 0. 72 | 0. 76 EP EEnE UBC K, HOSDOTION. cate aoe wae cccan a ccan sieean Geel 0.16 Perab OF BtrON1IO DACE Of NOOK... . ie Mas ckna cece nvnaideas Obs toss chee Geen 0. 26 Lenugul of posterior proglottise) 2) 02.08.22. Ske. Aes te ce ee owen ee eae 1.54 Breadth of posterior proglottis. ..........-....-- Ul, kPa dle bw ee dS eee 1.20 A third group, which comprises indiv sdlists that have certain charac- teristics separating them from the two preceding groups, I have distin- [31] ENTOZOA OF MARINE FISHES OF NEW ENGLAND. 483 guished as var. y (Plate 1V, Figs. 13-16). These are all immature stro- biles, but are much longer than var. a, and in some cases as long as var. 6. The strobile is much thicker and rather wider than those of varieties ~ and /. The posterior segments, although not mature in any of the specimens, have a conspicuous male generative organ. The female generative opening is represented by a lateral, median, slightly raised papillifurm eminence. Length about 100™™; average length of last 30 segments 0.6™". The posterior segments are 24 to 3 times as broad as long. Measurements made from two mounted specimens, Dimensions. No.1) |MNox2: | mm. mm. Length of strobile......... SSA scnen na teC Sorc eS OOEAcaDIa Der OObOnooC eo aiajashacts Suateasioe 92. 00 82. 00 RCPSEIMIM DOA hess cece coc cee oclte ce cence sco acccccideassascescesudeeueseocsuesesmes re 10 0. 70 EST MEIER OOM oit= (o.oo oc) (iis eicinc aa ated tala de ema e oa dlociame[s Sab aba aeceaum bigs cae aee 1.18 0. 86 RRM RMT ERC CKS oats eis ias Soa bine hoeaclsccsaeclena base slepiels cae ciaciscnm oe maae eeicineetaeciae 1.00 0. 60 Breadth of neck in front ..-..---.-. seh cmiahoeeetaa che aid ths Saibara-clsjaind cheeet saltoaweinna shersen 0. 80 | 0. 54 revei a Or Neck. POStGNOL GN . 2. ccseence ne cecnsemeseeie cans co chee ck Gata aee Seat 0. 44 0. 40 Were Ob PEODOSCIS: =).< 2 225-25 -sniececees (OO BE OS ETC RO AE HC OL SRE SCH SMenonc Spseccnercice 0.70 0.70 Length MUMPLOTUSCISEGHEATN i= eens ne-s nace adas sare se clos seca een ce teem meee ners oeeee 0.90 | 0.70 Length OMCONETTACTILS DTU: Soi ses Me shee See ea bc Shee SS sRRS Re os sce O ees aseee aes as 0. 46 0. 36 Pero eGO Er tC unO OUND 2.) san~ conc e a cwe co ae avis css daGnama ne cimatanapewacesocamees 0. 16 0.10 Prom porestropie wacko neck + .a. [Soa Sete Lis sik ck nclc cess lk Ue eee teeea ceaeeees 0. 30 0. 30 Maeno iePOSCOPIOLSOCMEDE q2- osemne see Sele none ave cea cisasls ca acbmevisaacamene coma aeee 0. 50 0. 40 ERE Latnviod POSHCLIOL SO CMONG...\=-/s2e- ce scccaisce cast cacc ane ctaleetesccasecncsescoonen 1. 60 | 1.36 *In all measurements of the neck the distance from the postero-lateral or postero- marginal edge of the bothria to the posterior edge of the collar is the one given. In the second lot containing about fifty specimens, the strobiles are not so mature as those of the first lot. The three varieties noted in the first lot are not so distinctly marked off. There are, however, two dis- tinct kinds in this lot, which may possibly be due to the effect of the preservatives, but which are sufficiently noteworthy to be mentioned here. In the first the lobes of the bothria are smooth and bounded by regular curved lines as in the first lot, but with the centers of the faces of the lobes slightly hollowed out or depressed, so as to produce the effect of a raised border, and double furrows on the lateral face of the bothrium. In the second the bothria are irregularly furrowed or wrinkled. The bothria are shorter than the neck. The neck is also wrinkled. These differences, although sufficiently marked to attract attention, do not occasion much perplexity where one remembers ‘the wonderful powers of contractility possessed by the Cestoidea. They might, however, lead to confusion of species in cases where only a few specimens are at hand. In describing new species of the Cestoidea, I am satisfied that, where it is possible, a great many specimens should be examined before final conclusions are reached. If this rule had been adopted by former workers in this field of Systematic Zoology the older literature of Hel- minthology would not be in its present state of confusion. Attachment to the host.—Those found in the pylorus were not firmly attached, but would release their hold when the point of a scalpel was 484 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [32] applied to their heads. This was characteristic of those of the first lot. With those found in the spiral valve, however, the case was quite different. In it these parasites were found to be firmly attached to the wall of the intestine. Many of them had tunneled holes in the mucous and submucous coats. In some cases these tunnels cut through the muscular coats of the intestine and opened into the interior body cavity. In some instances several heads were found occupying the same cavity. One of these pockets was 6.5™™ deep. Init were imbedded three heads belonging to three strobiles 20™", 32™™, and 55™™ Jong, respectively. The heads were so tightly fastened in their fleshy cavern that they had to be cut out before they could be removed. . EXPLANATION OF PLATE I. Fic. 1. Dibothrium manubriforme sp. nov. Adult strobile, natural size. Fic. la. Median segments of same, enlarged 3 diameters. Fig. 1b. The same, opposite side, showing genital openings, enlarged 3 diameters. Fic. 2. Head and anterior segments of young specimen, enlarged 12 diameters. Fic. 3. Posterior segments of adult, enlarged 10 diameters. Fic. 4. Ova. a, ova with white opaque shell; b, ova with thin transparent shell, enlarged 150 diameters. Fic. 5. Dibothrium aiutere sp. noy. Head and anterior segments, marginal view, enlarged 4 diameters. . Fic. 6. Lateral view of same specimen, enlarged 4 diameters; length of specimen ; O7mm, Fr Fic. 7. Lateral view of head of another specimen, enlarged 4 diameters; bothria contracted and concave. , Fic. 8. Posterior end of same specimen, enlarged 4 diameters; length of specimen 7pm, Fig. 9. Echeneibothrium variabile Van Beneden. Front view of head as seen in living specimens, when the sucking disks are applied to the under surface of the cover-glass, enlarged 36 diameters. Fic. 10. Outline of median, irregular segments, enlarged 10 diameters. Fic. 11. Outline of other segments farther back, showing position of genital aperture, enlarged 10 diameters. ‘ Fic. 12. One of the same, compressed, showing the genitalia, enlarged 20 diameters. lig. 13. Lateral view of head, alcoholic specimen, enlarged 20 diameters. Figures 1, 2, and 9 from life; others from alcoholic and mounted specimens. All figures made by Mrs. Edwin Linton. 500 . [48] Report U. S. F. C. 1886.—Linton. Entozoa. PLATE I. 2207 ‘ ¢ ‘ : « . ’ ; Day . i» s ' a f a ‘ ; r = : = a i ey i - f ul 4! i wy r , 5 paatta in ay ee a | at A ' ce « “i Lien /* ty f ee er) ' Hy Abe Ava ; ‘ ml he re Wie er t EXPLANATION OF PLATE II. Fig. 1. Phyllobothrium thysanocephalum sp. noy. Head and part of neck of adult, nat- ural size, length of specimen 1 meter. Via. 2. Part of body of same, showing the beginning segments, enlarged 2 diam- eters. Vig. 3. Segments near posterior end of adult, enlarged 2 diameters. Tlic. 4. Mature free proglottis, enlarged 2 diameters. Fic. 5. Mature free proglottis, flattened under compressor, enlarged 4 diameters. lic. 6. Posterior segments of a specimen measuring 290™™ in length, enlarged 2 g 2g diameters. Fig. 7. Head and neck of young specimen, enlarged 12 diameters. rig. 7a. Front view of rosteilam, enlarged 18 diameters. Fig. 7b. Side view of same, enlarged 18 diameters. Fig. 8. Young specimen, natural size. lic. 9. Transverse section through middle of head of a young specimen, length 58™™, enlarged 9 diameters. Fic. 10. Transverse section through anterior third of head of adult, enlarged 9 diam- eters, Fic. 11. Transverse section through neck a short distance back ef head, adult, en- larged 6 diameters. Fig. 12. Transverse section through neck of young, near the head, enlarged 9 diam- eters. \ Fic. 13. Spongiobothrium variabile gen. et sp. nov., outline of strobile with regular slender segments, enlarged 5 diameters. “Fic. 14. Outline of another specimen with shorter and more irregular segments, en- larged 6 diameters. Fig. 15. Side view of head, neck, and anterior segments, edges of bothria contracted, enlarged 10 diameters. } Fic. 16. Front view of head of another specimen, with two bothria expanded, en- larged 10 diameters. Fig. 17. Three mature segments, enlarged 5 diameters. Fia. 18. Median segment, enlarged 20 diameters. Fia. 19. Mature segment, enlarged 20 diameters. Figures 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 15 from life ; others from alcoholic and mounted specimens. All figures made by Mrs. Edwin Linton. 502 : [50] PLATE Il. Entozoa. Report U. S. F. C. 1886.—Linton. 2122 Xo 2214 2223 2227 16 abe de, Fig. 1. Fre. 2 Fig. 3. Fig. 4 Bren bt e>} ee Q ito) Fia. 10 Bre. 1. Tie. 12 Fig. 13. Fia. 14. Fie. 15. Fig. 16. Fic. 17. Fia. 18. EXPLANATION OF PLATE III. Orygmatobothrium angustum sp. noy., outline of strobile, enlarged 8 diam- eters. Head and part of neck of same, enlarged 20 diameters. Posterior segment of same, enlarged 20 diameters. Crossobothrium laciniatum gen. et sp. nov., adult strobile, in fresh water, natural size. Head and first segments of same specimen, enlarged 12 diameters. Head and first segments of a specimen after lying for a few minutes in fresh water, enlarged 8 diameters. Posterior segments of same, enlarged 6 diameters. Posterior segments of another specimen, showing lateral openings for the discharge of ova, enlarged 6 diameters. . Head and first segments of adult, showing one position of bothria while in D ) SD motion. The bothrium in front view and the one opposite (not shown in sketch) are thrust forward, enlarged 10 diameters. The same, with one bothrium flattened out and applied to the bottom of the watch-glass, enlarged 10 diameters. The same with two bothria pushed forward, the ends extended and curled outward, enlarged 10 diameters. Free proglottis showing lateral opening for discharge of ova, enlarged 6 diameters. Free proglottis before the ova are discharged, flattened under the com- pressor, enlarged 10 diameters. Another after most of the ova have been discharged from the lateral open- ing, also flattened under compressor, enlarged .10 diameters. Front view of head of specimen transferred from fresh water to alcohol, en larged 10 diameters. Transverse section through another specimen, enlarged 10 diameters. Young strobile before segments have made their appearance near the head. The joints at the posterior end are pseudosegments ; flattened under com- pressor, enlarged 12 diameters. Head and anterior part of a young specimen in fresh water, enlarged 12 dia- meters. Fia. 18a, Anterior segments of same, enlarged 12 diameters. Fic, 18). Posterior segments of same, enlarged 12 diameters. ‘ Figures 9, 10, 11, 18, 14, and 17, from living specimens in sea-water ; figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 18a, and 18), from living specimens in fresh water; others from alcoholic and mounted specimens. All figures made by Mrs. Edwin Linton. 504 [52] _ PLATE III. Entozoa. Report U. S. F. C. 1886.—Linton. aa4e 423% 224t 2743 aan nye a eke ws oe > ee wa EXPLANATION OF PLATE IV. Fie. 1. Calliobothriumverticillatum Rudolphi. Head and first segments turned so that both a marginal and a lateral view may be obtained, enlarged 20 diameters. Fic, 2. Transition segments near head, showing the formation of secondary lateral flaps, enlarged 20 diameters. Ww lic. 3. Segments farther back, showing transition from three lacini to four, en- larged 20 diameters. Fig. 4. Segments still farther back. The two median lacinizw have become of equal length and nearly as long as the primary flaps; enlarged 20 diameters. lic. 5. Segments still farther towards posterior end, showing incipient obliteration of the two median lateral laciniw, enlarged 20 diameters. Fic. 6. Segments approaching posterior end, showing further modification of poste- rior margin, enlarged 20 diameters. Ilia. 7. Segments near posterior end of strobile, enlarged 20 diameters. Iiq. 8. Posterior mature segment, enlarged 20 diameters. Via. 9. Rhynchobothrium bisulcatum sp. nov. Head and neck, lateral view, var. a (see description), enlarged 15 diameters. Fic. 10. Anterior segments of same specimen, enlarged 9 diameters. Fic. 11. Antero-median segments of same, enlarged 9 diameters. Fic. 12, Posterior segments of same; length of strobile 48"™; enlarged 9 diameters. Fic. 18. Head and neck, marginal view, var. y (see description) ; length of strobile 92™m; enlarged 15 diameters. Fig. 14. Antero-median segments of same, enlarged 9 diameters. Fic. 15. Median segments of same, enlarged 9 diameters. Via. 16. Posterior segments of same, enlarged 9 diameters. Fic. 17 Anterior segments of another specimen, var. f (see description) ; length of strobile 230™ ; enlarged 9 diameters. Fic. 18. Median segments of same, enlarged 9 diameters. Fic. 19. Postero-median segments of same, enlarged 9 diameters. Fia. 20. Outline of posterior segments of same, enlarged 9 diameters. Fig. 21, Abnormal form, secondary chain of segments, originating from the margins of two primary segments, enlarged 10 diameters. Fic. 22. Another secondary chain from the postero-marginal border of a primary seg- ment, enlarged 10 diameters. Fic. 23. Apex of proboscis, enlarged 150 diameters. Fic, 23a. Base of same, enlarged 150 diameters. Tic. 24. Phoreiobothrium lasium gen. et sp.nov. Outline of strobile, enlarged 6 diam- eters. Fia. 25. Front view of head, enlarged 20 diameters. Tia. 26. Lateral view of head of another specimen, enlarged 40 diameters. Fia. 26a. Spines from neck of same, enlarged 350 diameters. Fig. 27. Compound hooks from one bothrium, enlarged 175 diameters. Fig. 28, Another specimen with many spines on the neck, and showing striw on both- ria somewhat flattened under compressor ; enlarged 20 diameters. Fia. 29. Posterior mature segment, enlarged 20 diameters. All the figures in this plate made from alcoholic or mounted specimens, by Mrs. Edwin Linton. 506 [54] a PLATE IV. Entozoa. Report U. S, F. C. 1886.—Linton. eae = genes. A253 225 M 4 ~ a ' ’ he A F ' . ‘ 1 ; , . . coe . Py - ’ = gee * ‘a . - x ’ ae a *, i . K i 1 Ci . v- ’ : » a he a ' Ln ee 4 v P ’ ny ee , ou . a z ia ’ ‘ } . 4 iJ mt Mi a . = 1, ove A -. ' ‘ Lal ® - y ? fe “ U ot) ' » b 3 ' pony a j tsi * a 7 f ; ‘ = eh mT nas ie ’ ‘ eA . rm Dey ‘ ’ ‘ ‘ ¢ ‘ : OM.» ad ies ee SP Sock [ . of ‘ ‘ nl iy fe “95 . hell a + I a * ty iat ay ’ soya! ¥ YY nit Ween’ ef eatbhe, i ets wy EXPLANATION OF PLATE V. Fig. 1. Echinorhynchus agilis Rudolphi. Sketch of living specimen, male, flattened under compressor, enlarged 10 diameters. Fic. la. Another specimen, male, natural size. Fic. 2. Sketch of living specimen, female, flattened under compressor, enlarged 10 diameters. Fic. 2a. Another specimen, female, natural size. Fic. 2b. Ova, enlarged 200 diameters. , Fic. 3. Outline of specimen with proboscis retracted, enlarged 25 diameters. Fig. 4. Outline of male, from C. obscurus, enlarged 15 diameters. Fic. 5. Posterior extremity of another male, showing bursa everted, enlarged 15 diameters. Fic. 6. Hooks of proboscis; a, from first row; b, from second row; ¢, from third row; enlarged 150 diameters. Fic. 7. Echinorhynchus acus Rudolphi; outline of male, enlarged 20 diameters. Fic. 8. Male and female alcoholic specimens, natural size. Fics. 9 & 10. Specimens in sea-water, enlarged 2 diameters. Fic. 11. Specimen shown in Fig. 10, after lying some time in fresh water, enlarged 2 diameters. Fig. 12. Outline showing proboscis parily retracted, retractor muscles and lemnisci, enlarged 15 diameters. Fig. 13. Anterior end of female, showing protruded proboscis and ova, enlarged 15 diameters. Fig. 14. Tenia dilatata sp. nov. Head and anterior part of neck, enlarged 18 diame- ters. Fia. 15. Portion of neck, showing dilated folds, enlarged 18 diameters. Fic. 16. Outline of posterior segments, enlarged 4 diameters. Fic. 17. Rhynchobothrium tenuicolle Rudolphi. Outline of strobile, enlarged 2 diame- ters. Fiaq. 18. Head and neck of same, enlarged 30 diameters. Fria. 18a. Portion of proboscis, enlarged 350 diameters. Fia. 18). Hooks near apex of proboscis, enlarged 350 diameters. Figures 1, 1a, 2, 2a, 2b, 7, 9, 10, 11, 14,15, 16 from life; others from alcoholic and mounted specimens, All figures made by Mrs. Edwin Linton. 508 [56] Bote - 2: a : Report U. S. F. C. 1886.—Linton. Entozoa. PLATE V. Fia. EXPLANATION OF PLATE VI. 1. Echinorhynchus sagittifer sp.nov. Outline sketch of young, showing pro truded proboscis, neck, collar armed with sagittate spines, transverse rows of sagittate spines on the body, and, interiorly, the proboscis sheath, retractor muscles of same, the genitalia depending from sheath of proboscis, enlarged 20 diameters. la. Hooks of proboscis, ventral side, enlarged about 150 diameters. 1b. Hooks of proboscis, dorsal side, enlarged about 150 diameters. lc. Sagittate spines from collar, enlarged about 150 diameters. 1d. Sagittate spines from one of the transverse ventral rows on body, enlarged about 150 diameters. le. Five contiguous hooks in one of the spiral series on the proboscis, enlarged about 150 diameters. 2. Sketch of live specimen, somewhat flattened by the compressor, enlarged 12 diameters. ’ 3. Echinorhynchus proteus Westrumb. Portion of rectum of Roccus lineatus (Striped Bass) with parasites attached, natural size. 4. Outline of an individual removed from its plese of attachment, enlarged 2 diameters. Abnormal secretions in peritoneal covering of large intestine of Moccus lineatus, to the inner coat of which numbers of these parasites were at- tached, as shown in Fig. 3, natural size. 5a. One of the cysts shown in Fig. 5, cut open, exposing the calculus within, natural size. 5b. Transverse section through one of the abnormal secretions, showing its con- centric structure, natural size. 6. Portion of cystic duct of Cynoscion regale with young Tetrabothria attached to mucous lining, enlarged 3 diameters. 7. One of the specimens removed from its place of attachment, enlarged 12 diameters. 8. A young Tetrabothrium from intestine of same host, enlarged 12 diameters. 9, Another from same habitat, flattened under compressor, enlarged 12 diame- ters? ia Figures 2, 3, 4,6,7, 8, and 9 from life; others from alcoholic or mounted specimens. All figures made by Mrs. Edwin Linton. 510 [58] Report U. S. F. C, 1886.—Linton, Entozoa. PLATE VI. “N si J ‘ . ’ ¥ + \ ) i . ney » i ’ ‘ +% ‘ + i * . * i 4 } ' 4 ' A ; ie f v + ’ \ ru LF ' i ‘ " q ald | ‘ , eel! : a y tt, 8 mA) tepe < y e [Note.—The references are to page-figures in brackets. | Page Acanthobothrium verticillatum..--..-..---- 25 Acanthocephala... .....-s2s0...6--2---050 2, 3, 38, 41 Acipenser sturio ...........---------------. 2 Agamonema capsularia ....-..--------.---- 2 TAMTOEa SCHOO Pie <<< cis c cnne wae saad ces eae alee 6, 7, 46 Alyselminthus ...-.... See nisms icitaictaleleamaiste 4 AMO Ua VUICATIS. --- 2-2. cc semen ene 36, 37, 39, 46 FATGHOD OUR TVUM 22-6 2 saci cionana = a /see nee 16 COLMMUCOPIA wa aee sels etion. itude. tude. — Depth. | .pecimens. eee ea Lo) / uw oO J ul 9 11672 2569 39 26 00 68 3 30 1872 1 10 11 15236 2717 38 24 00 71 13 00 Surface. 3 12 No Tentacles. |Marginallappets.. Sense bodies. 9 26 52 26 10 28 56 28 11 28 56 28 12 22 44 22 - The two species of American Atollw, A. bairdii and A. verrillii,.can be readily distinguished by the size of the marginal sense bodies, which in the latter are larger, longer, and narrower than in the former. The number of tentacles in bairdii is generally twenty-two, while in [19] MEDUS© FROM THE GULF STREAM. 531 verrillii we find several specimens with twenty-eight. Why Heckel has assigned from sixteen to thirty-two tentacles to the Collaspidze does not appear from what we already know of the genera (Collaspis and Atolla) which compose the family. The least number of tentacles ob- served in any of my Atolle is twenty-two. Heckel records an Atolla with nineteen tentacles. The greatest number of tentacles observed in any Afolla is twenty-eight in my species verrillii. It is not denied that it is possible that Atolle with less than nineteen or more than twenty- eight tentacles may be later observed, but until these are found it is well to include the limits in the number observed (nineteen, teste Heckel), twenty-two to twenty-eight. The deepest limit in the ocean at which Atolla has been recorded is 2,369 fathoms. Many specimens are recorded from the surface. Atolla has been found by the Albatross within the following geographical limits: Lat. 38° 19’ 26” to 42° 46’, long. 50° 55’ 30” to 71° 58’. The Albatross has collected thirteen specimens of the genus. The genus Collaspis, Heck., of which several drawings are pub- lished by Heckel (System der Medusen, Pl. xxviii), was collected “by Smith” between Kerguelen and Crozet Islands in “ about 1,000 fath- oms,” according to Heckel. The expedition upon which this specimen was collected is not mentioned, but the great depth from which it is said to have been taken excites more than usual interest init. Very few, if any, other hauls besides those of the Challenger have been made wt this depth in this remote locality, and this seems to be the only medusa ascribed to ‘* Smith” from this locality. Heckel’s description of Collaspis was made from a very much mutilated specimen, which he reconstructed from his knowledge of Atolla, and allowed a drawing of, the medusa thus reconstructed to be published. On account of what might be regarded as suspicious circumstances, under which Heeckel’s description of Collaspis was made, the genus is not recognized. — According to Fijhol (La Vie au Fond des Mers, p. 244) Atolla is found “dans Atlantique sud et dans Atlantique nord au niveau du canal des Faréer.” The species of the Atolla, from the latter locality, is not mentioned by Filhol, and it is probably the same as one of mine, A. bairdiit or A. verrillit. The increase in number of specimens from the surface would indicate that Atolla is found on the surface of the ocean as well as at great depths. The data for this statement are those of the collector. I have already discussed the limitations which necessarily exist to a rigid acceptance of the recorded depths ascribed to this and other so-called deep-sea medusee. . rs Family PERIPHYLLIDA, 532 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [20] Heeekel. PERIPHYLLA HYACINTHINA,* Steen. pore | Station. | North latitude. 11651 11655 11662 15750 15756 2427 2 46 00 2565 38 19 20 2429 42 55 30 2728 36 30) «(00 Family West longitude. | | | 51 00 00 | 69 02 30 } 50 51 00 } | EPHYRIDZ, Heckel. EPHYROIDES ROTAFORMIS, Fewkes. . s bd . Several more specimens of this remarkable genus and species were collected by the Albatross in 1886. Although ali were in good condi- tion as far as the bell and subumbral radial elevations are concerned, the finer anatomy could not be made out. | | | oer Station. | North latitude. | West longitude. | | Take | { o / re | ° , “ 15236 Q717 | 38 24 00 | 71 13 00 a 15249 2719 | 38 29 30 vO Ws) 15256 2717 38 24 00 71 #13 «400 15266 2712 38 20 O00 | 70 U5 30 | Ephyroides is characterized as follows: On the subumbral surface of a thick umbrella there are radial elevations (in one specimen 382 in number) which alternate with the marginal lappets. These elevations are half cylindrical, sausage-shaped, radially situated, extending from the margin of the umbrella at its junction with the marginal lappets he bell. They resemble on the subumbral side of the umbrella the socles of the exumbral sheet and lie in the radii be- towards the center of t some w hat seri the young Per ‘oli but has Diiaht sense bodies and eight ten- tacles. It remains yet to be seen whether the young Periphylla has the same number of tentacles and sense bodies as the adult. If it has eight tentacles instead of twelve it may be readily conjectured that Nauphanta is a young Periphylla, and that im- mature tentacles have been mistaken for sense bodies. I have elsewhere recorded a Nauphanta, N. polaris, Fewk., nes Lady Franklin Bay, North Greenland. There seems to be a relationship between the cold waters of great depths of the sea and those of the cold waters of the Arctic Ocean. play an important part in the relationship of medusw from these two localities. Temperature would seem to [21] MEDUSM FROM THE GULF STREAM. 533 tween those which pass through the middle line of each marginal lap- pet. The best preserved of all the specimens is from Station 2717. In this specimen the stumps of certain of the tentacles are present. They lie, as stated above, on the notches between the marginal lappets. The form of the abaxial rim of the marginal lappets in this specimen is bifid, recalling the appearance in the marginal lappets of Atolla. The exumbral surface of the marginal lappet is rough, with slight pro- jections. Its rim is thin, the attachment and body of the lappet thick and gelatinous. The whole marginal lappet recalls those of the species verrillii of the genus Atolla. No sense bodies were seen in the alcoholic material at my control. Tt is desirable that the live medusa of Ephyroides be studied, as the features presented by the alcoholic material are of great morphological interest. It has not seemed to me best to say anything about these questions until more is known of the anatomy of the extraordinary genus. Family CYANEIDZ, L. Agassiz. CYANEA, sp. A specimen of Cyanea from the Guif Stream differs in certain respects from the Cyanea arctica, Per. et L., of the New England coast. It also differs from other species of this genus which have been described. With the imperfect knowledge derived from a single specimen, I hesi- tate to introduce a new name into the nomenclature of this genus, although there is littie doubt that the specimen referred to is not the common C. arctica.* J | Capeibene | Station. | North latitude. | West longitude. Aer & Z ° ‘ “a 2) / ut 11668 , 2542 40 00 15 7 42 20 11669 2542 40 00 15 70 42 20 A much larger specimen than either of those mentioned above was | collected in 1879, Station 378, No. 5124, off Cape Cod. This specimen resembles more closely than the others the common C. arctica, Per. et Les., but the mouth appendage and tentacles are missing. The forms of the marginal lappets are like those of C. arctica. * One of the main differences between this Cyanea and C. arctica is found in the incisions in the marginal lappets. There are in the unknown Cyanea eight deep ocular incisions, eight shallower tentacular incisions, and the margin of the bell be- tween each occular and tentacular incision is again incised. There are therefore 32 marginal lappets. 534 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Family PELAGIDE, Gegenbaur. PELAGIA CYANELLA, P. and Les. Parlogne Station. | North latitude. | West longitude. fo} / "Wt ‘o i] “ 11678 2566 37 23 00 68 08 00 WC 35) 5 i |e tee 11688 2569 39 26 00 68 03 30 Petes eine 2566 37 23 00 68 08 00 11680 2566 Bi) (eo 00 68 O08 00 (6) 15225 2711 38 59 00 70 O07 00 15226 2711 38 59 00 70 O07 OO 15236 2717 38 24 00 TZ .13 -00 15237 2715 88 29 30 70°) 54943 15239 2716 38 29 30 70 57 00 (2) 15240 2716 38 29 30 70 57 00 15245 2711-22) 38° 20'-39° 13/ | 70° 5/30/—72° 12’ 15765 2724 36 47 00 7329 700 15760 2724 36 47 00 73 25 v0 15757 2724 36 47 00 73 25 00 15763 2724 36 47 00 73 25 00 15762 2727 36 35 00 74 03 30 15752 2730 36 42 00 74 30 00 15758 2735 Si 20) 100 73 53 00 15759 27381 36 45 00 74 28 30 15761 2731 36 45 00 74 28 30 15764 2731 386 45 00 74 28 30 15747 2731 36 45 00 : 74 28 30 CTENOPHORA. Berok ovata? Br. | Laieis ene Station. North latitude. | West longitude. fo) , ” fe} / “" 11658 2563 39 18 30 71 23 30 11659 2542 40 00 15 70 42 20 11842 2563 39 18 30 71 23 30 SSSA arEA te 2575 41 07 00 65 26 30 CALLIANIRA, sp. ? Station 2585. This is the first record of this genus from the Gulf Stream. JAMBRIDGE, MASS., May 27, 1887. . EXPLANATION OF THE PLATE. PEGANTHA, sp. incog. Fic. 1. View of Pegantha from the side. : Fig. 2. View of Pegantha from aboral region. [22] PLATE I. “Medusze. Report U.S F. C, 1886.—Fewkes. Fig. 1. Fig. 2. £ ‘ ~ al t 5 iD « Atos q \ » : Pale). Jae ok é Ma ed oP ade q ‘ft é ( iM ‘EY an , ie nah aie et ; ne + aA ee bi Bes) bake : j ai. A |) yr - fe ‘ 4 fa 7 i). Lag fy a 4 hy a. Ped th al INDEX. [ Note.—The references are to page-figures in brackets. ] Page PRON Ae at accaccaseacanieen sel n= ecm u SA MLATG eetere is sistema aiara) we aaa at clasnial ata iiei ul Acraspeda .......-------... eae aaa See 18 PRIMARIES HON oe cn Seis caas fa aee wuss Lane Sae 9 RMI Meee aha aa saaasacerasaptodsaehecae 6 OKOMNI =. 3.220 s0c5050 aioetalniela(aialninietarale 7 PRPSRMTO HA Meta nono Soon as Sale. 2202 ces 7 RETR RN are ao sin cia min hs sinieemtmis es aim oie mie 2,9, 10, 11 Wipe sice cicaeiceteciccaeaseaae Marea eerie 11 PAUDTUPOSS, HtOBME! =... caseeeee ccs ss 2; 4, 11, 20 Amphinema apicatum........--.--.....---- 2 AAU GMINGNHOLS Sate is Wan A tetitA an A we meee is > heey ‘ i tS eon * oN See OO boas ae Penge Nt Ree ne Soros “Fy aS SNe aes a ee See et eS wre "6h res New 4 gan ee as ** Sg e Ser ee AAS eK a bt nen ae etn os a . . Mn ae nine Nas, 2, » - - - aod *, . . voy ; s : : i : Ph ee ; ah AS, i ~e Ps. . ~ : ar = ; Cos os . 2. We foo ee ee wee, ifaw . . we Sahar Craton nae AS Fett - Renee