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CIHM 
Microfiche 


(l\/ionographs) 


ICIMH 

Collection  de 
microfiches 
(monographies) 


Canadian  Instituta  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  da  microraproductions  historiquas 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes  /  Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best  original 
copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this  copy  which 
may  be  bibliographically  unique,  which  may  alter  any  of 
the  images  in  the  reproduction,  or  which  may 
significantly  change  the  usual  method  of  filming  are 
checked  below. 


^ 


Coloured  covers  / 
Couverture  de  couleur 


I      I   Covers  damaged  / 


Couverture  endommag^ 

□  Covers  restored  and/or  laminated  / 
Couverture  restaur^  et/ou  pellicul^e 

Cover  title  missing  /  Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

Coloured  maps  /  Cartes  gdographiques  en  couleur 


0 


Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)  / 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


I      I   Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations  / 


D 
D 
D 


D 


Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

Bound  with  other  material  / 
Reli^  avec  d'autres  documents 

Only  edition  available  / 
Seule  Edition  disponible 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion  along 
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I'ombre  ou  de  la  distorsion  le  long  de  la  marge 
int^rieure. 

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L'Institut  a  microfilmd  ie  meilleur  exemplaire  qu'il  lui  a 
dt6  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details  de  cet  exem- 
plaire qui  sont  peut-dtre  uniques  du  point  de  vue  bibli- 
ographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier  une  image  reproduite, 
ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une  modification  dans  la  m^tho- 
de  normale  de  filmage  sont  indiqute  ci-dessous. 

I      I  Coloured  pages  /  Pages  de  couleur 

I I   Pages  damaged  /  Pages  endommag^s 


D 


Pages  restored  and/or  laminated  / 
Pages  restaurtes  et/ou  pellicultes 


0  Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed  / 
Pages  d6color4es,  tachettes  ou  piques 

Pages  detached  /  Pages  d6tach6es 

I  y/j  Showthrough  /  Transparence 

I      I   Quality  of  print  varies  / 


D 
D 


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Quality  inhale  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  material  / 
Comprend  du  materiel  suppl^mentaire 

Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  en-ata  slips, 
tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to  ensure  the  best 
possible  image  /  Les  pages  totalement  ou 
partiellement  obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une 
pelure,  etc.,  ont  6t6  film^s  k  nouveau  de  fa^on  k 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 

Opposing  pages  with  varying  colouration  or 
discolourations  are  filmed  twice  to  ensure  the  best 
possible  image  /  Les  pages  s'opposant  ayant  des 
colorations  variables  ou  des  decolorations  sont 
filmdes  deux  fois  afin  d'obtenir  la  meilleure  image 
possible. 


0 


Additional  comments  / 
Commentaires  suppl^mentaires: 


Pagination  Is  as  follows:  [l]-122,  [sHS,  [7]-96,  83-107  p. 


This  Kain  is  f  llnwd  at  tha  raduction  ratio  cltaeicad  balow  / 

Ce  documant  aat  film*  au  taux  da  rMuetion  indipu4  ci-daasous. 


lOx 

14x 

18x 

22x 

26x 

30x 

y 

12x 

16x 

20x 

24x 

28x 

32x 

The  copy  filmed  h«r«  has  b««n  raproducsd  thanks 
to  tha  ganarosity  of: 

National  Library  of  Canada 


L'axamplaira  filmi  fut  raproduit  grica  k  la 
g*n«rosit*  da: 

Bibliotheque  nationale  du  Canada 


Tha  imagas  appaaring  hara  ara  tha  bast  quality 
possibia  considaring  tha  condition  and  iagibility 
of  tha  original  copy  and  in  kaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  spacificationa. 


Las  imagas  suivantas  ont  *t*  raproduitas  avac  la 
plus  grand  soin.  compta  tanu  da  la  condition  at 
da  la  nattat*  da  l'axamplaira  film*,  at  tn 
conformity  avac  las  conditions  du  contrat  da 
filmaga. 


Original  copias  in  printad  papar  covars  ara  filmad 
beginning  with  tha  front  covar  and  anding  on 
tha  laat  paga  with  a  printad  or  illustratad  impraa- 
sion.  or  tha  back  covar  whan  appropriata.  All 
othar  original  copias  ara  filmad  baginning  on  tha 
first  paga  with  a  printad  or  illustratad  impraa- 
sion,  and  anding  on  tha  last  paga  with  a  printad 
or  illuatratad  impression. 


Las  axamplairas  originaux  dont  la  couvsrtura  an 
papiar  ast  ImprimAa  sont  film4s  an  commancant 
par  la  pramiar  plat  at  an  tarminant  soit  par  la 
darniira  paga  qui  comporta  una  amprainte 
d'imprassion  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  la  second 
plat,  salon  la  cas.  Tous  las  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  filmis  an  commandant  par  la 
premiere  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  at  an  terminant  par 
la  darniire  paga  qui  comporta  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  lest  recorded  freme  on  eech  microfiche 
shell  contain  the  symbol  -^^  (meening  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  ▼  (meening  "END"), 
whichever  epp'^is. 


Un  dee  symboles  suivents  appereitra  sur  la 
darnlAre  imege  de  cheque  microfiche,  telon  le 
cas:  le  symbols  -^  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbols  ▼  signifie  "FIN". 


Mapa,  plates,  cheru,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  retios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  ere  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diegrems  illustrate  the 
method: 


Lea  cartes,  plenches.  tableeux.  etc..  peuvent  itre 
filmis  i  des  taux  de  reduction  diffirents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  itre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clich*.  il  est  film*  *  partir 
de  Tangle  sup*rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  i  droite. 
et  de  haut  en  bes.  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'imeges  nicessaira.  Les  diegremmes  suivents 
illuatrant  la  mithoda. 


1  2  3 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

MICROCOPY  nsOWTION   TBT  CHART 

(ANSI  and  ISO  TEST  CHART  No    2) 


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A  APPLIED  IM/1GE    I 

SSTm  1653  Eost  Main   Street 

B^S  Rochester.   New    fork         14609       u5A 

^S  ('"6)  *82  -  0300  -  Phone 

^S  (716)  288  -  5989      -^o. 


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^    Vertebrates  of  Ontario 


I 


/  ':-(y:/ 


BY  C.  W.  NASH 


DEPARTMLNT  OF  EDUCATION 
TORONTO 


PPINTED  BY  ORDER  OF 
THE  LEGISLATIVE  ASSEMBLY  OF  ONTARIO. 


TORONTO 
Printed  mkI  PuUnhed  by  L.  K.  CAMERON.  Printw  la  ilw  Kiiii'i  Mm  Exc»II«ii  Maiair. 

I90S 


WARWICK  BROS  &  RUTTER.  Limited.  Printen. 
TORONTO. 


»,»ii^ti9o 


To  the   Honorable   K.  A.    Pvnk,   M.D., 
Minister  of  Education, 
^  Ontario : 

I 

I  have  the  honor  to  present  to  you  the  "Manual  of  the  X'ertebratcs 
of  Ontario,"  produced  under  your  authority  and  instructions  by  Mr.  C. 
V\'.  Nash  of  Toronto. 

This  work  has  been  issued  in   three  separate  sections,   viz.,  "Birds 
of  Ontario,"    "The    Batrachians,    Reptiles   and  Mammals  of   Ontario,  ' 
^         and  "Fishes  of  Ontario."   To  these  sections  has  now  been  added  a  glos- 
"^         sary  and  index  to  the  whole. 

The  demand  for  each  of  these  sections  has  been  very  great  and  the 
3  issue  has  been  much  appreciated,  particularly  by  those  engaged  in  edu- 
%        c.-.tional  work  throughout  the  Province. 

There  is  reason  to  believe  that  the  presentation  of  this  work  will 
jjreatly  facilitate  the  study  of  animal  life  on  the  part  of  our  people  and 
especially  of  the  young,  whether  they  are  pursuing  systematic  studies 
in  natural  history  or  are  merely  desirous  of  acquiring  casual  informa- 
tion on  the  subject. 

The  economic  importance  of  knowledge  concerning  all  forms  of 
life  is  especially  valuable  in  this  Province  where  the  great  bulk  of  our 
wealth  is  drawn  direct  from  the  hands  of  nature.  Unfortunately  too 
little  attention  has  been  paid  to  this  subject  in  the  past,  with  the  result 
that  many  of  our  most  valuable  forms  of  life  are  threatened  with  exter- 
mination. 

This  is  particularly  the  case  with  our  fish,  many  species  of  which 
have  entirely  disappeared  from  our  waters,  while  others  formerly  so 
abundant  as  to  have  been  within  the  reach  of  every  person  are  now 
luxuries  only  obtainable  by  the  rich. 

Our  lakes,  with  the  application  of  scientific  methods,  could  undoubt- 
edly be  made  to  produce  an  unfailing  supply  of  cheap  and  wholesome 
food.  This,  however,  will  only  be  done  when  those  engaged  in  the 
fisheries  have  a  better  knowledge  of  the  habits  of  the  fish  they  capture 
and  the  general  public  arc  more  fully  informed  of  the  value  of  this 
important  national  asset. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be.  Sir, 

Yours  respectfully, 

David  Boyle, 
Superintendent   Provincial  Museum. 

Toronto,  Nov.  25th,  1908. 

[3] 


4 


PREFACE. 

Ill   this  work    1   liavi'   intlLavourcd    to    ir.tludu   all     the    \ u rtubrates 
which  have  been  found  within  the  boundaries  of  the  Province  of  Ontario. 


Fishes. 

'liie  classification  and  .-ctiiicnce  of  {,'roups  adopted  for  the  Fishes  is 
that  of  Jordan  and  l^verniann,  to  whom  I  am  also  chiefly  indebted  for 
the  technical  descriptions. 

In  the  description  of  species  the  expressions  "head  4"  or  "depth 
4"  mean  that  the  lentrth  of  the  head  in  one  case,  or  the  fjrcatest  depth 
of  the  body  in  the  other,  is  contained  4  times  in  the  lenjfth  of  the  fish 
measured  from  the  tip  of  the  snout  to  the  end  of  the  las-t  caudal  verte- 
bra, the  caudal  fin  beinp  not  included.  The  size  of  the  eye  and  the 
leng-th  of  snout  and  other  head  parts  are  compared  with  the  lenjjth  of 
the  side  of  the  head,  unless  otherwise  .stated;  thus  "eye  5"  means  that 
Ihe  horizontal  diameter  of  the  eye  is  1-5  the  lengrth  of  the  head,  ".scales 
5-64-7"  means  that  there  are  5  rows  of  scales  between  the  base  of  the 
dorsal  fin  and  the  lateral  line  (the  scale  in  the  lateral  line  excluded),  64 
(»blique  transverse  series  crossinpc  the  lateral  line  and  7  horizontal  series 
between  the  lateral  line  and  the  base  of  the  anal  or  the  vent. 

The  fin  formuI:p  arc  shortened  as  much  as  possible;  thus  "D.  to," 
"D.  IV,  q,"  or  "D.  VIII-i;^"  means  that  in  the  first  case  the  fish  has 
a  sinple  dorsal  fin  of  10  soft  or  articulated  rays;  in  the  second  case  a 
sinple  dorsal  fin  of  4  spines  and  c)  soft  rays;  and  the  last  indicates  a  fish 
with  two  dorsal  fins,  the  first  composed  of  8  spines  and  the  second  of 
I ;?  rays. 

Spines  are  always  indicated  in  roman  letters  and  rays  in  arabic 
letters. 

The  measurements  piven  are  intended  to  apply  to  the  averape  of 
mature  fishes,  ^'ounfj  fishes  usually  have  the  depth  less,  the  head  and 
eye  larper  and  the  mouth  smaller  in  proportion  than  adult  examples  of 
the  same  species. 

The  coloration  and  marking-  of  fishes  is  extremely  variable,  no  two 
individuals  beinp  exactly  alike;  and  not  only  .so,  but  each  individual 
chnngfes  its  color  from  time  to  time  in  accordance  with  its  su.roundinq-s. 

Consequently  this  character  cannot  be  relied  on  in  dlstinpuishinsj 
a  species,  there  beinp  but  very  few,  if  any,  which  show  in  all  stapes 
the  same  coloration  and  markings. 

[51 


PKEFiCE. 


All  color  descriptions  as  given  herein  are  intended  to  apply  to  the 
normal  adult  in  its  highest  development  as  found  in  the  waters  to  which 
it  is  be&t  adapted. 

Batkachians  and  Reptiles. 

In  the  arrangement  and  classification  of  these  animals  1  have  fol- 
lowed the  works  of  Prof.  E.  D.  Cope. 

The  Batrachians  and  Reptiles  of  Ontario  have  as  yet  been  but  little 
studied,  and  but  few  collections  have  been  made.  It  is  probable  that 
when  more  attention  is  given  to  them  many  North  .American  species 
now  known  to  <iccur  in  the  States  immediately  adjoining  us  may  hv 
found  generally  distributed  through  the  Province  and  that  in  the  North 
some  new  forms  may  be  discovered. 

Birds. 

In  this  section  the  classification  and  nomenclature  adopted  is  that 
of   the   check  list  of   the   American  Ornithologists'    Union. 


Mammals. 

In    the   arrangement  of   the    Mammals   1   have    followed    the   system 
adopted  by  Dr.  Jordan. 


C.  W.  Nasii. 


Lee  .\venue,  Toronto. 

November  25th,    1908. 


CHECK  LIST 


OF  THE 


FISHES  OF  ONTARIO. 


PISCES  (The  Fishes). 

The  Fishes  may  be  defined  as  cold-blooded  vertebrates,  adapted  for 
life  in  the  water,  breathing  by  means  of  gills  attached  tc  bony  or 
cartilaginous  gill  arches ;  having  the  skull  well  developed  an.1  with  a 
lowe-  jaw;  with  limbs  present  and  developed  as  fins,  or  rarely  wanting 
through  atrophy;  with  shoulder  girdle  present,  furcula  shaped,  curved 
forward  and  with  the  sides  connected  below ;  with  pelvic  bones  present ; 
having  the  exoskeleton  developed  as  scales  or  bony  plates,  or  horny 
appendages,  sometimes  obsolete,  and  with  the  median  line  of  body 
with  one  or  more  fins  composed  of  cartilaginous  rays  connected  by  mem- 
brane. 

The  Lampreys  differ  so  widely  from  the  true  fishes,  having  no  jaws, 
no  limbs  and  no  trace  of  the  bones  to  which  limbs  should  be  hung  that 
they  are  properly  excluded  from  consideration  as  fishes.  I  have,  however, 
included  them  here,  as  they  are  popularly  believed  to  be  fish  and  are  of 
economic  importance  to  our  fishery  interests  from  the  fact  that  they 
destroy  vast  numbers  of  valuable  food  fish. 


[7] 


CHECK  LIST  OK  THE 


Class  MARSIPOBRANCHI'.     (The  Lampreys.) 

Skeleton  cartilaginous;  the  skull  imperfectly  developed,  not  separate 
from  the  vertebral  column.  No  true  jaws,  no  limbs,  no  shoulder  girdle, 
no  pelvic  elements,  no  ribs.  (Jills  in  the  form  of  fixed  sacs,  without 
branchial  arches,  six  or  more  in  number  on  each  side.  Nostr'  single 
median.  Mouth  sub-inferior,  suctorial,  more  or  less  circular.  Heart 
without  arterial  bulb.  Alimentary  canal  straight,  simple,  wit'  ..ut  caval 
appendages,  pancreas,  or  spleen.  Vertical  fins  with  feeble  rays,  usually 
continuous  round  the  tail.  Naked,  eel-shaped  animals  inhabiting  cool 
waters.  They  undergo  a  metamorphosis,  the  young  being  often  quito 
unlike  the  adult. 


Order  HYPEROARTII.    (The  Lampreys.) 

Nasal  duct  a  blind  sac,  not  penetrating  the  palate. 

Famii.v  PETROMYZONID^.     (The  Lampreys.) 

Hody  eel-shaped,  subcylindrical  anteriorly,  compressed  behind :  mouth 
nearly  circular,  armed  with  horny  teeth  which  rest  on  papilla; ;  gill  ope.i- 
mgs  seven,  arranged  in  a  row  along  the  side  of  the  "chest";  lips  present, 
usually  fringed ;  nostril  on  top  of  head,  just  in  front  of  eyes ;  dorsal  fin 
more  or  less  deeply  divided  by  a  notch ;  the  posterior  part  commonly  con- 
tinuous with  the  anal  around  the  tail ;  intestines  with  a  spiral  valve  •  eees 
small. 

The  Lampreys  undergo  a  metamorphosis,  the  larva  of  all  species 
being  toothless  and  having  the  eyes  rudimentary. 

They  attach  themselves  to  fishes  and  feed  by  scraping  off  the  flesh 
with  their  rasp-like  teeth. 


Gi-fji  s  ICTHYOMYZON. 

Lampreys  with  the  supraoral  lamina  armed  with  two  or  three  separate 
teeth,  pointed  and  close  together,  not  forming  a  crescent-shaped  plate- 
anterior  lingual  tooth  divided  by  a  median  groove.  The  dorsal  fin  notched 
but  not  separated  into  two  portions. 


FISH  OK  ONTARIO. 


(i)  Silver  Lamprey,    tamper  Eel. 

( Icthyomyzon  concolor.) 

Body  rather  stout,  compressed  posteriorly.  The  hc.ul  is  broad  and 
the  buccal  disk  large,  with  its  edges  not  conspicuously  fringed.  The  tooth 
on  the  front  of  the  tongue  is  divided  into  two  parts  by  a  median  groove, 
and  the  dorsal  fin  is  continuous  but  deeply  notched.  The  maxillary  tooth 
is  bicuspid;  the  teeth  on  the  disk  are  in  about  four  series  and  all  small. 
The  tooth-bearing  bone  of  the  lower  part  of  the  mouth  has  seven  cusps. 
There  are  fifty-one  muscular  impressions  from  gills  to  vent. 

Colour  bluish  silvery,  sometimes  with  blackish  mottlings.  Above  each 
gill  opening  there  is  a  small  bluish  blotch.     Length  about  twelve  inches. 

The  .Silver  Lamprey  is  abundant  in  the  Great  Lakes,  usually  in  deep 
water,  but  it  runs  up  the  small  streams  to  spawn  in  the  spring.  It  is  a 
most  destructive  parasite  on  the  large  commercial  fishes,  fixing  itself  to 
their  bodies  by  means  of  its  suctorial  disk  and  causing  deep  ulcerated 
wounds  at  the  point  of  attachment,  which  very  frequently  result  in  death. 

When  spawning  they  form  nests  in  the  bed  of  the  stream  among 
cobble  stones  and  pebbles;  in  these  the  eggs  are  deposited,  after  which 
the  parent  fish  all  die.  After  emerging  from  the  eggs  the  larva;  burrow 
in  the  mud  or  sand  near  the  margin  of  the  stream  and  there  remain  in 
the  larval  condition,  blind  and  toothless  for  a  long  period,  sometimes  until 
they  have  attained  a  length  of  eight  inches. 


Gem  s  LAMPRTKA. 


Dorsal  fin  either  notched  or  divided  into  two  parts,  the  posterior  part 
continuous  with  the  anal  around  the  tail ;  supraoral  lamina  broad,  cre.s- 
centic,  with  a  large  obtuse  cusp  at  each  end  and  sometimes  a  minute 
median  cusp;  lingual  teeth  small,  with  a  crescentic  toothed  ed^e,  the 
median  denticle  enlarged;  bucc-!  disk  small,  with  few  teeth  which  are 
never  tricuspid. 

The  genus  Lampetra  is  best  distinguished  from  Petro  ^on  by  the 
structure  of  its  so-called  maxillary  tooth,  which  has  the  form  i  a  crescent 
shaped  plate  '■  '^h  terminal  cusps  and  sometimes  an  additional  median 
cusp.  In  Petromyzon  this  bony  plate  is  short  and  contains  two  or  three 
teeth  which  are  very  closely  placed. 


II) 


CHECK  LIST  OF  THE 


(j)  Brook  Lamprey. 

(Lampetra  wilderi.) 

The  high  dorsal  fin  is  divided  into  two  parts  by  a  deep  notch.  Several 
of  the  teeth  on  the  side  of  the  buccal  disk  are  bicuspid  and  the  rest  simple. 
The  mandibulary  plate  is  nearly  straight  and  has  eight  or  ten  cusps  of 
nearly  equal  size.  There  are  sixty-seven  muscLlar  impressions  from  gills 
to  vent.  In  the  spring  a  prominent  anal  papilla  is  present.  The  head  is 
larger  than  the  space  occupied  by  the  gill  openings.  Eyes  large.  Mouth 
moderately  small.  Lips  conspicuously  fringed  with  papillx.  The  teeth 
change  considerably  with  age ;  young  specimens  have  no  median  cusp  on 
the  maxillary  plate. 

Colour,  bluish  black  above;  lower  parts  silvery.  Length  about  eight 
inches. 

This  Lamprey  ranges  through  the  Great  Lakes  region,  ascending 
small  streams  in  the  spring  to  spawn.  It  clings  to  stones  and  clods  of 
earth  while  depositing  its  ova,  and  is  believed  by  many  persons  to  die 
after  spawning. 

Like  the  rest  of  the  family,  it  is  parasitic  on  other  fish. 

I  am  not  positive  as  to  the  occurrence  of  this  species  in  our  waters, 
though  I  have  often  taken  a  small  Lamprey  in  the  northern  and  western 
streams  of  Ontario  and  in  the  rivers  of  Manitoba  which  I  believe  to  be  the 
Brook  Lamprey. 

Class  PISCES.     (The  Fishes.) 

The  Fishes  may  be  defined  as  cold-blooded  vertebrates  adapted  for 
life  in  the  water,  breathing  by  means  of  gills  which  are  attached  to  bony 
or  cartilaginous  gill  arches ;  the  gills  persistent  throughout  life ;  having 
the  skull  well  developed  and  provided  with  a  lower  jaw ;  the  limbs  present 
and  developed  as  fins,  rarely  wanting  through  atrophy ;  shoulder  girdle 
present,  furcula  shajjed,  curved  forward  below;  pelvic  bones  present; 
exoskeleton  developed  as  scales,  bony  plates,  or  horny  appendage"?  or 
sometimes  entirely  wanting,  and  with  the  median  line  of  body  with  one  or 
more  fins  composed  of  cartilaginous  rays  connected  by  membrane. 

Subclass  TELEOSTOMI.    (True  Fishes.) 

Skeleton  usually  bony,  sometimes  cartilaginous.  Skull  with  sutures ; 
membrane  bones  (opercle,  preopercle,  etc.)  present;  gill  openings  a  single 
slit  on  each  side ;  gills  with  their  outer  edges  free,  their  bases  attached  to 
bony  arches,  normally  four  pairs  of  these,  the  fifth  pair  being  typically 
modified  into  tooth-bearing  lower  pharyngeals ;  median  and  paired  fins 
developed,  the  latter  with  distinct  rays.  Ova  small.  Heart  developed, 
divided  into  an  auricle,  ventricle  and  arterial  bulb.  Lungs  imperfectly 
developed  or  modified  to  form  a  swim  bladder  or  entirely  absent. 


FISH  <»K  ONTAIMO. 


II 


Under  this  head  are  now  included  the  (iannids  and  the  TeleoM>>.  Tin- 
former  group  is  chiefly  composed  of  extinct  forms.  While  many  of  its 
representatives  are  extremely  dissimilar  to  the  bony  fishes,  there  is  a 
gradual  series  of  transitions,  and  between  the  Cycloganoidea  of  the 
(ianoids  and  the  Clupeoids  and  others  of  the  true  Teleosts,  the  resemblance 
is  much  greater  than  that  between  the  Cycloganoidea  and  many  other 
fianoids.  The  Ganoids  are  in  fact  the  most  generalized  of  the  true  (i-ihes, 
those  nearest  the  stock  from  which  the  Teleosts  on  the  one  hand  anv  the 
Dipnoi,  on  the  other,  have  sprung. 

Series  GANOIDEl.     (Ganoid  Fishes.) 

The  name  Ganoidei  was  first  used  by  Agassiz  for  those  fishes  which 
are  armed  with  bony  plates,  instead  cf  regular  cycloid  or  ctenoid  scales, 
l-ater  the  group  has  been  re.stricted  to  those  fishes  thought  to  show  more 
or  less  reptilian  or  balrachian  affinities,  and  especially  affinities  with  the 
mailed  fishes  of  the  Devonian  and  Carljoniferous  ages.  The  group  is  a 
heterogeneous  one  and  one  scarcely  susceptible  of  definition.  In  some  of 
the  Ganoids  the  air  bladder  still  retains  its  original  function,  a  lung.  The 
existence  of  the  solid  optic  chiasma,  the  presence  of  .several  valves  in  the 
arterial  bulb,  and  of  a  more  or  less  developed  spiral  valve  in  the  intestine, 
distinguish  the  living  Ganoids  from  all  Teleost.,. 


Order  SELACHOSTOMI.    (Paddlefishes.) 

Notochord  persistent,  the  divi.-ion  into  vertebra;  imperfect  Meso- 
coracoid  developed ;  no  symplectic  bone ;  premaxillary  forming  border  of 
mouth ;  no  suboperculum,  preoperculum,  nor  interoperculum ;  me.soptery- 
gium  distinct ;  basihyals  and  superior  ceratohyal  not  ossified  ;  interclavicles 
present;  maxillaries  obsolete;  branchihyals  cartilaginous. 


Kamii.v   POLVODOXTID.K.      (P\t)i)i  i-hsiiks.) 

Body  fusiform,  little  compressed,  covered  with  mostly  smooth  skin. 
Snout  prolonged,  expanded  'nto  a  thin  flat  blade,  the  inner  portion  formed 
by  the  produced  nasal  bones,  the  outer  portion  with  a  reticulate  bony 
framework,  the  whole  somewhat  flexible.  Nfouth  broad  terminal,  but 
overhung  by  the  spatulate  snout,  its  border  formed  by  the  premaxillaries, 
the  maxillaries  being  obsolete ;  jaws  wilh  many  fine  declHuous  teeth ;  simi- 
lar teeth  on  palatines;  no  tongue.  Spimcles  present.  Operculum  rudi- 
mentary, its  skin  produced  behind  into  a  long  acute  flap;  no  p.seudo- 
branchiae,  or  opercular  gill ;  gills  four  and  one-half ;  gill  rakers  long,  in  a 
double  series  on  each  arch,  the  series  divided  bv  a  broad  membrane ;  gill 


It 


{■MKCK  I.TST  or  THK 


niurnbrancs  considerably  conncclec'  but  free  from  isthmus ;  a  single  bmad 
branchiostegnl.  No  barbels.  Nostrils  double  at  base  of  blade.  Lateral 
line  continuous,  its  lower  margin  with  short  branches.  Dorsal  fin  well 
l)aik,  of  soft  rays  only  ;  anal  similar,  rather  further  back  ;  tail  heterocercal, 
tile  lower  caudal  lobe  well  developed,  so  that  the  fin  is  nearly  equally 
forked;  sides  of  the  bent  portion  of  the  tail  armed  with  small  rhombic 
plates,  caudal  fin  with  fulcra.  Pectorals  moderate,  placed  low,  ventrals 
abdominal,  many  raved.  Air  bladder  cellular,  not  bifid ;  pyloric  ca-ca  in 
the  form  of  a  short  branching  leaf-like  organ ;  intestine  with  a  spiral  vahe. 

r.EMs  POLYODOX.     (Padbiefishes.) 

Gill  rakers  exceedingly  numerous,  very  slender;  spatula  broad. 
Caudal  fulcra  thirteen  to  twenty  in  number,  of  moderate  size.  Characters 
otluTwise  those  of  the  family. 

(.;)  Paddleflsta. 

(Polyodon  spathula.) 

The  body  of  the  PaddlePsh  is  fusiform,  with  the  snout  much  produc.d, 
spatulalike.  Body  scalcless,  covered  with  smooth  skin;  mouth  broad, 
terminal ;  teeth  in  jaws  very  numerous  and  fine ;  deciduous ;  spiracles  with 
a  minute  barbel.  The  operculum  is  rudimentary,  its  flap  of  skin  long, 
reaching  almost  or  quite  to  the  ventral  fins ;  pseudorbanchiae  absent ;  gill 
arches  five,  the  lar.t  rudimentary ;  gill  r.-ikers  long  and  in  a  double  series 
on  each  arch ;  gill  membranes  connected,  free  from  the  isthmus ;  nostrils 
double,  situated  at  base  of  blade ;  a  continuous  lateral  line  from  upper  part 
of  head  along  dorsal  outline  to  tail ;  eye  small ;  dorsal  and  anal  fins  far 
back,  composed  of  soft  rays,  nearly  opposite ;  tail  heterocercal,  well  forked  ; 
sides  of  the  bent  portions  of  the  tail  armed  with  rhombic  plates.  The 
pectoral  fins  are  of  moderate  size  and  placed  low ;  ventrals  many  rayed, 
abdominal. 

This  peculiar  fish  cannot  well  be  confounded  with  any  other  species 
found  in  North  American  waters.  It  takes  its  name  from  its  remarkable 
snout,  which  is  produced  into  a  long  spatulalike  process,  covered  with  an 
intricate  network  and  having  very  thin  flexible  edges. 

In  thj  (ireat  Lakes  the  Paddlefish  occurs  but  rarely,  its  centre  of 
abundancj  being  the  larger  streams  of  the  Mississippi  Valley;  there  are, 
however,  two  records  of  its  capture  in  Ontario  waters;  one  taken  near 
Sarnia,  now  mounted  and  in  the  Fisheries  Museum  at  Ottawa;  the  other, 
a  fine  specimen  taken  at  Spanish  River,  Georgian  Bay,  in  1886,  is  also 
mounted  and  in  the  office  of  the  Bureau  of  Fisheries,  Tore  .ito. 

The  flesh  of  this  fish  is  coarse,  but  considered  by  some  to  be  fairly 
good  for  table  use.  Of  its  habits  little  seems  to  be  known,  except  that 
it  is  somewhat  sluggish  and  prefers  water  with  a  muddy  bottom.  It  grows 
to  a  length  of  five  or  six  feet  and  specimens  in  the  south  have  been  taken 
weighing  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds. 


riSH  «)K  ONTARIO. 


IS 


^t3 


Order  CHONDROSTEI.    (Tha  Sturgtona.) 

Notochord  ptTsistent,  the  cartilaginous  vertibr.u  imperfectly  dtvcl- 
open.  A  mesocoracoid.  \o  symplectic  bor.e.  Maxillary  present.  No 
.suboperculum  or  preoperculum.  Interoperculu"'  present.  Mesopterygiuin 
distinct.  Interclavicles  present.  Basihyals  and  superior  ccratohyal  n..i 
ossihtd.  Hranchihyals  osseous.  This  group  is  composed  of  the  single 
family  Acipenser.die,  represented  in  our  Province  by  one  species 


F—ii.v  ACU'EN-SERIDvE. 

Hody  elongate,  subcylindrical,  armed  with  five  rows  of  l„,ny  bucklers 
each  wish  a  medi.m  carina  which  terminates  in  a  spine,  which  sometimes 
Ix-comes  obsolete  with  age;  a  median  dorsal  scries  and  a  lateral  and 
abdominal  series  on  each  .side,  the  abdominal  scries  sometimes  deciduous  • 
l)etween  these  the  skin  is  rough  with  small  irregular  plates.  Head  covered 
with  bony  plates  joined  by  sutures;  snout  produced,  depressed,  conical  or 
subipatulate.  Mouth  small,  inferior,  protractile,  with  thickened  lips.  No 
teeth,  four  barbels  in  a  transverse  series  on  the  lower  side  of  the  snout 
in  front  of  the  mouth.  Eyes  small ;  nostrils  large,  double,  in  front  of  eye 
Wills,  four;  an  accessory  opercular  gill;  gill  membranes  united  to  the 
isthmus;  no  branchiostegals.  Maxillary  distinct  from  the  premaxillarv. 
Head  covered  with  bony  plates  united  by  sutures.      Fin  rays  slender,  ill! 

rT^UTt  T"-^J"\''u^  ^"'•^'■•''-  ^^'-'"'^^^  Pl'-^'^ed  low;  ventrals  manv 
ra..ed.  behind  m-ddle  of  body;  dorsal  placed  posteriorly;  anal  somewhat 
)ehind  It  similar;  tail  heterocercal,  the  lower  caudal  lobe  developed,  the 
upper  lobe  of  the  tail  covered  with  rhomboid  scales.  Air  bladdeV  larire 
simple  connected  with  the  «-sophagus.  Pseudobranchia..  small  or  ob^o^ 
lete  Atomach  without  blind  sac;  intestine  with  a  spiral  valve;  pancre:.s 
divided  into  pyloric  appendages. 

Large  fishes,  feeding  on  small  animals,  sucked  in  through  the  tube- 
like  mouth.     Most  of  the  species  are  migratory. 

m.,cl7'ir'l""^"7i'^  '^*'  "'■''  considerable,  the  snout  in  particular  becomes 
^SilT^K^"'^  less  acute  and  the  roughness  of  the  scales  is  greativ 
diminished;  the  ventral  shields  sometimes  disappear  altogether 


Genus  ACIPENSER. 

h«/T'  subconical,  more  or  less  depressed  below  the  level  of  the  fore- 
H^L  t  *'"k  "S'^^u  "^  °'^'  ^^^  *>'^-  ^'''"^•'''  P^^""'^'*^  moderately  long, 
Sal  fin"*"  T  °f  '  !  '  T'  "J.^^y  ''"*^'*'^"  '"^*i"<^t  '"  the  base  of  th^ 
c^uda  r  "■.  ^;t''  "°*  P'-"^"*^*^'^  '"t«  •'•  fi'a'nent.  its  tip  surrounded  by  the 
present    ^  '  ""''"•  "''"'''''^'^  «■"  'nnceolate.     Pseudobrp  chi« 


14 


CHECK  LIHT  OK  THE 


(4)  Laka  StHrgaon.    Rock  StiirgaoB. 

(Acipcnscr  rubicundus.) 

Dark  oHvr  above ;  side,  pakr  or  reddi.h  often  with  irreRular  blackish 
.not"  Body  rather  elongate.  Snout  .lender  and  lon^  m  the  younK. 
hS^omin"  quite  blunt  with  age.  The  shield,  arc  '-K-.  -"P^;-  -;;; 
.trongly  hol>kcd  .pines,  becoming  later  comparatively  smooth;  ventral 
shield,  growing  smaller  with  age  and  fmally  deciduous. 

The  fishermen  make  a  distinction  between  the  young  and  the  old  of 
this  species,  calling  the  former  Rock  Sturgeon  and  the  older  fi^h  Lake 
Sturg^n.  There  is.  however,  but  one  Sturgetm  m  our  waters;  the d^cr- 
ence  in  the  si/e  and  shape  of  the  snout  and  in  the  numlier  and  development 
of  the  spines  between  the  immature  fish  and  the  adult  is  sometimes  very 
great,  hence  the  idea  that  two  species  are  found. 

The  Lake  Sturgct.n  is  found  in  the  Great  Lakes  and  all  the  larger 
rivers  falling  into  then,,  and  is  a  food  fish  of  considerable  commcrc.a^ 
importance,  its  flesh  being  used  either  fresh  or  dried  and  """°ked  From 
itsVoe.  the  delicacy  known  as  caviare  is  made.  This  hsh  attains  a  large 
i'e?^^imens  six  feet  in  length  and  weighing  one  hundred  pounds  or 
more  being    not  uncommon,  though  of    late    years  they  have  decreased 

rapidly  in  both  number  and  si/«'.  .    ,  ,,      .    .u    u  „:„„:n»^ 

The  spawning  season  extends  from  the  end  of  May  to  the  beginning 
of  July,  during  which  period  tho  fish  run  from  the  lakes  up  the  rivers  for 
a  considerable  distance  for  the  purpose  of  depositing  their  ov.n. 

Order  RHOMBOGANOIDEA.     (The  Gar  Pikes.) 

Parietals  in  contact;  ptcrotic.  basis  cranii,  and  anterior  vertebra 
simple;  symplectics  present.  Mandible  with  coronoid,  angular,  articular 
and  denary  bones;  third  superior  pharyngeal  small,  lying  on  fourth,  upper 
basihyal  wanting;  maxillary  transversely  divided.  A  cartnag.nous  meso- 
coracoid.  Vertebra  opisthocrlian.  that  is.  connected  by  ball  and  socket 
joints,  the  concavity  in  each  vertebra  being  behino.  Pectoral  fins  with 
mesopterygium  and  five  other  basal  elements.  Tail  heterocercal  Air 
bladder  lung-like.  single,  connecting  with  the  dorsal  side  of  the  o-sophagus. 

Famiiy  LEPISOSTEID^.     (Gar  Pikes.) 

Body  elongate,  subcylindric.il,  covered  with  hard,  rhombic  ganoid 
scales  or  plates,  which  are  imbricated  in  oblique  series  running  downward 
and  backward.  Both  jaws  more  or  less  elongate,  spatulate  or  beak-like 
the  upper  jaw  projecting  beyond  the  lower;  premaxillary  ("'•'"'." B  most  o 
»he  margin  of  the  upper  jaw ;  the  maxUlary  transversely  divided  into  several 
pK«:es.  Lower  jaw  composed  of  as  many  pieces  as  in  reptiles;  coronoid 
JlJsent.     Both  jnws  with  an  outer  series  of  small  teeth,  followed  by  one 


^<5 


ll 


M 


i    ' 


u 


2f. 


i  i 


'1 


FISH  OK  ONTARIO. 


15 


or  two  series  of  lar{,'e  teeth,  besides  wiiich  on  the  jaws  vomer  and  palatines 
arc  a  series  of  small,  close-set,  i asp-like  teeth.  Large  teeth  of  the  jaws 
conical  in  form,  pointed  and  striate,  placed  at  right  angles  to  the  jaw. 
Pharyngeals  with  rasp-like  teeth.  Tongue  toothless,  short,  broad,  emar- 
ginatc,  free  at  tip.  External  bones  of  skull  very  hard  and  rugose.  Eyes 
small.  .Nostrils  near  the  end  of  the  upper  jaw.  An  accessory  gill  on  the 
inner  side  of  the  operclc.  Pseudobranchiie  present.  No  spiracles.  Gills, 
four,  a  slit  behind  the  fourth.  Branchiostegals,  three.  Gill  membranes 
somewhat  connected,  free  from  the  isthmus.  Gill  rakers  very  short.  Air 
bladder  cellular,  lung-like,  somewhat  functional.  Fins  with  fulcra;  dorsal 
lin  short,  rather  high,  posterior,  nearly  opposite  the  anal,  which  is  similar 
in  form;  tail  he  ten  ice  real,  in  the  \oung  produced  as  a  filament  beyond  the 
caudal  fin ;  caudal  convex ;  ventrals  nearly  midway  between  pectorals  and 
anal ;  p<  ctorals  and  ventrals  moderate,  few  rayed.  Stomach  not  cjecal ; 
pyloric  appendages  numerous.  Spiral  valve  of  intestines  rudimentary. 
Fresh  water  fishes  of  sluggish  habits,  but  voracious  and  destructive  to 
smalU-r  fishes.    1  he  flesh  is  tough  and  rank,  useless  as  food. 

These  fishes  are  of  much  riterest  from  their  relationship  to  extinct 
ganoid  genera,  many  of  whioli  arc  placed  in  this  family. 

GK\t  s  LKPISOSTEUS.      {(iAK  Pikis.) 

L'ppcr  jaw  with  an  outer  series  of  small,  sharp,  even  teeth, 
then  a  series  of  large  teeth,  some  of  the  anterior  row  being  usually 
movable;  next  comes  a  series  of  fine  teeth,  in  one  row  in  front, 
becoming  a  band  behind.  In  some  species  the  inner  row  of  these 
teeth  contains  larger  ones;  next  the  vomerine  teeth,  also  in  a  long  band, 
and  posteriorly  a  palatine  band.  These  bands  on  the  roof  of  the  mouth  are 
lrt't|uently  somewhat  confluent  or  irregulai.  In  young  specimens  some  of 
the  palatine  teeth  are  often  enlarged,  these  sometimes  forming  regular 
series.  Lower  jaw  with  an  outer  series  of  small  teeth,  next  a  series  of  large 
teeth,  next  again  a  broad  band  of  fine  teeth  on  each  side.  Each  of  the 
large  teeth  fitting  into  a  depression  in  the  opposite  jaw. 

Sinr.EMs  LEPISOSrEUS. 


(5)  Gar-fi.sh.     Gar  Pike.     Biil-flsh. 

(I.i  pisosleus   osseus.) 

Body  elongate,  subcylindric.  The  jaws  greativ  produced,  the  upper 
bemg  the  longer.  Teeth  in  the  jaws  rather  fine,  sharp  and  stiff ;  a  single 
inner  row  of  large  teeth,  and  an  outer  row  of  small  teeth  on  each  ;ide. 
The  snout  is  more  than  twice  as  long  as  the  rest  of  the  head. 

1).,  7  to  8;  A.,  9;  y.,  o;  P.,  10.     Scales.  62  to  6^. 


1« 


CHECK.  LIST  OF  TUK 


Colour,  grcL-nish  above;  the  sides  silvery  and  the  belly  vyh.t.sh ;  numer- 
ous round,  dark  spots  on  the  sides,  most  distinct  posteriorly  and  most 
conspicuous  in  the  young,  becoming  obscure  with  age.  \  ery  young  indi- 
viduals have  a  blackish  lateral  band.    Vertical  tins  with  numerous  round 

dark  spots.  ,.      , 

The  Gar-fish  is  generallv  distributed  from  the  upper  St.  Lawrence 
River  through  the  Great  Lakes  and  their  tributaries  to  the  head  of  Lake 
Huron  I  have  no  records  from  Lake  Superior;  and  it  is  probab.y  most 
abundant  in  Lake  lirie.  It  is  said  to  attain  a  length  of  six  feet  and  may 
possibly  do  so  in  southern  waters,  but  I  have  never  seen  one  taken  in  this 
Province  which  would  exceed  four  feet.  As  a  food  tish  it  is  valueless,  its 
Hesh  being  considered  unwholesome.  It  spawns  m  late  spring  or  early 
summer,  running  up  the  larger  streams  for  that  purpose. 


ri  !  i! 


11^   I 


SuBciKMs   CYLINDROSTEUS. 

(6)  Short-nosed  Gar. 

(Lepisosteus  platostomus.) 

Colour  similar  to  L.  osseus,  but  rather  darker ;  from  that  species  it 
mav  readilv  lie  distinguished  bv  its  shorter  snout,  which  even  m  young 
specimens  does  not  much  exceed  the  rest  of  the  head  in  length.  Maximum 
length,  about  three  feet. 

D.,  8;  A.,  S;  \  .,  <i.     Scales  on  lateral  line,  about  5*1. 

The  Short-nosed  Gar  occurs  sparingly  in  Lake  lirie,  its  centre  of 
.ibundance  being  in  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi  \allcys. 

Like  the  comm.-n  Garfish,  it  is  a  voracious,  destructive  creature  and 
of  no  value  as  a  food  fish. 


Order  CYCL0G4N0IDEA      (The  Bowfins.) 

Farietals  in  contact.  Pterotic,  basis  cranii  and  anterior  vertebrie 
simple.  Mandible  with  opercular  and  coronoid.  Maxillary  not  trans- 
versely segmented,  bordering  the  mouth.  Third  superior  pharyngeal 
Iving  on  enlarged  fourth.  Upper  basihyal  wanting.  Vertebra-  amphiccvlian 
tJie  anterior  not  modified.  Pectoral  fins  with  mesopterygium  and  eight 
other  elements.     Air  bladder  cellular  and  lung-like. 


Family   \M1I1)/K.     (The  Bowkins.) 

Body  oblong,  compressed  lu-hind,  terete  anteriorly.  Head  subcon- 
ical,  anteriorlv  bhintish,  slightly  depressed,  its  superficial  bones  corru- 
gated and  very  h.ird,  scarcely  covered  by  skin.  Snout  short,  rounded; 
lateral  margins  of  upper  jaw  formed  by  the  maxillaries,  which  are  divided 


KISH  OF  ONTARIO. 


by  :i  lonsituclin.-il  siitiiii'.     jaws  nearly  even  in  front;  rlt-ft  of  the  mouth 
nearly  horizontal,  extending  beyond  tile  small  eye  ;  lower  jaw  broad,  the 
rami  well  separated;  between   them  a   broad,   bony  plate,  with   radiating 
striie,   its  posterior  edge  free;  jaws  each  with  an  imler  series  of  eonieal 
teeth,  behmd   which  in  the  lower  is  a  band  of  rasp-like  bands  of  small 
teeth  on  the  vomer  and  pterygoids  ;  palatines  with  a  series  of  larger  pointed 
teeth:   premaxillaries  not  protractile;   tongue  thick,    s.anelv   free  at  tip. 
Nostrils  well  separated,  the  anterior  with  a  short  barbel ;  suborbital  very 
narrow;  a  bf)ny  plate  coxering  the  cheek,  similar  to  the  pl.ttes  on  the  top 
of  the  head  ;  opercuUmi  with  a  broad  derm.il  border.     Branchiostegals  ten 
to  twelve.     No  pseudobranchiie  nor  opercul.ir  gill;  no  spiracle;  gills,  four, 
a  slit  behind  the   fourth;   gill    membranes   not   connecte<l;   free    from   the 
isthmus.     Two  peculiar,  long,  lanceolate  obliquely  stri.ite  appendages  on 
each  side  of  the  isthmus,  projecting  backward  .ind  'co\ered  bv  the  liranchio- 
steg.il  rays,   the  .interior  wholly  adnate  to  the  isthmus,  the  posterior  fn?e 
behind.      Isthmu.s  scaleless.      (nil  rakers  stoutish.  very  short.      Scales  of 
moderate  size,  rather  firm,  cycloid,  with  a  membranous  border.     Lateral 
hne  present.    Dorsal  fm  long  and  low,  nearly  uniform,  the  posterior  r.ivs 
not  much  higher  than  the  others;  its  insertion  in  front  of  the  middle  line 
of  the  body,  opposite  the  end  of  the  pectoral.     Tail  somewhat  heterocercal 
(more  so  in  the  young),  convex  behind,   no  fulcra.     .\nal  few,  short  and 
low.      Pectoral   and  ventral   fins  short   and   rounded,    the  ventrals    nearer 
an.il  than  pectorals.     Vertebrje  amphico-lian  or  double  coniave,  as  usual 
among  fishes,   none  of   them  specially   modified.      .Abdominal   and  cr.udal 
parts  of  the    \  ertebral    column    subeqiial.      .Air   bladder    cellular,    bifid   in 
front,  lung-hke,  connected  by  a  glottis  with  the  pharynx  and  capable  of 
as.sisting  in  respiration.   Stomach  with  a  blind  sac;  no  pvloric  cfeca.     No 
closed  oviduct.     Intestine  with  a  rudimentary  spiral  valve. 

Only  one   species  of  this  family  is  known   among  living   fishes,   but 
several  lossil  genera  are  commonly   referred  to  it. 


Gi:\i  s  /\MI.\.     (RowFiNS.) 

Body  oblong,  compressed  behind,  terete  anteriorlv;  head  subconical 
■nnteriorly  bl-.-ntish,  slightly  depressed,  its  superficial  bones  .orrugated  and 
xery  hard,  scarcely  .overed  by  skit,  ;  snout  short,  roimdcd  ;  lateral  margins 
of  upp  jaw  formed  by  the  maxillaries,  which  are  divided  bv  a  longitudinal 
suture ;  jaxys  nearly  even  in  front  ;  cleft  of  the  mouth  nearly  horizontal 
extendmg  beyond  the  small  eye ;  lower  jaw  broad,  T-shaped,  the  rami 
well  separated  ;  between  them  a  broad,  bonv  plate,  with  radiating  stri* 
.ts  posterior  edge  free;  jaws  each  with  an  o-..er  .series  of  conical  teeth, 
behind  which  in  the  lower  is  a  band  of  rasp-lik,-  teeth  ;  bands  of  small  teeth 
on  the  vomer  .-md  pterygoids;  palatines  with  a  series  of  larger,  pointed 
teeth;  premaxillaries  not  protractile;  tongue  thick,  .scarcely  free  at  tip- 
nostrils  well  separated,   the  .mterior  with  .t   short  b.-.rbcl ;  suborbital   verj 


1» 


CHKCK  I-IST  Ol'  THE 


narrow;  a  bony  plate  covering  the  cheek,  similar  to  the  plates  on  the  top 
of  the  head;  operculum  xvith  a  broad  dermal  border;  bramhios  egals  ten 
to  twelve;  no  pseudobramhiiu  or  opercular  gill;  no  spiracle:  «'""'"".'••" 
slit  behind  the  fourth  ;  gill  membranes  not  connected,  free  from  the  isth- 
mus;  two  peculiar  long  lanceolate,  olbiquely  striate  appendages  on  each 
side  of   the  isthmus,  projecting  backward  and  covered   by   the  branchio- 
stegal  ravs.  the  anterior  wholly  adnate  to  the  isthmus,  the  posterior  free 
behind;  isthmus  scaleless;  gill  rakers  stoutish,  very  short;  scales  of  mod- 
erate  size,  rather  firm,  cycloid,  with  a  mcmbr.-nous  border ;  lateral  line 
present;  dorsal  fin  long  and  low.  nearly  uniform;  the  posterior  rays  not 
much  higher  than  the  others;  tail  somewhat  heterorerc.-,l  (more  so  m  the 
voung),  convex  behind;  no  fulcrums;  anal  fin  short  and  low;  pectoral  and 
ventral  fins  short  and  rounded,  the  ventrals  nearer  anal  than  pectorals 
vertebra;  amphicolian  .,r  double  concave,  as  usual  among  fishes,  none  o 
them   speciallv  modified;    abdominal   and   caudal    parts   of    the    vertebral 
column  subequal;  air  bladder  ct    alar,  bifid  in  front,  lung-l.ke.  connected 
by  a  glottis  with  the  pharynx,  and  capable  of   assisting  in   respiration . 
siomach  with  a  blind  .'■ac;  no  pylori-  caca  ;   no  dosed  oviduct;  intestine 
with  a  rudimentary   spiral  valve. 


(7)  Dogfish.   Bowfin.   Mudfish. 

(Amia  calva.) 

Dark  olive  or  blackish  .above,  paler  or  sometimes  bright  green  below  , 
sides  with  tr.ices  of  dark  greenish  reticulations;  lower  j.iw  and  gular  plate 
often  with  round  blackish  spots ;  fins  mostly  d;.rk.  somev  .i.-it  mottled. 
Male  with  a  round  black  spot  at  base  of  caudal  fin  above,  this  is  sur- 
rounded by  an  orange  or  yellow  border;  in  the  female  this  is  very  faint, 
or  more  often  wanting. 

Lateral   line  nearly  median,  directed   slightly   upward  at   each   end. 
Scales  on  lateral  line,  about  sixty-five. 
D..  50;  A.,  10  to  12;  v..  7. 

The  female  Dogfish  is  larger  than  the  m.-ile.  sometimes  reaching  a 
length  of  twenty-four  inches,  while  the  male  rarely  exceeds  eighteen. 

This  fish  i-  found  generallv  distributed  in  sluggish  d  weedy  waters 
from  the  upper  St,  L.-iwrence  to  the  head  of  Lake  Huron.  I  I'^'^e  "o 
records  for  Lake  Superior.  It  is  one  of  the  most  voracious  of  our  fishes, 
feeding  upon  .-,11  forms  of  small  fry  and  insects,  and  where  .abundant  is 
very  destructive  to  the  more  valuable  forms  of  fish  life.  Its  flesh  is  said 
to  be  soft,  nauseous,  and  quite  uneat.nble. 

In  Mav  anc:  June  the  Dogfish  resort  to  weedy  bays  and  marshes, 
where  they" spawn",  the  parent  fish  remaining  with  the  eggs  until  they  are 
hatched,  and  afterwards  protecting  'lu-  voting  for  some  time. 


FISH   OF  ONTAIIIO. 


19 


Series  TELEOSTEI.    (The  Bony  Fishes.) 

This  group  comprises  the  majority  dI  existing  fishes.  It  is  appaniiily 
descended  from  the  Ganoid  type.  .\s  a  whole,  the  'leleostei  differ  from  the 
Ganoids  in  the  more  perfectly  ossified  skeleton,  the  less  heterorcrcal  tail, 
the  degradation  of  the  air  bladder  and  the  arterial  biilh.  and  in  the  sim- 
plicity of  the  optic  chiasma. 

The  Teleostei  are  divisible  into  two  gre.it  groups  with  rather  ill- 
defined  boundaries,  the  Physostomi,  or  soft-rayed  fishes,  and  the  Physo- 
clysti,  or  spiny-rayed.  The  iiiembers  of  the  former  group  have  through- 
out life  a  slender  duct,  by  which  the  air  bladder  is  joined  to  the  alimentary 
canal.  In  most  cases  the  fin  rays  are  soft,  the  ventral  fins  abdominal,  the 
pectoral  fins  placed  low,  and  the  scales  cycloid.  Although  the  typical 
Physostomi  differ  in  many  ways  from  the  more  speciall/ed  Physoclysti, 
yet  as  we  approach  the  junction  of  the  two  groups  the  subordinate  differ- 
ences disappear,  leaving  finally  the  presence  of  the  air  duct  in  Physostomi 
as  the  only  differential  character. 

Subclass  OSTARIOPHYSI. 

This  group  is  characterized  chiefly  by  the  modification  of  the  anterior 
vertebra".  These  are  coossified  and  have  some  of  their  lateral  and  superior 
elements  detached  and  modified  to  form  a  chain  of  small  bones,  the  W'eb- 
enan  ossicles,  which  connect  the  air  bladder  with  the  ear. 

Order  NEMATOGNATHI.    (Catflshes.) 

This  order  corttains  several  families,  which  agree  in  having  the  sub- 
opercle  wanting,  the  anterior  vertebra  coalesced,  and  the  maxillarv 
reduced  to  the  bony  core  of  a  long  barbel.     None  of  the  order  have  scales. 

Famiiv  .SILURID/E.     (Cvthshes.) 

Body  n-.ore  or  less  elongate,  naked,  or  with  bony  plates.  \o  true 
scales.  Anterior  part  of  head  with  two  or  more  barbels ;  the  base  of  the 
longest  pair  formed  by  the  small  or  rudimentary  maxillary  Margin  of 
upper  ,aw  formed  by  premaxillaries  only.  Suboperculum' absent ;  oper- 
culum present.  Dorsal  fin  usually  present,  short,  above  or  in  front  of  the 
ventrals.  Usually  an  adipose  fin  behind  dorsal.  First  ray  of  dorsal  and 
pectorals  usually  developed  as  a  stout  spine.  Lower  pharyngeals  separate 
Air  bladder  usually  present,  large  and  connected  with  the  organ  of  hearine 
'"■  means  of  the  auditory  ossicles. 

A  vast  family  of  more  than  one  hundred  genera  and  upward.s  of  nine 
hundred  species,  mostly  of  the  rivers  and  swamps  of  warm  regions, 
especially  of  South  Americ.-i  .md  Africa.  A  few  species  are  marine.  Thev 
are  all  very  tenacious  of  life  and  most  of  them  are  excellent  as  food 


*  CHKCK  l.fST  OK  THE 

Genus  ICTALLRLS.     (Ciiaxx.  .  'J.uhsh.) 

Hod)    slender,  clonK.-.tc,  coinprt-sscd  no  ^c.inrlv ;   lu-ad  sk-nder    r,.n 
ca  :  sup.n.c-.p.tal  ....-a;  or  process  pr...,..„..  ..aokw  .rd/    s    -nw^in  .t«; 
ap  X  r.-,vn  .n«  the  acuminat..  anterior  point  of  the  second  intersp  n;d     hu s 

"f  '  '"TT"  '•"">  '"■"'»^^-  '"'"'  "^^- ''-"'  "•  ""-•  <'"-al  spine    mou"h 

M  .  I.  ter„„„al    the  upper  jaw  longer;  teeth  subulate,  in  a  short  Cdn 

ach  jaw;  dorsal  hn  hi^h.  with  one  lon^  spine  and  usually  six  ra  "•  .Ji- 

i"  ■   r  vs     ■:.'"::'7';'''  ■""  :'  •'""'  =  '""'"  «"  '■•"«•  -'"•  -enu-rne  to  thi  tv- 

nse'd    'wiVh  7  ""^   "'"•   """  "'""'•^   =""'   •^•■^•■"  ^'■■••'"'•""'   '■"y^: 

D  ctor      in  ;•""''  •^l""^--  ■■'''■■"^-«^'  -^^rrate  witi,in.  and  about  nine  ravs 

p.Uoral  hns  each  with  a  stout  spine,   retrorse  serrate  within     -.nd  -.1,;  u 

tN    lon«:.r.     Colouratum  pale  or  silvery,  usually   with  dark  spots  on  the 

(H)  Channel  Cat.     Spotted  Cat. 

(Ictalurus   punclatus.) 

Head  rather  snt.ill,  narrow.  ,„nvex  above,  so  that  the  eve  is  lit.l.. 
nearer  the  upper  than  the  lower  outline.  Kve  rather  l.-..4e  (Ir  ,  Cntnih 
Sn:,r"-i„""^'^^^  '""^  ?•-  "--"->  -rbels^ea^^^'Ll^fS^ 
tTh  .  •  «'"  "Pf"'"R-  ■'^Pi'H-s  long,  the  pectoral  spines  stron.Wv  ser- 
raled  behtnd.  Body  r.ather  long  and  slender.  Colour  light  olivaceous  or 
blu.sh  above:  sides  s.lvery.  nearly  alw.-.ys  marked  with  irregular  smnU 
d..,kround.sh  spots:  belly  white;  fins  often  with  dark  edging.  ' 

''■  I-,  f^;  A..  24;  \.  I.,  8.  ^    '^ 

It  is  extremely  variable  in  colour  .„ul  in  number  of  fin  ravs     md  h-.s 
consequently  been  described  under  a  number  of  different  name:' 
of  J!Z     fi"'""        f  *^'''"''  '"  ■''  ''■"S^'^  "f  ••'''""»  three  feet  and  a  weight 

h  1^2;  "  """"^"  ■"  "■"""'■  """'''  ■■'"''  '^  •■'   ■"-'  -•-"-'  table  fi^h 
Kr         V  r^    ''"mmon  m  our  waters,  but  is  taken  most  frequently  in  Lakes 
r  r,e  and  Ontano.     Unlike  most  of  the  familv,  it  seems  .0  pre  er  ,  tre 
'■•'■•■'r  water  .md  is  partial  to  deep,  fiowing  str'e.'.ms.  ^  '        " 

ClKN.s  AMKIURUS.      (HoKXKD   Fo,  rs.j 

Body   moderately   elong.-.ted,    robust   anteriorlv.   the  caudal    peduncle 
mu.h  compressed;  head  large,  wide,  obtuse;  superoccipital  extended  b"k 
uard.    ermmatmg  m  a  more  or  less  acute  pointSvhich'is  entlelv  ™^^^ 
rom  the  second  .ntersp.nal  buckler;  skin  co^ering  the  bones  tl  ick     e^s 

;  k[  T  ''  "'"'f  '''"^'''  '^'  "PP^--  J-^-  -"""V  the  longe  te;th  in 
b.oad  bands  on  the  premaxillaries  and  mandibles;  band  of  ^pner  j-i 
convex  ,n  front,  of  equal  breadth,  and  without  back  vard  pro  onSu 
tlu-  angle:  dorsal  over  the  space  between  pectorals  and  ventralf  highe 


FISH  or  ONTARIO. 


tl 


than  lung,  uith  a  sharp  spine  and  alM)ut  .six  branched  rays;  adipose  tin 
short,  inserted  uver  the  posterior  half  of  the  anal.  .\nal  fin  of  varying 
length,  with  fifteen  to  thirty-live  rays,  the  usual  numlxT  iH'ing  twenty  or 
twenty-ont.  Caudal  fin  short,  truncate  in  typical  spt-i-ies,  more  or  less 
forked  in  those  species  which  approach  the  genus  Ictalurus.  Vcntrals  each 
with  one  simple  and  seven  branched  rays.  Pectorals  each  with  a  stout 
spine,  which  is  commo;-ly  relrorse  serrate  behind.  Lateral  line  usually 
incomplete. 

The  specie.*:  are  variable  and  not  easily  distinguished.  Those  in  which 
the  caudal  fin  is  forked  make  an  a(  oath  to  the  genus  Ictalurus.  The 
lack  of  connection  between  the  supr.ioccipital  and  the  interspinal  buckler 
is  the  only  character  by  which  these  .species  can  be  separated  from  Icta- 
lurus. 

SriK.KNl'S    Hm'stxk. 

(9)  Lake  Catfish.    Channel  Cat. 

(.\nioiurus  lacustris.) 

Head  'road,  much  depressed;  mouth  wide;  eye  rather  small.  Body 
stout ;  dorsal  base  short,  one-half  the  height  of  fin.  .\dipose  fin  well 
developed;  caudal  not  deeply  forked;  pectoral  spine  as  long  .ns  dorsal 
spine.  Colour  olivaceous  slaty,  growing  darker  with  age;  sides  pale,  no 
spots ;  anal  dusky  on  edge ;  barbels  black. 

D.  I.,  5  to  6;  A.,  25;  V.   I.,  8. 

This  Catfish  has  a  wide  range,  and  is  con.sequently  variable.  It  is 
generally  distributed  throughout  the  Great  Lakes  and  in  deep  rivers,  but 
is  more  abundant  in  Lake  Erie  than  any  other  of  our  waters. 

As  a  food  fish  it  is  highly  esteemed  by  people  who  have  no  preiudices 
against  Catfish  in  general,  though,  like  the  rest  of  the  tribe,  its  appear- 
ance is  not  prepossessing. 

In  the  south  si^ecimens  weighing  over  one  hundred  pounds  are  said 
to  be  taken,  but  with  us  the  fish  very  rarely  attains  a  greater  weight  than 
about  thirty  pounds. 

Of  its  habits  but  very  little  is  known.  It  is  a  bottom  feeder  and  will 
take  a  great  variety  of  baits.  Night  lines  set  in  its  haunts  and  baited 
with  pieces  of  fish  or  small  frogs  are  successfully  used  in  taking  it. 


SriHiHM  s  AMKIURL'S. 

(10)  Yellow  Catfish. 

(Ameiurus  natalis.) 

Head  rather  broad ;  mouth  wide,  with  the  upper  jaw  usually  longer 
than  the  lower,  sometimes  equal.  The  dorsal  profile  gradually  ascends 
from  the  snout  to  the  dorsal  spine.     Eye  moderate ;  maxillary  barbel  rea':h- 


t'MKCK  LIST  OK  THK 


lilK  .-nd  of  hcjKl;  humeral  shi.-ld  little  .U.xtlo,H-d  ;  (L.r.al  and  p..  loral  s,,i,u  s 
^lr..nK.  short.r  than  suit  rays;  hei|{ht  .>(  dorsal  e<,i,al  1„  twi.e  Ih.-  I,n«lh 
of  Its  has,.;  adipose  lin  lonj.,  <4)posii,.  to  and  lonKer  than  anal;  .  an.lal 
rounded.  Colour  yellowish,  more  or  less  clouded  with  darker  l.mKlh 
about  eiKhie«'n  imlus.  * 

}y  I.  <•;  A..  .4;  V.  I.,  H. 

The  ^■ello^v  Cat  is  found  in  Lakes  Ontario.  Krie  and   Huron.      ||   is 
not  a  ver>  well  marked  speries  and  is  in  eonse.iuen.e  K«-"erallv  ,o„|„s..,| 
with  the  other  small  Cattish.     Its  »le*h  i»  ntuch  e.steemcd  by  son,e  |H....pU 
•>iu  .IS  an  angler  s  lisli  it  is  not  highly  prized. 

SluBKigh  streams,  weedy  Ims  and  cU*p  water  marshes  are  its  favorite 
resorts,  and  m  its  habit.s  it  re^'mbles  the  other  memlnrs  of  the  ^enus. 

(II)  Lonft-Jawed  Catflsh. 

(.\meiurus  vulgaris.) 
Head  longer  th.in  broad,  rather  narrow  forward,  mouth  wide;  hi.rbels 
long;  lower  , aw  more  or  l.-ss  .listinctly  projeetinR.  Ivve  Nerv  small.  Adi- 
pose hn  well  developed.  The  pirtoral  spine  is  stout  and  al^ut  two-thirds 
as  lonK  .-.s  the  hn.  C.-iudal  square;  anal  rounde.l.  i.e..Klh  about  eighteen 
iiuhes.  Colour  dark  reddish  brown,  varving  to  bla.kish.  I)  I  (,■  \ 
iH  to  jo;  V.   I.,  8.  ' 

This  species  is  found  in  most  still  weedy  waters  throughout  the  I'ro 
vmcc,  being  most  abundant  from  Lake  Kric-  westward.  Inder  favorable 
conditions  it  .sometimes  attains  a  weight  of  four  pounds  and  is  e;,uallv 
good  as  a  I.hkI  lish  as  the  rest  of  its  tril>e.  which  it  also  resembles  „  it's 
habits. 


(ij)  Common  Catfigh.     Bullhead. 

( Amciurus  ncbulosus.) 

Head  heavy,  upper  jaw  usually  distincllv  longer  th.m  the  lower. 
Barbels,  eight;  maxillary  barbels  as  long  as  hea,' :  H  -.;,|  proHl,  from  tip 
of  snout  to  dorsal  hn  straight  and  rather  steep;  mout..  .vide  and  terminal; 
teeth  .iwl-shapcd,  m  broad  bands  on  the  intermaxillaries  and  dentaries  ■ 
dorsal  situ-ited  in  front  of  middle  of  bcKly,  short  and  high ;  adipose  fin 
stout;  an.il  large.  Caudal  square  or  slightly  emarginate.  Colour  very 
variable,  usually  dark  yellowish  or  olive,  clouded  with  darker  .-.bovJ 
becoming  yellowish  or  almost  white  below  ;  sr.metimes  entirely  black 

D.  I.,  6;  A..  20  to  .'2;  V.   L,  6. 

This  species  reaches  a  maximum  length  of  about  eighteen  in.  hes  and 
a  weight  of  four  pounds ;  the  average  of  those  taken  in  our  waters  is 
however,  much  less.     It  is  the  common  Catfish  of  the  Province,  .K.urring 
.-ibundantly  in   all   quiet     streams,    ponds    and    bays,   especially   in   those 
having  a  mud  bottom. 

Rarly  in  June,  when  about  to  spawn,   the  Catfishes  select  a   spot  in 
quiet  shallow  water  near  aquatic  weeds  and  there  they  make  .i  nest,  from 


ii 


FISH   OF  ONTARIO, 


2S 


W 


eight  inches  to  one  foot  in  diameter,  by  clearing  out  a  slight  depression 
in  the  mud  or  sand.  In  this  nest  about  two  thousand  eggs  are  dcposiled, 
over  which  the  parents  keep  guard,  the  male  being  most  assiduous  in  the 
work  ')(  protection.  In  about  a  week  the  eggs  are  hatched  ind  the  >oung, 
A'bicli  look  very  like  little  black  tadpoles,  follow  the  parent  fish  along  the 
shores  until  nearly  the  middle  of  July,  when  they  are  left  to  shift  for  them- 
selves; aftc  lii' :  the  fry  soon  scatter  and  disappear  into  tieep  weedy  water. 
They  '  .1  w  rapidly,  ;i;H  under  favorable  circumstances  are  said  to  attain 
matur'  y  ii.  three  year,. 

T,';-  (.rtlish  is  un  unnivorous  feeder,  nothing  in  the  shape  of  animal 
food  b>  ^"g  beneath  its  lotice,  nor  is  it  particular  where  it  obtains  its  food, 
for  I  ha. I,  ;-..:c'.'  i.  at  all  depths  from  the  surface  of  the  water  to  the  bot- 
tom, though  its  general  habit  is  to  grub  .ibout  on  the  mud,  seeking  for 
what  it  may  devour. 

As  an  article  of  food  this  fish  does  not  rank  in  the  first  class  in  the 
estimation  of  most  people;  there  are  others,  however,  who  prefer  it  to 
any  of  the  so-called  "coarse  fish,"  while  to  the  small  boy  who  goes  fishing 
it  is  a  source  of  endless  delight  and  a  joy  forever. 

(13)  Black  Catfish. 

(Ameiurus  melas.) 

Body  short,  stout  and  deep.  Head  broad  behind,  rather  contracted 
anteriorly ;  the  dorsal  profile  straight  and  rather  steep  from  tip  of  snout  to 
dorsal  fin ;  eye  rather  small ;  barbels  longer  than  head.  Caudal  peduncle 
stout.  Tail  truncate ;  adipose  fin  well  developed ;  teeth  very  fine,  awl- 
shaped  and  in  broad  bands.  Rays  of  anal  fin  white,  in  marked  contrast 
with  the  dark  membranes.  The  dorsal  spine  strong  and  sharply  pointed; 
anal  fin  short  and  deep. 

D.  I.,  6;  A.,  17  to  19. 

This  is  a  small  species,  rarely  exceeding  ten  inches  in  length.  In 
colour  it  varies  from  yellowish  brown  to  black  above,  becoming  bluish 
white  below. 

I  am  not  certain  that  this  species  should  be  included  here,  though  it 
is  recorded  from  the  upper  St.  Lawrence  and  from  the  south  shore  of  Lake 
Ontario,  in  New  York  State,  and  I  believe  that  many  years  ago  I  took  it 
in  the  County  of  Lincoln,  Ontario.  It  will  probably  be  found  sparingly 
in  Lake  Erie,  but  its  centre  of  abundance  is  south  and  west  of  this  Pro- 
vince. 

Genus  NOTURUS.     (Stone  Catfish.) 

Body  moderately  elongate,  robust  except  in  caudal  part,  which  is 
much  compressed ;  head  flat  and  broad ;  mouth  terminal  broad ;  teeth  in 
broad  villiform  bands  on  premaxillaries  and  dentaries ;  teeth  of  upper  jaw 
prolonged  backward  into  an  elongate  triangular  extension  ;  adipose  fin 
adnatc  to  the  back  ;  a  poison  gland  at  the  base  of  the  peiloral  spine. 


24 


CHKCK   MST  OK  THK 


II' 


(14)  Stone  Catfish. 

(Xotiiriis  flavus.) 

Body  moderately  elongate;  head  broad  and  flat;  barln-ls  short,  longer 
b.irbel  on  chin  not  quite  half  as  long  as  the  head;  nasal  barbel  when  laid 
b.ick  reaches  end  of  eye.  The  low  .idipose  tin  begins  o\er  the  anal  origin 
and  continues  into  the  caudal;  in  adult  specimens  it  is  deepiv  notched. 
Caudal  fin  rounded.  I'ectonil  spine  retrorse  sermtc  in  front',  roughisli 
behind.     Colour  nearly  imiform  yellowish  brown. 

Length  about  twelve  inches. 

D.  I.,  r,;  A.,  16;  v..  0;  P.  I.,  9. 

This  species  appears  to  he  generally  distributed  .hrough  the  Lake 
Ontario  .md  Krie  waters,  but  is  not  abundant.  It  is  an  unpleasant  fish  to 
handle  because  of  the  painful  wounds  produced  by  its  pectoral  spines. 
There  is  a  minute  pore  at  the  base  of  the  pectoral  spine  \\hich  is  t\w  outlet 
of  a  noxious  fluid  secieted  by  a  poison  gland.  When  this  poison  is  dis- 
charged into  a  wound  it  causes  ;i  very  painful  sore. 


(lEM  s  .schii.mf;oi)i:s. 

Body  moderately  elongate,  rounded  imteriorly,  com])ressed  posteriorly  ; 
he.id  flat ;  skin  very  thick,  concealing  bones  of  he;id  ;  superoccipital  not 
joined  to  the  head  of  the  second  interspin.il ;  mouth  large,  .interior,  the 
upper  jaw  somewhat  the  longer;  awl-shaped  teeth  in  broad  bands  in  the 
jaws,  the  b.ind  in  the  upper  jaw  abruptly  truncate  at  each  end  ;md  not 
prolonged  into  .1  backw.ird  extension  as  in  N'oturus  ;  branchiostegals  nine; 
dorsal  fin  nearer  to  ventrals  than  to  pectorals,  with  a  short  spine  and 
seven  r.iys ;  .idipose  fin  long  ,ind  low,  adn.itc  to  the  body  and  continuous 
with  the  caudal  fin,  the  .idipose  niembr.me  sometimes  high  .md  continuous, 
sometimes  emarginalt  caudal  fin  very  obliquely  truncated  or  rounded,  its 
base  :ilso  obliquely  rounded  ;  many  rudimentary  rays  both  above  and  below 
the  caudal  peduncle;  an.il  fin  short,  with  twelve  to  twenty-three  rays; 
ventrals  rounded  ;  pectoral  fins  with  .i  sharp  spine  of  varying  form  ;  vent 
well  in  front  of  anal  fin  ;  Literal  line  complete.  .\  poison  gland  opening 
by  an  orifice  in  the  axil  of  the  pectoral.  Wounds  caused  by  the  pectoral 
spines  are  exceedingly  painful. 


sinfiKMs  sciin.BHoi)r:.s. 

(15)  Tadpole  Stone  Cat.    Mad  Tom. 

(.Schilbeodes  gyrinus.) 

Body  short  and  stout,  sloping  rapidly  downw.ird  from  the  dorsal 
origin  to  the  tip  of  the  snout.  Fiead  short,  broad  ;md  depres.sed,  its  width 
nearly  equal  to  its  length  ;  jaws  nearly  equal ;  snout  short ;  eve  small.  The 
maxillary  barliel  reaches  to  the  base  of  the  pectoral ;  the  outer  mandibulary 


FISH  OF  ONTARIO. 


26 


barbel  is  sliRlitly  longer.  The  nasal  barbel  is  one-half  as  long  as  the  head. 
Adipose  fin  low,  beginning  over  the  anal  origin  and  is  continuous  with  the 
caudal.  The  ventral  origin  is  under  the  end  of  the  dorsal  ba.se,  the  fin  does 
not  reach  to  anal  origin.     The  caudal  is  rounded. 

Colour  brownish  without  blotches. 

I>.   I.,  (>;  .\.,   13  to  15;  V  .1.,  8. 

Thi.s  little  Catfish  rarely  exceeds  four  or  five  inches  in  length.  It 
frequents  slow  streams  and  weedy  ponds  and  has  the  habit  of  hiding 
beneath  stones  and  among  water  plant.s.  A.s  in  Koturu.s,  there  is  a  poison 
gland  at  the  base  of  the  pectoral  spine.  It  is  said  to  occur  in  the  region 
of  the  Lower  Lakes,  but  as  yet  I  have  not  found  it. 

Order  PLECTOSPONDYLI.     ^Ca^plike  Fishes  ) 

Soft-rayed  or  physostomous  fishes,  with  the  parietals  broad,  distinct  ; 
pterotic  normal;  symplectic  present;  opercular  bones  all  present;  me.so- 
coracoid  presi-nt ;  no  interclavicles ;  the  four  anterior  vertebra-  much  modi- 
fied and  joined  together,  provided  with  the  M'eberian  apparatus  or  ossi- 
cula  auditus.  Hranchiostegals  few,  usually  three  or  four;  shoulder  girdle 
attached  to  the  skull.  Thir;  group  consists  entirely  of  fresh  water  fishes, 
and  includes  about  eight  families,  to  which  belong'  the  majority  of  all  the 
fresh  water  fishes  of  the  world.  The  essential  character  of  the  order  lies 
ui  the  modification  of  the  anterior  vertebne,  as  in  the  \ematognathi,  but 
without  the  character  of  the  rudimcnary  subopcrcle  and  maxillarv  and  the 
scalcless  skin  which  distinguish  the  Catlishes. 

Suborder  EVF.NTOGNATHI.    (The  Carps.) 

I'lectospondylous  fishes  with  the  lower  pharyngeals  falciforn:,  par.illel 
with  the  gill  arches;  two  upper  pharyngeal  bones;  brain  case  p'-oduced 
betwpor  orbits;  jaws  without  tivth  ;  dorsal  fin  present;  no  adipose  fin; 
ve  hdominal.    dill  openings  restricted,  the  gill  membranes  attached 

to   '  ■    iHis.      .Streams   .md  lakes  of   northern   regions.      Species   Vi-ry 

nuni.    . 


t 


Famiiv  CATOSTOMID.i;.     (Iir,.;  Siikkks.) 

Body  oblong  or  elongate,  usually  more  or  less  compressed.  Head 
more  or  less  conical.  Operdes  normally  developed.  Nostrils  double  ;  no 
barbels;  mouth  large  or  small,  usually  protractile  and  with  fleshy  lips. 
Margin  of  upper  jaw  formed  in  the  middle  by  the  small  premaxil'laries, 
and  on  the  side  by  the  maxillaries ;  jaws  toothless.  Lower  pharyngeal 
bones  falciform,  armed  with  a  single  row  of  numerous  comb-like 'teeth. 
Br.inchiof^  is  three ;  gill  membranes  more  or  less  united  to  the  isthmus, 
restricting    the  gill   openings    to  the  .sides;  gills  four,   a   slit    behind  the 

3  F. 


2H 


CHECK  LIST  OK  THR 


fourth;  pseudobranchiie  present.  Scales  cycloid,  large  or  .sma:'.  Lateral 
line  decurved,  sometimes  wanting.  Head  naked ;  fins  not  scaly.  Dorsal 
fin  comparatively  long  (of  ten  to  fifty  r.-iys),  without  true  spine;  anal  fin 
short;  caudal  fin  more  or  less  forked;  ventrals  abdominal,  with  about  ten 
rays;  pectoral  fins  placed  low,  without  spine;  no  adipose  fin;  belly  not 
serrated.  Alimentary  canal  long.  Stomach  simple;  no  pyloric  ca-ca.  Air 
bladder  large,  divided  into  two  or  three  parts  by  transverse  constrictions, 
not  surrounded  by  a  bony  cap.sule. 

Genus  ICTIOBUS.    (Blffalo  Fishks.) 

Body  robust ;  head  very  large  and  strong.  Eye  moderate,  anterior. 
1-ontanelle  large,  well  open.  Opercular  apparatus  largely  developed ;  the 
suboperculum  broad;  the  operculum  strongly  furrowed.  Mouth  large  for 
a  sucker,  terminal,  protractile  forw.ird,  or  downward  and  forward.  Man- 
dible strong,  oblique.  Lips  little  developed  ;  the  upper  narrow  and  smooth  ; 
the  lower  rather  full  on  the  sides,  but  reduced  to  a  narrow  rim  in  front. 
Jaws  without  cartilaginous  sheath.  Muciferous  system  of  head  well  devel- 
oped. Isthmus  narrow.  Pharyngeal  Ixines  rather  weak ;  the  teeth  num- 
erous, moderate  or  small ;  the  lower  ones  gradually  larger  than  the  upper 
ones.  Gill  rakers  long  and  slender  above,  becomin.'r  shorter  downward. 
Scales  large,  thick,  nearly  equal  over  the  b-idy ;  lateral  line  well  developed, 
slightly  decurved  anteriorly.  Dorsal  fin  elongate ;  anterior  rays  .somewhat 
elevated,  their  length  about  half  that  of  'he  base  of  the  fin ;  caudal  not 
much  forked ;  anal  fin  not  much  elevated ;  pectorals  and  entrals  moderate. 
Sexual  differences  slight. 

This  genus  contains  an  uncertain  number  of  species,  very  few  of 
which  have  been  yet  well  defined.  They  are  large,  coarse  suckers,  especi- 
ally characteristic  of  the  streams  of  the  Mississippi  Valley,  and  need  much 
study. 


Subgenus  ICTIOBUS. 

(i6)  Buffalo-flsh.     Sucker-mouthed  Buffalo. 

(Ictiobus  bubalus.) 

Body  considerably  elevated  and  compressed  above;  the  dorsal  region 
subcarinate;  belly  thicker;  axis  of  body  above  the  ventrals,  below  the 
lateral  line,  and  nearly  twice  as  far  from  the  b.-ck  as  from  the  belly.  Head 
moderate,  triangular  in  outline  when  viewed  from  the  side.  Mouth  quite 
small;  mandible  about  equal  to  eye.  Dorsal  fin  elevated  in  front  and 
rapidly  declined,  the  highest  ray  reaching  much  beyond  the  middle  of  the 
fin,  the  seventh  ray  about  half  the  length  of  the  third  or  longest.  Anal 
rays  rapidly  shortened  behind ;  the  middle  rays  much  shorter  than  the  first 
long  ones.  Caudal  deeply  lunate.  Colour,  pale,  slightly  dusky;  fins 
scarcely  dusky.     D.,  29;  A.,  lo;  V.,  10.     .Scales,  8,  39,  6. 


m 


riSIl    (»l'  (INTAIJIM 


Southward  and  in  the  Mississippi  basin  this  is  the  best  known  «)f  all 
the  Buffalo  fislu's.  It  reailus  a  length  of  three  feet  and  a  weight  of  thirty- 
five  pounds. 

The  only  Ontario  record  I  have  is  that  of  a  specimen  in  the  Fisheries 
Museum  at  Ottawa,  said  to  ha\e  been  taken  in  this  Province. 


(IiAis  C.\Rr'I(iI)i;S.     (Cakp  Skkek.   ) 

Hody  oblong-,  the  dorsal  outline  more  or  less  arched  ;  ventral  outline 
ne.T'y  straight;  depth  from  one-half  to  one-third  of  leng'h;  sides  com- 
pressed; the  back  sharp  edged;  caudal  peduncle  short  and  deep;  head 
short  and  deep,  its  upper  surface  rounded ;  eye  moderate,  median  or 
anterior;  suborbital  bones  well  developed;  fontanel  present;  mouth  small, 
horizontal  and  inferior;  mandible  short;  lips  thin,  the  upper  protractile, 
narrow,  the  lower  narrow;  lips  freely  plicate  or  nearly  smooth;  jaws  with- 
out c.-irtilaginous  sheath;  muciferous  system  moderately  developed;  oper- 
cular apparatus  well  developed,  the  subopercle  broad;  isthmus  moderate; 
pharyngeal  bones  remarkably  thin,  laterally  compressed,  with  a  shallow- 
furrow  along  the  anterior  margin  on  the  insule,  and  another  more  central 
on  the  outline  of  the  enlarged  surfaces;  teeth  very  small,  compressed, 
nearly  equally  thin  along  the  whole  inner  edge  of  the  bone,  forming  a  fine, 
comblike  crest  of  minute  serratures,  their  cutting  edge  rising  above  the 
inner  margin  into  a  prominent  point ;  gill  rakers  slender  and  stiff  above, 
becoming  reduced  downward ;  scales  large,  about  equal  over  the  hot  »  ; 
lateral  line  well  dcvv^loped,  nearly  straight ;  dorsal  fin  long,  nearly  median, 
somewhat  in  advance  of  ventrals,  falcate,  its  anterior  ravs  elev.ited,  often 
tilamentous;  caudal  fin  well  forked,  the  lobes  equal ;  anal'fin  comparatively 
long  and  low,  few-rayed;  ventrals  rather  short,  usuallv  with  ten  rays; 
pectorals  short,  placed  low  ;  ;iir  bladder  with  two  <  hani.,er.-.  -Size  medium 
or  rather  '.  .I'ge. 


(ir)  Drum.     Lake  Carp. 

(Carpiodes  thompsoni.) 

Body  short  and  stout,  the  back  strongly  arched.  Head  short,  the 
snout  .-icutely  pointed;  lips  thin,  white,  meeting  at  a  wide  angle;  tip  of 
lower  \nw  much  in  advance  of  nostrils;  eye  small;  dorsal  about  median, 
its  r.iys  considerably  elevated,  the  longest  two-thirds  as  long  as  base  of 
fin.     Scales  rather  closely  imbric.itcd,  8-39  to  41-6. 

D.,  27;  A.,  7;  v.,  10. 

This  fi.sh  ranges  from  the  upper  St.  Lawrence  to  Lake  Huron,  and 
is  common  in  Lake  Erie.  It  is  not  valued  as  a  food  fish,  its  flesh  being 
co.Tse  and  not  well  flavored. 

It  attains  a  weight  of  five  or  six  pounds. 


2H 


CMKCK   1,1st  oI 


iHK 


Okm  s  C.\STOST()AFl-S.     (Imnk-Scai  ei,  Sitki-ks.) 

Hodv  ilonpat.-,  lusifor,,,,  rmmdtd.  taix-ring  antc-riorlv  and  postniorlv  • 

nnr    .r^''    ^""P"'"'^''"  '*":"":  <-><'  -"'•'11.   placed   hi^l. ;'  suborl.i.al   bones 

arrou.   l,..,tam-l  pres.-nt.   Iar«^. ;   m„uth  rather  lar^.-,    inlL-rior,   uppor  lip 

h..k.  pr,„ra,nlo    pap.ll..s.,  louvr  lip  «r..atly  devHo^p..,!.  with  a  hroLl  frcl 

rnarK.n.  usually  drt-ply  ,n,ised  b.-hlKl,  so  that  il  forms  two  lob.-s,  w   i.h 

aro   ollcn   more  or  h-ss   separat.-d;    mandible   horizontal,    short;    oper.les 

moderate;    phar>nKc-al     bones    n.oderate.    their    teeth    shortish,    vertieallv 

sm"d|.T    •    ;;'P"">    ''"""-'""«     i"    size    upward;   seales   .-omparativelv 

small,    typually   murh   smaller   and  erowded  anteriorlv ;   lateral    line   well 

''r:''"'"'';;"''''>'''"'^''=  ''"^^"'  "•••"-'>  ■•"■'li-'n.  with  from  nine  to  fourteen 
rays  anal  (m  short  and  high,  with  seven  developed  rays;  ventrals  inserted 
ndtr  the  middle  or  posterior  part  of  dorsal,  with  nine  to  ten  r.-.vs  ;  caudal 
hn  orked,  he  lobes  nearly  equal.  In  males  the  fins  .-.re  higher,  and  the 
anal  is  swollen  .-,nd  tulxrculate  in  the  spring.  Air  bladder  with  two  cham- 
bers, (he  ijosterx.r  l.-irnv.     X'ertebra-  forty-five  to  forty-se^,■n. 

Sinr.EM  s  CAIOSTOMUS. 

(i8)  Northern  Sucker.     Lonj^-nosed  Sucker. 

(Catostomus  catostomus.) 
Bod 
and   flattened  above,   broad  at   the   1.;^,  but   tapering  into  a  long 


y  elongate,  round  and  tapering.    Head  long  and  slender,  depressed 
tened  ..bove,   bro.ad  at   the   base,  but   tapering  into  a  long   snou 
«h.ch   overh.mgs   the  large   mouth;    lips   thick,  coarselv    tubercudL     the 
upper  hp  narrow,  with   two  or  three,  sometimes   four.^^i;^  of  p.'pilla" 

small;    scales   very  small,   much  crowded 


lower  lip   deeply   incised.      K^e    '^'   ""'''"'^'^   '"'"■'' ''""^  "'   P"P"''^  = 
anteriorly. 

I).,  lo  or  ir  ;  A..  7  or  S ;  V.,  ,0. 

Colour  above  grevish  brown,  becoming  white  Inlow.     .Males  in  s 


spring. 


s   in   earlv 


As  .-,  food  tish  it  is  not  highly  esteemed.     When  fullv  grown  it  reaches 
a  weight  of  four  or  five  pounds. 


SincKMs  DECACTVLUS. 
(ly)  Common  Sucker.    White  Sucker. 

(Catostomus  conimersonii.) 

f.i.    '^?5'>'  "^"''^•■•■'''■'y  "^tout,  he.-.vy  .-.t   the  shoulders  and   taperintr  lo  the 
tail.      Head  conical,  flnttish  abo^c;  snout  rather  prominent!  Tcn'elv  over- 


riSH  OV  ONTARIO 


» 


p:i>>*in>{  thr  mouth,  wlii(  h  is  r.ithcr  larKf,  witli  the  lips  p:ipilio>c',  llu-  iip|KT 
with  twi>  or  throe  rows  of  papilla-.  Sciles  small,  crowded  .interiorly, 
larRer  on  the  sides  and  hclow ;  dorsal  tin  situated  in  middle  of  length; 
xfiilral  opposite  dorsal-  anal  far  bark. 

.Scales,  io-()4  to  ~o-i). 

D.,   n;  A.,  •/;  V.,  q. 

Colour,  brownish  or  olivaceous 
spring  showing  a  rosy  flush.  The 
blotched  and  marked  with  blackish. 


above,  white  below;  the  males  in 
young  more  brownish,  very  much 
.\  small  race  of  this  species  occurs 


in  streams  which  are  blinked  by  dams  or  other  impediments  so  as  to  pre- 
vent the  fish  ever  running  down  to  the  lakes.  These  fish  never  grow  to 
a  greater  length  than  about  five  or  six  inches,  nor  do  they  lose  the  dark 
markings  of  the  young;  yet  in  that  condition  they  undoubtedly  spawn,  for 
the  supply  is  always  maintained. 

This  is  the  most  abundant  of  ail  the  Suckers  in  Ontario  waters,  .ind 
the  most  generally  distributed.  It  is  found  in  lakes,  rivers  and  even  in 
land-locked  marshes  and  ponds.  It  spawns  in  early  spring  soon  after  the 
ice  goes  out,  and  then  forces  its  way  up  the  tlooded  streams  and  through 
the  swiftest  rapids  to  reach  the  spawning  Inds.  .\t  this  time  vast  numbers 
;ire  speared  and  netted  by  fish-hungry  people  in  tht-  rur.il  districts,  for  at 
this  season  its  flesh  is  eatable,  though  coarse  and  full  of  hnnes.  Com- 
mercially It  is  of  very  little  value,  but  as  ii  affords  I'imkI  for  B.iss,  Lake 
Trout,  and  all  other  predaceous  and  voraceous  fishes,  it  is  of  consider;ible 
(M-onomic  importance. 

Its  food  consists  largely  of  soft-bodied  insects  and  the  smaller  crus- 
taceans, and  it  will  readily  take  worm  bait. 

The  largest  I  have  ever  .seen  would  weigh  from  three  to  four  pounds, 
but  they  were  exceptional;  from  one  and  a  half  tf>  two  being  aboi  .  the 
average  size  of  the  spring  run  of  Suckers. 


SiHfiKMs  HVPKNTKLIUM. 

{20)  Ho]{  Sucker.     Stone  Roller. 

(Catostomus  nigricans.) 

Body  subverete ;  head  flattened  on  top,  the  interorbital  space  concave 
and  the  frontal  bone  short,  broad  and  thick ;  eye  rather  small ;  mouth 
large,  lips  well  developed  and  strongly  papillose ;  fins  all  large,  caudal 
moderately  forked ;  lateral  line  fully  developed,  on  median  line  of  body. 
.Scales  moderate,  equal  7-52-7. 

IX,  II  :  A.,  7;  v.,  9. 

Colour  brassy  olive,  the  back  with  dark  cross  blotches  which  disap- 
pear with  age ;  lower  fins  red. 

.•\  large  species,  sometimes  reaching  two  feet  in  length.  It  is  found 
in  L.ike  Erie  and  is  recorded  by  Messrs.  Evermann  and  Goldsborough 
from  Lake  of  the  Woods. 


»> 


t'lIWK   l.fST  OV  THK 


OEMS    ERIMVZOX.     (r,„,.   .S,.KK«s.) 


I 


of   tlKc...Lt^r.K        "''*■''•  ""'  '""'•''  "-'^"'^viT  than  the  tl.-shy   par 

"■  ■■"  '<*"  -iH-.,™!.  Ai/M;„;',:'r„:,;,;";t':  ,";,;,:;:!;:;"•■'>  '■■"-"  ■- 

(-M)  Chub  Sucker. 

(Krimyzon  siiii-tta.) 

l.t.ral  line      Scales';  tl-l;  ''""  "^  '""«'^  =  '^•■'"*'^''  *"»<''^"y  ^^^l^-"  =  -"' 

paleSSs'""^''  '■■^'^^"^''"^^^   >°""^   -i'*'  '"-^   '-"i^  or  bars   a.u, 


<;kms  MIWTKKMA,     (S..,niK»S.,KKRs.) 

line  interrupted'  i^  th     adul      h.  t    wlh  ol   r^  ^ ,""'""""  '".  ''"*"  =  '^"•"■••'' 
«rown  specimens,  and  obsolHe t  ti"  „^  ^  t  ?::;rr'':^h"  r^'^''^ 

dorsal  fin  rather  X'      md  hk'l     fn        T''  "^^'-"'-^  "'^  '"  ^fox„.stoma  : 


FISH  OF  OXTAHIO. 


81 


short;  vi'iitr.ils  >h«rt,  niidwiiy  ht-twi-en  tip  of  snout  atid  l);isi'  «>('  i  ,iu<liil ; 
laiKlal  tin  miulfrati-ly  forki'd,  tho  IoImis  cjiial ;  air  l)lad«U'r  witli  two  ibaiii- 
Ix-rs.     I  It-ad  in  mail's  tulKTculatc  in  spring. 

(.-.)  Striped  Sucker. 

(Minytrt-ma  inclanops.) 

Hmly  oblong,  subti-ri-tu ;  bi-acl  luoclcrali-,  suIm  oniial ;  ovo  small;  no. 
trils  about  over  the  annk-  of  iho  mouth  ;  dorsal  origin  over  tip  of  pectoral ; 
vi-ntrals  nearly  under  middle  of  dorsal.     .Seales  larj,'e,  firm,  4'>-i,V 

I).,   !-•;  .V,  7;  \.,  9. 

Colour  dusky  aljove,  coppt-ry  below,  usually  a  dusky  bloli  h  Ix-hiiid 
dorsal  tin  ;  scab's  mostly  with  a  dark  spot  at  the  base,  the  spots  forming 
lun^itutlinal  stripes.  In  the  younjj  there  is  no  lateral  line,  but  in  adults  it 
is  almost  entire.  OUI  males  durin).;  the  spawning;  season  in  the  sprint; 
have  the  head  tuberriil.ite. 

This  species  is  found  in  Lake  Krie  at'<|  probablv  iMcurs  sp,iritii;i\  in 
Lake  Ontario  also,  but  I  haxe  no  records  from  that  region.  A:,  a  loixl 
lisb  it  is  of  little  value. 

(iiMs    MONOS  l()M.\.      (Ml  III  is;    Ki  D-iioksi    Si  (  ki  Us.) 

Hody  moderately  elongate,  soiiulimes  nc.-irly  round,  usually  com- 
pressed; scales  larj{e,  nearly  uniform  in  si/e  ;  later.il  line  complete,  strai^;hl 
or  anteriorly  cur\ed;  head  v.-iryiny  in  lenj;lli,  subconic.il ;  eye  usually 
rather  larf^e,  placed  moderatelv  hifjli ;  suborbital  bones  very  narrow;  foii- 
tanelle  well  developed;  mouth  varyiii(.r  much  in  .'■i/e,  inferior,  the  mandible 
horizontal  or  nearly  so;  lips  unusually  well  developed,  the  form  of  the 
lower  varyiiiff.  usually  with  a  slijjht  median  fissure,  but  never  (hi  ply 
incised;  lips  with  lrans\erse  fohls,  whiih  are  rarely  broken  up  to  form 
[)apillie ;  jaws  without  cartilajjinous  sheath;  muciferous  syslcm  well 
developed;  opercular  bones  moderately  dexeloped,  nearly  smooth;  isthmus 
broad;  f^ill  rakers  weak,  moderately  lont;  ;  pharyngeal  bones  rather  weak, 
the  teeth  rather  coarser  than  in  I'^rimy/on  and  Catostomus,  strongly  roni- 
pi  sed,  the  lower  live  or  six  stronger  than  the  others,  which  rapidly 
diminish  in  si/c  upward,  each  with  .1  prominent  internal  cusp;  dors.il  tin 
ne.irly  median,  moderately  long  ;  anal  lin  short  and  high,  with  .seven 
developed  rays;  caudal  tin  deeply  fork(<l  ;  air  bladder  with  three  chambers. 

{2^)  White-nosed  Sucker. 

(Moxostom.i  anisurum.) 
Body  elongate,  somewhat  compressed,  slightly  arched  anteriorly. 
Head  moderate,  flat  and  broad  above.  Mouth  slightly  inferior;  upper  lip 
thin,  lower  strongly  V-shaped;  eye  large.  Snout  rather  blunt,  not  pro- 
jecting much  beyond  the  mouth  ;  fins  .ill  well  developed,  the  dors.il  large, 
its  first  ray  is  as  long  as  the  base  of  the  fin  ;  upper  caiid.il  lobe  n.'irrow 
and  longer  than  the  lower.     Scales,  5  to  Ti ;  4^  to  46;  4  to  5. 


1 1 


•£i 


ClIKCK  MST  OF  THE 


I      f 


* 


1    * 


'^■.  15;  A.,  r  to  K;  v.,  8. 

Colour  pale;  raudal  smoky  gray;  lower  fins  red. 

I  h.s  speaes  ,s  jr«-nerally  distributed  through  the  St.  Lawrence    I  -.ke 

developed  it  attains  a  length  of  about  two  feel.  ^ 

(.•4)  Short-headed  Mullet. 

(.Moxostom.-i  brevieeps.) 

Hody  deep,  r<,mpressed ;  head  small;  snout  short  and  sharply  coni. 

ud  r,!^"^.;;;;;"^'  -^•■'" -;>'"^,  f--  -«>>-sting  that  of  the  vvi^itehi ; 

I  rs.;  u    \     u-  ^''P'''  '"'"^  ^''''^^''^''  =*"''  '""•■•'  '""B*;--  than  the  lower- 

ri^u'o;":.:^::^'  s^:'i.^:r= ''""' '''""  '''^"  -""""^"-^ 

Colour  silvery,  the  lower  fins  bright  red. 

Ihis  species  seems  to  be  confined  entirely  to  Lake  Krie    so  f-,r    .s  onr 

(J,S)  Common  Mullet.     Red-horse. 

(iMoxostoma  aureokum.) 

he.d'short"conT'i*''r  ''"'.^  '"   '''''''  "'  ''"■"^^'  '''-"^'^d  --^"d  Con,prcssed ; 
ns     1       '  u'    ""'"    '"-*''''"■"  '-'>■'•'•'*;  '""»"'  '•^'ther  small,  with  thick 

•^/pressed  " ollJ  TrT'"*^'  T*^  -i"""^  ''''>'''  =  -"''•-"  P*^^"-''  "^      ' 
he  bodv    mH  ^•'"'^^'/V'^^-d-      •■^'-ales  large,  about  equal   in   size  all  ove 
the  '«'*'>  ^-y;d^fine^y  stnated,  .,-4..-f,;  lateral  line  complete. 

«nd  l^i^s'^b""''   "■""   ^""°"^  ''''""^y  ^'^fl'^'^""--   P^'-   '-'-:    '-' 

This   is  the  handsomest  and  best  of  all  the  .Su.  ker  f-.mMv       if 

.>rmerly  abund.mt  in  the  waters  of  the  Lake.s  fron    ,t  S,  wre  c.to 

I-ake  .Superior,  but  owing  to  persistent  netting  during  the  spaw^ng"^-  s,  n 

Kamh.v  CNPRI.Ml)^.     (T„K  Cahi-s.) 
Cyprinoid  fishes  with  the  margin  of  the  upper  jaw  formed  by  the  on- 

scries  ot  unh  m  small  numhcr.  four  to  seven  in  the  main  row.  and  ;.  less 


1 


m 


1 1 


FISH  OK  ONTAHIO. 


3S 


number  in  the  others,  if  more  are  present.  Head  naked ;  body  scaly  in  ail 
our  species.  Barbels  two  or  four ;  absent  in  most  of  our  genera  and  not 
large  in  any.  Belly  usually  rounded,  rarely  compressed,  never  serrated. 
(Jill  openings  moderate,  the  membranes  broadly  joined  to  the  isthmus. 
Branchiostegals  always  three.  Gills  four,  a  slit  behind  the  fourth.  Pseudo- 
branchiae  usually  present.  \o  adipose  fin.  Dorsal  fin  short  in  all  the 
.American  species.  V'entral  fins  abdominal.  Air  bladder  usually  large, 
commonly  divided  into  an  anterior  and  posterior  lobe,  not  inclosed  in  a 
bony  capsule,  rarely  wanting.  Stomach  without  appendages,  appearing 
as  a  simple  enlargement  of  the  intestines.  Fishes  mostly  of  moderate  or 
small  size;  very  abundant  both  in  individuals  and  species,  and  from  their 
great  uniformity  in  size,  form,  and  colouration,  constituting  one  of  the 
most  difficult  groups  in  natural  history  in  which  to  distinguish  Tenera  and 
species.     Our  genera  are  mostly  very  closely  related,  and  separated 

by  characters  which,   although   reasonably  constant,   are  often  of  slight 
uctural  importance.     The  spring  or  breeding  dress  of  the  male  fishes 
■  peculiar.     The  top  of  the  head  and  often  the  fins  or  various  por- 
jf  the  body  are  covered  with  small  tubercles,  outgrowths  from  the 
epidermis.     The  fins  and  lower  parts  of  the  body  in  the  spring  males  are 
often  charged  with  bright  pigment,  the  prevailing  colour  of  which  is  red, 
although  in  some  genera  it  is  satin  white,  yellowish,  or  black. 

Young  Cyprinidffi  are  usually  more  slender  than  adults  of  the  same 
species,  and  the  eye  is  always  much  larger;  they  also  frequently  show  a 
black  lateral  stripe  and  caudal  spot,  which  the  adults  may  not  possess. 

The  fins  and  scales  are  often,  especia-.y  in  specimens  living  in  small 
streams,  covered  with  round  black  specks,  immature  trematodes.  These 
should  not  be  mistaken  for  colour  markings. 


m 


Genus  CAMPOSTOMA.     (.Stonk  Rollers.) 

Body  moderately  elongate,  little  compressed;  mouth  normal,  the  jaws 
with  thick  lips  and  rudiment  of  a  hard  sheath ;  premaxillaries  pr  tractile ; 
no  barbel;  teeth  4-4  or  i,  4-4,  o,  with  oblique  grinding  surface,  and  a 
slight  hook  on  one  or  two  teeth ;  air  bladder  suspended  in  the  abdominal 
cavity  and  entirely  surrounded  by  many  convolutions  of  the  long  alimentary 
canal ;  peritoneum  black  ;  pseudobranchia?  present ;  scales  moderate  ;  lateral 
line  present ;  dor.sal  nearly  over  ventrals ;  anal  short ;  no  spines.  Herbiv- 
orous. Sexual  differences  very  great,  the  males  being  covered  with  large 
tubercles  in  spring.  The  singular  arrangement  of  the  intestines  in  rela- 
tion to  the  air  bladder  is  peculiar  to  Campostoma  among  all  known  fishes. 

(26)  Stone  Roller.   Stone  Lugger. 

(Campostoma  anomalum.) 

Body  moderately  stout,  not  greatly  compressed;  the  caudal  peduncle 
long  and  deep.     Snout  obtuse.     Scales,  8-52  to  53-8. 


34 


C'HKC'K  LIST  OF  THE 


IX,  «;  A.,  7  or  «. 

Colour  brownish  with  a  brassy  lustre  above,  the  scales  mottled;  a 
!)lack  vertical  bar  behind  opercle ;  iris  orange.  Dorsal  and  anal  each  with 
a  dusky  cross-bar  about  half  way  up;  in  spring  males  the  upper  half  of 
these  hns  IS  fiery  orange.  In  the  spawning  .season,  the  males  have  the 
head  and  frequently  the  entire  body  covered  with  large  tubercles.  Youne 
mottled  brownish,  the  fins  plain. 

In  this  spt-cies  the  intestinal  canal  is  from  six  to  nine  times  the  total 
ength  of  the  body,  its  numerous  convolutions  passing  above  and  around 
the  air  bladder,  an  arrangement  found  in  Campostoma  alone  among  all 
the  v-ertebrate.s  (Jordan).  It  grows  to  a  length  of  about  eight  inches  and 
ft  widely  distributed. 

I  have  not  yet  found  this  fish  in  our  Province,  but  it  should  and 
probably  does  <xcur  m  streams  flowing  into  the  Niagara  River  and  into 
l-ike  Frie. 

Ckm  s  CHROSOMUS. 

Body  moderately  elongate,  little  compres.sed ;  jaws  normal ;  no  barbel  • 
tectli  5-5  or  4-5,  moderately  hooked,  with  well  marked  grinding  surface' 
alimentary  canal  elongate,  about  twice  as  long  as  body ;  peritoneum  black  '; 
scales^  very  small;  lateral  line  short  or  wanting;  dorsal  behind  ventral  s ; 
anal  basis  short.  .Size  small.  Colours  in  spring  brilliant,  the  pigment 
bright  red.  >  j  ?■ 

(27)  Red-bellied  Dace. 

(Chrosomus  erythrogaster. ) 
Body  fusiform ;  head  conical  with  pointed  snout ;  caudal  moderately 
forked.  Its  middle  r.-.ys  two-thirds  as  long  as  the  outer.  Scales,  18-80  to 
».-,-io;  teeth,  5-5.  Length  about  three  inches.  D.,  8;  .\.  7V  8-P  i' 
Colour,  brownish  olive,  with  black  spots  on  the  back,  a  blackish'band  from 
above  eye  straight  to  the  tail,  sometimes  breaking  up  in  spots  behind; 
another  below,  broader,  running  through  eye,  decurved  along  the  lateral 
line,  ending  in  a  black  spot  at  base  of  caudal ;  belly  and  space  between  Ih,- 
bands  bright  silvery,  brilliant  s.arlet  in  spring  males,  as  are  the  bases  of 
the  verticil  hns  ;  the  females  are  obscurely  marked. 

This  species  has  been  taken  in  .Mgonquin  P;.rk"bv  Prof.  Mncoun,  but 
I  have  no  other  records. 

(ii-Ms  HVBOCi.\.\THL'S. 

Body  elongate,  somewhat  compressed;  mouth  horizontal,  the  jaws 
norma  .  sharp^-dged  ;  lower  jaw  with  a  slight,  hard  protuberance  in  front; 
no  barbel;  upper  jaw  protractile  ;  tet-th  4-4,  cultriform,  with  oblique  grind- 
ing surface  and  little  if  any  hook  ;  alimentary  canal  elongate,  three  to  ten 
times  the  length  of  the  body ;  peritoneum  black ;  scales  large ;  lateral  line 
continuous:  dorsal  inserted  before  ventrals ;  anal  basis  short.     Size  mod- 


FISH  OK  ONTAHIO. 


35 


eratf.    Sexual  ihatifjes  very  slight,  no  rtii  or  black  pigment  distinguishing 
the  males  in  spring. 

SiHiJKM  s  H'l  HOJINATHLS. 

(jK)  Silvery  Minnow. 

(Hytjognathus  nuchalis. ) 

Body  rather  slender;  head  rather  siiort,  the  profile  evenly  curved;  eye 
moderate ;  lateral  line  decurved.  Caud.il  moderate  in  size  and  deeply  forked. 
Scales,  »)-38  to  39-4.  Teeth,  4-4,  long,  much  compressed,  with  a  long 
oblique  grinding  surface.  Intestines  seven  to  ten  times  as  long  as  the 
body. 

Colour  above,  olivaceous  green,  liansluccnt;  sides  silvery,  with  bright 
rellections;  fins  un.spotted.   Length  about  six  inches. 

Has  been  taken  in  the  Lake  Ont.irio  region  of  .New  \ork  State  and 
will  probably  also  occur  here. 

(iKMs   PIMKPH.\Li:S.      (K\T-HKMJ   Minnows.) 

Hody  rather  robust,  little  compressed  ;  hcati  short  and  rounded,  mouth 
small,  inferior;  upper  jaw  protractile;  no  barbel;  teeth  4-4,  with  oblique 
grinding  surface,  usually  only  one  of  the  leeth  hooked;  dorsal  over  ven- 
trals,  its  first  (rudimentary)  ray  separated  from  the  rest  by  membrane, 
not  joined  to  them  as  usual  in  Minnows,  this  character  most  di.stinct  in 
adult  males,  in  which  the  skin  of  the  first  ray  is  thickened;  anal  basis 
short;  intestinal  ci'nal  elongate;  peritoneum  black;  pseudobranchia'  pre- 
sent; scales  r:  ;mall ;  lateral  line  complete  or  v;iriousIv  incomplete. 
.Size  small.  Hi  males  with  much  bl.ick  pigment  and  with  large 
warts  on  the  head. 


Blaok-heail  Minnow,     i  I'imeiihaliK  jiioniilnx.) 

(29)  Blaclihead  Minnow.     Fathead. 

(I'imephales  promelas.) 

Body  short,  deep,  and  moderately  thick ;  head  short,  w  ith  a  very 
obtuse  snout;  mouth  very  small  terminal,  slightly  oblique.  Scales,  9-45 
to  49-fi, 

4   F. 


t'HKCK  LIST  OF  THE 


D    I.,  8;A.  I.,  7;  v.,  8;  R,  ,8. 
rh!n  ™'— ^^'«  '"  ^P""8  dusky,  with  black  head  and  the  snout  and 
IZ     1^  ""n^erous  coarse  tubercles.     Females  much  paler;  ith  sexes 
have  a  dark  lateral  stnpe  which  varies  much  in  individuals.     So^e  speci! 
mens  I  have  show  ,t  clear  and  distinct  from  shoulder  to  the  end  oM he 

he  tie"  ;1he  dts'f  '"  ^H  T"!!'^  ^'^•''"^-     ''"^-  '^  »  dark  .Tnd  a  ong 
tne  base  of  the  dorsal,  widest  and  most  distinct  in  front    fading  cut  tn 

4-^'\',''^r.    ^'"^'^  =>''°"*  '^°  ^"d  a  half  inches.        '  ^    "*  *°' 

The  Blackhead  is  found  chiefly  in  streams  and  ponds  having  a  mud 

where"-  It  sD'awnsi""?  ''  """"'  ''T'"''^  '"  ^^^^-"  Ontarb  than  Hse- 
where.     It  spawns  .n  June  among  the  stones  near  the  shores  of  its  habitaf. 

(30)  Blunt-nosed  Minnow. 

(Pimephales  notatus.) 

..„„^°^I  .?''"''■  *'°"&-'«'^>  ^^ith  a  slender  caudal  peduncle:  head  rather 
long,  wuh  the  snout  abruptly  decurved.  Mouth  verv  small'  inferSr  nearfv 
horizontal ;  caudal  moderately  large  and  forked.  The  la  eral  I ine' curS 
very  slightly  downward    as  far  as  the  ventral    origin  and     hen  follows 

Colour,  dusky  olive,  lighter  on  sides,  black  spot  on  front  of  the  dorsal 
inch.?' U -cur??;  tS'^'!'""  ""  "''^'^'''e.  reachmg  a  length  of  four 

Genls  SEMOTILUS.     (Cm  hs.     Fal.-kis.ies.) 
Body  stout,   moderately  compressed  and  elongate;   mouth  terminal 
wide    the  upper  jaw  protractile ;  a  small  barbel  jusf  aboveThe  end  of  the 
maxillary;  m  most  .American  Minnows  the  barbel  is  at  its  tip   the  maxH 
lary  barbel  sometimes  absent  in  young;  teeth  2    ...    2    h^^u'J       ^u     . 
gnnding  surface ;  scales  rather  la^ge,  fa'tera,  line  cVmpLe  ^a    h^n  t^es 
22t:~t  ''"'"'  ""'"''•■  ""''  '''  ^"'^'  ^^"^^     vttebri 

SincFxus  LEUCOSOMUS. 

(31)  Chub.    Horned  Dace. 

(Semotilus  corporalis.) 

rnth  ^  r''  "'"'^^"^^'y  ^^P'  elongate,  with  a  stout  caudal  peduncle-  head 
The  lateral  hne  curves  downward  abruptly  over  the  pecto'aT  becomtg 


s 
-^ 


KISH  OF  OXTAHIO. 


87 


median  over  the  end  of  that  fin.  Scales,  7-46-5.  A  small  barbel  on  max- 
illary. 

I).  II.,  7;  A.  II.,  7:  v.,  8;  P.,   iH. 

Colour,  upper  parts  steel  blue;  sides  and  belly  silvery,  fins  unmarked. 
In  spring  the  males  have  the  IjcIIv  and  lower  fins  flushed  with  deep  rose. 
This  is  the  largest  representative  of  the  Minnow  irilie  in  our  waters,  under 
favorable  circumstances  attaining  a  length  of  eighteen  inches.  It  frequents 
streams  and  mill-ponds,  spawns  in  June,  and  is  most  abundant  in  the 
eastern  part  of  the  Province.  This  fish  is  eatable,  but  its  flesh  is  not 
greatly  esteemed. 

.Srnr.ENLs  SEMOTII.L'S. 

(■ii)  Creek  Chub.    Horned  Dace. 

(Semotilus  atromaculatus.) 

Body  slender  and  moderately  elongate ;  head  thicker  than  the  body 
and  rather  short ;  eye  rather  small  and  placed  high.  Mouth  moderate, 
very  slightly  oblique,  the  jaws  subcqual,  or  the  lower  slightly  included. 
.Maxillary  barbel  minute  (not  evident  in  the  young).  The  lateral  line  is 
abruptly  bent  downward  over  the  first  half  of  the  pectoral,  straight  and 
nearly  median  during  the  rest  of  its  course ;  caudal  mtxlerate  and  not  very 
deeply  forked. 

Scales,  9-58-6.     I).  II.,  7;  A.   HI.,  8;  V.,  8;  P  ,    15. 

Colour,  bluish  brown  above;  sides  with  a  distinct  duskv  band,  which 
becomes  obsolete  in  the  adult.  Young  specimens  have  the  in<l  of  this 
band  more  pronounced,  forming  a  black  spot  at  the  base  of  the  caudal.  A 
small  black  blotch  always  present  on  the  front  of  the  base  of  the  dorsal. 
Belly  whitish.  Males  in  the  spring  have  the  belly  rose-tinfed  and  coarse 
tubercles  on  the  snout.  This  species  sometimes  attains  a  length  of  twelve 
inches;  it  is  very  abundant  and  generally  distributed  in  all  the  streams  of 
Ontario.  As  a  food  fish  it  does  not  take  high  rank,  though  it  affords  a 
great  deal  of  sport  for  rural  school  boys.  It  spaw--;  in  carlv  summer  on 
the  stony  shallows  in  the  streams  it  frequents. 


ClKMs  LEfCI.SCL'S.     (I)ACE.) 

Body  oblong,  compressed  or  robust,  covered  with  moderate  or  small 
scales;  lateral  line  dccurved,  complete,  or  variously  imperfect;  mouth 
usually  large  and  ter-..inal,  the  lips  normal,  without  barbel ;  teeth  mostly 
•2.  .S-4.  2.  hut  somewhat  variable,  hooked,  with  rather  narrow  grinding" 
surface  or  none;  anal  basis  short  or  more  or  less  elongate;  dorsal  fin 
posterior,  usually  behind  ventrals ;  intestinal  canal  short.  Size  generally 
large,  some  species  very  small.-  A  very  large  group,  one  of  the  largest 
current  genera  m  ichthyology,  represented  by  numerous  species  in  North 
.'Vmerica. 


CHECK  LIST  OK  THE 


SumiEM  9  CLIN'OSTOML'S. 


Red-iidtHl  Sliincr.     ( h  ucitnu  flonytilun. ) 

(33)  Red-Sided  Shiner. 

(Leuciscus  elongatus.) 

Body  elongate    fusiform  with  long  and  slender  caudal  peduncle-  head 
Urge,  with  long  pointed  snout.     Mouth  wide,  with  projecting  low^;  jaw 
Caudal  large  and  deeply  forked.     The  lateral  line  is  abruptly  decurved 
over  the  front  half  of  the  pectoral.  '"rupiiy  aeturved 

«f  »k"'  '":k^'  ^-  "'••  '':  ^'-  ^'  ^•'  '4-  ''"*■'="'.  -'.  5-5.  2,  hooked,  some 
m«!S  "^  K  ^  "arrow  grmdmg  surface.  Colour,  dusky  bluish,  somewhat 
mottled;  a  broad  black  lateral  band,  the  front  half  of  which  is  bright  crim- 
son in  sprmg  males  and  which  i,,  persistent  in  most  specimens  through  the 
summer.  ° 

A  very   abundant   species    found    in   most   streams   in  southern   and 
central  Ontario.     One  of  the  handsomest  of  our  creek  fish. 

Genus  ABRAMIS.  (Bream.) 
Body  subelliptic;  strongly  compressed,  both  back  and  belly  curved- 
back  narrowly  compressed,  almost  carinated ;  belly  behind  ventral  fins 
forming  a  keel  over  which  the  scales  do  not  pass.  Head  small,  conic; 
mouth  small,  oblique  or  horizontal,  without  barbels;  scales  rather  large- 
lateral  hne  continuous,  strongly  decurved;  dorsal  fin  inserted  behind  The 
ventrals,  anal  fin  with  its  base  more  or  less  elongate;  teeth  ?-■;.  hooked 
with  grinding  surface,  the  edges  more  or  less  crenate  or  rrate  a^ent 
ary  canal  short,  though  rather  longer  than  the  body. 

SuBGEM's  NOTEMIGONUS. 
(34)  Butterflsh.    Golden  Shiner. 

(Abramis  crysoleucas.) 
Body  somewhat  elongate,  much  compressed;   head  short,   low.  com- 
pressed   mouth  smal.',  oblique,  the  maxillary  not  reaching  eye    lateral  line 
much  decurved.     The  dorsal  fin  higher  than  long,  situated' on  mSd  e  of 

Sng'^urfacr'^'-      ""''-'    -°-"--'-      ^-"''    ^■^'   ^^^^^^   -^  ^'t" 
D.,  8;  A.,  13. 


*   i 


KISH  OK  UNTAKIU. 


lolour,  Krefni<.h  alnjM-,  >ido«<  Kilvt^ry  in  the  vounK,  «iih  Mronj;  ({oldfii 
retliHtions  in  .-uliilts;   (in-.  ycllowi.Hh.     Li-n^th  iilxiut  ten   inches. 

An  :il>un(liint  ti^h  in  (|uict  weed)  w;iUts  thniuKhout  ihc  southern  :irid 
ienlr;tl  part  ol  the  l'r<i\inie.  It-  lloh  is  ediblv,  but  solt  and  weedy 
llaMiured.     Spawns  in  early  summer. 

Ge.js   CMOLA. 

I'orm  and  appcarame  of  I'imephales,  the  saniu  bquammatiHn,  fin  ray» 
and  phin  ol  colouraiion,  and  the  first  ray  of  the  dorsal  similarly  separated 
hy  the  membrane;  ttu-  sti  ■cture  ol  the  mouth  similar,  but  with  the  intes- 
tinal lanal  short,  short-r  than  lK>dy,  the  peritoneum  pale  and  '.he  teeth 
more  IvMiked,  as  in  Notropis.  The  Ki'nus  is  very  near  I'imephales, 
althoii)jh  in  its  lechniial  charai'tcrs  it  approarhes  nearer  to  Notropis. 

(IS)  Bullhead  Minnow 

(fliola  vigilax.) 

Hody  rather  stout,  compressed,  with  deep  tail ;  head  heavy,  blunt ; 
snout  shori.  decur\ed;  mouth  terminal,  slightly  oblique;  teeth  strongly 
h<x)ked;  scales  in  front  of  dorsal  small,  i  rowded. 

.Scales,  8-4i-o.     U.  I.,  8;  A.,  7. 

Colour,  pale  olivaceous  with  a  plumlx-ous  lateral  band,  always  ending* 
in  a  bl.ii  k  spot  at  base  of  caudal ;  a  conspicuous  black  spot  on  middle  of 
front  of  dorsal.  Resembles  Pimcphales  notatus,  but  distin^juished  by  the 
short  intestine,  larger  mouth,  p.iler  colouraticm,  with  m.ire  definite  mark- 
ings.    Length,  three  inches 

Jordan  .ind  Kverm.mn  record  this  fish  Irom  Detroit.  It  theref'M-c  will 
probably  be  found  in  the  waters  of  southwestern  Ontario. 

Gkms   notropis.      (Siiinrks.) 

Hodv  oblong  or  elongate,  more  or  less  compressed ;  mouth  normal, 
mostly  terminal  and  oblique,  sometimes  subinferior ;  no  barbels  ;  teeth  in 
one  or  two  rows,  those  of  the  larger  row  always  4-4,  h<H)ke<l.  sh;irp  edged, 
or  with  a  narrow  grinding  surface;  .scales  large,  often  closely  imbricated, 
those  before  the  dors.il  rarely  verv  small ;  i.Jeral  Ime  complete  or  nearlv  so, 
usually  decurved;  dorsal  fin  inserted  abcve.  or  more  usually  behind  the 
ventrals;  anal  fin  short  or  moderately  long,  .ibdonien  rounded,  never  sharp 
edged.  Colouration  more  or  less  silvery,  often  brilliant,  the  males  in 
spring  usually  >ith  red  or  white  pigment  and  the  head  with  small  tuben  les. 
A  very  large  group  of  small  fishes,  spec, ally  chara  lerisli  of  the  fresh 
waters  of  ea.stern  North  .Vmerica. 

Si  H(.E\is  CHRIOPK. 
(36)  Notropis  cayuga. 

Head  four  and  one-sixth;  depth,  four  and  a-hnlf    eye  three  and  a 
huif;  stales,  thirl>-six.      leeiii,  4-4.     Lateral  line  wanting  on  some  scales; 


40 


CHECK  LIST  OF  THE 


mou  h  very  small,  anterior,  the  maxillary  not  reaching  the  eye;  jaws  sub- 
equal ;  eye  large.  Scales  above  dark  edged,  the  outlines  veri^h  .roW 
defined;  chm  not  black;  a  black  stripe  thn.ugh  snout  and  eveMskJ 
lateral  shade  and  a  small  caudal  spot.  '  ^ 

Length,   two  and  a-half  inches. 

it  ^.m^lTtf^^f-  'o"'  ^'««'.^'«^'<  State  westward  to  Assiniboia 
It  will  no  doubt  be  found  in  Ontario,  but  I  have  not  yet  seen  it. 

(37)  Notropis  muskoka. 

tuo-tSs  dr-lmrrr'  '^'"'^"  ^^r^'  ^^^y  p^'^  ''*^''""= •'  ^"^"^  ^-^"^^  --'bout 

i«o  thirds  diameter  of  eye  around  snout  and  on  sides  to  base  of  caudal  fin  ■ 
^ndfh  T^'t  *''%''-''"'^  '■"  ^"""^^  '°  "^-^  "PP-  i--=  between  thTs  band 

same  widl  rd-t"  7k'',  r """''  ''^'""^  '^  "  "^''''^^  "-'^  «^  -"""'"e 
same  width    a  dark  vertebral  line  present,  also  a  similar  one  from  base  of 

,h„  J'  ^'^,^'^c   ^""T  ^'""'OP''*  ^••''yuff-T  in  the  reduced  size  of  the  scales  before 

lar..t''^nH  •  'Kr'""  ''^"''*"''  """^y-  '"-^  »''""*  "-"'.  -d  the  sS  y 
larger  and  more  oblique  mouth  and  the  more  incomplete  lateral  line  h 
IS  also  a  larger  fish  than  Notropis  cavuga 

were'^tTi^'f'Tm  ^^1""*""'  ^•■"■>'"f /"  '"-'"K'h  from    ,.31   to  ..8.,  inches 

ou^:t';tTblZttf!rrLi^*"  "^  '•""  "^•^•^'  ''^''^''-  ^-^  f---  ^"^^ 

in  S  JpteX?74""-     ''  """'  '""""'  '"'  ""'"  "^  ''^-  '•  '^-  ^'^^"^ 

(38)  Notropis  heterodoa. 

nnint!^''^^'""''''"*^'^  '*''"*•  '""^   ''•'•"='*  Somewhat  elevated;  head  rathe. 

Hrrll  ;•          ""T    ''"^"'"'"•''f'^:    -"""th    oblique,    lower  jaw  projecting 

literal  line  usually  more  or  less  imperfect.     Scales,  5-36.,.  TeeU,   '  .4 

often  crenate.                                                                     >  a  j    .■»•  iccm,  4-4, 

Colour  oiiv.iceous;  chin  black;  a  blackish  rostral  band;  sides  with  a 
dusky  band.     Length  two  and  a  half  inches. 

Ranges  from  the  St.  Lawrence  River  westward. 


St'nr.ENL's  ALBl'RNOPS. 
(39)  Notropis  fretensis. 

Slender    compressed;  mouth  oblique;  eye  three  and  a  h.ilf  in  head 
ateral  hne  decurved.     Scales,  fi-,,..,.     Colour,  olive,  a  plum^Ls  lateral 
shade  and  dark  spot  at  base  of  caudal.     Length  two  and  a  half  inches. 

from  the  'pZ7^V  ""^  '^'T1^  '"  '''''"^"^  ^y  •'"^'l''"  »"J  Evermann 

trom  the  fireat  Lake  region  and  Detroit  River, 


FlStr  01'  ONTAIUO. 


41 


(40)  Straw-colored  Minnow. 

(\otropis  blennius.) 

Body  slender,  elongiite,  its  j,'reate.st  depth  one-liftli  of  total  length 
without  caudal;  head  rather  large;  eye  large;  mouth  small,  inferior,  hori- 
zontal, snout  very  obtuse.    Scales,  5  to  6-32  to  38-4.    U.,  8  to  9;  .\.,  7  to  S. 

Colour  pale,  olivaceous ;  sides  usually  pale,  usu.illy  a  darker  dorsal 
band  and  a  small  dark  blotch  before  dorsal,  sometimes  a  plumbeous  lateral 
stripe,  but  no  caudal  spot;  fins  all  plain.  Length  about  two  and  a  half 
inches. 

Range  from  the  upper  St.  Lawrence  through  the  region  of  the  (ireat 
Lakes.  Lake  of  the  Woods  (Kvermann  and  (ioldsborough). 

(41)  Notropis  volucellus. 

Body  moderately  stout.  Head  depressed,  the  snout  rather  long.  Fins 
more  elongate  than  in  most  rel.-ited  species,  the  pectorals  reaching  ventrals. 
Caudal  peduncle  slender. 

D.,  8;  .\.,  8;  scales,  4-34-3- 

Colour,  olivaceous,  a  slight  dusky  lateral  shade ;  no  dorsal  stripe , 
fins  plain.     Length,  two  and  a-half  inches. 

This  species  has  been  found  in  the  Detroit  River.  I  have  no  f)thei 
records  from  our  waters. 

SiBOF.Ms  HUDSON lUS. 

(42)  Spawn-eater.    Smelt. 

(\otropis  hudsonius.) 

Body  moderately  elongate,  compressed.  Head  conical,  with  short, 
blunt  snout ;  mouth  >niall,  nearly  horizontal,  the  lower  jaw  very  slightly 
the  shorter.  The  lateral  line  is  slightly  curved  downward  over  the  pec- 
toral, straight  and  median  for  the  rest  of  its  coi  •>«.  Caudal  large  and 
deeply  forked,  its  middle  rays  half  as  long  as  the  outer.  .Scales,  7-38-5. 
Teeth,  2,  4-4,  i  or  2,  with  a  narrow  grinding  surface  on  at  least  two. 

D.,  8;  A.,  8  or  9;  v.,  8;  P.,  14. 

Colour,  pale  olive,  young  always  with  a  round  black  spot  at  b.-ise  of 
caudal;  sometimes  a  dark  lateral  b.ind;  fins  unmarked.  Length,  ten 
inches. 

Common  and  generally  distributed  in  the  lakes  and  larger  streams 
from  the  upper  St.  Lawrence  to  Lake  Superior.  The  northern  form  of 
Lake  Superior  is  N.  h.  selene. 

sinr.FMs  c^prinf-:ll.\. 

(43)  Silverfin. 

(Notropis  whipplii.) 
Body  moderately  elongate,  fusiform  in  the  adult.     Caudal  peduncle 
short  and  stout.     Head  conical,  compressed,  snout  pointed.     Mouth  mod- 


4S 


CHECK  LIST  (»K  THK 


crate  terminal    slightly  oblique,  jaws  nearly  equal.     The  .-.udal  is  l-.r^. 

Length,  about  four  inches. 

It  is  found  in  the  .St.  Lawrence  and  fJreat  Lakes  region. 

Siw.EMs  Lf.MLUS. 
(44)  Shiner.    Redfin.    Dace 

(Notropis  corn  ut  us  ) 

dusky t^g^'S  sirs*!!  "'"'  i'  ?'l!  'T  ^'""^  '"«=  "^-^^  — 

line.  In  spring  male  the  bellv  nH  . '" '  «'*''''  "'^^^y  ''^•^'•'"'''  ^^''h  a  gilt 
and  nape  covered  tith  sm  J  'ure^ceT^f^^^'^'f*  TT'  ''^  ''''"' 
inches:  under  favourable  circuttt^es    erh  p     . liule'lr    "■"'^"'  ^'^'^'^ 

the  S:::i  ^'^i::;:^.::^':;:  t-;"x '"  ^v^^'-^^^^  ->^:throughout 

pools  and  eddies  -  """'"  '"'""  "P"'-''  ■'•''^^"ate  with  deep 

It  spawns  in  early  summer  on  stony  shallows. 

.N.  c.  frontalis  is  the  form  commonly  found  in  the  lakes. 

SiBc.Exts  XOTROI'LS. 
(45)  Notropis  jejunus. 

Head  four ;  depth,  four  and  two-thirds  ;  eye  rather  hr^e     R«^        ,u 
slender;  head  flatt  sh  abovp    iho  ^n«.  .11     1    .        ,  "^"^  'arge.    Body  rather 
large,  oblique  '  "*""'  '''"""-^'*  ""''  ^"""^ed ;  mouth  rather 

IJorsal  oyer  yentrals ;   .r,  scales  before  dorsal. 

u..  «:  A     7;  scales,  .s.-,;.^;  ,eeth,  2,  4.4,  i. 


^ 


FISH  OF  ONTARIO. 


43 


This  species  is  recorded  by  Evermann  and  Goldsborough  from  Lake 
of  the  Woods  and  Rainy  River. 

(46)  Notropis  atherinoides. 

Head,  four  and  two-thirds;  depth,  five  and  a  half;  eye  three  and  a 
quarter.  Body  long  and  slender,  compressed,  the  back  not  elevated. 
Head  blunt,  conic,  proportionately  shorter  than  in  related  species.  Mouth 
moderate,  very  oblique,  upper  lip  on  level  of  upper  part  of  pupil ;  maxillary 
about  reaching  front  of  eye.  Eye  large,  rather  longer  than  snout.  Fins 
low;  dorsal  well  behind  vtntrals ;  tips  of  ventrals  extending  to  beyond 
middle  of  dorsal.     Lateral  line  decurved. 

D.,  8;  A.,  11;  scales,  5-38-3;  15  before  dorsal;  teeth,  2,  4-4,  2. 

Colour  translucent  tfreen  above;  sides  bright  silvery;  scales  above 
faintly  punctate,  but  not  enough  so  to  render  them  dark-edged,  nor  to 
form  blotches  along  sides;  a  faint  dark  vertebr;d  line;  males  in  spring 
with  the  snout  rosy.     Length,  four  to  six  inches. 

This  species  ranges  from  the  St.  Lawrence  River  through  the  Great 
Lake  region  to  Manitoba. 

(47)  Notropis  rubrifrons. 

Head,  four;  depth,  four  and  three-quarters;  eye,  four.  Body  mod- 
erately elongate,  the  back  scarcely  elevated,  caudal  peduncle  somewhat 
contracted.  Head  longer  than  in  most  related  spiries,  conic  and  rather 
pointed.  Mouth  rather  large,  very  oblique,  upper  lip  above  line  of  middle 
of  pupil,  maxillary  reaching  to  opposite  eye.  Eye  moderate,  anterior, 
usually  shorter  than  the  sharp  snout. 

D.,  8;  A.,  10;  scales,  5-39-3,  tho.se  before  dorsal  large,  15  to  17  in 
number;  teeth,  2,  4-4,  2,  little  hooked. 

Colour  olivaceous  above;  scales  with  darker  edges;  sides  silvery;  a 
dark  vertebral  line ;  a  row  ot  dark  dots  along  base  of  anal ;  males  with  the 
snout  tuberculate  in  spring;  the  forehead,  opercular  region  and  base  of 
dorsal  being  then  flushed  with  red. 

Length,  two  and  three-quarters  inches. 

This  species  is  recorded  from  the  St.  Lawrence  River  and  Lake  of  the 
Woods  (Evermann  and  Goldsborough). 

SuHGENUs  LYTHURUS. 

(48)  Redfin  Minnow. 

(Notropis  umbratilis.) 
Body  compressed,  the  caudal  peduncle  long:  head  long,  conir 
rather  pointed ;  mouth  large,  moderately  oblique  lower  jaw  somewhat  pro- 
jecting;  eye  moderate;  scales  closely  imbricated,  crowded  anteriorly; 
dorsal  fin  high,  in.serted  about  midway  between  ventrals  and  anal;  pec- 
torals not  reaching  ventrals;  caudal  long:  lateral  line  much  decurved. 
Scales,  9-40  to  52-3.     Teeth,  2,  4-4,  2.     D.,  7;  A.,  11. 


4-t 


CHECK  LIST  OK  THK 


Colour,  d;irk  steel  blue  above :  pale  or  silvery  below.  A  more  or  less 
evident  black  spot  at  base  of  dorsal  in  front ;  the  fins  otherwise  all  plain. 
Males  with  the  anterior  dorsal  region  and  the  head  profusely  covered  with 
small  whitish  tubercles,  the  lielly  and  lower  fins  Ix'ing  of  a  bright  brick 
red  in  the  spring.     Females  very  pale  olive,  sometimes  almost  colourless. 

This  species  is  recorded  by  Dr.  Tarleton  H.  Bean  as  ranging  from 
Western  New  York  to  Minnesota.  It  should  therefore  be  found  in  the 
waters  of  Western  Ontario,  but  as  yet  I  h.ive  not  seen  it.  Our  form  would 
probably  be  N.  u.  lythrurus. 

Gems  RHIMCHTHVS.     (Biai  k-noskd  Dace.) 

Body  moderately  elongate  and  little  compressed,  with  usually  stout 
caudal  peduncle  and  long,  conical  nose ;  head  rather  large,  sometimes 
broad  and  flat  above;  eye  small;  mouth  small,  subinferior,  the  upper  jaw 
fixed  by  the  union  of  the  upper  lip  to  the  skin  of  the  forehead;  end  of 
maxillary  with  small  barbel.  Teeth,  2,  4-4,  j  (sometimes  j,  4-4,  1),  those 
of  the  principal  row  usually  hooked,  without  grinding  surface.  A  short 
intestinal  canal;  scales  very  small;  lateral  line  decurved,  continuous; 
dorsal  origin  slightly  behind  ventral ;  b.ise  of  anal  short.  Stnall  fishes 
inhabiting  clear,  cold,   brooks  and  streams. 

(49)  Long-nosed  Dace.     Niagara  Gudgeon. 

(Rhinichthys  cataractae.) 

Body  elongate,  subterete ;  caudal  peduncle  stout ;  head  moderate ;  eye 
rather  ^ove  median;  mouth  horizontal,  small,  placed  under  the  snout,  the 
lower  jaw  the  shorter;  upper  lip  thick;  barbel  evident  but  small;  caudal, 
large  and  well  forked;  scales,  13-57  1065-10.  Teeth,  2,4-4,  -•  'hrec  of  the 
principal  row  hooked.     D.  II.,  7;  .\.  II.,  h;  \'.,  8;  P.,  ij. 

Colour,  dusky  olive,  the  back  darker,  below  pale,  some  of  the  scales 
mottled  irregularly  with  dark  and  olivaceous,  no  bl.-ck  latcr.il  hand  in  the 
adult,  but  in  the  young  there  is  a  trace  of  a  dusky  band.  Males  in  the 
spring  have  the  lips,  cheeks  and  lower  fins  crimson.  Length,  ;ibout  five 
inches. 

This  species  is  found  from  the  Niagara  River  to  Lake  Superior.  It 
is  not  uncommon  at  Sault  St".   Marie. 


( lihiHirlilhi/n  alnmtiHitti. ) 


Mlack-nosed  Dace. 

(50)  Black-nosed  Dace. 

(Rhinichthys  atronasus.) 
Body  long,   somewhat  stout ;  head  small,  conical ;  eye  small ;  mouth 
small,  slightly  oblique,  with  nearly  equal  jaws;  the  maxillary  barbel  small 


1 


FISH  OK  ONTARIO 


4.^ 


<ir  \v:inting.  The  dorsal  oriiiin  is  nearer  to  root  of  caudal  than  to  lip  of 
snout ;  caudal  small  and  not  deeply  forked.  The  lateral  line  curves  down 
over  the  pectoral,  soon  bi'corninjj  median.  Scales,  10-56  to  63-10.  Teeth, 
2,  4-4,  2,  three  of  the  principal  row  strongly  hooked.  D.  H.,  6  or  7 ;  A. 
II.,  6;  v.,  8;  P.,  11. 

Colour  dusky  blackish,  mottled  above,  whitish  below,  a  black  lateral 
band,  bordered  above  and  below  by  pale.  Spring  m;iles  have  the  lateral 
band  and  ventral  fins  crimson  or  orange.  In  some  adult  specimens  I  have 
the  dark  lateral  band  is  entirely  wanting.  Dr.  Philip  Cox,  of  New  Bruns- 
wick, who  finds  boih  this  and  the  preceding  species  in  that  Province,  .says  : 
"These  two  species  are  with  us  very  closely  related  and  present  at  all 
times  such  instability  of  characters  as  to  suggest  intergr.-iding. "  Length, 
about  three  inches. 

\'cry  common  in  all  streams  of  the  Low<'r  Lakes  and  .St.  Lawrence 
region.     In  the  I'pper  Lake  region  it  is  represented  by  R.  a.  obtusus. 

(iHM  s  HVMOPSIS.     (H<)i<\v-m;\i)s.) 

Body  robust  or  variously  elongate ;  mouth  terminal  or  inferior,  with 
lips  thin  or  somewhat  fleshy,  .1  conspicuous  b;irbel  always  present  an«l 
terminal  on  the  maxill;iry;  a  second  barbel  sometimes  present  on  each 
side;  premaxill.-irics  protractile.  Teeth  .1.-4  or  i,  4-4,  i,  or  o;  hooked,  the 
grinding  surface  narrow  or  obsolete.  -Scales  usually  rather  large ;  lateral 
line  continuous.  Dorsal  inserted  over,  in  front  of,  or  slightly  behind 
ventrals ;  anal  basis  short.  Males  usually  with  nuptial  tubercles,  and 
sometimes  flushed  with  rvil.  A  large  and  varied  group  closely  allied  to 
\otropis,  from  whic  li  it  differs  chieflv  in  the  presence  of  the  small  maxil- 
lary barbel. 

Sinr.FM  s    FRIMYSTAX. 

(51)  Spotted  Shiner. 

(Hybopsis  dissimilis.^ 

Body  long  and  s!en<ier,  caudal  peduncle  long  and  low ;  he.id  long, 
snout  obtusely  rounded  at  the  point ;  projecting  beyond  the  sm:ill  mouth. 
The  gill  openings  are  separ.-ited  by  a  broad  isthmus.  Caudal  moderately 
l;irt;e  and  deeply  forked.  Barbels  conspicuous.  Scales,  6-43  to  47-5. 
Teeth.  4-4.  hooked  and  with  .1  short  grinding  surface.  D.  II.,  8;  ;\.  IL, 
6;  v..  7:  P..   15. 

Colour,  jibove  olivaceous,  beiow  silvery,  the  lateral  band  is  dusky,  on 
which  are  several  dark  spots;  the  band  is  carried  forward  through  the  eye 
and  around  the  snout  :  tins  pale.     Length,  about  six  inches. 

This  species  occurs  in  the  Lower  Lakes  and  rivers  falling  into  them. 
It  i>  probably    more  abundant   in    Lake    Krie   than  els«-«lifre. 


k 


4tl 


CHECK  M.ST  OK  THE 


SiBOENi  s  HVHOPSIS. 
(.S.>)  Lake  Minnow. 

(ll.vbop.<-is  stortTianus.) 
Body  rather  elongate;  back  elevated,  aMendin^;  j-radually  to  bejjin- 
ning  of  dorsal,  then  descending  to  the  caudal  fin ;  head  short,  intcrorbital 
space  broad,  flat ;  mouth  rather  small,  horizontal,  the  lower  jaw  included ; 
barbel  conspicuous;  snout  abruptly  decurved,  the  tip  thickened;  lateral 
line  somewhat  decurved;  fins  high;  dorsal  inserted  well  forward,  over 
ventrals;  pectoral  fins  pointed;  caudal  long,  dccplv  forked.  .Scales,  j;-4.*-4. 
D.,  8;  A.,  8.  -  .        t 

Colour,  greenish  alwve ;  sides  and  below  brilliant  silvery ;  fins  plain. 
Length,  about  eight  inches. 

This  fish  has  been  taken  in  Lake  Ontario  wafers  and  also  in  Lake 
Krie,  but  I  have  no  other  records. 

(Jenus  coui:sius. 

Body  elongate;  head  normal,  not  depres.sed,  the  profile  convex  ;  mouth 
terminal,  normal,  a  well  developed  barbel  on  the  anterior  side  of  maxil- 
lary, just  above  its  tip.  Iceth,  2,  4-4,  2,  hiwikcd  without  grinding  sur- 
face. Scales  rather  small ;  lateral  line  continuous.  Dorsal  fin  over  or 
slightly  behind  ventrals ;  anal  basis  short.  .Size  rather  large.  This  genus 
is  closely  related  to  the  section  Xocomis  under  Hybopsis,  from  which  it 
may  be  separated  by  the  presence  of  two  teeth  in  the  lesser  row ,  by  the 
position  of  the  barbel,  and  by  the  smaller  scales.  Its  relations  with  Scmo- 
tilus  are  equally  close. 

(si)  Lake  Chub. 

(Couesius  plumbeus.) 

Body  moderately  elongate  and  somewhat  compressed;  head  r.ither 
flat  above,  not  much  raised  above  the  level  of  the  eyes ;  maxillary  reaching 
to  below  front  of  rhit,  a  small  barbel  placed  high  at  its  tip;  lower  jaw 
included.  Lateral  line  beginning  high  up  on  the  nape,  abruptly  descend- 
ing to  the  median  line  over  the  pectoral  fin,  and  thence  running  nearly 
straight  to  the  caudal  fin.  Dorsal  origin  midway  between  tip  of  snout 
and  ba.se  of  caudal  fin.  Caudal  deeply  forked.  Scales  small,  n-65-8. 
Teeth,  2,  4-4,  2. 

Colour  dusky  above,  sides  silvery  with  a  plumbeous  lateral  band;  fins 
plain.   Length,  nhnut  six  inches. 

This  species  r.ingrs  through  Canada  from  New  Brunswick  to  Lake 
Superior  and  is  tolerably  common  throughout ;  more  especially  north- 
ward.    The  Lake  Superior  form  is  C.  p.  dissimilis. 

Gkm  s  KXOGLC'SSUM. 

Body  rather  short  and  stout,  subterete ;  lower  jaw  three  lobed,  the 
dent.try  bones  being  close  together  and  completely  united,  not  for"-ing  a 


i 


KISM   OK  ONTAUIO. 


47 


uide  arch  as  in  the  minnows  Kcncrally ;  uppiT  jaw  nut  prolrartiU- ;  pha- 
ryngeal bones  small,  tin;  teeth  hooked,  and  without  grinding  surface,  i,  4- 
4,  I.  Scales  moderate;  lateral  line  complete.  Dorsal  origin  is  nearly 
over  the  beginning  of  the  ventral ;  anal  fin  short ;  isthmus  broad  ;  gill  rakers 
weak;  pscudobranchial  present,  air  bladder  normal;  alimentary  canal 
short;  peritoneum  white.  Size  large.  No  marked  sexual  peculiarities; 
the  males  with  some  black  pigment  in  spring.  One  of  the  most  strongly 
marked   genera   of  Cyprinidie. 

(54)  Cut-lips.    Stone-toter. 

(Hxoglossum  maxillingun.) 

Ho<ly  rather  short,  and  stout  ;  caudal  (H-dum  K-  short  and  deep.  Snout 
short  and  obtusely  conical,  lower  jaw  included;  lye  small.  Caudal  nxnl- 
erately  forked.     .Scales,  9-54-f>.     Teeth,   1,  4-4,   i.     1).,  H;  A.,  7. 

Colour,  dusky  olivaceous,  darker  above;  a  short  and  narrow  dark  bar 
above  the  root  of  pectoral;  young  with  a  dusky  bar  at  the  caudal  base. 
I*"ins  dusky,  with  pale  extemities. 

This  fish  may  Ix?  readily  distinguished  by  the  three-lobcd  lower  jaw, 
the  dentary  bones  being  closely  united  .md  the  lower  lip  represented  by  a 
Heshy  lobe  on  each  side  of  the  mandible. 

Length,  about  six  inches. 

The  .Stonc-toter  has  not  a  very  wide  range;  it  is  foiuul  in  the  St. 
Lawrence  River  and  in  Lake  Ontario,  but  does  not  appear  to  be  abundant. 


(iKMs  CVPRIMS.     (Caki-.) 

Hody  robust,  compressed;  mouth  moderate,  anterior,  with  lour  long 
barbels ;  snout  blunt,  rounded  ;  teeth  molar,  broad  and  truncate,  i ,  i ,  v 
.^  I,  I  ;  scales  large;  lateral  line  continuous;  dorsal  fin  very  long,  with  a 
stout  spine,  serrated  behind;  anal  fin  short,  also  with  a  spine.  Large 
fishes  of  the  fresh  waters  of  Asia  ;  introduced  into  Kurope  and  America 
as  food  fishes. 

{551  Carp.     (Introduced.) 
(Cyprinus  carpio.) 

Body  stout,  moderately  elongate;  head  comparatively  small;  mouth 
moderate,  the  upper  jaw  not  extending  to  front  of  eye ;  a  barbel  on  the 
upper  lip  and  another  on  the  angle  of  the  mouth  at  each  side.  Caudal 
strongly  forked.     Scales,  5-38-5.    D.  ML,  20;  A.  IIL,  5;  V.  L,  7;  P.,  15. 

Colour,  above  dusky,  the  sides  and  below  golden  olive. 

There  are  three  varieties  of  this  species,  the  German  or  Scale  Carp, 
the  Mirror  Carp,  and  the  Leather  Carp,  the  distinction  between  them  Iwing 
based  upon  the  scale  nfrr.ngement.  The  Leather  Carp  is  nearly  without 
scales.     The  Mirror  has  a  few  s.ales  of  unequal  size,  irregularlv  placed; 


II 


•M 


CHECK  LIST  OK  THE 


while  the  German  variety  has  the  txxly  «-omplctely  covered  with  .scales, 
this  last  being  the  most  abundant  form  in  our  waters. 

No  greater  mistake  was  ever  made  than  the  introduction  of  this  tish 
into  North  American  waters.  In  Kngland,  where  it  is  well  known,  it 
was  considered  atx>ut  the  most  worthless  lish  they  had  and  one  of  the 
nu)st  dilhcult  to  gel  rid  of,  where  once  it  had  become  established.  On 
some  parts  of  the  continent  of  Europe,  however,  where  good  fish  are 
scarce,  the  Carp  was  cultivated  and  fed  in  ponds  with  care  and  probiibly 
Ijccause  the  people  knew  no  better,  it  was  more  appreciated.  In  this 
country,  where  lish  of  the  highest  quality  should  be  obtainable  by  every 
one,  thee  is  no  place  for  the  Carp. 

De  Kay  states  that  it  was  first  introduced  into  New  York  waters  in 
iHji.  In  1H70  it  was  taken  to  California  and  in  1877  the  United  States 
Fishery  Ctimmissioner.s  imported  a  considerable  number  and  propagated 
them  only  too  successfully.  Since  then  they  have  spread  into  all  accessible 
waters  and  have  become  an  unbearable  nuisance  wherever  found,  for  not 
only  are  they  damaging  our  fisheries,  but  also  by  rea.son  of  their  destruc- 
tion of  the  wild  rice  beds  they  are  causing  the  wild  fowl  to  avoid  the  feed- 
ing grounds  to  which  they  formerly  resorted  during  the  autumn  flight. 

The  f€X>d  of  Carp  consists  principally  of  insects  and  vegetable  matter, 
preferably,  perhaps,  of  the  seeds,  young  shoots  and  tender  roots  of 
aquatic  plants;  when  leeding  it  constantly  grubs  up  the  bottom,  thereby 
stirring  the  mud  and  keeping  the  water  in  suc;h  a  dirty  condition  that  none 
of  our  valuable  fish  will  remain  in  it. 

The  spawning  .season  in  our  waters  commences  in  June  and  seems  to 
last  until  August.  The  fish  are  very  prolific,  make  rapid  growth,  and 
attain  a  large  size,  specimens  weighing  over  twenty  pounds  having  fre- 
quently lieen  taken  in  Ameritan  waters,  while  in  Europe  they  have  beer 
known  to  reach  ninety  pounds. 

Order  APODES.    (The  Eels.) 

Teleost  fishes  with  the  premaxillaries  atrophied  or  lost,  the  maxillarics 
lateral,  and  the  body  anguilliforni  and  destitute  of  ventral  fin.s.  The  most 
striking  feature  is  the  absence  of  the  premaxillaries,  taken  in  connection 
with  the  elongate  form  and  the  little  development  of  the  scapular  arch, 
which  is  not  attached  to  the  cranium.  Other  characters  not  confined  to 
the  Apodes  are  the  following  :  The  absence  of  the  symplectic  bone,  the 
reduction  of  the  opercular  apparatus  and  of  the  palatopterygoid  arch,  the 
absence  of  ventral  fins,  the  absence  of  the  mesocoracoid  or  pracoracoid 
arch,  and  the  reduction  or  total  absence  of  the  scales.  There  are  no 
spines  in  the  fins,  the  gill  openings  are  comparatively  small,  and  there  are 
no  pseudobranchiae.  The  vertebra;  are  in  large  number  and  none  of  them 
are  specially  modified.  The  tail  is  isocercal ;  that  is,  with  the  caudal  ver- 
tebrae remaining  in  :i  straight  line  to  its  extremity,  as  in  the  cmbryov  of 
most  fish. 


ih 


I 


KISH  OK  ONTARIO 


4» 


Sukordcr  ENCHELYCEPHA1.I. 

Tlu-  (  haracturs  of  this  uroiip  iirt-  as  jjivoii  mIxa  c. 

Tamiiv  AMlUILI.ID.li.     ,  I  iik  Tki  k  Ehis.i 

I  he  true  ICt'ls  lire  ell. irailiTi/i-cl  by  thi-ir  iimicat  hea<l,  wull  <li  \<1oik-«1 
oprrfular  apparatus,  lati-ral  iiiaxillim-s,  cardiform  tfi-th,  distinct  tiMiijuc, 
v«-rtii  ;il  lali-ral  l)ranclilal  ,i(H'rtiircs.  contiiUHMis  MTtiral  fins,  with  thr  dorsal 
lai  from  tin-  licad,  pci  lurals  well  «!i'\,  K-ixd,  staly  skin,  anil  nearly  pcrfrrt 
l)ram  tiial  ski'lelon. 

'I'lu-  AnKiiillidu-  approarli  inore  nearly  than  most  of  llu'  Kels  to  the 
t\pi'  of  the  true  fishes.  In  oiu-  respect,  however,  that  of  the  minute  ova 
ami  loneealed  (jeneratiofi,    they   <li  'cr    widely    from   ihev. 

(iKM  s  ANt.lII.I.N.     (Khs.) 

Ilodv  elongati',  sulil. '->!i  ,  mnipressed  posteriorly,  eo\ered  with 
embedded  -.lales  which  .iii'  liiic.ir  iii  lorm  and  placed  ol)li(|ui-ly,  s<ime  of 
them  at  right  an^Ici  to  dlher--.  'aleral  line  well  tleveloped.  Head  lont;'. 
conical,  moderatelv  pointed,  ti:r  r.-ilhcr  small  <  "  ■■  will  forwaril  and  ov<'r 
the  .inKle  of  the  mouth.  I'ci  th  s  i  il!.  -iidojiii!,  in  h.nuN  on  each  f.'iw  an<l 
a  lonji  patch  on  the  vonur.     '((ip,,!!.    fn  e    it  tip.     I-ips  r;ither  full,  with  a 


free  margin  behind,  ^iliailicd  In  ,i  Ir  m  n;  i,i  f  .ml  Lovvcr  jaw  projectinj,'. 
(iill  openinfis  rather  small,  slii  lile,  ;  ii.nil  ■  \'.  ii'e  as  base  of  portorals 
and  partly  1h'Io«  them.  Nostrils  siiperior,  uell  separated,  the  anterior 
with  :i  slij{ht  tu1)e.  \'i'nt  closi-  m  lri>nl  ■  (  anal.  Uorsal  inserted  .it  some 
distance  from  the  head,  conllueni  with  ihi-  ;m.il  roimd  the  t;iil.  I'eitorals 
Well  developed. 

(Vi)  American  Kel. 

(.Anjjuilla  chrysv  p.i.) 

Body  much  elongated,  .dimd  throuijh  most  of  its  length,  compn-  -■  d 
behind;  head  conical,  elongated;  snout  pointed;  lower  jaw  hinjfcr  •  ••. 
the  upper;  nill  openinij.s  partly  below  the  perioral  tins,  small  and  .sli'  .. 
Si-ales  imperceptible,  deeply  en'bcddi  (I  :ind  very  irrcj,'ularly  placed.    I  >'■ 

line  very  distiict.  Colour  .iboxe  oli\c  brown  more  or  less  iini>;e<I  .'  . '  i 
vellowish,   below  i;r.iyish   to  pure  white.      I.englh,   thirty    inch«  -. 

In  our  I'ro\  ii'cc  the  ICel  is  only  found  in  the  St.  Lawrence  and  Lake 
Ontario  and  their  tributaries,  the  Falls  of  Xi.-is^ara  forminjj  an  insur- 
mountable obstacle  to  further  progress  inland. 

I'ntil  recentlv  the  repniduction  of  the  \-'.t\  has  been  involved  in  mystery, 
but  the  careful  investigations  of  competent  observers  have  resulted  in 
.showing  that  the  I-'cl  spawns  in  salt   w.iler,   usu.rlly  iiti  mud  ba-iks  it:f  the 


il 


Art 


(  HKC'K    LIST  OK  THK 


mouths  of  rivers,  to  which  ihcy  re-sort  in  late  autumn.  When  the  young 
Kels  arc  fronj  two  to  three  inches  lonjj  they  ascemi  the  ri\ers  in  vast  num- 
bers, travelling  continually  until  they  meet  some  obstacle  which  cannot 
l>e  overcome.  Professor  Haircl  has  estimated  "that  in  the  summer  one 
may  see  hundreds  of  w.iggon  loads  of  young  Hels  at  the  foot  of  Niagara 
Falls,  crawling  ov<r  the  rocks  and  squirming  in  the  seething  waters." 
Where  the  obstruction  to  their  passage  permits  it,  the  fish  will  leave  the 
water  and  travel  through  wet  grass  in  order  to  continue  their  journey. 

As  a  food  fish  Kels  are  justly  esteeme<l  and  in  Ihe  markets  they  always 
sell  for  a  high  price. 


Order  ISOSPONDYLI.     (The  Isospondylous  Fishes.) 

.Soft-rayed  fishes  with  the  antorior  xcrtehra-  simple,  luimodified,  and 
without  audil<iry  ossicles;  symplectic  present;  no  intercl:  vicles ;  opercular 
bones  distinct ;  pharyngeal  bones  simple  above  and  beiow,  the  lower  not 
falciform.  MescK-oracoid  arch  always  well  developed,  forming  a  bridge 
from  the  hypercoracoid  to  the  hypocoracoid.  Hones  of  jaws  developed, 
the  maxillary  broad,  always  distinct  from  premaxillary,  and  forming  part 
of  margin  of  upper  jaw ;  no  barbels.  .Shoulder  girdle  well  developed  and 
'•onnected  with  the  <-ranium  by  a  lx)ny  post-temporal,  (iills  four,  a  .slit 
tiehind  the  fourth.  .Air  bladder,  if  present,  with  a  pneumatic  duct.  Dorsal 
and  anal  fins  without  true  spines.  \'entral  fins  abdominal,  sometimes 
wanting.  .Scales  usually  cycloid,  sometimes  ctenoid ;  occasionally  wanting. 
\<)  developed  photophores.     .Adipose  fin   present  or  .-ibsent. 

Famii.v   HIODONTID/K.     (The  Moon-eves.) 

Body  oblong,  much  compressed,  covered  with  moderate  sized,  bril- 
liant, silvery,  cycloid  scales.  Head  naked,  short,  the  snout  blunt.  Mouth 
moderate,  oblique  terminal,  the  jaws  about  equal.  Premaxillaries  not  pro- 
tractile. Maxillary  small,  slender,  without  evident  supplemental  bone, 
articulated  to  the  end  of  the  premaxillary  and  forming  the  lateral  margin 
of  the  upper  jaw.  Dentition  very  complete;  premaxillary  and  dentary 
bones  with  small  wide-set  cardiform  teeth ;  mnxillaries  with  feeble  teeth  ;  a 
row  of  strong  teeth  around  the  margin  of  fhi-  tongue,  those  in  front  very 
strong  canines;  lietwcen  the.se  is  a  band  of  short  close-set  teeth;  vomer 
with  a  long  double  series  of  close-.set,  small  teeth;  similar  .series  on  the 
palatine.*^,  sph«'noid  and  pterygoids;  sides  of  loner  j.iw  fitting  within  the 
upper,  so  that  the  dentaries  shut  against  the  palatines.  Kye  very  larse, 
the  adipose  eyelid  not  much  developed.  Preorbilal  very  narrow.  Nostrils 
l.irge,  tho.se  of  each  side  close  together,  separated  by  a  flap.  Gill  mem- 
branes not  connected,  free  from  the  isthmu.s,  a  fold  of  skin  covering  their 
base.      No  gular  plate.      Branchioslegals  eight  to  ten.      flill   rakers  few. 


I 


I 

^1 


KISII   ()|-  ONTAIUO. 


51 


short  and  thick.  INfiidobr.-ini-hi.i'  ohsolftf.  Lateral  line  distinct,  straight. 
IVIly  not  M-rratod.  Dorsal  lin  rather  posterior;  anal  elongate,  low; 
\entrals  well  developed;  laudal  strongly  forked;  no  adipose  fin.  Stomach 
horsesh(H-sliai)td.  itithoiit  Wind  sac;  one  pyloric  c-ecuni.  \  crtcbra',  ahiuit 
sixty.  Air  hladd«-  large.  No  oviducts,  the  eggs  falling  into  the  caNily 
(il    the  al>d<>nien   before  e\(  lusion. 


(iKNis  HIODON.     (Mf)(>\-KVi  s.) 
i  he  generii    characters  are  imtluded  abov... 

Sihgkm  s  IIIonON. 

(57)  Mooneye 

(Hiodon  tergisus.) 

Uodv  oblont;.  much  compressed;  the  belly  with  a  slight  but  obtus- 
keel  in  front  of  v*rntrals  and  a  r.'ther  sharp  edge  behind  them;  head  short, 
snout  rounded:  eye  large;  caudal  deeply  forked. 

I).,  12;  A.,  2H  to  v- 

Colour,  back  bright  olive  green;  side  and  abdomen  brilliantly  siKcry 
Length,  twelve  inches  or  a  little  more. 

This  species  ranges  from  the  St.  Lawrence  to  Lake  Superior  anil  is 
p.irticularly  abundant  in  Lake  Krie.  It  is  a  very  handsome  and  good 
g.ime  lish,  taking  bait  \ery  readily,  but  its  flish  is  of  no  value  as  food. 


Si  m.KNi  s   AMI'HIODON. 

(5S)  Gold-ey;.     Northern  Mooneye. 

(H'.odon  alosoides.) 

•iody  deep,  much  compressed;  head  short,  eye  moderate,  the  snout 
ve;y  blunt;  mouth  large  and  oblique,  the  maxilla  reaching  beyond  the 
•niddle  of  the  eve.  The  ventral  edge  of  the  body  carinated.  Scales,  '^-5"-r- 
I).,  .);  A.,   7,2.' 

Colour,  bluish  .ibove,  sid -s  silvery  with  a  golden  lustre.  Lenutli, 
about   twelve   inches. 

1  have  n<'  positive  record  of  the  occurrence  of  this  fis!i  in  Ontario 
waters,  but  I  have  no  doubt  that  it  will  be  foimd  in  the  lak  s  and  ri\i'r- 
near  the  NL-initoba  boundary.  In  Manitoba  it  is  very  abundant  and  is  the 
best  sporting  fish  found  in  the  prairie  rivers.  It  takes  grasshopp<rs  an<i 
small  frogs,  or  even  pieces  of  fish  very  readily,  .ind  in  early  summer  rises 
well  to  an  artificial  t1y.  Its  llesb  is  parlii  iilarly  will  flavoured  and  firm 
and  is   much  \:ihn'(l  as  lood. 


a 


CHKCK  I.IHT  OF  THE 


Family   OOKOSOMIIJ.l-:.     ((hz/xhd  Shads.) 

Body  short  and  deep,  strongly  compressed,  lovered  with  thin,  decidu- 
ous  cycloid  scales.  Belly  compressed  to  an  edge,  which  is  armed  with 
Iwny  serratures.  Head  naked,  short,  and  rather  small.  Mouth  small, 
inferior,  oblique,  overlapped  by  the  blunt  snout ;  no  teeth ;  maxillary  nar- 
row and  short,  with  a  single  supplemental  Iwne,  not  extending  to  opposite 
middle  of  eye,  and  forming  but  a  small  portion  of  lateral  margin  of  upper 
jaw ;  mandible  short  and  deep,  its  rami  enlarged  at  base ;  premaxillaries 
not  protractile.  Clil!  rakers  slender,  exceedingly  numerous,  not  very  long, 
similar  on  all  the  arches.  Gill  membranes  not  united,  free  from  the 
isthmus;  branchioslegals  about  six;  pseudoNr^.nchial  large.  .An  .idipose 
eyelid.  No  lateral  line.  Dors.il  tin  .-ibout  midway  of  the  body,  usually 
behind  ventrals.  Pectorals  and  ventrals  moderate,  e.ich  with  ;m'.-iccessory 
scale.  .Anal  very  long  and  low ;  caudal  forked.  \o  adipose  fin.  Verte- 
bne,  forty-nine.     .Stomach  short,  niiisc<il.-ir,  like  the  gizzard  of  a  fowl. 

Gkni  s  DORO.SOM.A.     ((Jiz/aki.  .Shad.) 

Body  hirring-like.  much  compressed  .ind  covered  with  moderately 
liirge,  thin,  cycloid  scales.  .Snout  short  and  obtuse.  Head  scaleless,  short 
and  small.  Rye  large  and  provided  with  an  adipo.se  eyelid.  The  belly 
is  compressed  to  an  edge,  which  is  armed  with  sharp  sernitures.  Mouth 
small,  transverse;  the  lower  jaw  the  shorter,  jaws  toothless.  The  maxilla 
does  not  extend  to  the  middle  of  the  eye.  (iill  rakers  numert)us,  moderately 
long  :ind  slender;  gill  membranes  deeply  cleft  and  free  from  the  isthmus; 
pseudobranchia-  well  developed;  lateral  line  wanting.  The  dorsal  fin  is 
placed  nearly  over  the  middle  of  the  body,  slightly  behind  the  oiigjn  of 
the  ventral.  Its  last  ray  is  produced  into  a  long  filament.  The  pectorals 
and  ventrals  are  rather  long  and  each  is  provided  with  an  appendage 
formed  of  several  elongate,  overlapping  .ucessory  scales.  The  caudal  is 
deeply  forked.     Anal  mtv  long,  its  l.ist  rays  low. 

1 5'))  Gizzard  Shad. 

(I)orosoma  cepedianum. ) 

Body  deep,  compressed;  the  scales  thin,  deciduous;  h^ad  small;  snout 
short,  blunt;  mandible  enlarged  at  base;  gill  rakers  very  slender,  not  very 
long;  an  adipose  eyelid.  Dorsal  about  median,  the  filamentous  ray  nearly 
as  long  as  head.  Caudal  widely  fnrl<ed,  the  lower  lobe  longer  than  upper; 
belly  sharply  serrate. 

Colour,  upper  parts  bluish  ;  sides  silvery,  sometimes  wilh  golden  reflec- 
tions ;  in  the  young  there  is  a  large  d.irk  blotch  on  each  side  not  far  liehind 
the  head ;  this  disappears  with  ;ige. 

Length,  about  fifteen  inches;  it  sometimes  .ittains  ;i  weight  of  about 
two  pounds. 


KISH   (»K  ONTARIO. 


63 


This  fish  huti  worked  it>.  way  from  the  Ohio  and  iMissihsippi  Valleys 
through  the  canals  to  Lake  Krie,  where  in  some  places  it  is  not  unroinmon. 
It  is  a  handsome  species,  l)iit  is  of  lui  value  for  ftxKl. 

I- vMii.Y  I  lAI'KiD.i:.     (Till    Hkkkim.s.) 

liodv  oblong,  or  eloiij;:ile,  more  i»r  les^  ((impressed,  covered  with 
cycloid  or  pectinated  scale-..  Helly  somelimes  rounded,  somelimi--^  com- 
pressed, in  which  case  it  is  often  armed  with  Ininy  serratures.  Head 
naked,  usually  <(impres.sed.  Mouth  rather  lar^je,  terminal,  the  jaws  about 
equal ;  maxillaries  forminji  the  lateral  marjjins  of  the  upper  j;'.w,  each  i om- 
posed  of  alM>ut  three  pieces.  I'remaxillarics  not  protractile  ;  teeth  mostly 
small,  often  feeble  or  wanlinj;,  \ariously  arranj^ed.  .Adipose  eyelid  pre- 
sent or  absent,  (iill  rakers  loivi;  and  slender;  t;ill  membranes  not  con- 
nected, free  from  the  isthmus.  \o  gular  plate,  (iills  four,  a  slit  behind 
the  fourth.  Hranchioste^als  usually  few  (six  to  fifteen).  Posterior  lower 
part  of  opercular  re>,'iiin  often  with  an  anffular  emar^-ination,  the  tips  of 
the  larger  branchiostenals  bein^  abruptly  truncate.  Pseudobranchiie 
present.  No  lateral  line.  I)»)rsal  fin  median  or  .somewhat  ()osterior,  rarely 
wanting.  No  adipose  fin.  X'entrals  moderate  or  small.  .\nal  usually 
rather  lon>; ;  caudal   Hn  forked.     X'ertebra',  forty  to  fifty-six. 


(IKM  s   I'OMOI.OIUS.     |.\ii\vivis.) 

Bixiv  oblong,  more  or  less  comprcsse<l  ;  mouth  moderate,  terminal, 
the  jaws  about  equal,  or  the  lower  projecting;,  the  upper  scarcely  notched 
at  tip;  teeth  feeble,  variously  placed,  probably  never  wholly  absent,  m.in- 
dibles  very  deep  at  base,  shutting  within  the  maxillaries;  fjill  rakers  more 
or  less  long  and  slender,  numerous;  adipose  eyelid  present;  scales  thin, 
cycloid,  deciduous,  entire,  rounded  posteriorly;  cheeks  with  the  free  part 
longer  than  deep;  dorsal  tin  rather  short,  nearly  median,  Ijeginning  in 
advance  <if  ventrals,  its  posterior  ray  not  prolonged  in  a  filament;  ventrals 
pre.sent;  anal  moderate;  belly  compressed,  strongly  serrated  before  and 
l)ehind  ventrals. 

((x>)  Gold  Shad.     Sawbelly. 

(Pomolobus  1  hrysochloris. ) 

Houv  compressed,  r.ather  low,  the  caudal  peduncle  stout  and  the  belly 
strongly  serrated;  he;ui  slender,  rather  pointed,  lower  jaw  strongly  pro- 
jecting, maxillary  reaching  posterior  p.irt  of  the  eye.  Kye  large,  nearly 
one-fourth  the  length  of  head  ;  fins  moderate,  caudal  deeply  forked.  Sc.iles. 
1 5-52  to  ^S. 

'  IX   III..    15;  .\.    III.,   1''. 
Colour,  above  blue;  below    sihery.   with   golden   reflections  on   sides. 
Length,  about  eighteen  inches. 


54 


CIIKCK   1, 1ST  OK  THK 


TIm'  (lold  Shad  lias  made  its  way  into  the  (irtal  l.akis  throuKli  <anals 
Ironi  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi  \  alleys,  where  it  is  abundant. 

Unlike  most  of  its  trilK>,  this  is  a  predaccuiis  tish,  feeding  largely 
upon  small  fry.  It  may  be  readily  captured  with  minnow  bait,  but  as  a  food 
lish  it  is  not  esteemed. 

|i>r|  Gaspcreau.     Alewife. 

(I'liiniiliibus  pseudoharengus.) 

Body  deep  .ind  hea\y  forward,  luuih  i onipressitl.  Mead  shorl,  nearly 
as  deep  as  long;  eye  large,  deeper  than  long.  Maxillary  broad;  upper  jaw 
cmarginate,  lower  jaw  slightly  projecting.  .\nal  low  ;  caudal  deeply  forked, 
partially  scaled  near  Ixise.     Scales,   15-50  to  54.      I).,   i(>;  A.,   17  to  ly. 

Colour,  alx)\e  bluish;  silvery  on  sides;  a  black  spot  behind  head.  On 
large  specimens  there  are  faint  dusky  lines  along  the  rows  of  scales. 

Length,  about  ten  inches,  or  r;ither  more;  in  Lake  Ont.-irio,  howe\er, 
the\   rarely  exceed  eight  inches  in  length. 

This  (ish  is  said  to  have  been  introduced  into  Lake  Ontario  in  iH^^ 
by  mistake,  the  intention  having  been  to  stock  the  water  with  shad. 
Whether  this  is  correct  or  not,  the  (laspereau  is  now  lirmly  established 
here,  and  in  spite  of  the  vast  nimibers  which  die  e\ery  summer,  il  seems 
to  be  increasing.  l-"rom  earlv  in  March  until  early  in  .\ovemlxr  they  are 
to  be  found  near  the  shores  of  Lake  Onl.irio  and  in  the  St.  Lawrence,  but 
are  at  the  height  of  their  abundance  during  June  and  July,  and  it  is  during 
these  monilis  that  the  great  mortality  t.ikes  place,  millions  of  dead  lish 
being  cast  up  on  the  shore  and  the  surface  of  the  water  being  liU-rally 
strewed  with  the  dead  and  dying.  Where  they  go  in  the  cold  months  of 
winter  is  uncertain,  probably  only  into  the  deep  water  of  the  lake,  though 
it  is  possible  that  they  m.iy  work  their  way  down  to  the  (nilf  of  St.  Law- 
rence. 

They  are  eatable,  but  being  small  and  bony  are  not  much  appreciated. 

Gems  .\L0SA.    (The  Shad.) 

Hody  deep,  compressed,  deeper  than  in  related  .American  genera  ;  the 
head  also  deep ;  the  free  portion  of  the  cheeks  deeper  than  long ;  jaws 
wholly  toothless  (except  in  young) ;  upper  j.iw  with  a  sharp,  deep  notch 
at  tip,  the  premaxillaries  meeting  at  a  very  acute  angle. 

{(yA  Shad. 

(.'Mosa  sapidissima.) 

Body  deep ;  mouth  large,  with  the  jaws  about  equal ;  gill  rakers  very 
long  and  slender.  In  the  female  the  dorsal  originates  a  little  in  front  of 
the  middle  of  the  length,  in  the  male  somewhat  farther  in  front.  The 
dorsal  of  the  male  is  rather  higher  than  that  of  the  female,  while  the  body 
is  not  so  deep.  Scales,  lO-rto  to  65.  The  dors.il  has  thirteen  divided  ravs 
.ind  four  simple,  and  the  anal  nineteen  divided  and  three  simple. 


i 


i 


FISH  OK  oxTAnio. 


I'dinir,  hliiish  alniNi-;  sidis  and  Ih-I<i\v  siK.-rx  ;  iiMiallv  a  dark  l)l<)Uli 
Ijeiiind  opiTili"  and  oftt-n  several  in  a  row  behind  this;  pi-riti>ncum  pale. 

The  Shad  is  an  anadromous  fish  which  passes  most  of  its  life  in  the 
ocean,  migratinR  annually  up  the  rivers  for  the  purpose  of  spawning  in 
the  spring.  It  was  formerly  abundant  in  the  lower  Ottawa,  but  has 
abitndoned  that  river  and  its  occurrence  within  r)ui  iHnindaries  is  now  only 
accidental. 

As  a  focMl  fish  il  ranks  \cry  high,  beinj;  one  of  the  most  esteenH-d  fish 
of  .\merica. 


Famiiv  .SAL.MOMD.K.     (Tmk   .Salmons.) 

Hody  oblong  or  elongate,  covered  with  c\rIoid  .scales.  Head  naked. 
Mouth  terminal,  large  or  small,  varying  much  in  the  different  genera ; 
maxillary  forming  the  lateral  margin  of  the  upper  ),iw.  provided  with  a 
supplemental  bone;  premaxillarics  not  pnilracfilc.  Teeth  various,  some- 
times wanting,  (oils  four,  ii  slit  btliind  the  fourth,  ['seudobranchiii 
pre.sent.  (iill  rakers  various;  gill  membranes  not  connected,  free  from  the 
isthmus:  branchiostegals  ten  to  twenty.  Xo  barbels.  Dorsal  usually 
nearlv  median,  not  greatly  elongate,  its'  rays  nine  to  fifteen,  only  one  or 
tvi!>  of  the  anterior  simple  or  rudimentary,  the  others  branched  ;  adipose 
fin  present ;  caudal  fin  forked ;  anal  fin  moderate  or  rather  long ;  ventrals 
moderate,  nearly  median;  pectorals  placed  low.  Lateral  line  present. 
Abdomen  rounded  in  outline.  Parietals  not  in  contact;  separated  at  middle 
by  the  intervention  of  the  supr;io<»  ipital,  which  connect,  with  the  frontals ; 
epiplural  appendages  not  developed.  Air  bhidder  large,  stomach  siphonal  : 
pyloric  ca-ca  very  numerous.  Ova  large,  falling  into  ihe  cavity  of  the 
abdomen  before  exclusion. 

.\s  now  restricted,  this  is  no  longer  one  of  the  large  f.imilies  of  fishes, 
but  in  lieauty,  activity,  gaminess  and  quality  as  food  and  even  in  size  of 
individuals,  different  members  of  the  group  stand  easilv  among  the  most 
valuable  of  our  fishes. 

The  Salmonida*  are  confined  to  the  northern  regions  and  north  of 
about  40"  \.  are  everywhere  abundant  in  suitable  waters.  Some  of  the 
species,  especially  the  larger  ones,  are  ni.irine  and  anadromous,  livmg 
and  growing  in  the  sea  and  entering  fresh  waters  to  spawn ;  others  live 
in  running  brooks,  entering  lakes  or  the  sea  as  oi-casion  serves,  but  not 
habitually  doing  so;  while  others,  again,  are  lake  fis'i/s,  .ipproaching  the 
shore  or  entering  brooks  in  the  sp.iwning  season,  at  other  times  retiring 
to  waters  of  considerable  depth  Some  of  them  are  .active,  voriicious  an<l 
gamy,  while  others  are  companilively  defenceless,  these  l;itter  ran  rarelv 
he  captured  upon  a  baited  hook. 

The  large  size  of  the  eggs  and  their  lack  of  adhesiveness,  with  the 
ease  by  which  the  eggs  may  be  obtained  and  impregnated,  render  the  most 
of  the  species  especially  adapted  for  artificial  culture. 

6  F. 


w 


CHICCK  LIST  OK  THE 


The  Salmonitla-  are  of  comparalivih  nicnl  i-volutum,  none  of  them 
(>•  ■  urnng  as  l.)ssils,  unless  it  bo  in  recent  dtfKwils.  I  lie  liislabilily  ol  the 
specihc  forms  and  the  lack  of  sharply  definetj  speniu  <  harac  lers  may  Iw 
ii    part  attributed  to  their  re<  (  ni  origin. 

tiENt  s  CORKGONUS.     (WiiiTHHSiii-..) 

Body  oblong  or  elonKale,  i  ompressed ;  head  more  <»r  les>  loriical, 
>nipre»s«'d,  the  .sii"iit  mon-  or  less  projeiting  beyond  the  lower  jaw  ;  mouth 
small,  the  maxillary  short,' not  extewling  beyond  ihe  orbit,  with  a  well 
developed  suppiomental  bone;  teeth  extremely  minute,  if  present;  scales 
iiiodcrate,  thin,  cy<  loid,  r.ither  tirm.  Dorsal  lin  moderate;  caudal  fin 
deeply  forked;  anal  Hn  somewhat  elongate;  ventrals  well  de\ eloped. 
Pseudobranrhiie  l.irge;  gill  rakers  varying  f  i>m  short  and  thickish  to  long 
;ind  slender;  air  l.laddei"  very  lar^v,  vertebi.i-,  fiftv-six  to  sixty;  stomal h 
hnrscshoe-shaped,    with   about  one  hundred  pylot  ic  ca.*ca ;  ova   small. 

Most  of  them  spawn  in  late  fall  or  winter  near  the  shore,  at  other 
seasons  often  fre(|uenting  considerable  depths. 

The  number  of  species  nl  Coregonus  has  l>een  overestimated  and  the 
geographical  range  and  range  of  variation  of  eai .  .ne  arc  much  wider 
tl' in  is  generally  supposed. 

All  our  species  are  highly  valued  as  fornl  and  the>  .irobably  constitute 
the  mosi  important  cl;iss  commercially  of  our  fre.sh  water  fish. 

.Si  IMiKM  s  PROSOPIUM. 

(   ;|  Frottlish.     Pound  Whitefish. 

(Coregonus  quadrilaterali.s.) 

Body  slender,  elongate,  subterete;  head  long,  the  snout  compressed 
.Tr\d  bijntly  pointed.     Scales,  9-85-8.     D.,  11  ;  A.,  10. 

Colouf ,  upper  parts  dark  bluish ;  sides  silvery. 

Length,  about  twelve  inches;  it  s<  Ulom  attains  much  more  than  one 
ri'id  a-half  pounds  in  weight. 

The  Frost-fish  is  abundant  in  thi  (ireat  L.tke  region  from  the  St. 
I.  iwrence  to  Lake  Superior  and  northward,  and  is  everywhere  highly 
f-tcemed  as  a  food  fish. 

It  spawns  in  October  and  Noxeinbcr,  visiting  the  shallow  parts  of 
1  ikcs  and  sandbars  for  that  purpose. 

Srm-.KNUs  CORI  (iONUS. 

(  4)  Common  Whiteflsh. 

(Coregonus  clupieiformis.) 

Body  deep,  compressed;  back  always  more  or  less  elevated,  notably 
so  in  the  adult;  caudal  peduncle  short;  head  small  and  short,  the  snout 
l>lunl  and  obliquely  truncated.  Scales,  8-74  to  80-9.  Dorsal,  ten  divided 
riys;  anal,  eleven  divided  rays. 


««ie«OCOfY   MSOUITION   TBT  CHART 

(ANSI  ond  ISO  TEST  CHART  No.  2) 


A  APPLIED  IM^IGE    Inc 

^K  1655   East   Moin    Strtet 

B^S  'Rochester.   New   York         U609       US* 

'■^S  (7'6)   482  -  0300  -  Phone 

^S  (716)   288  -  5989  -  Fo« 


••^-^ 


FISH  OF  ONTARIO. 


57 


Colour,  upper  parts  pale  olivaceous;  sides  and  below  white,  sonn- 
what  lustrous. 

This  Whitefish  under  favourable  circumstances  reaches  a  large  ^'uf. 
One  taken  in  Lake  Erie  a  few  years  ago  measured  thirty-three  inches  in 
length,  twenty-five  inches  in  cicumference,  and  weighed  twenty  pounds. 
One  taken  at  Whitefish  Point,  Lake  Superior,  weighed  twenty-thref 
pounds.  Another  taken  in  Lake  Kirie  in  1876  weighed  seventeen  pounds. 
Such  fish  arc,  however,  now  very  rare  in  this  Province.  In  Manitoba 
they  are  less  uncommon.  The  average  length  of  adults  on  our  markets  in 
thtsr  days  will  be  about  twenty  inches  and  the  weight  about  three  pountl^ 
or  a  little  more. 

It  ranges  through  the  Great  Lakes  region  from  the  St.  Lawrence  to 
Lake  Superior,  and  thence  westward  to  .Maska ;  where  it  is  replaced  by  .i 
closely  allied  form ;  its  northern  limit  is  not  positively  know  n. 

Although  this  is  one  of  the  most  abundant  and  at  the  same  time  the 
most  valuable  of  our  commercial  fish,  its  habits  are  not  yet  fully  under- 
stood ;  undoubtedly  they  vary  very  much  according  to  locality ;  the  depth 
of  water,  currents  or  their  absence,  and  climatic  conditions  all  having 
some  influence  on  the  movements  of  the  fish  in  search  of  food,  and  upon 
the  time  and  place  of  spawning.  In  some  of  our  lakes  there  is  a  move- 
ment of  the  Whitefish  in  early  summer  from  the  deep  water  into  shoal 
water  near  the  shore;  towards  midsummer  they  retreat  to  the  deep  and 
cold  parts  of  the  lake,  where  they  spend  most  of  their  time.  In  the  autumn 
they  again  move  in  towards  the  shore,  seeking  their  spawning  grounds ; 
these  are  chiefly  rocky  reefs  and  shoals,  composed  of  what  is  known  as 
honeycomb  rock.  It  is  said  that  gravelly  and  sandy  shoals  are  sometimes 
resorted  to  for  spawning  purposes,  but  this  is  doubtful. 

Spawning  takes  place  in  October  and  November  and  may  possibly  be 
extended  by  .some  few  individuals,  or  under  exceptional  circumstances, 
into  December;  both  the  time  of  spawning  and  of  incubation  depend 
largely  upon  the  temperature. 

The  autumn  movement  commences  in  September,  but  does  not 
become  general  until  October ;  the  fish  then  continue  to  run  in  greater  or 
less  numbers  until  the  spawning  is  ended,  when  they  again  retire  to  deep 
water  for  the  winter.  It  is  a  curious  fact  that  even  during  the  spawning 
season  a  large  nui.;ber  of  Whitefish  are  always  to  be  found  in  the  deep 
water,  but  there  is  no  e\idence  that  they  ever  spaw n  there. 

(65)  Sault  Whitefish. 

(Coregonus  labradoricus.) 

Head,  five;  depth,  three  and  a  half  to  four;  eye  large.  Gill  rakers 
short,  about  two  to  two  and  a  half  in  eye,  10+15  or  16. 

Body  rather  elongate,  compressed,  the  back  not  elevated.  Head 
rather  small,  slender,  compressed.  Mouth  rather  small,  the  lower  jaw 
short,  snout  projecting ;  the  maxillary  reaching  front  of  pupil ;  maxillary 


6H 


CHKCK  LIST  OK  THK 


bone  broad,  rather  short,  its  suppienifiitary  piece  ovate.  .Mandible  reach- 
ing middle  of  eye.  Tongue  with  about  three  series  of  small  teeth.  Supra- 
orbital bone  narrow.     Dorsal  fin  high  '.n  front,  the  last  rays  short. 

L).,   II  or  12;  .\.,  II  or  12;  Scales,  10-71  to  70-9. 

Colour,  bluish  black  above;  silvery  below;  scales  with  dark  punctula- 
tions  on  the  edges;  fins  all  dusky,  pectorals  and  ventr.ils  pale  at  the  ba.se. 

Length,  twenty-one  inches. 

A  very  variable  species,  by  .some  authorities  considered  indistinguish- 
able from  C.  clupeiformis. 

Generally  distributed  in  cold,  clear  lakes  and  large  streams,  especially 
northward. 


Gems  .VRGVROSO.MLS.     (Ciscoks.) 

This  genus  is  very  close  to  Coregonus,  from  which  it  differs  in  the 
larger  mouth  and  more  produced  jaws,  the  premaxillaries  being  placed 
nearly  horizonta.ly,  and  the  lower  jaw  decidedly  projecting  beyond  them. 
Gill  rakers  very  long  and  slender,  about  thirty  on  lower  limb;  vertebrie, 
fifty-h\  ;.  These  characters  are  associated  with  the  geater  voracity,  and 
in  general  greater  activity  of  the  species  of  Argyrosonuis. 


StBGEMs  .\RGYROS()ML"S. 


(66)  Cisco.    Lake  Herring. 

(Argyrosomus  artedi.) 

Body  long,  slender,  and  somewhat  compressed;  dorsal  and  ventral 
outlines  but  little  arched;  head  pointed;  mouth  large,  jaws  subequal  or 
the  lower  .somewhat  projecting;  maxillary  long,  usually  reaching  to  ver- 
tical of  pupil.  Caudal  peduncle  slender,  but  not  much  compressed ;  dorsal 
fin  small ;  adipose  fin  slender,  its  width  one-half  its  height. 

D.,  1 1  ;  A.,  10  (counting  only  divided  rays  in  dorsal  and  anal) ;  \'.,  10. 

Colour,  above  dull  bluish  green ;  lower  part  of  sides  and  below  silvery 
white.  Dorsal  fin  sometimes  black  tipped ;  caudal  dusky  at  tip ;  anal  and 
vontrals  pure  white. 

This  species  attains  a  length  of  about  twelve  inches  and  a  weight  of 
about  one  pound.  Larger  .specimens  have  been  recorded,  but  they  are 
exceptional. 

The  Cisco  ranges  through  the  Great  Lakes  generally,  but  is  most 
abundant  in  Lake  Erie ;  it  was  formerly  common  in  Lake  Ontario.  Of  late 
years,  however,  it  has  not  been  taken  there  in  any  quantity.  Its  spawning 
season  is  in  November  and  early  December. 


rtSH  OF  ONTARIO. 


S0 


(67)  Long-jaw  Herring.     Lake  Herring. 

(Arjjyro.sDinus   prii(>nnthu.s.  > 

Body  oblcng,  much  compressed,  back  elevated,  the  body  tapcrin); 
rather  sharply  toward  the  narrow  caudal  peduncle ;  the  adult  having  a 
slight  nuchal  hump  as  in  C  cliip<'iformis;  mouth  large  and  strong;  snout 
straight,  its  tip  on  a  level  with  the  lower  edge  of  pupil ;  mandible  very 
long,  projecting  beyond  upper  jaw  when  the  mouth  is  closed ;  reaching  to 
or  beyond  posterior  edge  of  the  eye:  head  rather  short,  deep  and  pointed; 
cranial  ridges  prominent,  dors.-d  rather  high ;  origin  of  dorsal  nearer  tip  of 
snout  than  base  of  caudal.  Scales  rather  large,  about  seventy-five  in 
lateral  line ;  seven  or  eight  above  the  lateral  line ;  se\  en  or  eight  below  the 
lateral  line.  Lateral  line  straight  except  at  origin,  where  it  presents  a 
rather  marked  curve. 

Colour,  sides  of  body  uniformly  bright  silvery,  with  pronounced  bluish 
reflection  in  life ;  back  dusky ;  under  parts  pure  white,  without  silvery. 
Above  the  lateral  line  the  upper  and  lower  edges  of  the  scales  finely  punc- 
tulate  with  dark,  the  central  part  unmarked,  producing  light  longitudinal 
stripes  extending  whole  length  of  body.  Fins  flesh  colour  or  pinkish  in 
life,  the  dorsal  and  caudal  usually  showing  dusky  edges ;  postorbital  area 
with  bright  golden  reflection;  iris  golden,  pupil  black. 

D.,  9  or  10;  A.,  10  to  12. 

Average  length,  about  fifteen  inches. 

This  fish  may  readily  be  distinguished  from  any  other  white  fish  found 
in  the  Great  Lakes  by  the  general  form  of  its  body,  together  with  the  very 
long  lower  jaw. 

It  is  taken  in  all  the  Great  Lakes  except  Lake  Erie,  from  which  as  yet 
no  specimens  have  been  reported.  In  Lakes  Ontario  and  Michigan  it  is 
particularly  abundant,  and  is  highly  esteemed  as  a  food  fish. 

There  is  much  difference  of  opinion  among  fishermen  as  to  the  spawn- 
ing time  of  the  Long-jaw,  which  seems  to  extend  over  a  prolonged  period. 
Fish  with  matured  roe  have  been  taken  as  early  as  May  17th,  and  ripe 
fish  have  also  been  reported  from  Lakes  Ontario  and  Huron  late  in  June 
and  through  July.  Very  little  is  positively  known  as  to  the  location  of  the 
spawning  grounds  of  this  species,  though  it  is  said  that  they  are  in  deep 
water. 


(68)  Black-fin  Whitefish. 

(Argyrosomus  nigripinnis.) 

Body  stout,  fusiform ;  head  and  mouth  large ;  lower  jaw  slightly 
projecting ;  back  not  arched,  profile  from  occiput  to  origin  of  dorsal  fin 
very  gently  curved ;  eye  rather  large ;  teeth  very  feeble,  but  appreciable  on 
the  maxillaries  and  tongue. 

D.,  12 ;  A.,  12. 

Scales  on  lateral  line,  73  to  77,  above  lateral  line  nine  or  ten,  below 
seven  or  eight. 


tut 


CHKCK   IJST  OK  THK 


Colour,  dark  bluish  a.Kivu;  .sides  siKiry,  with  dark  punctuJations ; 
fins  all  blue-black. 

This  speries  may  be  readily  known  by   it.,  blat  k   (ins. 

Uurinn  Ihi-  last  few  years  the  Hla»k-tin  has  been  <K^^casionally  reported 
from  L.ike  Superior;  its  centri-  of  abun<lani:e,  however,  apptars  to  lie 
I-ake  Nlirhij>an  and   the  deep  water  lakis  of  Minnesota  and    Wisconsin. 

In  Its  habits  it  rcsenibl.-s  the  other  members  of  the  group,  swininiing 
in  shoals  and  depositing  its  sp;iwn  upon  rcxkv  bottom  in  NoveinlHr  ;ind 
December. 

It  reaches  a  len^jlh  ..I  linhtcen  to  iwtniv  inches  and  is  considered  a 
K<K>d  food  fish. 


Si  HOKM  s  AI.LOSOML'S. 

(rx))  Tullibec.    Mongrel  Whiteflsh. 

(.\r|ryro.somu.s  tuliibee. ) 

Body  .short  and  deep  compressed,  the  dm  s.il  and  ventral  outlines 
similarly  curved;  he;.d  small,  conic  and  compressed;  mouth  large,  lower 
j.iw  .slightly  projecting.  .Scales  larger  on  front  of  l)ody  than  on  caudal 
peduncle;  free  margins  of  the  scales  less  convex  than  in  other  species, 
often  emarginate,  especially  on  anterior  part  of  body.  Later.il  line  straight 
and  in  a  line  with  upper  rim  of  orbit ;  tongue  with  a  patch  of  fine  teeth 
near  the  tip;  ^ill  rakers  numerous,  long  and  slender. 

U.,  to  to  li  ;  A.,  1 1  or  u. 

Scales  on  lateral  line,  (>«  to  74,  eight  or  nine  rows  alxive  and  seven 
or  eight  below. 

Colour,  iridescent  ')luish  above,  sides  and  under  parts  silvcrv ;  t)ld 
mdividuals  dar.ker  above,  with  some  golden  reflections  on  side;  fins  more 
or  less  evidently  black  tipped;  upper  edge  of  pccior.-il  margined  with  black. 

From  all  other  Whitefishes  the  Tuliibee  may  be  distinguished  by  the 
short  steep  body  and  the  closely  imbricated  scales.  It  attains  a  length  ol 
eighteen  or  twenty  inches  and  a  weight  of  about  three  and  a  half  pounds. 
As  a  food  fish  it  is  highly  esteemed,  but  its  commercial  importance  is  as 
yet  limited. 

This  species  is  usually  called  the  Tulliljee,  but  it  is  sometimes  scyled 
the  "Mongrel  Whitefish"  on  the  erroneous  supposition  that  it  is  a  cross 
between  the  Whitefish  and  the  Lake  Herring. 

In  the  Great  L.ikes  1.  is  not  at  all  c<  minon,  occurring  m  limited  num- 
bers in  Lakes  Erie  and  Superior  only,  birt  in  the  Lake  of  the  Woods  and 
through  Manitoba  and  Assiniboia  it  is  abundant. 

Mr.  F.  C.  Gilchrist,  in  describing  the  habits  of  this  fish  in  Western 
Canada,  says:  "In  September  they  will  be  found  gradually  nearing  the 
shoal  water,  feeding  heavily,  plump  with  fat  :ind  the  now  swelling  ovaries. 
Later  on  they  appear  to  eat  little  or  nothing  and  devote  all  their  time  to 
playing  until  about  the  25th  of  October,  when  they   settle   down  to   the 


I" 


KI8H  OF  ONTARIO. 


busin.-ss  of  prupugation,  whiih  is  fmishfii  by  Nt.vi'inlH;r  loth.  I  lic>  pri?tir 
jihallow  water  close  to  the  .shore,  with  clean  sand  to  spawn  on,  and  during 
the  day  they  may  lie  seen  in  pairs  and  small  schools,  pokint;  along  the 
shores,  but  at  night  they  corm-  in  thousands  and  kitp  up  .1  uiiisliinl  loud 
splashing  and  fluttering,  ver  strange  and  weird  on  a  calm  night.  I  wo 
years  ago  I  carefully  counted  the  ova  from  a  ripe  fish  two  and  a  half  pound:* 
in  wi;i;jht,  and  found  there  were  .'.^700,  cU)scly  resembling  U  hitefish  eggs 
in  appearance,  but  somewhat  smaller,  .\fter  spawning  the  lish  .ire  very 
thin,  lank,  dull  in  colour,  and  quite  unfit  for  human  fcxxl." 

Oknus  S.\I..\.    .     (Smmon  wi.  Tk(iit.) 

Body  elongate,  somewhat  compressed;  moulh  large,  jaws,  palatines 
and  tongue  toothed,  vomer  flat,  its  shaft  not  depressed,  a  few  teeth  on  the 
chevron  of  the  vomer,  behind  which  is  a  somewhiit  irregular  sin-  '•;  :i. 
double  series  of  teeth,  which  in  the  migratory  forms  are  usually  ''  40us 
with  age;  scales  large  or  small,  one  hundred  and  ten  to  two  he  .  •  ,  n  a 
longitudinal  se/ies;  dorsal  and  anal  fins  short,   usually  of  ten  elve 

rays  each;  caudal  fin  truncate,  cmargiiiate  or  forked,  its  peduncle  com- 
parativelj-  stout;  sexual  peculiarities  variously  developed,  the  males  in 
typical  a;.,  es  with  the  jaws  prolonged  and  the  front  teeth  enlarged,  the 
lower  jaw  being  hooked  upward  at  the  end  and  the  upper  jaw  emarginate 
or  perforate.  In  the  larger  and  migratory  species  these  peculiarities  are 
most  marked.     Species  of  moderate  or  large  si/e,  black  spotted. 


El  nr.KMis  S.ALMO. 

(-0)  Atlantic  Salmon. 

(Salmo  salar.) 

Body  moderately  elongate,  symmetrical,  not  much  compressed;  head 
rather  low  and  co.nparatively  small;  mouth  moderate,  the  maxillary  reach- 
ing just  past  the  eye ;  in  the  young  the  maxillary  is  proportionately  shorter. 
Scales  comparatively  large,  rather  larger  lostpriorl^  silvery  and  well 
imbricated  in  the  young,  becoming  embei       ,  in  the  adult   males. 

Colour  :  In  the  adult  the  upper  parts  e  brownish  or  grayish,  the 
sides  silvery.  Numerous  x  or  x  ,  shapec  oiack  spots  on  the  upper  half 
of  the  body,  side  of  the  head  !.:id  on  the  fins.  Males  in  the  breeding  sea- 
son have  red  blotches  along  the  si<;«s.  In  the  young  there  are  from  ten  to 
twelve  dark  crossbar.'  i;  'ngled  wii.  icA  lilotches  and  black  spots.  D.,  11 
divided  rays  and  3  rudimnts;  A.,  o  divided  rays  and  ^  rudiments.  Scales, 
23.  '-JO.  2»- 

In  the  early  pioneer  days  the  Atlantic  Salmon  was  abund.int  in  the 
St.  Lawrence  and  the  Lake  Ontario  waters  as  far  as  Niagara  Falls,  which 
formed  an  insurmountable  obstacle  to  their  further  progress.  They  may 
now,  however,  be  considered  as  extinct  in  this  Province.     The  destruction 


«» 


CHECK  LIST  OF  THE 


of  the  timl)er  alun^  the  banks  of  the  rivers  and  the  consequent  polhition 
of  the  water  having  fouled  the  spawning  beds  to  such  an  extent  that  the 
fish  can  no  longer  resort  to  them.  An  occasional  specimen  is  taken  in 
Lake  Ontario  by  the  tishernian,  but  these  visitors  are  probably  merely 
wanderers  from  the  hatcheries  below.  The  range  of  the  Salmon  in  Canada 
extends  from  yuebec  eastward  through  the  Maritime  Provinces,  thence 
northward  along  the  Atlantic  coast  to  Hudson  Strait,  and  for  about  one 
hundred  miles  down  the  east  coast  of  Hudson  Bay. 

The  usual  weight  of  the  Atlantic  Salmon  ranges  up  to  about  forty 
pounds,  but  specimens  of  sixty  or  more  have  Ix'cn  taken.  The  greater 
part  of  its  growth  takes  place  in  the  ix-ean,  in  which  the  fish  spends  a)x>ut 
half  its  life.  In  the  spring  or  early  summer  the  adults  enter  rivers,  work- 
ing their  way  up  to  shallow  water,  on  a  .sandy  or  gravelly  bottom.  On 
this  the  eggs  arc  deposited  in  late  autumn,  the  spawning  season  beginning 
about  the  middle  of  October,  and  it  may  continue  until  December.  The 
eggs  are  large,  about  a  quarter  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  very  numerou.s, 
an  eight-pound  female  yielding  from  five  to  six  thousand  eggs  and  heavier 
fish  a  proportionately  greater  number.  The  hatching  period  ranges  from 
one  hundred  and  forty  to  two  hundred  days,  def>ending  upon  the  tempera- 
ture. When  newly  hatched  the  fry  are  about  three-fourths  of  an 
in*  h  long.  .\t  two  or  three  months  old  and  about  two  inches  long, 
they  begin  to  show  the  vermillion  spots  and  dark  cross  bands  and  are 
then  called  "parr";  this  name  and  colouration  they  retain  while  they 
remain  in  fresh  water.  In  the  second  or  third  spring  they  assume  a  uni- 
form bright  silvery  colour  and  descend  to  the  sea,  at  this  stage  being 
known  as  "smolt. "  .After  remaining  in  salt  water  for  a  period  varying 
from  a  few  months  to  about  two  years,  the  fi.sh  may  return  (o  their  native 
river,  either  as  a  "grilse"  or  ".salmon"  weighing  from  two  lo  six  pounds. 
Towards  winter  they  again  return  to  the  sea,  and  from  this  time  forward 
the  migration  from  the  sea  to  river  head  waters  is  performed  annually. 

It  is  generally  assumed  that  salmon  take  no  food  while  in  fresh  water, 
yet  they  certainly  rise  readily  enough  to  the  artificial  lure  of  the  angler, 
more  particularly  when  fresh  run  from  the  sea  ;  therefore  it  .seems  probable 
that  in  the  early  part  of  the  season  the  fish  will  feed,  but  that  as  spawning 
time  approaches  they,  like  some  other  species,  cease  to  have  anv  desire 
for  food  and  devote  themselves  to  the  duties  of  reproduction  entirely,  for 
while  on  the  spawning  ground  and  after  the  ova  are  deposited  the  salmon 
grow  lank  and  thin,  losing  all  their  beauty.  In  this  condition  they  are 
"kelts"  and  valueless  as  food. 


Si  HOKNis  TRUTTA. 

(71)  Steelhead  Salmon. 

(Salmo  gairdneri.) 
Body  elongate,  little  compressed,  much  like  S.  salar  in  form ;  caudal 
peduncle  short;  head  rather  short,   maxilla  reaching  far  behind  the  eye. 


7  V 


I 


FISH  OF  ONTAniO. 


tKi 


Eye  small.  Teeth  rather  small ;  vomerincs  in  two  long,  alternating  series, 
about  as  long  as  the  palatine  series ;  gill  rakers  short  and  ;-itout ;  about 
twenty,  on  the  first  arch  of  which  twelve  are  below  the  angle ;  dorsal  origin 
much  nearer  to  tip  of  snout  than  to  base  of  caudal ;  adipose  fin  very  small 
and  narrow,  over  the  beginning  of  the  anal;  caudal  fin  moderately  forked 
in  the  youn^^;  \entral  origin  midway  between  tip  of  snout  and  base  of 
caudal. 

D.,  II  ;  A.,  12.  Colour,  olive  green  above,  sides  silvery,  head,  back, 
dorsal  and  caudal  fins  profusely  covered  with  small  black  spots,  no  red 
between  the  rami  of  the  lower  jaw. 

I  mention  this  fish  because  it  has  been  introduced  with  marked  suc- 
cess into  L.ike  Superior  and  tributary  waters  by  the  L'nited  States  Fish 
Commission,  and  specimens  have  lx;en  taken  on  our  side  of  the  lake,  where 
it  is  to  be  hoped  it  will  find  a  congenial  habitat,  for  it  ranks  very  high  as 
a  game  and  food  fish,  attaining  under  favourable  circumstances  a  weight 
of  about  twenty  pounds. 

Gkm  s  CRISTIMOXKR.     (Lakr  Tkoit.) 

This  genus  contains  one,  or  perhaps  two,  species,  large,  coarse 
Charrs,  distinguished  from  Salvelinus  by  the  presence  of  a  raised  crest 
behind  the  head  of  the  vomer  and  free  from  the  shaft ;  this  crest  is  armed 
with  teeth.  The  hyoid  teeth  constitute  a  strong  cardiform  band.  The 
typical  species  is  a  large  Charr,  spotted  with  gray,  and  found  in  the  larger 
lakes  of  eastern  North  .America. 


Gray  Trout.     Togue.     Tuladi. 


(73)  Lake  Trout.     Salmon  Trout. 

(Cristimover  namaycush.) 

Body  long ;  caudal  peduncle  slender ;  head  long,  its  upper  surface 
flattened:  eye  large,  placed  near  top  of  head;  mouth  very  large,  the  maxil- 
lary extending  much  beyond  the  eye ;  the  origin  of  dorsal  midway  between 
tip  of  snout  and  root  of  tail ;  caudal  fin  well  forked ;  adipose  fin  small ; 
teeth  very  strong. 

D.,  9  to  II  ;  A.,  9  to  II.     Scales,  about  200  on  lateral  line. 

The  colouration  is  extremely  variable,  generally  grayish,  sometimes 
pale  and  sometimes  almost  black,  everywhere  with  rounded  pale  spots 
which  are  often  reddish  tinged ;  on  the  back  and  top  of  the  head  there  are 
fine  vermiculations  resembling  those  of  the  Brook  Trout.  The  dorsal  and 
caudal  with  pale  spots  and  dark  markings. 

This  species  is  found  in  nearly  all  the  large  lakes  from  New  Bruns- 
wick west  to  British  Columbia  and  north  fi  m  I.abrador  through  the 
Hudr.on's  Bay  country  to  Alaska.  It  is  the  largest  species  of  the  family 
resident  in  fresh  water,  reaching  a  length  of  several  feet  and  a  weight  of 
sixty  pounds  or  even  more,  though  specimens  exceeding  twenty  pounds 
are  now  rare. 


M 


CHECK   LIST  OF  THK 


The  Lake  Trout  is  one  of  the  most  rapacious  of  our  fishes  and  will 
devour  almost  anything,  though  its  principal  food  consists  of  Herrings, 
young  Whitefish,  and  other  soft-finned  fishes.  It  frequents  deep  waters 
and  is  usually  taken  near  the  bottom.  The  spawning  season  varies  some- 
what according  to  locality.  In  Lake  Superior  it  commences  early  in  Octo- 
ber, while  in  other  lakes  it  is  deferred  until  .November,  and  continues  into 
December.  The  spawning  grounds  are  on  the  reefs  of  honeycomb  nx:k 
in  from  ten  to  one  hundred  feet  of  water. 

There  is  a  great  difference  of  opinion  as  to  its  %alue  as  a  game  tish. 
Some  anglers  consider  it  affords  a  great  deal  of  sport:  others  have  no 
regard  for  it.  I  agree  with  the  latter,  having  always  found  it  a  heavy, 
lumpish  fish,  with  no  fight  in  it.  Commercially,  however,  it  is  of  great 
importance,  being  always  in  demand  and  furnishes  an  excellent  article  of 
food. 

The  variety  Siscowet  (C.  n.  siscowet)  differs  from  the  common  Lake 
Trout  in  having  a  deeper  body,  which  is  covered  with  a  thicker  skin, 
beneath  which  is  a  great  development  of  fatty  tissue.  The  scales  are 
somewhat  larger  and  the  colour  usually  paler.  It  is  most  frequently  taken 
in  Lake  Superior,  though  examples  are  sometimes  found  in  Lakes  Huron 
and  Erie. 

Ge.nus  S.XLVELINUS.     (Chakks.) 

Body  moderately  elongate ;  mouth  large  or  small ;  teeth  of  jaws,  pala- 
tines, and  tongue  essentially  as  in  Salmo,  the  hyoid  patch  present  or  not ; 
vomer  Jnat-shaped,  the  shaft  much  depressed,  without  raised  crest,  with 
teeth  on  the  head  of  the  bone  and  none  on  the  shaft;  scales  very  small, 
two  hundred  to  two  hundred  and  fifty  in  a  lengthwise  series  ;  fins  moderate, 
the  caudal  forked  in  the  young,  truncate  in  some  species  in  the  adult; 
sexual  peculiarities  not  strongly  marked,  the  males  with  the  premaxillaries 
enlarged  and  a  fleshy  projection  at  the  tip  of  the  lower  jaw.  Colouration 
dark,  with  round  crimson  spots,  the  lower  fins  sometimes  with  marginal 
bands  of  black,  reddish  and  pale. 

The  species  of  this  genus  are  by  far  the  most  active  and  handsome  of 
the  Trout;  and  live  in  the  coldest,  clearest  and  most  secluded  waters. 
Some  of  them  occasionally  descend  to  the  sea,  where  they  lose  their  varie- 
gated colours  and  become  nearly  plain  and  silvery. 


(73)  Brook  Trout. 

(Salvelinus  fontinalis.) 

The  Brook  Trout  varies  very  much  in  the  shape  of  the  body,  which 
is  sometimes  short  and  deep  and  sometimes  long  and  thin.  Head  large, 
snout  somewhat  obtuse ;  mouth  large ;  eye  large,  somewhat  above  axis  of 
the  body;  caudal  fin  slightly  lunate  in  the  adult,  forked  in  the  young; 
adipose  fin  small  and  stout. 


'!' 


FISH  OF  ONTARIO 


65 


D.,  lo;  A.,  9.     S<:alos  on  lateral  lim-,  jj.s  t"  ■J.?5- 

The  colouration  is  highly  variable  with  age  ami  locality.  Upper  parts 
usually  grayish,  much  mottled  or  barred  with  dark  olive  or  black  without 
spots;  on  the  sides  numerous  pale  brownish  blotches  encircle  small  scarlet 
spots.  Dorsal  and  caudal  fins  mottled  with  darker;  lower  fins  dusky  with 
a  creamy  white  band  anteriorly  followed  by  a  black  streak ;  belly  of  the 
male  often  more  or  less  red ;  sea  run  fish  are  often  plain  bright  silvery. 

Brook  Trout  were  formerly  found  in  all  the  clear  spring  streams,  and 
lakes  fed  by  them,  throughout  the  Province,  but  of  late  years,  owing  to 
the  pollution  of  our  waters  and  excessive  fishing,  its  range  is  restricted  to 
the  unsettled  districts,  and  except  where  it  is  artificially  propagated  and 
preserved  it  has  ceased  to  exist  in  southern  Ontario.  .\s  a  game  and  food 
fish  it  is  unexcelled,  and  angling  for  it  is  one  of  the  most  fascinating  of 
outdoor  sports.  The  size  attainc<l  by  this  fish  depends  largely  upon  its 
habitat  and  food.  In  small  streams  it  may  mature  at  a  length  of  six  or 
eight  inches  and  a  weight  of  only  a  few  ounces,  while  in  large  bodies  of 
water,  with  an  abundant  fcK>d  supply,  they  will  teach  eighteen  inches  or 
more  in  length  and  a  weight  of  from  six  to  eight  pounds.  In  Lake  Ncpi- 
gon  and  some  of  the  rivers  of  that  famous  district  very  large  fish  are  still 
commonly  taken. 

In  the  cool  days  of  late  autumn  the  Brook  Trout  run  up  to  the  head 
waters  of  the  streams  and  there  on  the  gravelly  shallows  deposit  their 
ova;  the  spawning  .season  extending  from  September  in  the  north  to 
December  in  the  south.  The  number  of  eggs  produced  depends  upon  the 
age  and  size  of  the  fish.  Yearlings  (that  is,  fish  in  their  second  year)  will 
produce  from  fifty  to  two  hundred  and  fifty  ova,  while  a  large  fish  may 
produce  as  many  as  fifteen  hundred.  The  eggs  arc  about  three-sixteenths 
of  an  inch  in  diameter  and  of  a  warm  orange  colour.  The  period  of  hatch- 
ing depends  upon  the  temperature  of  the  water,  ranging  from  thirty-two 
days  in  wafer  at  54°  to  one  hundred  and  sixty-five  days  in  water  at  37". 

In  the  early  part  of  the  summer  Trout  frequent  the  ripples  and  shal- 
lower parts  of  the  streams,  but  as  the  temperature  rises  and  hot  weathei 
sets  in  they  retire  to  the  deeper  pools  or  the  vicinity  of  cold  springs,  wher« 
they  remain  until  the  return  of  autumn  starts  them  up  stream  again. 

Though  commonly  called  Brook  Trout,  our  fish  is  really  a  Charr  and 
is  closely  allied  to,  if  not  identical  with,  the  famous  Charr  of  North  Britain 
and  the  continent  of  Europe. 


Order  MAPLOMI.    (Pike-like  Fishes.) 

Soft-rayed  fishes  with  the  mesocoracoid  wanting ;  the  cor  coids  nor- 
mally developed,  and  the  post-temporal  normally  at)  hed  to  the  cranium. 
Parietal  bones  separated  by  the  supraoccipital.  Syn-  -ctic  present.  Oper- 
cular bones  well  developed.  Anterior  vertebrae  u.. modified.  Scapular 
arch  jomed  to  the  cranium  by  a  post-temporal.  Hypocoracoid  and  hyper- 
coracoid  separate  with  developed  actinosts.  Pharyngeal  bones  distinct, 
the  superior  directed  forward,  three  or  four  in  number,  the  inferior  not 


if 


66 


CHECK  LIST  OF  THE 


falciform.  No  interclavicles.  Mouth  with  teeth.  Air  bladder  with  a  dis- 
tinct  duct.  Ventral  fins  abdominal,  rarely  wanting;  pectoral  fins  placed 
low ;  dorsal  fin  more  or  less  posterior,  the  first  ray  occasionally  stiffened 
and  spine-hke;  no  adipose  fin.  Head  usually  covered  with  scales,  like 
those  on  the  body.     Sjiecies  chit-lly  inhabiting  fresh  water. 

Kammv  UMHRID.E.  (Mlu  .Minnows.) 
Body  oblong,  broad  anteriorly,  compressed  behind.  Head  large, 
flattened  above.  Mouth  moderate,  with  bands  of  villiform  or  cardiform 
teeth  on  premaxillaries,  lower  jaw,  vomer,  and  palatines ;  premaxillaries 
not  protractile ;  lateral  margin  of  upper  jaw,  formed  by  the  broad,  short 
maxillaries,  which  are  toothless  and  without  distinct  supplemental 
bone;  lower  jaw  the  longer.  Gill  openings  wide,  the  membranes  scarcely 
connected;  gill  rakers  little  developed;  branchiostcgals  six  to  eight. 
Scales  moderate,  cycloid,  covering  head  and  body;  lateral  line  wanting. 
Dorsal  fin  moderate,  posterior,  in  advance  of  anal;  ventrals  small,  close 
to  anal ;  pectorals  inserted  low ;  caudal  fin  rounded.  Stomach  without 
blind  sac;  no  pyloric  cwca ;  pjeudobranchiae  hidden,  glandular;  air 
bladder  simple.  Oviparous  fishes,  the  sexes  similar.  Carnivorous  fi  ;hes 
of  small  size,  li\ing  in  mud,  or  among  weeds,  at  the  bottom  of  clear, 
sluggish  streams   and   ponds;  extremely  tenacious  of  life. 

Genus  UMBRA.  (Mudhshes.) 
Body  oblong,  covered  with  cycloid  scales  of  moderate  size,  without 
radiating  strije ;  no  lateral  line ;  head  shortish,  little  depressed ;  eye  rather 
small ;  cleft  of  mouth  moderate ;  ventral  fins  six-rayed,  below  or  slightly 
in  front  of  dorsal ;  anal  fin  much  shorter  than  dorsal ;  pectorals  rather 
narrow,  rounded,  placed  low,  with  twelve  to  fifteen  rays,  which  are  much 
articulated  ;  caudal  rounded ;  preopercle  and  preorbital  with  mucous  pores ; 
bt.ini  hiostegals  six;  gill  rakers  rather  short,  thick.     Size  small. 

Si'BGENis  MELANUR A. 


Mud  Minnow.     ( I'nihm  limi. } 

(74)  Mud  Minnow.    Dogfish. 

(Umbra  limi.) 

Body  comparatively  short  and  stout.     Head  rather  large,   flattened 
above.     Ventral  fins  slightly  before  dorsal ;  anal  much  smaller  than  dorsal. 


FISH  OK  ONTARIO 


I).,  14;  A.,  y;  v.,  (>;  soalts  mi  Ijitcral  liiu-  .?5.  "n  transverse  strits  is. 

Colour,  dull  olive  green,  with  aix)ut  fourteen  narrow  pale  bars  (faint 
in  young),  a  black  bar  at  the  base  of  the  caudal. 

Common  and  generally  distributed  in  muddy  streams  and  inlets.  The 
name  is  said  to  be  derived  from  a  habit  this  tish  has  of  burrowing  into  the 
mud  when  the  water  evaporates  from  the  ditches  and  ponds  it  frequents. 
It  is  seldom  seen  in  clear  water,  preferring  to  hide  at  all  times  under 
stones  or  among  weeds.     It  reaches  a  length  of  about  four  .     hes. 

Famii.v  LLC  IIU.K.     (I'ikes.) 

Body  elongate,  not  elevated,  more  or  less  compressed  |M)steriorly, 
I  road  anteriorly.  Head  long,  the  snout  proltmged  and  depressed.  Mouth 
very  large,  its  cleft  forming  about  half  the  length  of  the  head;  lower  jaw 
the  longer;  upper  jaw  not  protractile,  most  of  its  margin  formed  by  the 
maxillaries,  which  are  quite  I'jng  and  provided  with  a  supplemental  bone  ; 
premaxillaries,  vomer  and  palatines,  with  broad  bands  of  strong  cardiform 
teeth  which  are  more  or  less  movable ;  lower  jaw  with  strong  teeth  of  dif- 
ferent sizes  ;  tongue  with  a  band  of  small  teeth.  Head  naked  above  ;  cheeks 
and  opercles  more  or  less  scaly ;  gill  openings  very  wide ;  gill  membranes 
separate,  free  from  the  isthmus;  gill  rakers  tuljcrcle-like,  toothed;  br.mchi- 
ostegals  twelve  to  twenty.  Scales  small ;  lateral  line  weak,  obsolete  in 
young  specimens,  developed  in  the  adult.  Dorsal  posterior,  opposite  and 
similar  to  anal;  caudal  fin  emargina'j;  pectoral  tins  small,  inserted  low; 
ventrals  rather  posterior ;  vent  normal ;  no  adipose  Rn  ;  no  barbels ;  stomach 
nut  cayal.  without  pylor'c  appendages;  pseudobranchia»  glandular,  hid- 
den ;  air  bladder  simple.  Basis  cranii  double.  Fishes  of  moderate  or 
larjje  si/e. 

Genus  LLCIUS.     (Pikks.) 

The  genus  Lucius  is  subdivided  into  three  groups,  distinguished  by 
their  size,  scaling,  and  colouration.  In  the  first  group  are  three  species 
of  small  Pike  (commonly  called  by  the  Americans  Pickerel),  in  which  the 
cheeks  and  opercles  are  entirely  scaly,  the  colour  is  greenish,  usually  with 
dark  reticulations  and  the  largest  species  reaches  a  length  of  aboijt  two 
feet.  To  this  group  the  subgeneric  name  Kenoza  is  applied.  Only  one 
of  these  s})ecies  has  come  under  my  observation  in  this  Province,  and  it  is 
probably  very  rare  here. 

In  the  subgenus  Lucius  we  have  only  the  Common  Pike  (also  called 
Pickerel  by  our  American  neighbors),  the  typical  species  of  the  genus, 
which  has  the  cheeks  fully  scaled  and  the  lower  half  of  the  opercles  naked. 
The  sides  are  pale  spotted,  on  a  darker  ground,  and  it  grows  to  a  much 
larger  size  than  any  of  the  species  of  the  Kenoza  group. 

The  subgenus  Mascalongus  ':ontains  only  the  Mascalongc,  the  largest 
member  of  the  family.  In  this  species  the  lower  half  of  the  cheeks  as  well 
as  of  the  opercles  is  scaleless,  and  the  scales  are  smaller  than  in  those  of 
the  other  groups. 


OHECK  LIST  OF  THK 


SuBCENX's  KENOZA. 

(75)  Gntn  Pikt. 

(Lucius  reticulatus.) 

Body  long  and  slender ;  caudal  peduncle  slender,  its  depth  little  more 
than  one-third  of  greatest  depth  of  liody.  Snout  lonj;  and  pointed.  Caudal 
deeply  forked. 

L).,  14  to  15;  A.,  13  to  14.  Scales  on  lateral  line  about  tie,.  The 
cheeks  and  opercles  arc  completely  scaled. 

Colour,  green  of  various  shades,  sometimes  very  dark ;  sides  (often 
with  a  golden  lustre),  marked  with  many  dark  lines  and  streaks  which  are 
mostly  horizontal  and  by  their  junction  with  one  another  produce  a  reticu- 
lated appearance.     A  dark  band  below  the  eye.      Fins  plain. 

This  small  Pike  does  not  seem  to  be  at  all  common  in  our  waters.  I 
have  taken  a  few  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Toronto,  but  have  not  met  with 
it  elsewhere.  It  should  be  found  in  suitable  places  in  Lakes  Rric  and 
Ontario.  Its  usual  haunts  are  weedy  streams,  ponds  and  bays,  where  it 
lies  in  wait  for  the  fish,  frogs,  and  other  living  creatures  upon  which  it 
preys.  It  is  said  under  favourable  circumstances  to  attain  a  length  of  two 
feet  and  a  weight  of  eight  pounds,  but  those  I  have  seen  were  never  more 
than  half  that  size.  As  a  food  fish  it  is  not  generally  appreciated,  for  its 
flesh  seems  to  have  absorbed  too  strong  a  flavour  of  the  weeds  among 
which  it  lives. 

SlBGENUS  LUCIUS. 

(7^))  Common  Pike.     Northern  Pike. 

(Lucius  lucius.) 

Body  elongate,  but  stout  and  well  proportioned ;  head  long,  with  well 
produced  snout ;  caudal  peduncle  nearly  equal  to  one-half  depth  of  body. 
Eve  nearly  median.  .Mouth  very  large  and  strongly  toothed ;  the  tongue, 
•of  of  mouth,  pharynx  and  gill  arches  bristle  .with  teeth  in  cardlike  b.inds! 
giving  the  fish  extraordinary  power  in  holding  its  prey.  The  dors.il  and 
anal  fins  are  near  the  caudal.  \'entral  fm  midway  between  tip  of  snout 
and  end  of  caudal  fin. 

D.,  16  to  20;  A.,  16  to  17.  Scales  on  lateral  side  about  125.  Cheeks 
entirely  s'.aly ;  upper  part  of  opercle  scaly,  the  lower  half  bare. 

General  colour  greenish  gray,  with  many  white  or  yellowish  spots, 
somewhat  arranged  in  rows;  dorsal,  anal  and  caudal  fins  with  roundish  or 
oblong  black  spots.  Naked  part  of  the  opercle  boundeH  hv  a  whitish 
streak. 

Common  and  generally  distributed  throughout  the  Province  in  all 
waters  where  there  are  sufficient  weeds  to  afford  it  shelter. 

The  Pike  is  one  of  the  most  voracious  of  our  fishes,  feeding  upon  any 
form  of  animal  life  which  it  is  able  to  overpower.     Under  favourable  cir- 


<  ^^ 


1 


'III 


I 


FIHH  OK  ONTAHll) 


cumstnnwH  it  attains  a  hir|{f  si/,-,  >i).tiiiuMs  .>l  iiiori-  tlii.ii  li.rrv  |M)un<N 
weight  having  frequently  been  captund  in  Kurojx-.  In  I  anjul.i  it  f|r»ts 
not  grow  so  large,  though  in  Manitoba,  where  it  is  commonly  km.wn  as 
"Jackfish."  Fish  of  tweniy  pounds  were  not  very  uncommon  a  few  years 
ago.  In  Ontario  it  is  so  constantly  pursued  that  it  dcMvs  not  now  get  a 
chance  to  attain  its  lull  dimensions,  and  Pike  of  over  ten  pounds'  weight 
are  beconing  rare. 

Spawning  takes  place  in  early  spring,  as  s.jon  as  the  ice  hrejiKs  up 
the  fish  running  up  on  t»>  rush  In-ds  or  grassy  shallows  for  that  purpose." 
The  females  are  very  prolific,  one  weighing  thirty-two  pounds  was  esti- 
mated  by  the  :  te  Professor  Buckland  to  contain  sos.ooo  ova. 

NIany  anglers  pn.fess  to  look  u|ion  the  I'ike  with  lonternpt  and  treat 
Its  claim  to  be  considered  a  game  fish  with  derision.  This  is  l)erause  it  is 
usually  taken  by  them  in  the  summer  months,  when  it  is  not  in  good  con- 
dition. It  is  then  soft  in  flesh  and  wer«ly  in  flavour,  but  in  the  autumn 
after  the  weeds  have  died  down,  it  is  a  different  fish ;  then  its  llesh  is  firm 
and  good  and  its  fighting  nowers  will  tax  the  angler's  skill  to  the  utmost. 

.Si'Br.EM  s  M  »SC\|.0\(irs. 

(77)  Mascalonge.    Lunge. 

(Lucius  masquinongy.) 

Body  elongate,  though  stout:  caudal  peduncle  short  and  slender 
Head  large;  eye  nearly  in  the  •  liddlc  of  length  of  head.  Mouth  very 
large,  the  maxilla  extending  to  below  ihe  hind  margin  of  the  cyi-  The 
teeth  are  as  in  the  Pike,  but  even  more  formidable.  Dorsal  and  anal  fins 
far  back.  Caudal  deeply  torked.  D..  17;  A.,  is  to  16.  Scales  on  lateral 
me  150;  check  and  opercle  .scaled  above,  but  both  naked  on  their  lower 
half. 

Colour,  dark  grey,  greenis:i  or  brownish,  .nhvavs  darker  on  the  hark 
hg^hter  on  the  sides.  Belly  white  or  whitish.  The  fins  usually  have  duskv" 
spot.s  or  blotches,  the  lower  fins  and  c.-.-.dal  are  sometimes  reddish  The 
body  markings  vary  a  great  deal.  In  th  oung  the  upper  half  of  the  bodv 
IS  covered  with  small  round  black  spots,  which  usually  change  their  shape 
or  disappear  as  the  fish  grow  older.  In  mature  fish  the  spots  are  more 
diffuse,  sometimes  enlarging  to  an  ;.ich  or  more  in  diameter,  or  by  coales- 
cing, form  vertical  broad  bands,  while  in  others  there  are  no  distinct  dark 
markings.  All  these  various  markings  are  found  in  fish  from  the  same 
locality.  The  maiority  of  Ljnge  in  our  waters  are  either  unmarked  or 
show  faint  bars,  the  .spotted  form  being  the  most  uncommon. 

The  distribution  of  Masralonge  in  our  waters  is  somewhat  irregular. 
It  IS  found  in  the  St.  Lawrence  about  the  Thousand  Islands,  in  the  waters 
of  the  Trent  Valley,  Lake  Scugog,  Lake  Simcoe.  and  manv  of  our  inland 
lakes,  but  I  have  no  record  of  its  occurrence  in  anv  of  the  Great  Lakes 


70 


CHECK  LIST  OK  THK 


mi 


except  I.ake  Erie  and  the  (ieorgian  Hay,  where  it  is  quite  common.  Its 
northern  range  is  not  yet  clearly  defined,  but  does  not  probably  extend 
beyond  the  height  of  land. 

Spawning  takes  place  early  in  spring,  soon  after  the  ice  goes  out,  in 
shallow  water  about  the  reed  beds.  Here  the  females  deposit  a  large 
number  of  eggs,  from  which  the  fry  hatch  in  from  fifteen  to  thirty  days, 
according  to  temperature. 

The  "Lunge"  is,  except  at  pairing  time,  a  solitary  fish,  usually  lying 
concealed  among  aquatic  plants  at  the  sides  of  channels,  or  in  open  lakes, 
beneath  shelvmg  rocks,  from  whence  it  darts  upon  every  living  thing 
unfortunate  enough  to  come  within  its  reach  and  small  enough  to  become 
its  prey. 

When  taken  in  the  autumn,  at  which  time  it  is  in  high  condition,  its 
flesh  is  firm,  flaky  and  of  good  flavour,  and  its  fighting  ((ualities  at  their 
very  best.  In  summer  it  affords  comparatively  little  sport  and  its  flesh  is 
apt  to  taste  weedy. 

Under  favourable  circumstances  Mascallor.ge  attain  an  immense  size, 
fish  of  eighty  to  one  hundred  pounds'  weight  having  Ix-en  taken  in  various 
places.  We  do  not  often  see  such  monsters  now,  but  specimens  ranging 
from  thirty  to  fifty  pounds  are  captured  every  season. 


I-AMIl.V  P(ECILinXli:.      (ThK  KlI.l.IHSHKS.) 

Body  oblong,  or  moderately  elongate,  compressed  behind,  depressed 
forward,  covered  with  rather  large  cycloid  scales,  which  are  adherent  and 
regularly  arranged.  Lateral  line  wanting  or  represented  by  a  few  imper- 
fect pores.  Head  scaly  at  least  above.  Mouth  terminal,  small,  the  lower 
jaw  usually  projecting;  margin  of  the  upper  jaw  formed  by  the  premaxil- 
laries  only;  premaxillaries  strong,  extremely  protractile.  Teeth  incisor- 
like or  villiform,  sometimes  present  on  the  vomer,  but  usually  in  the  jaws 
only;  lower  pharyngeals  separate,  with  cardiform  or  r.irely  molai  teeth; 
third  upper  pharyngeal  enlarged,  the  fourth  wanting  or  united  to  the  third. 
Gill  membrares  somewhat  connected,  free  from  isthmus;  gill  rakers  very 
short,  tliick.  Branchiostegals  four  to  six.  Pseudobranchia;  none.  Dorsal 
fin  single,  inserted  posteriorly,  of  soft  rays  only,  rarely  with  a  single  spine, 
or  rudimentary  spinous  dorsal ;  caudal  fin  not  forked  ;  ventral  fins  abdom- 
inal, rarely  wanting;  pectoral  fins  inserted  low;  no  adipose  fin.  Stomach 
siphonal,  without  pyloric  appendages.  Air  bladder  simple,  often  wanting. 
Basis  cranii  simple.  Sexes  usually  unlike,  the  fins  being  largest  in  the 
males,  but  in  some  species  the  females  are  much  the  larger. 


If 


Geni's  FUNDULUS.     (KiLi.iFisHES.) 

Ro-Jy  rather  elongate,  little  elevated,  compressed  behind  ;  mouth  mod- 
erate,  the  lower  jaw  projecting;  jaws  each  with  two  or  more  series  of 


» 


FISH   OF  ONTARIO. 


pointed  teeth,  usually  forming  a  narrow  band,  hones  of  the  mandible 
firmly  united ;  scales  moderate ;  gill  opening  not  restricted  above,  the 
opcrcle  with  its  margin  not  adnate  to  shoulder  girdle ;  preopercle,  pre- 
orbital,  and  mandible  with  mucous  pores;  dorsal  and  anal  hns  similar, 
sm;ill,  or  rather  large,  the  dorsal  inserted  either  in  front  of,  abi.ve,  oi 
behind,  the  front  of  anal;  venlrals  well  devtioped;  air  bladder  present; 
sexes  differing  in  colour,  si/e  and  development  of  the  fins,  the  .'mal  (in  in 
the  male  normal ;  intestinal  canal  short ;  first  superior  pharyngeal  without 
teeth,  second  with  teeth,  third  and  fourth  coossified,  with  teeth.  Species 
very  numerous,  mostly  .-Xmerican,  inhabiting  fresh  waters  and  arms  of 
the  sea.     They  are  oviparous. 


Si  i:(.E.M  s   KO\  !  IXLS, 


'un\">'' 


*^S^ 


Killilish.      '  riiiuhihi.-:  iliiiiihiiiiii':  ) 

(78)  Killifish.     Fresh-water  Kiily. 

(Fundulus  diaphanus.) 

Body  rather  slender;  head  flat  above;  mouth  very  protractile,  small, 
its  width  somewhat  greater  than  the  length  of  the  lower  jaw  i'ins  low, 
the  <lorsal  midway  between  the  tip  of  the  snout  and  the  root  of  the  caudal. 
The  anal  is  wholly  under  the  dorsal.     Caudal  large,  convex  behind. 

D.,    14;  .\.,   !.>.     Scales  on  lateral  line,  46. 

The  females  are  olivaceous,  sides  silvery,  with  lifleen  to  twentv-ti\e 
narrow  dark  crossbands ;  tins  p;ile.  In  the  breeding  season  the  males  are 
olive  with  about  twenty  pearly  w'u;.'  cross  bars. 

.Abundant  in  bays  and  shallow  inlets  near  the  lakes;  usually  found 
quite  close  to  the  shore  line,  associated  in  small  shoals.  A  fairly  g.'od 
bait  fish,  though  not  as  attractive  as  the  bright  shiners  and  chub. 

This  species  attains  a  length  of  about  four  inches. 


Order  HEMIBRANCHII.     (The  Half-gills. 


Interclavicles  developed,     (lills 
furcate ;  supraclavicle  quite  small. 


pectinate.     Post-temporal  simple,  not 
Superior  pharyngeal  bones  reduced  in 


72 


CHECK  LIHT  OK  THE 


iiunil)er,  the  bones  of  the  gill  arches  also  reduced  except  in  Gasterosteidiie ; 
inferior  pharyngeals  present,  not  united.  Ventral  fins  abdominal  or  sub- 
abdominal,  joined  to  the  intcrclavicle,  or  else  detached  from  it  through 
partial  atrophy  of  the  shoulder  girdle.  Mouth  bounded  above  by  premax- 
illaries  only ;  shoulder  girdle  simple  in  structure.  Basis  of  cranium  simple 
and  without  tube ;  four  anterior  vertebra'  more  or  less  elongate ;  snout 
usually  more  or  less  produced,  the  small  mouth  at  its  end. 


Famii.v  {J.ASTEROSTEID^.    (The  Sticki.ehacks.) 

Body  more  or  less  fusiform,  somewhat  compressed,  tapering  behind 
to  :i  slender  caudal  peduncle.  Head  moderate,  the  anterior  part  not  greatly 
produced,  but  all  the  bones  of  the  suspensory  apparatus  somewhat  leng- 
thened. Mouth  moderate,  with  the  cleft  oblique,  the  lower  jaw  prominent ; 
maxillary  bent  at  right  angles  and  overlapping  the  premaxillary  at  corner 
of  mouth.  Teeth  sharp,  even,  in  a  narrow  band  in  each  jaw ;  no  teeth  on 
vomer  or  palatines;  premaxillaries  protractile.  Preorbital  rather  broad; 
suborbital  plate  large,  often  covering  the  anterior  part  of  the  cheeks,  form- 
ing a  connection  with  the  preopercle.  Branchiostegals  three.  Gill  mem- 
branes broadly  joined,  free  from  the  isthmus,  or  not ;  gill  rakers  i  derate 
or  rather  long.  Opercles  unarmed.  .Skin  naked  or  with  vertically  tyblong 
bony  plates ;  no  true  scales.  Dorsal  fin  preceded  by  two  or  mr>re  free 
spines ;  anal  similar  to  soft  dorsal,  with  a  single  spine ;  ventral  tins  sub- 
abdominal,  consisting  of  a  stout  spine  and  one  or  two  rudimentary  rays. 
Middle  or  sides  of  belly  shielded  by  the  pubic  bones.  Pectorals  rather 
short,  unusually  far  Ijehind  the  gill  opening,  preceded  by  a  quadrate  naked 
area  which  is  co.ered  ..ith  shining  skin.  Caudal  fin  narrow,  usually  lun- 
ate. .Air  bladder  simple;  a  few  pyloric  cseca.  Vertebrae,  thirty  to  thirty- 
five  ;  anterior  vertebrae  little  enlarged.  Small  fishes  inhabiting  the  fresh 
waters  and  arms  of  the  sea,  noted  for  their  pugnacity. 

They  are  exceedingly  destructive  of  the  spawn  and  frv  of  larger 
fishes. 

Most  of  the  Sticklebacks  build  elaborate  nests,  which  the  male  fish 
defends  with  much  .spirit.  The  .species  are  extremely  variable,  being  appar- 
ently readily  affected  by  changes  in  surroundings. 


Genus  EUCALIA.    (Brook  Sticklebacks.) 


Fresh-water  Sticklebacks,  feebly  armed  ,the  skin  not  mailed,  the  dorsal 
spines  few  and  nondivergent ;  ihe  gill  membranes  forming  a  free  fold 
across  the  isthmus ;  pubic  bones  fully  united.     One  species  known. 


FISH   OK  (»NT.\UI(> 


(-9)  Brook  Stickleback. 

(Eucalia  inconstans.) 

Body  elongated,  rather  stout;  the  cjuidal  peduncle  without  keel;  skin 
entirely  smooth.  The  ventral  spines  and  pubic  bones  are  very  small,  the 
latter  concealed  under  the  skin.  The  thora<  ir  proiesses  covered  by  the 
skin,  slender  and  widely  separated.  Dorsal  spines  short,  nearly  equal  in 
length,  placed  in  a  straight  line,  the  anterior  spines  shortest.  Wntral 
spines  small  and  serrated. 

D.  III.  to  IV.,  I.,   10;  A.   I.,   10. 

.Males  in  the  breeding  season  jet  black,  tinged  with  copperv  red.  The 
females  and  young  are  greenish,  variegated  with  darker. 

Common  in  small  streams  and  ponds,  where  it  secretes  itself  among 
water  plants,  ready  at  any  moment  to  attack  any  small  fish  which 
approaches  its  lair,  or  to  dart  upon  passing  insects  small  enough  to  become 
its  prey. 

This  .species  Is  a  nest  builder  and  is  particularly  vigorous  in  the 
defence  of  its  eggs  or  young.  It  grows  to  a  length  of  two  and  a-half 
inches. 


(li-Ms    I'VGOSTKl.S.      (MANV-snvKi)    .Sikki. -hacks.) 

This  genus  is  characterized  by  the  presence  of  nine  to  eleven  divergent 
spines  and  by  the  weakness  of  its  innominate  bones.     As  in   Euc. 
gill  membranes  form  a  broad  fold  across  the  isthmus. 


Teii-gpined  Stickleback,     l  /V/r)../^».«  iiiiiu/ilitiM. ) 


(Ho)  Ten-spined  Stickleback. 

(Pygosteus  pungitius.) 

Mody  elongate,  somewhat  compressed.  The  dorsal  spines  are  all  in 
the  same  line  in  a  furrow,  but  they  diverge  so  as  to  form  a  zigzag  series. 
Pubic  bone  weak,  lanceolate,  not  serrate;  ventral  spines  slender,  pun- 
gent, finely  F.znwte  above  and  below;  gill  membranes  free  from  isthmus 
behind;  gill  rakers  long  and  slender;  caudal  fin  lunate,  slightly  emargin- 
ate. 

D.  IX.  to  XI.,  I.,  9;  A.  I.,  8. 


74 


CHECK  LIST  OF  THE 


Colour  brownish  iiluivi',  pun(  tulate  and  irregularly  baiTt'd  with  hiark. 
Tail  keeled.  Length  alxuit  three  inches.  In  the  breeding  season  the  male 
becomes  rosy  beneath. 

Not  particularly  common  in  this  Province,  but  generally  distributed 
through  the  region  of  the  (Jreat  L.ikes.  It  is  said  lo  be  abundant  in  the 
streams  of  the  .\tlantic  coast  and  in  the  fresh  waters  of  tlu-  Arctic  regions. 


(iKMs  (iASTFROSTFL'S. 

.Sticklebacks  with  the  innominate  bones  coalescent  on  the  median  line 
of  the  Ix-'lly,  behind  and  Ix'tween  ihe  ventral  tins,  forming  a  triangular  or 
lanceolate  plate.  Gill  membranes  united  to  the  isthmus ;  tail  slender,  and 
usually  keeled ;  skin  variously  covered  with  bony  phtes ;  dorsal  spines 
strong,  with  nondivergent  bases.  Species  numerous  and  highly  variable, 
those  found  in  the  sea  usually  \  ith  the  body  completely  mailed,  the  fresh 
and  brackish  water  forms  \ari()usly  mailed,  or  even  altogether  naked. 


fuTla^A 


Two-.upilied  StilkU'lliUk  ,       (  (lil:ilrrn>lniy  liirjii 


i'Uf.  ] 


(8i)  Two-spined  Stickleback. 

(Gastcrosteus  bispinosus.) 


Hody  fusiform,  moderately  elongate  and  compressed  ;  caudal  peduncle 
short,  slender  and  distinctly  keeled.  The  sides  are  covered  with  about 
thirty-three  bony  plates.  The  processes  from  the  shoulder  girdle  cover 
the  breast  except  a  small  naked  area  between  them.  .\t  the  base  of  each 
dorsal  spine  is  a  large  rough  bony  plate  to  which  the  spine  is  hinged  in 
such  a  way  that  it  may  be  fixed  and  mimovable  at  the  will  of  the  fish.  The 
pelvic  bone  is  lanceolate.  The  spines  are  all  closely  .serrated,  those  in 
front  of  the  anal  and  soft  dorsal  smallest.  At  the  base  of  the  ventral  spine 
there  is  a  cusp. 

D.  II.  I.,  II  to  1.3;  A.  I.,  9. 

Colour,  greenish  olive,  lighter  on  the  sides,  lower  parts  silvery.  Gill 
co\ers  silvery,  with  dusky  markings;  iris  silvery;  pupil  black;  fins  pale. 


riSH   OK  ONTAniO 


76 


In  the  broeding  season  the  mak'  is  brilliant  bluish  <»r  urt-enish  alwvf,  with 
indistinct  dark  bars  and  KcnTi'lly  bright  red  Ik-Iow.  I.enjjili  in  our  waters 
about  three  inches. 

Rather  common  in  sprinij  in  the  streams  and  inlets  of  Lake  Ontario, 
but  I  have  not  lourui  it  elsewhere.  Its  centre  of  abundance  in  .America  is 
aloni;  the  North  Atlantic  coast,  where  it  is  found  in  all  the  streams  from 
N'ew  Jersey  to  L.abrador.  The  male  of  this  species  constructs  a  rather 
elaborate  nest,  of  s  nd,  pieces  of  sticks,  weeds,  etc.,  in  which  the  female 
deposits  her  ova.  When  this  is  done  the  male  stands  jjuard  over  it,  fanning 
with  his  fins  to  promote  circulation  of  the  water,  only  leaxing  his  post  to 
dart  at  an  intruder  or  secure  some  small   insei-t   for  food. 


Order  ACANTHOPTERI.     (The  Spmy-rayed  Fishes.) 

.\nterioi  vertebra'  unmodified  and  without  ossicula  auditus;  no  me.so- 
coracoid  and  no  interclavicles  so  far  as  known.  Horder  of  mouth  formed 
by  premaxillary ;  maxillary  normally  distinct  from  it  and  always  present, 
but  sometimes  coossified  with  it.  Gills  laminated.  Shoulder  girdle 
attached  to  the  skull  by  a  post  temporal,  which  is  normally  furcate  and 
usually  not  coossified  with  the  skull.  Hypercoracoid  and  hypocoracoid 
distinct,  ossified,  the  former  usually  perforate.  Pharyngeals  well  devel- 
oped, the  lower  rarely  united,  the  third  upper  pharyngeal  largest,  the 
fourth  often  wanting.  Pectoral  actinosts  always  present,  opercular  appa- 
ratus complete;  gill  openings  in  advance  of  the  pectorals;  pectoral  fins 
above  the  plane  of  the  abdomen  ;  ventral  fins  more  or  less  anterior,  nor- 
mally attached  by  the  pelvis  to  the  shoulder  girdle,  typically  with  one 
spine  and  five  rays,  sometimes  wanting,  sometimes  without  spine  or  with 
many  rays,  or  otherwise  modified.  Anterior  rays  of  dorsal  and  anal  typi- 
cally simple  or  spinous,  but  all  the  fin  rays  often  articulate.  .\ir  bladder 
typically  without  duct  in  the  adult.  Scak's  various,  tvpically  ctenoid; 
lateral  line  usually  running  high. 


Suborder  SALMOPERCi^:.     (The  Trout  Perches.) 

N'entrals  abdominal,  each  with  a  short  simple  ray;  dorsal  with  two 
simple  r.iys  or  spines;  anal  with  one  or  two;  month  formed  as  m  PccoiJ 
fishes,  the  simple  toothless  maxillary  not  forming  part  of  its  border.  Adi- 
po.se  fin  present.  Scales  ctenoid;  head  naked;  pseudobrruichiae  present. 
.\ir  bladder  apparently  with  a  rudimentary  duct.  Stomach  siphonal,  with 
a  few  caeca.  Shoulder  girdle  without  mc.-ocoracoid,  apparently  of  the 
normal  percoid  type;  vertebra-  about  thirtv-fivo. 


^1 


7« 


I'MKCK  MST  OK  THE 


Famii.y  PHRCOI'SIIXi:.     'litori   Pkhciiks.) 

Body  moderately  elongate,  somewhat  compressed,  the  caudal  peduncle 
long  and  slender.  Head  conical,  pointed,  naked.  Mouth  small,  hori- 
zontal ;  maxillary  short,  narrow,  without  supplemental  bone,  not  reaching 
to  the  large  eye;  margin  of  upper  jaw  formed  by  premaxillaries  alone, 
which  are  short  and  not  protractile.  Teeth  very  small,  villiform  on  prt- 
maxillaries  and  lower  jaw  only.  Tongue  short,  adherent.  (lill  membranes 
separate;  free  from  the  isthmus.  Pseudobranchia-  present.  Branchio- 
stegals  six.  Gill  rakers  short,  tubercle-like.  Opercle  with  entire  edges. 
Lower  limb  of  the  preoperrle  well  developed,  the  angle  nearly  a  right 
angle,  it.s  inner  edge  with  a  raised  crest,  its  outer  edge  crenulate  or  with 
a  few  spines.  Bones  of  the  head  cavernous ;  cranium  with  a  raised  crest, 
which  does  not  extend  to  the  occiput.  Scales  modemte,  rather  firm,  adher- 
ent, their  edges  strongly  ctenoid.  Lateral  line  continuous.  Dorsal  short, 
median  with  two  spines,  slender  or  stout ;  ventrals  anterior,  just  in  front 
of  the  dorsal,  with  one  rudimentary  spine  and  about  eight  rays;  pectorals 
narrow,  pl.-iced  rather  high;  anal  small,  with  one  or  two  spines;  caudal 
forked;  adipose  fin  present,  small.  Vertebrte  about  thirty-five.  First 
superior  pharyngobranchial  without  teeth ;  second,  third,  and  fourth  separ- 
ate, with  teeth.  Lower  pharyngeals  separate.  Stomach  siphonal,  with 
about  ten  well  developed  pyloric  ca-ca.  Ova  unusually  large,  not  falling 
into  the  abdominal  cavity  before  exclusion.  .'Vir  bladder  present,  with  a 
band  of  connective  tissue  which  is  apparently  with  a  rudimentary  duct. 
Small  fishes  of  the  fresh  waters  of  the  cooler  parts  of  America.  This  group 
is  one  of  special  interest,  as  it  combines  with  ordinary  salmonoid  ch.irac- 
ters,  the  structure  of  the  head  and  mouth  of  a  Percoid. 


Ofm  s  PERCOPSIS.     (Troit  Pekchks.) 

Body  rather  slender,  pellucid,  covered  with  rather  thin  scales;  dorsal 
fin  with  two  slender  spines  or  simple  rays ;  anal  with  one ;  scales  roughest 
posteriorly;  lateral  line  developed;  preopercle  entire  or  very  nearly  so. 

(83)  Trout  Perch.   Sand  Roller. 

(Percopsis  guttatus.) 


Body  rather  long,  moderately  compressed,  covered  with  thin  ctenoid 
scales ;  head  scaleless  and  without  barbels ;  gill  openings  wide ;  opercles 
well  developed;  gill  rakers  short,  tubercular;  skull  highly  cavernous; 
mouth  small,  the  margin  of  the  upper  jaw  formed  by  the  short  non-pro- 
tractile interinaxillaries ;   no  supplemental  maxillary  bone ;  small  villiform 


FISH   OK  ONTAKIO 


teeth  on  the  intermaxillaries  and  mandible.  Ton^^uc  short,  nut  free  al  tip. 
Six  bram-hiostegals.  Lateral  line  continuous.  The  first  dorsal  over  middle 
of  body.  Adipose  fin  small ;  caudal  lonp,  forked ;  pectorals  narrow,  placed 
high.  The  stomach  is  siphonal,  with  numerous  pyloric  ca'ca.  The  eggs 
are  moderately  large  and  are  excluded  through  an  ovidui  t.  Air  blacUK  r 
present.     Lower  jaw  included. 

I).,  II  ;  A.,  8.     Scales  on  lateral  line,  47  to  50. 

Colour,  upper  parts  pale  olivaceous  or  brown,  marked  with  rounded 
dark  spots,  made  up  of  minute  dots ;  a  silvery  median  stripe,  be<-oming 
obsolete  in  front ;  peritoneum  silvery.  Attains  a  length  of  alK)uI  eight 
inches. 

I  have  not  found  this  tish  common  anywhere  in  Ontario,  though  it 
ranges  all  through  the  (Ireat  L.ikjs  and  their  tributaries  north  to  Hudson 
Bay.  It  is  perhaps  more  abundant  in  the  Moira  River,  near  Belleville, 
than  elsewhere  in  our  Pro>  ,e,  and  is  said  to  lje  fref|uently  taken  in  the 
clear  cold  waters  of  Lake  Superior. 

It  is  too  small  to  be  of  much  value  to  anglers,  though  it  tjikes  bait 
readily  and  is  used  for  food  by  those  who  care  for  such  small  game.  To 
the  naturalist  it  is  interesting,  combining  as  it  does  the  characteristics  of 
the  Salmon  and  some  of  the  Perches. 

It  spawns  in  the  spring,  running  up  the  streams  for  that  purpose. 


Suborder  XENARCHI.    (The  Pirate  Perches.) 

Structure  of  mouth  and  skeleton,  so  far  as  known,  essentially  tli;il  nf 
the  Percoid  fishes.  Dorsal  fin  single,  with  a  few  small  spines;  vciilrals 
thoracic,  with  a  small  spine,  and  more  than  five  soft  rays.  Air  1)1;i(1(1;t 
large  and  adherent.  Intestinal  canal  ending  at  the  throat  in  the  adult,  the 
vent  variously  posterior  in  the  young.     Vertebra-,   twenty-nine. 


Kamit.v  APHRKDODERID^.     (Pirate  Peri  hes.) 


Body  oblong,  elevatod  at  the  base  of  the  dorsal,  coniprossed  bcliiiul ; 
the  head  thick  and  depressed;  the  profile  concave.  Caudal  peduncle  thick  : 
mouth  moderate,  somewhat  oblique,  the  lower  jaw  projecting;  maxillary 
reaching  to  anterior  border  of  the  eye.  Teeth  in  villiform  bands  on  jaws, 
vomer,  palatines  and  pterygoids.  Premaxillaries  not  protractile;  ni.ixil- 
laries  small,  without  evident  supplemental  bon?.  Preopercle  and  pre- 
orbital  with  their  free  edges  sharply  serrate ;  opcrde  with  ,1  spine.  Bones 
of  skull  somewhat  cavernous.  Sides  of  the  head  scalv.  Lower  pharvn- 
geals  narrow,   separate,    w^ith    villiform   teeth,      (iill    membranes    slighlly 


w 


VHKCK  LIST  OK  TIIK 


joined  lo  llu'  isthmus  anteriorly,  dill  r:ikers  tubcrcle-liki\  dentato. 
I'M'udoliriinchia-  obsolete,  (tills  four,  n  small  slit  In-hind  the  lourth. 
HranchiosteKals  six.  Scales  moderate,  stronKly  j  tenoid,  adherent.  Later.il 
linr  ImptTtect  or  wanting;.  N'enI  always  antiTior,  its  |Hisilion  varying; 
with  ajje,  from  just  behind  the  ventral  fins  in  the  young  to  Ix-low  the  pre- 
o|jerrle  in  the  adult.  Dorsal  fin  single,  median,  high,  with  but  three  or 
four  spines,  which  are  rapidly  gniduated,  the  first  being  very  short.  Anal 
small,  with  two  slende.-  spines;  ventral  fins  thoracic,  with  a  very  short 
spine,  the  number  of  soft  rays  usually  seven;  caudal  fin  rounded  In-hind. 
Air  bl.idder  simple,  large,  .idherent  to  the  walls  of  the  ;il>donH-n.  Pyloric 
cii-ca,  about  twelve. 


Genus  APHREDODERl'S.     (Pirate  Perchks.) 
The  characters  of  the  genus  are  included  aijove. 

(S.^)  Pirate  Perch. 

(.Aphredoderus  sayanus.) 

Body  moderately  stout,  oblong,  somewhat  compresse<l  posteriorly. 
.Scales  ctenoid.  Dorsal  fin  continuous,  its  origiii  much  in  advance  of  the 
middle  of  the  total  length;  the  anterior  spines  much  the  shortest.  Mouth 
large  for  the  size  of  the  fish,  the  lower  jaw  somewhat  longer  than  the 
cpper ;  the  maxilla  reaches  to  front  of  eye ;  jaws,  vomer  and  palatine  bones 
with  villiform  bands  of  teeth.     Lateral  line  wanting.     Caudal  rounded. 

D.  III.,  II  ;  A.  II.,  6.     Scales  on  lateral  line,  48  to  5S. 

Colour,  variable,  sometimes  olivaceous,  at  other  times  dark  brown 
with  numerous  dark  punctulations;  a  dark  bar  at  the  base  of  the  caudal 
followed  by  a  light  one.     It  reaches  about  four  inches  in  length. 

I  include  this  species,  though  there  are  no  Ontario  records  of  its 
occurrence  here  known  to  me.  It  should,  however,  be  found  in  the  streams 
of  the  Niagara  district  and  at  the  western  end  of  Lake  Krie.  It  fr,.>quents 
sluggish  streams  and  ponds  in  which  aqu.-itic  weeds  abound,  and  is 
remarkable  because  the  position  of  the  vent  varies  with  age.  In  the 
young  it  is  behind  the  vcntrals,  while  in  the  adult  it  is  in  the  throat. 


Suborder  PERCESOCES. 

N'entral  fins  abdominal,  each  of  one  spine  and  five  rays;  branchial 
arches  well  developed,  the  bones  all  present  except  the  fourth  superior 
branchihyal.  Third  superior  pharyngeal 'much  enlarged;  lower  pharyn- 
geals distinct.  Scales  cycloid.  Pectorals  elevated,  about  on  a  level  with 
the  upper  [nisterior  angle  of  operculum;  spinous  dorsal  usually  present. 


riSH  OK  ONTAHIO 


7» 


Family  ATHKRIMDi-K.     (Tmk  Sii akksiuks.) 

P'l-dy  riltlier  flonjjJ'tf.  somewhat  coinprt-ssi'd,  c-ovrri-cl  with  scales  of 
inodtTatc  or  small  size,  which  an-  usually,  but  not  always,  i  ycloid.  No 
lateral  line;  scjnie  scales  often  with  rudimentary  mucous  IuIh-n.  Cleft  of 
the  mouth  moderat<'.  Tee»h  small,  on  ja.vs  and  sometimes  on  Mimer  and 
palatines,  rarely  w^mtinj;.  I'remaxillaries  protractile  or  not.  Opercular 
hones  without  spines  or  serrature.  (iill  op«-nin>fs  wide,  the  >jill  membranes 
not  connected,  free  from  the  is  nus ;  j»ills  four,  a  slit  Ix-hind  the  fourth. 
I'seuclobranchiii"  present ;  ({ill  r;.Kers  usually  lonj;  and  slender.  Hranchio- 
stegals  five  or  six.  Dorsal  tins  two,  well  separated;  the  lirst  of  three  to 
••i^ht  slender  flexible  spines,  the  secoml  of  soft  rays  ;  anal  with  a  weak 
spine,  similar  to  the  soft  dorsal,  but  usually  larger;  ventrals  small,  ;ib<lom- 
inal,  not  far  b.ick,  of  one  small  spine  and  five  soft  rays ;  pcctor.ils  n  derate, 
inserted  hijjb.  Air  bladder  present.  No  pyloric  cava.  \'ertebr;i  numer- 
ous, usually  about  j_^  f  j^  -  4*^1;  third  and  fourth  superior  ph.'irynjjeals 
(•o("M!s.sitied  with  teeth.  All  the  species  h.'iNe  a  silvery  band  along  the  sitlc  ; 
this  i'i  ^  imetinu'S  underlaid  by  bl:ick  pitjment. 

Of.ms  i..\bidi:.stiii:.s. 

Jaws  prolonged,  both  of  which  arc  produied  into  a  short  depressed 
lif.ik.     The  s(  ales  are  small,  their  edges  entire. 

(H4)  Silversides.    Skipjack. 

(I-abidesthes  sicculus.) 

Body  very  slender,  elongate.     Caudal  deepiv  forked. 

D.  IV.   I.',  II  ;  A.  I.,  2.V     Scales  on  lateral  line,  75. 

Colour,  green,  the  fish  in  life  tr.inslucent,  upper  parts  dotted.  .\ 
ve-v  distinct  silvery  lateral  band  edged  .ibove  with  lead  colour;  cheeks 
silvery.     Length,  about  four  inches. 

This  species  is  found  in  Lake  Ont.irio,  I,. ike  I'irlc,  ;in<l  the  Detroit 
River,  and  may  Ik-  generally  distributed  throughout  the  <;rcat  Lake  regi.)n. 
As  a  food  fish  for  Larger  species  it  is  import.int. 


(iMoi  1-  PKRCOIDRA.      (TiiK  Pi  k(II-i  ikk  Fisiiks.) 

A  group  of  fishes  of  diverse  habits  and  forms,  but  on  the  whole  repre- 
senting better  than  any  oth^.  the  typical  Acanthopterygian  fish.  The 
group  is  incapable  of  concise  definition,  or  in  gener.'il,  of  any  definition  at 
all ;  still  most  of  its  members  are  definitely  related  to  each  other,  and  bear 
in  one  way  or  another  a  resembl;tnce  to  the  typical  form,  the  Perch,  or 
more  strictly  to  its  marine  relatives,  the  Sea  Bass  or  Serranid.";.  The 
lolidwing  analysis  gives  most  of  the  common  characters  ol  llie  group  ; 


CHKCK  LIST  OF  THK 


liody  usuiilly  oblonK,  <  ovirt-d  with  scales,  whi«  h  arc  typically  ritnoiil, 
not  tnuMilh  or  spinous,  atul  ol  mcMli-rate  si/r.  Lati-ral  liiic  typically  pre- 
sent and  concurrent  with  the  hack.  !lea«l  usually  compressed  laierallv 
and  with  the  cheeks  and  o|ht<  les  st  ily.  Mouth  various,  usually  terminal 
and  with  lateral  cleft,  the  teeth  various,  hut  typii  ally  pointed,'  arran^ccl 
in  bands  on  the  jaws,  vomer.  an<l  palatine  liomvs;  ^ill  rakers  usually  sharp, 
stoutish,  armed  with  teeth;  lower  pharynffeal  almost  always  separate, 
usually  armed  with  cardilorm  teeth;  third  ujipcr  pharyngeal  moderately 
enlarged,  elont{ate,  not  articulated  to  the  cranium,  the  fourth  tvpicallv 
present  ;  kiNn  four,  and  a  slit  In-hind  the  fourth  ;  fjill  membranes  free  from 
the  isthmus,  and  usually  not  conne<  te<l  with  each  other;  pseudobrani  hiu' 
lypic.illy  well  developed.  Hrani  hiostej-.ils  few,  usually  six  or  seven.  No 
Inmy  stay  (onnectinK  the  sulM)rbil;il  chain  to  the  preopercle.  ()|«rcular 
lu)nes  all  well  de\ eloped,  normal  in  position,  the  pno|)»'rcle  typicallv  ser- 
rate. \'o  crani.il  spines.  Dorsal  fin  variously  developed,  but  alw.iv>'  with 
some  spines  in  front,  these  typically  stiff  and  sharp.  .Anal  Hn  typi.ally 
short,  usually  with  three  spines,  sometimes  with  a  larger  numlx-r,  some- 
times with  none;  caudal  fin  various,  usually  lun.itc;  peiioral  tins  well 
develop*-d,  inserted  hiRh ;  ventral  fins  always' present,  thora<  ic.  separate, 
almost  alw.-iys  with  one  spine  and  five  rays.'  Air  bladder  usually  present, 
without  air  duct  in  the  adult;  simple  and  Renerally  adherent  to' the  waIN 
of  the  abdomen.  Stomach  cacal.  with  pyloric  apixndajfes,  the  inicstines 
short  in  most  species,  long  in  the  herbivorous  forms.  \'ertebr;il  column 
well  developed,  none  of  the  \ertebrie  specially  modified;  shoulder  girdle 
normally  developed,  the  post  tempor.il  bifurcate,  attached  to  the  skull,  but 
not  coossified  with  it ;  none  of  the  epipleural  bones  attached  to  the  centre 
lit  the  vertebra';  coracoids  norm.il ;  the  hypercoraroid  always  with  a 
median  foramen,  the  bas.il  b«)nes  of  the  pectoral  (actinosts  or  ptervgialsl 
normally  developec^,  three  or  four  in  number,  hour-glass  shaped,  longer 
lh;ui  broad;  premaxillary  forming  the  border  of  the  mouth  usually  prn- 
tr.-ictile;  Ixmes  of  the  mandible  distinct. 


l-AMriv  CKNTRARCFni).*:.     (Thf  .Sinhsmks.) 

Mody  more  or  less  shorlencd  and  compressed  ;  the  regions  above  and 
below  the  axis  of  the  body  nearly  equally  developed  :md  corresponding  to 
e.ich  other,  and  the  pseudobranchiie  imperfect.  Head  compressed.  .Mouth 
terminal,  large  or  small.  Teeth  in  villiform  bands,  the  outer  slightly 
enlarged,  without  canines;  teeth  present  on  premaxillaries.  lower  jaw-  anil 
vomer,  .and  usually  on  pal.itines,  also  sometimes  on  tongue,  pterygoids 
and  hyoid.  Premaxillaries  protr.ictile ;  maxillary  with  a  supplemenl:il 
bone  in  the  large-mouthed  forms,  .sometimes  minute  or  obsolete  in  other's. 
Preopercle  entire  or  somewhat  serr;ite ;  opercle  ending  in  two  flat  points. 
or  prolonged  in  a  black  flap  at  the  angle.  Preorbit.il  short  and  deep ;  tirst 
suborbital   narrow;  the  nia.\i!l:iry  not  slipping  under  its  edge.      N'osiriis. 


I 


KISH  OK  OXTAHIO 


HI 


two  on  fiich  sidf.  (iill>  four,  ;i  slit  lH-htn<l  ihc  fourth.  I'lsetidohranihiif 
small,  almost  K'-'xiliiliii*-  iH'urly  or  <|iiit>'  roM-rt-d  by  ■>kin.  (till  iiK-mbrimes 
si-paratf,  ftct*  frf)ni  the  isthmus,  HrnnrhiostPKals  six,  rarely  s«'\fn.  (iill 
raktTs  various'y  formed,  armed  with  sm;ill  tooth,  lower  pharyngeal  Ixmes 
separate,  their  ;■  eth  conic  «ir  sometimes  paved.  Cheeks  and  o|MTcles  scaly  ; 
iMHly  fully  se-  d,  the  scales  usually  slronjjly  itenoid,  rarely  tyeloid ; 
lateral  line  present,  usually  lomplete.  Dorsal  fins  eonfluent,  the  spines 
six  to  thirteen  in  number  (usually  ten),  depressibit  in  a  shiillow  >;r<«>ve ; 
anal  spines  three  to  nine.  Intestinal  eana'  .-.horl.  Pyloric  cseca  live  to 
ten.  X'ertebrie,  twenty-i-inht  to  lhirty-ti\e.  Kntopteryyoid  present.  Pre- 
lalidal  or  abdominal  verlebrie  with  trans<.T'.e  priHesses  from  the  third  or 
fourth  to  the  last ;  ribs  all  but  the  last  two  to  four,  so«isilc,  in.serted  on  the 
i-enlrum  behind  the  transverse  priM-es^es.  Krontals  with  a  pair  of  lar^je 
njui'iferou.s  channels  which  converffo  [Misteriorly  or  are  conlUient  with  a 
transverse  channel  connecting  the  post  fronlals,  their  posterior  openings 
close  together  on  the  median  line  in  front  of  the  supraiM-cipital  crest. 
Colouration  usually  brilliant.  Sexes  simil.r;  changes  with  a>{e  often 
Kreat.  Fresh  water  fishes  of  North  America;  forminjj  one  of  the  most 
characteristic  features  of  our  fish  fauna.  Most  of  the  species  build  nests 
which  they  defend  with  much  courage.  .Ml  are  carnivorous,  voracious  an<l 
gamy.  All  are  valued  as  food,  their  importance  iM'ing  in  direct  proportion 
to  the  size  which  thev  attain. 


(■EM  s  POMOXIS.    ((iKxss  H\ss.) 

Hody  more  or  less  elongate,  strongly  compressed,  the  snout  proje»  .- 
ing;  mouth  large,  obiique;  maxillary  broad,  with  a  well  develojicd  supple- 
mental bone ;  teeth  on  vomer,  palatines,  entopterygoids  and  tongue ;  lower 
pharyngeals  narrow,  with  sharp  teeth;  gill  rakers  long  and  slender,  num- 
erous; op«Tcle  emarginate  ;  preopercle  and  preorbital  finely  serrated;  scales 
large,  feebly  ctenoid;  lins  large,  the  anal  larger  than  dorsal,  of  six  spines 
and  about  seventeen  rays  ;  dorsal  with  six  to  eight  graduated  spines,  the 
spinous  dor.sal  shorter  than  the  soft  part;  c:iudal  (in  emarginate;  pectorals 
rounded  or  obtu.sely  pointed,  with  fifteen  or  sixteen  rays,  the  upper  long- 
est;  ventrals  close  together,  each  with  a  strong  spine;  branchiostegals 
seven  ;  lateral  line  complete,  the  tulx-s  straight  and  extending  at  least  on 
th»'  anterior  half  of  the  exposed  surface  of  the  scale;  posterior  pnx-esses 
of  the  premaxillaries  not  extending  to  the  frontals;  supraoccipital  and 
parietal  crest  very  strong,  produced  forward  on  the  frontals  to  between 
the  orbits;  vertebra',    iS-^-i^^^-^. 

(85)  Crappie.     Silver  Bass. 

(Pomoxis   annularis.) 

Body  oblong,  but  more  elongated  than  the  next,  the  depth  two-fifths 
of  the  trtai  length;  much  compressed.     >fouth  ol)Iif|ue,  larger  than  in  the 


82 


fHKCK   LIST  Ol'  TllK 


I 


.1: 


iicxl;  protili-  mori-  or  less  S  >h;ipi(l  ;  head  depressed,  snout  projiTlinfj ; 
pptT  jaw  nearly  one  h;:!!  tlu-  Imiilli  ol  luad,  the  maxilla  reachini;  slightly 
•yond  the  middle  of  the  eye. 

I).   \I.,    16;  A.  \I.,   17.     Scales,  7-4.S-1.V 

Colour,  <  lear  sIKi-ry  olixe,  the  si<lis  mottled  with  dark  ^ncnish 
hlolches;  on  the  upper  part  ol  the  body  are  traies  of  narrow  xertical  bars. 
The  dorsal  and  caudal  tins  arc  mottled,  but  the  an.il  is  usually  plain. 
.\ttains  a  lenylh  of  about  IwcKu  inches  and  a  weight  of  one  pound. 

This  species  ranj^es  from  the  (ireat  Lakes  southward.  It  occurs  rarely 
m  L.ike  lOrie  and  possibl--  also  in  Lake  Ontario.  In  appearance  the 
Crappie  and  the  Speckled  l?ass  ;ire  very  much  alike,  the  best  distinj^uish- 
ing  marks  between  them  being  the  more  elongate<i  form  of  the  Crappie, 
the  possession  of  only  six  spines  in  the  dor.sal,  ;ind  the  nearly  uniform 
pl.iin  whitish  colour  of  the  ;mal. 

In  its  habits  it  closily  reseuibles  the  next  and  more  f.imiliar  species. 

(«<))  Speckled  Bass.    Calico  Bass. 

(Pomoxis  sparoides.) 

Hody  oblong,  compri-ssed,  its  depth  about  one-half  the  length  with- 
out the  tail ;  head  about  one-third  length.  Mouth  very  oblique  and  sm.iller 
th.in  in  the  Crappie;  the  profile  comparati\ely  even;  fins  \ery   high. 

I).   NIL,    15;  .\.    \|.,    J  J  to   i.S.     Scales  on   lateral  line,   41    to  4J. 

Colour,  silxery  olive  mollled  with  cK-.ir  olive  greer),  the  dark  mark- 
ings gathered  in  small  irr«gular  bunches  and  covering  the  whole  body; 
vertical  fins  with  dark  olive  reticulalion.s,  surrounding  pale  spots ;  anal 
marked  like  the  dorsal;  a  dusky  opercular  .spot.  Under  favourable  cir- 
cumstances it  attains  :i  length  of  ten  or  twelve  inches  and  a  weight  of  one 
pound  or  rather  more. 

The  Speckled  liass  is  found  in  the  w.iters  of  this  Province  from  CJue- 
bec  to  Lake  Huron.  It  fre(|uents  ponds,  lagoons,  and  sluggi.sh  streams, 
where  there  is  an  abuntlance  of  aquatic  vegetation,  under  which  it  lies  in 
wait  for  the  insects,  crusta<-eans  and  small  fish  upon  which  it  feeds.  It 
spawns  in  the  early  summer  and  is  said  to  scoop  out  a  nesting  place  in 
l!;e  s.ind  in  the  same  manner  as  the  Sunlishes  and  Black  Hass.  This  I 
rave  never  .seen,  though  I  have  been  very  familiar  with  the  species  for 
nearly  forty  yc.irs. 

.\s  a  food  and  g.ime  tish  it  stands  high  in  the  estimation  of  anglers, 
though  it  is  not  a  very  persistent  lighter.  Being  gregarious  and  congre- 
gating in  schools,  under  overhanging  weeds  and  such  like  places,  it  mav 
be  captured  in   great  numfiers  when   a   favorite  haimt  is  discovered. 

This  species  readily  adapts  itself  to  life  in  artilii  iai  ponds  and  is 
worthy  of  much  tnorc  attention  from  fish  culturisl-  ban  it  has  heretofore 
received,  for  when  taken  from  cle.ir  water  it  is  otie  of  the  best  tabic  fish 
we  have. 


1 


FISH   OF  ONTARIO. 


83 


It   feeds  principally   towards  ivtnin^,   and   the   Inst  bait   for   it  is  a 
bright,  lively  shiner  or  chub. 


Genus  AMBLOPLITKS.     (Rock  Bass.) 

Body  oblong,  moderately  elevated,  compres.sed ;  mouth  large,  the 
broad  maxillary  with  a  well  developed  supplemental  bone,  lower  jaw  pro- 
jecting; teeth  on  vomer,  palatines,  tongue,  entopterygoids  and  ectoptcry- 
goids,  lingual  teeth  in  a  single  patch,  pharyngeal  teeth  sharp;  branchio- 
stegals  six ;  opercle  ending  in  two  flat  points ;  preopercic  serrate  at  its 
angle,  other  membrane  bones  chiefly  entire;  gill  rakers  rather  long  and 
strong,  dentate,  less  than  ten  in  number,  developed  only  on  the  lower  part 
of  the  arch ;  scales  large,  somewhat  ctenoid ;  lateral  line  complete,  the 
tubes  occupying  at  least  the  anterior  half  of  the  surface  of  the  scale; 
dorsal  fin  much  more  developed  than  the  anal  fin,  with  ten  or  eleven  rather 
low  spines;  anal  spines  normally  six;  pectorals  obtusely  pointed  with 
fourteen  or  fifteen  rays,  the  upper  longest ;  caudal  fin  emarginate. 

(K7)  Rock  Bass. 

(Ambloplites  rupestris.) 

Body  robust,  oblong;  caudal  pedunile  stout,  almost  as  deep  as  long. 
Uori-ral  profile  rather  steep,  strongly  concave  over  eye.  Eye  large.  Mouth 
large,  the  maxillary  reaching  to  vertical  from  posterior  end  of  pupil.  The 
heavy  lower  jaw  projects  slightly.  The  opercle  ends  in  two  flat  points; 
preopercle  serrated  at  its  angle.  Clill  raiders  long  and  strong,  less  th.in 
ten  in  number ;  six  branchiostegals  ;  scales  large,  those  on  the  cheeks  in 
about  eight  rows;  caudal  rather  deeply  emarginate.  The  lateral  line  is 
complete,  placed  high  on  body  and  follows  the  contour  of  the  back. 

n.  XI.,   11;  A.  V'l.,  II.     Scales,  5-4<>-i4. 

Colour  olive  green,  with  a  brassy  tinge  .ind  much  d.irk  mottling ;  the 
ig  are  pale  or  yellowish,  irregularly  barred  and  blotched  with  black  ; 
'■  .  with  a  dark  spot  at  the  base  of  each  scale,  these  spots  sometimes 
I  -.ig  interrupted  black  stripes;  a  dark  spot  on  the  opercle;  soft  dorsal, 
anal,  and  caudal  fins  with  dark  mottlings;  iris  golden  overlaid  with  crim- 
son. 

The  Rock  Bass  grows  to  a  length  of  about  a  foot  and  a  weight  of  a 
pound  and  a  half,  though  such  large  specimens  are  not  often  seen  now. 
It  ranges  throughout  the  whole  of  this  Province,  and  is  said  to  occur  in 
Manitoba,  but  I  did  not  find  it  there. 

It."^  usual  haunts  are  dark  holes  in  streams  or  lakes,  where  aquatic 
vegetation  flourishes,  and  it  is  often  to  be  found  in  considerable  numbers 
aboil*  -locks  or  timber  work,  which  shades  the  water.  From  these  places 
it  •  ges  towards  nightfall  and  roams  about  in  search  of  the  insects, 
crustaceans  and  small  fish  which  form  its  food.  When  taken  from  dear, 
cold  water,  it  is  esteemed  as  a  table  fish,  and  when  fished  for  with  light 


84 


CHIX  K  LIST  OK  THE 


tackle  will  alTord  lair  sport  to  the  antjUT.  To  tin.'  .srhoolboy  tlu'  Koek 
Bass  is  a  "joy  foruM-r,"  lor  it  rarely  refuses  a  bai.  even  when  offered  upon 
the  coarsest  tackle,  and  a  fjood  string  will  always  reward  his  efforts  if  he 
sfrikos  ihe  right  places. 

The  spawning  season  is  in  May  or  June,  when  a  shallow  nest  is 
scooped  out  on  some  i;ravelly  or  sandy  bar,  in  which  the  eggs  are 
deposited.  Over  this  the  jiarent  lish  watch  with  unremitting  care  until 
the  young  are  hatched. 

Gi;:  '.  s   CH.K\()m<\  Tl  r.S.      (W  \i;M..r  i  iis.) 


I 


This  genus  has  the  general  form  and  dentition  of  .Amboplitcs,  uiih 
the  convex  opercle,  ten  dorsal  and  three  anal  spines  of  I.eponiis.  i're- 
opercle  entire;  branchiostegals  six;  caudal  ti;i  emarginatc  ;  scales  weakly 
ctenoid;  vertebrie,  i^+ih- jg;  posterior  processes  of  the  premaxillaries 
extending  nearly  to  the  frontals ;  frontals  posteriorly  with  a  transverse 
ridge  connecting  the  parietal  ;md  supraoccipital  crest,  which  are  \ery 
strong. 

(KK)  Warmouth. 

(Cha'nobryttus  gulosus.) 

Body  hea\y  and  deep,  but  niort  elongate  than  in  our  c()a'.ini>n  .Sini- 
lishes ;  head  rather  long;  eye  mocFerate  ;  moutli  larre,  the  niaxillary  reach- 
ing to  below  hind  margin  of  eye  ;  gill  rakers  eight  or  nine,  besides  some 
rudiments;  opercular  spot  about  as  large  as  the  eye.  Tin  dorsal  begins 
further  back  than  the  pectoral,  its  spines  low. 

I).   X.,  9  to  lo;  A.   III.,  .S  to  t).     .Scales,  ()-40  to  4h-i.'. 

Colour  very  variable,  usually  olive  green,  clouded  with  darker;  a 
u.  .ky  spot  on  each  scale  more  or  less  distinct;  vertical  tins  mottled  with 
dusky;  a  faint  spo*  on  last  rays  of  dorsal  bordered  by  p;;ler ;  three  oblique 
dusky  bars  radiating  from  eye ;  belly  yellowish. 

It  reaches  a  length  of  about  ten  inches. 

I  am  under  the  impression  that  some  years  ago  this  fish  was  found  in 
the  marsh  at  Toronto,  and  also  near  Hamilton,  but  of  late  no  specimens 
have  been  obtainable.  It  should  occur  in  Lake  Krie  and  will  probably  be 
found  in  the  Niagara  district.  Its  centre  of  abundance  is,  however,  south 
of  this   Province. 


(;i;m  s  .M'OMOTIS. 


This  genus  is  very  dose  to  I.epomis,  from  which  it  diflers  only  in  the 
development  of  the  .supplementary  m.'ixillary  bone,  which  becomes  rudi- 
mentary or  wanting  in  the  adult  of  I.epomis.  The  mouth  is  largest  in  the 
species  in  which  this  bone  is  best  d<'   ^loped.     Lower  pharyngeals  narrow, 


I 


j^i«i»^ 


9    F. 


I 


hi  'I; 


i 


FISH   OK  ONTARIO. 


H5 


with  acute  teeth ;  gill  rakt-rs  well  developed,  long  and  stiff ;  pectoral  blunt- 
ish,  shorter  than  head ;  scales  moderate,  43  to  50.  Habits  similar  to  those 
of  the  species  of  Lepomis. 

(89)  Green  Sunfish. 

(Apomotis  cyanellus.) 

Body  oblong,  the  back  not  elevated;  m;  ;th  large,  the  maxillary 
reaching  nearly  to  middle  of  eye;  dorsal  spines  low ;  opercular  flap  short, 
with  pale  margin. 

D.  X.,  i;i  A.  III.,   10.     Scales,  7-47-14. 

Colour,  green  with  a  brassy  lustre,  each  scale  with  a  blue  spot  and 
gilded  edging ;  tins  largely  blue ;  anal  edged  with  orange  ;  iris  red ;  cheeks 
with  blue  stripes. 

I  have  no  Ontario  records  of  this  fish,  but  as  it  will  probably  be  found 
in  Lake  Krie,  it  is  mentioned  here.  Its  centre  of  abundance  is  said  to  be 
the  Ohio  basin. 

It  is  too  small  to  be  of  value  as  a  game  fish,  seldom  attaining  a  greater 
length  than  six  or  eight  inches. 

(liMs  LFPO.MI.S.     (.Slnfishes.) 

Body  oblong  or  ovate,  more  or  less  compressed,  the  bark  in  the  adult 
somewhat  elevated ;  mouth  moderate  or  small,  the  jaws  about  equal ;  maxil- 
lary narrow,  the  supplemental  bone  reduced  to  a  mere  rudime  t,  or  alto- 
gether warning ;  teeth  on  vomer  and  usually  on  palatines,  none  Oi\  tongue 
or  pterygoids,  lower  pharyngeals  narrow,  the  teeth  spherical  or  paved,  all 
or  nearly  all  sharp,  few  or  none  of  them  conical ;  gill  rakers  mostly  short ; 
prcoperculum  entire  ;  operculum  ending  behind  in  a  convex  flap,  bJack  in 
colour,  which  in  some  species  becomes  greatly  ('.^veloped  with  age ;  branchi- 
o.iegals  six;  scales  moderate;  dorsal  fin  continuous,  with  ten  spines;  anal 
with  three  spines ;  caudal  fin  emarginate ;  pectorals  long  or  short.  Colour- 
ation brilliant,  but  evanescent.  .V  large  genus,  and  one  in  which  it  is 
rather  diflficult  to  distinguish  species.  The  form  of  body,  development  of 
ear  flap  and  height  of  spines  \arv  with  age  anti  condition,  while  the 
general  appe.'irance  and  the  numlx.>rs  of  fin  rays  and  scales  are  essentially 
the  same  in  all. 

Subgenus  LEPOMIS. 

(90)  Blue  Sunfish. 

(Lepomis  pallidus.) 

Body  deep,  elliptical,  its  greatest  depth  at  the  ventrals,  one-half  of 
the  total  length  without  the  caudal ;  caudal  peduncle  short  and  deep.    Head 

one-third  of  the  total  length  without  candn!.     Snout   short,   obtuse  and 


* 


Ml 


CUKCK   LIST  OK  THK 


m 


Uk't 


PI 


P 


oblique,  Ihc  inttTorhital  sp.ii v  slijihtly  tonvex.  Moulh  >niall,  obliqui-,  tin- 
maxilla  nol  ^really  fxpandt<l  behind,  reaching  to  bi-low  the  from  of  the 
eye.  Scales  on  the  i  heeks  in  five  rows.  The  s'"  rakers  are  short  and 
>tout,  about  lifteiii  <ie\(l()|Md  or.  the  first  arch.  .\o  supplnncntal  maxil- 
lary bone.  No  palatine  teeth.  I'aiid.il  tin  notched,  its  niiddi,-  ravs  three- 
fourths  as  lon)4  as  the  outer.  Tin  lateral  line  follows  the  curve  of  'he 
back. 

I).   .\.,   II  ;  .\.  III.,   lo.     Scales,  7-41-15. 

Colour,  rich  greenish  oHm'  on  back,  becoming;  paler  on  sides;  top  ol 
head  d.irk  jjreenish  ;  opercles  and  cheek  bluish;  opercular  flap  rich  \elvety 
black,  a  small  whitish  spot  abo\e  near  its  base;  side  with  three  or  fou'- 
broad  darker  greenish  bars  ;  fins  all  greenish,  the  pector.il  palest ;  a  large 
black  blotch  on  last  rays  of  dorsal,  a  similar  one  on  an.il ;  the  dark  bars 
bec()me  obsolete  in  the  adult;  no  blue  stripes  on  cheek;  no  red  on  fins; 
old  individuals  often  with  the  belly  coppery  red  or  brassy. 

This  is  the  largest  of  the  Suntishes,  reaching  sometimes  a  lenjith  ,)f 
twelve  inches  or  rather  more,  and  a  w»'ight  of  about  a  pound.  The  linest 
specimens  I  e\er  saw  wi-re  taken  from  the  Rideau  a  few  miles  above  King- 
ston. It  occurs  abund.intly  in  some  parts  of  Lakes  Ontario  and  luie  and 
their  tributaries,  but  I  have  not  heard  of  it  in  the  nortlnvesterr  p.irt  of 
the  Fro\  ince. 

As  a  table  fish  it  is  highly  esteemed,  and,  in  proportion  to  it.s  size, 
possesses  greater  fighting  qualities  than  any  fresh-wat^r  fish  we  have. 


;;km  s  KIT'OMOTIS. 

Very  closely  related  to  Lepomis,  differing  only  in  the  blunter  and 
more  pavement-like  teeth  of  the  lower  pharyngeal  bones.  These  bones 
are,  in  the  typical  spt  cies,  broad  and  concave,  specially  in  the  adult.  There 
is  consider.ible  variation  among  the  species,  ;ind  it  is  possible  that  this 
division  can  not  be  maintained.  Most  of  the  spe<  ies  I  a\  e  long  pectoral 
fins,  the  suplement.il  maxillary  lost  or  very  much  redut  -d,  and  the  oper- 
cular flap  alw.iys  with  an  orange  patch  on  its  lower  posterior  part,  dill 
rakers  various,   c.suallv  short. 


SriKiRMs  KLPO-MOTIS. 

(91)  Yellow  Sunfish.     Pumpkin  Seed. 

(Hupomotis  gibbosus.) 

Body  much  compressed,  nearly  ovate,  its  depth  one-h.ilf  the  total 
length  without  caudal;  caud.il  peduncle  short  and  compressed.  Head 
moderately  large,  one-third  of  the  total  length  without  caudal.  Snout  short 
and  depressed,  the  interorbit.il  space  nearly  flat.  Mouth  small  and  oblique, 
the   maxilla   not   much  expanded   behind  and   leaihing   to  below  front  of 


?! 


1 

4 


s 

3 
X 

3 


FISH  {»K  OXTAHIO. 


H7 


eye.  SiaU-s  on  the  chft-ks  in  four  rows.  The  opi-riuliir  ipjit  short,  Uss 
than  two-thirds  diametor  <if  thi-  v\v,  with  a  whitish  margin  »K'hind.  «iill 
rakers  vt-ry  short,  moderately  stout,  ;o  or  ii  de\ eloped  on  the  lirst  arch. 
Caudal  omarKinatc,  its  midtlle  rays  lour-titths  as  lc»nj{  as  the  outer.  The 
lateral  lin>.  lollows  the  curve  of  the  hack. 
I).   \..  ij;  .\.  111.,   lo.     Stales,  »i-4J-r.^. 

Colour  :  In  life  one  of  the  most  Inautiful  of  fresh-water  fishes;  green- 
ish olive  above,  shaded  with  hluish,  the  sides  spotted  and  hloli  hed  with 
orange;  belly  orange  yellow;  cheeks  orange  with  wavy  blue  streaks; 
lower  fins  orange;  sides  profusely  mottled  with  orange.  Opi-riular  flap 
black,  the  lower  posterior  p.irt  bright  scarlet.  (Irows  to  a  length  of  eight 
inches  and  a  weight  of  half  a  pound. 

The  common  Sunfish  is  very  abund.-mt  in  all  the  waters  of  soutlK-rn 
and  central  Ontario,  ranging  to  Lake  Huron,  whi<  h  is  probably  its  limit 
for  there  are  as  yet  no  records  of  it  from  the  l.ake  Superior  region. 

Though  rather  too  small  to  Ix-  of  value  as  a  game  or  food  fish,  y\  it 
affords  gri'al  s(x>rt  to  the  younger  anglers,  aiul  is  by  no  nieans  lo  l)c 
despised  upon  the  table. 

The  spawning  season  is  in  .May  .ind  June,  the  fish  resorting  to  shallow 
water,  where  the  ova  are  deposited  in  nests  scooped  out  in  the  sand  or 
mud,  by  the  action  of  the  fins.  Over  these  the  males  keep  guard  until  the 
young  ;ire  hatched,  in  the  meantime  driving  off  all  intruders  and  promot- 
ing circulation  of  the  water  by  fanning  with  ventr.il  lins  and  t.iil. 


(liMs  .MICKOI'TKRIS.     (Hi.aik   B\ss.) 


Body  oblong,  ( ompressed,  the  back  not  much  elevated  ;  head  oblong, 
conical ;  mouth  very  large,  oblit|ue,  the  broad  niaxillary  -k  hing  nearly 
to  or  beyond  the  posterior  margin  of  the  eye,  its  supplen  .al  bone  well 
developed  ;  'ower  jaw  prominent ;  teeth  on  jaw  s,  vomer  and  palatines  in 
broad  villil(>rm  bands,  the  inner  depressible,  usu.'illy  no  teeth  on  the 
tongue;  preopercle  entire,  operculum  ending  in  two  Hat  points  without 
cartilaginous  ll;ip ;  branchiostegals  normally  six;  gill  rakers  long  .'md 
slender;  scales  rather  small,  weakly  ctenoid;  later.il  line  complete,  the 
tubes  straight,  occupying  the  .interior  half  of  each  sc.ile ;  dorsal  tin  divided 
by  a  deep  notch,  the  spines  low  and  rather  fet'ble,  ten  in  number;  anal 
spines  three,  the  .mal  tin  much  smaller  than  the  dorsal ;  pectorals  obtusely 
pointed,  the  upper  rays  lorigest,  ventrals  close  together  lielow  the  ptn-- 
torals,  caudal  tin  emarginate ;  posterior  processes  of  the  premaxillaries 
not  extending  to  the  front;ils  ;  frontals  posteriorly  with  a  transverse  ridge 
connecting  the  parietal  and  supraoccipital  crests,  whiih  are  very  strong. 

Two  sptecies ;  among  the  most  important  of  game  fishes. 


m 


(ilKCK   LIST  (»!•   Till'; 


(<>.)  Small-mnuthed  Black  Ha%».    Black  Baxii. 

(Micriipli  Ills  ilnlii  III,  II.) 

HimIv  <>\;il<-liisil(>rni,  I^.kmiu.ih  cli't-ptT  wilh  iijjr;  inoulli  larnc  hut 
siuiilU-r  than  in  itic  lar^;i-ir.(>iilh..l  l.la.  k  ha^s  ;  maxillary  inilin),'  ri>nsi«I.T- 
alily  in  Iront  ol  |)..Ni,ri..r  Ix.ni.r  i>t  (irtiil.  .m  cpl  in  \»-ry  oUI  i-xamplis  ; 
.H(al«s  .,11  (  lu'tk  niinulr;  iIikm'  on  JMHly  small;  (ii.isal  tin  (Vcplv  n.iti  linl, 
hill  Ir.s  Ml  than  in  llu-  iiiM  spiriis,  ihr  ninth  spine  bcino  ;;))out  halt  as 
lonu  as  llu-  lillh  and  nol  mm  h  shnrirr  than  tin-  t.ntli ;  soft  dorsal  and  anal 
earli  Maly  al  llu-  hasf. 

I).  X.,  I.J  to  15;  A.  III.,  10  to  1...  Sralcs.  11.7..  to  H5...5.  Ahout 
17  rows  of  scales  on  chfck. 

Colour,  dull  noldcn  ijrr.ii  uiih  hron/.'  Justr.-,  olt.n  hlolihrd  with 
daikir,  cspciially  on  hrad  ;  yoii'ii;  with  dark.r  spots  aioni,  llic  sid.-s,  ulii,  h 
tend  to  form  short  %vrli.-.il  liars.  Iim  n,\,.r  a  dark  lalc-ral  hand:  lhri-<- 
hrciizc  hands  radialinji  'rom  i\v  arnss  ih.  ik  and  oprnNs;  a  duskv  spot 
on  point  of  (ipjTil,-;  (audal  lin  y.'llowish  al  liasr,  Ih.n  lilai  k,  with  whili- 
tips;  (iorsal  with  hron/c  xjxits,  its  cduf  dusky.  In  some  waters  the  lin 
markinns  are  ohsoNte,  hut  they  are  usii;i"y  conspicuous  in  the  voun),'. 
Adults  .sometimes  have  all  these  markings  ohliteral,<l,  the  .  ol.iur  I'lecom- 
ni^  a  imilVrm  dead  t:re.  •!.  without  silver\  lustre,  i\\r  stripes  on  the  head, 
liowexer,   rem.iimny  mure  or  less  distinct. 

I  his  Uass  is  loun<l  in  yicater  or  less  ;ilnindi,n<-e  throughout  the  I'ro- 
vmce.  It  seems  to  prefer  cijol.  ,  je.ir  waters,  h.ixiny  a  riickv  or  gravelly 
hollom,  and  ranges  further  north  than  its  larii.-moiilhed  relative.  .\s  ii 
f.ame  lish  it  is  sought  after  hy  anj-lers  in  prefer  me  to  mv  .;ther,  exi-pl. 
perhaps,  thy  .Salmon,  .and  on  the  t.ihle  is  liiyhlx    esteemed  as  food. 

Sp.iwnin^i  lieyins  in  M.iy  and  ends  early  in  July,  tlu-  season  heinj; 
di-pendent  largely  upon  the  temper.iture  of  the  water;  ircuhation  lasts 
from  seven  to  lilt.'.n  d.iys.  The  p.-, rent  fish  scop  out  shallow  nests  in  the 
sand  or  gravel  r^i  receixe  the  ei;i;s,  which  .irc  then  s^uantcd  .issicluouslv 
until  hatched. 

I  he  f(Mid  ..I  IJIack  Uass  consists  1  hidly  cf  ins/ets,  crusl.ic '.ins  a:d 
small  lish,  hut  when  hiini,  nolliin.4  that  it' can  overpower  comes  amiss 
At  the  approjich  of  winter  i.  i  e.ises  to  feed  .and  lies  dormant  under  lo^s. 
Weeds,  or  rm-ks  until  the  warmth  of  sprini;  restores  at  the  same  time  its 
energy   and   voracitv. 

Its  maximum  weij,'ht  in  our  waters  is  .iliout  six  pounds,  hut  hsh  of 
this  si/e  arc  r;iro. 

('XO  Large-mouthed  Black  Bass.     Yellow  Bas.s.     Green  Bass. 

(Microplerus  salmoidi  s.) 
Mody  ovate-fusiform,  hecominy  deeper  with  aye,  moder.itely  com- 
prossed;  head  larfje ;  mouth  verv  wide,  the  maxill.iry  in  adult  rJachinsj 
beyond  the  eye,  shorter  in  the  younji;  si;iles  on  hodv  comp.irativelv  large''; 
Rill  rakers  longer  than  gill  fringes;  dorsal  lin  verv  deeplv  rotehed,  the 
spinous  dorsal  lor, .  its  fourth  spine  iongfcst. 


a 


J 

a 


FISH  OF  ONTARIO. 


K» 


lo  or  II.     S.alcs,  --(15  to  70-iH;    10  or  11 


D.   X.,    I J  or  I.?;  .\.   III., 
rows  of  scales  on  cheek. 

•  u^"!""*^'  ^'"''^  *^'''''"  ■''"'^'■'  '*''''■'*  •'""*  ''^''"^^'  Kreenish  silvcrv ;   voung 
with  a  blackish  stripe  along  the  side  from  opercic  to  middle  of  caudal  tin 
ihree  oblique  dark  stripes  across  the  cheek  and  opercles ;  some  dark  spots 
above  and  below  lateral  line;  caudal   tin  pale  at  base,  th.-n  1,1a,  ki>,h,  and 
whitish  at  tip:  belly  white.     As  the  fish  grows  older  the  black  lateral  band 
breaks  up  and  grows  lainter  and  the  colour  becomes  more  and  more  uni- 
form, pale  dull  gieen,  the  back  being  darker. 

The  maximum  weight  attained  by  this  lis'h  in  our  waters  is  about  six 

pounds    further  south  it  grows  to  a  large  -    ■      It  is  generallv  distributed 

hroughout  the  Province,   being  most  abu.....  .t  in  waters  having  a  mud 

bottom  in  which  aqi  atic  plants  flourish.  It  seems  able  to  adapt  itself  to 
running  streams,  ant  even  to  thrive  in  them,  but  in  quiet  lakes  and  bavs 
it  reaches  the  greatest  size. 

The  spawning  season  begins  in  May  and  ends  at  the  Ixginning  of 
July.  A  nest  is  scooped  out  of  the  sand  or  mud,  in  which  the  adhesive 
eggs  are  deposited.  These  are  guarded  bv  the  parent  fish  until  hatched 
Incubation  lasts  from  one  to  two  weeks,  according  to  the  temperature  of 
the  water,  and  the  young  bass,  after  emerging  from  the  eggs,  rem.iin  in 
the  nest  for  .ibout  a  week. 

As  the  weather  becom.-s  cold  this  Bass  seeks  deep  pla.es,  often  hiber- 
nating   under   rocks,   sunken    logs,   or   in  the    mud.      In   the   summer   its 
favourite  I.H-alities  are  under  overhanging  banks  or  in  holes  among  weeds 
Nvhere  it  lies  m  wait  for  the  frogs,  fish  and  crust.accans  which  constitute 
the  greater  part  of  its  food. 


Family  PKRCID/E.     (Tin;  Pkwcmis.) 

Body  more  or  less  elongate,  terete  or  co..,pressed,  covered  mor..  or 
less  completely  with  r.-,ther  small,  ctenoid  adherent  scales.  Dorsal  and 
ventral  outlines  more  or  less  unlike.  Lateral  line  usuallv  present,  not 
extending  on  the  caud.al  fin.  Mouth  terminal  or  inferior,  small 
or  large  the  prem.ixillaries  protractile  or  not;  maxillarics  large 
or  .small,  without  distinct  supplemental  bone.  J.aws,  vomer 
pal.itincs  with  bands  of  teeth,  which  ar,-  usuallv  villiform 
sometimes  mixed  with  canines,  occasionallv  the"  teeth  on 
vomer  or  palatines  are  absent.  Head  naked,  or  more  or  less  scalv  •  pre- 
operc  e  entire  or  serrate ;  opercles  usually  ending  in  a  flat  spine.  Branchio- 
stegals  SIX  or  seven.  Gills  four,  a  slit  behind  the  fourth;  gill  membranes 
free  or  connected,  not  joined  to  the  isthmus;  gill  rakers  slander,  toothed- 
pseudobranchne  small,  or  glandular  and  concealed,  or  altogether  w.mting- 
lower  pharyngeals  .separate,  with  sharp  teeth.  .\nal  papilla  more  or  less 
developed.  Fms  gener.-.lly  large;  two  dorsals,  the  first  of  six  to  fifteen 
spines;  anal  fin  with  one  or  two  spines,  the  usual  number  two.     V-nlraK 


and 
but 
the 


90 


CHECK  LIST  OF  THE 


\ti 


thoracic  1.,  5 ;  pectorals  often  very  large;  caudal,  lunate,  truncate  or 
rounded.  Air  bladder  small  and  adherent ;  often  entirely  wanting.  Pyloric 
caeca  few.  No  subocular  lamina  of  the  suborbitals ;  entopterygoid  present 
Anterior  vertebra  without  transverse  processes;  only  the  first  pterygia) 
or  actinost  usually  in  contact  with  the  coracoid ;  sometimes  a  part  of  the 
second  also.  The  posterior  processes  of  the  premaxillaries  are  short ;  the 
supraoccipital  and  parietal  bones  are  short  and  confined  to  the  back  of  the 
skull ;  parietal  crests  are  absent,  and  the  supraoccipital  crest  is  very  short 
not  extending  to  the  anterior  extremity  of  the  bone  or  even  absent. 

Genus  STIZOSTEDION.     (Pickkrei..     Pike  Perches.) 

Body  elongate,  fusiform,  the  back  broad;  head  subconical,  long, 
cheeks,  opercles  and  top  of  head  more  or  less  scaly;  mouth  large,  the  jaws 
about  equal;  premaxillaries  protractile,  little  movable;  teeth  in  villiform 
bands,  the  jaws  and  palatines  with  long,  sharp  canines ;  gill  rakers  slen- 
der,  strong;  gill  membranes  separate;  preopercle  serrated,  the  serra 
below  turned  forward;  opercle  with  one  or  more  spines,  terminations  of 
radiating  stria,  dorsal  fins  well  separated,  the  first  with  twelve  to  fifteen 
spines,  the  second  with  seventeen  to  twenty-one  soft  rays,  last  dorsal 
spine  not  erectile,  bound  down  by  membranes;  anal  spines  two.  slender, 
closely  appressed  to  the  soft  rays,  which  are  rather  long,  eleven  to  four- 
een  in  number;  ventral  fins  well  separated,  the  space  Ijetween  them  equal 
to  their  oase,  ventral  spine  slender,  closely  appressed  to  the  soft  rays ; 
scales  small,  strongly  ctenoid;  lateral  line  continuous;  branchiostegals 
seven;  pseudobranchia-  well  developed;  pyloric  ca-ca  three  to  seven. 
Large  carnivorous  fishes  of  the  fresh  waters  of  North  America. 

SiHGKMs  STIZOSTKDION. 

(94)  Yellow  Pickerel.     Pike-Perch.     Dore, 

(Sfizostedion   vitreum.) 

Body  long  and  moderately  deep,  its  depth  varying  with  age;  head 
t"fu  ""-^''^L  I.TRe;  lower  jaw  slightly  projecting;  the  maxilla  reach- 
mg  beyond  the  pupil.     The  soft  dorsal  is  nearly  as  long  as  the  spinous. 

D.  XIII.,  I.,  21;  A.  II.,  j2  to  13.     Scales,  10-90-19. 
hted     tt"H  °''"''^«"''^";°"k.d  with  brassy;   sides  of  the-   head   vermicu- 
lated.  the  dorsals,  caudal  and  pectoral  with  bands;  those  of  the  dorsals 
and  caudal  not  continuous;   sides  with  about  seven  oblique  dark  bands 

si       ?.h     TT'  ■'  '"*  '''"''^  '""**^^  ""  '^'  membrane  behind  the  las 
spine  of  the  dorsal. 

The  Yellow  Pickerel  is  found  in  all  the  larger  bodies  of  water  throueh- 

"to^h^r'r"  P-'''-V-''-'-:'>-  i"  »<-  ^■— t  Lakes  and  the  river     fa   fng 

er-ivelin;  snnHv'r*""'"^   ""'   '"     "  '""''   ^P""«-   ^^h-    '^    -"^   on    to 
gravcllv  or  sandy  bars  or  even  up  rivers  for  the  purpose  of  depositing  its 


1 


10  p. 


i 


HI 


KISII  OF  ONTARIO. 


»l 


il 


ova.  As  .sfM>ii  as  the  wattr  lK'(f)iTies  warm  thi-y  work  off  into  deep  water, 
where  they  remain  during  the  hot  months. 

.As  it  is  a  decp-Wiitcr  fish  it  dots  not  often  afford  much  sport  for  th« 
angler,  l)ut  as  a  commercial  and  f(MKl  fish  it  is  decidedly  the  best  we  have 
in  the  lakes,  its  flesh  being  firm,  white,  flaky  and  well  flavored. 

I'nder  favourable  circumstances  this  species  reaches  a  large  size, 
specimens  of  twenty-five  pounds'  weight  having  been  recorded.  These 
are,  however,  very  rare,  and  a  ten-pound  fish  is  now  considered  a  very 
good  one.  It  is  extremely  voracious,  feeding  upon  such  other  fish  as  it 
can  overpower,  and  the  insects  and  ( ru.staccans  found  in  its  haunts.  In 
Manitoba,  where  I  found  it  abundant,  frogs  were  the  most  altraitive 
baits. 

In  the  Lake  Erie  district  and  perhaps  elsewhere,  the  young,  if  of  a 
pale  color,  are  known  as  "Hlue  Pickerel,"  as  this  form  shows  no  struc- 
tural differences,   its  identity  with  the  Yellow  Pi<kerel  seems  certain. 


Si  wiKMs  CVNOPKRtW. 


(95)  Sand  Pickerel.     Blue  Pickerel.  Sauger. 

(Sti/ostedion  canadense.) 

Body  elongate,  more  terete  than  n  the  preceding,  the  flesh  more  trans- 
lucent ;  head  depressed,  pointed.  Kye  small ;  mouth  smaller  than  in  the 
last;  the  maxilla  reaches  to  the  hind  margin  of  the  eye. 

n.  XII.  to  .\II1.,  1.,  I-  to  i8;  A.  II.,  12.  Scales  on  lateral  line,  92 
to  98;  4  to  7  pyloric  ca-ra  of  unequal  length;  all  of  them  shorter  than  the 
stomach. 

Colour,  olivaceous  nbo\e;  sides  brassy,  with  black  markings  in  the 
form  of  irregular  blotches  which  are  best  defined  under  the  soft  dorsal. 
The  spinous  dorsal  has  several  rows  of  riiund  black  spots  on  the  membrane 
between  the  spines;  no  black  blotcl.  m  the  hind  part  of  the  spinous  dorsal. 
Pectorals  with  a  large  dark  blotch  at  base;  soft  dorsal  with  several  rows 
of  dark  spots  irregularly  placed;  caudal  yellowish  with  dark  spots  form- 
ing interrupted  bars. 

This  is  a  smaller  fish  than  the  lasl,  rarely  exceeding  eighteen  inches 
in  length  and  a  weight  of  two  pounds.  It  is  also  less  valued  as  a  food  fish, 
its  flesh  being  softer  and  of  inferior  flavour. 

The  range  and  habits  of  this  species  are  much  the  same  as  those  of 
its  congoner  and  in  proportion  to  its  size  it  is  equally  destructive  to  small 
fish. 

Two  varieties  have  been  described,  viz.,  griscum  and  boreum,  but  it 
is  doubtful  if  their  distinctive  characters  arc  sufTicicntlv  permanent  to 
entitle  them  to  sub-specific  rank. 


92 


CHECK  LIHT  OK  THE 


Gems  FEKCA.     (Thk   Tki  k    1'khciies.) 

Jody  oblong,  somewhat  compressed,  the  baik  elevated ;  cheeks  scaiv 
operccs  mostly  naked;  the  Ofx-rtulum  armed  with  a  sini-le  spine-  prei 
opercle  and  shoulder  girdle  serrated,  preoperde  with  retrorse,  hooked  se,- 
rations  below ;  mouth  moderate,  terminal;  premaxillaries  protractile;  teeth 
m  villiform  bands  on  jaws,  vomer,  and  palatines,  no  (  anine  teeth ;  brimchi- 
ostegals  seven;  gill  membranes  separate;  pseudobranthia-  small,  but 
perfect;  no  anal  papilla;  scales  rather  small,  stronglv  ctenoid,  lateral  line 
complete,  the  tubes  straight  and  not  extending  to  'the  extremity  of  the 
scale ;  dorsal  fins  entirely  separate,  the  first  of  twelve  to  sixteen  spines  ■ 
anal  fin  with  two  sl-nder  spines,  well  separated  fr,.m  the  soft  ravs-  ventral 
spines  well  developed,  the  ventral  fins  near  together;  caudal  emarginate ; 
air  bladder  present ;  pyloric  caca,  three. 

(96)  Yellow  Perch. 

(Perca  flavescens.) 

Body  fusiform,  mode  ately  elongate,  the  back  elevated,  cheeks  scaly  • 
opercles  mostly  naked,  striate;  premaxillaries  protractile,  preorbital  sei- 
rate;  snout  projecting,  maxillary  reaching  middle  of  pupil;  top  of  head 
rugosv. ;  gill  rakers  stout ;  caudal  notched. 

D.  XV.,  II.,   13;  A.  II.,  8.     Scales,  ;-57-iv 

Colour  on  the  back  olivaceous,  varying  to  greenish;  sides  golden 
yellow,  with  about  six  to  eight  broad  dark  bars  which  extend  from  back 
to  below  axis  of  body ;  lower  fins  largely  red  or  orange,  especially  so  in 
the  spring;  upper  fins  olivaceous.  Like  all  fish,  it  varies  greatly  the 
yellow  is  sometimes  very  bright,  at  other  times  quite  pale,  and  the  black 
bars  are  much  deeper  in  some  waters  than  in  others. 

This  species  reaches  a  length  of  ten  or  twelve  inches  and  a  weight  of 
a  pound  or  rather  more.  The  largest  I  ever  saw  taken  from  our  lakes 
weighed  one  pound  and  two  ounces.  It  is  one  of  the  most  abundant  of 
our  fishes  and  is  found  in  all  the  lakes  and  streams  of  .mv  size  throughout 
the  Province.  .As  a  food  fish,  if  taken  when  the  water  is  cool  it  is  only 
excelled  by  the  Yellow  Pickerel.  During  •  l,„t  summer  months  the 
I  erch  of  shallow,  weedy  waters  become  s-  md  lose  their  fine  flavour. 
To  anglers  accustomed  to  HIack  Bass  ar'  .u.ige  it  is  rather  an  insig- 
nifirant  species,  but  it  has  this  to  recomn  .J  it,  that  it  can  be  caught  by 
anybody,  with  any  sort  of  tackle,  at  all  times  of  the  year 

The  Perch  spawns  in  early  spring  and  the  eggs,  which  arc  verv  small, 
are  enclosed  in  a  long,  narrow,  translucent,  strip  of  adhesive  muJus. 

Gems  PERCIXA.     (Uh:  Perches.) 

Body  elongate,  slightly  compressed,  covered  «ith  small  ctenoid 
scales;  lateral  line  continuous;  ventnil  line  with  enlarged  plates  which  fall 


KISH  OK  ONTAUIO 


n 


off,  Iriivinfj  a  nak««l  strip;  hrad  dtpri-s«ril,  railur  |Miiii(id,  tlu'  mouth  h«in({ 
small  and  iiil't'rior,  overlapped  l)y  a  tapering,  siit)lriiin  ale,  pi|;liki  Miout ; 
upp«T  y.iw  not  protrat.'tile,  maxillary  small,  eNpn-nil;  teeth  on  vomer  .ind 
palatines;  ^ill  membranes  seareely  i-onntTted ;  lior-al  tin  Well  separated, 
the  (irst  the  ■  irj,'er,  of  thirteen  to  titteen  spines,  thi-  sei<>n<l  dorsal  r.ilher 
longer  than  the  anal,  which  has  two  spines,  the  tir^t  of  wliic  h  is  usually  the 
shorter;  pectorals  symmetric,  rounded  or  bluntly  pointeil,  their  rays  four- 
teen or  fifteen,  their  spines  moderate;  ventrat  lins  w<'ll  separated,  the  inter- 
space about  equal  to  their  b.ise ;  air  bladder  ami  pseudobrani  hi.e  present, 
rudimentary. 

(i,r)  Lou  Perch. 

(I'ercina  caprmles.) 

H<Kly  Ion;",  slightly  compressetl ;  head  long,  with  pointed  snout 
mouth  small;  the  lower  jaw  not  reaching  near  to  tip  of  snout,  and  the 
maxilla  not  extending  to  the  frt)nt  of  the  eye.  Scales  on  cheeks  and  i;ill 
covers,  also  on  the  sp.ice  In-fore  the  first  dor-.il;  breast  s<  aleless,  .\  row 
of  enlarged  plates  on  the  »>elly,  which  are  sometimes  decitlun.ii.  Kins 
nuxli-rately  low   .ind  rather  long. 

1).    .\\'.,    15;  A.    II.,  ().     Scales  in  lateral  line,  i)j. 

Colour,  greenish  yellow,  with  about  lifleen  dark  cross  l)and>,  extend- 
ing from  bark  to  In-lly ;  alternating  u  illi  (hose  abf)vc  the  lateral  line  ;i' 
fainter  bars,      l-ins  barred.     .\  bl.ick   spot  at  the  base  of  the  caudal. 

This  is  the  largest  of  the  Darters,  ronching  a  length  of  almut  eight 
inches.  It  is  found  through()ut  the  (ireat  Lake  rei;ion  in  clear,  rapid 
streams  having  a  gravelly  or  rocky  bottom.  The  variety  next  meiuloned 
is  probably  the  common  form  of  Ont.irio. 

(()H)  Manitou  Darter. 

(I'ercina  caprodes  zebra.) 

Similar  to  the  last,  but  n.ipe  always  naked;  lateral  black  bars  short, 
not  extending  much  alwne  Intend  line,  the>e  also  more  or  less  conlliu  nt, 
about  twenty  in  number;  a  bl.ick  caudal  spot;  dorsal  and  .  aiidal  mottled. 

I).    XV.,   14;    \.    II.,   to.      Si. lies,  ()o. 

This  variety  of  P.  caprodes  is  found  in  t!i,  r.ipid  stre.ims  ot  the  Ort  .it 
Lak».  region,   and  more   parlicida'-l\    tlios     frilling  into  Lake  Superior. 


Gems  HADROPTKRIS.     iHt  m  k-sidkd  Dahtfks.) 

Body  rather  elongate,  compresse.'  01  not;  mouth  r.ilhir  w idi  ter- 
minal, the  lower  jaw  included  ;  the  snout  above  not  protruding  beyond  the 
premaxillaries.  which  are  not  protracrile;  teeth  on  vomer  and  usually  on 
palatines  :ikr>-  gill  membranes  separ.ite  or  more  or  !e',-;  conncrt^H ;  ^aU-- 
small,  ctenoid,  covering  the  body;  belly  with  a  median  series  of  more  or 


94 


CHECK  MST  OF  THE 


less  enlarged  spinous  plati-.s  .,r  ctenoid  scales,  which  in  most  species  fall 
off  at  intervals,  leaving  a  naked  strip,  in  some  species  persisUnt  and  but 
slightly  enlarged;  sides  of  head  scaly  or  not;  lateral  line  complete  o^ 
nearly  so;  fins  large,  the  soft  .  orsal  smaller  than  the  spinous  or  the  anal  • 
anal  spmes  two  (one  of  them  very  rarely  obsolete):  dorsal  spines  ten  to 
hftcen;  ventral  hns  more  or  less  widely  separated,  specially  in  species  with 
caducous  plates.  Parietal  region  more  or  less  depressed,  not  strongly 
convex  m  cross  section ;  suprawcipital  crest  usually  present,  but  small 
I  yloric  ca-ca,  two  to  four. 


SuBGEMs  .VLVORDIL'S. 

(99)  Black-sided  Darter. 

(Hadropterus  aspro.) 

Mody  slender,  fusiform,  elongate;  head  rather  long  and  pointed-  the 
maxilla  extends  slightly  past  front  of  eye;  the  mandible  is  included-  the 
eye  large;  gill  membranes  slightly  connected;  nape  scaly  or  naked;  cheeks 
with  very  .small  scales;  large  scales  on  opercles ;  caudal  peduncle  rather 
long  and  slender;  caudal  fin  slightly  emarginate. 

D.  .XII.  to  XV.,  II  to  li;  \.  II.,  S  to  lo.     Scales,  9-65  to  80-17. 

Colour,  greenish  yellow  with  dark  tessellations  and  marblings  above 
and  about  seven  large  blotches  along  the  side  which  are  more  or  less  coni 
fluent;  fins  barred  and  there  is  a  small  spot  at  base  of  caudal.  Length 
three  to  four  inches. 

As  this  species  is  said  to  range  all  through  the  (ireat  Lakes  region 
westward  to  Manitoba,  it  probably  occurs  here,  though  I  have  not  as  yet 
found  It.  "   ^ 

It  frequents  clear  streams  with  gravelly  bottoms  and  is  more  active 
m  Its  habits  than  most  of  the  other  Darters,  not  concealing  itself  so  closely 
under  stones.  ^ 


(iKM  s  COTTOG.A.STKR. 

Body  rather  robust,  little  compressed;  head  moderate,  bluntish- 
mouth  moderate  or  small;  the  lower  jaw  included;  premaxillarics  pro- 
tractile or  occasionally  joined  by  a  narrow  frenum  to  the  frontal  region  • 
maxillary  not  adherent  to  the  preorbital ;  teeth  on  vomer,  gill  membranes 
nearly  separate;  scales  ctenoid:  the  middle  line  of  the  belly  anteriorly 
naked  or  with  caducous  scales ;  lateral  line  continuous ;  dorsal  fins  large 
the  .second  usually  smaller  than  the  first  and  smaller  than  the  anal  -  an-.i 
spines  two.  the  first  the  longer;  pyloric  cicca  three;  skull  shor't  the 
f^rontal  region  not  very  narrow,  parietals  little  convex  transversely,  sutures 
distinct ;  no  supr.inrcipital  crest. 


FISH  OF  ONTAniO. 


siuGi-Ms  cott()(;.\sti;r. 


(loo)  Copeland's  Darter. 

(Coltog;istcr  copelandi.) 

Body  ratluT  slinder  and  elongate;  licad  ratluT  larj-e  and  long,  some- 
what narrowed.  .Mouth  .small,  horizontal,  subinferior;  cheeks  naked; 
operclcs  and  neck  each  with  a  few  scales;  throat  naked;  ventral  plates 
well  developed;   scales  moderate;  strongly  ctenoid. 

D.   X.  to  XII.,   lo  to  12;  .\.   II.,  H  or  g.     Scales.  (1-44  to  5O-8. 

Colour,  brownish  olive;  a  scries  of  rather  small,  horizontally  oblong 
black  blotches  along  the  lateral  line,  forming  an  interrupted  lateral  band; 
back  tassellated ;  blackish  streaks  forward  and  downward  from  eye ;  ven- 
tral fins  dusky  in  the  male;  vertical  tins  with  dusky  specks;  a  small  ink- 
like speck  at  base  of  caudal,  persistent  in  most  specimens;  a  black  spot 
on  anterior  rays  of  spinous  dorsal. 

Length,  about  three  inches.  The  range  of  a  variety  of  this  species, 
C.  c.  putnami,  is  from  Lake  Champlain  to  Lake  Huron.  It  will  therefore 
probably  lie  found  in  our  waters,  though  I  have  not  yet  obtained  it. 

(Jkm  s  BOLEOSOM.V    (Tkssei.i.ateo  Daktkks.) 

Body  moderately  elongate,  fusiform,  but  slightly  translucent ;  head 
.small,  narrowed  forward,  the  profile  convex  ;  mouth  small,  horizontal,  the 
lower  jaw  included ;  premaxillary  protractile ;  maxillaries  not  adnate  to 
pn  bital;  vomerine  teeth  present;  scales  large;  lateral  line  continuous  or 
interrupted  behind;  belly  with  ordinary  scales;  gill  membranes  broadly 
or  narrowly  connected;  dorsal  >ines  usually  nine,  very  slender  and  flex- 
ible, soft  dorsal  much  larger  than  anal ;  anal  normally  with  a  single,  short 
slender  spine,  the  first  .soft  ray  simple,  but  articulate;  ventrals  well  sep- 
arated; pyloric  ca'ca.  three  to  six;  frontal  region  of  skull  very  .short  and 
narrow;  parietal  region  flattish  above;  no  supratKcipital  crest.  .Size  small, 
very  active  little  fishes. 


(101)  Johnny  Darter. 

(Boleosoma  nigrum.) 

Body  slender,  fusiform ;  head  conical ;  snout  somewh.it  decurved ; 
mouth  small,  subinferior,  lower  jaw  included  within  the  upper,  fjill  covers 
scaly,  cheeks  naked  except  in  occasional  individuals;  nape  usually  scaled. 

D.  VIII.  to  X.,  10  to  14;  .A.  L,  7  to  q.     Scales,  5-44  to  55-q. 

Colour,  olivaceous;  the  back  with  brown  tessellations;  sides  with 
many  W'-shaped  blotches.  The  head  i.-  speckled  above,  in  males  usually 
black.  In  the  breeding  season  the  whole  anterior  part  of  the  male  is  often 
black.  .\  dark  line  forward  from  the  eye  and  .sometimes  another  down- 
ward.    Length,   about  two  and  a-half  inches.     This  species  is  common 


II 


96 


(!HECK  LIST  OK  THE 


through  the  Creat  Lakes  region,  more  particularlv  so  in  the  west  -.nd 
nor  h:  ,n  the  southern  and  eastern  parts  of  the  Province  it  s  represented 
by  the  following  sub-species:  k  <-  «^"i<-u 


rut,  ,  jv  -v^;^ ;^- 

Teccellateil  Darter.     (  /}„/,  ,„,„».  „ly,ii,n  „hi„i(,li. ) 

(102)  Tessellated  Darter. 

(Boleosoma  nigrum  olmstedi.) 

Very  similar  to  the  last,  but  the  cheeks  and  opercles  scaly  and  nm. 
and  breast  naked.     Lateral  line  complete.  ^     ^  "''P*- 

D.   IX.,  14;  A.  L,  9.     About  50  scales  ,-.n  lateral  line. 

Colour  olivaceous;  fins  with  many  narrow  bars;  back  tessellUcd  • 
Mdes  with  blotches  and  .ig.ag  markings.  Head  in  spring.  n^l^S' 
A  dark  streak  forward  Irom  the  eye  and  another  downward. 

Ihis  IS  the  most  abundant  and  generally  distributed  Darter  we  have 

.s^ern'ZrtsTth !  .""'-"^  '"I  ''"'•*  ^'^  '''''^  °^  "^«  southern  Id 
eastern  parts  of  the  IVovince,  where  it  lies  secreted  under  stones  on  the 

bottom    or  buries  itself  in  the  sand,  leaving  only  its  eves  visibk      \Vhen 

alarmed  it  darts  with  great  rapidity  to  the  nearest  shelter  and  irusts" 

^ifZll'T'"'''"-      V-^--""-^  ^-^  •-»  '•^"^^'^  °f  =""»■*  three  ith^ 
ana  is  interesting  by  reason  of  its  peculiar  habits. 

Gkms  A.NLMOCRVPTA.     (Sand  Daktkrs.) 

Body   slender  and  elongate,    subcylindrical ;    pellucid   in   life.      Head 
sender.     .Mouth  rather  wide,  horizontal,  the  lower  jaw  included -premax 
llaries  very  protractile;  teeth  on  the  vomer.      .Scales  thin,   ctenoid     H  tie 
.mbricated,  present  along  the  region  of  the  lateral  line,  and  on  the    "i 
sometimes  w.mtmg  on  the  back  or  b^-lly;  lateral  line  complete    each  tube 
occupying  nearly  the  whole  length  of  its  scale.     Head  scaly  or  naked     no 
ventral    plates,    the    belly    naked.      Oill    membranes    considerabk   uni'ted 
forming  .-.n  angle  at  their  junction.     Dorsal  fins  moderate,  about"  ejual  to 

we.k   '^.     r  T'*  'V^  "*'"=  ''"'■''''''  ''''^  "'-"*  t-  '^P'"'--^:  an.nl  spine 
Tor  f 'n      rt  •*«-P.'"-=^-d.  '«-hind  pectorals,  their  spines  feeble;  pec- 

torals pointed,  symmetrical,  of  twelve  to  hftcen  rays.  I'vloric  c.xca  four 
Frontal  region  of  skull  narrow,  the  parietal  region  unusually  depressed; 
the  bone.s  of  skeleton  all  slender  and  thin.  Sutures  of  skull  very  distinct  ■ 
.supraoc-cpital  crest  obsolete.     Foramen  of  hvp-rcoracoid  very  large 


KISir  OF  ONTARIO 


H7 


(103)  Sand  Darter. 

(Ammocrypta  pcilucidn.) 

Scales  of  body  not  very  roush,  only  those  along  lateral  line  and  on 
tail  well  imbricated;  nape  thinly  scaled,  becoming  usually  wholly  naked 
on  median  Tne ;  belly  nakid;  maxillary  barely  reaching  the  large  v\r; 
pectorals  short. 

I).  IX.,  9  to  II  ;  .\.   I.,  K  to  ID.     .Scales  on  lateral  line,  hj  to  7S. 

Colour,  translucent;  scales  with  line  black  dots;  a  series  of  small, 
squarish  olive  or  bluish  blotches  along  the  back  and  another  along  each 
side;  lateral  spots  connected  by  a  gilt  b:md.      Length,   three  inches. 

As  this  little  fish  has  a  range  from  Lake  Lric  to  Minnesota,  it  will 
probably  be  found  in  our  Province,  though  as  yet  I  have  not  taken  it  here. 
It  frequents  clear  sandy  streams  and  avoids  observation  by  burying  it.self 
in  the  sand,  leaving  only  its  eyes  and  snout  visible. 

Gem  s  KTHEOSTOMA. 

Body  robust,  or  rather  elongate,  compressed  ;  mouth  terminal,  or  sub- 
inferior,  varying-  in  size;  the  lower  jaw  included  or  projecting-;  preinaNil- 
laries  not  protractile;  maxillary  movable;  teeth  rather  strong-,  usually 
present  on  vomer  and  palatines;  g^ill  membranes  separate  or  more  or  less 
broadly  connected  ;  scales  moderate  or  small,  ctenoid,  top  of  head  without 
scales  ;  scales  of  the  middle  line  of  the  belly  persistent  and  similar  to  the 
others;  lateral  line  well  developed,  nearly  straight,  often  wanting  posteri- 
orly ;  fins  large,  with  strong  spines,  first  dorsal  usually  longer  and  larger 
than  the  second,  with  seven  to  fifteen  spines ;  anal  with  two  strong  spines, 
the  anterior  usually  the  larger,  the  second  rarely  obsolete,  anal  fin  always 
smaller  than  the  soft  dorsal ;  ventral  fins  more  or  less  close  together ;  skull 
narow,  the  parietal  region  very  strongly  convex  in  cross-section,  supra- 
occipital  crest  very  small  or  wanting ;  lower  pharyng^eals  very  narrow; 
pyloric  cava  three  or  four;  bone-;  rather  firm.  M;iny  of  the  species  are 
excessively  variable. 

Si  Mc.EMs  \I\ICOL.\. 

(104)  Northern  Darter. 

(Etheostoma  boreale.) 

Body  moderately  elongate,  somewhat  compressed,  the  caudal  peduncle 
rather  long  and  stout.  Head  rather  heavy,  the  snout  bluntish.  rather 
str'>-igly  decurved.  .Anterior  profile  gentlv  :md  somewhat  e^•enly  arched. 
Snout  short,  about  half  as  long  as  eye.  Mouth  nearly  horizontal,  the  lower 
jaw  included,  the  maxillary  extending  to  about  opposite  front  of  pupil. 
Teeth  small.  Preopercle  entire;  opercular  spine  strong.  Premaxillary 
not  protractile.  Gill  membranes  very  slightly  connected.  .\  small  black 
humeral  scale;  cheeks,  operdes  .-md  nuchal  region  scalv ;  breast  naked: 
scales  of  moderate  size;  lateral  line  very  short,  not  reaching  last  spine  of 


\ 


"■  CHECK  LIST  OV  THK 

tni!l\7r''"^u"'^V.^''^^  ""''  ''"'^'^">-  "^^''^■'l-     •^-'-'^  of  belly  like  those 
dlrsal  "nn,    l-^'r'  '^u'  ^■•^"  ^'^P-''"^*'''.  """""'•">■  short  and  small     sof 
^enus       ''"'^ ':'»'"''•  »'^-''"   ^Pino'"*  d-sal.   also  unusually   small   fo     th 
genus;  Cauda    long,  truncate  or  slightly  lunate;  anal  low  -.nd  short       . 
«p.n.s  h.gh.  the  first  highest;  pectorals  "reaching  past  tl;:  of"t.:'rT.l:  "^ 

a  I.\.     ,o;  A.  II.,  6  or  7.     Scales,  4-52-10. 

Colour,  soft  dorsal  caudal  and  pectoral  fins  xvith  dark  bars  nnd  •, 
brownish  red  tinge,  other  fins  ^yhite ;  a  brownish  red  tinge  on  sides  mo^ 
ZZn^  ^'""'l  '^^  '^''^''  •"■■'^'^'"S'^=  ♦-  -  eleven  Mack  bars  kcm^ 

uS:':::ri:^^jr-z ""'-'  - "-  "-^-  -  -^  -  -  ^^= 

real  ^Since'7hl'nMT  \"'  •^"'»^"  ?"'>■  from  a  small  stream  near  Mont- 


Family  SERR.WIO^. 

of  nZ^^L^y^"^'  T'''  "■■  '''.'■''  '^°'"P'-<"^sed,  covered  with  adherent  scales 
of  mo.!.rate  or  small  size,  which  are  usually  but  not  always  ctenoid  dor  M 
and  veraral  outlines  usually  not  perfectly  corresponding.  '  Mou"hmi,e 
o    large,  not  very  obl.que,  the  premaxillary  protractile  and  the  brrd  mni- 

^jf  .£ '  Si-:^- -Si^.  ^fy^rir- i^th  -: 

0.lk  our  a  long  slit  behind  the  fourth.  Pseudobranchirpresem  laTgc 
iparlte'  fr^frot  "'•^^■"^  "™-  -'th  pointed  teeth.  G^l  membran'e" 
sToS  ;ivrrhTk<.  H  '"7-  »""<=hiostegals  normally  seven  (occp- 
sionally  siv).    Cheeks  and  opercles  always  scaly ;  preopercle  with  its  m-.r^i„ 

temporal  normal,  second  suborbital  with  an  internal  lamt.  "„!„; 
the  globe  of  the  eye ;  enteroptygoid  present ;  all  or  most  of  the  ribs'^nse  ted 
Zt.^T""""""  ""■"""''"^  ''^'"  '^''^  •-"■«  developed;  anterior  ve^tebne 
Thort  t  ""soT"'  "'■"'"''""  "•""'"  ^P'"'"''  "'^ualirstiff;  anal  fin  rather 
short.  ,t.s  soft  rays  seve_n  to  twelve;  its  spines  if  present  always  three  in 

wel  H     T"    I'^'-u'  '^°'''^'"'  ""■'""'  ^'■"t'"'^'  axillary  scale      Pec  or"." 


>: 


FISH  OF  OXTAUIO. 


W 


(iENus  ROCCL'S.     (Stkii'ei)  Bass.) 


Base  of  tongue  with  one  or  two  patches  of  teeth ;  anal  spines  gradu- 
ated;  dorsal  fins  entirely  separate;  anal  rays  III.,  ii  or  u;  supraoccipital 
crest  scarcely  widened  above ;  lower  jaw  projecting. 

Slucenls  LKPIBEMA. 

iios)  White  Bass. 

(Roccus  chrysops.) 

Body  oblong,  elevated  and  compressed ;  head  subconiial,  depressed 
oyer  eye ;  mouth  moderate,  the  maxillary  reaching  to  below  middle  of  eye ; 
villiform  teeth  in  bands  on  jaws,  palatines  vomer  and  tongue;  the  dorsal 
outline  much  curved. 

D.  IX.,  I.,  14;  .\.  III.,  II  to  ij.     Scales,  .s-()o-i3. 

Colour,  silvery,  tinged  with  golden  below;  sides  with  narrow  dusky 
lines,  about  five  above  the  lateral  line,  one  along  it  and  a  vari.ible  member 
below,  these  sometimes  more  or  less  interrupted  or  transposed.  Length, 
twelve  to  fifteen  inches;  weight,  about  a  pound  and  a  half. 

The  White  Bass  is  found  in  all  the  Great  Lakes  of  Ontario ;  it  rarely 
ascends  streams,  but  occurs  sometimes  abundantly  at  the  mouth  of  the 
larger  rivers.  It  is  gregarious,  usually  swimmin);  in  shoals  containing  a 
large  number  of  individuals.  As  a  game  fish  it  ranks  high,  for  it  takes 
minnow  bait  readily,  and  during  the  summer  months  rises  to  a  fly  well. 
It  is  an  excellent  table  fish  when  fresh  caught. 

It  spawns  in  May  or  June. 

Suborder  RHEGNOPTERI. 

Family  SCL-EMD.E.     (The  Dm  ms.) 

Body  compressed,  more  or  less  elongate,  covered  with  thin  more  or 
less  ctenoid  scales.  Lateral  line  continuous,  extending  on  caudal  fin ; 
head  usually  large,  scaly ;  bones  of  head  cavernous,  the  muciferous  system 
highly  developed,  the  surface  of  the  skull  very  uneven;  chin  with  pores; 
mouth  and  teeth  various;  maxillary  without  supplemental  bone,  slipping 
beneath  preorbital ;  premaxillarics  protractile;  nostrils  double;  pseudo- 
branchise  usually  present  and  usually  large;  branchiostegals  seven;  gill 
membranes  separate,  free  from  the  isthmus  ;  lower  pharyngeals  separ.ite 
or  united,  often  enlarged,  the  teeth  conic  or  molar;  preopercle  serrate  or 
not,  opercle  usually  ending  in  two  flat  points  ;  dorsal  deeply  notched  or 
divided  into  two  fins,  the  soft  portion  being  the  longer,  the  spines  depres- 
sible  into  a  groove ;  anal  with  never  more  than  two  spines ;  caudal  usually 
not  forked ;  ear-bones  or  otoliths  very  large ;  air  bladder  usually  large  and 
complicated,  its  structure  enabling  the  fish  to  make  grunting  or  drumming 
sounds. 


im 


too 


CHKCK  LIST  OK  THK 


Genus  APLOUIN OIL'S.    (I.kksh-watek  Dhi  m.) 
Hody  oblong,  the  snout   blunt,   the  back  elevated  and  c  oniDrt-ssed  • 

lorm  bands,  the  outer  above  scarcely  enlarged;  no  barbels;  pseudo- 
branchia-  rather  small;  gill  rakers  short  and  blunt;  lower  ph  .rvSs 
very  arge,  fully  un.ted,  with  coarse  blunt  paved  teeth;  preopercle  sufhtly 
serrate;  dorsal  spines  strong  and  high,  with  a  close  Vn'^ing^caly  Sh 
at  base,   the  two  dorsals  somewhat    connected;  second  anal  sp=ne   very 

appendages;  pyloric  ca.-ca,  seven;  vertebra-,  io+ 14     24. 

(106)  Sheepshcad.     Fresh-water  Drum. 

(Aplodinotus  grunnicns.) 
Body  moderately  elongate,  somewhat  compressed:  head  rather  short- 

sr^tE'thTu;;;™^- '-  '-'^-  ^'^  -'^^"^  -^  "^^  ^^- — i- 

abouPfiJ^ifit;  ^';;ri; ;;;al'i;n;:  ""'^  ""'^'^  "^^  ^"^  '"-^-'-'^  p--''- 

Colour    greyish,  darker  on   the  back;   lower  parts   silvery,      \oung 
specimens  have  dark  spots  along  the  rows  of  scales,  forming  oblique  li.r s 
nnH        'i°'"r"."     u     'l"*"-'''"*^'*'  throughout  the  entire  (ircat  Lakes  region 
and  particularly  abundant  in  Lake  Erie.     It  reaches  a  large  si«-.  specimens 

VViru?ho/''""''J"^-'V''"'"'^  '"='^"  '"'^^"  from 'southern' waTers 
U.tl    us,  however,  about  e.ght  or  ten  pounds  would  be  the  maximum. 

It  IS  a  bottom  fish,  feeding  chicHy  upon  crust.-.ce.-.ns  and  molluscs. 
It  occasionally  takes  a  minnow  bait,  but  I  have  not  found  it  a  readv  biter 
When  hooked  it  hghts  hard  and  affords  g.KKl  sport  to  the  angler,  but  as  a 
Im  odour!  "  '""'■''''*^"'*'  ""^  ^'''^  ''^'"g  '°"Kh  and  coarse,  with  an  unpleas- 

The  name  Jewel-head  sometimes  given  to  this  fish  refers  to  the  oto- 
liths   or  ear-bones,  frequently  called  "lucky  stones,"  which  are  found  in 

K.-<  SKUIJ. 

Order  PLECTOGNATHI.     (The  Plectognathous  Fishes.) 

One  of  the  most  important  offshoots  of  the  Acanthopteri  is  th.  group 
or  order  Plectognathi.  The  extremes  of  this  group  show  a  remarkable 
divergence  from  the  usual  type  of  spiny-rayed  fishes 

The  Flectognathi  are  thus  defined  by  Dr.  Gill :  Scapula  s,.sj.ended 
o  the  cranium  by  a  post-temporal  which  is  short,  undivided  and  anchy- 
losed  to  the  epiotic.  Fremaxillaries  usually  coossified  with  the  maxillaries 
behmd.-md  the  d.nfary  boms  with  the  artimlar ;  interoperde  a  Mender 
rod  :  lower  pharyngeal  b.;rns  distinct;  upper  pharyngeals  laminar,  usually 
vertical  and  transverse;  .xin  usually  with  rough  shields  or  scales  or  bony 
plates;  skeleton  imperfectly  ossified,  the  number  of  vertebra-  usually  small 
typically  less  than  24  (usually  14  to  20),  rarely  con-  Herably  increased    Gill 


il     F. 


FIBU  or  ONTAKIU. 


lUl 


upenings  re.<*lri<  led  to  the  sides;  ventral  tins  redfitcd  or  »  anting,  the  pt-lvic 
Imncs  usually  elongate.  Spinous  dorsal  >mall  or  wanting;  air  bladder 
without  duct. 

Fishes  mostly  inactive  and  depending  on  their  Hmjjh  skin  or  bony  or 
spinous  armature  lor  thtir  protection. 

Suborder  LORICATI. 

l-AMii.v  COTIID.K.     (Thk  Scli.i-ins.) 

Body  more  or  less  elongate,  th*-  Iu-jkI  usually  large  and  depressed; 
e/e.s  high;  bony  stay  conspicuous,  but  not  covering  the  cheek;  preoperck- 
armed;  teeth  in  villiform  bands;  nuixiliary  simple;  gills  three  and  a  half 
or  four;  gill  membranes  connected,  often  joined  to  isthmus.  Body  naked, 
or  irregul.irly  scaled,  or  warty,  never  exenly  scaled  ;  lateral  line  present. 
Dorsals  usually  separate,  the  spines  slender  ;  anal  without  spines  ;  pet:torals 
large,  with  firoad  procurrent  base,  the  lower  rays  simple;  ventrals  thor.icic, 
sometimes  wanting,  never  united.  Pseudobranchia-  present.  Vertebra- 
numerous,  thirty-five  to  fifty. 

C.KOi  I'  COTTIN.i:. 

fiENt  s  COTTUS.     (Fkesh-wati:k  Scui.i'ins.) 

Body  fusiform.  Head  feebly  armed;  skin  smooth  or  more  or  less 
velvety,  its  prickles,  if  present,  not  bony  or  scalelikc;  villiform  teeth  on 
jaws  and  vomer  and  sometimes  on  palatines,  (iill  openings  separated  by 
a  wide  isthmus  over  which  the  membranes  do  not  form  a  fold;  no  slit 
behind  the  fourth  gill.  Branchiostegals  six.  Dorsals  nearly  or  quite 
separate,  the  first  of  six  to  nine  slender  spines;  ventrals  moderate,  each 
with  a  short,  concealed  spine  and  four  soft  rays.  Lateral  line  present, 
usually  more  or  less  chain-like,  sometimes  incomplete.  Freopcrcle  with 
a  simple  spine  at  its  angle,  which  is  usually  curved  upward,  its  base  more 
or  less  covered  by  skin,  very  rarely  obsolete,  usually  two  or  three  spines 
turned  downward  below  this;  subopercle  usually  with  a  concave  spine 
turned  downward.     N'ertebra;,   10  +  23=33.      Pyloric  ca-ca,  about  four. 


H07) 


SiiBCKNts  PEGF.DICTUS. 
Blob. 


Miller's  Thumb. 

(Cottus  ictalops.) 

Body  rather  robust,  gradually  tapering  to  the  tail ;  head  very  broad ; 
preopercic  with  a  short,  sharp,  straightish  spine,  turned  upward  and  back- 
ward, with  two  smaller  spines  below  it;  skin  usually  smooth,  sometimes 
with  minute  prickles  behind  axil  of  pectoral ;  .spinous  dorsal  becins  slightly 
behind  end  of  head,  separated  from  second  dorsal  by  a  deep  notch ;  second 
dorsal  about  two  and  one-third  times  longer  than  first  and  one-third 
longer  than  anal  base.     Pectoral,  ventral    md  caudal  fins  well  developed. 


I 


III'.' 


CHICt'K  LIST  or  THE 


».  VI.  to  VIII..   ,„;  A.,   ,2  to     J. 
..nd  rather  broad  .toss  bands;  hns  ban.  <l  aiul  motll.d.     Length    five  or 

This  fish  ranges  through  the  entire  (..eat  Lake  Kei-ion  and  is  abun 
»ery  dcstruLtue  lo  the  . -.^r.  and  vounK  of  Hr.wk  Trout. 

(iE.vis   LR.WIDKA.      (.M111.KKS  TiitMHS.) 

ri«n  ^/'•!  ^''""''  'f  ""^^  *"'""'-■  '"  *-■"""'*•  '"'""  ^hicli  it  differs  in  the  reduc- 
.on  of  us  ventra  s  to  a  concealed  spine-  and  three  soft  rays,  a  step  f  .r,  her 
m   the  degeneration   characteristic   of    fresh-water   types       The    sk  n     is 
sm.K.  h  or  very    nearly    so.   the  preopereuiar  spines  ^'^.all.   and    there 
usually  no  trace  of  teeth  on  the  palatines. 

(109)  Franklin's  Scnlpin. 

(Uranidea  franklini.) 

Body  rather  short  and  stout ;  snout  not  xery  obtuse ;  maxillary  re-.ch 
.ng  about  to  pupil:  eye  four  in  head;  preope-rcular  spinV  h^S      cry" 

ne    u!  L'Lth  ""•'";'';'•  ":'=  P^'"^"'^  "°'  ^-^•^'"^  vent;  «;'»  d.S 
nearly  as  high  as  second;  dorsals  contiguous;  anal  inserted  under  fourth 

nearer  base  of  caudal  than  tip  of  snout 
D.  VIII.,   17;  ,\..   „;  V    L,  ,.      ■ 
Length,   three   inches. 
Lake  Superior. 

(loH)  Lake  Miller's  Thumb. 
(Uranidea  formosa.) 

Body  slender  and  graceful ;  head  small,  depressed  above  •  eves  mod 

spine  below  ,t ;  subopc-rcular  spine  well  developed.  Dorsals  well  s^par.Xd  • 
ana  beginning  under  third  ray  of  soft  dorsal;  pectorals  no  rSnglo 
posterior  margin  .spinous  dorsal;  ventrals  not  nearly  to  vent.         *' 

U.  VIII.,  ,6;  A.  II.     Length,  three  and  one-fourth  inches 
f        ^t.*'"^    rT'^^*^**   -specimen   has   been    recorded,   this    ha  vine    lx;en 


Grxus  TRIGLOPSIS. 

vnm,!"*'-'  ""''  ''?i,''  ''^?*^.'''  ''*'"  "*''''^''=  '»*''"'  """  fhainlike;  teeth  on 
^omer.  none  on  the  palatines;  eye  large,  the  intercrbital  area  concave" 


i  KH   OK  iiNTAHIO 


ll).S 


bones  irf  limvr  part  of  he.nt  -xuiisivcl)  <;i\iriH>us ;  .1  ^  i.ill  Ihii  distinit 
slit  brhinfl  last  jjill ;  k'II  ni<-ml>ran«'s  ilmost  free  from  tin.-  jNihmus,  forminij 
a  broad  loUl  across  1  ,  prfoperi'iilar  spiru's  sirai^ht,  sin>i>lf,  'our  l»»  mini- 
l*r,  Ihi-  lower  turni'd  downward;  fins  large. 

Ii  lu)  Lake  Sciilpin. 

(Triiflopsls  thornpsoni.) 

K<Nly  elon>{;<ti  .  very  sleiuliT.  Mead  limi;.  «leprc»se(l  .itii-M'.  Snout 
lonf»  and  pointed;  <»e  quite  lar^e ;  jaws  siilw<|ual ;  nioiiih  larj;i  ;  the  max- 
illary extending  rather  beyond  midillr  of  eye;  preopori  Ir  with  four  sliarp 
spines;  eavernous  structure  ol  skull  lii>;hly  developed;  upper  surfac*'  of 
head  smooth;  cill  membranes  not  lirnadly  unite<l ;  n<'arly  free  Irnm  isth- 
mus. IJorsal  iw  well  separated;  spinous  dorsal  short  and  li>w;  se<-ond 
dorsal  very  lari,e;  .inal  high;  pec-toral  long,  reaching  p;ist  frmit  of  anal; 
ventrals  well  developed;  later. il  line  chain-like,  1  onsf  i'-uous ;  -.kin  per- 
fectly smooth. 

I),   \  II  .   iH;  A.,  15. 

Colour,  pa/i  olivaceous  with  darker  blotches;  upper  fin*  faintly 
bandi'd. 

l.itll'  1^  known  of  this  spori.  <.  Speciiiwns  h.i\c  been  taken  occa- 
sionall\  Irom  fl(  cp  w,  :ei  in  Lake  Ontario,  hut  there  are  no  other  n'cords 
for  thi-   I'lininic. 

Stihordtr  ANACANTHINI. 

F-\iMv  CADID.E.      (t  oDnsHKs.) 

Body  eloofjate,  enjlin^;  in  an  isorercal  tail;  sc.ilcs  M-all,  cyclcnd. 
Mouth  large,  the  teeth  various.  \o  pseudobranchia>.  \\r''-  il  I'ns  svjt- 
arate.  Dorsal  and  .inal  long;  no  fin  spines,  fiill  or>''.^nt;s  \,  ■.  .  iile,  the 
membranes  free  from  the  isthmus.  Gills  four;  air  l.'.i Me-  ,  .r-  :  '  'pyloric 
ca-ia   numerous.      N'erlehra-,  al>out   tiftv. 

Carnivorous  fishes  chiefly  of  the  north<Tn  seas,     1  i!>     ,:;     '    ■  ^re-at 

economic  value.     One  species  in  fresh  waters. 

C.F.svs  LOT.A.    (Lings.) 

Body  long  and  low,  compressed  I)ehind  .  head  sm.i!;  :  1  r,  ,,=  i,  .viiuer 
broad;  anterior  nostrils  each  with  a  small  barf>el ;  chin  \v.  ,    .,-  b.:rl)ei; 

snout  and  lower  parts  of  head  naked ;  mouth  moder.ttc,  tne  lower  jaw 
included;  each  jaw  with  broad  h.tnds  of  equal  villiform  teeth;  vomer  with 
a  broad  crescent-shaped  band  of  similar  teeth ;  no  teeth  on  palatines ;  gill 
openings  wide,  the  membrane  somewhat  connected,  free  from  the  isthmus; 
scales  very  small,  embedded;  vertical  fins  scaly;  dors.-il  fins  two,  the  first 
short,  the  second  long,  similar  to  the  anal ;  caud.il  rounded,  its  outer  rays 
procurrent ;  ventrals  of  several  rays. 


il 


104 


CHKCK  LIST  OF  THE 


(III)    Burbot.    Ling. 

(Lota  maculosa.) 

Body  elongate,  somewhat  eel-shaped,  slightly  compressed  posteriorly, 
tye  small.  The  upper  jaw  reaches  slightly  beyond  the  hind  margin  of  the 
eye;  the  lower  jaw  included  in  the  upper,  and  has  a  stout  barbel  which  is 
nearly  one-fifth  as  long  as  the  head.  The  ventral  is  longer  than  the  pec- 
toral, but  does  not  reach  half  way  to  vent ;  the  dorsal  fins  are  separated 
by  a  narrow  mterspace,  second  dorsal  higher  than  first ;  caudal  rounded  ■ 
the  scales  are  deeply  embedded  in  the  skin,  not  imbricated 

D.,    13,  68  to  76;  A.,  67. 

Colour,  dark  olivaceous,  reticulated  with  blackish,  the  lower  parts 
yellowish  or  dusky;  the  dorsal,  anal,  and  caudal  fins  with  a  narrow,  dark 
edge. 

The  average  length  of  this  species  in  our  waters  is  about  two  feet 
It  IS  found  in  all  the  larger  lakes  and  rivers  of  the  Province,  usually  in 
deep  water,  except  during  the  spawning  season  in  the  spring,  when  it  runs 
into  streams  or  on  to  rocky  shallows. 

In  this  Province  it  is  considered  worthless  as  a  food  or  game  fish 
but  in  the  Yukon  and  some  parts  of  the  far  north  its  flesh  is  eaten  and  its 
liver  IS  considered  a  delicacy. 


IS  ii 

1  n 


$ 


it 


» 


APPENDIX. 
HUE  DARTER ;  RAINBOW  PARTER  (EtheostMa  ccnlna). 

Head  3J.  depth  4i,  eye  4  to  4i  in  head,  little  shorter  than  snout,  I). 
I\  to  MI-  .2  to  14.  A.  II..  r  or  8;  scales  5-37  to  5*^  ,0  usually  5- 
45  10  pores  18  to  35.  Body  robust,  rather  deep  and  compressed,  the 
back  somewhat  elevated.  Head  larK^e,  cf)mpressed.  Mouth  moder- 
ate, termmal,  oblique,  the  lower  jaw  somewhat  included  the  maxillary, 
reachmjj  front  of  orbit;  opercular  spine  moderate;  pill  membranes  not 
connected.  Palatine  teeth  in  one  row.  Cheeks  naked  or  nearly  so. 
<1>ercles  scaled;  neck  ant!  breast  usually  naked.  Fins  all  iarjje,  (forsal 
fin*  usiiaJly  slijjhtly  connected.  .\nal  spines  su'nqual.  or  the  first  a  little 
the  longer:   caudal   rounded;  pectoral   ne.irly  or  quite   as  lonjj-  as  head. 

Males  olivaceous  tes.sellated  alxive,  the'spcMs  running-  together  into 
blotclies:  back  without  black  lengthwise  stripes;  sides  with  about  ij 
indipo  blue  bars  running  obliquely  downward  and  backward,  most  dis- 
tinct iM'bind.  separated  by  bright  orange  interspa<ies ;  caudal  fin  deep 
(•range,  edg.-d  with  brig^ht  blue,  anal  fin  orange,  with  deep  blue  in  front 
and  b.:iind  soft  dorsal,  chiefly  orange,  blue  at  base  and  tip;  spinous 
dorsal,  rrimson  at  base,  then  orange  with  blue  edginps;  ventrals  d<ep 
indipo;  cheeks  blue;  throat  and  breast  orange;  females  much  duller, 
with  little  blue  or  red,  the  vertical  fins  barred  or  checked;  vouiit; 
variously  marked,   no  dark  humeral  spot.      Length   jj   inches. 

(iayest  of  all  the  Darters,  and  indeed  the  paudiest  of  all  fresh  water 
fishes. 

It  makis  its  home  in  the  ripples  and  shallows  of  the  rivers  and  in 
the  shady  retreats  of  brooks. 

It  is  a  chubby  little  fish  as  compared  with  the  other  Darters.  In  its 
movements  it  is  awkward  and  ungraceful,  though  swift  and  savage  as  a 
Pike.  One  of  the  mildest  of  its  tricks  which  we  have  noticed  is  this.  It 
would  gently  put  its  head  over  a  stone  and  catch  a  water  boatman  by 
one  of  its  swimminp  leps,  release  it,  catch  it  apain  and  again  relea.se  it. 
until  .It  last  the  boatman  evidently  much  annoyed  swam  away  out  of  its 
reach.  It  wiil  follow  to  the  surface  of  the  water  a  piece  of  meat  sus- 
pended by  .1  string.  It  is  more  alert  in  discovering  this  than  a  hungry 
Sunfish  or  Rock  Bass,  and  it  can  be  led  around  like  a  pet  lamb  bv  ii 
thread  to  which  is  fastened  a  section  of  a  worm.  (Jordan  and  Fvermann). 

While  this  work  was  in  the  printers'  hands,  I  took  several  specimens 
of  this  beautiful  fish  in  a  swift,  rocky  stream,  flowing  through  the  eastern 
side  of  the  County  of  York. 

L0K6-N0SED  DACE  (Rhnicthys  citanctc). 

M  the  same  place  where  I  found  the  Blue  Darter,  this  species  wa.s 
abundant ;  it  is  probable  therefore  that  it  is  more  g-enerally  distributed 
through  the  Province  than  has  been  heretofore  supposed. 

riosi 


(ILOSSARV  OF  TfXHNRAI,  TERMS. 


Abdomen.     Belly. 

Aberrant.     IX-viating  from  ordinary  character. 

Abortive.     Remaining  or  becoming  imperfect. 

Actinosts.     .A  series  of  bones  at  the  base  of  the  pectoral  rays. 

AcaraiBate.     Tapering  gradually  to  a  point. 

Acute.     Sharp-pointed. 

Adipose  Sn.     .\  peculiar  fleshy  fin-like  projection  behind  the  dorsal  (in,  on 

the  backs  of  salmons,  catfishes,  etc. 
Adult.     A  mature  animal. 

i4:(tithognathU8.      Having  the  peculiar  palate  nf  passerine  birds. 
Air-bladder.     A  sac  filled  with  air,  lying  beneath  the  backbone  of  fishes, 

corresponding  to  the  lungs  of  the  higher  vertebrates. 
Albinism.     State  of  whiteness,  complete  or  p.irtial,  arising  from  deficiency 

or  entire  lack  of  pigment  in  the  skin  and  its  appendages. 
Alisphenoid.     A  small  bone  on  the  anterior  wall  of  the  brain-case. 
Aliantois.    An  organ  of  the  embryo. 
Altrices.    Birds  hatched  in  ;:n  immature  condition,  reared  in  the  nest  and 

fed  by  the  parents. 
Altricial.     Having  the  nature  of  altrices. 
Alula.      Literally,    little   wing.      The     feathers   attached     lo   the   s.m  ailed 

"thumb"  of  a  bird. 
Alveolar  surlace.     A  portion  of  the  jaw  of  a  Turtle,  where  the  teeth  so<kpts 

are  developed  in  other  reptiles. 
Amnion.     An  organ  of  the  embryo. 
Amphicalian.     Double-concave,  said  of  vertebra. 
Anadromous.     Running  up—  said  of  marine  fishes  v. hich  run  up  rixers  to 

spawn. 
Anal.     Pertaining  to  the  anus  or  vent. 

Anal  fln.     The  fin  on  the  median  line  behind  the  vent  on  fishes. 
Anal  plate.    The  plate  immediately  in  front  of  the  vent  on  serpents,  often 

divided  in  two  by  a  median  suture.    . 
Anchylosed.     Grown  firmly  together. 

Angular.     A  small  bone  on  the  posterior  end  of  the  mandible. 
AnteorMtal  plate.     The  plate  (one  or  two)  in  front  of  the  eye  in  serpents, 

with  its  longest  diameter  vertical;  also  called   preocular. 
Antrorse.     Turned  forward. 

Anus.     The  external  opening  of  the  intestine ;  the  vent. 
Arboreal.    Living  in  trees. 
Arterial  bulb.     The  muscular  swelling  at  the  base  of  the  great  arterv,  in 

fishes. 

[io»U 


FISH  OF  ONTAUU) 


107 


Artkalar.     Tin-  Ixnu   ><\   tin-  mandil)!^,  ^pportin^  tin-  tlentarv. 

Artimlate.     jointe<l. 

Artiodactyloas.     i:\cn-toed  {2  or  4). 

Mlas.     The  first  vcrtrhra. 

Atrophy.     Non-development. 

Attenuate.     Long  and  slender,  as  if  dr.iwn  out. 

Auditory  capsule.      The  \entrolateral  swellins  ol  the  skull. 

Auricle.     The  lartje  lobe  of  the  external  ear;  also  one  of  tlu-  .liainhers  of 

the  heart. 
Axillars.     Klon^'aled  feathers  on  the  sides  of  the  hody  unilir  the  winijs. 

B. 


Band  or  bar.     Any  colour  mark  trans\ersi-  to  th<-  loni;  axis  of  the  ho<ly. 

Barbel.     An  elongated  fleshy  proiertion  usually  ahout   the  he.id  in   fishes. 

Basal.     Pertaining  to  the  base  ;  at  or  near  the  base. 

BasibrancMals.     A  lower  median  series  of  hones  of  the  briinchi.il  arehi-s. 

BasioCCipital.  A  median  posterior  ventral  bone  of  the  skull  to  wlii.h  lln' 
atlas  is  attached. 

Basipteryj;oid.      Mones  developed   in  the  p.d.itinc  arch   in  sonic  birds. 

Basis  craaii.  F-'ormed  by  shelves  of  bone  de\elop(><l  from  the  inner  sid<-s 
of  the  pr«»otics,  which  meet  and  form  .1  root  to  thi'  mvodoniv  .md 
a  floor   to  the  brain   cavity. 

Beak.     The  bill  of  birds  or  (in  other  animals)  any  Ijcak-like  structure. 

Bend  of  winjj.     Angle  at  the  c.irpus  when  the  winy  is  folded. 

Bicoloar.     Two-coloured. 

Bicuspid.     Having  two  points. 

Booted.  .Said  of  the  tarsus  in  birds,  when  its  scales  coalesce  an«l  form  .1 
continuous  envelope,  as  in  the  Robin. 

Brachial  ossicles.     Synonymous  with  actinosts. 

Branchic     fiills ;  respiratory  organs  of  fishes. 

Branchial.     Pertaining  to  the  gills. 

Branchihyals.     Sm.ill  bones  at  base  of  gill  arches. 

Branchioste|(als.  The  bony  rays  supporting  the  branchiostegal  mem- 
branes under  the  head  of  a  fish,  below  the  opercul.ir  bones  and 
behind  the  lower  jaw. 

Bristle.     A  stiff  hair,  or  hair-like  feather. 

Buccal.     Pertaining  to  the  mouth. 


Caducous.     Falling  off  early. 
Cecal.     Of  the  form  of  a  blind  sac. 

Cecum.     An  .ippendage  of  the  form  of  .1  blind  sac  conneiied  with  the  ali- 
mentary canal. 


'A 


108 


CHECK  LIST  OK  THK 


Calcareous.     Chalky. 

Canines.  The-   teeth  Ixihind  the   incisors     the     'eye   teeth"   in   hshes ;  any 

conical  teeth  in  the  front  part  of  the  jaws,  longer  than  tin;  others. 
Canthus.     Corner  of  the  eye  where  the  lids  meet. 
Carapace.    The  upper  shell  ut  a    IHrtle,  usually  eoniijosed  of  bony  plates 

covered  by  horny  scales. 
Cardiform.      (Teeth.)      Teeth  co.irse  and  sharp,  like  wool  cards. 
Carinate.     Keeled,  having  a  ridge  along  the  middle  line. 
Carotid.     The  great  artery  running  to  the  head. 
Carpal  angle.      Prominence  at   the   wrist-joint   when   the  wing   is  closed. 

From  this  point  to  the  end  of  the  longest   quill  constitutes  the 

"length  of  wing." 
Carpus.    The  wrist. 
Catadromous.     Running  down ;  said  of  fresh  wat.r  fish  which  run  down 

to  the  sea  to  spawn. 
Caudal.     Pertaining  to  the  tail. 
Caudal  fin.     The  fin  on  the  tail  of  fishes  and  whales. 

Caudal  peduncle.     The  region  between  the  anal  and  caudal  fins  in  fishes. 
Cavernous.      Containing    cavities   either  empty  or    filled    with  a   mucous 

.sec-etion. 
Centrum.     The  body  of  a  vertebra. 
Cephalic  fins.     Fins  on  the  head  of  certain  rays ;  a  detached  portion  of  the 

pectoral. 
Ceratobranchials.     Bones  of  the  branchial  arches  just   In-low  their  anele 
Ceratohyal.     One  of  the  hyoid  bones.  ^ 

Cervical.     Pertaining  to  the  neck. 
Chiasma.     Crossing  of  the  fibres  of  the  optic  nerve. 
Chin.     Space  between  the  forks  of  the  lower  jaw. 
Ciliated.     Fringed  with  eyelash-like  projections. 
Cirri.     Fringes. 

Claspers.  Organs  attached  to  the  ventral  fins  in  the  male  of  .Sharks    Ravs 

etc.  •    ' 

Clavicle.     The  collar-bone,  or  lower  anterior  part  of  shoulder  girdle  not 

entering  into  socket  of  arm. 
Cloaca.     A  common  opening  of  genital,  urinary  and  alimentary  canals 
Commissure.     The  line  upon  which  the  mandibles  of  a  bird  are  closed 
Compressed.      Flattened   laterally. 
Condyle.     .Articulating  surface  of  a   bone. 
Conirostral.     Said  of  a  bill  like  that  of  a  Sparrow ;  conical  in  form  and 

with  the  commissure  angulated. 
Coracoid.     The  principal  bone  of  the  shoulder  girdle  in  fishes;  otherwise 

a  bone  or  cartilage  on  the  ventral  side,  helping  to  form  the  arm- 

.socket. 
Costal  folds,    i-olds  ot  the  skin  (of  a  Salamander)  .showing  the  position  of 

the  ribs  (costs). 


FISH  OK  ONTARIO. 


ItW 


Coverts 
Cranial. 
Crest. 

Crissum. 
Ctenoid. 

Culmen. 
Cuneate. 

Cycloid. 


Small  feathers  hiding  the  bases  ol  the  <|iiilLs. 

Pertaining  to  the  cranium  or  .skull. 
In  birds  any  lengthened  featlicrs  about  the  head ;  elsewhere  anv 
elevated  or  crest-like  projection. 

The  under  tail  coverts  in  birds. 

Rough-edged ;  said  of  scales  when  the  posterior  mari;in  is  min- 
utely spinous  or  pectinated. 

The  middle  line  or  ridge  of  the  upp<-r  mandible  in  birds. 
Wedge-shaped;  said  of  a  bird's  tail  when  the  middle  feathers 
are  longest  and  the  rest  regularly  shorter. 

Smooth-edged;   said  of  scales   not  ctenoid,   but   concentrically 
striate. 


D. 

Deciduous.     Temporary  ;  falling  off. 

Decomposed.     Separate;  standing  apart. 

Decurved.    Curved  downward. 

Dentary.     The  principal  or  anterior  bone  of  the  lower  jaw,  u>.ually  be  ir- 

mg  the  teeth. 
Dentate.     With  tooth-like  notches. 
Denticle.    A  little  tooth. 

Dentirostral.     Having  the  bill  notched  near  its  tip. 
Depressed.     Flattened  vertically. 

Depth.     Vertical  diameter  (usuallv  of  the  bodv  of  fishes). 
Dermal.     Pertaining  to  the  skin. 
Desmognathous.      United    palate,   as    in  the    lower   water   birds   (Loons 

Gulls,  etc.). 
Diagnostic.     Distinctively  characteristic. 
Diaphanous.     Translucent. 

Diaphragm.     Muscular  septum  between  thorax  and  abdomen 
Uiapophysis.      Transverse  process  of  a  vertebra. 
Digitigrade.     Walking  on  the  toes  like  a  dog. 
Distal.     Remote  from  point  of  attachment. 
Dorsal.     Pertaining  to  the  back. 
Dorsal  fln.  The  fin  on  the  back  of  lishes. 

E.  • 

Emarginate.     Slightly  forke4.  or  notched  at  the  tip;  abruptly  narrowed  or 
notched  toward  the  tip  (said  of  quill.s). 

Endoskeleton.      The   skeleton   proper;  the   inner  bony   framework  of  the 

body. 
Enteron.     The  alimentary  -anal. 


\ 


no 


CHECK  LIST  Ol-'  THK 


Epibranchialt.     The  bones  directly  ahove  the  angle  of  the  branrhial  arches. 

Epihyal.    One  of  the  hyoid  bones. 

Eplptouralt.     Rays  of  bone  attached  to  the  rilis  and  anterior  vertebrw, 

usually  touching  the  skin  in  the  vicinity  of  the  lateral  line. 
Erectile.     Susceptible  of  being  raised  or  erected. 
Erythrism.     .\  peculiar  reddish  state  of  plumage. 
Etkmold.     A  median  anterior  Ijone  of  the  skull. 

Eustachian  tubes.     Tubes  connecting  the  inner  ear  with  the  pharynx. 
Even  (tail).     Having  all  the  feathers  of  equal  length. 
Exoccipitals.     Two  bones  of  the  skull,  one  on  each  side  of  the  foramen 

magnum. 
Exosiceleton.     Hard  parts  (scales,  scutes,  feathers,  hairs)  on  ihc  Mirface 

of  the  body. 
Exserted.     Projecting  beyond  the  genoral  level. 
Extra-iimital.     Beyond  the  limits. 


Facial.     Pertaining  to  the  face, 

Falcate.     Sickle-shaped;   long,  narrow  an<l  (  iirvi-cl. 

Falciform.    Curved  like  a  scythe. 

Fauna.     The  animals  inhabiting  any  region  taken  < ollcrlivcly. 

Femoral.     Pertaining  to  the  thigh,  or  proximal  Ijone  of  the  hindi-r  leg. 

Ferruginous.     Rusty  red. 

Fibula.     The  small  outer  leg  bone. 

Filament.     Any  slender  or  thread-like  sinidure. 

Filiform.    Ihread-form. 

Fissirostral.     Having  the  bill  very  deeply  cleft,  beyond  the  base  of  the 

horny  part,  as  in  the  Swallows. 
Fontanel.     An  unossificd  sp.ice  on  top  of  head  covered  with  membrane. 
Foramen.     A  hole  or  opening. 
Foramen  magnum.    The  .iperture  in  the  posterior  part  of  the  skull  for  the 

passage  of  the  spinal  cord. 
Forehead.     Frontal  curve  of  head. 
Forflcate.    Deeply  forked  ;  scissors-like. 
FosscB  (nasal).     Grooves  in  which  the  nostrils  open. 
Fossorial.     Adapted  for  digging. 
Frontal  bone.    Anterior  bone  on  top  of  head. 
Fulcra.      Rudimentary  .spine-like  projections 

rays  of  the  fins  of  ganoid  fishes. 
Fuliginous.    Sooty-brown. 
Fulvous.     Of  a  brownish  yellow  colour. 
Furcate.     Forked. 

Fuscous.     Of  a  dark  grayish-brown  colour 
Fusiform.    Spindle-shaped;  tapering  towards  boih  ends,  but  rather  more 

abruptly  forward. 


usu.tIIv  (j.iired. 

ex^t-nrliii^   on   the   antericr 


riSH  OF  OXTAKIO 


111 


Uan({lion.     A  nerve  centre. 

Ganoid.    Si  ales  or  plates  of  bone  co\ered  by  enamel. 

Gape.     Opening  of  the  mouth. 

Gastrosteges.     Band-like    plates  along    the  belly  of   a   serpent;    ventral 

plates. 
Gibbous.      Swollen ;   protulierant. 

Gills.     Orjjans  for  breathinfj  the  air  contained  in  water. 
Gill-arches.     The  bony  arches  to  which  the  gills  are  ait.n  lied. 
Gill-openings.     Openings  leading  to  or  from  the  branrhiie. 
Gillrakers.    A  series  of  bony  appendages  variously  forint-d  along  tlie  inner 

edge  of  the  anterior  gill  arch. 
Glabrous.     Smooth. 
Glossohyal.     The  tongue  bone. 
Gonys.     The  middle  line  of  the  lower  rnandilil.-. 
Gorget.     Throat  patch  of  peculiar  feathers. 
Graduated  (spines).     Progressively  longer  backward;  the  third  being  :is 

much  longer  than  seimd  as  second  is  longer  than  first. 
Graduated  (tail).     One  in  which  the  outer  feathers  are  regul.irlv  snorter 

from  the  middle. 
Granulate.     Rough  with  small  prominences. 
Gular.     Pertaining  to  the  upper  fore-net  k. 
Guttate.     Having  drop-shaped  spots. 

H. 

Hsmal  arch.  .\n  arch  under  a  ha-nial  spine  for  the  passage  of  a  bliHul- 
vessel. 

HKmal  canal.     The  se>ies  of  haemal  arches  as  a  whole. 

Haemal  spine.    The  lowermost  spire  of  a  caudal  vertebra,  in  fishes. 

Haemopophyses.  Appendages  on  the  lower  side  of  abdominal  vertebra;  in 
fishes. 

Hallux.     The  great  toe     in  birds  the  hind  toe. 

Height.     Vertical  diameter. 

Heterocercal.  Said  of  the  tail  of  a  fish  when  unequal  the  b.ickbone  evi- 
dently running  into  the  upper  lobe. 

Hirsute.     With  shaggy  hairs. 

Homocercal.  Said  of  the  tail  of  a  fish  when  not  evidently  uncciii.-il :  :■,- 
backbone  apparently  stopping  at  the  middle  of  the  base  .>;  ti;'^ 
caudal  fin. 

Humerus.     Bone  of  the  upper  arm. 

Hyoid.     Pertaining  to  the  tongue. 

Hyold  apparatus.  Formed  by  a  series  of  bones  extending  along  the  inner 
side  of  the  mandible  and  supporting  the  tongue. 


1 


lU 


tHW  k   I.IMT  Ot    I  HE 


My»«.ndJb«.  .  .H>n..  by  «,„,,  ,1a.  posterior  en.i  ...  .he  sus,H.n^onu.n 

"• '"'"'""ifr'^'-'  '"T"  "'  '^'■'  *""  •'•""•     "-•'«■•''  »«  •'^-  ^'-icle  indi- 
rectly bcarins  the  pectoral  fin. 

Hypobr.nehl«l..     Horus  ...   ,1,..  i.r.-.nchial  archc.  Ixh.w  the-  cera.obr..n.  I,. 
HypMor«oid.^^  Ih.  ;.,w.t  .,;  the  two  bones  ....ache.l  .„  ,h,    ,«..  ,.|aNi,  I., 

Hypo<na,h«U»  ■    llayin,  ,1,.  K.w.r  mandibl.  ...n^.  r  ,-  .„  ,|„.  ..pp.r.  a>  in 

the   Hhi.k  Skinun-T. 
Hypophyal.      S„,  ,11  In.nes.  „...,)Iy  four,  by  whi.  h  .l,.-  resp...,ive  si.ies  ... 

the  hM.ii,  .ippanitiiN  are  jcjined. 


I. 

Imbricate.     f)verlapping,  like  shingles  ,.„  a  r.M.I 
Imperforate.     .\ot  pionetl  throuyli. 
Inarticulate.     N'ot  j..inted. 
Incisors.     The  Iront,  or  cuiing  te.-ih. 
Intraoral.     Below  the  mouth. 

Interleraoral  membrane.     The  membrane  connecting  the  p...sterior  limbs 

ol  a  bat. 
Interhcmal  spines.     Klements  supporting  the  anal  fin. 
Interbsmals.      Hones  to  which  anal  rays  are  attached  in  lisjus 
interhyal.     I  pper  h    .id  bone  attached  to  hv..mandibu:ar. 
Intermaxillaries.      The  premaxillaries ;    the 'bt.nes   forming    the   middle  .,f 

the  front  par!  of  the  upper  jaw  in  fishes. 
Intermusculars.    Synonym  of  epipleurals. 
Internasals.     Plated  on  the  forehead  of  the  snake  on  the  line  conne.  ting 

the  two  nostrils.  * 

Intemeurals.      Bones  1..  which  the  dorsal  rays  are  attached  in  fish, 
interopercle.      Membrane  bone  betu.en  th.-  preoperile  an.l  the   bran,  hi..- 

-stegals. 
Interorbital.     Space  b.  tween  the  eyes. 
Interscapular.     Between  the  shoulders. 
Interspinals.      Bones  to   which   fin-rays   are  attached   (in    fishes)    inserte.l 

between  neural  spines  above  and  hamal  spines  below, 
fsocercal  (tail).     Last  vertebra:  progressively  smaller  and  endi.-sj  in  median 

hne  of  caudal  fin  as  i'l  the  Cod-fish. 
Isthmus.     The  narrow  unperforated  floor  of  the  mouth,  bet  we.  r,  the  gill 

openings  in  fishes. 


lu 


VIHU  UF  ONTAUIO. 


II* 


I. 


iugulu.     I'vrtaiiiinK  to  the  lower  throat ;  suid  of  the  ventral  finii 

pluceil  in  advance  uf  the  attachment  ol  the  pectoral.s. 
Jngulum      The  lower  throat. 


when 


Ktelad.     Having  a  ridge  along  the  middle  line. 


L. 

Labials.     Plates  forming  the  lip  of  a  serpent. 

Lacustrine.     Living  in  lakes. 

Lameilai.     I'late-like  priHt'sses,  such  as  are  seen  inside  a  duck's  bill. 

Lamellate.     Said  of  a  bill  provided  with  lamella',  as  in  a  duck. 

Lanceolate.     Shaped  like  the  head  of  a  lance. 

Larva.     An  immature  form,  which  must  undergo  change  of  appearance 

before  becoming  adult. 
Larynx.     A  hollow  cartilaginous  organ;  a  modification  of  the  windpipe. 
Lateral.    To  or  towards  the  side. 
Lateral  line.     .-\  series  of  muciferous  tut^es  forming  a  raised  line  along  the 

sides  of  a  fish. 
Lateral  processes.    Synonym  of  parapophyses. 
Laterally.     Sidrwise. 

Lobate.     Furnished  with  menil)ranous  flaps;  said  of  the  toes  of  bird.s. 
Lobe.      Membranous  flap. 
Longitudinal.     Running  lengthwise. 
Loral  plate.     Plate  between  eye  and  nostril  of  :i  serpent,  Ix-fore  and  below 

preiK^ular  when  this  is  present ;  its  longest  diameter  horizontal. 
Lores.     Space  between  eye  and  bill. 
Lunnte.    Forr>-.  of  the  new  moon ;  having  a  broad  and  rather  shallow  fork. 


M. 


Mammary  Glands.    Glands  secreting  milk. 

Mandible.     Under  jaw  (or  in  birds  either  jaw). 

Maxilla  or  maxillary.     Upper  jaw. 

Maxillaries.      Outermost  or  hindmost  boni's  of  the  upper  jaw  in  fishes ; 

they  are  joined  to  the  premaxillaries  in  front  and  usually  extend 

further  back  than  the  latter. 
Melanism.     State  of  colouration  arising  from  excess  of  dark  pigment ;  a 

frequent  condition  of  hawks. 
Membrane.     Soft  skinny  covering  of  the  bill  of  some  birds. 
12  F. 


MHiliiiiiil 


MIOOCOPV   RBOWTION   TEST  CHART 

(ANSI  and  ISO  TEST  CHART  No.  2) 


A  APPLIED  IM-^GE    I 

^K  1653   Eost   Uoin    Street 

IPflS  Rochester.  New  York         1*609       USA 

■■^g  (?'6)   482  -  0300  -  Phone 

^B  (716)  288-  5989  -  Fox 


114 


CHECK  LIST  OF  THE 


Mesethmoid.     Synonym  of  ethmoid. 

Mesopterygoid.    A  bone  of  the  suspensorium. 

Metacarpus.     The  hand  proper  exclusive  of  the  fingers. 

Metamorphosis.    A  decided  change  in  form. 

Metapterygoid.     A  bone   of  tiie  suspensorium,  or  chain  supporting  the 

lower  jaw. 
Metatarsus.     The  foot  proper. 

Molars.     The  grinding  teeth ;  posterior  teeth  in  the  jaw 
Monogamous.     Pairing ;  said  of  birds. 
Muciferous.    Producing  or  containing  mucus. 
Myocomma.     A  muscular  band. 
Myodome.    Cavity  under  the  brain  for  the  reception  of  the  rectus  muscles 

of  the  eye. 


m 


If 
1 1 


I 


ffli 


N. 

Nape.     Upper  part  of  neck,  next  to  the  occiput. 

Nares.     Nostrils,  anterior  and  posterior. 

Nasal.     Pertaining  to  the  nostrils. 

Nasal  plate.     Plate  in  which  the  nostrils  are  inserted. 

Neural  arch.     An  opening  through  the  base  of  the  neural  spine,  for  the 

passage  of  the  spinal  cord. 
Neural  canal.     The  neural  arches  as  a  whole. 
Neural  processes.     Two  plates  rising  vertically,  one  on  each  side  of  the 

centrum  of  the  vertebra,  which  unite  toward  their  ends  and  form 

a  spine. 
Neural  spine.    The  uppermost  spine  of  a  vertebra. 
Nictitating  membrane.    The  third  or  inner  eyelid,  of  birds,  sharks,  etc. 
Notochord.     A  cellular  cord,  which  in  the  embryo  precedes  the  vertebral 

column. 
Nucha.     The  upper  part  of  the  hind  neck,  next  the  hind  head. 
Nuchal.     Pertaining  to  the  nape  or  nucha. 

O. 

Obscure.     Scarcely  visible. 

Obsolete.      Faintly  marked;  scarcely  evident. 

Obtuse.     Blunt. 

Occipital.     Pertaining  to  the  occiput. 

Occipital  condyle.     That  part  of  the  occipital  bone  modified  to  articulate 

with  the  atlas. 
Occipital  plates.    Plates  on  the  head  of  a  serpent,  behind  the  vertical  plate 
Occiput.     Rack  of  the  head. 
Ocellate.      With  eye-like    spots,  generally   roundish   and    with  a   lighter 

border. 


ill 


FISH  OF  ONTARIO. 


115 


Old  (suffix).     Like;  as  Percoid,  perch-like. 

Opercle,  or  operculum.     Gill  cover ;  the  posterior  membrane  bone  of  the 

side  of  the  head,  in  fishes. 
Opercular  bones.     Membrane  bones  of  the  side  of  the  liead,  in  fishes. 
Opercular  flap.     Prolongation  of  the  upper  posterior  angle  of  the  opercle, 

in  Sun-fishes. 
Opisthoccclian.     Concave  behind  only ;  said  of  vertebr.e  which  connect  by 

ball  and  socket  joints. 
Opistholic.     A  bone  of  the  skull  to  which  the  lower  limb  of  the  p<)>t-tem- 

poral  usually  articulates. 
Orbicular.     Nearly  circular. 
Orbit.     Eye  socket. 
Oscine.     Musical. 

Oscines.     A  group  of  singing  birds. 
Osseous.     Bony. 

Ossicula  auditus.      Bones  of  the  ear  in  fishes. 
Osteology.     Study  of  bones. 
Oviparous.    Producing  eggs  which  are  developed  aftc  r  exclusion  from  the 

body,  as  in  all  birds  and  most  fishes. 
Ovoviviparous.     Producing  eggs  which  are  hatched  before  exclusion,  as  in 

the  Dogfish  and  Garter  Snake. 
Ovum.    Egg. 


Palate.     The  roof  of  the  mouth. 

Palatines.      Membrane  bones   of    the  roof    of   mouth ;   one  on  each   side, 

extending  outward  and  b.icKwaid  from  the  vomer. 
Palmate.     Web-footed;   having  the  anterior  toes  full-webbed. 
Palustrine.     Living  in  swamps. 
Papilla.     A  small,  fleshy  projection. 
Papillose.     Covered  with  papilla". 

Paragnathous.     Having  the  two  mandibles  about  equal  in  length. 
Parasitic.      Living  on,  or  deriving  nourishment    from    some   other   living 

thing.      Habitually  making  use  of  other  birds'  nests. 
Parapophyses.     The  lateral  projections  on  some  of  the  abdominal  \erte- 

brje  to  support  ribs. 
Parasphenoid.     Bone  of  roof  of  mouth  behind  the   vomer.     Synonym  of 

prefrontal. 
Paratoid.     A  glandular  body  beliind  the  car  in  Batrarlii.ins. 
Parietal.      Bone  of  the  side  of  the  head  above. 
Parotic  process.     A  posterior  lateral  process  of  the  skull  formed  by  the 

pterotic  and  opiosthotic. 
Pectinate.     Having  teeth  like  a  comb. 
Pectoral.     Pertaining  to  'he  breast. 


*!■  ' 


ii« 


CHECK  LIST  OF  THE 


|(i        i 


Pectoral  fins.     The  anterior  or  upermost  of  the  paired  fins,  in  fishes  cor- 
responding to  the  anterior  limbs  of  the  higher  vertebates. 
Pelage.     The  hair  of  a  mammal  taken  collectively. 
Pelagic.     Living  on  or  in  the  high  seas. 

Pelvic  girdle.     The  bones  supporting  the  ventral  fins  or  pelvics. 
Pelvis.     The  bones  to  which  the  hinder  limbs  (ventral  fins  in  fishes)  arc 

attached. 
Perforate.    Pierced  through ;  said  of  nostrils  when  without  a  septum 
Pe.issodactylous.    Odd  toed  (toes  i,  3  or  5). 
Peritoneum.     The  membrane  lining  the  abdominal  cavity. 
Phalanges.     Bones  of  the  fingers  and  toes. 

Pharyngeal  bones.     Bones  behind  the  gills  and  at  the  beginning  of  the 

oesophagus  of  fishes,  of  various  forms,  almost  always  provided 

with  teeth ;  usually  one  pair  below  and  four  pairs  above.     They 

represent  a  fifth  gill  arch. 

Pharyngobranchials.      Upper  elements  of    the  branchial    arches   usually 

bearing  teeth. 
Pharyngonathous.     Having  the  lower  pharyngeal  bones  united. 
Physoclistous.     Having  the  air  bladder  closed. 
Physostomous.     Having  the  air  bladder  connected  by  a  tube  with  the  ali- 

menatry  canal. 
Pigment.     Colouring  matter. 

Pineal  body.     A  small  ganglion  in  the  brain ;  a  rudiment  of  an  optic  lobe, 
which  in  certain  lizards  (and  in  extinct  forms)  is  connected  with 
a  third  or  median  eye. 
Pituitary  body.     A  small  ganglion  in  the  brain. 
Planta.     Sole  of  foot. 
Plastron.    Lower  shell  of  a  turtle. 

Plicate.     Folded,  showing  transverse  folds  or  wrinkles. 
Plumage.     The  feathers  of  a  bird  taken  collectively. 
Plumbeous.     Lead-coloured;  dull  bluish  gray. 
Pollex.     Thumb;  in  birds  the  digit  which  bears  the  alula— corresponding 

to  the  mdex  finger. 
Polygamous.     Mating  with  more  than  one  female. 
Postclavlcle.     A  ray  composed  of  one  or  two  bones  attached  to  the  inner 

upper  surface  of  the  clavicle  and  extending  downward 
Post-frontal  (plates).     The  ones  before  the  vertical  plate 
Post-orbital.     Behind  the  eye. 

Post-temporal.    The  bone,  in  fishes,  by  which  the  shoulder  girdle  is  sus- 
pended to  the  cranium. 
ProBCOCes.      Birds  able  to  run  about  and  feed  themselves  at  once  when 

hatched. 
Proecocial.      Having  the  nature  of  prrtcoccs. 

Proecoracoid.     A  portion  of  coracoid  more  or  less  separated  from  the  rest 
Froecoracoid  arch.     An  arch  in  front  of  the  coracoid  in  most  soft-raved 
fishes. 


FISH  OF  ONTARIO. 


117 


Prefrontal  (plates).     Those  in  front  of  post-frontal. 

Premaxillaries.     The  bones,  one  on  either  side,  forming  the  front  of  the 

upper  jaw  in  fishes.    They  are  usually  larger  than  the  maxillarics 

and  commonly  bear  most  of  the  upper  teeth. 
Premolars.     The  small  grinders;  the  teeth  lx.t\veen  the  canines  and  the 

true  molars. 
PreoGular.     Before  the  eye. 
Preopercle.     The  membrane  bone  lying  in  front  of  the  opercle  and  more 

or  less  r.  -arly  parallel  with  it. 
Preorbital.     The  large  membrane  bone  lx;fore  the  eye  in  fishes. 
Primary.     Any  one  of  the  large  stiff  quills  growing  upon  the  pinion  or 

hand  bones  of  a  bird  (usually  nine  or  ten,  sometimes  eleven  in 

number) ;    as   distinguished  from   the    secondaries,   which    grow 

upon  the  forearm. 
Primary  wing  coverts.     The  coverts  overlying  the  base  of  the  primaries. 
Proccelian.    Concave  in  front  only. 

Procurrent  (Pn).     With  the  lower  rays  inserted  progressively  farther  for- 
ward. 
Projectile.     Capable  of  being  thrust  forward. 

Prootic.    A  bone  forming  an  anterolateral  ossific.ition  oi  the  brain-case. 
Protractile.     Capable  of  being  drawn  forward. 
Proximal.     Nearest. 
Pseudobranchis.     Small  gills  developed  on  the  innor  side  of  the  opercle, 

near  its  junction  with  the  preopercle. 
Pterotic.     A  bone  at  the  posterior  lateral  process  of  the  skull. 
Pterygoids.     Bones  of  roof  of  mouth  in  fishes,  behind  the  palatines. 
Pubic  bones.    Same  as  pelvic  bones. 
Pubis.     Anterior  lower  part  of  pelvis. 
Pulmonary.     Pertaining  to  the  lungs. 
Punctate.     Dotted  with  points. 
Pyloric  CSCa.     Glandular  appendages  in  the  form  of  blind  sacs  opening 

into  the  alimentary  canal  of  most  fishes  at  the  pylorus  or  p.issage 

from  the  stomach  to  the  intestine. 


s 


Quadrate.     Nearly  square  ;  a  bone  of  the  lower  jaw  in  lower  vertebrates. 
Quill.     One  of  the  stiff  feathers  of  the  wing  or  tail  of  a  bird. 
Quincunx.     Set  of  five  arranged  alternately,  thus  :•: 


Radius.     Outer  bone  of  forearm. 

Ray.     One  of  the  cartilaginous  rods  which  support  the  membrane  of  the 
fin  of  a  fish. 


UN 


CHKt  K  LIST  OF  THE 


II 


I 


Rectrices.     Quills  of  the  tail  of  a  bird. 

Recurved.     Curved  upward. 

Remiges.    Quills  of  the  wing  of  a  bird. 

Reticulate.     Marked  with  a  network  of  lines. 

Retractile.     Susceptible  of  being  drawn  inward,  as  a  cat's  claw 

Retrorse.    Turned  backward. 

Rachis.     Shaft  of  a  quill. 

Rectal.     Pertaining  to  the  rectus,  as  rectal  bristles. 

RectUj.     Gape  of  the  mouth. 

Rostral.     Pertaining  to  the  snout,  as  rostral  plate. 

Rudimentary.     Undeveloped. 

Rulf.     A  series  of  modified  feathers. 

Rugose.     Rough,  with  wrinkles. 

8. 

Sacral.     Pertaining  to  the  sacrum,  or  vertebra  of  the  pelvic  region. 

Saggitate.     ;    aped  like  an  arrow  head. 

Saurognathous.  Having  the  peculiar  "lizard-like"  structure  of  the  palate 
found  m  Woodpeckers. 

Scansorial.     Capable  of  climbing. 

Scansorial  tail.  Tail  feathers  sharp  and  stiff,  as  in  the  scansorial  birds 
(Woodpeckers). 

Scapula.  Shoulder  blade ;  in  fishes,  the  bone  of  the  shoulder  girdle  below 
the  post-temporal. 

Scapulars.  Long  feathers  rising  from  the  shoulders  and  covering  the  ^'dcs 
of  the  back. 

Scapular  arch.     Shoulder  girdle. 

Schizognathous.     Split  palate,  as  in  the  Heron  and  similar  birds. 

acute.     Any  external  bony  or  horny  plate. 

Scutellate.  Provided  with  scutella;'s:.id  of  .he  tarsus  when  covered  with 
broad  plates  in  a  regular  vertical  series,  and  separated  by  regular 
Imes  of  impression. 

Scutellum.      One  of  the  tarsal  plates  or  scutella. 

Secondaries.     The  quills  growing  on  the  lorearm. 

Secondary  coverts.  The  wing  feathers  which  cover  the  bases  of  the  sec- 
ondary  quills. 

Second  dorsal.  The  posterior  or  soft  part  of  the  dorsal  fin,  when  the  two 
parts  are  separated. 

Sectorial  tooth.     One  of  the  premolais  of  carnivora,  adapted  for  cutting. 

Semipalmate.  Half-webbed ;  having  the  anterior  toes  more  or  loss  con- 
nected at  base  by  a  webbing  which  does  not  extend  to  the  claws 

Septum.     A  thin  partition. 

Serrate.     T  Notched  like  a  saw. 

Sessile.     Without  a  stem  or  peduncle. 


FISH  OF  OXTAUIO. 


IIU 


Setaceous.     Bristly. 

Setlform.     Bristlf-like. 

Shaft.     Stiff  axis  of  a  quill. 

Shoulder  gir -e.     The    bony  girdle  posterior    to  the  head,  to  which  the 

anterior  limbs  are  attached  {post-temporal,  scapula,  and  coracoid 

or  clavicle). 
Soft  dorsal.     The  posterior  part  of  the  dorsal  fin  in  fishes,  when  composed 

of  soft  rays. 
Soft  rays.     I-in  rays  which  are  articulate  and  usually  branched. 
Spatulate.     Shaped  like  a  spatula. 

ISfc*"'"!?'   i  '"■'^'J"^'  '^"'""'■'^d  "^Pot  "f  th*--  secondaries,  especially  of  ducks. 
sphenoid.     Basal  bone  of  skull. 

Sphenotic.     A  lateral  bone  of  the  skull. 

Spine.      Any  sharp  projecting  point ;   in   fishes  those  fin  rays  which  are 

unbranched,   inaniculate,  and  usually,  but  not  always,  more  or 

less  stiffened. 
Spinous.    Stiff  or  composed  of  spines. 
Spinous  dorsal.     The  anterior  part  of  the  dorsal  fin,  when  composed  of 

spinous  rays. 
Spiracles.     Openings  in  the  head  or  neck  of  some  fishes  and  Batrachians 
Spurious  qui  I.     Said  of  the  first  primary  when  less  than  about  one-third 

the  length  of  the  second.    The  student  will  notice  that  in  Oscines 

the  presence  of  a  short  or  spurious  quill  indicates  ten  primaries 

Its  absence  nine. 
Stellate.     Star-like,  with  radiating  ridges. 
Sternal  fontanel.    A  pit  at  the  top  of  the  sternum. 
Sternum.     The  breast-bone. 
Striate.    Striped  or  streaked. 

f Hh  i'"  ^TP°/,'"?"^-  .^^''  *''^"'  somewhat:  not  quite;  under,  etc. 
aub-caudal.     Under  the  tail. 

Sub-opercle.     The  bone  immediately  below  the  opercle  (the  suture  con- 

necting  the  two  often  hidden  by  scales) 
Sub-orbital.     Below  the  eye. 
Sub-orbital  sta>.     A  bone  extending  from  one  of  the  sub-orbital  bones  in 

subui.te."':s::;-stM.-^""^^ ''"  '^'^^'-^'  *°  °^  "^^-^^'-^  ''^  p^^^p-^'- 

Suffrago.     Heel  joint ;  joint  of  tibia  and  tarsus 
Supraciliary.     Pertaining  to  the  region  of  the  eyebrow. 
Supplemental  maxillary.     A  small  bone  lying  along  upper  edge  .     the 
maxillary. 

Supraclavicle.     A  bone  interposed  between  the  clavicle  anj  the  post-tem- 
poral. 

Supraoccipital.     The  bone  as  the  posterior  part  of  skull  in  fishes  usually 

with  a  raised  crest  above. 
Supra-oral.     Above  the  mouth. 


I'' 

I     1. 


I 


^11 


I 


m 


120 


CHECK  LIST  OF  THE 


Supra-orbital.     Above  the  eye. 

Supra-scapula     The  post-temporal  or  bone  by  which  the  shoulder  eirdle 
in  fishes  is  joined  to  the  skull. 

Suspensorium.    The  chain  of  bones  from  the  hyomandibular  to  the  rala- 
tine.  ' 

Suspensory  bones.     Bones  by  which  the  lower  jaw,  in  fishes,  is  fastened 

to  the  skull. 
Suture.     Thf  line  of  union  of  two  bones,  as  in  the  skull 
SvmilK'     Tu"V°^  Jun'-tion  of  the  two  parts  of  lower  jaw;  tip  of  chin. 
bymplectk.     The  bone  in  fishes  that  keeps  together  th^  hyomandibular 

and  quadrate  posteriorly. 
Syndactyle.     Having  two  toes  immovably  united  for  some  distance,  as  in 

the  Kingfisher. 
Synonym.     A  different  word  having  the  same  or  a  similar  meaning. 
Synonomy.     a  collection  of  different  names  for  the  same  group,  species 

or  thing.  o       r     f 


T. 


Tail. 


In  mammals,  the  vertebra-,  etc.,  posterior  to  the  sacrum;  in  birds 

the  tail  feathers  or  rectrices,  taken  collectively ;  in  serpents,  the 

part  of  the  body  posterior  to  the  vent ;  in  fishes  (usually)  the  part 

of  the  body  posterior  to  the  anal  fin. 
Tail  coverts.     The  small  feathers  overlapping  the  bases  of  the  rectrices. 
Tarso-metatarsus.    The  correct  name  of  the  so-called  tarsus  of  birds ;  the 

bone  reaching  from  the  tibia  to  the  toes,  composed  chielly  of  the 

metatarsus,  but  having  at  its  top  one  of  the  small  tarsal  bones 

confluent  with  it. 
Tarsus.     The  ankle  bones  collectively;  in  birds  commonly  used  for  the 

shank  bone,  lying  between  the  tibia  and  the  toes,  the  t.irso-meta- 

tarsus. 
Tectrices.    The  wing  and  tail  coverts. 
Temporal.     Pertaining  to  the  region  of  the  temples. 
Tenuirostral.     Slender  billed. 
Terete.     Cylindrical  and  tapering. 
Terminal.     At  the  end. 

Tertials.     The  quills  attached  to  the  humerus. 

Tessellated.     Marked  with  little  checks  or  squares,  like  mosaic  work 
Thoracic.    Pertaining  to  the  chest ;  ventral  fins  are  thoracic,  when  attached 

immediately  below  the  pectorals,  as  in  the  Perch,  the  pelvic  bones 

being  fastened  to  the  shoulder  girdle. 
Tibia.     Shin-bone ;  inner  bone  of  leg  between  knee  and  heel. 
Tomium.    Cutting  edge  of  the  bill. 

Totipalmate.     Having  all  four  toes  connected  bv  webbing. 
Tragus.     The  inner  lobe  of  the  ear ;  the  lobe  opposite  the  auricle 
Transverse.     Crosswise. 


FISH  OF  I 


iUO. 


m 


Trenchant.     Cumpri'ssfd  to  a  sharp  i-d^e. 

Truncate,     .\brupt,  as  if  tut  squarely  off. 

Tubercle.     A  small  excresn  nn-,  liko  a  pimplf. 

Tympanum.     Drum  of  the  car;  ixti-mal  in  some  Hatrachia,  etc. 

Type  (of  a  Kfnus).  The  species  upon  whirl)  w.is  bas»d  the  genus  to  whic  h 
it   belonf{s. 

Type  (of  a  species).  The  particular  specimen  upon  which  the  ori^jinal 
specific  description  was  based. 

Type  (localitv).  The  particular  place  or  locality  at  which  the  type  speci- 
men was  collected. 

Typical.     Of  a  structure  the  most  usual  in  a  {,'i\cn  group. 


u. 

Ulna.    The  inner  or  posterior  bone  of  the  forearm. 

Ultimate.     Last  or  farthest. 

Unguiculate.     Provided  with  claws. 

Ungulate.      Provided   with   lioofs. 

Unicolour.     Of  a  single  colour. 

Urosteges.     The  plates  underneath  the  tail  of  a  serpent. 


V. 


Vent.     The  external  opening  of  the  alimentary  canal. 

Ventral.     Pertaining  to  the  abdomen. 

Ventral  flns.     The  paired  fins  Ix-hind  or  below   the  pectoral  fins  in   fishes 

corresponding  to  the  posterior  limbs  in  the  higher  vertebrates. 
Ventral  plates.      In   serpents,   the  row  of  plates  along  the  lielly   between 

throat  and  vent. 
Ventricle.     One  of  the  thick-walled  chambers  of  the  heart. 
Versatile.      Cap.ible  of  being  turned  cither  way. 
Vertebra.     One  of  the  bones  of  the  spinal  column. 
Vertical.     Up  and  down. 
Vertical  fins.     The  fins  on  the  median  line  of  the  body;  the  dorsal,  an.il 

and  caudal  fins. 
Vertical  plate.     Central  plate  on  the  he.id  of  a  serpent. 
Villiform.      .Said  of  the  teeth  of  fishes  when   slender  and  crowded   into 

velvety  bands. 
Viscous.    Slimy. 

Viviparous.     Bringing  forth  living  young. 
Vomer.     In  fishes,  the  front  part  of  the  roof  of  the  mouth ;  a  bone  lying 

immediately  behind  the   premaxillaries. 
13  F. 


in 


CHECK  LIST  UK  THE   FISH  Ot'  UNTAUIO. 


w. 

Wsb.     The  vane  of  a  feather,  or.  cither  side  of  the  rhaeis,  or  "stem"; 
also  the  membrane  connecting  the  toes. 


Xiphitternuill.     Tip  of  the  sternum. 


Z. 

Zyjapophyses.     Points  of  bone  affording  to  the  vertebrae  more  or  less 

definite  articulation  with  each  other. 
Zyjodactyle.     Yoke-toed;   having    the  toes  in   pairs,   two  in  front,    two 

behind. 
Zygoma.     The  malar  or  cheek  bone. 


Bdtrachians  and  Reptiles  of  Ontario 


Class  BATRACHIA.      The  Balrachians.) 

Animals  ot  this  class  are  cold-blooded  vertebrates,  interinefliatc  be- 
tween the  fishes  and  the  reptiles.  They  differ  from  the  fishes  in  the 
.ilisence  of  rayed  Ims,  the  limbs  bcinjj  usually  developed  •■•nd  functional 
with  the  skeletal  elements  of  the  limbs  of  reptiles. 

The   B.ntrachians  undergo  a   more  or  less  complete  metamorpho.si    . 
the  younjf  (commonly  known  as  'tadpoles")  bcinp  fishlike  and  more  r 
less  aquatic,  breathinjf  by  means  of  external  gills.     The^e  differ  from  the 
gills  of  fishes  in     •   ndinp  on  fleshy  processes  of  the  branchial  bones  and 
not  on  the  bone>   ihemselves. 

In  the  tadpole,  the  tail  is  provided  with  a  more  or  less  distinct  finlike 
membrane,  which  usually  disappears  with  ape.  Later  in  life,  luntjs  are 
ili-'veloped,  and  in  most  cn.ses  the  Rills  disappear,  ^kin  mostly  naked  and 
moist ;  used  to  some  extent  as  an  or£j;i;i  of  respiration. 

In  our  sp<>cies  reproduction  is  by  means  of  epfjs,  which  are  of  com- 
paratively small  size  and  without  hard  shell.  These  are  deposited  in 
water  or  in  damp  places. 

No  repre.sentativp  of  this  class  found  in  Canada  is  venomous,  or 
indeed  capable  of  inflicting  injury  upon  human  beings ;  while  manv 
species  are  of  economic  i.nportance,  the  ToaHs  and  Tree  Frogs  (Hvlas) 
being  particularly  valuable  as  destroyers  of  noxious  insects. 

Order  PROTEIDA. 

Famii.v  PROTEID.(1i.      <THf    Mvn    Pippies.) 

Salamanders  provided  with  bushy  "•'ernal  gills  and  having  the 
branchial  clefts  remaining  op  i    ♦hrough  !•   '.      Teeth  well  developed. 

Genus  NECTURUS. 
(i)  Necturus  maculosus. 
(Mud  Puppy.) 
This  species  is  provided   with  large  bushy  bright  red  gills,  forming 
three  tufts   on  each  side.      These   gills  are  retained   through    life.      It  is 

[5] 


CHECK;  LIST  OF  THE 


m 


♦1 


aquatic    in   all   stages.      Common    throughout     Ontario.      Feeds    upon 
aquatic  insects  and  small  fish. 

In  hatcheries  or  fish  ponds  it  would  be  decidedly  injurious,  as  it  is 
a  very  voracious  creature. 

Order  URODELA.     (The  Salamanders.) 

Body  naked,  elongate,   subterete ;   both  jaws  with  teeth.     Tail  per- 
sistent throuRh  life ;  no  external  gills  in  the  normally  developed  adult. 

Famii.v  AMBLVSTOMATID^. 

Tot's  not  webbed;  tongue  thick. 

The  larvas  of  Amblystoma  often  reach  a  large  size  befoie  the  gills 
disappear,  and  sometimes  breed  while  in  this  condition. 

Geni's  amblystoma. 

(2)  Amblystoma  punctatum. 

(Spotted  salamander.) 
Common  and  genirally  distributed  in  the  southern  counties.     Feeds 
upon  insects  and  earthworms. 

(3)  Amblystoma  tigrinum. 

Of  this  species  I  have  but  a  few  records  for  Ontario.  It  is  common 
in  the  United  States  as  far  north  as  Minnesota,  and  will  probably  he 
found  generally  in  the  northern  part  of  the  Province. 

(4)  Amblystoma  Jeffersoniannm. 

(Oranulated  salamander.) 
This  species  and  the  variety  A.  j.  fuscum  have  been  taken  occasion- 
ally in  western  Ontario  and  also  near  Toronto. 

(s)  Amblystoma  microstomas. 

There  is  a  specimen  of  this  species  in  the  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.,  taken 
at  Hudson's  Hay  in  1884,  which  is  the  only  record  I  have  of  its  occur- 
rence in  Canada.  I  include  it  because  it  will  probably  be  found  in  north- 
ern Ontario. 


Family  PLETHODONTIDyE. 

Genus  HEMIDACTYLIUM. 

(*)  (6)  Hemidactylium  scutatum. 

A  specimen  of  this  species  was  taken  by  Dr.   D.   W.   Beadle  at  St. 
Catharines,  Ont.     The  only  record  I  have. 


BATKACHIANS  AXIi  KKPT1LE.S  OF  OXTAKIO. 


Gem  s  PLETHODON. 

(7)  Pleihodon  cinereus. 

(Ked-backed  salamander.) 

Its  habits  arc  entirely  terrestrial  as  it  is  never,  even  in  the  larval 
stage  found  in  water.  The  ejjgs  are  deposited  in  a  little  package  be- 
neath a  stone,  in  a  damp  place.  When  the  young  emerge  they  arc  pro- 
vided  with  branchiie,   but   these  soon  disappear. 

Common  everywhere  and  may  be  readily  found  by  turning  over 
logs  or  stones  in  the  woods. 

Family  DESMOGNATHID.^. 
Gems  DESMOGX ATHUS. 

(8)  Desmognathns  fusca. 

Rare ;  has  been  taken  in  south-western  Ontario.     Aquatic. 

{')  (9)  Desmognathus  nigra. 
(Black  salamander.) 
R;ire ;  occurring  in  shallow  stony  brooks. 

l-\Mirv   F'LEl'RODELID/E.      (Thk   Newts.) 

Gems  DIEMYCTYLUS. 

(10)  Diemvctylus  viridiscens. 
(Xewt.   Evet.   Eft.) 

Common ;   generally  distributed   through    southern   Ontario. 

Of  this  species  there  are  two  distinct  forms,  one  entirely  aquatic, 
dark  olive  green  above,  lemon  yellow  below,  and  having  on  each  side  a 
<ow  of  rather  large  vermillion  spots  each  surrounded  by  a  black  ring. 
The  other  and  better  known  one,  being  the  little  red  lizard  (so  called^ 
which  is  frequently  found  in  woods  after  rain.  The  red  coloration  is 
only  assumed  if  the  animal  leaves  the  water  and  adopts  terrestrial  habits 
and  is  again  lost  when  it  returns  to  the  water. 

The  red  form  was  for  a  long  time  considered  a  distinct  species  and 
has  been  frequently  described  as  D.  mineatus. 

Order  SALIENTIA.    (The  Tailless  Batrachians.) 

In  the  adults  the  body  is  broad  and  short ;  the  hinder  pair  of  limbs 
long  and  strong,  adapted  for  leaping.  Tail  ab.sent.  The  young  (Tad- 
poles) have  the  head  broad,  external  branchiae,  a  long  tail,  no  limbs  and 
no  teeth ;  the  intestinal  canal  is  very  long,  adapted  to  a  vegetable  diet. 
As  they  develop  the  tail  is  absorbed  and  the  legs  gradually  appear. 
During  this  stage  they  are  entirely  aquatic,  but  upon  attaining  mature 


li!    iS 


CHKfK    ,IST  OF  THK 


form  the  Toads  and  Hylas  leave  the  water,  only  returning  to  it  for  the 
purpose  of  depositing  their  eggs.  The  Ranidae  (Frogs)  are  more  or  less 
aquatic  when  adult. 


li 


Family    BUFONID^.      (The  Toads.) 

Gems  BUFO. 

(ii)  Bufo  leutifiinosus. 
(American  Toad.) 

The  form  found  in  Ontario  is  B.  I.  americanus.  Common  every.^ 
where  Unfortunately  it  is  the  victim  of  ignorance  and  prejudice  and 
is  often  wantonly  destroyed  because  of  its  somewhat  unprepossessing 
appearance.  From  an  agricultural  standpoint,  however,  it  is  one  of  the 
most  valuable  animals  we  have  and  should  be  protected  with  the  great- 
est care. 

By  the  ignorant  and  superstitious  the  Toad  is  supposed  to  be  pos- 
sessed of  some  very  remarkable  powers;  thus  even  in  this  age  of  pro- 
gress we  hear  of  the  ability  of  the  Toad  to  spit  poison ;  to  produce  warts 
on  the  hands  of  persons  who  handle  it;  to  poison  children  by  its  breath, 
and  several  other  dreadful  things.  On  the  other  hand,  it  is  credited  with 
bringing  good  luck  to  the  family  in  whose  cellar  it  takes  up  its  abode. 
It  is  also  said  that  the  application  of  living  Toads  to  cancer  will  eftect  a 
permanent  cure,  and  that  the  animal  carries  a  most  valuable  jewel  in  its 
head.  All  of  which  is  false  and  ridiculous.  Toads  .it,-  perfectly  harm- 
less, though  the  skin  does  .secrete  a  peculiar  fluid  which  is  distasteful  to 
dogs,  but  not  so  to  birds,  and  many  other  animals,  for  they  feed  upon 
them  largely. 

The  Toad  is  of  direct  service  to  man  b\  reason  of  the  fact  that  its 
food  consists  of  insects  e.vclusively  and  that  it  is  one  of  the  few  animals 
which  can  adapt  itself  alike  to  the  farm  and  garden  and  will  even  be 
perfectly  contented  if  confined  in  a  greenhouse  or  propagating  frame. 

Family  HYLID/^.     (The  Tree  Froos.) 

Fingers  and  toes  more  or  less  dilated  into  viscous  disks  at  their  tips. 
Noted  for  their  loud  voices,  some  of  them  being  heard  at  all  times  from 
early  spring  until  frost  comes. 


Genus  ACRI.S. 

(r2)  Acris  gryllus. 

(Cricket  Frog.) 
The  Ontario  form  is  A.  g.  crepitans.    This  can  scarcely  be  considered 
a  Tree  Frog.      Its  home  is  in  the  high  grasses  surrounding  the  marsh, 
where,  if  disturbed,  it  can  take  refuge  in  the  water. 


r.ATKACHIANS  AND  UKI'TIMS  (iK  oMAKIo. 


Gem  s  CHOROPHII.rS. 

(•)  (13;  Chorophilus  nigritus. 

'(Swamp  Tree  Frog.)  ,  ,-  „„  ,1,,.  north 

The  varieu  found  here  is  C:.    n.   trisc-r.......     \'".^"\"\%^^^'Z 

shore  of    Lake   Superior  and  westward    mlo   Man.toba,   but  I  have  no 
records  of  its  capture  in  any  other  part  of  Canada. 

Gems    HYLA. 


U 


(14)  Hyla  versicolor. 

^'^^::^^tl^^^  species,  wen  f trihuted   throu^o..  the 
Province  of  Ontario.    I  found  it  also  in  Man.toba,  but  -t  docs  not  appear 

•"  'ittjlS^ils^^^s  in  ,hc  sprin.  on  blades  of  ."- ^- ^r^^^l^W 
water    and  the  metamorphosis  takes  place  qinte  early,  the  tadpoles  rarely 

exceeding  in  size  those  of  the  Common  Toad.  .        .  ,         _        .^  ■.. 

excee^ns  ^^^  ^^^^   ^^e    power   of   rhnnfjmcr   .ts   colour   to    suit      s 

environment   to'a  certain  extent,  the  colours    runnm.    th-.h    var  ou 
r^ir"ci™H^'^edt-^ST;n.pbr;l^"THe 

-"^'  htzz  r  s::;  ih-?^^  i:i:^.^^^t.rd  .war. 

evenJnVand   inlll  weather,  from  the  orchard  and  wood  lot  and   some- 
times from  the  rail   fences  bv  the  roadside. 

{15)  Hvia  pickeringli. 

0«.™,  it  is  bu.  v„  .eldom  seen.     U-  d.mmu.ivc  »5  •™?  "™;;', 

people  who  have  the  bad  habit  of  guessing  at  things.  ^^^^.^  .Up 

Late  in  the  summer  this  Hyla  leaves  the  swamps  and  ascends  the 
trees  and  bushes  on  higher  ground  and  again  becomes  musical. 

Family   R.\NlDy«.     (The   Frogs.) 

Genl's  RAN.\. 

^"'  TrareTorR.  a.  circulosa,  the  northern  variety.'should  be  more 
abundant.      It  has  probably  been  overlooked. 


10 


<"rlK(K   LIST  (tK  TIIK 


•^ 


(ir)  Rana  pipiens. 

(Leopard  frog.) 

(•■■•<)  Rana  palustris. 

(Pickerel  Frog.) 

Common   rmd  generally  distributed       In   its  h-.hlf.  %  • 
IS  often  found  about  rnlH  «nr;„„        j  n.ihns  n  is  solitary.     Ft 

rreado^ys   for  foS  '^   "^'  '''"''  ''"'"^^  "'•■''  <<"'"etime.s  ranges  into 

<U))  Rana  .septentrionalis. 
(Northern  Frog.) 

(20)  Rana  sylvatica. 
(Wood  Frog.) 

sum  Je'^r'anT  rarely"  if'el  ''"'•••!'"'-'•     ''  "^'^^  '"  '^'  ''''^'^'^  firoughout  the 
son.     I  ike  the  Hvlas     t,  "X^  '"'^"P'  '''"-'"^  ^'^"  '^-''^-^  ^e.-' 

•nnd  is  said    0  chinjef  om  theT'      '•:  *"  '^.'  '"'"'''  "^  "^  surroundings 
■-.  lining  one  with  ease  "  " '""■  "'  ''  ""'^  '^-'f  ^"  ^^e  sreen  of 

(21I  Ran?  Cdntabrigen.sis 

(22)  Rina  claniitan.s. 

(On  en  Frog.) 

Common  m  ,-i  I  bodies  of  wnter    k,  *         i  mature, 

and  streams  th.m  marshe.s.  ^       ''^'  '""''"  ^"'''"^  '"  ^"^'"'■'- 

(2.^)  Rana  catcsbeana. 

(Bull  Frog.) 

streams'   'xTev'h^^  °"''   ^"'^"-   ,  ^'""'"°"     '"    '"'"•^''hes  and   slow  ^yeedy 


IL  . 


ISATKACHIAN-  AM>  UKITIKIS  (.K  ONTAUIl*. 


11 


Class  REPTILIA.     (The  Reptiles.) 

The  Reptiles  are  cold  blooded  air-breathing^  vertebrates,  "^"allv  scaly 
or  covered  with  bony  plates.  The  lintbs  when  present,  are  usually  adapted 
for  walking,  in  some  few  instances  for  swimminR.  ,.».-<.„„.«*  th. 

Repro  uction  xiviparous,  oviparous  or  ovov.viparous.  The  eggs  of  tne 
oviparous  species  are  mo-tly  provided  with  a  toui.'h  leathery  SK,n  and  are 
dejJosited  in  holes  dug  in  the  earth  or  amongst  decaymg  vegetable  matter. 
There  is  no  metamorphosis  after  leaving  the  egg. 

Reptiles  mav  be  distinguished  from  Batr,„-hi.>ns  by  the  presence  of 
-cales  and  by  the  absence  of  gills  in  all  stages. 

Order  OPHIDIA.     {The  Serpents.) 

Reptiles  with  elongate,  cylindrical  bodies,  no  limbs.  The  skin,  which 
is  covered  with  imbricated  scales  is  shed  at  mtervals.  The  mouth 
is  verv  dilatable,  the  bones  of  both  javs  being  freely  movable. 

But  verv  little  is  posifivelv  known  as  to  the  reproducfon  of  any  o, 
our  snakes  imd  so  a  wide  field  is  open  for  work  and  observation. 

The  majoritv  of  people  believe  that  all  snakes  are  poisonous  and 
should  thereforebe  destroj^d.  Such  belief  is  largeh  the  --J  ^  ^"-; 
ance  combined  with  prejudice.  The  only  m,unous  •''"7;'' ;  "^  J^J  f '^  '^, 
have  are  Rattlesnakes,  rmd  they  are  now  extremely  sc.rce  .and  '"«'•-''•  •^' 
o  .  o  her  snakes  are  useful,  feeding  upon  and  thus  destroy-jng  vast  num- 
bers of  such  pests  as  mice,  voles  and  injurious  msects,  and  consequenth 
shoi'ld  l--e  allowed  to  live  unmolested. 

Family  COLIRRID^..      (TtiF   Cm  i  brine  Snakes.) 

Both  jaws  fullv  provided  with  teeth,  which  are  conical  and  not 
grooved  head  covered  with  shields:  no  poison  fangs:  be  y  ''— j"  -'*'^ 
^r"ld  band-like  plates  (ventral  plates  or  gastrosteges) :  t-' ;--  ;,  f  ^^- 
ine-  sub-caudal  plates  (urosteges)  arranged  m  pairs.  All  our  ^P*''^"'^  "''^^ 
qui;  incapable  of  inflicting  serious  injury  upon  m.nnor  beast  and  most  of 
Tm  are  beneficial  by  reason  of  their  destruction  of  insects  and  fi.'ld  mice. 

ClFMs  STORKRIA. 


Perfectly 


( 1 )  Storeria  occipitomaculata. 

(Red-bellied  Snake.)  ,    ,.    .-  j  •     _.e 

No    uncommon.     Feed,  largely  upon  soft  bodied  insects. 

inoffensive.     A  useful  species. 

(2)  Storeria  dekayl. 

(Little  Brown  Snake.)  ,       ^      .                •  ^„.,»c 

niite  common  and  generally  distributed.      Feeds  upon  insects 

their  larvfe.     Perfectly  inoffensive.  A  useful  .species. 


!|  I 


12 


OHEC'K  LIST  »)|-  Tin: 


I"  ' 


m 


Oenus  THAMNOPHIS.    (Garter  Snakes.) 

(3 1  Tfaamnophis  sanritnt. 
(Riband  Snake.) 

creafu..     Feeds'uTonTns^e';^.  T.Ifr  Jads  and"  frS- '"''"'•"•  "^^'"'^'^ 

(4)  Thamnophis  radix. 

(Hoy's  Garter  Snake.) 

not  ^nZ.:^::::^^s:z:::'  F^e^d^uo'^n?"^  f  "'"•^'^-  "^-'^-^ 

field  mice.  "arm.ess.     heeds  upon  toads,  frogs,  insects  and 

(5)  Thamnophis  sirtalis. 

(Common  Garter  Snake.) 

Gart^r'^W.*  '"'",''  .^^"'•'■^"y  •distributed.     This  is  considered  the  tvoical 

S^^-a,i£ ;;  :^,s:i:-'^  ---'^^  --'-•  —  ^— ^ 


i.  inc^'iT/'-nfl-  /•  ''"'"'  "".Tt'-"-"  seen  this  snake  show  fight,  but  it 
IS  incapable  of  mflictmg  anv  injury  more  serious  than   n  slitrhf  L..u 
from  which  no  bad  results  need  be  feared.     Its  f,Sd  cons   f^nfTn  ' 
frogs.  mic»  and  insects.  consists  of  toads, 

recoSz^d'.  ofl.f't*  "'"-    ^l"'""  °''  «"b-species  of  this  species  were 
The  ml?t  ,^        •      •  ''''^r^''  the  number  has  been  considerably  reduced 
The  most  prominent  varieties  occurring  here  are  :—  reauced. 

(5a)  T.  s.  odinatus— Tolerably  common. 
(5b)  T.   s.  dorsalis— Very  common, 
(sc)   T.   s.   parietalis— Not  common. 
(Sd)  T.  s.  obscurus — Occasional. 

lorm'^the"  I'j'^^t- '"'"•^"'^^  perfectly  with  each  other  and   with  the  tvoe 
lorm.  their  identification  is  sometimes  rather  difficult.  ^^ 

Genus  REGINA. 

{•)  (6)  Regina  ligida. 

(Stiff  Snake.) 

Very  rare;  the  only  available  record  is  from  Lake  St.  Clair. 

<7)  Regina  leberis. 

(Leather  Snake.) 
Occurs  in  the  same  locality  as  the  last,  but  is  even  more  uncommon. 


BATKACIllASS  ANI»  KKITII.KS  OV  oXTAKIu 


IS 


Genus  NATRIX. 

(8)  Natrix  sipedon. 

(Water  Snake.) 
Common   about  streams  throughout   Ontario.      When   molested  this 
creature  shows  fight  ;md  makes  strenuous  efforts  to  bite  its  tormentor. 
It  is,  however,  perfectly  harmless.     It  swims  well  and  rapidly  and  feeds 
on  frogs  and  small  fish. 

OEMS  CALLOPELTIS. 

(9)  Callopeltis  vulpinns. 

(Fox  Snake.) 

This  is  the  largest  and  strongest  of  all  our  snakes  and  at  the  same 
time  one  of  the  most  harmless  and  timid.  It  does  not  appear  to  be  com- 
mon anywhere,  but  is  generally  distributed  through  the  western  part  of 
Ontario  from  the  Niagara  Peninsula  to  the  Georgian  Ray,  and  probably 
somewhat  further  north. 

Dr.  Garnier  records  one  which  measured  seven  feet  eleven  inches  and 
I  have  seen  several  nearly  as  large. 

Gems  LIOPFLTIS. 

(10)  Liopeltis  veraalis. 

(Green  Snake,  Grass  Snake.) 
A  very  gentle,  beautiful,  little  creature.     Common  and  generally  dis- 
tributed.    It  frfeds  largelv  if  not  entirely  upon  soft-bodied  insects  and  is 
therefore  of  economic  value. 

Genus  BASCANION. 

(11)  Bascanion  constrictor. 

(Black  Snake,  Black  Racer.) 

I  include  this  species,  though  I  am  in  doubt  as  to  its  occurrence  in 
this  Prdvince.  Many  years  ago,  I  believe  that  I  found  the  true  Black 
Snake  in  western  Ontario,  but  preserved  no  specimens.  Of  late  years  all 
the  so-called  Black  Snakes  examined  by  me  have  proved  to  be  the  Com- 
mon Water  Snake  (Natrix  sipedon). 

This  species  is  very  active  and  strong,  but  is  perfectly  harmless.  Its 
food  consists  principally  of  voles  ''.nd  mice,  of  which  it  destroys  large 
numbers.  Professor  Cope  says  of  it:  "Of  all  our  snakes  it  is  the  most 
useful  to  the  farmer  from  the  great  number  of  moles  and  mir  which  it 
consumes." 

There  is  a  specimen  of  this  snake  in  the  Museum,  but  it  w  taken  in 
Florida. 

Genus  DIADOPHIS. 
{12)  Diadophis  punctatus. 
(Ring  Snake.) 

A  small,  tolerably  common  species,  which  feeds  largely  upon  beetles 
and  soft-bodied  insects.     Generally  distributed  and  very  inoffensive. 


u 


(HICK   I.I^T  OK  Till-: 


(iKM's  LAMPROPELTIS. 

(13)  Lampropeltis  doliatus. 

(Milk  Snake,  Spotted  Adder.) 

This  is  a  very  variable  species,  its  varieties  running  by  degrees  into 
extremes,  which  bear  little  rt-scmblance  to  the  type  form. 

The  northern  variety,  which  is  very  common  and  generally  distributed 
through  this  Province,  is  L.  d.  triangulus. 

It  is  very  harmless  and  useful,  feeding  largely  on  field  mice  and  voles. 
Prof.  Cope  says  he  once  found  a  specimen  of  this  species  which  had  cap- 
tured a  family  of  meadow  mice,  which  it  held  in  the  following  manner  : 
One  it  had  swallowed,  one  it  was  in  the  act  of  swallowing,  and  two  others 
were  securely  held  in  two  turns  of  its  body  so  tightly  as  to  render  them 
incapable  of  biting  their  captor.  They  also  feed  to  a  certain  extent  upon 
frogs  and  toads  and  in  so  doing  lessen  their  economic  value  slightly,  but 
on  the  whole  they  are  decidedly  bpnefici;il  to  the  farmer  and  should  be  pro- 
tected. 

Cenis  HETERODOX. 

(141  Heterodon  platirhinos. 

(Blowing  Adder,  Spreading  Adder.) 
Not  common,  though  generally  distributed.  When  teased  this  snake 
depresses  and  expands  its  head,  hissing  and  presenting  a  threatening 
appearance,  causing  many  people  to  believe  it  to  be  venomous,  but  it  is 
quite  harmless.  Its  food  consists  largely  of  mice,  frogs  and  toads.  Occa- 
sionally very  dark,  almost  black,  specimens  are  found. 

Kamii  v  CROTAMD^.     (The  Ratti  fsnakes.) 

The  species  comprised  in  this  fnmilv  are  the  only  poisonous  snakes 
occurring  in  Ontario  and  they  are  now  very  rare  in  all  parts  of- the  Pro- 
vince except  some  few  restricted  localities  near  T-ake  Erie  and  the  deor- 
gian  Bay.  When  the  country  was  first  settled  they  were  common  enough, 
particularly  so  in  rocky  regions.  The  banks  of  the  Niagara  River  and  the 
face  of  what  is  known  as  the  Hamilton  mountain  having  been,  formerly, 
among  their  favorite  resorts.  The  introduction  of  pigs  into  the  country 
was  probably  one  of  the  chief  factors  in  the  destructon  of  these  dangerous 
creatures.  For.  as  is  well  known,  pigs  can  kill  and  eat  Rattlesnakes  with 
impunity.  It  is  supposd  that  the  poison  of  the  snake  cannot  be  sufficiently 
introduced  into  the  circulation  to  cause  death  owing  to  the  thick  layer  of 
fat  with  which  the  domesticated  pig  is  covered. 

There  is  a  common,  but  erroneous,  idea,  that  one  new  segment  is 
added  to  the  number  on  a  Rattlesnake's  tail  each  year.  The  fact  is  the 
number  varies,  as  many  as  four  have  been  observed  to  be  acquired  in  a 
single  year.  The  terminal  segments,  too,  are  constantly  being  worn  oflf. 
So  that  the  number  of  segments  present  is  no  indication  of  the  age  of  the 
snake. 


It^ 


HATUACIII ANS  ANI»  KKITII.KS  UK  oNTAlilO. 


IS 


These  snakes  can  only  strike  a  distance  i"<|iial  to  about  one-half  the 
It  ORth  of  the  body.  They  need  not  necessarily  be  coiled  to  strike,  for  this 
they  can  do  on  either  side,  as  far  as  the  position  of  the  bodv  will  permit 
them  to  reach. 

Rattlesnakes  are  ovo\  iviparoiis  and  not  very  prolitic.  Prof.  Cope 
found  nine  ei;j{s  in  the  body  of  a  female  thirty-seven  inches  lonp. 

The  Rattlesnakes  mav  he  distinguished  from  all  other  Canadian 
snakes  by  Ihe  following;  well  marked  characters  :  Nfaxillary  without  solid 
teeth,  but  provided  with  a  long  erectile,  perfor.ited  poison  fang  on  each 
side  in  front ;  a  deep  pit  between  eye  a-id  nostril.  Body  stout ;  head  l:irge, 
flat,  triangular,  on  a  slender  neck;  pupil  elliptical,  placed  vertic;illy.  Tail 
provided  with  ;i  rattle  composed  of  horny  rini;';,  which  are  niodilied  scales. 


Genus  SISTRURUS. 

(15)  Sistrurus  catenatus. 

(Pr.'iirie  Rattlesnake.) 
This   species  formerly  o<-curred  in   the  meadow  lands  at  the  western 
end  of  Lake  Erie,  and  has  been  found  from  there  north  to  the  Georgian 
Bay.      It  is  mnv  nearly  extinct.     Though  its  bite  •  .  very  dangerous  and 
may  cause  death,  its  venom  is  not  so  powerful  as  that  of  the  next. 

Genits  CROT.ALUS. 

(16)  Crotalus  borridus. 

(Common  Rattlesnake.) 
Formerly  common  and  generally  distributed  throughout  the  Province, 
but  always  most  abundant  in  rocky  places.     Now  nearly  extinct.     Wry 
venomous. 

Order  LACERTII.IA.     flhe  Lizards.) 

This  order  is  poorly  represented  in  Ontario,  only  three  sfjecies  as  yet 
having  been  found  in  the  Province,  and  these  all  belong  to  one  genus. 

The  characteristics  of  animals  belonging  to  this  order  are  :  body 
covered  with  scales;  limbs  four,  distinct,  rarely  rudimentary.  Tail  usually 
long  and  in  many  cases  very  brittle,  easily  broken  by  a  slight  blow,  or  if 
the  animal  is  held  by  it.  Tongue  free ;  jaws  always  with  teeth :  mouth  not 
dilatable ;  toes  having  claws. 

Family  SCINCIDiC.     (The  Skinks.) 

Head  regularly  shielded,  scales  smooth,  body  fusiform  or  sub-cylin- 
drical. .All  the  species  are  quite  harmless  and  feed  upon  insects.  They 
are  fond  of  basking  in  the  sun  and  rarely  show  themselves  unless  the 
weather  is  bright  and  warm. 

So  far  as  is  known  at  present,  all  our  species  are  ovoviviparous. 


It) 


«  MM  K   l.iST  OK  Till; 


Genus  EUMECES. 

(i6)  EomecM  fauiatut. 

(Blue-tailed  Lizard.) 
This  variablf  spte-  <  s  sitins  to  lie  RtniTally  distribulcd  tlmmnhout 
ti,e  Province,  though  not  abundant  anywhere.  Specimens  have  been  taken 
in  the  County  of  Peterboro',  in  Lincoln,  and  in  most  of  the  south-western 
-junties.  It  is  very  active  in  hot  weather.  Feeds  upon  insects  and  is 
perfectly  harmless. 

(*)  (17)  Eumeces  anthracinut. 

(Coal  Skink.)  ... 

Ihe  only  records  1  have  of  this  species,  arc  Dr.  Garnier's.  his  speci- 
mens ha\  injj  been  taken  in  the  County  of  Kent. 

(•)  (18)  Enmeccs  icptentrionalis. 
(Northern  Sklnk.) 
This  species  has  a  wide  distribution  northward.     Dr    Gamier  found 
it  in  southern  Ontario  and  there  are  specimens  in  the  U.  S    Nat.  Museum 
from  the  Red  River  ot  the  North.     It  should  therefore  be  found  in  all 
suitable  places  in  the  western  part  of  the  Province. 

Order  TESTUDINATA.    (The  Turtles  ) 

Reptiles  with  the  body  enclosed  between  two.  more  or  less  developed, 
bony  shields,  which  are  usually  covered  by  horny  epidermal  plates  but 
sometimes  by  a  leathery  skin.  Upper  shield  (carapace)  and  lower  shield 
(pin     -on)  more  or  less  united  along  the  sides. 

Neck  and  tail  the  only  flexible  parts  of  the  spinal  column;  these,  to- 
gether with  the  legs,  usually  retractile  within  the  cavity  between  the  two 

-"'' The  skull  is  more  compact  than  that  of  the  other  reptiles.  There 
are  no  teeth,  but  the  jaws  are  encased  in  horny  sheaths,  usually  with 
sharp  cS  edges;  the  eye  is  furnished  with  two  lids  and  a  nictitatmg 

membrane  as  in  birds.  .  .        ,    .  .     ,    ,, „  ,.,i,;_u 

All  our  species  arc  oviparous,  depositing  their  eggs  m  hollows  which 
they  dig  in  the  soil  near  water.  The  egg.  are  then  covered  w.th  the  earth 
or  sand  and  left  to  hatch. 

Family  TRIONYCHIDiC.     (The  Soft-Shelled  Turtles.) 

Body  flat,  nearly  circular;  carapace  and  plastron  covered  by  a  thick 
leatherv  •  n  which  is  flexible  at  the  margins.  Head  long  and  pointed, 
wfth  a  le  tubular  pig-like  snout,  neck  long.     Feet  broadly  webbed. 

Aquatic    ...d  carnivorous,  feeding  upon  fish,  frogs,  etc. 


IIATIiAi  IIIANS  ANI>  UIJTII.K-*  <•!•  oNTAUIo. 


17 


(iFM  >  AMNDA. 
(*)  (mj)  Amyda  mntica. 

(LcaihiT  Tiirile. I 
I  his  >(H'(ic-N  liii>  tx't'ii  rrcordi'd  from  l.:tki'  hlric  iiml  from  llu-nci-  wcst- 
v.aril.      I;   is  ronsidrrrd  vt-ry   run-  litil   may  often  lii'  ronfoiindid  with  tin- 
next. 

(iKMs  AsiMr)o\KcTr:s. 

(2  )  Aspidotiectes  spiniivr. 

(Common  Soft-shelled    1^.  nc.) 

(Jenerally  ditrihiitcd  in  all  marshy  walrrs  in  wislcrii  Ontario,  ilioii^h 
nol  rf-mmon  anywhere.  'Ihcre  is  one  rerord  frori\  the  Ottawa  Ki\er.  Thi> 
creature  is  shy  and  ditliiiilt  to  observe,  antl  so  may  oc  rur  more  fri'(|uently 
and  over  a  K''>'ater  are.i  than  i»  supposed,  I  ha\e  found  it  from  our  west- 
<-rn  1)1  inula ry  to  the  neail  ol  Lake  Ontario,  near  Hamilton,  but  none  east 
of  that. 

The  flesh  of  this   Turtle  is  considered  .i  elelieary. 

Kamii.v  CUKl.N'DRID.K.     (SsAi-i'ivd  Ti  hties.) 

Shell  high  in  front,  love  behind;  bodv  heavii"-!  forward;  head  •  n'l 
n  rk  larfje,  th"  snou;  narrowed  forw.ird  ;  jaws  stroti^jly  hooked  and  verv 
powerful;  tail  lonj;,  stroni;,  with  a  rrest  of  horny  compressed  tidiercles; 
plastrin  small,  cross  'haped;  claw,  strong;;  wehs  sm.dl.  Aquatic,  rarelv 
leavinj.;  the  watiT  except  to  deposit   their  egps. 

(iKMs   CMKl.VDKA. 
(.>■)  Chelydra  serpentina. 

(Snapping  Turtle.) 

Common  and  generally  distributed  throughout  the  l'ro\  ince.  This 
is  undoubtedly  the  most  powerful,  aggressi\e  .and  voracious  reptile  we 
have.  It  feeds  upon  anv  living  thing  it  i-.in  oxerpowcr  and  is  parii -al.i  Iv 
dt'strurtivc  to  I'sh  and  youny  waterfowl.  Manv  a  brood  of  yoiuig  ducks 
find  their  way  down  the  capacious  gullets  of  these  rap.acious  rreatures. 
They  attain  a  gre.-it  size,  specimens  over  two  feet  in  length  being  not  un- 
common. Care  is  requiri-d  in  hantlling  these  Turtles,  for  even  when  com- 
pirativ(  Iv  small  thev  will  bile  viciouslv  and  are  capable  of  inflicting  pain- 
ful wounds. 

Their  flesh  is  co-isid  —-ed  iMiod  ,ind  in  some  IcK'alities  tlvy  are  much 
sought  after  for  m.aking  into  soup. 

Famiiv  KlNOSTHRNin/l-:.     (Tm    Box  Tiki;  is.) 

Carapace  rather  long  and  narrow,  the  out'ine  rising  gradu.illv  from 
the  front  to  a  point  beyond  the  centre  of  the  shell,  then  abruptly  desrenn- 
ing ;  the  bulk  of  the  body  therefore  thrown  backward;  margin  of  the  cara- 
pace turning  downward  and  inward  rather  than  outw.ard  ;  head  large  with 
strong  jaws. 


IH        iilMK  I.IHT  OK  n.VTKACHIANH  ANI>  KK!TII-I'>*  t>V  UXTAKIo 


r.tsvn  AROVKKHELYS. 

(*)  {i2)  Aromochclyi  odoratu*. 
(Musk  Turtle.) 
This  small  Turtle  is  o<  rasionally  found  in  Lake   Kric  ami  St.  t  lair, 
l)Ut  it  is  not  rommc.n.     It  has  a  strong,  unpleasant  musky  odour. 

FxMiiv  KMYDIDi*:.     (Thk  P«>ni>  Tihti.rs.) 

Carnpace  ovate,  broadest  behind,  the  margin  havir  '  a  tendenc  y  t.. 
t..irr  outwards;  highest  near  the  middle;  plastron  roverinj;  the  whole 
under  ".urface.  Toes  broadly  webln-d  in  the  .irn'ilir  species,  srarrely 
webbed  in  the  others.  The  pond  turtles  feed  lar^fly  upon  small  fish  and 
lonsecjuently  would  Ik-  injurious  in  preserves  and  hatcheries. 

OEM'S  GRAPTEMYS, 
(2^)  Graptemys  |(eo|(raphicus. 

(Map  Turtle.)  .      ..     ^       •  ,    • 

This  s|X'ries  seems  to  he  iMculiarlv  tlisfribiited  m  the  Province.  It  is 
not  uncommon  in  the  west,  and  I  have  received  specimens  from  the  County 
of  Lanark  in  the  east,  but  s«)  far  have  not  seen  it  in  the  water    of  Lake 

Ontario. 

r.ENi  s  CHRYSEMVS. 

(j4^  Chrysemyii  picta. 

(Painted  Turtle.)  „     j    j       , 

The  commonest   and   most  beautiful  Turtle  we   have.      Hundreds  at 

them   may   sometimes  be  seen  sunninR  themselves   upon  loijs   and  other 

floating  debris  in  our  southern  marshes.     .\c|uatic,  only  leaving  the  water 

to  deposit  its  eggs. 

Genus  CLEMMYS. 

ii^'  Clenirays  insculptus. 
(Wood  Tortoise.) 
Tolerably  common   in   western   Ontario,    less   frequently   found    east- 
waid.     Largely  terrestrial. 
(jr,)  Clemmys  guttatu-s. 

(.Speckled  Tortoise.) 
Common  in  south-western  Ontario.     They  are  usually  found  m  warm 
mud  ponds  from  which  they  crawl  out  to  sun  themselves  in  the  manner  of 

C.  picta. 

Gf.m  s  EMVnOIDEA. 

|*\  r^r^  Emydoidea  blandin]{i. 

(Rlanding's  Tortoise.)  , 

Very  rare.     Dr.  Gamier  records    nc    -ccinH-n  taken  at  Lake  St.  Clair 
hv   Mr.    Buck,  and   others   have  been   taken   n.  ar  Belleville. 


CHECK  LIST 

OF  THE 

BIRDS  OF  ONTARIO. 


AVE8  (The  Birds). 

A  b!rd  may  be  defined  m  an  air-breathing  vertebralc  with  a  cuvrring 
of  feathers;  warm  blood;  a  :umplete  double  circulation;  the  two  anicri.>r 
limbt  (wings)  adapted  for  flying  or  iwimming,  the  two  posterior  \mh% 
(legs)  apadted  for  walking  or  swimming ;  respiration  never  effected  by  gill, 
or  branchiae,  but  after  leaving  the  egg  by  lungs,  which  are  connected  with 
air  cavities  in  various  parts  of  the  body.  Reproduction  by  eggs  which 
an  hatclMd  extamally,  dther  >>y  fawubation,  or  exposure  to  the  heat  » 
the  sun;  the  shell  calcareoua,  hard  and  brittle. 

Order  PYGOPODES.     (Diving  Birds.) 

Feet  palmate  or  lobate;  tibia  feathered,  'icIudLil  in  the  skin  nearly 
to  the  heel  joint,  hence  the  legs  set  far  back  so  that  the  birds  are  scarcely 
able  to  walk  at  all  on  land ;  hind  toe  small  and  elevated  or  wanting ;  bill 
horny,  not  lamellate  or  serrate ;  no  gular  pouch ;  win^^s  very  short ;  tail 
very  short  or  rudimentary.  All  are  water  birds,  expert  divers,  feeding 
chiefly  on  fish's. 

Family  PODlCIPIDiB  (Greb;.8). 

Head  with  crests  nr  r<:ITs  in  the  breeding  seaso  •  except  in  Podilym- 
bus.  Under  plumage  dense,  lustrous,  mostly  white  vVings  very  short; 
tail  rudimentary,  without  distinct  qui'ls.  F^et  lobate,  toes  flattened, 
provided  with  flat  claws  resembling  human  nails,  tarsus  scutellate, 
compressed.     All  are  aquatic. 

Genus  COLYMBUS. 

(a)  Holboell's  Grebe. 

(Coiymbus  holboelli.) 
A  regular,  but  never  a  common,  spring-  and  autumn  visitor  to  the 
waters  of  soutliern  Ontario.      Probably  breeds  in  the  northern  part  of  the 
Province. 

[7] 


CHKCK    MST   OF    THK 


i  J '  I 


'»  t 


^vi 


m 

I    H    f 

lit 


i- 


(3)  Horned  Grebe. 

(Colymbus  auritus.) 
Abundant  on  the  great  lakes  and  all  large  bodies  of  water  through- 
out the  Province  in  spring  and  autumn;  breeding  in  the  large  marshes. 
A  few  remain  nn  l.:ike  Ontario  through  the  winter. 

Cenus  PODILYMBUS. 

(6)  Pied-billed  tirebe.    (Hell  Diver.) 

(Podilyiiibiis   podiceps.J 
A  common  suinmiT  ri'sidcnt  in  marshes  all  over  the  Province,  breed- 
ing  throughout   its    r;inj;e.      Arrives   early   in    April,    departs  about  the 
middle  of  October. 

Family  GAVTID/li.      (The  Loons.) 

Hill  Ion;,',  stron)f,  tapering,  acute,  wholly  hard;  nostrils  linear.  Head 
densely  and  evenly  feathered,  without  ruffs  or  naked  spaces;  eye  large. 
Feet  palni:ite;  tarsus  reticulate,  strongly  compressed;  wings  strong. 
Tail  short  but  well  developed.  Birds  of  large  size,  with  strong  powers 
of  flight  and  pre-eminent  in  swimming  and  diving,  but  scarcely  able  to 
walk.  Their  notes  are  curiously  loud  and  wild,  according  well  with 
their  usual  surroundings.     They  feed  on  fishes. 

Genus  GAVIA. 

(7)  Loon.  . 

(Gavia  imber.) 
Common  on  all  large  bodies  of  water  in  spring  and  autumn,  breed- 
ing about  the  l.ikes  and  marshes  of  the  interior.     Some  few  remain  on 
the  great  lakes  all  through  the  winter,  but  the  bulk  go  soutii  during  the 
coldest  part  of  the  season. 

!*)  (<)  Black-thr;.ated  Loon. 
((ia\ia   arctica.) 
A   very  rare  winter  visitor. 

(11)  Red-throated  Loon. 
(Gavia  lummc.) 
A  <-ommon  spring  and  .lutumn  visitor  to  our  waters,  breeding  in  the 
far  north  and  retiring  southward  as  its  haunts  freeze  up. 

Family  ALCID^.    (The  Auks,  Murres,  Etc.) 

Feet  ji.ilmate,  three-toed ;  tarsus  reticulate  or  partly  scutell.ite ; 
claws  ordinary;  tail  perfect  of  few  feathers;  legs  set  far  back.  All  our 
species  tlv  well  and  swim  on,  or  imder  water  with  equal  ease.  They  feed 
on   fishes. 


BIRDS  OF  ONTARIO. 


Genus  FRATERCULA. 
(I  {)  Puffin. 

(Fratercula  arctica.) 
Common  in  the  Arctic  regions  and  the  islands  of  the  North  Athintic 
A   bird  of  the  ocean.     One  specimen  has   been  recorded,   taiien   on   tlie 
Ottawa  River. 

Genus  CEPPHUS. 

(27)  Black  Guillemot. 

(Ctpphus  grylle.J 
Like  the  last,  a  bird  of  the  ocean,  which  occasionally  has  wandered 
up  to  Lake  Ontario.     Mr.  John  Maughan,  jr.,  has  a  specimen  taken  near 
loronto,   and   Mr.    .Mcllwraith   mentions   one  taken  on    Burlington   Bay 
many  years  ago. 

Gems   URIA. 

(31)  Brunnich's  Murre. 

(Uria  lomvia.) 

Common  on  the  Atlantic  coast  and  an  occasional  winter  visitor  to 
Lake  Ontario. 

During  the  winter  of  1^93  a  large  number  of  these  birds  appeared  on 
Lake  Ontario,  and  each  season  since  that  time,  a  few  have  been  seen 
there. 

Genus  ALCA. 

(32)  Razor-billed  Auli. 

(Alca  torda.) 

_  Another  ocean  hird  which  has  found  its  way  up  Lake  Ontario  oc- 
casionally in  late  autumn  or  early  winter. 

Genus  ALLE. 

(;,4)  Dovekie.     (Little  Auk.) 
(Alle  alle.) 

Common  on  some  parts  of  the  North  Atlantic  coast.     One  specimen 
taken  by  Mr.  John  Maughnn  on  Lake  Ontario. 


Order  LONGIPENNES.     (Long-winged  Swimmers.) 

...    .  ^^^^  palmate;  tibia  feathered;  legs  in.<!erted  near  the  centre  of  equi- 
librium,  so  that  the  birds  stand   with   the  axis  of  the   body   nearly  hori- 


;<t>l 


10 


CHECK   LIST   OF   THE 


! 


1 


i 


w 


zontal ;  hind  toe  small  and  elevated  {wantinfj  in  Rissa).  Bill  usually  long, 
horny,  not  serrate,  nor  lamellate;  no  gular  pouch.  Wings  very  long  and 
pointed;  tail  well  developed.  Water  birds,  of  great  powers  of  flight; 
feeding  on  fishes  and  floating  garbage. 

Family  STKRCORARIID/E,     (The  J^gers.) 

Gull-liko  birds  with  the  l)ill  hooked  and  cered ;  tail  square  with  the 
middle  pair  of  feathers  long-exserted ;  tibia  naked  below ;  tarsus  scutel 
late  in  front,  granular  behind.     Voracious  birds,  which  frequently  live 
by  tormenting'  the  Oulls  and  Terns  and  compelling  them  to  disgorge 
their  food.     Plumage  dark  above. 

Genus  STERCORARIUS. 

(*)  (36)  Pomarine  Jaeger. 

(Stercorarius  por>a.inus.) 
An  occasional  visitor  to  the  great  lakes. 

(37)  Parasitic  Jaeger. 

(Stercorarius  parasiticus.) 
An  occasional  spring  and  autumn  visitor  to  the  great  lakes. 

Family  LARID^.    (The  Gulls.) 

Long-winged  swimmers.  Bill  long,  horny,  not  serrate  nor  lamel- 
late; no  f,'ular  pouch.  Feet  palmate;  tibia  feathered;  legs  near  centre 
of  equilibrium ;  hind  toe  elevated,  small  (wanting  in  Rissa).  Wings  very 
long  and  pointed.  Tail  well  developed.  General  colour  usually  white, 
with  a  darker  mantle  of  a  slaty  bluish  tint  and  commonly  some  black  niark« 
ings.  Sexes  alike  in  colour,  but  the  plumage  varying  very  much  with 
age  and  season.  Possessed  of  wonderful  power  of  flight.  Food,  fishes 
and  floating  garbage.    The  birds  are  the  scavengers  of  the  waters. 

Genus  PAGOPHILA. 

(•)  (39)  Ivory  Gull. 

(Pagophila  alba.) 
A  regular  but  not  a  common  winter  visitor  to  Lake  Ontario.  It  prob- 
ably occurs  on  the  northern  lakes  also,  but  as  yet  I  have  not  heard  of  it. 

Genus  RISSA. 
<4o)  Kittiwalce  Gnll. 

(Rissa  tridactyla.) 
A  regular,  but  not  common,  winter  visitor  to  the  great  lakes. 


BIRDS  OF   ONTARIO. 


11 


Genus  LARUS. 
(43)  Glancoas  Gall. 

(Larus  glaucus.) 
A  regular,  but  not  common,  visitor  to  the  great  lakes. 

(43)  Iceland  Gnll. 

(Larus  leucopterus.) 
Mr.  Kay  reports  having  taken  one  at  Port  Sydney,  Muskoka,  April 
6th,  1898,  and  Mr.  J.  H.  Ames  has  one  taken  at  Toronto. 

(47)  Great  Black-backed  Gull. 

(Larus  marinus.) 
A  regular,  but  not  abundant,  winter  visitor  to  the  great  lakes,  more 
frequently  observed  than  either  of  the  preceding  species,  perhaps  because 
it  is  more  readily  distinguishable  v.  hen  flying. 

(51)  American  Herring  Gnll. 

(Larus  argentatus.) 
A  very  common  resident,  frequenting  the  great  lakes  at  all  seasons, 
but  most  abundant  in  winter.     It  breeds  rt^ularly  on  many  of  the  lakes 
and  marshes  of  the  interior.     It  formerly  bred  on  the  islands  and  in  thr 
marshes  of  Lake  Ontario  and  some  may  yet  do  so,  in  secluded  places. 

(54)  Ring-bUled  Gull. 

(Larus  delawarensis.) 

A  very  common  resident;  like  the  last,  most  abundant  in  winter. 
Breeds  in  the  lakes  and  marshi.s  of  the  interior. 

(*)  (58)  Laugliing  Gull. 

(Larus  atricilla.) 
An  accidental  visitor  in  summer 

(59)  Franklin's  Gull. 

(Larus  frankJinii.) 

A  rare  summer  visitor,  occasionally  straggling  here  from  the  prairie 
sloughs  where  they  are  abundant.  Breeds  in  nearly  all  the  large  marshes 
of  Manitoba. 

)*■- 

(60)  Bonaparte's  Gull. 

(Larus  Philadelphia.) 
_  A  common  spring  and  autumn  visitor  to  the  great  lakes,  arrivin"-  in 
April  and  departing  at  the  end  of  November.  It  is  possible  that  some 
breed  in  the  northern  part  of  the  Province,  but  its  principal   breeding 
grounds  are  north  and  west  of  Ontario. 


12 


CHECK   LIST   OF   THE 


111 


SiBFAMiLY  STERNlN/€.     (The  Terns.) 

Genus  STERNA. 
(64)  Caspian  Tern. 

(Sterna  caspia.) 
A  regular  but  not  common  spring  and  autumn  visitor  to  the  great 
lakes. 

(•)  (67)  Cabot's  Tern. 

(Sterna  sandvicensis  acufluvida.) 
The  capture  of  a  specin-.cn  of  this  Tern  in  the  spring  of   1882,   at 
Lucknow,  is  recorded  by  Mr.   Mcllwraith. 

(^■9)  Forster'g  Tern. 

(Sterna  fosteri.) 
A  rather  uncommon  summer  visitor,   breeds  in  the  larger  marshes 
throushout  its  range. 

(70)  Common  Tern. 

(Sterna  hirundo.) 
A  regular  summer  visitor,  breeding  at  several  places  near  the  lakes 
Not  uncommon  in  spring  and  autumn. 

(74)  Least  Tern. 

(Sterna  antillai'um.) 
.An    accidental    visitor.      Breeds   on   the   Atlantic   coast.      Mr.    John 
Maughan   has  a  specimen,  taken  at  Toronto  in   1897. 

Genus  HYDROCHELIDON. 

(77)  Black  Tern. 

(Hydrochelidon   nigra  surinamensis.) 
This  Tern  is  common  in  some  of  the  large  marshes  throughout  the 
Province  during  the  summer,  but  it  is  not  generally  distributed.     Breeds 
where  it  occurs. 


r-AM[i.v  PROCELLARIID.4^.     (The  Petrels.) 
Genus  .^STRELATA. 

(*)  (98)  Black-capped  Petrel. 

(/4istrelata  hasitata.) 
One  found  dead  on  the  shore  of  the  Island  at  Toronto. 


HIHDS   OK   ONTARIO 


Vi 


Order  STEGANOPODtlS.     (The  Totipalmate  Swimmers.) 

Swimming  birds  with  all  four  toes  fully  webbed;  hind  toe  Icntjlhcnid. 
scarcely  elevated  ;  tibia  fi-athered  ;  bill  horny,  not  lamellate  ;  nostrils  very 
small  or  aoortive ;  a  prominent  gular  pouch ;  tarsus  reticulate.  All  our 
species  are  larjje  aquatic  birds,  feeding  on  lish,  of  which  they  consume 
great   quantities. 

Family  SULID.1i.    (The  Gannets.) 

Bill  long,  cleft  to  beyond  eyes,  very  stout  at  base,  the  tip  not  hooked ; 
the  edges  irregularly  serrate;  a  nasal  groove  but  the  nostril  abortive; 
gular  sac  small,  naked;  wings  long,  pointed;  tail  long  and  stiff,  with 
pointed  feathers;  feet  stout.  Mody  heavy,  the  tissues  under  the  skin 
with  air  chambers. 

Genus  SULA. 
(ii;)  Gannet. 

(Sula  bassana.) 

An  accidental  visitor  from  the  .Atlantic  coast,  which  has  been  met 
with  on  Lake  Ontario  three  or  four  times. 

Family  PHALACROCORACID/E.     (The  Cokmokams.J 

Bill  slender,  compressed,  strongly  hooked,  the  cutting  edges  uii- 
even;  gular  pouch  .small;  wings  short;  tail  large,  of  very  stiff  feathers, 
often  used  to  partially  support  the  body ;  legs  set  far  back ;  a  nasal  groove 
with  abortive  nostrils. 


Gfnus  PHALACROCORAX. 

(119)  Cormorant. 

(Phalacrocorax  carbo.) 
An  uncommon   spring  and  autumn   visitor   to  the 
water.      Breeds    along  the   North    Atlantic   coast. 


larger    bodies   of 


(120)  Double-crested  Cormorant 

(Phalacrocorax    dilophus.) 
A  regular  but  not  n  common  spring  and  autumn  visitor  to  our  lakes; 
probably  breeds  about  the  waters  of  the  northern  part  of  the  Province! 
as  it  does  commonly  in  Manitoba  and  .Assiniboia. 


14 


CHECK   LIST  OF  THE 


'I         1 


Family   PELECANlDiC.     {The   Pelicans.) 

Bill  very  long,  straight  grooved  throughout,  with  a  claw-like  hook 
at  the  end ;  the  broad  space  between  the  branches  of  the  lower  mandible 
occupied  by  a  large  membraneous  sac ;  nostrils  abortive ;  wings  very 
long ;  tail  very  short ;  feet  short  and  stout. 

Genus  PELECANUS. 

(*)  (125)  American  White  Pelican. 

^Pelecanus  erythrorhynchos.) 
An  accidental  visitor  to  the  great  lakes.     They  breed  commonly  in 
Northern  Manitoba  and  the  Western  Provinces. 

Order  ANSERES.     (The  Lamellirostral   Swimmers.) 

Swimming  birds  with  feet  four-toed,  palmate,  hind  toe  small,  ele- 
vated.    Bill  lamellate;  no  gular  pouch.     Legs  short. 

This  order  contains  nearly  all  the  water-fowl  which  are  valued  in 
domestication,  or  as  game  birds. 


I    I 

;   i 

I 

I 
f 


Family  ANATID^E.     (Ducks,  Geese  and  Swans.) 

Bill  laminate,  i.e.  furnished  along  each  cutting  edge  with  a  regular 
series  of  tooth-like  processes,  which  correspond  to  certain  laciniate  pro- 
cesses of  the  fleshy  tongue,  which  ends  in  a  horny  tip;  bill  large,  thick, 
high  at  base,  depressed  towards  the  end,  membraneous  except  at  the 
obtuse  tip,  which  is  occupied  by  a  horny  nail.  Body  heavy,  flattened 
beneath.  Head  high,  compressed,  with  sloping  forehead;  eyes  small. 
Tail  short,  except  in  the  full  plumaged  males  of  Daiila  and  Harelda, 
both  of  which  have  the  central  tail  feathers  much  prolonged.  Legs  and 
feet  short,  the  anterior  toes  full  webbed.  Tibia  feathered.  All  are  good 
swimmers  and,  with  us,  more  or  less  migratory. 


Ui 


Subfamily   MERGIN^E.     (The   Mergansers.) 
Genus  MERGANSER. 


(129)  American  Merganser.    (Goosander.) 
(Merganser  americanus.) 

A  common  resident,  breeding  in  the  northern  part  of  the  Province 
and  spending  the  winter  on  the  open  water  of  the  lakes  and  rapid  rivers 
near  our  southern  boundary. 

These  birds  are  very  destructive  to  our  fisheries. 


BIRDS  OF   ONTARIO. 


IS 


(130)  Red-breasted    Merganser. 
(Merganser  serrator.) 
A  coiTimon   resident,   more  :il)un(lnnt  than   the  last  and  equally  de- 
structive to  fish.      Breeds  in  the  interior  of  the  Province  and   wintus 
wherever  there  is  open  water. 

Genus  LOPHODYTES. 

(131  Hooded  Merganser. 

(Lophodytes  cucullatus.) 
A  tolerably  rommon  summer  resident,  breeding  throughout  the  in- 
terior of  the  Province  and  retiring  southward  as  ice  forms. 

Subfamily  ANATIN/E.     (The  River  Ducks.) 


Mallanl. 

Genus  ANAS. 

(132)  Mallard. 

(Anas  boschas.) 
Common  summer  resident  of  the  western  part  of  the  Province,  less 
aL^    '.ant  in  the  east,  retires  southward  as  the  shallow  waters  it  frequents 
become  frozen  over.     Breeds  througliout  its  range. 

(133)  Black  Duck. 

(Anas  obscura.) 
A  very   common    summer  resident,    breeding   in    all  suitable   places 
throughout  the   Province.   It  is  more  abundant  in  the  east  than  in  th' 
west,  and  is  only  a  rare  visitor  in  Manitoba. 


Iti 


IHKCK    LIST   OF   THE 


il   ' 


V  i       ] 


It  Mil)  Red-leiif^ed  Black  Duck. 

(Anas  obsciira  rubript's.) 
FrfC|U(titly  nut  wiili  in  late  autumn.     Its  breeding  range  is  not  pos- 
itively known,  but  probably  includes  the  Hudson  Bay  region. 

Genus  CHAULEL.ASMUS. 
(i.V=;)  Gadwall. 

(Chaulflasnius   streperus.) 

A   very   rare  sumtiier   resident.      Bret-ds  conimonly   in    Manitoba   and 
.idjoining  I'rov-nces  wi-stward. 

(iKNis  MARKCA. 
(137)  Baldpate. 

(Mart-ra  americana.) 
.\  lairly  tomir.on  migrant,  probably  breeds  regularly  in  the  interior. 
1    have  o  casionally   found   it   as  a   summer  resident   in  the  marshes  of 
Lakes  Erie  and  Ontario.     It  breeds  commonly  in  the  Western  Provinces. 
Arrives  in  April  and  leaves  with  the  first  sharp  frost. 

Genls  NETTION. 

(139)  Green-winged  Teal. 

(Nettion  carolinensis.) 
Common  in  the  spring  and  autumn  migrations,  breeding  iii  the  north 
from  Labrador  to  the  Pacitic  coast.     Arrives  as  soon  as  the  marshes  are 
open   and  leaves  about  the   end   of   October. 

Oknls  OrEROl'FDlLA. 

(140)  Blue-winged  Teal. 

(Querf|uedula    discors.) 
Common  summer  resident,   breeding  in  all  suitable  places  through- 
out  the  Province.      Arrives   in    April   and    lea\es  about    the  end   of   Sep- 
tember. 

Genls  SP.\TULA. 

(142)  Shoveller. 

(Spatula  clypeata.) 
.\   regular   but   uncommon    summer    resident,    breeds   throughout    its 
range.     \'ery  abundant  on  the  prairie  sloughs  of  Manitoba. 

Genits  DAFILA. 

(143)  Pintail. 

(Dafila  acuta.) 
A  common  .spring  and  autumn  visitor    to  southern  Ontario    occa- 
sionally b.  ceding  in   the  marshes   about   Lake   Erie  and   probably   regu 


BIRDS  OF  ONTARIO 


17 


larly  breeding  in  the  interior  of  the  I'rovince.     It  is  a  common  summer 
resident  of  Manitoba. 

Arrives  as  soon  as  the  marshes  open  and  leaves  when  they  freeze  up. 

Genus  AIX. 

(144)  Wood  Duck. 
(Aix  sponsa.) 

Formerly  an  abundant  summer  resident,  briTding  everywhere 
throughout  the  Province;  it  is  still  common,  but  its  numbers  are  fast 
decreasing. 

.\rrive>  as  soon  as  the  ice  is  out  of  the  m;irshcs,  departs  about  the 
end  of  September. 

.SiBFAMiiv  FULIGULI\.4\.     (^^Mi;  Sea  Dicks.) 

(iENus  AYTHVA. 

(146)  Redhead. 

(.\ythya  americana.) 

A  common  spring  and  autumn  migrant.  They  breed  from  the  gre.'it 
lakes  northward  and  abundantly  in  Manitoba  and  the  Prairie  Provinces. 

The  bulk  of  them  retire  southward  when  their  haunts  arc  fro/en 
over.  In  some  seasons  a  considerable  number  spend  the  winter  on  Lake 
Ontario. 

(147)  Canvas-back  Duck. 

(.Vythya  vallisneria.) 
A  regular,  but  not  generally  a  common  spring  and  autumn  migrant 
in  Ontario.     It  breeds  commonly  in  the  marshes  of  the  North-West  Pro- 
vinces. 


(1481  American  Scaup  Duck.     (Blue-bill.) 
(Aythya  marila.) 
The  great  majority  of  these  birds  are  spring  and  autumn  visitors  to 
southern   Ontario,  but  they  do  not  go  very  far  north  to  breed,  and  a 
great  many  spend  the  winter  along  the  shores  of  Lake  Ontario. 

(149)  Lesser  Scaup  Duck.     (Little  Blue-bill.) 
(Aythya  affinis.) 

Like  the  last,  the  great  bulk  of  these  ducks  are  transient  visitors  in 
spring  and  autumn,  but  some  breed  in  all  the  large  marshes  throughout 
the  Province,  even  along  our  southern  boundary  where  protected.  For- 
merly they  bred  regularly  in  the  marsh  near  Hamilton,  and  also  in  that 
near  Toronto. 

•-•  B. 


CHECK   LIST  OF   THE 


(150)  Ring-necked  Duck. 

(Aythya  collaris.) 
Lets  ahtiiulnnt  than  the  last,  with  which  it  is  generally  confused, 
ll  probably  breeds  throughout  its  range,  for  I  have  often  seen  it  here 
in  lummer,  though  I  never  found  its  nest.     In  eastern  Manitoba  it  breeds 
regularly. 

Genus  CLANG ULA. 


(151)  American  Golden*eye.     (Whistler.) 
(Clangula  clangula  americana.] 

Common  winter  visitor  nnH  prohahlv  breeds  in  thr  northern  part  of 
the  Province,  as  it  regularly  does  so  in  all  the  woodeJ  parts  of  southern 
Manitoba. 

The  bulk  arrive  in  smiilifiii  Ontario  about  the  end  of  October  and 
remain  until  the  ice  breaks  up  ii.  the  spring. 

(*)  (152)  Barrow's  Golden-eye. 
(Clangula  islandica.) 
An  occasional  visitor  in  winter. 


GENt;s  CHARITONETTA. 

(153)  Buffle-head. 

(Charitonetta  albeola.) 

Common  spring  and  autumn  visitor  throughout  the  Province,  breed< 
ing  at  some  points  in  southern  Ontario,  and  probably  doing  so  regdlr~ly 
in  the  more  northern  portions. 

They  arrive  as  soon  as  the  ice  goes  out  in  spring  and  remain  in  the 
autumn  until  their  haunts  are  frozen  over. 


m 


Genus  HARELDA. 

(154)  Long-tailed  Duck.     (Cowcen.) 

(Hareldi   hyemalis.) 
A  very  abundant  winter  resident  on  the  lakes,  arriving  about  the 
beginning  of  November  and  departing  at  the  end  of  April.     Breeds  dIoDg 
the  Arctic  coast. 

Genus  HISTRIONICUS. 

(155)  Harlequin  Duck. 

(Histrionicus  histrionicus.) 
A  very  rare  visitor. 
2a  B 


BIROS  or  ONTARIO. 


It 


Genus  SOM ATERIA. 
(160)  American  Eider. 

(Somateria  dresseri.) 
An  occasional  winter  vi«itor.    All  the  specimers  of  this  duck  taken 
here  were  in  immature  plumage,  so  far  as  I  have  been  able  to  learo. 
Hreeda  L'l  the  North  Atlantic  coast. 

(163    King  Eider. 

(Somateria   spectabilis.) 
Occurrin),'  more  fric|in  ntly  than  the  last,  but  still  only  an  occasional 
winter  visitor.     Breeds  on  the  North  Atlantic  i  0.1st.     Adult  specimens  of 
this  duck  in  full  plumage  have  several  times  been  taken  on  our  lakes  in 
late  autumn  and  early  spring. 

Genus  OIDEMIA. 

(163)  Black  Scoter.  .(American  Scoter.) 
(Oidemia  americana.) 
A  regular  winter   visitor   on  the    great    lakes,   sometimes    moving 
southward  lor  a  short  time  if  the  weather  is  very  severe.     Breeds  in  the 
Arctic  regions. 

(165)  Whlte^winjed  Scoter. 

(Oidemia  deglandi.) 
A  common  winter  resident,    frequenting  the   great   lakes.      Breeds 
about  the  northern  lakes  from  Labrador  to  British  Columbia. 

(166)  Surf  Scoter. 

(Oidemia  perspicillata.) 
A  regul?'  visitor  to  our  lakes  in  spring  and  autumn,  probably  some 
remain  thrniirh  the  winter,  though  I  have  never  observed  it  here  in  the 
coldest  part  of  the  season. 

Genus    ERISMATURA. 

(167)  Ruddy  Ducli. 

(Erismatura  jamaicensis.) 

Common  in  spring  and  autumn.     Breeds  from  our  southern  bound- 
ary northward. 

Subfamily  ANSERINa.     (The  Geese.) 
Genus  CHEN. 

(•)  (169a)  Greater  Snow  Goocj.    (Wavey.) 
(Chen  hyperborea  nivalis.) 
A  rare  visitor  to  the  western  part  of  this  Province.     Breeds  in  the 
barren  grounds  along  the  Arctic  coast. 


(IIK(  K    MHT   OK   TIIK 


(*)  (109.1)  Blut  Qmm. 

(Chen  ca>ruleJK:ens.) 

An  accidental  visitor,  which  has  lieen  met  with  two  or  three  times 
in  this  Province. 


(iENus  ANSER. 

(*)  (i/i)  White-lronted  Goose. 

(Anser  albifrons  (fambeti.) 
Of  very   rare  occurrence.      Breeds  in  extreme  North-West. 


Cunuilu  <iiiiiH<'. 


Genus  BRANTA. 


(173)  Canada  Goose. 

(Branta  canadensis.) 
A  regular  spring  and  autumn  visitor  to  our  marshes,  but  not  nearly 
so  abundant  now  as  formerly.  Mr.  John  Maughan  informs  me  that  even 
recently  Geese  have  nested  in  the  preserved  marshes  of  Lake  St.  Clair 
and  some  probably  breed  in  the  unfrequented  marshes  of  the  northern 
part  of  the  Province.     They  breed  commonly  in  the  Prairie  Provinces. 

(*)  (172a)  Hutchin's  Goose. 

(Branta  canadensis  hutchinsii.) 
An   occasional    spring  and   autumn   visitor.      Breeds   chiefly  on    the 
shore  of  the  Arctic  Sea. 


il       I 


MIRD8  OK  ONTARIO 


21 


m 


(17.1)  Brwit. 

(Branta  bernicola.) 
A  rare  visitor.     Urt^tis  on  the  shores  of  ihc    \r.  tic  Sea. 

SlBFAMILY    CVGMN.K.       (liiK    SuxNv) 

Uenus  OI.OK. 
(*)  (180)  Whistling  SwM. 

(Olor  columbianu.s.j 
Of  soimwhat  irregular  occurrence;  gencr.  I>  a  lew  arc  seen  in  ilie 
spring.     Ureetls  on  the  shores  ol   the  Arctic  Sea 

(*)  (iHi  Trumpeter  Swan. 

(Olor  buccinator.} 

Lilte  the  last,  rarely  seen  now.    Breeds  on  ihe  barren  Lrounds  and 
in  the  marshes  ot  the  far  north. 

Order  HfiRODIONES.    (Herons,  Ibises,  ett.j 

.K-  ^^^'"K  '»''■*'''  with  compressed  bodies,  long  legs  and  long  neck; 
tbia  naked  be  ow  lee:  not  paln.ate;  toes  long  and  slender,  cleft  or 
slightly  webbed,  the  hir..«  toe  long  and  usually  not  elevated,  provided 
with  a  large  claw.  Wings  broad,  rounded,  tail  short.  Head  contracted 
to  the  stout  base  ol  the  l.ill,  which  is  long  and  usually  hard  and  acute 
with  sharp  cutting  edges;  nostrils  su.all.  They  leed  upon  fish,  frogs. 
mice,  and  such  young  birds  as  may  fall  in  their  way. 

1  AMILV    lUIDID/E. 

mil  very  long  and  -lender.  .  oniprcs-ed.  cylindric.  curved  through- 
out, the  upper  mandible  with  a  deep  groove  reaching  nearly  or  quite  to 
the  tip;  legs  rather  long,  the  toes  slightly  webbed  at  base.  Head  more 
or  less  naked;  wings  broad;  tail  short;  tarsus  scutellate  in  front. 

Ge.nls   PLEGADIS. 
(•)  (186)  Glossy  Ibis. 

(Plegadis  autumnalis.) 

n.«/H   ^^f''^*-'".'^'  r'^"°^;     •'^''■-    Mcllwrnith   records  the  capture  of  tw„ 
near  Hamilton  in  1857.     I  have  not  heard  of  any  others. 

Family  ARDEID.E.    (The  Hekons,  Etc.) 

rntfiri"  "'"'eht.   loi.Kcr  than  the  head,  compressed,   acute  with  sharp 
cutting  edges;  upper  mandible  grooved;  nostiils  linear;  Inres  naked,  thl- 


CHECK   LIST   OF   THK 


t 

I;  1 


bill  .r:  uring  to  run  directly  to  the  eyes,  rest  cf  head  feathered;  parts 
-■;  me  oody  with  "powder-down  tracts"— strips  of  short,  dusty,  or 
greasy  down-lilce  feathers— usually  three  pairs  of  these  strips,  i.e.,  on 
the  back  Hove  the  hips,  on  the  belly  under  the  hips  and  on  the  breast; 
usually  long  plumes  from  the  back  of  head  in  the  breeding  season. 
Wings  broad.  Tail  very  short.  Tibia  largely  naked  below ;  toes  long 
and  slender,  hind  toe  on  a  level  with  the  rest,  its  claw  longer  than  middle 
claw;  middle  claw  pectinate.  WaSing  birds,  feeding  on  fishes,  frogs 
and  any  animal  small  enough  fc.  them  to  swallow. 

Subfamily  BOTAURINiC.     (Bitterns.) 

Genus  BOTAURUS. 

(190)  American  Bittern. 

(Botaurus  lentiginosus.) 

A  common  summer  resident,  breeding  throughout  its  range  in  the 
Province. 

Arrives  about  the  middle  of  April,  depiJts  about  the  middl**  o*. 
October. 

Genus   ARDETTA. 

(191)  Least  B.'ttern. 

(Ardetta  exilis.) 
An  abundant  summer   resident  of  the  larger   marshes  of  southern 
Ontario,  breeding  throughout  its  range. 

Arrives  about  the  middle  of  May  and  leaves  early  in  September. 

(191. i)  Cory's  Least  Bittern. 
(Ardetta  neoxena.) 
This  species  seems  now  to  be  a  regular  though  very  rare  summer 
visitor  to  the  marsh  near  Toronto.     During  the  last  few  yeas  over  a 
dozen  specimens  have  been  taken  there.    I  have  not  heard  of  its  capture 
in  any  other  part  of  the  Province. 

Subfamily  ARDEIN^E.     (Herons.) 

Genus  ARDEA. 

(194)  Great  Blue  Heron. 

(Ardea  herodias.) 
A  common  summer  resident,  breeding  in  communities  in  the  interior 
of  the  Province. 

Arrives  rarly  in  April,  departs  about  the  middle  of  September. 


BlUDS   OK   OXTAUIO. 


23 


Genus  IIIiROUlAS. 
(*)  (196)  American  Egret. 

(Herodias  egretta.) 

A  wanderer  '■'-(.in  the  soiitli.  About  luill  a  do/cn  specimens  have 
been  taken  p*     :>ii..t;^  (-.ctnts  in  the  Province. 

<:    MS  iiGRETTA. 
I*)  ('97)  Sn  ;wj   Heron 

(Egre.i     c^>idi<l"--sima.) 
An  accidental   visitor  10  our  southern  border. 

Genus  BL'TORIDES.. 

(301)  Ureen  Heron. 

(Uutorides  virescens.J 
.f  regular  though  never  a  coiniiion  simimor  resident  of  Ontario.     It 
appears  to  be  generally  distributed,  but  is  more  Ircquently  toumi  breeo- 
ing  in  the  swamps  n'-ar  Lake  Erie  than  elsewhere. 

Genus   NYCTICORAX. 

(302)  Black-crowned  Night  Heron. 

(Nycticorax  nycticorax  naevius.) 

A  regular  and  in  places  a  common  summer  resident.  They  breed  in 
the  interior  of  the  Province  in  communities. 

As  they  are  quite  nocturnal  in  their  habits,  they  are  not  often  ob- 
served even  where  they  are  common. 

Genus  NYCTANASSA. 

(203)  Yellow-crowned  Night  Heron. 

(Nyctanassa  violacea.) 
One  taken  at  Toronto  by  Mr.  John  Maughan. 

Order  PALUDICOL^.     (Cranes,  Rails,  etc.) 

Wading  birds.  The  head  rather  compressed  than  globose.  Bill 
hard  and  not  sensitive,  not  adapted  for  probing  in  the  mud.  The  hind 
toe  littlii  elevated.      Omnivorous  feeders. 

Family  GRUID/E.     (The  Cranes.) 

Very  large  birds,  with  the  legs  and  neck  extremely  long  Winii* 
large,  rather  short.  Tail  short.  Head  more  or  less  naked,  with  scattered 
hairlike  feathers.   Plumage  compact  without  downy  tracts.   Bill  as  long  as 


2-t 


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1/ii 


.  J  ■  i 

1:1  I. 

II  ' 

Hi: 


ii, 


longer  than  head,  slraijiht  and  slender ;  tibia  extensively  naked ;  tarsus 
scutellate;  toes  rather  short,   hind  toe  highly  elevated. 

ClENUS  GRUS. 
(*j  (204)  Whooping  Crane. 
{Grus  americana.j 
A   bird  of   the  West   which  has  once   straggled  into   this    Province. 
Mr.  Mcllwraith  records  the  capture  of  a  specimen  in  the  Co  .    y  ol   Ad- 
dington  in  September,  1871. 

(206)  Sandhill  Crane. 

{Grus  mexicana.J 
.•\n  accidental  visitor  from  the  western  prairies,  which  has  been  met 
with  live  or  six  times,  in  our  Province.     It  is  probable  that  some,  if  not 
all,  of  the  specimens  taken  here  should  be  referred  to  G.  canadensis. 

Family  RALLIDi-E.     {The  Rails,  Coots,  etc.) 

Birds  of  medium  or  small  size,  with  compressed  bodies  and  large 
muscular  legs.  Wings  short,  rounded  and  concave;  tail  very  short. 
Hind  toe  rather  short,  a  little  elevated ;  front  toes  very  long.  Hill  not 
sensitive  at  tip.  All  the  species  skulk  in  swamps  and  marshes,  usually 
keeping  well  under  cover.  They  feed  upon  insects  and  such  seeds  as  are 
produced  in  their  haunts. 

Subfamily  RALLIN/E.     (The  Rails.) 

GiMs  RALLUS. 

(20S)  King  Rail. 

(Rallus  elegans.) 
A  regular  summer   resident  of   the  marshes  of  the  western  end   of 
Lake  Erie.     I  have  not  heard  of  its  occurrence  elsewhere. 

(212)  Virginia  Rail. 

(Rallus  virginianus.) 
An  abundant  summer  resident  of  the  marshes  of  Ontario,  breeding 
throughout  its  range. 

Arrives  about  the  middle  of  April  and  leaves  early  in  October. 

Genus  PORZANA. 

(214)  Carolina  Rail. 

(Porzana   Carolina.) 
Very  abundant  summer  resident  of   the   marshes  all   over  tlie   i'rov- 
ince,  breeding  throughout  its  range. 

.Arrives  about  the  middle  of  .\pril,  departs  about  the  end  of  October. 


BIRDS   OF   ONTARIO. 


•& 


(215)  Yellow  Rail. 

(I'orzana   novuboracensis.j 
A  regular,  but  not  a  coinnion,   suiiimcr  rusiduin  ot  our  marshes       1 
have   found    it  in   all   large   marslus   lr(jm    the    St.    Clair   River,    east   to 
I  oronto. 

(*)  (316)  Black  Rail. 

(Porzana  jamaicensis.) 
Very  rare,  probably  a  summer  resident  where  it  occurs.     Dr.  Coltlr 
ot    Woodstock  recorded  the  capture  of  a  specimen  at  Ingersoll  in   i8s«) 
In  August,   i8r4,  I  took  lour  at  the  upper  end  of  the  Dundas  marsh  a'nd 
saw  others.      Ihese  birds  are  very  secretive  and  it  requires  good  dogs  to 
flush  them   Irom  the  rank  vegetation  in  which  they  skulk. 

Suhfa.mii.v  GALLINULlN^li.     ((iAM.i.sLi.i-s.) 

Genus  lONORNIS. 
(218J  Purple  Galliflule. 

(lonornis  martinica.J 

Of  accidental  occurrence  here.     One  was  taken  in  the  marsh  .m  ih.- 
Kouge  River  east  of   Toronto  in   1892. 

Genus  GALLINULA. 
(219)  Florida  Gallinule. 

(Gallinule  galeata.) 

A  common   summer   resident   of   the  marshes  of   southern  Ontario. 
breeding  throughout  its  range. 

Arrive-     •    ut  the  middle  of  April,  departs  towards  the  end  of  Oc- 
tober. 

HFAMiLv   FULICIN.-K.     (The  Coots. J 

Genus  FULICA. 
(221)  American  Coot. 

(Fulica  americana.) 

Common    summer     resident;     breeding    sparingly   in   our    southern 
marshes  and  more  abundantly  northward. 

Order  LIMICOL/1:.     (The  Shore  Birds.) 

Tibia  more  ss  naked  below,   legs  long,  hind  toe  free  and  ele- 

Tf^:  ^r"""'",  ?r';"^'-u  "Tf  ^^°^°'''  "'^'■"P"y  «'°P'"&  '°  the  base 
of  the  bil  ;  completely  leathered  (except  in  the  case  of  Pavoncellal;  gap- 
short;  bill  weak,  flexible,  more  or  less  soft  skinned  ai.H  sensitive  at  tio 
in  most  cases  adapted  for  probing  in  the  mud;  nostrils  slit-like  sur- 
rounded by  soft  skin.  ' 


i- 


26 


CHKCK   LIST   OF   THK 


1  : 


M 


The  LimicolK  are  all  birds  of  small  or  medium  size,  frequenting  sandy 
shores  and  the  mud  flats  of  marshes ;  the  Woodcock  alone  being  found  in 
the  woods. 

Family  PHALAROI'OUID.*:. 

Small  sandpiper-like  birds,  with  the  toes  lobed,  as  in  the  Coots  and 
(iiebes.  but  the  lobes  narro-.er.  Body  depressed,  the  lower  plumage 
thick  as  in  the  ducks,  and  capable  of  resisting  water;  wings  long,  tail 
short;  tarsus  much  compressed. 

Genus  CRYMOPHILUS. 

(232)  Red  Phalarope. 

(Crjmophilus  fulicarius.) 
An  irregular  spring  and  autumn  visitor   A  rare  occurrence. 

Genus  THALAROPLIS. 

(223)  Northern  I'halarope. 

(Phalaropus  lobatus.) 
An  irregiJar  spring  and  autumn  visitor  of  rare  occurrence. 

Genus  STEGANOPUS. 

(224)  Wilson's  Phalarope. 

(Steganopus  tricolor.) 
An  irrv-,.    ar  spring  and  autumn  visitor,  l)ut  rather  more  frequently 
met  with  than  either  of  the  preceding  Phalaropes. 

Family  RECURVIROSTRID/E. 

Birds  with  excessively  long  leps  and  the  bill  very  slender,  long, 
acute,  and  in  our  species  curved  upward. 

Genus    RECURVIROSTRA. 

(•)  (235)  Avocet. 

(Recurvirostra  americana.) 

An  accidental  visitor  fron?  the  prairies  of  the  North- West,  where  it 
is  common. 

Family  SCOLOPACIDyE.     (Snipes,  Sandpipers,   etc.) 

Bill  elongated,  usually  longer  than  head,  if  short  not  Plover-like. 
being  soft-skinned   throughout;  nasal   grooves  in  the  form  of  narrow 


BIROS  OF  ONTARIO. 


87 


channels,  ranging  from  half  to  nearly  the  whole  length  of  the  bill ;  sides 
of  lower  mandible  usually  also  grooved;  nostrils  narrow  exposed  slits; 
hrad  feathered.  Wings  usually  thin  and  pointed;  tail  short  and  soft. 
Tibia  rarely  entirely  feathered;  hind  toe  present  (excci)t  in  Calidris); 
tront  toes  rhft  or  sli>,Hitly  webbed.  Birds  of  small  or  medium  si/c.  Sexes 
alike  or  female  slightly  larger.  Seasonal  changes  in  plumage  oiten 
strongly  marked.  Eggs  usually  four,  placed  with  the  small  ends  together 
in  a  slight  nest  or  depression  in  the  ground. 


Jl^tt  *' 


*■     *-.-  "/ 

w  I 


.^•'^ir 


Woodcock. 
Genus  PHILOMELA. 


-:^^^i§' 


(228)  Woodcock.     (American  Woodcock.) 
(Philohela  minor.) 

Formerly  an  abundant  summer  resident  of  our  swampy  woods,  but 
now  becoming  scarce.     Breeds  throughout  its  range. 

Arrives  about  the  end  of  March  and  departs  in  November,  usually 
remaining  until  the  first  severe  frost. 

Genus  GALLINAGO. 

(230)  Wilson's  Snipe. 

(Gallinago  delicata.) 

Abundant  in  spring  and  autumn,  the  majority  going  north  to  breed. 
Some,  however,  raise  th-ir  young  in  all  the  larger  marshes  throughout 
the  Provmce,  from  our  southern  border  northward. 

The  first  arrivals  in  spring  generally  appear  before  the  end  of  March 
and  m  the  autumn  the  last  stragglers  remain  until  the  marshes  freeze  up. 


4t 


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CHECK   LIST   OF   THK 


Genus  MACRORHAMFHUS. 

(231)  Dowitcher. 

(Macrurhainphus   griseus.) 
Formerly  this  bird  was  not  uncommon  on  the  shore  of  Lake  Ontario 
during  the  migrations,   but  now  it  is  a  rather  rare  spring  and  autumn 
visitor. 


(      J 


Genus    MICROPALAMA. 

(*)  (^33)  StUt  Sandpiper. 

(Micropalama  himantopus.) 
A  rare  visitor.     I  have  never  met  with  this  species  jn  its  spring  mi- 
gration northward,  but  have  several  times  taken  it,  on  its  return  in  July 
and  August. 

Genus  TRINGA. 
(234)  Knot. 

(Tringa  canutus.) 
In  the  neighbourhood  of  Toronto  and  Hamilton  I  have  found  this 
species  abundant  from  the  twenty-fifth  of  May  to  the  end  of  the  first 
week  in  June.  In  the  autumn  it  is  seldom  seen.  Two  or  three  times  I 
have  taken  specimens  in  immature  plumage  in  August,  but  that  is  all. 
Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions. 


Genus  ARQUATELLA. 

(235)  Purple  Sandpiper. 

(Arquatella  maritima.) 
A  very  rart  visitor  from  the  northern  sea  coast,  usually  occurring 
late  in  autumn.     Breeds  on  the  shores  of  the  Arctic  Ocean. 


Genus  ACTODROMAS. 

(239)  Pectoral  Sandpiper. 

(Actodromas  maculata.) 

A  common  visitor  to  our  marshes  and  sandbars.     Not  observed  by 
me  in  the  spring. 

Arrives  in  July  and  departs  about  the  end  of  October. 

(240)  White-rumped  Sandpiper. 

(Actodromas  fuscicollis.) 

Rather  an  uncommon  species.     Possibly  breeding,  as  I  have  found 
them  here,  from  the  middle  of  June  to  the  middle  of  October. 


IIIHDS   OK    ONTARIO 


•J9 


(-MI)  Baird's  Sandpiper. 

(Actndromas  bairdii.) 

ronto\nd^al'"i.'"ir'"  ""1^"'""^^   ''"'l^'  '"   «he  neighb.,urhcHul  „f  To- 
ronto  and  at  IJiindas.     Not  seen  in  spring. 

Arrives  in  July,  departs  early  in  October. 

(242)  Least  Sandpiper.     (Stint.) 
(Actodromas  minutilla.) 

\l.v^7""X"  "''""?  ''"''  ""*"'""  ''^""'■'  "'■'■'^'"e  ^»^""t  the  twentieth  of 
May,  departing  early  ...  September. 

thr    ^'I''  ""."h    °^  ""'"''  !'''■'''  ^"  "°''"'  '"  ''■■^•^'J'  "^"t  I   think  some  noM 
throughout  their  range  in  this  Province,  for  some  few  pairs  are  uhvav 
to  be  found  on  our  sandy  beaches  all  through  the  summer  ' 


CitNLs    I'liLIUNA. 

(243aj  Red-baclied  Sandpiper.     (Black-heart  Plover  j 
(I'elidna  alpina  sakhalina.) 


Genus  KRKLNKTKS. 

<246)  Semi-palmated  Sandpiper.    (Stint.) 
(Ereunetes  pusillus.) 
Very  abundant  from  about  the  twentieth  of  May  to  the  end  .^  the 


C.F.svs  CALIDRIS.  ♦ 

(248)  Sanderling. 

(Calidris  arenaria.) 
Very  abundant  in  spring  and  autumn  along  the  lake  shores    Arrive 
about  the  t.nth  of  May    depart  in  October.      They   spend  the  summe 
on  their  breeding  grounds  in  the  far  north. 


h   I 


CHECK   LIST  OF  THB 


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m^-  • 


Genus  LIMOSA. 

(*)  (249)  Marbled  Godwit. 

(Limosa  fedoa.) 
A  very  rare  visitor.     Breeds  in  the  North-VVest. 


Breeds  on  the  barren 


(*)  (251)  Hudsonian  Godwit. 
(Limosa  haemastica.) 
Rather  more  frequently  seen  than  the  last, 
grounds. 

Genus  TOTANUS. 

(354)  Greater  Yellow-legs. 

(Totanus  melanoleucus.) 
Common  in  spring  from  early  in  April,  until  the  first  week  in  May. 
In  the  autumn  sometimes  abundant;  arriving  towards  the  end  ot 
July  and  remaining  until  the  end  of  October. 
Breeds  in  the  far  north. 


Its  movements  in  the 


(255)  Yellow-legs. 

(Totanus  flavipes.) 

Not  common  in  spring ;  abundant  in  autumn, 
spring  correspond  with  those  of  the  last  species. 

In  the  autumn  migration,  it  arrives  early  in  July  and  leaves  before 
the  middle  of  September.     Breeds  in  the  barren  grounds. 

Genus  HELODROMAS. 

(256)  Solitary  Sandpiper. 

(Helodromas  solitarius.) 
Generally  distributed  throughout  the  Province,  but  nov  here  abund- 
ant. 

In  their  spring  migration  these  birds  do  not  seem  to  visit  southern 
Ontario,  for  only  once  have  I  seen  it  at  that  season,  viz..  May  6th,  1900. 
In  July,  after  breeding,  it  may  be  found  along  the  margins  of  our  streams 
or  upon  muddy  flats  in  the  marshes.  It  departs  about  the  end  of  Sep- 
tember. 

Dr.  C.  K.  Clarke,  of  Kingston,  has  reported  finding  a  nest  of  this 
Sandpiper  near  that  town,  and  no  doubt  it  breeds  in  the  interior  of  the 
Province,  as  it  is  said  to  be  a  regular  summer  resident  of  Muskoka  and 
Parry  Sound. 

Genus  SYMPHEMIA. 
(258)  WUIet. 

(Symphemia  semipalmata.) 
A  rare  visitor.     Breeds  in  the  North-West . 


BIllDS   OF   ONTARIO 


>1 


liiMs  FAVONCliLLA. 
(•)  laCo)  Rufl. 

(Pavoncell;i  pugnax.) 
A  specimen  of  this  liuropcan  bird  in  some  way  wandered  to  Torouto 
and  was  taken  there  in   i«8...     There  are  a  few  other  records  of  its  <c- 
currence  in  America,  but  it  can  only  be  rtKard.d  .i^  a  snucul.r  oi,  this 
contment. 

Genus  BARTRAMIA. 

(a6i)  Bartramiaq  Sandpiper.     (Upland  Plover.) 
(Bartrania  lor.gicauda.) 
rh's  is  a  hnd  of  the  prairie  and  is  of  rare  and  local  occurrence  here. 
I  have  fouijd  It  breeding  in  the  Counties  of  Brant  and  Norfolk,  and  Dr. 
K.  Clarke  reports  it  as  regularly  nesting  near  Kingston. 

Genus  TRY.NGITES. 

(262)  Buff-breasted  Saadpiper. 

(Tryngites   subruticollis.) 

A  rather  rare  and  irregular  vi>it()r  to  Ontario  during  the  autumn 
migration.     I  have  usually  found  it  in  August 

Mr.  Mcllwraith.  on  the  authoiity  of  Dr.  Macallum,  records  the 
discovery  of  a  nest  and  eggs  of  this  species  near  Hunnville. 

Genus  ACTITIS. 

(363)  Spotted  Sandpiper. 

(Actitis  macularia.) 
An  abundant  s_^-nmcr  resident,   breeding  throughout  the  Province 
tembJr        '  '  '^"  "'''  ""^  ^''>'  '''"P'''^'^  '^^''^'^  ""^dle  of  Se^i 

Genus  NUMENIUS. 

(*)  (264)  Long-billvd  Curlew. 

(Numenius  longirostris.) 
A  very  rare  visitor,  usually  in  the  spring, 
berta  and  westward. 

(26s)  hudsonian  Curlew. 

(Numenius  hudsonicus.) 

spring"  ii;:T':;t:S^'irrir::er^e5s  •-  '^-'i  "--'^^  i- 

west  of  Hudson's  Bay.  °"  '•'^  ''"""  grounds 


Breeds  in  Assiniboia,  Al- 


:tt 


IHKCK    MSI    OK    TIIK 


I     i 


(*)  (366)  Eskimo  Curlew. 

(Numenius  borealis.) 
A  very  rare  visitor.      IlrcccJs  on  the  barren  grounds. 

Family  (.HAR.ADRIIIM-.     (Thk  I'iovkhs.) 

Head  rather  large,  nearly  globose;  bill  of  moderate  length,  >hapcd 
sdtnewhat  like  a  pigeon's  bill,  with  a  constriction  behind  the  horny  term- 
inal portion ;  nasal  fossa-  lined  with  soft  sWin,  thro.igh  which  the  slit-like 
nostrils  open.  Wings  long  and  pointed,  usually  reaching  beyond  the 
tip  of  the  short  tail.  Toes,  three  in  all  our  species  (except  Squatarola,  in 
which  the  hind  tee  is  present,  but  very  small);  tarsus  reticulate;  tibia 
naked  below.  Sexes  similar,  but  seasonal  changes  of  plumage  great. 
Birds  of  this  family  frequent  the  open  fields,  sanely  shores,  or  mud  flats. 

Genus  SQUATAROLA. 

(370)  Black-bellied  Plover. 

(Squatarola  squatarola.) 
Common  spring  and  autumn  visitor,  passing  through  in  the  spring 
migration  between  the  twentieth  of  May  and  the  end  of  the  first  week 
in  June.     They  return  from  the  noi'h  in  August  and  remain  until  about 
the  middle  o    October.     Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions. 


Genus  CHARADRIUS. 

(271)  Golden  Plover.     (.American  Golden  Plover.) 
(Charadrius  dominicus.) 

I  have  never  found  the  Golden  Plover  in  Ontario  in  the  spring.  Dr. 
C.  K.  Clarke  informs  me  that  it  sometimes  occurs  near  Kingston  at  that 
season. 

In  the  autumn  it  is  generally  fairly  abundant  in  most  parts  of  the 
country,  visiting  the  newly  ploughed  fields,  the  muddy  flats  of  marshes 
and  the  sand  bars  of  the  h'kes. 

It  arrives  from  the  north  towards  the  end  of  .August  and  departs 
about  the  middle  of  October.  Breeds  on  the  barren  grounds  west  of 
Hudson't.  Bay. 

Genus  OXYECHUS. 
(273)  Killdeer. 

(Oxyechus  vociferus.) 
A  common  summer  resident,  generally  distributed  over  the  Province, 
breeding  throughout  its  range. 

Arrives  about  the  end  of  March,  departs  early  in  October. 


MIRDS   OK   ONTAHIO 


•iiMN   .K(;iALHIS. 

(J74)  Semipalmated  PI'iver.    (Kins  I'lovcr.) 
(/Kgialitis   semipaltn;it;i.) 
Cunmon  in  spring;   (r,„„  ;,„.,„t  tl,r  mi.l.ll,.  „f  M,,,.  ,„  „„,  ,.,,  .  ,.  ... 
first  week  .n  Juno,  whrn  it  «n,.s  n,.rlh  to  l„v,.,l.      |„      ,!       I        r  I  .r^ 

even  l.,tor.     It  !,.,>  .«■<  ;,sion;.lly  b.-.-n  loun.l  n.-stin^  in  tl,i>  l«r„vinr,. 
(Jrr)  Piptag  Plover. 

.Kgi.tiitis  tni'IcKla.J 
A   rt-Kiil.-.r   l.ut   net   ;,   ,,mun..n   ^un1mcr   residont 

tan  tly,  tor  I  havo  ntvcr  Inund  then,  in  the  autumn  ^     ^ 

A   sointwhat  doubtful    variL-tv  of   this  so.-,  i..        .. 
Las  been  take,,  in  Toronto  .« rasionally  '  '   •'"    '"•   '"'""^-"''^'■^^' 

(•)  (J-H)  Snowy  Plover. 

(/Egialitis  nivosa.J 

possession  of  Mr.  J.   M.   \n^,  of'-lwonto.        '   "'^"  '"'"   """   '"   "^'-■ 


I'AM.i.v   AI'HRIZID.K.      (T„K  TtKNsroNEs.) 

TfH-s    four,    not    wtblx,!.    thi-    hindi 
iellate  in  frot 
bill  rather  short 


.=u.e,.,,c  ,„,„.„„  ,e„ „,„;„:»l:„;j:;;  ™;r;!ST';;ii  s: 


(iEMS      \Ri;\.\RI.\. 

(-'«,?)  Tumstofle.     (Redshai  k.) 
(Arcnaria  interpres.) 

o    June.      In  the   autumn   they  arc  never  common.      .A  few  in  imm.tnro 
plumage  return  this  way  about  the  llrst  of    \ugust  and  rem  in  rti     he 

w«?ward.  ''"''^■"'"-  ""^-'^ ""  ''^  -^-^'^  --^  .vomTf'udi:  •;",;.':; 

Order  GALLIN^E.    (The  Gallinaceous  Birds.) 

U.th^'\^^°^l'-  "'""V  ''°"''^'''   ^°'"y'   "•"  constricted,    nostrils   scaled  or 
feathered:  cutting  edge  of  upper  mandible  overlapping  the  lower.     Hen. 
often  partly  or  wholly   naked,   sometimes  with   flesht  processes      "eg 


!ri  i 


34 


ClIKrK    t  1ST   OK    rill. 


stout,  hind  toe  eltviiled,  »malkr  ih;iii  tlir  oilur  t<»>..  TiirNus  broadly 
scuteilate,  sometimes  fi-athend,  ex  iasioii;illv  spurred  in  the  fiialis ;  claws 
blunt,  not  much  curved.      Wings  short,  stn.nj;,  Lomavc.     'Irrrt-strial  in 

habit 

A  large  order,  im  iuding  tlie  ihiof  game  birds  of  the  world,  as  well 
as  most  kinds  of  domesticated  poultry. 

Family  TETR.\0MI)/1:.     (Gkoi  si  ,  IVxiirKincKs,  ktc.) 

Hind   toe   small,   short  ;    I.-nsiis  without    spur> ;   IkmiI  nearly   or   ijuite 
feathered. 

SiHi'AMiiv  PKKDK'IN.V.     {PxKiHiiMis. , 


m 


(^uuil. 
(iENLs  COLINL'S. 


(J89)  Quail.     (Bob  vVhiie.) 
(Colinus  virginianus.) 

.\  common  resident  in  the  souih-wt^torn  counties  of  Ontario,  some- 
times ranging  east  to  the  County  of  Oitario.  A  valuable  game  bird  and 
one  of  the  farmer's  Ix-S'   friend':. 

."Ja  n. 


HIHDS  OF   ONTAHIO. 


36 


lew   bird.s  art.  .,|    KreaUr  ulililj    il,.,n   ihis.      lis   ul,„l..   lik-   i.   s,,...ii 
""U."K  the  crops  «e  .ultimate,   and   its  ..kkI  .on.isls  durin.     he   mm      u 

ng  the  w  ntcr  it  ,on>u.m-s  j-reat  <,uantilics  ol    weeu  M-eds.  a   laree  ,,„r- 
.  on  of  which  are  gathered  Iro.n  lenec  corners  ..n<l  othern  .geXd  P  ru 

rtgularly  seeded  down  with  wce«K  excrv  sc  ison    m.l  ih     « i.     i 

portant  factor  in  keeping  then,  in  checl.  '  '    -"■"'  '^  ^"'  ""■ 

Su.KAMHv   rinKAO\IN.J.:.     i!mM.ku.m;.j 
<;enl.s  CA.N.it  |liri;.s. 
(J98)  Canada  tirouse.     (Spruce  I'artridge.i 
(Canachitcs  canadensis.) 

(iENLS    HON  ASA. 
(.^ooj  Ruffed  Uruusc     (Partridge.) 
(Honasa  umbellus.) 
A  conunon   resulcnL   in   woodlands  throughout   the  I'n.since 

w.J^^s^~:!x,;;i -K- -. -^.«-. ., 

Okms  l.AUOl'LS. 
(.?"il  Willow  Ptarmigan. 

(Lagopus  lagopus.) 
A  rt^alar  winter  visitor  to  ihu  northern  parts  „l  ili.-  I'r,.v  ,„    . 
...nes  corning  as  far  .south  as  Sault  Ste.   .^./;rie^Y:J^si  ^H^r"  ^"'"^" 
..n  i  {.nt^lrlo!""^'  "'  '"''"""'•  '="'  ""'^'  "'"^"  ^'^  '^"-'  --  ^Vhitby 

<m:m  s  TYMPWICHUS. 
(.^05)  Pinnated  Grouse.     (IVairie  Hen,  I'rairie  Chicken.) 
(lympanuchus  americanus.) 

bordi^^^rno^witrtw'^-  """■"   ™""^^    "'""^  ""■    --^•^■— 

(ii.Ms  im:i)icecj;tk.s. 

(.^08)  Sharp-tailed  Grouse.     (Pr.iirie  Chicken.) 
(Pedioecetes   phasianellus.) 

.'^.f  f.'^^'"'''""'  "'  th,.  north-wo.tern  part  of  the  Province.     During 

bir<!s  have  strayoii  inti,  I'arry  Sound 


I 


tlie  last  few  vpars  several  of 


fh. 


PI 

in 


!ii 


CHECK    LIST    OF    THE 


and  Muskoka.  It  is  possible  that  ;is  these  districts  are  cleared  and  become 
more  prairie  like,  the  Sharp-tail  may  find  them  adapted  to  its  require- 
ments and  become  more  abunlant  there. 

Family  PHASIANID^.     (The  Pheasants,  Turkeys,  etc.) 

The  chief  family  of  the  Gallina-,  differing  as  a  whole  from  the  Tetra- 
onidic  in  having  the  tarsus  in  the  male  armed  with  a  spur.  In  many 
species  the  head  is  naked,  in  others  the  tail  is  long  and  vaulted  or  other- 
wise peculiar. 


Wild  Turkey. 


■if 


Subfamily  MELEAGRIN^. 
Genus  MELEAGRIS. 

(•)  (310a)  Wild  Turkey. 

(Meleagris  gallopavo  silvcstris.) 

Formerly  common  in  all  the  south-western  counties,  ranging  east 
into  Wentworth.  There  may  still  be  a  few  left  in  that  district,  but  I 
have  not  heard  of  any  for  several  years. 

Resiuent  wherever  found. 


BIKDS   OF   ONTAHJO. 


37 


Order  COLUMBil-.     (The  Pigeons.) 

Hill  straight,  compressed,  the  horny  tip  separated  by  a  constriction 
from  the  soft  part.  Nostrils  opening  beneatli  a  .soft,  humid  membrane 
or  cere,  at  base  of  bill.  Frontal  feathers  sweeping  in  a  strongly  convex 
outline  across  base  of  upper  mandible.  Hind  toe  on  a  level  with  the 
others.    Tall  in  our  species  long,  wedge  shaped,  the  feathers  pointed. 

Family  COLUMBIDA.     (Pickons.) 

Wings  long,  pointed;  plumage  compact,  the  feathers  looselv  in- 
serted. 


PaHHeiijser  I'igenti. 
Genus   IICTOFISTKS. 

(315)  Passenger  Pigeon. 

(Ectopistes  migratorius.) 

Formerly  a  very  abundant  sumiiier  ivsident,  occurring  in  flocks  of 
countless  thousands,  but  now  very  scarce. 

Dr.  C.  K.  Clarke  informs  me  that  he  found  a  small  colony  breedinc 
in  eastern  Ontario  in  1898.  '' 

Genus  ZKNAIDURA. 

(316)  Mourning  Dove. 

(Zena'dura  macroura.) 

A    connmon    siimnHr     resident,    but     somewhat     locally    distributed 
lireeding  throughout   its  range. 


CHECK    LIST    OF    THE 


The  jfreat  majority  of  these  birds  are  migrants,  arriving  here  in 
April  and  leaving  in  October,  but  during  the  last  few  years  small  flocks 
have  been  seen  in  several  localities,  all  ♦hrough  the  winter. 


if 


Order  RAPTORES.     (The  Birds  of  Prey.) 

Carnivorous  birds,  often  of  large  sue  and  great  strength.  Hill 
strong,  cored  at  base,  hooked  at  the  end.  Claws  very  strong,  except  in 
the  Vultures.  Tibia,  and  often  the  tarsus,  feathered.  Hind  toe  devel- 
oped, elevated  or  not. 

Some  of  them  feed  upon  carrion,  others  upon  reptiles  or  fishes,  but 
the  most  of  them  upon  small  mammals,  birds  and  insects. 

This  order  includes  a  large  number  of  very  useful  birds,  while  ;i 
few  of  them  may  be  considered  injurious  by  reason  of  their  raids  upon 
domestic  fowls. 

Family  CATHARTID.^^.    (A.merican  Vui.tlkes.) 

Head  and  part  of  neck  bare  Eyes  lateral ;  ears  small.  Bill  length- 
ened, comparatively  weak  and  but  little  hooked ;  nostrils  perforate. 
Wings  very  long  and  strong,  giving  a  strength  and  grace  of  flight 
which  is  not  excelled  by  any  other  birds.  Hind  toe  short  and  elevated; 
Iront  toes  long,  somewhit  weoDed,  with  rather  weak  and  straightish 
claws.  Large,  slovenly  looking  birds,  without  the  strength  and  spirit 
of  the  Hawks  and  Owls.  They  are  voracious  consumers  of  carrion  and 
animal  refuse  of  all  kinds,  and  Iicnce  are  valued  as  scavengers  in  the 
warm  countries  where  they  most  abound. 


Genus  CATHARTES. 


m 


U' 


{*)  (325)  Turkey  Vulture. 
(Cathartes  aura.) 
A  great  wanderer,   which   is   of  occasional    occurrence    in   Ontario, 
specimens  having  bden  taken  at  various  places  from  the  eastern  bound- 
ary to  the  west,  where  it  was  formerly  not  uncommon. 

Family  FALCONID^E.     (P'ai.cons,  Hawk^,  Eagi.es,  etc.) 

Head  fully  feathered ;  no  ear  tufts.  Eyes  lateral ;  eyelids  provided 
with  lashes;  usually  a  projecting  bony  eyebrow;  no  complete  faci;il  disk. 
Toes  always  naked ;  tarsus  naked  also  except  in  Aquila  and  Archibuteo. 
Hind  toe  not  elevated.  Bill  .stout,  strongly  hooked,  its  ba.se  not  hidden 
bv  feathers.  Claws  very  strong  and  sharp,  the  hind  rlaw  not  shorter 
than  the  others. 


lilllDS   OF   ONTARIO. 


;i!i 


Si  npAMiiY  ACCII'ITRIN.K.     (Kiiks,  H  \\\  i.s.   i:\(.iis,   ii<.) 
(iiMs  KLANOIDHS. 

(3J7)  Swallow-tailed  Kite. 

(Elanoidcs  forficaius.) 

Mr.  Mcllwraith  records  the  occurrenre  of  this  species  in  western 
Ontario  and  also  at  Ottawa,  and  it  is  quite  likely  to  be  seen  here  again, 
as  it  is  a  yrcat  wanderer. 


-Marnh  Huwk. 

(iisis  ciRcr.s. 
(.?3i)  Marsh  Hawk. 

(Circus  hudsonius.) 
Very  common  suniiner  resident,  breeding  in  set  luded  marshy  places 
throughout  the  Pro\inre.  .Arrives  early  in  .April,  departs  about  the  end 
of  Octol)er.  One  of  our  most  useful  Hawks,  feeding  principally  upon  the 
destructive  meadow  mou.se.  This  Hawk  may  readily  be  distinguished 
fiom  all  others?  by  its  low  skimming  flight,  as  it  works  over  the  meadows 
in  search  of  its  favorite  food,  and  also  by  tlo  white  patch  at  the  base  of 
its  tail,  which  is  very  conspicuous.  A  heavy  penalty  should  be  inflicted 
on  persons  who  destroy  these  birds. 


40 


CHKC'K    LIST    OF    TFIE 


Genls  ACCIIMTHR. 


■;:;i 


(3:^-)  Sharp-shinned  Hawk. 

(Aciipiter  velox.) 

Common  summer  resident,  breeding  throughout  its  range.  Arrives 
early  in  April.  The  bulk  depart  about  the  middle  of  September,  but 
stragglers  often  remain  until  the  end  of  October. 

This  bird  is  very  destructive  to  young  poultry  and  the  small  insec- 
tivorous birds. 


(:i33)  Cooper's  Hawk. 

(.Accipiter  cooperi.) 
A  summer  resident,  but  not  nearly  so  abundant  as  the  last.     Breeds 
in  the  interior  of  the  Province. 
A  very  destructive  hawk. 

«. 
(334)  Goshawk. 

(Accipiter  atricapillus.) 

(A  winter  visitor  to  southern  Ontario.     Resident  and  breeding  in 
the  interior. 

This  hawk  is  capable  of  killing  fullgrown  fowls  and  does  so  at  every 
opportunity. 


^u  ^r.  iiff 
IF  I  -  v  t 


\u 


Genus  BUTEO. 

(337)  Red-taUed  Hawk. 

(Buteo  borealis.) 

A  common  summer  resident,  breeding  in  the  interior.  Arrives  early 
in  March,  departs  at  the  beginning  of  November.  A  few  have  been 
seen  in  winter. 

A  dark  form  of  tliis  hawk  n<jw  given  sub-specific  rank  as  the  West- 
ern Red-tailed  Hawk,  B.  b.  calurus,  has  been  occasionally  taken  in  On- 
tario. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  useful  species,  feeding  largely  upon  meadow 
mice,  grasshoppers,  and  frogs. 

(339)  Red-shouldered  Hawk. 

(Buteo  lineatus.) 

Common  summer  resident.  Less  frequently  seen  than  the  last,  or 
perhaps  more  local  in  its  distribution.  Breeds  in  the  interior.  Arrives 
a  little  later  than  the  Red-tail  and  leaves  towards  the  end  of  October.  I 
have  seen  specimens  in  winter,  but  not  often. 

A  very  useful  hawk,  feeding  chiefly  on  mice,  reptiles  and  grass- 
hoppers. 


1.1 


BIKDS   OF   ONTARIO. 


41 


(•)  (342)  Swainson's  Hawk. 
(Buteo  swainsoni.) 
A  rare  visitor  from  the  western  prairies,  where  it  is  abundant. 

(343)  Broad-winged  Hawk. 

(Buteo  platypterus.) 

A  common  summer  resident,  breeds  throughout  its  range.     A  useful" 
species. 


Aiiii'rican  Hi)Ugh-le):tttMl  Hawk. 
Gems  ARCHIBLTEO. 

(347)  American  Rough-legged  Hawk. 

(.Archibuteo  lagopus  sancti-johannis.) 

A  common  visitor  in  spring  and  autumn,  probably  a  summer  resident 
in  the  northern  portion  of  the  Province. 

They  arrive  early  in  April  and  the  bulk  have  departed  by  the  end  of 
November. 

One  of  our  most  beneficial  birds,  its  food  consisting  almost  entirely 
of  mice  and  grasshoppers. 

I  have  found  as  many  as  eight  meadow  mice  in  the  stomach  and 
crop  of  one  of  these  birds. 


42 


CHKCK    LIST    OF    THR 


t.EM  s    .\(JLIL.\. 

(*)  (.UM)  Golden  Eagle. 

(Aquila  chrysai'tos.) 

An  irregular   visitor   to  soiitluTn  Ontario,    probably   resident  in    the 
im>fttled  north  country. 

C.i-Ms    II.\LI/KETUS. 
|;;5.>)  Bald  Eagle. 

(Halia'ctus  Ifu<'ocfphalus  aiascanus.) 
A  resident  specii-s  which  until   a   few  years  ago   regularly  bred   in 
certain  localities  alonj;  the  shores  of  our  lakes,  but  which  has  now  re- 
tired to  the  quiet  of  the  interior  to  raise  its  youny,  xisiting  southern  On- 
liirio  in  winter. 

SinFAMii.v    FALCON'IX/*:.      (Kaicons.) 


Gems   FALCO. 

(35;,)  White  UyrfaUon. 

(Falco  islandus.J 
.\n  accidental  visitor. 

(.VS4)  Gray  Gyrfalcon. 

(Falco  rusticolus.) 
As  rare  as  the  last. 

(356)  Duck  Hav/k. 

(Falco  peregrinus  anatum.) 
A  regular,  ',nil  not  a  common,  autumn  visitor  to  southern  Ontario. 
Rarely  seen  in  spring.     Has  been  found  breeding  in  eastern  Ontario  and 
also  in  Muskoka. 

(357)  P'«e»n  Haw''- 

(Falco  columbarius.) 

Not  often  seen  in  the  spring,  but  common  in  autumn.  I  have  occa- 
sionally seen  it  in  winter.  The  great  majority  go  south  about  the  end  of 
.September. 

It  breeds  in  the  unsettled  districts  of  the  interior  from  Muskoka 
northward. 

(360)  Sparrow  Hawk. 

(Falco  sparverius.) 

A  common  summer  resident,  breeds  throughout  its  range.  Arrives 
early  in  .Vpril,  departs  about  the  end  of  September. 

A  very  useful  bird,  feeding  on  mice  and  insects  chiefly.  Two  or 
three  times  when  I  have  taken  these  Hawks  in  early  summer,  I  have  found 
their  stomachs  filled  with  cutworms  and  at  the  same  time  noticed  that 


HIRDS  OK   ONTARIO 


43 


their  kut  were  coxt-recl  willi  tnud.  Just  how  they  obtain  these  under- 
ground larvae  I  have  not  btin  able  to  ascertain,  but  it  would  seem  that 
they  either  scratch  them  out  or  are  able  in  some  way  to  locate  the  spot 
at  which  they  are  hidden  and  can  then  i  ..pture  them  by  thrusting  their 
(laws  into  the  moist  soil. 

C.KMs   POLVIJORUS. 

(363)  Audubon's  Caracara. 

(Polyborus  chcriway.) 
Mr.  G.  E.  AtKmson  has  recorded  finding  a  dead  specimen  washed  up 
on  the  north  shore  of  Lake  Superior  on  the  i8th  of  Julv,  i8y2. 

.SiniAMiiv    I'.WDlOMV.i;.     (Osi-i'ivs.) 
(ilMs    P.\M)K)\. 

(364)  American  Osprey.     ti<ish  Hawk.) 
(Pandion  haliaetus  carolinensis.) 

A  common  summer  resident,  breeding  in  suitable  places  through  the 
Provmce.  Its  nesting  places  now  are  in  the  unsettled  parts  of  the  in- 
terior, where  the  lakes  arc  still  surrounded  by  trees  suflicientiv  large  to 
meet  the  bird's  requirements. 

Arrives  in  April,  departs  at  the  end  of  September. 

Suborder  STRKJES.     (Owi.s.) 
Family  STRIGID/E.     (The  B.\r.\  Owls.) 
A   small   family  comprising   those   owls  which   nave  long   faces,   the 
facial   disk   being  complete  and   subtriangular.      'Ine   middle   and    inner 
toes  are  about  equal  in  length  and  the  middle  claw  is  pectinate  below. 

Genus   .STRIX. 

(*)  (365)  American  Barn  Owl. 

(Strix  pratincola.) 
A  rare  visitor  from  the  south.      Five  or  six  specimens  of  this  bird 
have  been  met  with  in  southeri    Ontario. 

Family  BUBOXID^:.     (The  Horned  Owls,  etc.) 

Head  very  large,  shortened  lengthwise,  and  greatly  expanded  later- 
ally, the  eyes  directed  forwards  and  partly  surrounded  by  a  more  or  less 
complete  circular  disk  of  radiating  feathers  of  peculiar  texture;  loral 
feathers  antrorse,  long  and  dense;  feathers  on  the  sides  of  forehead 
often  elongated  into  earlike  tufts.  Plumage  very  soft  and  lax,  rendering 
the  flight  almost  noiseless ;  its  colours  blended  and  mottled  so  as  to  baffle 
description.      External    ear  \ery   large,   offen  provided   with   .1    movable 


\\W 


44 


CHECK   LIST   OF   THK 


flap.  Outer  toe  reversible;  claws  very  sharp,  long,  and  strong;  inner 
toe  shorter  than  middle;  middle  claw  not  pectinate.  All  our  species  are 
nocturnal  except  Nyctea  and  Surnia. 

Genus  ASIO. 

(.V>6)  American  Long-eired  Owl. 

(Asio  wilsonianus.) 

A  fairly  common  summer  resident,  breeding  throughout  its  range 
in  the  Province,  wherever  there  are  woods.  More  frequently  seen  in  the 
autumn  than  at  any  other  season. 

Feeds  almost  entirely  upon  meadow  mice  and  large  insects.  I  have 
examined  a  great  many  of  these  birds  and  so  far  hr..e  never  found  any- 
thing else  in  their  stomachs;  never  even  the  trace  of  a  feather. 


Short -eared  Owl. 

(3^)7)  Short-eared  Owl.    (Marsh  Owl.) 
(.Asio  nccipitrinus.) 

This  Owl  is  sometimes  very  common  in  the  autumn,  about  the  low 
meadows  and  marshes.  In  such  places  I  have  found  them  also  during 
the  winter  at  times.  Its  movements  seem  to  depend  altogether  upon  the 
food  supply.  When  meadow  mice  are  abundant  and  available  the  owls 
will  remain  and  feed  upon  them,  but  If  the  snow  becomes  deep  so  that 


BIllDH   OF   ONTARIO. 


4.*) 


le 


the  mice  are  entirely  protected  by  it,  then  the  owls  go  south.  1  liis  bird 
is  peculiarly  adapted  to  act  as  a  check  upon  the  undue  increase  of  lield 
mice.  It  lives  and  breeds  entirely  in  the  places  most  lret|iiented  by 
them,  and  so  long  as  these  destructive  creatures  can  be  obtained,  the 
Owl  will  feed  upon  them ;  apparently  preferring  them  to  any  other  food. 
When  the  supply  of  mice  fails,  however,  these  Owls  will  feed  upon  such 
.small  birds  as  may  be  found  in  their  h.iunts,  and  will  at  times  kill  more 
than  they  can  devour. 

Dr.  C.  K.  Clarke  informs  me  that  it  has  been  found  nesting  in  the 
marsh  near  Kingston,  and  as  I  have  seen  it  during  the  summer  months 
in  other  marshes,  no  doubt  it  breeds  sparingly  in  southern  Ontario  and 
more  abundantly  in  suitable  places  in  the  northern  part  of  the  Province. 

If  these  Owls  were  less  persecuted  than  they  arc,  they  would  cer- 
tainly breed  here  whenever  their  favourite  food  was  abundant,  as  they  do 
in  Great  Britain,  and  we  should  then  hear  less  about  the  damage  done  to 
grain  and  fruit  trees  by  meadow  mice. 

CiE.NLS    SYRMU.M. 
(368)  Barred  Owl. 

(Syrnium  varium.) 

This  bird  is  generally  distriouted  through  the  Province,  as  far  north 
as  lake  Superior  and  the  Ottawa  River,  but  is  not  common  anywhere; 
there  are  certain  places  at  which  it  appears  regularly  every  autumn, 
while  in  other  localities  it  is  rarely,  if  ever,  seen.  Nests  have  been  found 
all  through  its  range. 

It  is  not  sufficiently  abundant  to  be  of  importance  from  an  agricultural 
point  of  view.  Those  I  have  taken  here  always  contained  mice,  but  to 
the  south  of  us,  where  the  poultry  are  allowed  to  roost  on  trees,  it  is 
accused  of  killing  half-grown  chickens. 

Genl's  .SCOTIAPTEX. 

(370)  Great  Grey  Owl.     (Cinereus  Owl.) 
(Scotiaptex  nebulosa.) 
An   irregular  winter    visitor,   occasionally   occurring    in    considerable 
numbers  and  a  few  are  found  here  nearly  every  season.      Breeds  in  the 
Arctic  regions. 

Ge.nus  CRVPTOGLAUX. 

(*)  (37O  Richardson's  Owl. 

(Cryptoglaux   tengmalmi   richardsoni.) 
A  winter  visitor  from  the  far  north,  seldom  seen  in  southern  Ontario. 

(372)  Saw-whet  Owl. 

(Cryptoglaux  acadica.) 

Although  this  little  Owl  is  a  resident  of  Ontario,  it  is  peculiar  in 
its  distribution.    It  is  most  frequently  seen  in  winter  and  will  in  some  sea- 


■I  ■  >■ 


■M 


CHK(  K    LIST   OK   THK 


sons  be  quite  comnum  in  a  Uicality  lor  a  lime  and  may  not  again  be  seen 
there  for  several  years.  Like  all  other  birds  of  prey,  it  is  attracted  to 
places  where  food  is  abundant.  It  breeds  sparingly  in  southern  Ontario 
and  probably  commonly  in  the  undisturlxd  woods  ol  the  interior. 

Its  food  consists  almost  cntir»-]y  of  mice;  when  these  are  scarce,  an 
iH-casional  insert  or  small  l)ird  is  taken. 


Scref eh  Owl . 


Genus  MEGASCOPS. 
(373)  Screech  Owl. 

(Megascops  asio.) 

A  common  resident  in  southern  Ontario,  breeding  throughout  its 
range. 

A  particularly  useful  bird  and  one  which,  if  left  unmolested,  will 
become  almost  domesticated.  It  will  take  up  its  abode  in  and  about  the 
barns  and  outbuildings  and  soon  becomes  comparatively  tame.  It  is  the 
most  indefatigable  mouser  we  have,  for  not  only  does  it  kill  mice  to  sup- 
ply its  immedia  wants,  but  also  for  the  pleasure  of  hunting  them.  Be- 
sides this,  it  also  uoes  useful  work  in  keeping  the  common  I1ou>c  Sparrow 
within  proper  limits. 


*  •  '  }i 


lURDS   OK   UMAKIO 


4r 


liKMs  ULIH). 
(375)  <i'««<  Horned  Owl. 

(Hulio  \ir(,'ininnus.) 

A  common  nsitlcnt,  breeding  thr<»iij;Iiout  its  range.  The  strungesi 
and  most  courageous  of  our  birds  of  prey.  Commonly  considered  lo  lie 
injurious  to  the  farmer,  because  it  o«;casionally  l<ills  poultry.  No  doubt 
it  will  do  this  in  winter,  when  its  natural  IVkkI  is  diUicult  to  get ;  but  ilii- 
farmer  who  leaves  his  fowls  to  roost  out  and  unprotected  on  lold  nights 
cannot  find  them  very  profitable  and  certainly  deserves  to  los-  tlitin.  As 
against  this,  should  be  set  jff  the  value  of  the  bird's  services  in  keeiiing 
in  check  the  rats,  mice,  crows  .ind  other  injurious  creatures;  even  skutiks 
often  fall  victims  to  ilie  Horned  Owl's  strength  ,ind  r;ip;icity. 

(.IMS    NVCTKA. 
(.^76)  Snowy  Owl. 

(Nyctea   nyctea.) 
A  winter  visitor,  oc<urriMg  in  varying  numbers  almost  every  season. 
This  is  a  diurnal  species,  hunting  its  prey  much  .ifter  the  fashion  cf 
the  falcons. 

Hreeds  in  the  Arctic  regions. 

tiENLs  SL  R.MA. 

(377)  Hawk  Owl.     (American  Hawk  Owl.) 
(Siirnia   ulula  caparrch.) 

A  regular  winter  visitor  in  northern  Ontario,  noi  oliei  seen  in  the 
southern  portions  of  the  Province. 

It  is  diurnal,  and  when  hunting  .ndopts  much  the  same  methods  as 
our  Sparrow  Hawk.  In  northern  Manitoba,  where  it  is  rather  common 
in  winter,  I  frequently  saw  it  hovering  over  the  snow-covered  plains  jiivi 
as  our  little  Hawk  does  over  the  fields  in  summer. 

Breeds  in  the  far  north. 

Order  COCCYGES.     (Cuckoos  and   Kingfishers.) 

This  order  is  not  very  largely  represented  in  Canada.  The  ramilies 
comprised  in  it  have  but  little  in  common  so  far  as  outw.ird  appearance 
IS  concerned,  but  the  characteristics  of  e.ich  are  well  marked. 

Suborder   CL'CULI.      (Ckkoos.) 
Family   CUCULID.-K.     (Citkoos.) 

Bill  gently  curved,  lengthened,  without  rectal  bristles  or  nasal  tufts. 
Tongue  not  extensible.  Tarsus  long,  nearly  naked.  Toes  not  webbed, 
cleft  to  base;  two  in  front,  two  behind.     Tail  long  in  our  species. 

Arboreal  birds  of  great  economic  value,  feeding  almost  entirely  on 
insects.  They  devour  great  numbers  of  tent  r.itcrpill.irs  aid  the  various 
hairy  larvjr,  which  ;ire  rejected  bv  most  birds. 


It 


w 


{  HKtK    I.IHT   OK   THK 


lis 


SisrAMii     I  (Kt'N'/IN^t.     (Amkkican  Clckoos.) 
«;kms  COCCVZUS. 
(.07)  YcU»w-biUcd  Cn.k 


iv-occy/us 


leg 


ular,    11'     'I 
'  lit  its  range. 

(388)  Black  biUetl  -   -ami. 

(Coccyzus      •yti.'-"!  ':t  \almus.) 


L  iminon,  summi-r  resident:  breeding  througli- 


A  common  s  u  lun  . 
Arrives  aboi      i       > 
lumber. 

Si  I     RKi 


lent,   I)  ccd'ny    thiougiiuut    its    rjnge. 

•Ml  o'     •  le|>arts  jiliout  the  end  of  Sep- 


F>     i.\  Al. 
Head  large;  bil-    ong, 


t  i    \  i;S.       (KlNCKlSHERS.) 

.       ">:I1),K.       (KlNCHSHKRj.J 

■  I.  .md  strong;  gapo  deep,  edge*  n<.t  ser- 
rate. Wings  long;  ail  sliori.  Inr  ms  very  short.  Toes  three  in  frnnt,  one 
behind,  the  outer  and  middle  tiM--  united  half  their  length,  with  a  con- 
tinuous sole  bene.'ith. 

We  have  but  one  species. 

of.nis  ci:ryi,k. 

(JI90)  Belted  Kingfisher. 

(Ceryle  alcyon.) 

A  common  summer  resident,  Iirci-ding   throughout   its  range. 

.Arrives  about  the  beginning  of  .\pril,  departs  early  in  October.  I 
have  several  times  found  these  birds  spendini;  the  winter  on  rapid 
streams  in  southern  Ontario,  and  once  near  Bala  in  Muskoka. 

Order  PIC  I.     (Woodpeckers,  etc.) 

Feet  zygodactyle,  i.e.,  having  the  toes  in  pairs — two  forward  ard 
two  behind  (except  in  Picoides,  in  which  the  hind  toe  is  wanting).  Tail 
feathers  pointed  and  with  strong  shafts ;  used  as  a  prop  to  assist  thi- 
birds  in  supporting  themselves  against  the  trunks  of  trees. 

Family  PICID^E.     (W'oodpeckers.) 

Bill  stout,  usually  straight,  with  the  tip  distinctly  trun<'ate  (exi-cpt 
in  Colaptes),  adapted  for  hammering  or  boring  into  wood.  Tongue  long, 
flattish,  barbed,  capable  of  great  protrusion,  adapted  for  securing  insects 
(except  in  Sphyrapicus.)  Hyoid  process  peculiar,  the  horns  gene.-^lly  vtiy 
long,  curving  up  around  the  skull  behind  and  over  forward  again  to  the 
ear,  or  beyond.     Claws  compressed,  sharp  and  strong. 

.All  are  chiefly  insectivorous,  the  majority  of  them  obtaining  their 
food  by  boring  into  the  trunks  of  trees  and  extracting  the  larvae  which 
feed  upon  the  cambium. 


IIIHDS   OK   ONT.XIUO 


*i 


Ihi'sf  hinls  iiri-  ol  ^ri\H  ei  ononii.  valiii-  to  ihi-  larnuT,  li  uil-Kniwii 
and  fori'Ntcr,  mil  should  be  striillx  prnli'itcd  In  ixirvoiif  li.i\ini{  ili, 
sli|;hrfst  inttTi'st  in  trees. 

•  iFMs    DRVOHAIKS 
(.19.V)  Hairy  Woodpecker. 

( l)r_v<>l)atc>i    villosus.) 
.\  lomnion  n-Nidi-nt,  bn-c-dinK  ihrouuh.nil  ilu-  I'n.Mii.e.      Ilif  xaiUly 
f).    V.   I.'Ui-nnvlao,   is  ll.f  form  .hi.lly  IoiiihI  in  soiillu'  ii  ()nl,.rio. 


Downy  \ViMKl|)fckiT. 
(394)  Downy  Woodpecker. 

(I)ryobatcs  pubcsrcns.) 

A  .omnion   resident,   breeding   ihrouKhou!   th.    |-rovintc.      Our   fona 
Is  chiffly   I),   p,    medianus. 

(iHMs    PICOIDKS. 

(400)  Arctic  Three-toed  Woodpecker. 

(Picoides  an-ticiis.j 

Common  resident   in  the  northern  part  of  the  Province,   rare  winter 
visitor  in  the  southern  part. 

Breeds  in  the  northern  nart  of  its  ranj?;'. 
4  B. 


I 


ftO 


CHKC'K    LIST    OF    TFIK 


(*)  (401)  American  Three-toed  Woodpecker. 

(Picoides  americanus.) 
Resident  in  the  northern  part  of  Ontario,  but  much  less  abundant 
than   the  last.  Occasionally  wanders  into  southern   Ontario  during  the 
winter. 

Genus  SPHYRAPICUS. 

(402)  Yellow-bellied  Woodpecker.     (Sapsucker.) 
(Sphyrapicus  varius.) 

A  common  summer  resident,  breeding  throughout  its  range  in  ihi- 
Province. 

Arrives  about  the  middle  of  April,  departs  about  the  middle  of  Sep- 
tember. 

It  is  this  species  only  which  bores  holes  in  ihe  bark  of  trees  for  the 
purpose  of  obtaining  the  sap. 


Fileatft]  WiMxlpcckcr. 
I.ENUS  CKOPHLCKUS. 

(405)  Pileated  Woodpecker.     (Cock  ol  the  Woods.) 
(Ccophloeus  pileatus.) 

Resident,  but  restricted  to  that  part  of  the  country  still  covered  with 
heavy  timber.     Breeds  throughout  its  range  in  the  Province. 

Our  form  is  C.   p.  abieticola. 

^n  B. 


BIRDS  OF   ONTARIO. 


51 


(iEM  s   MELANERPES. 

(406)  Red-headed  Woodpecker. 

(Melanerpes  erythrocephalous.) 
A  summer  resident,  still  common,  but  much  less  abundant  than  it 
was  a  few  years  ago.     Breeds  throughout  its  range. 
Arrives  early  in  May,  ueparts  early  in  September. 

Genus  CENTURU.S. 

(•)  (409)  Red'bellied  Woodpecker. 
(Centurus  carolinus.) 

Rare    summer    resident    in    the   south-western   counties:    occurrintr 

Genus  COLAPTES. 

(412)    Flicker.      (Golden-winged   Woodpecker,    High-holer.) 
(Colaptes  auratus.) 
Coriinon  summer  resident.     Breeds  throughout  the  Province 
Arrives  about  the  middle  of  April,  departs  early  in  October 
Our  form  is  C.  a.  I   teus. 
Though   classed   a.r.ongst   the   Woodpeckers,   by  reason    of   ccrt.-.in 

fZr-rK  f  ""'T'-  "  ^°"^  '"^^  wood-pecking  ,l,.,n  any  other  of  its 
family,  .ts  beak  not  bemg  so  well  fitted  1  r  that  operation  as  the  beaks 
of  the  others.  It  is  chiefly  a  ground  feeder,  ants  forming  a  large  portion 
of  IS  food.  For  the  purpo.se  of  enabling  it  to  capture  these  insects  in 
their  underground  burrous,  its  tongue  is  peculiarly  specialized 


Is.) 


Order  MACROCHIRES.     (Goatsuckers.   Swifts  and   Humming   Bird 

aifhT"^"/^"'^  '°r"^  -""^  P'''"'"'-      '^""^'"^  •■'''"■■':  f^ct  small  and  we.,k 
Taled  "  '"    ""••  """  ^'''""^-    '^'''  '""^  ^^'-^  "-""y  «°-ewhat  cle: 


Famiiv  CAPRIML'LGID.41. 

.Mouth  highly  .specialized,  the  gape  enormously  wide,  beak  short      In 
Antrostomus     the    rectal    bristles  are    long    and    coars;,    very   distinct 
Plumage  soft  in  texture,  much  marbled  and  mottled  with  black    brown 
grey  and  yellowish  white,  the  combination  forming  a  splendid  exnmp"'. 
of  pro  ec  ive  coloration.     The  middle  claw  pectinate      Largelv  n<'  tuS 
Entirely  insectivorous,  obtaining  their  food  while  on  th^S. 


62 


CHKCK    LIST    OV   THK 


(Jenus  ANTROSTOML'S. 

(417)  Whip-poor-will. 

(Antrostomus  vociferus.) 

A  common  ri'sidt-nt  in  the  woods.      Breeds  throughout  its  range  in 
the  Province. 

.Arrives  early  in  May,   departs  early  in   October. 


l\   ! 


Whip-po«ir-will. 

Genus  CHORUEILES. 

(420)  Nijtat  Hawk. 

(ChordeiJes  virginianus.) 
An  abundant  summer  resident.     Breeds  throughout  its  range  in  the 
Province. 

.Arrives  about  the  middle  of  May,  departs  early  in  September. 

SuBORDHR  CYPSELI.     (Swifts.) 

Famii-y   MICROPODIOi*:.     i-jwifts.) 

SiTBFAMii.Y  CH/ETURINi^.     (Spine-tailed  Swifts.) 

Bill  weak  and  small,  gape  large,  deeply  cleft.  AVings  very  long, 
thin  and  pointed ;  secondaries  very  short.  Feet  small,  weak,  toes  com- 
pletely cleft ;  middle  claw  not  pectinate ;  no  rectal  bristles.  In  our  species 
tail  rounded,  its  feathers  with  the  shaft  spinous,  projecting  beyond  the 
plumage;  the  salivary  glands  are  highly  developed  and  their  .secretion 
is  u.sed  as  a  glue  in  the  construction  of  the  nest. 


BIRDS   OK   ONTARIO. 


53 


Genus  CH/HTL'RA. 
(4^3)  Chimney  Swift.     (Chimney  Swallow.) 
(Chsetura  pelagica.) 
An  abundant  summer  resident.     Breeds  throughout  its  range  in  the 
Province.      Formerly   nested   in   hollow   trees,    but  has  ab.-.ndonid  them 
and  now  takes  up  its  residence  in  chimneys  and  barns, 
t      ^rrives  early  in  May,  departs  at  the  end  of  August  or  early  in  Sep- 
*""     "■•  Si'BORDER  TROCHILI.     (HiMMiNc  Birds.) 

Family  TROCHILI D^.     (Mlmmino  Birds.) 
Bill  long,   pointed,   awl-shaped.      Tongue  capable  of   great   protru- 
sion      Wings   long  and   pointed;    secondaries  short.      Feet  very   small 
with  long,  sharp  claws.     Smallest  of  all  our  birds.     Feeds  largely  upon 
small   insects   and  the   nertar  from    (lowers.      It  usu.-.llv  obtains  its   food 
while  hovering  about  the  blossoms  ol   plants. 


Ruby-thmated  iluniming  Bird. 
Genus  TROCHILUS. 
(4^8)  Ruby'throated  Humming  Bird. 

(Trochilus  colubris.) 
A  common   summer  resident.      Breeds  throughout  its  range   in  the 
Province.     Arrives  about  the  middTe  of  May,  departs  about  the  middle 
of  September. 


iiji 


H 

64  CHFX'K   LIST   OF   THE 


Order  PASSERES.    (Perching  Birds.) 

I'oeb  always  four ;  feet  fitted  for  perching ;  the  hind  toe  always  on  a 
level  with  the  rest;  its  claw  at  least  as  long;  as  that  of  the  middle  toe; 
none  of  the  toes  versatile  and  none  webbed ;  wing  coverts  few,  chiefly 
in  two  series. 

Suborder  CL.VMATORES.     (Songi  ess   Perching   Biros.) 
Family  TYRANNID./t.     (Tyrant  Flycatchers.) 

Bill  typically  broad,  triangular,  depressed,  abruptly  hooked  and 
notched  at  tip,  with  long  rectal  bristles ;  commissure  nearly  straight ; 
nostrils  small,  usually  partly  concealed.  Tarsus  with  its  back  and  sides 
as  well  as  the  front  covered  with  scutella,  so  that  there  is  no  undivided 
ridge  behind,  as  in  most  other  Passeres. 

All  our  species  are  insectivorous,  capturing  their  food  by  darting 
upon  it  from  some  elevated  perch.  The  whole  family  are  decidedly  bene- 
ficial to  agriculture.  Sone  of  them  have  very  pleasant  notes,  but  none 
of  them  are  songsters. 

Genus  TYRANNUS. 

(444)  Kingbird. 

(Tyrannus  tyrannus.) 

An  abundant  summer  resident;  breeds  throughout  its  range  in  the 
Province. 

Arrives  about  the  tenth  of  May,  departs  about  the  end  of  August. 

Genus  MYIARCHUS. 

(452)  Crested  Flycatcher. 

(Myiarchus  crinitus.) 
Common  summer  resident,  breeding  in  woods  and  orchards  through- 
out its  range  in  the  Province. 

Arrives  about  the  middle  of  May,  departs  about  the  end  of  August. 

Genus  SAYORNIS. 

(456)  Phcebe. 

(Sayornis  phoebe.) 

An  abundant  summer  resident,  breeding  about  farm  buildings  and 
bridges  throughout  its  range  in  the  Province. 

Arrives  early  in  April,  departs  early  in  October. 

A  most  useful  bird  and  one  that  will  return  year  after  year  to  its 
nesting  place  on  the  farm,  if  not  molested. 


BIKDS   OK    ONTAKIO. 


(iEMs   XL  nAI.LORMS. 

(459)  Olive-sided  Flycatcher. 

(N'uttallornis  borealis.) 

A  regular  but  uncommon  visilor  to  soutlitrn  Ontario.  1  have  found 
one  or  two  tacli  sprin-  for  several  years,  hut  have  not  seen  it  at  anv 
other  season.  It  is  said  to  be  common  and  breed  in  the  Muskoka  and 
Parry  Sound  Districts. 

(iFMs  CO.NTOI'LS. 
(461)  Wood  Pewee. 

(Contopus  virens.J 

Common  summer  resident,  breeding  in  woods  throughout  its  ranire 
in  the  Provmce.  *" 

Arrives  about  the  middle  of  .May.  departs  about  the  middle  of  Sep- 
tember.  ' 

Cexls  EMPIDoNAX. 

(463)  Yellow-bellied  Flycatcher. 

(Empidonax   flaviventris.) 

n<.v.r\  ?""![  ""common   visitor.    I    have   seen  a  few  each   spring,    but 
never  later  than  June.  '^     ° 

It  breeds  regularly  in  the  wooded  parts  of  the  interior. 

(460J  Traill's  Flycatcher. 

(Empidonax  trailli.j 

t.K  y*!f  k'"''''"  ^°™'  '■■•  '■  '''"O"-'™.  is  a  regular  visitor,  generally  di.- 

V  n."w, '«.''■"■«  °T°"-     u'  ''■'^"•="''  '«^  grounds  where  alders  and 
willows  flourish.     Breeds  in  the  interior. 

(■\f>7)  Least  Flycatcher. 

(Empidonax   minimus. 

Com^mon  sunmur  resident,  breeding  in  orchards,  shrubberies  md 
woodlands  throughout  its  range  in   the  Province  "ruDDcrKs    ,,nd 

Arrives  about  the  middle  of  .May,  departs  at  the  end  of  Augusi. 

Suborder   O.SCIXES.     (.Song    Hikus.) 

E.AMM.v  ALAl'DIIXE.     (The  Larks.) 

Tarsus  obtuse  and  scutellatc  behind  as  well  .-,s  in  front  mil  shor,  • 
nostrils  concealed  by  tufts  of  ..ntrorse  feathers;  hind  claw  very  on'..i 
nearly  straight;   inner  secondaries  lengthened  and  flowing,     (hi     sn..;ies 

nm^r  :.d'  '"^  "'  """'"""'"  •"•■'^•^-  ^^-""-^  --  -''•'  '-  -"  t?e  t  i 


M 


CHKCK    LIST    OK    THIv 


I     '.     il 


Gems   DTOCORIS. 
(•)  (474)  Horned  Lark.     (Shore  Lark.) 
(UtcK-oris  alpestris.) 
This  form  of  the  Shore  Lark  is  a  winter  visitor  and  is  rarely  seen 
now. 

Twenty-five  years  ago  it  was  common  here  in  severe  weather,  fre- 
quently with  the  Snow  Buntings.  I  have  never  found  it  breeding  in  the 
Province.     Its  summer  home  is  in  the  far  north. 

(474b)  Prairie  Homed  Lark. 

(Otocoris  alpestris  praticola.) 

This  sub-species  is  now  a  common  summer  resident,  breeding  in 
open  fields  wherever  it  occurs  in  the  Province. 

It  appears  to  have  extended  its  range  from  the  prairies  as  the  timber 
has  been  cleared  off  and  the  land  brought  under  cultivation. 

.Arrives  about  the  tenth  of  February,  departs  late  in  Xovemlxr.  In 
the  south-we.stern  counties  it  is  resident,  large  numbers  remaining  there 
.ill  through  the  winter. 

K.\.MiLv  CORVID/K.  (The  Crows  and  Jays.) 
Bill  long  and  strong,  usually  notched,  its  commissure  not  angul.iiod ; 
nostrils  usually  concealed  by  tufts  of  bristly  feathers,  which  are  brani  hed 
to  their  tips.  Tarsus  sharp  behind,  its  sides  undivided  and  separated 
from  the  scutella  in  front  by  a  groove,  which  is  either  naked  or  tilled  in 
with  small  scales.     Voice  usually  harsh  and  unmusical. 

Genus   CVANOCTTTA. 
(477)  Blue  Jay. 

(Cyanocitta  cristata.) 
A  common  resident,   breeding  throughout  its  range  in  the   Province. 

Gems  PERISOREUS. 
(4K4)  Caaada  Jay. 

(Perisoreus  canadensis.) 
A  common  resident   in  the  northern  part  of  the   Province.      Breeds 
in  the  northern  part  of  its  range. 

Si  HFAMii.v   COR\l\.fK.      (Crows.) 

(Jems  CORVUS. 
(486a)  Northern  Raven. 

(Corvjjs  corax  principalis.) 
Tolerably  common  in  the  interior  of  the  Province.   Probably  breeds 
in  the  remote  forests  towards  James  Bay. 

(488)  Common  Crow. 

(Corvus  brachyrhynchos.) 
Abundant    resident    in   southern    Ontario,   summer    resident    in    th'> 
northerly  portions  of  the  Province.     Breeds  throughout  its  range. 


BIRDS   OK   OXTAKIO 


57 


1'amii.v   ICTKRID.i:.     (Thk   Amkkhxn  Okk.i.ks   and  BiAtKHiKus.) 

Bill  with  the  commissure  angulated,  usually  lengthened,  rarely 
shorter  than  head,  straight  or  gently  curved,  without  notch  or  rictal 
bristles;  lulmen  usual'y  extending  up„n  the  forehead,  dividing  the  frontal 
leathers.  Legs  stout,  adapted  for  walking  in  all  our  species,  ex.  ept 
those  m   Icterus.  ' 

Doliconyx  and  Moloihrus  are  somewhat  Finch-like,  having  the  hill 
shorter   than    head. 

Okms    DOLICHONV.X. 
(494)  Bobolink. 

(Dolichonyx    oryzivorous.) 
Abundant   summer  resident.      Breeds  in  the   hay   meadows   through- 
out Its  range,  which  .Iocs  not  extend  north  of  the  cultivated  country 
Arrives  about  the  tenth  of  May,  dep.-.rts  about  the  end  of  August 


('i)wbiril. 
CiENLs  MOLOTHRLS. 


(495)  Cowblrd. 

(.Molothrus  ater.) 

.„  M^K'''^""''n"'  "TT'  "'^'"^^"^'  deposits  its  eggs  in  the  nests  of  other 
.small   birds.      Breeds  throughout   its  range. 


w 


M 


MIKCK    1,181    OK    TIIK 


I 


11' 


Arrives  alx)ut  ihc  firsi  of  April  and  departs  early  in  October. 
This  is  the  most  injurious  bird  we  ha\e,  as  each  egg  deposited  by  it 
means  the  destruction  of  a  whole  brood  of  one  of  our  beneficial  species. 

Genus  XANTHOCHI'HALUS. 

(497)  Yellow-headed  Blackbird. 

(Xanthoccphalus  xanthoccphalus.) 
A  very  rare  summer  visitor  from  the  western  prairies. 

Genus   AGELAIUS. 

(498)  Red- winged  Blackbird. 

(Agel.tius  phoeniceus.) 

A  very  abundant  summer  resident,  breeding  in  marshes  or  clover 
fields  throughout  its  range. 

Arrives  about  the  middle  of  March,  departs  about  the  middle  of 
( ktobcr. 


M 


Meailowlurk. 

Gums   STLKNELL.V 
(501)  Meadowlark. 

(Sturnella  magna.) 

A  common  summer  resident  in  southern  Ontario,  gradually  extend- 
ing its  range  northward  as  the  land  is  cleared. 

Breeds  on  the  ground  in   meadows  throughout  its  range. 

Arrives  towards  the  end  of  March,  departs  late  in  October  or  ry 
in  \ovember. 


'if 


BIRDS  OF   ONTARIO 


nrr«ii"„'""f''  ''•?'*""■- ,/''«-*=*'^. ''i'"'!-  -^ti.y  Very  latt-.  ;,nd    1   have-  „n   Mvxral 
occa^ons  found  small  partus  of  then,  spending  il,,-  winter  here 

Cenls  ILTHRUS. 
CJ  {500)  Orchard  Oriole. 
{Icterus  spurius.) 

rn.,nti  Tf "'"''.•  """'  "°' .'^^°'"'"""-  sununcr  resident   in  il,e  south-western 
count.es,  breeding  ,n  orchards  and  shrubberies.     I  found  it  every  season  in 

;i:;l"ToToita  '  ''""^"  """'  °^  '"'^  ^''^^^  «  ^^-  P"'-  '■••-  -?''5 TrJd 

(507)  Baltimore  Oriole. 

(Icterus  galbula.) 

ProvL^c"'""'*'"  """'"^''  '■^'''^'"''  ''"■•■■'""S  throughout   its  range  in   the 
Arrives  early  in  .May,  departs  about  the  end  of  August. 

Genus   EUPHAGUS. 
(509)  Rusty  Blackbird. 

(Euphagus  carolinus.) 

Probably  breeds  in  the  northern  part  ,.f  the  Province. 

Genus  QUISCALUS. 
(52  lb)  Bronzed  Crackle. 

(Qui>calus  quiscula  a;neus.) 

.ange^n"t^Pro^ce:"  ""''^"''    '''''''''"''   "'  -'«"-   ^''-"^'"out   its 
Arnv..s  about  the  middle  of  March,  departs  early  in  October. 

I-.M.Lv  FRINT.ILLin.4^.     (F.xc.Es.  Sp.kkows,  etc.) 

Bill  rone  shaped ;  the  commi<;sure  angulated      NostriU  h:„. 
posed,   or,   in  some  northern  sperics     mrMv  r-r,?'      v"^'*"''  "^'gh  "P-  p>:- 

.du„.  None  „,  ,H,™.  „„4v.„  ^T "•  i^.'-i^ri;;  Z-^T:^ ,:'z 


•H) 


CHKIK    1,181"   OK   THK 


'i    I 


;)  ' 


3 1" 


If 


k 


ll 


tiiined,  iin<l  tlio  youn^  while  in  the  nest  are  fed  entirely  upon  insects  which 
ar»carried  to  them  by  their  parents.  If  there  is  any  exception  to  this  rule 
it  will  be  in  the  genera  .\stru(;iilinus  and  Spinus. 

Oenis  HKSI'KRIl'HONA. 

(514)  Evtning  Grosbeak. 

( Hesperipbuna  vespertina.) 
An  accidental  visitor  from  the  west,  sometimes  occurring;  in  winter. 

Gems  IMMCOLA. 

(515)  Piac  GrosNak. 

(Pinicola  enurleator  leucura.J 
An   irregular  winter   visitor  to   southern   Ontario;    in    some  seasons 
quite  common,  in  others  entirely  absent. 

Probably  breeds  in  the  extreme  north  of  the  Province. 

(Jeni's   CARPODACUS. 

(517)  Purple  Finch. 

(Carpodacus  purpureus.} 
Common   resident ;   breeds   throughout    its    range    in    the    Province. 
Most   frequently   noticed   in  early  spring  when   the   flocks   move   out   of 
their  winter  quarters  and  visit  the  budding  hardwood   trees. 

Genus  PASSER. 

House  Sparrow. 

(Passer  domesticus.) 

An  importation  from  Europe,  now  an  abundant  resident,  breeding 
wherever  it  occurs. 

r.ENUs  LOXIA. 
(531)  American  Crossbill. 

(Loxia  curvirostra  minor.) 

A  regular  and  sometimes  an  abundant  winter  visitor. 

As  I  have  found  representatives  of  this  species  in  southern  Ontario 
n  nearly  every  month  of  the  year,  I  think  they  breed  throughout  the 
Province,  wherever  there  are  pine  forests  still  standing. 

(522;  White-winged  Crossbill. 

(Loxia  leucoptera.) 
An  irregular  winter  visitor  to  southern  Ontario,  never  abundant. 
Of  regular  occurrence  in  the  nothern  part  of  the  Province,  where  it 
is  said  to  be  resident. 


HIHDS   l)V   OXTAKIO 


«l 


•  iKMS  ACAN THIS. 

(*l  (SJ7)  Greenland  Redpoll. 

|.\c:inthi>>  hornem.-innii.) 

I'mbably  ot.urs  iiv,  .1  wiiilcr  Nixilor,  Imi    I   have  no  rci  ord  of  it  ollui 
than  ih.it  ^ixtn  In   Mr.  Mi  Ilwraith. 

(•)  (5^7.1)  Hoiry  Redpoll. 

(Afar   ,)is  horncrnannii  fxilipt-s.) 
A   som  what  irn-niilar  winlir   \isilor,  (K<urrin({  in   varying  niinibirK 
at  any  time  bt-twet-n  Sq>toinl)ir  antl  .May. 

(Si»)  Common  Redpoll. 

(Acanthis  linaria.) 
tifnt-rally  cjimmon  in  winlur,   but  somctimis  tntirtly   absent. 
Hreeds  in   the  far  11.  rlh;  toniinonly   near    Hudson's  Hav. 

(*)  (5iHa)  HolbfEllg  Redpoll. 

(.Aranthis  linaria  holb<»'li.) 
(Xeurs  in  winter  .sparinj{ly  with  the  other  Redpolls. 

(*)  (s.'Kb)  Greater  Redpoll. 

(.\ianthi.s  linaria  rostrata.J 
Oecurs   in  winter   sparinjjly  with   the  other   Kedpoll.s. 

Cems  ASTK.UIALINUS. 

(529)  Amo^kan  Gold8nch. 

(.As!    igalinus  tristis.J 
A  common  resident  in  southern  Ontario,  more  abundant  in  summer 
than  in   winter,   a  large   number   gomg  south   at   the   approach  of  cold 
weather. 

(iEMs  SPIN  US. 

(533)  Pine  Siskin.     {Pine  Finch.) 

(Spinus  pinus.) 

A  regijlar  and  sometimes  an  abundant  winter  visitor,  which  s«>me- 
times  remains  during  the  summer  and  breeds  here.  N'ests  have  been  found 
in  many  localities. 

CJenis  PASSERINA. 

(534)  Snow  Bunting.     (Snowbird.) 

(Pa.s.serina  nivati.s.) 

A  common  winter  visitor.  .Arrive.s  about  the  end  of  October,  departs 
about  the  middle  of  March. 

Breeds  in  the  .Arctic  regions. 


CHIXIC    LlBl    or   THK 


Genus  CALCARIUS. 
iSMi)  Losgtpiir. 

(Calcarius  iapponicus.) 

An  irregular  winter  visitor  most  frequently  found  in  late  nutuinn  and 
early  spring. 

Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions. 

Genis  POCECETES. 

(540)  Vupcr  SpUTOW.     (Bay wing.] 
(Pooecetes  gramineus.) 

An  abundant  summer  resident.     Breeds  throughout  its  range  in  the 
Province. 

Arrives  about  the  middle  of  April,  departs  early  in  October. 

Genls   PASSERCULUS. 
(542a)  Savanna  Sparrow. 

(Pnsserculus  sandwichensis  savanna.) 
A  common  summer  resident,  breeding  throughout  its  range  in  the 
Province. 

Arrives  about  tho  middle  of  April,  departs  early  in  October. 

Genus  COTURNICULUS. 

(*)  (54^>)  Grasshopper  Sparrow. 

(Coturniculus  suvannarum  passerinus.) 
A  regular,  but  not  a  common  summer  visitor  to  south-western  On- 
tario which  has,  on  two  occasions,  been  taken  as  far  east  as  Toronto. 

Genus  AMMODRAMUS. 
(•)  (547)  Henslow's  Sparrow. 

(.Ammodramus   henslowii.) 
This  bird  has  been  recordtd  by  .Mr.    W.    E.   Saunders  as  a  summer 
resident  of  south-western  Ontario,  and  by  Mr.  Fleming  as  occurring  and 
apparently  brooding  near  Lake  J<-eph,   Muskoka. 

(*)  (548)  Leconte's  Sparrow. 

(Ammodramus   leconteii.) 
An  accidental  visitor  from  the  western  prairies. 
Mr.  J.    II.  An-es  has  a  specimen  which  was  taken  at  ToroiUo. 
(549.1)  Nelson's  Sparrow. 

(Ammodramus  nelsoni.) 

A  regular,  but  not  a  common,  \isitor  in  autumn   to  the  neighbour- 
hood of  Toronto.     Rare  in  spring. 

(*i  (549- 1  a)  Acadian  Sharp-tailed  Finch. 

(.Ammodramus  nelsoni  sul)virgatus.) 
An  .accidental  visitor  to  the  eastern  part  of  the  Province. 


BIRDS  iiV  ONTARIO 


«S 


«iKv»s  eiu>Mn;sii,.s. 
(•)  'S5-»l  tMtk  Sparrow. 

(C'honticsirs   (,'rnn)tnacus.) 
.-«  ,^  '■*«"»ar,  but  m,t  a  common,  summer  roidcil  of  some  localities   in 
M>u,hern  O„tar.o.     I  fin<|  a  frw  pi.irs  near    loronto  every  .,a.^,^ 
Hreipds  whrro  it  occurs. 

Gems  ZONOTRK  HI.\. 
(554)  White-crowned  Sparrow. 

(Zonotricliia   Ivucophrys.) 

A  common  nii«r.int,  .irrivinj;  ;ihoui  ihr  tenth  of  M:,v  and  soon  pass- 
mg  northward,  r.lurninR  towar.ls  Ih.  end  of  Sc-ptemU'r  and  denrirtinu 
southward  late   in   October.  " 

Breeds  in   the  far  north. 


fll 


\Vliite-tliri)ale(|  SparrnH. 

(55*<)  White-throated  Sparrow.     (IVabody.) 
(Zonotrichia  albicollis.) 

Very  abundant  during  the  migrations  and  a  regular,  thouffh  not  .-, 
lommon  summer  resident  in  southern  Ontario,  where  a  few  pairs  always 
remain  to  breed.  '  "'w.iy.s 

Arrives  about  the  end  of   April,  dep.irts  .No.ifhward  e,..lv   in  Ociobcr. 


'■r 


CHKCK    1, 1ST    OK    THK 


i  |i 


iW 


(Iem  s  SPIZHIXA. 
(.s.s<))  Tree  Sparrow. 

(Spizt'll.'i   nionlicolii.) 

A  common  winler  visitor.  Arrixes  i-arlv  in  OcIoImt,  departs  late  in 
April. 

Bri>cds  from  our  norlhi-rn  limit  northwards. 

(5(x))  Chippinj;  Sparrow.  (Ilairliird.) 
(.Spi/tlla  MH-ialis.) 

.An  abiind.int  summt-r  resident.  Kri-cds  Ihroiinlioul  its  range  in  the 
I'rovince. 

.•\rri\is  ahonl  the  middle  of  April,  departs  in  .Septemlwr. 

(*)  (.s<>i)  Clay-coloured  Sparrow. 
(Spi/ella  pallida.) 
One  specimen   recorded  by   Mr.    .Saunders  as  h.iving   been  taken  by 
him  ne;>r  Lond.in.     I   found  it  abundant  on  the  scrubby  prairie  of  .M.ini- 
tob;i,  which  is  its  proper  habitat. 

(5<)3)  Field  Sparrow. 

(.Spi/ella   pusilla.) 

.A  common  summer  resident  in  suitable  pla<  es  in  southern  Ontario. 
Breeds  throughout  its  range. 

.Arrives  aliout  the  middle  of  .\pril,  departs  early  in  Oct«>ber. 

(iEMs  JLNCO. 
(5O7)  Junco. 

(Junco  hyemali.s.) 
A  comm<m  resident.      Breeds  throughout  its  range  in  the   I'rovince, 
but  is  most  abundant  in  the  spring  and  late  autumn  migrations. 

C.Ksvs  NfKLOSIMZA. 
(sKi)  Song  Sparrow. 

(Melospiza  cincrca  melodia.) 

Alt  abundant  summer  resident ;  breeds  throughout  its  range  in  the 
I'rovince. 

.Arrives    .ibout   the   middle   n(    March,    dep.irts   late    in    October. 

.Some  few  .ilways  remain  through  the  winter  in  sheltered  places 
along  our  southern  lM)rder,  but  as  at  that  season  thev  are  very  quiet,  they 
are  not  often  observed. 

(583)  Lincoln'.s  Sparrow. 

(Melospiza  lincolni.) 
.A  regular,  but  never  a  common  visitor ;  perhaps  breeds  here,  but  so 
far   I   have  never  foimo   it  lielween   M.iy  and  .September.      It  frequently 
accompanies   the   White-crowned  Sparrows. 


HIKDS   OF   ONTAUIO. 


(k't 


(584)  Swemp  Sparrow. 

(Melospiza  georgiana.) 

Arrives  about  (he  middle  c.f  April,  departs  early  in  Noven.ber. 

•iENus  FASSERIiLLA. 

(585)  Fox  Sparrow. 

(I'asscrella  ilinca.) 

Ihis  ,s  one  of  the  most  beautilul  songsters  tli.-.t  visit  us. 

(iEM  s    I'lIMI.O. 

(587)  Towtaee. 

(Pipilo  crythropthalmus.J 

one  thwhl^tT  "H^"""""  '■'''''''-""'  '"  •'^''  ''''^'^''  "f  """""^--n  Ontario  and 
Arrives  about  the  end  of  April,  departs  early  in  October. 

(.S93)  Cardinal. 

(Cardinalis  eardinalis.) 

h.,..A  ■"'"'^  ?"""''■'  '■'":'''''"'   "f  "^•^   south-western  counties.     Str-icelers 
have  been  taken  .-.t  various  places  as  far  east  as  Toronto  ''■'^^'^" 

(iENUs   ZAMIiI.ODIA. 

(.S9.s)  Rose.breasted  Grosbeak. 

fZamelodia  ludoviciana.) 

out  it';!:;;ge'ytr^o:;nr^ "'^'"^•" ''-'-''' '- "-  --'^^ '''-"«'^- 

Arnves  about  the  middle  of  Nf.-.y.  departs  towards  the  end  of  AuLn.st 
Th.s  .s  one  of  the  few  bir.ls  that  u  ill  eat  the  Colorado  Potnto-beoti;': 

OEMS  ( "^■A^'o.spIZA. 
(.s<^))  Indigo  Bunting. 

fCyanospiza  cyanoa.) 

Provfn.i""'""  """""■   "■"'^'"'=   ''"''''^''"^  throughout    its   range   in   .he 

Arrives  early  in  .May,  departs  about  the  en.l  of   August 
.5  H  ■ 


m 


CHKCK    LIST    OK    THK 


'  ! 


i 


1^ 


Genus  SPIZA. 
(*)  (fw4)  Dkkcissei. 

{Spiza  amt-ricana.) 
Mr.   Saunders   lias    recorded   the   occurrence   of    tliis   bird     in    south- 
western Ontario  as  a  summer  resident,  and   I   have  heard  of   it  at  other 
points  along  our  southern  boundary. 

Famii  V   r.W  Xr.RII).*:.     (The  Tanaceks.) 

Bill  in  our  species  stout,  lim  h-likc,  considerably  lonjjer  than  broad, 
and  more  or  less  eridently  t{)othed  near  the  middle  of  upper  mandible. 
Tarsus  scutellate;  legs  short,  claws  long.    Colours  brilliant  in  the  males. 

Genls  PIR.ANG.A. 
(«>o8)  Scarlet  Tanajer. 

(Piranga  crythromelas.) 

Tolerably  common  summer  resident ;  breeding  throughout  its  range 
in  the  Province. 

Arrives  early  in  .May ;  departs  towards  the  end  of  .August. 

(•)  (610}  Summer  Tanager. 
(Piranga  rubra.) 
\  '.ery  rare  visitor  to  the  south-western  part  of  the  Province.     Strag- 
glers have  been  taken  at  \arious  places  as  far  east  as  Toronto. 

FA.MI1.V  HIRL'NDINID/E.     (The  Swallows.) 

Bill  short,  broad,  triangular,  depressed,  the  gape  wide  and  ab«)ut 
twice  as  long  as  the  culmen,  reaching  to  about  opposite  the  eves,  similar 
in  its  form  to  that  of  the  Swifts  and  the  Goatsuckers,  with  \vhich  birds, 
however,  the  Swallows  have  no  alFmity.  Rictus  without  bristles;  wings 
very  long  and  pointed,  secondaries  very  short.  Tail  more  or  less  forked. 
Feet  weak;  tarsus  scutellate.  Plumage  compact,  and  more  or  less 
lustrous. 

All  are  'emarkably  strong  on  the  wing,  and  while  with  us  entirely 
insectivorous. 

Tne  economic  importance  of  these  birds  is  very  great ;  without  them 
the  s  nailer  winged  insects  would  multiply  to  such  an  extent  as  to  become 
an  u  ibearable  nuisance  to  men  and  animals  ;  for  it  is,  I  believe,  to  these 
birds  chiefly  that  we  are  indebted  for  our  freedom,  in  the  cleared  and 
cultixated  parts  of  the  country,  from  the  swarms  of  midges,  black  flies, 
and  gnats  of  various  kinds  that  so  abound  in  the  woods. 

The.se  birds  seem  to  have  a  great  predilection  for  the  society  of  men, 
partly  because  the  clearing  he  makes  in  a  forest  country  opens  up  to 
them   the  necessary   space  for  feeding  grounds  and  partiv   because   the 


IHHDS  OF   ONTAKIO. 


<i7 


buiJdin^^s  l,e  em  ts   afford  thorn  cnveniont   nesling-places    of  which   thc 
Mouse  .Sparrow  unlortunatcly  is  dispossessing  them. 

,       ,  „  Oenus  PR(X}\E. 

('I I)  Purple  Martin. 

(Progne  subis.) 

ProvL""""'""  ^"'""'"'  ■■'''''*'"'•  '"■'•'•'"'^'^  througl.nut   its  rnngc   in   the 
Arriv..,  ntH>ut  the  fifteenth  of  April.  ,|..p.,rts  earlv  in  Sepfml^er 
This  IS  one  ..f  the  birds  which   appears  to  I,e   rapidly  decreSe  in 

iTsmTed.    "•■'""  ■'"'  '"'■"•'"^''^^  "'^^''"^■■'"'  ■■'"'J  -  N' -itobr."  thTland 

OEM  s    I'KTKOCHKI.IIJON. 
(«.i-)  CHff  Swallow. 

(Pctroi-hrlidon   hinifrons.) 

abundmr'^!''"'  '"'""'^•''  ^'■'^'''^"' •  ■•^°'"«"h--'f  irregularly  distributed,  being 
abund.inl   at   some  points  .md  absent  from  otlv-rs  -     ^"S» 

rangm;e'".;oSr    ""'"   '''    "■''''  "'    ^='"'^'   ^'^-    "-"«»'-'    ^ 
Arrives  early  in  Nfay.  departs  in  August. 

<iKMs    HIRLMK). 
(613)  Barn  Swallow. 

(Hlrundo  erythrogastcr.) 
A    common    summer    resident,   breedinu     in    l.inw    ..„.i         .u 
throughout  its  range  in  the  Province.  ^  ""''    ""'^ou.ses 

Arrives  alx3ut  the  end  of  .\pril,  departs  early  in  September. 

OEMS    IRIDOPROCNE. 

(<'i4)  White-breasted  Swallow.     (IVee  Swallow.) 
(Iridoprocnt   bicolor.) 

A  common  summer  resident,   bre.di.ig  in  |,„les  in  the  side  of  buil.l 
mgs    nest  boxes,  etc.,  throughout  its  rangL^  in  the  Province 

Arrives  quite  ear.y  in  April,  departs  about   the  end  of  September. 

OEMS  RIPARIA. 
((n(^)  Bank  Swallow.     (Sand  .Martin.) 
(Riparia  riparia.) 

An  abund.-.nt  summer  resident,  breeding  in  colonies  in  holes  in  s  md- 
banks,  throughout  its  range  in  the  Province 

September"  """"^  '"'  ''*^'""'"^  "'   ''"'•   ^^P='^'^   """"'  '^e  middle  of 


m 


CUKCK   U8T   OF   THE 


CiENUs  STELGIDOPTERYX. 

(•)  (017)  Rough-winged  Swallow. 
(Stelguiopteryx  surripennis.) 

A  rare  summer  rcsidtnt  of  our  southern  Ixjrder,  where  it  has  Ijeen 
found  as  tar  east  as  'loronto. 

Family  AMI'ELIIM;.     (The   »vax\vim;s.) 

iJill  stout,  triangular,  depressed,  decidedly  notched  and  hooked,  with 
the  fjapc  very  wide,  larsus  short,  with  the  lateral  plates  more  or  less 
subdivided. 

Our  species  are  both  crested  birds  with  soft  plumage  of  a  beautiful 
cinnamon  drab  colour;  sometimes  the  ends  of  the  secondaries  and  of  the 
tail  feathers  also,  are  tipped  with  horny  ;ippendages,  looking  like  red 
sealing  wax.     These  appendages  are  no  indication  of  age  or  six. 

They  feed  on  insects  and  soft  fruits. 

Subfamily  AMPHELIN^i.     (Waxwivcs.  « 


ir 


i        Hi  - 


Genus  AMPELIS. 

(618)  Bohemian  Waxwing. 

(Ampelis   garrulus.) 

An  irregular  winter  visitor,  never  abundant.  Breeds  in  the  north- 
west. 

1^)19)  Cedar  Waxwing.     (Cherry  Bird.) 
(Ampelis  cedrorum.) 

A  resident  species,  common  and  generally  distributed  in  summer : 
irregular  in  winter,  its  movements  at  that  season  probably  depending 
upon  the  food  supply.  '  ° 

Breeds  throughout  its  range  in  the  Province. 

Family  LANIID/B.     (The  Shrikes.) 

Bill  hawklike,  very  strong,  the  upper  mandible  toothed  and  abruptly 
hooked  at  the  tip;  both    mandibles   distinctly   notched.      Wings    short 
rounded.     Tail  long.     Tarsus  scutellate  on  the  outside  as  well  as  in  front' 

Their  habits  corresponding  with  the  form  of  the  bill,  are  similar  to 
those  of  birds  of  prey.  They  have  a  remarkable  habit  of  impaling  small 
animals  on  thorns  and  leaving  them  there. 


BIUDS   OF   ONTAHJO 


.^      ,  „      ^  <ii:Ms  I.WIl  S. 

(^'2 1)  NortWrn  Shrike. 

(LaniuR  l)oreaIi>.) 

A  rej-ular  but  not  ahun.L.nt.  winter  visitor.  The  bulk  of  then,  br«,l 
in  the  north,  bin  tu-sts  h;nv  been  found  at  various  pla.vs  i„  south.rn 
Ontario. 

.Arrives   in   Oitobir,  <linarts  in    \pril. 


Mii.'i:iiit  Sliiiki' 

(6326)  Migrant  Shrilie. 

(Laniu.s  hidovicianus  migrans.) 

A   rejjular  but   not   abundant    summer  resident.      Breeds   throuRhout 
Its  range  in  the  Province. 

Arrives  early  in   April,  departs  about  the  end  of  August. 

Family   VIRIX)\ID.1-;.      (Xikios.j 

»'"  ^^h'Tler  than  head,  stout,  eoinpres.sed.  decidedly  notched  and 
hooked  Rictus  with  bristles.  Nostrils  exposed,  overhung  by  a  scale, 
reached  by  the  bristly  frontal  feathers.  Tarsus  .scutellate ;  toes  joined 
at  base  for  the  wliole  length  of  bas.-.l  joint  of  middle  one.  which  is  united 
with  th.;  bas;.l  joint  of  the  inner  and  the  two  basal  joints  ol  the  outer 
\\\  are  insectivorous. 

Genus   V'IREO. 
(624)  Red-eyed  Vireo. 

(Vireo  olivaceus.) 

A  common  summer  resident  in  woods  and  orchards.     Breeds  throueh- 
out  Its  range  in  the  Province. 

Arrives  early  in  May  ;  departs  towards  the  end  of  September. 


•i 


'"  CHKCK    LIST    OK    THK 

((uh)  Philadelphia  Vireo. 

(\'iioo  philudclphicus.t 

Tolerably  common  summer  resident ;  breeds  throughout  its  ranee  in 
the  Province. 

Arrives  about  the  middle  of  May,  departs  at  the  end  of  September. 

(627)  Warbling  Vireo. 

(Vireo  gilvus.) 

Common  summer  resident ;  breeds  throughout  its  range  in  the  Pro- 
vince. 

Arrives  .-.bout  the  middle  of  Mav ;  departs  in  September. 
This  spec.es   seems   to  prefer   shrubberies   and   shade   trees  in  citv 
streets  to  the  seclusion  of  the  woods. 

(f^2H)  Yellow-throated  Vireo. 

(\irco  tlavifrons.) 
An  un.ommon  summer  visitor  which  probablv  breeds  with  us,  though 
I  have  no  actual  record  of  the  discovery  of  its  nest  here. 

Arrives  :i!>out  the  beginning  of  May,  departs  early  in  September. 

((•J9)  Blue-headed  Vireo.    (Solitary  Vireo.) 
(Vireo  solitarius.) 

.A  regular  migrant  in  spring  and  autumn.  Probablv  breeds  in  the 
mterior. 

Arrives  eaily  in  May,  departs  at  the  end  of  September. 

(•)  (63  0  White-eyed  Vireo. 
(Vireo  noveboracensis.) 

Mr.  W.  L.  Kells  has  recorded  the  capture  of  one  specimen  near 
Listowel,  m  the  middle  of  October,  1890,  and  Mr.  Hobson  has  taken  an- 
other near  Woodstock.      I  have  heard  of  no  others. 

Family  MMOTILTID/E.     (Wood  Warblers.) 

Bill  usually  rather  slender,  notched  or  not;  the  commissure  not  angu- 
lated  at  base  as  in  I>"ringillida>,  nor  toothed  in  the  middle;  the  end  not 
notched  and  abruptly  hooked,  as  in  Vireonida>;  the  gape  not  broad 
and  reaching  to  the  eyes,  as  in  Hirundinida\  The  Warblers  are  all  small 
birds,  usually  of  brilliant  colouration,  but  the  sexes  are  unlike  and  the 
variations  due  to  age  and  season  are  great,  so  that  the  identification  of 
immature  birds  is  sometimes  troublesome. 

All  are  insectivorous  and  of  great  value  to  the  horticulturist,  as  they 
glean  their  insect  food  chiefly  from  the  foliage  and  twigs  of  trees. 


miir)S   OK   ONTARIO, 


(Jhms  MMOTILTA. 

(o.Vl  Black  and  White  Warbler. 

(Mniotilta  varia.} 

A   very  luiniiion  Miniiifr  n.-.sid.'nt,  l)ri-t(liti«   llinnitlioiil   its  ranuf  in 
the  I'rnvince. 

Arriv.-s  about   tlio   l.rst  of  May,  diparts  uarly   in  Soptt-niber. 

•iiM  s  I'KOTON'orARIA. 

(')  (".\7)  t'rothonotary  Warbler. 
(I'rutonotaria    citrea.J 
Mr.  .Mcllwraith  has  morelfd  the  laptiiro  of  one  >ipciimen  mar  Ham- 
ilton in  .May,    iHHH,  which  is  all   I  have  heard  of. 

(JiMs  IIKI.MINTHOI'HILA. 

(*j  ('>4-')  Golden-wiiifjed  Warbler. 

(Helminthophila   chry ^optira.) 
A   r.iro  siimnuT  xisiior  nccirdod  from   several  plaics  in   the  southern 
and  w,  stern  .ounties  and  Mr.   Kels  reports  ha\  in>{  found  it  breeding  near 
I-istowel. 

t<>45l  Nashville  Warbler. 

(Helminthophila   rubricapilla.) 

A  common   migrant.      Breeds   sparingly   in    southern   Ontario  and   no 
dj)uht  regularly  in  the  interior. 

.Arrives  e.irly   in   .May.   departs  early    in   v,<tober. 

(•)  {()4())  Orange-crowned  Warbler. 
(Helminthophila  celata.) 
.\  rare  .summer  visitor. 

(<'4-)  Tennessee  Warbler. 

(Helniinthopnila  peregrina.J 

•A  regular,   but   not   a   very  common,   visitor  in  spring.      1    have   not 
found   11   at   any  other  season. 

Arrixes   alxnit    the   middle    of    .May. 

(hms  C().MS()TH1.VI>|.S. 
("4H)  Parula  Warbler. 

(fonipsothlypis  american.i   usne;e.) 

A   common   spring    and    summer    migr.mf.       Probably    breeds   in    the 
nUerior. 

Arrives  .ibout  the  lifteenlh  of  M.iy,  departs  tow.irds  the  end  of  .Sep- 
tember. ' 


i 

ill 


w 


CHECK   LIST   OF   THK 


m 


Genus  DENDROICA. 

f6.su)  Cape  May  Warbler. 

(Dendroica  tigrina.) 
A  rare  summer  visitor;  most  frequently  seen  in  the  spring.  About 
three  years  ago  I  met  with  rather  a  large  flock  of  them  in  the  autumn 
migration,  the  only  time  I  have  seen  them  at  that  season.  Probably 
breeds  in  the  interior,  as  nests  have  bee:i  found  in  \cw  Brunswick  and 
in  Maine. 


Yellow  \V;irl)l«T. 


(652)  Yellow  Warbler. 

(Dendroica  ccstiva.) 

A  very  :il)undant  summer  resident.     Hreeds  throughout  its  range  in 
the  Provmce.  ^ 

Arrives  early  in  May,  departs  about  the  end  of  August. 

('^54)  Black-tbroated  Blue  Warbler. 

(Dendroica  cjeruiescens.) 

_        Common  in  the  migrations  in  southern   Ont.irio,   breedint-   sparini<l> 
m  the  south  and  more  commonly  in  the  interior. 

Arrives  early  in  May;  dcpa'rts  at  the  end  of  September. 


IJIUDS   OF   OXTAIMH 


7:i 


(65s)  Mjrrfle  Warbler.     (\'(llow-riimped  Warbler.) 
(l>en<lroiia  coronala.) 

An  abundant  ntisrant   in   the   south.      Breeds   in   tlie   interior. 
Arrives  towards  the  end  of  April;  departs  about  the  end  of  the  lir^t 
week  in  Oitobcr. 

(657)  Magnolia  Warbler. 

{Dendroica  maculosa.) 
An  abundant  migrant.      Breeds  from  central  Ontario  norlhward. 
Arrives  early  in  May  ;  departs  about  the  end  of  September. 

(*)  (f'58)  Cerulean  Warbler. 

(Dendroica  cerulea.) 
A   rejiular,   but   rare,  summer   resident,   most   frequently  seen   in   the 
south-western  counties.      Breeds  throughout  its  range  in  the  Fro\ince. 
(659)  Ctaestnut-sidtfd  Warbler. 

(i>cndroica  pennsylvanica.) 

.\   (ommon   suiiiiiur   resident.      Breeds   throughout  its    range  in   the 
Province. 

Arrives  early  in  .May;  di'parts  early  in  September. 

(6fxi)  Bay-breasted  Warbler. 

1 1  >endroica  castanea.  J 

.\  regular,  bul  never  ,1  eonimon,  migrant  in  .spring.      Breeds  in   the 
interior. 

I  have  but  seldom  met  with  this  species  in  the  autumn. 
.\rrives  e.irly  in  May ;  departs  at  the  end  of  September. 
(<<<>i)  Black-poll  Warbler. 

(IJendroica   striata.) 
.\    leLiiil.ir,    Inl    not     yenei.illy    a    common,    migrant    in    ,prin"    and 
autumn.      Breeds  in  the   north,  prob.iblv  from  .our  boundary  to  the   tree 
limit.  ^ 

Arrives  ;,b,>ut  the  twentieth  of  May;  departs  at  the  end  of  September 
|<>6.)  Blackburniaa  Warbler. 

(lOendroica  blackburni£e.) 

A  tolerably  common  .spring  and  autumn  migrant  in  southern  Ontario. 
\  rohably  breeds  in  the  interior,  as  it  has  often  been  observed  during  the 
summer  months  in  central  Ontario. 

.\rrivcs  early  in  .May  ;  departs  .it  the  end  of  September. 

(667)  Black-throated  Green  Warbler. 

(Dendroica  virens.) 

A  common  summer  resident,  breeding  throughout  its  range  in  the 
Province.  ^ 

Arrives  parly  in  May;  departs  early  in  October. 


i  tl 


74 


CHKCK    LIHI    OK    IHK 


(•)  {('70I  Kirttand't  Warbltr. 
(I)endr<iira  kirtlitiili.) 

On  thf  K.th  of  May.  1900,  Mr.  J.  H.  Samuel  t.M.k  a  l.ir.l  ..I  this 
5p«-cifs  near  Toruii'i.,  ih,.  „„)>  one  I  have  heard  .1  -o  far.  It  mav  \el  he 
found  brecdin),'  i-i  ihr  inlcrior  «»f  the  Provine.-.  as  it  docs  so  regularly 
in  Michigan.      Ii   1^.  however,  a  very  rare  speries  everywhire. 

(671)  Pine  Warbkr. 

(Uenihoic.-i   vi^jorsii.J 

An  irrejjular  Minimer  resident,  sometinus  common  and  in  oilier  sea- 
sons scarce. 

Hrieds  throughout   its  ran^e  in  Ine  I'rnvinie. 

Arrives  towaiils  the  end  of  .April;  departs  in  Sepleniher. 

(<>-■!)  Palm  Warbler. 

(Dendroica  palmarum.) 

A  tolerably  eoiiitiion  nii^'rant  in  s-prinjj  .ind  .lutumtt  I'lfHiably  breeds 
in  the  imrll  irn  part  of  the  I'roxince. 

Arrives  e.irly  in  .May;  (kparts  alM)ut  the  hrst  of  (JiIoImt. 

Our  form  may  l>e  referable  to  I),  p.  hypochrysea.  Specimens  taken 
by  me  var\    \ery  much  in  the  brilliancy  of  the  yellow  cnloring. 

(•)  (*'7^)  Prairie  Warbler. 
(Deadroica  discolor.) 
A     cry  rare  visitor,  two  specimens  of  which  were  taken  near   I  oronto 
in  May,   i(;oo,  one  each  by  .Messrs.  Samii.  !  and  .Ames.     Since  then  it  has 
been  found  in  souih-western  Ontario  b>    .Mr.   Klugh. 


r.ENis  sr:iLRUS. 


t   ' 


(674)  Oven  Bird,     (.(iolden-crowned  Thrush.) 

(Sciurus  aurocapillus.) 

An  abundant  summer  resident  in  woods.     Breeds  throughout  its  range 
in  the  Province. 

Arrives  early  in  ivlay ;  departs  about    ihe  lirst  of  September. 

(675)  Water  Thrush. 

(Seiurus  noveboracensis.) 
.A  common  summer  resident.     Breeds  in  the  interior  of  the  Province. 
Arrives  early  in  May;  departs  early  in  Sept' mber. 

(6  6)  Louisiana  Water  Thrush. 

(Seiurus  motacilla.) 

A  rare  summer  visitor  along    our  southern    border  as    far  east  as 
Toronto. 


BIHDH  or   ONTAHIO 


Ceni's  OKOTHLVIMS. 

(•)  (''rrl  Kentuckv  Warbler. 

((jcMihlxpiv    formosa.) 

m.-.r'^Hr.'"    "'*""''x,\'n""       *'"'"    -I"-''"""   ••'»'^'"   >'>    Mr.    R„lK-rt    Klli.,lt 
near  Brv.mMi.n,   Midclh-s.-x.  in  May,  1898. 

(•>-«)  Coniwcticut  Warbler. 

((icdthlypis   .iRilis.) 

A  raro  Munnur  r.-si.l.M.t.  Mr.  W.  I,.  KHU  r.ror.ls  h.-.si„^j  f„u.Ml 
nests  n.:.r  I  is  owrl.  ;„ul  I  \u,vv  sc.-n  ami  wat.  lu.l  .!„•  birds  hrn  in  sum- 
nit-r.  I>iit  faili'd  to  dis. cmt  iluir  nesHnR  |)lncc. 

Arri^.s  al.m.»  tl„.  tu.nti.ih  of  .Ma  v ;  departs  at  thr  end  of  AiiKUst. 

C^rij)  Mourning  Warbler. 

(CK-othlypis  phih-idrlphin.) 

A  rat.ier  rare  siminu-r  r.sidont.  Hn-.cls  throiiRhout  its  ranee  in  tin- 
Provind'.  " 

Arrives  about  the  twentieth  of  M:,>  .  departs  at  the  end  of  AiiK'ust. 

(681    Maryland  Warbler. 

(fleothlypis    trieha.s.) 

Province.'"""""    '"""""''    ''"''"^''"'-      "''■*"''''  throughout    its  ran^.-    in    th.- 
Arrives  afK>.,t  the  tenth  of  Mav  ;  departs  .a  the  end  of  September. 
Our  form  m.,\    \w  referable  to  G.  t.  brarhydac  tyla. 

Oenus  ICTERIA. 

(•)  {f>fi^)  Yellow-breasted  Chat. 
(Icteria  viren.s.) 

A  very  rare  summer  resident  of  the  .south-western  part   of  the  Pro- 


vmce. 


Cems   W  IL.SOMA. 


'•)  (f^4)  Hooded  Warbler. 
(Wilsonia  mitr.-ita.) 
A  very  rare  summer  visiior  to  ojr  southern  border. 

C^^S)  Wilson's  Warbler. 
(Wilsonia   pusilla.) 

A   regular  migrant  in   spring   and  autumn,    sometimes   occurrintr  i„ 
considerable  numbers.     Breeds  in  the  interior 

Arrives  about  the  twentieth  of  M.-,y ;  departs  early  in  .September. 


Miaiocorv  risoiution  tist  chart 

(ANSI  and  ISO  TEST  CHART  No.  2) 


1.0 


tmm 

[2.8 

■  ZJ 

■  50 

■_ 

■^ 

Hi 

■  M 

■  2.2 

ISi 

1^ 

Mb 

us 

lb 
u 

!■■ 

lail 

J  /^PPLIED  IIVMGE     Inc 

^F  1653  EosI  Moil  Street 

r^  Roctiester,  New  York        U609      USA 

as  (716)  482-0300  -  Ptione 

BS  (716)  288-5989  -  Fo> 


CHECK    LIST   OF    THK 


li 


ill   '  t 


(686)  Canadian  Warbler. 

(VVilsonia  canadensis.) 

Common  summer  resident,  breeds  throughout  its  range  in  the  Pro- 
vince. 

Arrives  early  in  May,  departs  at  the  end  of  August. 

Genus  SETOPHAGA. 

(687)  American  Redstart. 

(Setophaga  ruticilla.) 

A  common  summer  resident,  breeding  throughout  its  range  in  the 
Province. 

Arrives  about  the  tenth  of  May ;  departs  early  in  September. 

Family  MOTACILLID/K.     (Pipits,   etc.) 

Bill  shorter  than  the  head,  very  slender,  straight,  acute,  notched  at 
tip.  Feet  large,  fitted  for  walking;  hind  claw  long,  little  curved,  as  in 
the  larks ;  inner  toe  cleft ;  basal  joint  of  outer  toe  united  with  middle 
one ;  tarsus  as  in  Oscines  generally,  ending  in  a  sharp  undivided  ridge 
behind.     Rictal  bristles  not  conspicuous ;  nostrils  exposed. 

Genus  ANTHUS. 
(697)  American  Pipit. 

(Anthus   pennsylvanicus.) 

An  abundant  migrant,  more  frequently  seen  in  autumn  than  in 
spring. 

Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions. 

Arrives  about  the  tenth  of  May  and  passes  on  northward  very 
quickly.  Early  in  .September  thty  return  and  remain  until  about  the  end 
of  the  first  week  in  November. 

Family  TROGLODYTIDi^;.     (Wrens,  Thrashers,   etc.) 

Bill  usually  more  or  less  slender,  with  or  without  a  notch  near  the 
tip.  Nostrils  not  covered  by  bristles.  Tarsus  scutellate,  the  plates  usu- 
ally distinct. 

All  are  chiefly  insecti\orous,  the  Catbird  being  the  only  one  which 
feeds  upon  cultivated  fruit. 

Family  MIMID^.     (Thrashers,  etc.) 

Genus  MIMUS. 
(•)  (703)  Mocking-bird. 

(Mimus  polyglottos.) 
I  include  this  species  on  the  authority  of  Mr.   Mcllwraith,  who  has 
recorded  the  occurrence  of  two  specimens  in  southern  Ontario. 


BIRDS   OF    O.NTAKIO. 


(iENxs  CiALEOSCOPTLS. 
(i04)  Catbird. 

(Galcoscoptes   carolinensis.) 
IVovbc?'^  t-ommcn  summer  resident:  breeds  throughout  its  range  in  the 
Arrixes  at  the  end  of  April,  departs  early  in  October. 
Genus  TOXOSTOMA. 

(705)  Brown  Thrasher.     (Brown  Thrush.) 
(Toxostoma  rufum.) 

A  common   summer  resident;    breeds    throughout   its    range    in   the 
I  rovince.  ° 

Arrives  at  the  end  of  .April;  departs  early  in  October. 
Subfamily  TROGLODYTIN/E.     (Wrens.! 
Gknus  TIIRVOTHORUS. 

(•)  (718)  Carolina  Wren. 

(Thryothorus  ludovicianu-s.) 
Mr.    Mcliwraith  has  recorded   the  capture  of  a  specimen  at  Mount 
Forest,  and  recently  .Mr.   Klugh  found  a  pair  breeding^  hTe 

Gknus  THRVO.MANES. 

(*)  (719)  Bewick's  Wren. 

( 1  hryomanes  bewickii.) 

teenth  De'remL^'."£^"V''°A'''  ''"1."^  '"'•^"  °"^  ^P^'=''"«"  °"  ^^e  thir- 
iienin  ivecemoer,   i8g8,  near  Appm,  Ontario. 

Genus  TROGLODYTES 

(721)  House  Wren. 

(Troglodytes  aedon.) 

Arrives  about  tTie  first  of  May;  departs  early  in  October. 

,    \xKi  .      «r  ^^'"^^  OLBIORCHILUS. 

(722)  Winter  Wren. 

(Olbiorchilus  hiemalis.) 
A  summer  resident.      Breeds  throncrhni.t  ifo  •       .      „ 

commonly  in  the  interior  and  nmhwarf  ""^'  '"  "^'^  P"-^^'"^'^' 


78 


CHKCK    LIST   OK   THK 


if 


CJenls  CISTOTHORUS. 

(*)  (-.'4)  Short-billed  Marsh  Wren. 

(Cistothorus  stellaris.) 

A  regular  summer  resident  of  the  south-western  part  of  the  Pro- 
vince, but  never  abundant.  Very  rare  elsewhere.  I  have  taken  two  at 
Toronto  and  have  since  found  a  pair  breeding  there. 

Breeds  wherever  found. 

Genus  TELMATODYTES. 

(735)  Long-billed  Marsh  Wren. 

(Telmatodytes  palustris.) 

A  very  abundant  summer  resident  in  marshes.  Breeds  throughout  its 
range  in  the  Province. 

Arrives  at  the  beginning  of  May;  departs  about  the  middle  of  Oc- 
tober. 

Family  CERTHIID/E.     (Creepers.) 

Bill  slender,   decurved  as  long  as  head,   without  notch   or  bristles. 
Farsus  scutellate.     Claws  all  very  long,  curved  and  compressed.     Tail 
feathers  pomted,  with  stiffened  shafts,  somewhat  like  the  tail  of  a  Wood- 
pecker and  similarly  used  for  support. 

Our  only  representative  is  a  curious  small  bird  which  creeps  about 
the  trunks  and  larger  branches  of  trees  searching  for  insects  hidden  in 
the  crevices  of  the  bark. 

Genus  CERTHIA. 
(72fi)  Brown  Creeper. 

(Certhia  familiaris  aniericana.) 

A  common  resident,  most  abundant  in  southern  Ontario  durine  the 
migrations.  ° 

Breeds  occasionally  in  the  southern  portion  of  the  Province  and  reeu- 
larly  in  the  interior  and  northward. 


Family  PARIDi€.     (Tits.) 

Bill  not  notched  nor  decurved ;  loral  feathers  bristly ;  nostrils  con- 
cealed by  dense  tufts.  Tarsus  scutellate;  plumage  more  or  less  lax,  sub- 
ject to  few  van:.,     ns. 

All  are  insectivorous,  gleaning  their  food  from  the  trunks  and  twies 
of  trees.     They  are  invaluable  guardians  of  the  orchard  and  forest. 


HIKDS  Ol'    ONTAKIO 


7» 


Family  SITTID.-K.     (NrniATciKs.) 

GE.vrs  SITTA. 

(7-'7J  White-breasted  Nuthatch. 

(Sitta  carolinensis.) 

A  common  resident  Breeds  throughout  its  range  in  the  Province 
wherever  there  is  lieavy  timber. 

(7-'Hj  Red-breasted  Nuthatch. 

(Sitta  canadensis. J 

A  resident  species,  hut  most  Irequently  observed  during  the  migra- 
tions.     In  wfriter  it  is  fairly  common. 

I  once  found  a  p;,ir  evidently  breeding  near  Toronto,  and  it  regularly 
breeds  m  the  interior  and  northward. 

SUUFAMILY   I'AKIX.E.      (TiTMKI-.) 

Oenls  FAR  us. 
(7.^5)  Chickadee. 

(Parus  atricapillus.) 
chard^  ''^^^  common  resident  and  one  of  the  most  useful  birds  of  the  or- 
Hreeds  throughout  its  range  in  the  Province. 

(*)  (740)  Hudsonian  Chickadee. 
(Parus  hudsonicus.) 

In  southern  Ontario  this  is  only  a  very  rare  straggler  from  the  north. 
As  might  be  expected,  it  is  more  frequently  seen  in  the  Ottawa  district 
than  elsewhere. 

Mr  Kay  reports  having  seen  a  pair  near  Port  Sydney,  Muskoka,  in 
INovemlier,   1892.  -        ^>  > 

Family  SYLVIID^.     (Kinglets,  Gxatcatchers,   etc.) 

Rill  slender,  depressed  at  base,  notched  and  decurvcd  at  tip.  Rictus 
with  l3r.stles;  nostrils  oval.  Tarsus  usually  booted,  scutellate  in  Poliop- 
tilla.  Basal  joint  of  middle  toe  attached  its  whole  length  externally,  half 
way  internally.  ■" 

Slufamily  REGULIX^.     (Kinglets.) 
Genus  REGULUS. 

(748)  Golden-crowned  KingJet. 

(Regulus  satrapa.) 
An   abundant  migrant  and  common   winter   resident 
Probably  breeds  in  our  northern  forests,  as  it  does  in  Mass.achusetts. 


Iff  .(1 


ll. 


HO 


CHFXK    LIST    OF    THK 


(749)  Ruby-crowned  Kinglet. 

(Regulus  calendula.) 
Common  during  the  spring  and  autumn  migrations. 
Probably  breeds  in  the  interior,  as  it  is   known  to  do  so  in  Nova 
Scotia. 

I  have  never  found  this  species  here  in  winter. 

SiBFAMiLV   POLIOPTILIN.t:.      (Gnatcatchers.) 
Genus  POLIOPTIL.A. 

(751)  Blue-gray  Unatcatcher. 

(Polioptila  cterulea.) 

A  rare  .summer  resident  of  the  south-western  counties,  which  occa- 
sionally strays  as  far  east  as  Toronto. 
Breeds  where  it  occurs. 

Family    I  UKDID.4!:.     (Thrushes,    Bi.iehikds,    etc.) 

Bill  generally  rather  long,  not  conical,  usually  with  a  slight  notch 
near  the  tip;  nostrils  oval,  not  concealed,  but  nearly  or  quite  reached  by 
the  bristly  frontal  feathers;  rictus  with  bristles,  which  are  well  developed 
in  most  of  our  species;  tarsus  always  booted,  i.e.,  enveloped  in  a  con- 
tinuous plate,  formed  ;.,y  the  fusion  ot  all  the  scutella ;  except  two  of 
three  of  the  lowest.  Toes  deeply  cleft,  the  inner  one  free,  the  outer  united 
to  the  middle  one,  not  more  than  half  the  length  of  the  first  basal  joint. 

Their  food  consists  of  insects  and  small  fruit,  chiefly  wild  berries 
growing  in  the  woods. 

Sliifamii.v  TURDIN^.      (THrtSHES.) 

Genus  HYLOCICHLA. 

(755)  Wood  Thrush. 

(Hylocichia  mustelina.) 

Fairly  well  distributed  throughout  southern  Ontario,  but  nowhere 
abundant. 

Breeds  wherever  it  occurs. 

Arrives  early  in  May,  departs  about  the  middle  of  September. 

(756)  Wilson's  Thrush. 

(Hylocichia  fuscescens.) 

An  abundant  summer  resident  in  woodlands,  breeds  throughout  its 
range  in  the  Pre  ince. 

Arrives  early  in  May ;  departs  at  the  end  of  August. 

Mr.  W.  E.  Saunders  records  the  capture  of  a  specimen  of  H.  f.  sali- 
cola  at  Ottawa  in  September,   1898. 


UlUUS  OF   ONTARJO. 


81 


(757)  Gray-cheeked  Thrush. 

(Hylocichia  alii  i;c  > 

A  coinnion  mifcrant  ,n  spring  and  autumn,  breeds  far  north. 
Arrnx-s  about  tiie  iniddl.  ol   .May.  denarts  early  in  October. 

bv  Mr  Vr^pfr '''"'■'   "';"  ^'   ^P'^'^'""'"   "f   "•    "•    bicknelli  was  taken 
by  .Mr.   Robert  P.ll.ott  „e.-,r  Hryan.ston,  Ont.,   September   .9th.    ,fSy«. 

(75«a)  Olive-backed  Thrush. 

(Hylocichia   ustulat.i   swainsonii.) 
A  common  migrant  in  spring  and  autumn.     Mrecds  far  north. 
Arrays   about   the  middle  of  April  and   soon  goes   on,  rtiurnin«   in 
September  and  departing  early  in  October.  ^^ 

(759L>)  Hermit  Thrush. 

(Hylocichia  guttata  pallasii.) 
A  common  migrant  in  spring  and  autumn  in  southern  Ontario,  an.l 
a  summer  resident,  breeding  in  the  woods  of  the  interior. 


(iENLs   MEKULA. 


(7(^1)  American  Robin. 

(Merula  migratoria.) 

Vo.W  "''""''""'  M,m,nerresid..nt,   breding  throughout   its   range   in  .1,,: 


IVovmce 
G  n. 


ii 


I 


82 


CHECK   LIST   OF   THE    BIRDS  OF   ONTARIO. 


Arrives  early  in  March,  the  bulk  usually  depart  early  in  November, 
but  some  small  flocks  remain  where  food  is  plentiful  until  severe  frost 
comes,  and  a  few  always  remain  in  sheltered  gardens  all  the  winter. 

Genus   SAXICOLA. 
(•)  (7f'5)  Wheatear. 

(Saxicola  oenanthe.) 
A  specimen  of  the  subspecies,  S.  oe.  leucorhoae,  was  taken  by  Mr. 
lavernier   at    Beaumaris,    Muskoka,    in    September,    1896,    having   wan- 
dered out  of  its  range 

Genus  SIALIA. 
(766)  Bluebird. 

(Si.rlia  sialis.) 

A  common  summer  resident,  breeding  throughout  its  range  in  the 
Province. 

Arrives  about  the  middle  of  March,  departs  towards  the  end  of 
October. 


MAMMALS  OF  ONTARIO. 


Class  AIAMAUI.IA.     (The  Mammals.) 

A  ^r.m^,;,|  is  .  w,,rm.blo.,cifd.  air-broathinu  MTtd.ratr.  I,;m  in;;  tl>,. 
>ku,  nor,.  .,r  Irss  ha.ry  (ran-ly  n.-.k.-d) ;  viviparous;  tl,.-  vo„n,.  nnurish,.,! 
l-r   M    t.„u.  a  t..r  hir.h  by   milk,   s.-.r.-...,!   in  'lu-   n.-.nnna^v   ,lan  K      ,      ,' 

.n,l.,|  l.ecly   n,  .!„.  Ihor.u  „■  .ax  i,y,  whi.l,   is  .-ompl.-tdv   sopar,-,,,  d  lro„, 
^u.  ab,!om,nal  .av-.v  by  ,1,..  diapbra^m  ;   hear,   with  (our  ,avi,i...         Z 
p.t-  doubU.  r.nulaMon;   blood    w.-,rm.      Hrain  r.-.s,-   .•omp.-,ra,iv..h    larJ  • 
«-rr..p..nd,ny   wnh  lb.,   in,  r.as.d  d.-vlopnu-n,   of  ,be  brain.  '  "^ 

Order  G  I.I  RES.    (The  Rodents,  or  Gnawers.) 

Mammals  with  the  inrisor  t.vth  rhis.-l-shapcd.  .KJ.mtfd  for  LMiauinir- 
no  .-an.ne  teeth  ;   a  toothless  spa.e  in  the  pl.a.v  of  .-.-.'ines:   L'  Sh 

veSle       ^"         '^  '■■■'"  ■■'"''  *•  "^  ""'■•'">■  ^^""  "'-'<'M-     F- .  hietiv 

inHb  •'.'''.''  "'•: '•"■«'^^";'  '•'■«'*■'■  "•  ^f-'",m.-,'s  both  in  number  ot  .pe.ies  .,nd  \■^ 
.ndmduals.  .^ros,  o  ,he  spe.ies  are  of  small  sixe,  the  He.n  er  b.-in,.  .,.. 
of  the  larpcsi  now  existing'.  ^ 

"Though     a     feeble    folk,   eomp.-.r.ativelv     insionifir.ant     i-,     si/e     and 

s.rc.,.th.  they  hob,  their  own  in  legion  against  a  host  of  n.atural  enemies 

rap-ncous  beasts  ..nd  b.rds.  by  their  fecundity,  their  w.ariness  and  cunning.' 

t-        t„  Md.ty   .md   agthty.   the.r   .secretiveness.   each   .after    the    means   In 

provided  lor  exercising  its  instinct  of  self-preservation,  amonti 

■^mticance    itself    is   no   small    factor."      (Coues.) 

Kamii.v  LKPORID.^^.     (Thk  H.xkks.) 

A  well-marked  and  widely  distributed  lamilv  represented  i:,  thi.  Pro- 
vince by  two  well-known  .sptcie.s.  In  all  forms  the  ears  are  long  eyes 
large,  and  the  tail  short,  bushy  and  recurved. 

Genus  LFPUS. 
(i)  Lt:pus  nuttallj  mallurus. 

(Cotton-tail,  Wood  Hare,  Gray  Rabbit.) 
This  .mimal  has  gradually  extei^ded  its  range  from  the  States  south 
of  us.  mto  .md  over  the  entire  Province,  wherever  the  land  is  under  culti- 
v.ition,  except  the  extreme  northern  and  eastern  portions.     I  do  not  know 


CHECK  LIHT  OF  THE 


I.! 


exact.y  when  it  first  appeared  here,  nor  am  I  certain  as  to  whether  it  first 
entered  the  country  by  crossing  the  Niagara  River  on  the  ice  or  by  cross- 
ing at  some  point  on  the  south-wesiern  boundary.  I  first  saw  it  in  the 
winter  of  1871-72  on  the  bank  of  the  r-ver  at  Niagara.  During  that 
winter  the  river  had  frozen  completely  across  and  their  tracks  showed  that 
large  numbers  of  rabbits  had  crossed  to  our  side  upon  the  ice  bridge  thus 
formed.  For  some  years  they  increased  and  spread  vey  rapidly,  but  of 
late  they  h.ive  been  so  much  pursued  that  in  spite  of  the  fact  that  they  are 
remarkably  prolific  they  seem  to  be  rather  decreasing  than  gaining  in 
number. 

To  the  fruit-grower  these  animals  are  somewhat  objectionable  becau.se 
of  their  habit  of  feeding  upon  the  bark  of  young  orchard  trees ;  sometimes 
completely  girdling  and  destroying  them.  The  damage  done  by  the  Cot- 
ton-tnil  in  this  respect,  however,  is  trifling  compared  with  that  done  by 
metdow  mice,  though  I  find  that  in  many  parts  of  the  country  the  mischief 
done  by  the  mice  is  generally  charged  against  the  Rabbits  as  they  are 
commonly  called. 

The  females  produce  two  or  three  broods  during  the  summer  and 
each  litter  will  contain  from  four  to  six  young  ones. 

(2)  Lepns  amer<c»nns. 

(Varying  Hare,  White  Hare.) 

Formerly  this  Hare  was  very  rtbundant  and  generally  distributed  over 
the  Province,  but  as  the  land  has  been  brought  under  cultivation  its  ran^e 
has  become  restricted.  It  is  essentially  an  animal  of  the  woods  and  wher- 
ever any  extent  of  thick  cover  yet  remains  these  Hares  may  still  be  found. 

The  Northern  Hare  is  remarkable  for  the  seasonal  change  which  takes 
place  in  the  color  of  its  pelage.  In  summer  it  is  of  a  dark  reddish  brown. 
In  winter  it  becomes  perfectly  white. 

Family  ERETHIZONTID^.    (The  .American  Porcupines.) 

Fur  mixed  with  bristly  barbed  spines ;  tip  of  muz^^le  with  small  hair ; 
chiefly  arboreal. 

Genus  ERETHIZON. 

(3)  Erethizon  dorsalis. 

(Canada  Porcupine.) 

Formerly  common  and  generally  distributed;  now  only  found  in  the 
unsettled  parts  of  northern  Ontario. 

There  is  a  popular  idea  that  this  creature  defends  itself  by  shooting 
its  quills  at  its  enemies ;  this  is  a  mistake.  The  Porcupine  will  somaimes 
strike  a  heavy  blow  with  its  tail,  thereby  driving  the  quills  deeply  into  the 
flesh  of  an  antagonist,  but  it  has  not  the  power  to  eject  its  quills,  nor  is  it 
necessary,  for^  its  armature  renders  it  almost  invulnerable  to  its  natural 
enemies  as  it  is. 

Its  food  consists  of  the  tender  bark,  twigs,  and  buds  of  trees. 


^ 


ANIMALS  OF  ONTARIO. 


W 


Family   OII'ODID^.     (The  Jimpinc   Mkk.) 

'JuNus  ZAPUS. 

(4)  Zapus  hudsonius. 

(Jumping  Mouse.) 

fr.n  '■""'r'"'''  '■""""""  '■'"<'  generally  distributed,  but  of  late  years  less 
frequently  seen.  ' 

Famiiv  MURir)i€.     (The  Mice.) 

Representatives  of  this  family  are  found  in  all  parts  of  the  world- 
species  of  the  genus  Mus  being  cosmopolitan,  having  accompanied  man 
n  all  h,s  migrations ;  all  are  of  small  size,  the  Muskr.-Tt  being  the  larges" 
faund  m  Canada.      Included  in  it  are  some  of  our  most  injurious  farm 


Genus  FIBER. 

(5)  Fiber  zibethicas. 

(Muskrat.) 

i.  hnn^K""  everywhere  about  marshes,  rivers,  and  streams.  In  marshes 
It  builds  houses  tor  winter  protection,  but  in  streams  it  burrows  in  the 
banks  sometimes  doing  much  injury  to  dams  and  other  works  constructed 
to  hold  water.  It  is  omnivorous,  feeding  impartially  upon  animal  and 
vegetable  substances.  Where  fresh-water  mussels  (Unio^)  aSd  they 
form  an  important  part  of  this  animal's  diet.  Muskrats'  fur  when  in 
pnme  condition  is  of  high  quality  and  if  it  was  not  so  common  would  be 
more  valued  thr-  it  is  at  present. 

Oeni's  SYNAPTOMYS. 

(•)  (ft)  Synaptomys  cooperi. 
(Lemming  Mouse.) 
Has  been  found  sparingly  in  western  Ontario  and  northward. 

Genus  MICROTUS. 

(•)  (7)  Microtus  pine'  rum. 
(Pine  Mouse.) 
The  late  Robert  Elliott  o    Plover  Mills  recorded  this  mouse  as  com- 
mon in  the  County  of  Middlesex ;  it  is  probablv  generally  distributed  in 
western  Ontario,  but  has  been  overlooked. 


Wl 


'IIKCK   MM  iiK  Tin; 


|Xi  iVIicrotUH  p«nn«ylvanicu*. 

(Mi;i<li)«  Mnusi',  l-'iclrl  \'o|p. ) 
("ommon  cM-rywlMTf  ;in«l  ihr  mi>>l  dcstrir.  ijnc  :inim;il  w  h,y>-. 
This  liitif  .inimal  whi.  h  l)v  its  .nDrtiiuiis  in.  r.;ist-  (lurin)-  lli,.  I  i>i  l.w 
years  has  done  m)  mu<  h  miM-hief  in  ilir  l'r..\  in.v,  is  the  Shori-iaiKd  li.-ltl 
\  »li-.  romnionly  known  as  the  Meadow  .\l<nisi-,  though  it  is  nm  nally  a 
M.Mis,.  at  all.  It  is  liut  rarely  found  in  hams  or  oiiihiiiidini;s,  even  in 
vvmt  -r.  its  favorite  resorts  heinjf  low  me  idows  which  supp<irt  a  rank  \.-i>e- 
tatio...  When  for  any  reason  the  l..w  meadows  become  iinaliie  to  main- 
tain tr-c  number  of  \oles  bred  in  them,  ihe  siTplus  will  moxe  out  and 
spread  all  oxer  the  country,  cstablishini;  themsclMs  ,i,icl1v  in  the  hav  and 
Urarn  held-  where  thev  fmd  favorable  conditions  diirinir  the  sumnv.T. 
I'ood  and  shelt.i  arc  everywhere  and  their  iiatitral  enemies,  which  shoidd 
k-cep  them  in  cheek,  havirijj  all  been  killed  off.  these  prolili.  crtMlures 
multiply  even  more  rapidly  on  the  cultivated  lands  than  thev  ^^n^tU\  in 
ineii  original  habitat.  In  winter,  however,  conditions  .ire  not  so  fa\orable 
to  the  N'oles  in  the  cultivated  districts;  the  crops  haxinij  been  removed, 
loaves  the  fields  comparatively  bare  .ind  devoid  of  shelter  esc  cpt  in  th. 
lonR  grass  and  weed-urown  fence  lines,  and  here  thev  take  refiii;e;  an 
old  sunken  rail  fence  beinq  a  favorite  sfrontjhold  and  an  or.  h.ird  in  whi.  h 
a  rank  cover  crop  is  left  standing  forming  a  perfect  paradise  for  ti,e,e 
secretive  vermin,  lender  e.ner  of  the  decaying  vegetation  in  su.  h  places 
they  drive  a  network  of  runways  in  every  direction,  se.ure  fr.im  the  obsev 
atic-n  of  all  but  the  creatures  sne.iali/ed  by  n.ature  to  nrev  upon  th<-m. 

Fi.  Ill  N'oles  are  remarkably  prolilic  animals,  the  females  usually  pro- 
ducing three  or  four  litters  a  year,  but  in  favorable  seasons  even  inore 
will  be  produced.  During  the  last  few  years  I  have  found  nests  cont.iin- 
ing  young  in  every  month  from  April  to  October,  both  inclusive.  The 
litters  generally  contain  from  five  to  eight  young,  and  indeed  I  have  heard 
of  ten.  but  so  iar  have  never  found  one  as  large  as  that. 

These  \  oles  do  not  burrow,  but  construct  their  nests  upon  the  surface 
of  the  ground  among  rank  vegetation  or  under  logs,  rails,  eti-.  From 
these  nest,  their  runways  are  pushed  in  every  d'recti.m  until  the\  form  a 
perfect  network  over  the  land.  During  the'  g.  wing  season  these  runs 
are  not  easily  observed  unless  specially  sought  for,  but  just  as  ihe  snow  is 
Roing  off  in  the  spring  th-y  are  re.idily  seen  and  an  idea  mav  then  be 
formed  ol  their  numbers.  Their  food  consists  of  grass,  clover.'  gr.iin  (in 
all  stages),  fruit  and  the  inner  bark  or  cambium  of  voung  trees  and 
bushes,  the  quantity  they  devou.-  .•-  "  spoil  being  a  \ery  heavy  tax  upon 
the  I  arm  in  all  seas.ms,  and  ■'  p:..  I.irly  serious  one  when  their  numbers 
reach  abnormal  proportions. 

From  1888  to  i8yj  part  of  Scotland  was  overrun  bv  these  \'oks,  the 
districts  affected  being  parts  of  Roxburghshire,  Selkirk.  Peebles,  Lanark 
and  Dun^fries.  Altogether  an  are.'  about  sixty  miles  in  length  and  twenty 
miles  in  breadth  was  devastated.  In  order  to  ascertain  the  cause  of  the 
outbreak  and  if  possible  provide  a  remedy  a  Departmental  Committee  was 


AMM.\I>  UK  UNT AlJiu 


■•*; 


••'Pp..,„t..,l  I  y  Ihr  Uriti>l,  ».,;„-,l  ol  Ayri.  „lt,  ,  .,(  u|,i,  I,  ,|.,.  |.;,,,|  ,,,  Mj,,,  , 
"vr  !.,.,■  «.nv,.,„„r.(.,,„.ral.  u.,s  ,-,  m,.,,,!,.,.  E.uhmv  u;,>  yiv,.,,  I,..|  .n- 
tins  ...minitu,.  I,v  ahnui  .i^h.j  l;,rnuT>  ..ml  slu-ph.-rds  ami  In  s.x.-ral 
K.m.k,.,|Hrs.  ||,..„  (.•MHiioin  pr.niMK  .  nn.  iusivrlv  (i)  Thai  llu.i.(l,..  I  ,.l 
u.  ...,tl,r..;,k  w.-is  i„  prartuallv  .Irsfrov  all  .n.ps  ;  (,)  That  tht-  rausc  of 
•lir  in.r.aNr  in  the  numhtT  ut  \„U:  was  Ihr  ,l.stru.li..n  .,1  hawks  ,,wls 
M.I  Its.  w.as,.|s,  ami  -tluT  natural  cm-mu.s  .  -hr  v„l,.s ;  (  ,)  That  remedies 
.>n-  .Apensix..  an,|  chili,  ult  .,1  appli.  ati.,n.  I»„.s„n  <.n  sma'll  enrlosed  areas 
u..-  .  ',.„,., us  l,„l  its  ..ppli.ati..n  ..N.T  farms,  exen  if  pra.  ti.  able,  w.nild 
he  a...  ml.,  with  mu.h  risk  l„  ..Iher  l..rms  of  life.  C.is,  ,ho„i;h  tried  ..n 
•  i  I.TK.  -..I.-,  were  of  no  ser\  ire  wh:ilever.  I.ar«e  mimhers  wre  billed  l)v 
men  and  t.rrier  d.)j.s  ;  syst..m.-,tir  work  l,v  .-.  m.an  ,,nd  several  doL-s  eisiny 
IH-Iter  results  th.m  .inv  other  svsfem  employed. 

s,  ,.r"l"'  'T'"'"'''^';  ""■■'."^  •■••P"^"'''  =  "'<  ""'il<l  be  ,rnli,„lt  to  ...ndemn  too 
s'verev  ,|„.  f,K,hsh  a.t.on  of  thos..  who  .allow  or  en.  ..ura«e  the  destnir. 
t..m  ..  h.iwks  an.l  owls.  ',  is  with  m,i,  I,  satisfa.tion  that  vour  eommitt.-f 
r...Td  th.a;  m.-.nv  larmei  -  ,nd  l.md  owners  seem  I.,  have  iK-.-ome  eonNin.ed 
'n  l.at-  ye.-.rs  that  owls  of  .all  sons  are  not  onlv  harmless,  hut  most  hene- 
Irial  t._.  .■■gr.eulturists.  and  have  issued  orders  for  the  preserv.ation  of  those 

r./lV  f!"'"''"\'"   ^'"'•'^!"  -"••>■  •■'»    ^'ny   u.m-.   if    we  are    not    eareful. 

e.cn^hl..  ,h,„  of  the  Seoteh  farmers  in  ,.Sc,..     Ft  would  he  well,  therefore 

f.r.a.r  people  t.,  .-vert  th.-ir  best  inlluenre  for  the  prote.  tion  of  th-  hawks 

calamiu^  "'  ""''''"  '"  ""''''  '"  ''""'"'  " '''"  "'■'■    ''''''"'"P  '"'"  '''  ''''>   ^''^i""^ 

(iFMs   i:\()T().M\s. 


(•)  (<.))  Fvotomys  gapperi. 

(Red-backed  \' )le.j 
Probably  generally  distributed,   but   the  onlv   recent 
Ihat  ot  .Mr.  .Allan  Hrooks,  who  took  it  in  the  Co.;iity  of  ' 


■)rd   I  have 
ilin^ton. 


(lENLs  i'ni:.\.\L{).\.v.s 


'« 

1    / 


(lo)  Phenacomys  latimanus. 

As  this  animal  ranges  from  L.bralor  to  western  Ontario  it  should 
be  found  in  the  northern  part  of  the  »  .,  ,  nee,  but  F  have  .as  vet  no  positive 
record  ol  its  (xcurrence  here.  ' 

Gkms  Fi:Rt)MYSCUS. 
fill  Peromyscus  leucopus. 

(Deer   Mouse,    White-footed   .Mouse.) 
.         Common  and  generally  distributed.     A  very  graceful,  active  species. 
It  wi.l  occasionally  take  up  its  residence  in  a  house  or  barn,  and  is  then  as 
troublesome  as  the  .ommon  House  Mouse.      During  the  winter  months  it 
often  occupies  a  deserted  bird's  nest,  parti.ularly  those  in  hollow  trees 


.  I 


y  an  i  i 


88 


("IlKCK  LIST  OK  THK 


Genus  MUS. 
(13)  Mus  decumanus. 

(Brown  Rat,  Norway  Rat.) 
This  destructive  creature  was  introduced  into  America  from   luiropo 
about  1775  and  has  since  spread  to  all  parts  where  white  men  have  settled. 
Its  most  persistent  enemy  is  the  weasel.     If  one  of  these  creatures  takes 
up  Its  abode  near  a  barn  all  the  rats  must  leave  it,  or  be  killed. 

(13)  Mus  musculus. 

(Common  House  Mouse.) 
The  date  of  its  introduction  into  this  countrv  is  not  known,  but  the 
animal  itself  is  only  too  familiar  to  all  housekeepers  in  town  and  rountrv. 
In  proportion  to  its  size  it  is  capable  of  doing  more  mischief  in  barn  and 
granary  than  any  pest  we  have. 

Famii.v  CA.STORID/E.      (Tin:  Beavkrs.) 

,     ,  „  Gexus  castor. 

(14)  Castor  canadensis. 

(American  Beaver.) 
A  few  years  ago  this  valuable  fur-bearing  animal  was  perilously  near 
extinction  in  our  Province,  but  owing  to  the  protection  wisely  aflforded  it, 
the  Beaver  IS  again  becoming  abundant  in  northern  Ontario.  In  the 
Algonquin  Park,  where  it  is  strictly  preserved,  thev  mav  be  seen  to  great 
advantage.  "         '  s"-"* 

Family  SCIURID^.  (The  Sqiirreis.) 

,     ,    .  Geni's  ARCTOMVS. 

(15)  Arctomys  monax. 

(Woodchuck,  Ground   Hog.) 
Common   and  generally  distributed.     .Sufficiently  abundant  in   some 
localities  to  be  a  nuisance. 

Genus  EUTAMIAS. 

(")  (i())  Eutamias  quadrivittatus. 
(Mountain  Chipmunk.) 

•     .J^^  *^!f*^''"  ^^'■'"  °^  '''''*  species.  E.  q.  neglectus,  occurs  commonly 
m  the  woods  on  the  north  shore  of  Lake  Superior. 

,     .  „      ,  Genus  TAMIAS. 

(17)  Tamias  striatus. 

(Chipmunk,   Ground  Squirrel.) 

Common  and  generally  distributed,  the  form  generally  found  in  On-' 

or'thJvTovin^:*"'-  '"'•"''"'"  ''•  '■  ^"^•^"•^  "^^"^-^ '"  '■  -^^-"  p-^ 


ANIMALS   (IK  ONTARIO. 


«n 


OEMS  SCIURUS. 

(i8)  Sdurus  hudsonicus. 
(Red  Squirrel.) 
Common  everywhere.  This  little  creature  seems  to  be  .able  to  hold  its 
own  even  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  our  cities,  where  it  is  subjected  to 
all  sorts  of  persecution.  Where  it  is  desired  to  protect  small  birds  in 
gardens  and  shrubberies,  this  squirrel  should  not  be  allowed  to  frequent 
them,  for  it  is  a  great  destroyer  of  young  birds  in  the  nests. 

(iq)  Sciurus  carolinensis. 

(Gray  Squirrel,  Black  Squirrel.) 
Formerly  abundant  in  all  the  hardwood  forests  of  southern  and  west.^ 
em  Ontario,  but  the  destruction  of  the  woods  and  constant  persecution 
have  sadly  reduced  their  numbers.  Specifically  the  gray  and  the  black 
forms  are  identical.  Thr^e  sub-species  have  been  distinguished,  but  as 
thev  all  occur  here  and  intergrade  perfectly,  it  is  not  worth  while  rnnsid- 
ering  them. 


Gems  SCIUROPTF.RUS. 

(20)  Sciuropterus  volans. 

(Common  Flying  Squirrel.) 

Common  in  southern  Ontario,  but  not  often  seen,  as  it  is  nocturnal 
in  its  habits,  never  venturing  from  its  retreat  in  some  hollow  tree,  until 
after  sunset.  The  so-called  Flying  Squirrels  do  not  really  fly,  but  the 
skin  along  their  sides  is  capable  of  expansion  so  that  it  acts  as  a  para- 
chute. 

During  the  winter  this  squirrel  lies  dormant,  retiring  to  its  nest  in 
November  and  reappearing  about  the  beginning  of  April. 

(*)  (21)  Sciuropterus  sabrinus. 

(Northern   Flying  Squirrel.) 
.    This  .species  ranges  from  the  northern  counties  north  to  Hudson's 
Bay.    The  ranges  of  the  two  species  probably  overlap. 

Order  INSECTIVORA.    (The  Insect  Eaters.) 

A  large  group  of  small  mammals,  somewhat  similar  to  the  Carnivora, 
hut  the  individuals  so  small  as  to  be  unable  to  overpower  vertebrate  ani- 
mals and  therefore  feeding  chiefly  upon  insects. 

Family  SORICID/C.     (The  Shrews.) 

Small  mouse-like  animals,  but  having  the  muzzle  elongate ;  eyes  and 
external  ears  developed.     Feet  not  specially  adapted  for  digging. 


ii  i 


9() 


CHKCK  LIST  OK  TtlK 


All  our  species  feed  entirely  upon  inserts  and  as  thev  nre  ovir,.m,.lv 
voracous  they  are  of  economic  value.     As  yet  thev  have'  been  I    t    1 
stud.,.!  here,  and  time  w.ll  prohably  add  ..ther  species  „.  our  lis,. 

C)  (2  J I  Sorex  fumens. 
(Sootv  Shrew.) 

i.  pi,!;7.:s;'ixs'''  "■'■'""^■'""  "■'  '"■  "'■-  "™^«  -" 

(.12)  Sorex  personatus. 
fAfasked   .Shrew.) 
Common   and   i,'-en(rally   distributed. 

(24    Blarma  brevicanda. 

fMole  Shrew.) 

si^cie?T°"  ■''"''  ^''""■'n'-'  '^'''tributed  thouKh  not  often  seen.  In  this 
^pe  .es  the  ears  are  small,  not  visible  externally;  it  somewhat  resemlh^s 
-  mole  m  general  appearance,  but  its  feet  are  quite  different.       ''''"'''^''' 

Famh-v  TALPin^.     ,t.m:  Mor.i:s.) 

and';..  n.ci:sf^Xh'r  t^*:;^"^E:r;::^:-i';;;rT  ''--'^'^ 

msects.  '  '  "  prmcipally   underground 

Gem  s  PARASCALOPS. 

(*J  (-25)  Parascalops  brewer:. 

(Hairy-tailfd  Mole,   Brewers'  Mole  ) 

tion  l^'un^erlat"  ""  '^'"'"'^"^  '"''"'  ''''''■'''  ''«""'-^-  ''"'  '•^  ^istribu- 

r.K.Mis  COXDVLURA. 
(2fi)  Condylura  cristata. 

(Star-nosed  Mole.) 
erounr"l\""  7u-   ^'"'"">'  '^.i^fibuted.  more  particularly  in  low    moist 

Sots.^^f  dsTpr;ntrt  ''r: ""  ^•'^  '""""^^  -  often  ;erin 

and  does  much  to  keen  ^nhpT^.     T'^l';^™""''  "''''''''  """^  earthworms 
and  cutworms  '^       '''""''  '''"  ^^"•'lesome  white  grubs,  wireworrns 


ANIMALS  (>|-  ONTAHId. 


ill 


Order  CHIROPTERA.     (The   Bats.) 

Mammals  with  the  anterior  liml)s  mndilicd  for  tlisjhf  bv  the  pjnngation 
of  the  forearm  and  especially  of  four  of  the  finders,  all  of  which  are  con- 
nected bv  a  thin  icathiry  membrane,  which  includes  the  hind  feet  rind 
usually  the  tail.  The  Bats  are  nocturnal  in  their  habits,  ffoinij  into  retire- 
ment in  the  daytime  and  h.inirin«  head  downward  In  their  hind  cl.iws. 
All  our  species  .are  entirely  insectivorous  and  arc  ot  ijre.it  economic  value 
to  farmers.  Fn  the  minds  of  some  people  there  is  .a  strong  prejudice 
against  bats;  these  prejudices  .arise  from  superstition  and  iijnorance.  for 
our  hats  are  incapable  of  injuring  .mv  lium.m  being.  Thcv  do  not  en- 
tangle themselves  in  people's  h.iir,  nor  do  thev  c.arrv  bedbugs  into  houses 
as  IS  commonly  supposed,  but  thev  do  help  to  rid  us  of  large  quantities 
ol  miurir)us  insects  .md  so  .ire  entitled  to  protection. 

I'AMMv  \'K.sPF:RTiLio\irx-i-:. 

Insectixorous  H.als  with  the  snout  not  append.iged  ;  wing  membranes 
ample;  tail  completely  enclosed  in  the  interfemor.al  membr.ine  or  onlv  the 
last  joint  exserted;  fur  of  peculiar  stru(-ture,  e.ich  hair  with  a  series  of 
minute  imbricated  scales  arranged  in  a  spiral.  .Ml  our  bats  belong  to  this 
family.  Most  of  them  lie  dormant  in  winter,  hut  two  species '  micrrite 
southward. 

Gems  MVOTIS. 
(:!7)  Mvotis  subulatus. 

(I-ittle  Brown  Bat.) 
Common  and  generally  distributed. 

(*)  (28)  Myotis  lucifugus. 

I  have  one  record  of  this  species  from  Wellington,  where  it  was  taken 
by  .Mr.  Brooks. 

Gems  L.XSIOWCTFRIS. 

(29)  Lasionycteris  noctivagans. 
(.Silver  Black  Bat.) 
Common   and  generally    distributed,   particularlv  abundant   near   the 
Lakes.   Aligrates  .southward  in  winter. 


Gems  VE.SPFRTILIO. 


(.^o)  Vespertilio  fuscus. 

(Brown  Bat,  Dusky  Bat.) 
Common  and  widelv  distributed. 


t>3 


CHECK  LIST  OK  THE 


'      ff  [ 


y 


Genus  LASIURUS. 

(31)  Lasiurus  borealjs. 

(Red  Bat.) 
^^_^ Common  and  generally  distributed,  particularly  abundant  near  Lake 

(•)  (32)  Lasiuras  cinereus. 
(Hoary   Bat.) 
This  is  our  largest  species  and  one  that  is  seldom  seen.     Specimens 
have  been  recorded  from  various  parts  of  the   Province,  but   it  is  rare 
everywhere.     Migrates  southward  for  the  winter. 

Order  UNGULATA.    (The  Hoofed  Mammals.) 

Herbivorous  mammals  provided  with  one  to  four  enlarged  and  thick- 
ened claws  or  hoofs  on  each  foot;  molar  teeth  adapted  for  grinding. 

Family  CERVID.€.    (The  Deer.) 

Horns  deciduous,  solid,  developed  from  the  frontal  bone,  more  or  less 
branched,  covered  at  first  by  a  soft  hairy  integument  known  as  "velvet-" 
when  the  horns  attain  thH^  full  size,  which  they  do  in  a  short  time,  there 
arises  at  the  base  of  earh  a  ring  of  tubercles  known  as  the  "burr  "  This 
compresses  and  finally  obliterates  the  blood  vessels  supplving  the  velvet  •''• 
which  dries  up  and  is  rubbed  off,  leaving  the  bone  hard  and  insensible. 
The  horns  or  antlers  are  shed  annually,  the  separation  of  the  "beam" 
froni  Its  pedicel"  taking  place  just  below  the  burr.  Antlers  are  wanting 
m  the  female,  except  in  the  Caribou,  but  they  are  present  in  the  male  of 
all  our  species.     Stomach  in  four  divisions  as  with  ordinary  ruminants. 

Gems  ODOCOILEUS. 

(33)  Odocoileus  americanus. 

(Red  Deer,  Virginia  Deer.) 
Common  and  generally  distributed  in  all  unsettled  districts      Ranees 
westward  into  easte.  n  Manitoba. 

Genus  CERVUS. 

(34)  Cervus  canadensis. 

(Wapiti,  "Elk.") 
It  seems  certain  that  at  one  time  the  Wapiti  was  found  in  western 
Ontario,  but  it  has  become  extinct.     If  it  is  ever  found  here  now.  it  will 
be  near  the  Manitoba  border.     In  the  west  this  animal  is  con-.monly  and 
wrongly  called  the  Elk,  a  name  properly  belonging  to  the  next  species 


ANIMALS  OF  oSTAKKt. 


!»8 


Gems  ALCES. 

(35)  Alceg  americanus. 

(Moose,  True  Elk.) 
Common  in  the  wilds  of  Xorthern  Ontario.    The  most  splendid  repre- 
sentative of  wild  animal  life  of  the  American  continent. 

Genus  RANGIFER. 

(36)  Rangifer  caribou. 

(Woodland  Caribou,  American  Reindeer.) 
This  species  is  very  abundant  in  extreme  northern  Ontario,  occasion- 
ally coming  south  in  winter  as  far  as   Lake  .Superior.     On  the  treeless 
wastes  of  the  Arctic  regions,  a  sub-species,   R.   c.  arcticus,  the  Barren- 
ground  Caribou,  is  found. 

Order  FERi€.    (The  Flesh-eaters.  or  Camivora.) 

Canine  teeth  distinct,  conical ;  molars  more  or  less  adapted  for  cut- 
ting; toes  provided  with  claws;  skin  covered  with  h..ir  or  fur;  alimentarv 
canal  short. 

Family  PROCYONID^.     (The  Raccoons.) 

Plantigrade  animals  of  moderate  size,  with  the  body  comparatively 
slender  and  the  tail  well  developed.     Snout  more  or  less  elongated. 

Genus  PRQCYON. 
{^7)  Procyon  lotO' 

(Common  Raccoon.) 

Common  and  generally  distributed  where  suflficient  bush  is  left  to 
afford  shelter  for  it. 

Family  URSID^C.     (The  Bears.) 

Plantigrade  animals  having  the  body  thick  and  clumsy.  Tail  rudi- 
mentary. Teeth  broad  and  tuberculated,  according  with  an  omnivorous 
diet. 

Genus  URSUS. 
(38)  Ursus  americanus. 

(Black  Bear,  Brown  Bear,  Cinnamon  Bear.) 
Very  variable  in  colour ;  there  is,  however,  but  one  specie?  found  in 
this  Province  south  of  the  Arctic  regions.    Formerly  abundant  and  gener- 
ally distributed,  but  now  restricted  to  the  unsettled  districts. 

Family  MUSTELID^.    (The  Weas.ls.) 

Small,  or  medium-sized  animals,  some  of  which  are  strictly  carniv- 
orous, while  others  are  omnivorous.  Most  species  provided  with  glands 
which  secrete  a  fetid  liquid.  In  this  family  are  many  of  the  most  valuable 
fur-bearing  animals. 


9t 


CIIKCK  LIST  OK  THh 


OEMS  Ll'TRA. 
I. ,9)  Lutra  canadensis. 

(Americ.-in  Otter.) 


CJkms  NrKPUlTIS. 
(401  Mephitis  mephitica. 

(Common  Skunk.) 

Common  and  generally  distributed.  This  o(Ten>ive  rreature  is  „n!v 
known  to  be  eondenuu-d.  but  apart  iVom  its  unpleas.-mt  odour  and  ocea'. 
Monal  raids  upon  hen's  nests  it  has. some  good  traits  in  its  character.  It 
eeds  largely  upon  mseets  o(  all  sorts  and  is  partieularlv  partial  to  the 
larsi-  xNhite  grubs  and  iiilworms,  which  it  srratches  out  and  dexours  with 
•iMdity.     Its  lur  IS  of  excellent  quality  and  is  now  dyed  to  imitate  sable. 

Gkm  s  (iULO. 
(41)  Gulo  luscus. 

(Wolverene.) 


Gem  s  MCSTFLA. 


Its  fur  is  much  esteemed. 


(4-')  Musteia  americana. 

(Fine  .Marten,  Sable.) 
Not  uncommon  in  the  northern  forests, 

(43)  iVIustela  pennantii. 

(Fisher,  Pekan.) 
.\n  inhabitant   of   th.>   north  w(M)ds   xxh;..u   u       1 

C.EMs  LL'TRROLA. 

(44)  Lutreola  vison. 

(Mink.) 

evervihi„B  it  can  overpower.     As  „'  d„  rover  ,;f  fi.  H  S,-       •.   "t""  """" 
service,  bu,  when  i,  raids  a  ^^^-rJ^l^t^^^'^I^JZ:^,^^  "^ 


ANIMALS  or  iiNTAljin. 


n". 


(iKM  s  IHTOKILS. 

(45)  Putorius  noveboracensis. 

(Krinitif,  Stoat.) 

Common  .m.l  t;fiUTall>    distriliuti-.I.      Turns  xvfiil..  in  wintrr    ulir 
lur   lH-,-om,N   th..   Krnnn..  of  rommiT.-...       \   ru-u;-  and   Moo.lthiisiv 
ammal,  but  ol  yrrm  cronomir  v,-,lu..  iHraus,-  it  kills  l.-,rj,v  nuinln-rs  of 
l;fl(|  mi,c  and  oIIut  d.-structivi-  Ncrmin;  o( rasionallv  it  makes  a  riid 
thf    H-n-roost.  but  this  do..s  not   orrur   vrrv  oflrn,  and  on  thr   who). 
»;()<  (I  It  docs  tar  outbaianres  the  evil, 
1 40 1  Putorius  ciUonani. 

(Small   Brown   Wensui.) 

Common  throuijhoul  tin-  Province.  White  in  winter.  In  its  h 
resembhny  the  last.  .Sm.aller  ,an,l  less  pow.Tful.  It  is  de.idediv  a  f 
cr  s  Iriend,   ;is   ,•,  check  upon  the  increase  of  Held   mice  and  rats 


n  Its 
little 
rats, 

upon 
■    the 


ii)lls 
.irni- 


.Mu 


zzle   elon- 


F\Miiv  C.\\ID.^=:.      (Tin    I><,(;sj 

OiKitiijrade  <-arnivor;i  with  blunt  non-retractile  cl.iws. 
gated  in  our  wild  species. 

(iFM  s  \  IT.PIvS. 
(471  Vulpes  penn.sylvanicu.s. 
(Red  Fox.) 
Common  wherever  it  can  tind  sutllcienf  cover.    A  verv  vari.able  species 
1  wo  well-known  v.irietics  are  the  H'a.k  or  .Silver  Crev  and  the  Cross  Fox' 
Ihese  mters^rade  in  all  des:rees  and  the  extremes  of  each  v.irielv  have  be-n 
found  m  one  litter.  «    "->i 

Though  the  Kox  is  Sfnerally  looked  upon  as  injurious  to  the  farmer 
by  reason  of  its  occasional  raids  upon  the  poultrv  yard,  it  should  be  re- 
membered  that  its  favorite  and  .hief  food  is  field  mice;  of  these  it  destrovs 
Rreat  numbers  and  is  one  of  nature's  s^reat  ,he,ks  upon  their  undu- 
increa.se. 

Gems  CAMS. 
(48)  Canis  nubilus. 

(Wolf,  Timber  Wolf.J 
Very  variable  in  colour,  becominj;  almost  white  in  the  far  ..ortli 
hxtinct  in  the  older  settled  parts  of  the  I'rovin.e,  but  sometimes  suf- 
liciently  common  to  be  injurious  in  the  northern  counties.  We  sometimes 
see  in  the  newspapers  accounts  of  attacks  upon  travellers  m.ade  bv  thes<- 
animals.  These  are  pure  fiction.  Th.it  the  Kuropean  wolf  when  pressed 
by  hunger  will  sometimes  attack  a  man  is  no  doubt  true,  but  so  far  there 
IS  no  authentic  case  known  where  a  wolf  .attacked  a  man  in  this  countrv. 
They  are  verv  shv  and  cunnin.s,'.  \o  more  difficult  anim.il  to  shoot  or  trip 
exists  in  our  woods. 


i 


m 


w 


CHKCK  LIST  OF  THK 


Familv  FELID^.     (The  Cats.) 

Oigitigrade  carnivora.  Claws  compressed,  very  shaip.  retractile- 
f^T  r"V'""  ^''"y'r'^  ""ked  pads  under  each  toe'  and  the  Si  of  th^ 
foot.     Body  compact,  head  short,  broad,  and  rounded. 

,     ,  ,  ,  Genus  LYNX. 

(49)  Lynx  canadensis. 

(Canada  Lynx.) 

tr.r.lZ"^']'^-  !°'"'"°"  ^"  *'"'°"«''  *''«  Province.     Now  only  found  in  the 
forested  d.stncts,  .ts  range  extending  north  nearly  to  the  timber  lini 

(50)  Lynx  rufus. 

(Wild  Cat.) 
Nearly  if  not  quite  extinct.     During  the  last  twentv  years  I  have  seen 
specimens  from  nearly  all  our  southern  counties,  to  which  its  range  seems 
to  have  been  restricted.  ^    seems 

Genus  FELIS. 
(*)  (51)  Felis  concolor. 

^American  Panther.  Cougar.) 
Now  extinct    in  this    ProMnce.   where  it  was  never  very  abundant 
1  here  are  many  old  records  of  its  capture  along  our  southern  border  in 
the  early  sett  ement  days,  but  its  range  does  not  appear  to  have  extended 
very  far  north  of  our  southern  boundary. 


i^f  m 


INDEX  TO  SECTIONS 


SECTION  I. 

FISHES. 


PAOB. 


Aliruiiiis    38 

"       crysoleucas    , 33 

Acantbopt«ri   75 

Acipunsorida;      13 

Aciponscr      13 

"         rubicundug     14 

Alburnopi     40 

Alewirea    5;J 

Alewife      54 

Allosomus     60 

Alosa       54 

"         sapidissima    54 

Alvordius      94 

Atnbloplites    83 

"            rupestris  83 

AmeiuruB    20,  21 

"         lacustris     21 

"        natalis     21 

"         vulgaris      22 

"         nebulosus    22 

"        melas      23 

Amiidtr    16 

■  Amia      17 

"       calva     18 

Ammocrypta    pellucida     97 

Amphiodon       51 

Anacanthini     103 

Anguillida)    49 

Anguilla    49 

"        chrysypa    49 

AphredoderidfB    77 

Aphredoderus    78 

"            sayanus   78 

Aplodinotus  10> 

"            grunniens    100 

Apodes  48 

Apomotis     84 

"        cyanellus    85 

Appendix    105 


I'AUK. 

ArgyroBomus    58 

"            artedi    68 

"            prognathuB   69 

"            nigripiitniB    69 

"            tulUbee   60 

AtherinidsB   79 

Atlantic  lalmon   61 

B. 

Bass,  Black  g8 

"  Calico    82 

"  Grass    m 

"  Green g^ 

"  Rook   8;j 

"       Cjilver    gj 

"       Speckled    S2 

"       Striped 99 

"       White    99 

"       Yellow 88 

Bill  fish  ;:..  16 

Black  Bass,   The   87 

"           "       Large  mouthed  87 

"           "       Small   mouthed   88 

"      Catfish  23 

"       fin   Whitefish   59 

"       head   Minnow    35 

"       nctnp(\   Dace    44 

"      sided    Darters   93 

"       sided   Darter  94 

Blob    101 

Blue  Darter  iQr, 

"     Pickerel    91 

"     Snnfisfc    85 

Blunt-nosed    Minnows    36 

Boleosoma    95 

"        nigrum    95 

"        n.    olmstedi    96 

Bony  fishes  19 

Bow-fins   16,  17 

Bowfin    18 

Bream    38 

^3] 


M4 


INUKX. 


PACK 

Brouk  Stickleback  73 

"      Trout    (^4 

Buffalo  tishci    on 

;;     fi>h  '.Z.Z'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.  2(i 

HUcker-mouthod    20 

Bullhoad    22 

"  Minnows    39 

Burbot    [["  joi 

Butterfish    '.....'.'..'....     38 

0. 

Calico  Bau  52 

Campostoma    ",[[      33 

"  nnomalum    33 

Carp 47 

Carpiodcs    jjy 

"  thompgoni    27 

Carpliko  fitihes   2fi 

Carps,  Tho   .....25-32 

Carp  Lakn  27 

"     Suckers 27 

Catftshe^    19 

Catfish,  Blank  '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.Z     23 

"        Common    22 

"         Lake    2I 

"        liong  Jawed 22 

"        Spotted    20 

"         Channel    20-21 

"         Stone  23-24 

Yellow    21 

Catostomidip    25 

Catostomus  28 

"  commcrsp"  j    28 

"  catostomus    28 

"  nigricans    29 

Ct'ntrarchidfp   gQ 

Chfpnobryttus    '.'.'..'...    84 

"  Rulosus    '.'.....    M 

Channel   Catfish   20-21 

Chnrrs,    Tho    .'.'.'...     64 

Chondrostei 13 

Chriope    39 

Chrosomus    34 

"  erythrogaster    34 

Chub    3e 

"      Creek    37 

Lake 4g 

Suckers    39 

aubs,  The ,<?6 

Jisco    ......."..  fS 

Ciscoes,  The   68 

Clinostomns   33 

CHola    ;.■,■.'.'■■  33 

"       vigilax    39 


_,  r.\OK. 

Clupcida-   !■>:> 

Codfishes,   The   m;j 

Common  Mullet   ....  <» 

"    Pike :;.::;:;;;;:;:;:;;;::;;  ^ 

Sucker    28 

Whitefish    ;•  56 

Copeland's   Darter   95 

Coregonus    [[[[  gg 

<'lii|M-itorniiM     flg 

"         InhrndorirUN    57 

"        quadrilateralis 56 

Cottidip    jQi 

Cnttogastor 94-05 

"  copelandi  ■.'....     95 

Cottus    joi 

"         ictalops 101 

Coueuius    4g 

"        plumbeus    '...'.     4f, 

Crappie    81 

Creek  Chub   37 

Cristimorer    63 

"  nama.vcush    63 

Cut-lips    47 

Cycloganoidea    16 

Cylindrosteus  "''  '  16 

Cynoperca    91 

Cyprinolla    41 

C.vprinidn'   .30 

Cyprinus    .....^  47 

"        oarpio    47 

D. 

T>ace    37.42 

"       Black-nosed    44 

"      Horned  .36-37 

"       Long-nosed    44,105 

"       Red-bellied    34 

Darters   93 

Darter,  Black-sided  94 

"       Blue    105 

"       Copelands    95 

"       Johnny   95 

"       Manitou    J3 

"       Northern    97 

"       Rainnbow    105 

''      Sand    96-97 

Tessellated  9,5.96 

Dccactylug    28 

DoRfioh .".'.'.'.'.'.".'.'.'.'."is,  66 

Dore    90 

Dorosomidse    52 

Dorosoma    ][[[[    52 

"  cepedianum    52 


IM»K.\. 


Hft 


..  M 

..  I0:j 

.  32 

..  68 

..  28 

..  56 

. .  !)r> 

..  66 

.    m 

.     67 

.      fWi 

101 

94-96 

0.- 

.  101 
.  101 
.     46 

.    to 

.  81 
37 

.  63 
63 
47 
16 
16 
91 
41 
3-.> 
47 
47 


PAtlK. 

Drum    27,  100 

"      Freihn-ater   loo 

Drums,   Th«  99 

E. 

EpIs,  The 48-49 

Kel,    Amfriran   49 

Rnchel.ycephsli    49 

Frim.vitiix   4."i 

Kri»n.v»!on    30 

"          iiirettit   a  I 

Rthcostotna    97 

"           boreaJG    97 

"          rfBruloum    105 

Ruralia   7-2 

"        inconitans    73 

Rupomotig    86 

"           Ribbotus    86 

Rrentof^nathi    26 

Rxo;;los8Um    46 

"          maxillingua  *' 

F. 

Fathead  Minnow    36 

Fine-Bcaled  Suckers    28 

Fishes   7,  10 

Fontinus    7! 

Franklin's  Soulpin   102 

Freshwater  Drum  100 

"  Killv    71  ■ 

Frost   fish   66 

Fundnlus   70 

"  diaphanns   71 

O. 

Oadidce   103 

Oanoidpi    11 

Garfish    16 

Oar-Pikes  14 

Gar-Pike    15 

Gar,  Short-nosed   16   ; 

Oaspereaii    54 

Gasterosteidee   72 

Gasterosteus   74    I 

"            bispinosns  74 

Gizzard  Shad   62 

Glossary   lOG 

Oold-pvo    61 

Gold   Shad   63 

Golden   Shiner  38 

Grass  Bass  81 

Gray  Trout  63 


PAOK. 

Gri'on   Bhss   m 

"       Pike    ■'  68 

"      Sunfish   M 

Uud;;eon,    Niagara   44 

H. 

'fttdropterii.t    !»;) 

"             Bspero   91 

Hnif-Kilis     71 

Hnplomi    6B 

Hi'inihrnnchii    71 

Hiodon    61 

"        alosoidi'K    61 

"         tprKiHUs    61 

Hio(limtidn>     fio 

Hnu  Suckor  2'.t 

Horned  Daco  36-37 

''         Pouts    20 

Horn.v-hoads   45 

Hybopsis   46-46 

"          dissimilis   4'> 

"          storerianus    46 

Hybognathus   .31-3.'. 

"             nuchalis   .Tfi 

Hvpentelium    29 

Hypcroartii    g 

I. 

Ictalnras    20 

"          pnnctatUB   20 

Icthyomyzon    8 

"            concolor   9 

Ictiobns    26 

"          bubalus    26 

Isospondyli   60 

J. 

Jackfisb   09 

Johnny  Darter  96 

K. 

Kenoza   68 

Killifishes  79 

Killifish    ;;  71 

Killy,    Fresh-water  71 

L. 

Labidesthes   79 

"  sicculua   79 


8«i 


I.NDKX. 


•  ••  f  ' 


I'AOK. 

l*ke  C«rp  07 

"    Chub ;.■";;;  J;, 

"      Herring  Qg    j^ 

"      Miller'i  TLumb  'l02 

"      Minnowi   40 

"      Sculpin   "  103 

"      Sturgeon    14 

"      Trout   63 

Lamper  Eel  g 

Lamfwtra  q 

"  wilder!   10 

Lamprey,  Brook  10 

SiWe'    ; g 

Lampr  yg  J   g 

LarKn-mouthed  Black  Bast 'stj 

Lepibema  ..  gg 

LepitMteide  14 

Lepianiteui    '.'.'....,  1,5 

"  OMeui 16 

"  platoatomut    ]6 

Lepomit  gj; 

"        pullidua 85 

Leucitcus   37 

"  elongatui  38 

Leucosomus   g^ 

f!"K    •-; ZZ'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.  104 

Ling«    The  103 

Lor   Porch    g;j 

Log   Perchei    "][[     gj 

Long-Jaw  Herring   59 

"     Jawed  Catfish   '.     22 

"     noted  Dare   /i    lOfi 

'      Sucker :  ^ 

Loricati   lo] 

^'^t'   , '.'.'.'.'.Z'.Z'.'.'.  103 

maculosa  104 

Lurii'leD 67 

Lucius 67,  68 

"       InciUB  '  gg 

"       musquinongy    gg 

"       reticulatUB    68 

V""??   '.'.'.'"69 

Luxilus    42 

Lythurus    '.........'.'.....'.     43 

M. 

Mad  Tom  ni  ! 

Manitou  Darter .........'....'..  93  I 

Marsipobranchii    .'..'.'..'.'........  8 

Mascalonge  go  I 

Mascalongus  '..'..".'  6'l 

Melanura   ...'...'.!.......  6fi  ' 

Microptenis    gy  1 

Miller's  Thumb  mi  i 

Lake   102  ! 


r*0K. 

Minnow,  BUck-headod  3fi 

"        Blunt-nosed  M 

Bullhead   ae 

"        Fathead  » 

"       Mud  M 

"       Redfin   43 

"        Silrery  ^ 

"        Straw-colored   41 

Minytrcma   30 

"            melanops   '.'.'.'..'.  S\ 

Mongrel   Whitvfish   60 

Mooneye    ]""'""  jj 

"          Northern 51 

Mooneyes,  The  m  «1 

Moxostoma  31 

"           aniturum   .,..,.  31 

"            aureolum    32 

„     '■  .         breviceps   32 

Mudfish    ig 

Mudfishes 66 

Mud  Minnows  66 

Mullet,  Common  30 

Short-hpaded    32 

Mullets,  The   si 

N. 

NVmatognnthi    u 

Niagara   dudgeon    44 

NiTieola    '"'  97 

Northern   Mooneye  Kl 

Pike  .::::::::::::  es 

"  Sucker  28 

Notemigonua    33 

Notropis '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.■.'.■.■.■.'.■.■.'■39,  42 

atherinoides    4s 

"        blennius    41 

'■        cayuga  39 

cornutns    42 

fretensis  40 

"         heterodon    40 

''        hudsonius 41 

jejunus   42 

muskoka    40 

"         rubifrons    43 

"        ambratilia 43 

"        Tolucellns  ....  .  41 

"        whipplii    '.[[.['.Z.'.  41 

Notums  01 

"  flsTus :::::::::::::;:::::::  24 

0. 

Ostariophysi    jg 


INI>K.\. 


r*aK. 

....  3fi 

....  as 

...  39 

....  80 

...  e(! 

...  43 

...  ST. 

...  41 

...  30 

...  31 

...  60 

...  51 

...  51 
60,  51 

...  31 

...  31 

..  32 

..  92 

..  18 

..  66 

..  66 

..  32 

..  32 

..  SI 


.      l! 

.     44 

.     97 

.     51 

.     68 

.     28 

.     38 

9,  42 

.     4.T 

41 

39 

.     42 

.     40 

.     40 

.     41 

42 

40 

4.3 

43 

41 

41 

23 

24 


19 


r*0K. 


PsddloAsh   12 

PaddK'fiihM,  Th* 11,  12 

Pegedictui    101 

Porca    92 

"      flAVMrena    92 

Pi«rp««oce«   TH 

Porrhfi,  Lojt  f 

Prrrh.  Loir  fh! 

Prrrhpn,  Th«  gf) 

"        Th«    Trne    .  K 

Perrh,   Pirate    78 

"        Trout   7«i 

Yellow    0£ 

P«>rridi»>    89 

Perrina    92 

"         rtiprodei    Ki 

"         «>bra    )« 

P«rroidea    79 

F'nroopnis    70 

"         (tuttattu    76 

Porropgidw  76 

PptromvzonidB"  8 

PTk.Tr'l     90 

"         Blue   91 

Sam!    91 

"         YpIIow    90 

Piko,  Common    68 

"      r.ropn   68 

"       Northern    68 

Piknlike   fisheg    65 

Pikes.  Oar  14 

Pike  Perrhes  90 

Pikes.  The   67 

Pim«>nhflle«    35 

"             promelai    ,V» 

"         nntatui  an 

Pirntp  Perch   78 

"       Perches   77 

Pisce.s   7.  10 

PlectoRnathi    100 

Plectosprrdjli    25 

Pn>ciliidH'     70 

Polyodon    12 

"          gpathula   12 

Polyodontidie    11 

Pomolohus    .5.3 

"          rhrypochlori*   63   ; 

"           pseudoharenKus   .^4 

Pomoxi* 81 

"         animlaris    81 

"        sparoides    82 

Pouts.   Horned  20 

Prosopium    156 

Pumpkin  seed   86 


PAQt. 

PjrRiMteai    73 

"        punKitiut   73 

H. 

Ftninltow   Dnrter   lOfi 

Red-lwllied   I>ac«  34 

Rnilfin    43 

"      Minnow    43 

Hodhorse   82 

"        Suckert    31 

R<'d-*i<led  shiner  38 

Kht'Knoptcri    99 

Khihichthya    K 

"  ntronaaua    44 

"  cataractie    44,  105 

Rhombofcanoidea   14 

Jtocfus    99 

'■       rhrysoim 90 

|{.«'k    HasH    fa 

"      SturKoon   14 

llDund  Whitefish   ofl 

S. 

Salmon,   Atlantic    61 

St.-elhead   62 

"        Trout 63 

Shlmons.  The  fi."),  61 

.Salnio   61 

"        (jalrdneri  62 

salar    61 

.Salmopercw   75 

SnIvoIinuM    64 

"         fontinalis    64 

Snnd  Darters.  The  96,  97 

Sand   Pickerel 91 

Sand    RnMer    76 

Samier   91 

Sault   Whitefish   .57 

Schilbendes    24 

"  Kyrinus    24 

RciienidsB  90 

Viilnin 101 

"         Franklin's    102 

"         Lake    10.1 

Selachostomi    11 

Semotilus    36,  V 

"  atromaculatus    .17 

"  corporalis    36 

Serranidfc   98 

Shad    .54 

"      nizzard    152 

"       Gold    53 

Sheepshead    100 


'^^  B 

l''l 

iSB 

SH 


INDKX. 


'!  i 


f 

I 

1: 

Shmer  40 

Golden .■.;;;;;;";:.■.::  m 

"         Red-sided    30 

''    Spotted ;;.::;:.:::::;  46 

Shmors.  The  39 

Short-headed  Mullet  ...'. 32 

"      nosed  Gar 16 

Siluridee    "  jg 

Silver  Bass  .........^...[....  81 

Silverfin    '""  41 

Silvprsides    70 

The :::::;::::::;;:::::::;  11 

Silvpry   Minnows    35 

Sisrowet   g< 

Skipjack 79 

Small-mouthed  Black  Bass 88 

Smelt    42 

Spawn  eater   ."''"  41 

Speckled    Bass    82 

Spiny-rayed   fishes   75 

Spotted   Cat    20 

StccUicncI  Salmon   go 

Stickleback,   Brook   73 

"  Ten-spined   73 

«f  Ji'u     1     Two-spined  7, 

Sticklebacks    ^2 

Stizostedion    on 

canadenso    91 

"  vitreum   90 

Stone  Cat,  Tadpole  04 

;;  Catfish ;:.:. -23,  h 

LuBger  33 

"       Roller    .....29,  3.T 

"       toter   47 

Straw-colored    Minnow    ........'..  41 

Striped   Bass   99 

Sturgeon,    I.-nke    14 

Rock    14 

SturReons.  The  13 

Sucker.   Chub  ^ 

Common    jg 

Hog    09 

Long-nosed   28 

moiitliod    Buffalo    !''.,  2() 

"       Northern    28 

"       Spotted   '',,]  30 

"       Striped   3] 

"       White   ',[[[[  28 

"      'White-nosed    31 

Suckers,   C»arp   27 

"         Fine  scaled   2S 

"         Red  horse    31 

The    ■■  2.^ 

Sunfish,   Blue   as 

"         Oreen    g.!; 

"         Yellow    8fi 


r^        -    .  PAGE. 

Sunfishea,   The   ^,) 

I 

I  T- 

,  Tadpole  Stone  Cat  24 

Tcleogtei 19 

Tcleostomi    _  jg 

Ten-spincd    Stickleback    ....'.'.'.. 73 

Tessellated   Darter  .'..".     gg 

"  Darters,   The UH 

Togne   g3 

Tom,  Mad   04 

I  Triglopsis   '...[........  102 

"  thompsoni    103 

Trout,  Brook  34 

j  ;;  ^^fy ■■■.■.'.'.'■  63 

Lake    63 

"      Perch   ;  -  76 

"       Perches,  The 75,  7fi 

Salmon   6.S 

"      The   61 

Trutta    f^o 

Tuladi    ....[]..[..[[  63 

Tullibee    .....'......]..]..  60 

Two-spined  Stickleback    '.'.....'.'..  74 

V. 

Umbra    cc 

II      ••    •  "' 

limi  6fi 

rmbridw  gfi 

TTranidea    J02 

"        formosa   102 

"         fr.inklini    102 

W 

Warmouth    84 

White   Bass   99 

"         nosed   Sucker    31 

"         Sucker   28 

Whitefish,  Blark-fin   ..'.  59 

"  Common    .«i6 

"  Mongrel    ,'.'  60 

"  Round   t^ 

"  Sault   .57 

Whitpfiahes.    The    .156 

X 

Xenarchi    77 

T. 

Yellow    Bass   gg 

"         Catfish     Z',',  21 

"         Perch    92 

"         Pickerel    90 

"         Sunfish    [',',,[  86 


1,1 


INDEX. 


.  24 

.  19 

.  10 

.  73 

.  96 

.  95 

.  63 

.  24 

.  102 

.  103 

.  64 

63 

63 

76 

;,  76 

63 

61 

62 

63 

60 

74 


SECTION  II. 
BATRACHIANS  AND  REPTILES. 


A. 


Acris    8 

"      gryllus    8 

Adder,  spotted   14 

"       spreading    14 

"       blowing    14 

Amblystomatidap    6 

Amblystoma    6 

"          pimptatum    6 

"          tigrinum     6 

"           Jeffrrsoniannm    6 

"           microstomua   6 

American   Toad    8 

Amyda   17 

"        mutica    17 

Aromochelys   18 

"       "     odoratuR   18 

.AspidDiiocio-;    17 

"            spinifer   17 


B. 


Bascan  inn    13 

"           constrictor   13 

Batracbia    5 

Batrarhians.    Tailless    7 

Black   Racer    13 

"       Salamander    7 

"       Snake    13 

T<l;i!nlin};'s  Tortoise  18 

BItpwinc    Adder  14 

Bhie-fcailed   Lizard   16 

Box    Turtles    17 

Brown    Snake.    Little    11 

Bufo 8 

■■     Iciiti^iiiosiis    t* 

Bufonidtc    8 

Bull  frog  10 


Callnpeltis   I't 

"  vulpinns    13 

Chelvdra     17 

"  serpentina   17 


v.\ar.. 

Chelydridte    17 

Chorophilus    9 

"              nigritus  9 

Chrysemys  18 

picta    18 

Clemmys   18 

"         insculptus    18 

guttatus    18 

Coal  Skink  16 

Colubridoe    .,. 11 

Common  Garter  Snako   12 

"         Rattlesnake    15 

soft-shelled   Turtle    17 

"        Tree  Frog   9 

Cricket   Frog   8 

Crotalidoe  14 

Crotalus   15 

"        horridns    15 

D. 

Desmognathidfp    7 

Desmognathus    7 

fusca  7 

"             nigra    7 

Diadophis    ..  13 

"           punctatus    13 

Diemyctylus    7 

"           viridisccns    7 

E. 

Kft     7 

Rmydidjr    18 

Rmydoidea    18 

""           blandingi     18 

Eumeces    16 

"         antbracinus    16 

"         fa.scintus     16 

"        spptentrionalis   16 

Evet   7 

F. 

Fox   Sn.nke   13 

Frog.   Bull    10 

"       Cricket     8 


90 


IN' HEX. 


PAGE. 

Frog,  Green  jg 

"      Leopard    jq 

■    "      Northern   in 

"       Pickerel    in 

"      Wood    10 

Frogs.  The  9 

G. 

Garter  Snakes,  The  12 

Garter  Snake,  Common  12 

Hoy's   12 

Glossary   (Sec.    I.) iQg 

Granulated  Salamander  (J 

Graptemys 1^ 

"  geographicus 18 

Green  Frog  ig 

H. 

Hemidactylium    g 

"  scutatum   6 

Hoterodon   14 

"        platirhinos    14 

Hyla  g 

"     pickeringii    9 

"     versicolor   .\         9 

Hylidsp 8 

K. 

Kinosternidae    17 

L 

Lacertilla    ig 

Lampropeltis    ....[        ,['.  14 

"            doliatus    14 

Leather   Snake   12 

Turtle    '....'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.[  17 

Leopard  Frot;   m 

Liopoltis    i.-^ 

"  rernalis    y^ 

Little  Brown  Snake  n 

Lizard,   Blue-tailed  ]6 

Lizards.   The 15 

M. 

Map   Turtle    jg 

Milk   Snake   14 

Mud  Puppv  6 

Musk  Turtle   I8   , 

N.  i 

Natrix    1,3 

"        sipedon   13 


Necturus    g 

"        maculosus   k 

Newt ;.■;;;;.■.";.■.'.■   ? 

Northern   Frog  in 

skink ;;;;:"""""::  Je 

o. 

Ophidia    n 

P. 

Pninted  Turtle  18 

Pickerel   Frog   19 

Pickering's  Hyla   9 

Plethodon    7 

"         cinereus    7 

Plethodontidoe 6 

^Mourodelidw ...  7 

Pond  Turtles,   The 18 

Prairie  Rattlesnake  ].5 

Proteida .5 

R. 

Kacer,   Black  13 

Rana 9 

"    areolata 9 

cantabrigensis    10 

"     catesbeana  iq 

"     clamitans    10 

"     palustris    19 

"     pipiens    19 

"     septentrionalis   10 

"     sylvatica    10 

I^anidw 9 

Rattlesnake.    Common    15 

"             Prairie   1,5 

I?ntt)osnakes.    The    14 

Red-backed  Salamander  7 

Red-bellied  Snake  n 

Regina 12 

"       leberis    12 

"       rigida 10 

Reptiles   ij 

Riband   Snake 12 

Ring  Snake 13 

S. 

Salamander,   Black   7 

"  Granulated    fi 

"  Red-backed    7 

"  spotted    6 

Salamanders,  The fi 

Salientia    7 


INDEX. 


01 


PAOK. 

Scincidce   16 

Serpents,    The   11 

Siitrurus    15 

"        catenatus    15 

Skink,   Coal    16 

"       Northern    16 

.Skinks,  Thp   15 

Snake,  Black  13 

"       ConiimMi    CiiirtPr     I'' 

"      Fox    l.T 

"      Grass    M 

"       Green     13 

"       Hov's    Onrter   12 

"       Loatlior    12 

"       TJttle    Brown    11 

"       Milk    14 

"      Rptl-boIIied    11 

"       Riband   12 

RinsT    13 

"       Stiff   12 

"       W«tpr    13 

Snakps.    The   Coluhrine   11 

Snapping  Turtle    17 

Sppcklpd   Tortoise   18 

Spotted    Adder   14 

Spreadins;    Addder    14 

Stiff  Snake  12 

Storeria    11 

"         dpkayi    11 

"         oppipitomapulata       11 

Swnmp   Tree    Frop;    S> 

T. 

TestiHinata    Ifi 

Tha.  .  .onliis    12 


Tliamiiophis 

radix   

I'AOK. 

12 

It 

■aurituB   

sirtalis  

12 

12 

"                  "        dorsalis    12 

"                  "        obsciims   12 

"        ordinatus    12 

"                  "        parietalis   12 

Toad,    American   9. 

Toads,  The  8 

Tortoise,    Blandin(;'s    18 

Speckled    18 

Wood    18 

Trpo   Frog,    Common   9 

"        Swamp    9 

'•       Froca,   The    8 

Tri.tiyfhidse    16 

Turtle.   Box    17 

■'         Common   Soft-shelled    17 

"        Leather   17 

Map   18 

Musk    18 

T-.   nted   18 

"         Snapping  17 

Turtles,  The  16 

The  Soft-shelled   16,  17 

The  Pond  18 


r 


Trodela 


W. 


Water  Snake  13 

Wood  FroR  in 

"      Tortoise    18 


Ui 


IM»EX. 


SECTION  III. 
BIRDS. 


PAGE. 

A. 

Acadian   Sharp-tailed   Finch     62 

Acanthis    o-i 

ii         1  ;: 01 

nornomaiinii    gi 

h.  exilipes  gj 

linaria  gj 

1.    holbocli   gj 

1.    rostrata gj 

Acoipitrinaj   '    ""  39 

Accipiter    aq 

'.',     ^«'« : '■''.'.■'■■'.'.\'z:.:.':.  40 

coopen    40 

atricapillus   40 

Aftitis   ■■'■     01 

"       macularia   gi 

Attodromas    [[     no 

maciilata  '  28 

"  fuscicolliB   _[[]']  28 

bainlii     "  29 

mintitilla    29 

^:gia!itis a'} 

"         somipalmata    '...  -^3 

mploda    33 

"         nivosa 33 

^strelata    ■■■...'.........  12 

"         hasitata    '.'  '  ]9 

Agolaius    15^ 

"         pha>nice«s  5^ 

Aix    ,. 

,,              It 

sponaa   |- 

Alaiididip    '  e^i^ 

AIca 9 

"     torda 9 

Alrodinida-    4^ 

AlcidiP    g 

Aloyones    ^g 

Allc    n 

"     alio    9 

Amprioan    Barn  Owl   43 

"           Bittern    22 

Coot    .■;,■  25 

"           Crossbill    go 

Eeret    23 

Eider  19 

"          Oolden   eve    18 

Goldfinch'  gi 

Hawk  Owl   47 


PAOE. 

American  Herring   Gull   n 

Long-eared  Owl 44 

Merganser  14 

Ospfey   ['"  43 

Pipit    ■  7g 

Redstart   -g 

Robin    g] 

Rough-legjjed  Hawk  .....'.  41 

Scaup  Duck  17 

Three-toed    Woodpecker..  .Vl 

White    Pelican    14 

Woodcock    27 

Ammodramus    go 

henslowi    g2 

leconteii    go 

"             nelson!     g2 

n.  snbvirKatns  go 

Ampelidap  gg 

Ampelis    gg 

"       cedrorum    gg 

garrulus    gg 


Ana.s 


lo 


'     bosrhas    15 

"     obscura   15 

o.    rn!,ripps   -jg 

Anatidi*    ^4 

Anspr   20 

"     a.    Kambeli    OO 

Anthns    7g 

"       penn.-iylvnnicus   7g 

■AntrostoTniis   .152 

"            vociferus    50 

AphrizidfT'    33 

Arquatclla    28 

"           ntaritima    28 

.Aqnila    40 

"       rhrysaetos    42 

ArchibutGo    41 

I.  saiirti-.jolianni-!   4I 

.4rrtir  threp-tocd  Woodpppkpr  49 

.\  rdpa     nn 

"       herodiaa 22 

Ardpidre   21 

.\rdptta    22 

"         exilis   22 

"         neoxena    22 

Calidris    09 

"         arpnaria     2?) 


IXDKX. 


9H 


I'AOR. 

Arenaria  33 

"          interpret  S3 

Asio    44 

"     wilsonianus   44 

"    accipitrinus    44 

Aatragalinni    61 

tristis    61 

Atidiibon's    Caracara    43 

Auks,  The   8 

Auk,  Racor-billed  9 

"     Little    9 

Aves   7 

Avorot    26 

Aythya    17 

"         americana    17 

"        vallisneria    17 

"        marila    17 

"         affinis    17 

"         collaris   18 


B. 

BairdV    Sandpiper    

BaldiMte   

Baltimore  Oriole   

Bank    Swallow    

Barn  Owl,   American   

"       Swallow    

Barred   Owl    

Barrow'*  (lohlcn-i'vc  

Bartramian   Sandpiper    

Bartramia    

■'  longicaiida   

Baywinp    

Bay-brrastod   Warbler    

Belted  Kingfisher  

Bewick's  Wren   

Birds.  The   

"       Divine    

"       of   Prey        

Bitterns   

Bittern,   American  

"         Corv's    Least    

"         Least   

Black  and  White  Warbler  , ... 

"       backed   Oull    

"       bellied    Plover    

"       billed   Cuckoo   

"       crowned    Night    Heron 

"       Duck   

"       Guillemot    

"       Poll    Warbler    

"       Rail   

"       red-lecKed    Duck   

Scoter  

"   Tern  


29 
16 
69 
67 
43 
67 
45 
18 
31 
31 
31 
62 
73 
48 
77 
7 
7 
38 
22 
22 
22 
22 
71 
11 
32 
48 
23 
15 
9 
73 
25 
16 
.19 
12 


PACK. 

Hlark    throated-blue    Warbler    72 

"            "        Rreen-Warbler    73 

Loon  8 

Blackbirds,   The    57 

Blackbird,  Yellow-headed   58 

Red-winged    58 

"            Rusty    69 

Blackburnian    Warbler    7M 

Bluebird    82 

Blue-bill  Duck   17 

Little    17 

Blue  Goose  20 

"       Kray    Gnatcatcher    80 

"       headed    Vireo    70 

"      Heron,    Great    22 

"      Jay    56 

"       winged   Teal   16 

Bob  White  34 

Bnb'o'link    57 

Bohemian  Waxwing  68 

Bonaparte's  Gull   11 

Bonasa     35 

umbellus    Vi 

Botatirinfp    22 

Botaurus    22 

"          lentiginosus    22 

Brant    21 

Branta    20 

"       canadensis  20 

c.    Initrhinsii     20 

"       bernicola    21 

Broad-winced    Hawk    41 

Brmizcfl    Grackle    59 

Brown   Creeper   78 

"       Thrasher    77 

"       Thr<i<!h     77 

Brunnich's    Miirre    9 

Bilbo    47 

"       Virginianug    47 

Biibonidse    43 

Buff -breasted    Sandpiper    31 

Buffle-head   Duck    18 

Buptina   Indigo    65 

Snow    61 

Buteo    4n 

"       boreaiis    40 

"        linoatiis     ..  40 

"       platvpterns    41 

"       swainsoni     41 

Butorides 23 

'"         virescens    23 

c. 

Tabot's  Toi-n 12 

f'iilcarius  62 

"        lapponicus    62 


i 


IXDKX. 


1 

,1 

|wfl 

Iv 

'* 

■^  w 

Ki 


I'AGK. 

Canachites    « 

"  canadensis   35 

Canada    Goose    on 

"        Grouse  35 

"         Jay    \.     gg 

Canadian    Warblor    7fj 

CnnvBs-baok    Duck    17 

Cape  May  Warbler  72 

Capriiniilpidip 61 

Cardinal 66 

Cardinalis 65 

rardinalis        66 

Carolina    Rail    04 

Wren  '.'.'.'.'.'ZZ.'.'.'.     77 

Carpodacus    gg 

"  purpureas    60 

ra.spinn  T<'rn  lo 

Catbird    ZZZZ.'.'.'.     77 

Cathartida?    gg 

Cathartos   j^g 

"         aura   33 

Cedar  Waxwins    68 

Centnrus  51 

"         carolinus    61 

Cpophlnpus    50 

"         pileatus    60 

Cepphus    9 

■  "        grylle   9 

Ccrthia   73 

"        f.  anierirana   78 

Corthiid;o     -^ 

Cerulean  Warbler  73 

Ceryle    43 

"       alcyon    43 

C'b;i-turn 6.'! 

"    _    pelagica   '...     53 

Chnnturinip    <;2 

riiaradriida'    ^ 

C'lijirndrin.n    .-^o 

"        dominicus 32 

Charitonetta    ]8 

"  albeola    18 

Chat,   Yellow-breasted   75 

Chauicla-smua   16 

"  streperus    16 

Chen    19 

riiprule.scpiis    20 

"       h.   niralis   19 

Cherry-bird   68 

Cheatnut-sided  Warbler  7.1 

Chickadee    79 

"  hudsonian   79 

Chipping    Sparrow    64 

Choiido.stes    63 

"         grammaeus    63 


_.         ,  I'AOK. 

Chordeilea   52 

„.      "  virginianus    52 

Cmereus  Owl   4.- 

Circus 39 

"      hudsonins  39 

Cistothorus 73 

"    steiiaris "!!;;'!;!;;;;;;;  78 

Clamntores    54 

ClauRuIa 18 

e.    amerirana    Jg 

"        islandipi    ig 

Cliiv-rolored   .Sparrow   64 

CliflF  Swallow  .'..'.'.'.'.'..'.;.■     67 

Coceynes    47 

Corry/inn'    43 

Cocryzns    48 

"         amerirannn    48 

erytliroplithalmus    48 

Cook  of  the  Woods  50 

Colaptes   g] 

''         auratus    '....'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.  51 

Colinus    34 

"         viriiinianits    34 

Columbidrp   37 

Cnlvmhns    7 

'"         holbmlli    ...Z.'.'.'.'.''.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.Z'.  7 

"         auritua    g 

Common   Redpoll    ri 

"         Torn    .';■".'  12 

Comsotlilypia 71 

"             a.    usncn   71 

Coniiootiont   Warblor   76 

Contopua    55 

"         virena     55 

Cooper's    Hawk    40 

Coot.  Ameriran  26 

Coots.  The  ..24,  26 

Cormorant    ....".'  13 

'[         Poithle-rrp.steil    ];( 

Cormorants.    The  1.3 

Corvid.-e   -,^ 

Corriia    •(• 

"         brnehvrhynehoa   .66 

o.    principalis    66 

Coturnicuhis    (59 

a.  passerinua  62 

Cowbird    57 

Co  ween     j  g 

Crane    Sandhill 24 

Wboopinc     24 

Cranes.    The    23 

Creeper,    Rrown    78 

Creepera.    The    78 

Crested   Flycatcher .64 

Crossbill,    American    ..  .  60 

"        White   Winged    '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'...'  60 


INDEX. 


T'AOK. 

Crow,  Common  66 

Crows,  The   50 

Crymopbilus    26 

"            fulicarius  26 

Cryptoglaux    46 

"            t.   richardsoni    45 

"            acadica    45 

Cockoos,  The  47-48 

Cuckoo,    niack-billed    48 

Yellow-billed   48 

Cuculidio  47 

Curlew,    Eskimo    32 

"         Hudgnnian  31 

"         Long-billed    31 

Cyanocitta   66 

"          cristata    5G 

Cyanospiza  65 

"          cyanea    65 

Cygninro    21 

Cypsoli    52 

D. 

Dafila    16 

"       acuta   16 

Dondroica    72 

"          .Tstiva   72 

"          blarkbtimiiT    73 

"           pfprulosreiis    72 

"          castanea    73 

"          ccnilfn    73 

"          coroTiata  73 

"           discolor    74 

"          kirtlandi  7) 

"          maculosa  73 

"          pnlmarum    74 

"          ponnsvlvanica    73 

"          striata    73 

"          ti^rina    72 

"           vjcorsii    74 

"           virons    73 

Dickcisscl    66 

Diving  Birds  7 

Dolichonyx   67 

"          o.^   'rorous   57 

Dovekie    9 

Dove,    Mourning   37 

Dowitcber   28 

Downy  Woodpecker  49 

Dryobates  49 

"           pnbescens  49 

"          villosiis    49 

Ducks,  The  14 

Duck,  American  Scaup  17 

"       Black    15 

"      Canvas-back    17 


PAOK. 

Duck,  Harlequin    18 

"       Hawk    4'.' 

•'       Lesser  Scaup  17 

"       Lung-tailed    18 

•'       Redhead    17 

Red-leggeil   HInck   K; 

"       Ring-necked  In 

"       Ruddv   19 

"       Wood'   17 

E. 

Eagles,    The    38 

Eagle,   Bald    42 

Uolden    4i! 

Ectopistes     37 

"          mignitorius     37 

Egret,   American    23 

Egretta    23 

"         caiidiilissima    23 

Eider,    American    19 

"       King    19 

Elanoides   39 

"          furficatus    39 

Empidunax    56 

'           riiiviveiitris    ."i 

"           minimus    .V) 

trailH    56 

Ercunotcs    29 

"          pusillus  29 

Erismatura    19 

"           jamaioensis    19 

Eskimo,   Curlew    32 

Euphagua    69 

■'           rarolinus    69 

Evening  Grosbeak    60 

F. 

Falconidai>   ,38 

Falcons,  The  .38.  42 

Falco,   columbarius    42 

"       islandiis    42 

"      p.  anatum  42 

"       rusticolus    42 

"      sparverius    42 

Field    Sparrow    64 

Finches.  The  69 

Finch.   Acadian    Sharp-tailed    62 

"       Pine   6] 

"       Purple    60 

Fisb  Hawk  43 

Flicker    61 

Florida  Ciallinule  26 


M 


m 


IXI»K.\. 


3v 


PACE. 

Flycatcher,  Creitod  54 

"            Least  ,,[  55 

"            (ilire-sidcd    S5 

Traills    ,'  gr, 

Yollow-hellicd   So 

Forstor's   Tern   12 

Fox  Spnrrow 65 

Franklin's    (!nll    "^^  .".......  U 

Fratorcula 9 

"          artica    5) 

FrinRillidip    jfl 

Fulicinro   '  2.5 

Fulictt    26 

"       nmoricana   0,5 

FiiliRuIinm 17 

Q. 

Gad  wall    jg 

Galeoscoptog    77 

■'  carolinensis    77 

(•allinago    27 

''  delicata    27 

Gallinulo    25 

"        gakata    25 

Gallinaceous    birds    3;5 

Gallinie    ]^     33 

GallinuliniG   25 

Gallinulcs    '...'...'...     26 

Gallinule,    Florida 25 

"  Purple 25 

Gannet    13 

Gaviidip   '"."..       g 

Gavia,  imhcr  g 

"       arctic*    .'...''      g 

"       lurame   g    i 

Geese.  The  '.  14    19    , 

Goothlypis    '  75 

"  SKilis    '..'.'..'.'.'.     75    j 

"  formosa    75    • 

"  Philadelphia    '.     76    ; 

"  trichas    75   ■ 

Glaucous    Gull    11 

Glossary    (Sec.    I.) 106 

Glossy    Ibis    2I 

Gnatcatchers  79    go 

Gnatcatcher,    Bluegray    '  80    j 

Goatsuckers    6|    I 

Godwit,  Hudsonian  30   i 

Marbled    '.'.."'.     30 

Goldfinch,    American    61 

Golden-crowned  Kinglet  ....  79 

Thrush ::;;;:  74 , 

"        Eagle    42   ' 

"        eye,  American  18 

"  "       Barrows    13 


UoMpr 


PAOE. 

Plo^'er    32 

"         winged    Warbler    71 

"        Woodpecker   51 

Goosander    14 

Goose,    Blue   20 

"      Canada   2O 

"       Greater  Snow  19 

"       Hutchin's    20 

"       White-fronted    20 

Goshawk    40 

Crackle,  Bronzed  59 

"         Kusty    59 

Grasshopper  Sparrow  62 

Gray-cheekeJ  Thrush  gi 

"     Gyrfalcon    40 

Great   Black-backed  Gull U 

"      Blue   Heron    22 

"       Grey    Owl    45 

"       Horned  Owl   47 

Greater    Kedpoll    61 

"         Yellow-legs  30 

Grebes    7 

Grebe.    Holboll's    7 

"       Horned    g 

"       Pied-billed    '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.[  8 

Green    Heron    23 

"       winged    Teal     .,.'.  16 

Greenland    Redpoll   61 

Grosbeak,   Erening   60 

Pine ::::  eo 

Rose-breasted    65 

C>'"«"se    •■ 34-35 

Canada    3,5 

"       Pinnated    35 

"       Ruffed    ."'  .^5 

"       Sharp-tailed    ,35 

Gruidw    23 

Onis 24 

"     americana    24 

"     mexioana    24 

Gulls 10 

Gull,    American   Herring   H 

"     Bonaparte's   n 

"     Franklin's    .■...■.',■  n 

"    Glaucous    11 

"     Great  Black-backed 11 

"     Iceland    n 

"     Iv^ory   '.'.  10 

"     Kittiwake    10 

"     Laughing    n 

"    Ring-billed   '.Z  U 

Gyrfalcon,    Gray    42 

"          White    '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.  42 


IM»E.\. 


W 


TAOK. 

B. 

Hairbird    (J4 

Hairy   Woodpecker   49 

Uiiliiot'tus    42 

"           I.    ala8'^anul    l-j 

Harelda    18 

"         hyptnalis   ih 

Hnrloquin    J)iii-k    18 

Hawks   ;j8 

Hawk,    Uroiul-wiiijjoJ    41 

■'       Cimpcr's    40 

"       Durk    42 

"       fish    4a 

"       U08  41 

.Marsli    a<) 

"       Owl,    American    47 

"       Pigeon    42 

"       Ketj-Mhuuldercd   40 

Ued-tniloiJ    40 

"       Rougli-lfg^ed    41 

"       Sparrow    42 

"       Swuiiisou's    41 

Holl  Diver  8 

Hvlmiiithophila    71 

"              ct'lata    71 

"              rhrysoptora    71 

'■               i)eregrina    "1 

"              rubricapilla    71 

Helodronias    30 

"            Bolitarius    30 

Hcnslow's   Sparrow  fi2 

Hermit  Thrush  81 

Herodias    23 

"         cgrotta    23 

Horodionea  21 

Horon,    Black-crowned   Night   23 

"       Great  Blue   22 

"       Green    23 

"       Snowy    23 

"       Yollow-crowned  Night   23 

Herons  21-22 

Herring  Gull,    American    11 

Hesperiphona    60 

"              vespertina    60 

High-holer    61 

Hirundo    67 

"         erythrogaster    67 

Hirundinido!    66 

Histrionicus    18 

"            histrionicus    18 

Hoary   Redpoll   61 

Holbmll's  Grebe   7 

"           Redpoll   61 

Hooded   Merganser   15 

Warbler   76 


PA  UK. 

Horned   Orcbo    8 

"    i-ark ::::  m 

"             "       I'rairic    5({ 

■'         Owl,  Great  47 

House    Sparrow 60 

Wren 77 

Hudxonian    Chickadee 79 

"          Curlew 31 

"          Godwit    '.  30 

Humming  Birds   rA,  53 

HumiiiiMg   bird.    Ruby-throated   ...    '  ,53 

Hutchin's  Goose 20 

Hydrochelidon     12 

''              n.    Burinamonsiv    12 

Hylonchla    u,-> 

ICIJD     81 

lUscescens    go 

g.    pallasJ!    81 

"          mustolina   80 

u.  swainsonii  81 


I. 


Ibises 


21 


Ibis,    Glossy    '....'.".'."  •>1 

Icfliind    Gull    '......'.'.....  11 

Icteria   '......['.....  7") 

"      virens    [']'  75 

Irteridic    ,      '  57 

Icterus 59 

"       golbula ."9 

"       spurius    ,159 

Indigo    Bunting    CyH 

loiiornis    "........'......  25 

martinica    o."; 

Iridoprocne    67 

"  bioolor    67 

Ivory    Gull    10 


Jwgers  10 

Ja>gor,    Parasitic   10 

"         Pomarino    10 

Jay,    Blue    ,56 

"     Canada    .56 

Jays,    The .56 

Juncn    (54 

"       hyemalis   61 


Kentucky   Warbler 75 

Killdeer    32 

Kingbird    .............'....'.     54 


m 


4  f    Si    , 


INDEX. 


KiUR  Elder jq 

KiuKflithcr,    UcItoiJ    ....    4a 

Kinufiihcra,    Tho 47^H 

Kinnlot,    Uoldfii-crowned    ............  79 

.-.  ".       Huby-crowned    an 

KinRleits,    Tho    ?X 

KillK   HhII    24 

Kirtland'.  Warbler rl 

Kitoi    '.'..['.'.'.'.'.'.'".'.'"  au 

Kite,   Swralluw-taited    39 

Kittiwake  Gull  ......'..'.'.'.......  10 

28 


I 

Luons,  Tho  ^ 

l.<>|)h<Hi.vtoH    cmiillatus k, 

Louuiana  Water  Thrush   ...'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'..'.'.[  74 

■■••.• ..'  60 

p.  minor  

leucoptera    


Loxia 


60 
60 


M 


Knot 


61 


LttKOpllS      " jjg 

"         lugopus    .'.'.'......  36 

Lamcllirostral    SHimmcrs   14 

LaniidtD    go 

Laniu8  .'.'...'...'.'..'.'...'.'."  69 

buroulis    gp 

"        I-  migrans   '..'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.Z  69 

liBpiand    Longspur    82 


Maorochirei   

Marrorhamphuii    .""'...!!.....!'.,....',."  28 

,,  ,."    „  griscus    ■'■  ..u 

.Magnolia    Warbler   70 

Mallard j^ 

Marbled   Godwit    in 

Mareco    '.'.".'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'..Z  16 

amerirana    jg 

.."  39 


Mars'i  Hawk 

"       Owl  4. 

Martin,  I'urpie g- 


Sand 


Laridio 
Lark, 


Horned    gg 

"       Prairie    Horned    .  56 

,'.'       Shore    :  66 

I      u    ^P»""»-    (Xi 

Larks,    Tho    55 


Laru8 


11 


nrgontntiis    j] 

"     atricijla 11 

'     dolawarensis  n 

"     franklinii II 

"     gkucus 11 

luci>j/,.orag   jj 

"    marinus H 

"     Philadelphia 11 

Laughinc  Gull    """  n 

Least  Flyrat«-her .56 

Sandpiper    oo 

"       Torn        .".■.■.■.'.■.■.".■.■.■  12 

Loconte's    Sparrow    g2 

Limicolis  ]  25 

Liniosa    go 

"       fedoa    30 

"       hiipmastica   30 

Lincoln's   Sparrow   64 

Longipennes 9 

Long  billed  Cnrlew   31 

Marsh  Wren  78 

"      eared  Owl,  American  44 

Longspur   g2 

Long-tailed  Duck 18 

Loon  g 

"       Black-throated    8 

"       Red-throated    g 


67 


Maryland   Warbler    ............'.....!  '...     75 


JO      Mendowlark 


68 


Mpgascops    .......'.'. .' .' . . .' ' ,' .' .'         ■     4g 


M,.| 


46 


«'lanerpes    »■ 

..  ■  "          erythrocephaloug 61 

Meleagris    op 

g.   silrestris    3<j 

'    ,■•,; '...64 

c.   molodia   g4 

goorgiana    65 


Melospi; 


Merganser 


lincolni '.  '    64 


American    14 

amcricanus   14 

"            Hooded     J15 

Red-brcastcd    15 

"           serrator    y: 

Mcrginip   ,', 

Monila ZZZZ'.'.''.'.'.]  S3 

"       migratoria gi 

Micropalama    08 

w.       ",.^        himantopus    '..[  28 

Micropodidro    50 

Migrant    Shrike    go 

Mimidre   -» 

Mimus ''.ZZZ'.'.:':.'.'.'.'.Z  76 

„   ."       P"iyglottos     7f! 

MniotiltidiB    iS 

Mniotilta   Z.ZZZ..Z.'.'''.'  71 

"           varia   71 

Mocking  bird  7« 

Molothrus    Z° 

"    ater .■.:;;;: « 

Motacillidre   ZZ..'"  76 


1.1:1 


I 

PAQB. 

.  15 
.  74 

.   eo 

.  60 
.  60 


..  61 

..  28 
..  28 
..  73 
..  15 
..  30 
..  16 
..  16 
..  39 
..  4-4 
.  67 
.  »i7 
.  75 
.  58 
.  46 
.  46 
.  61 
.  61 
.  36 
.  3«i 

.64 
64 
65 
64 
14 
14 
14 
15 

16 

1') 

14 

8i 

81 

28 

28 

52 

69 

76 

76 

76 

70 

71 

71 

76 

57 
67 

76 


INt)KX. 


Mourning  Dove 

„  ••     warhier  ...■:::::::":■■■ 

Miirrr,    DrunnithN  n 

TU-  W 


Murrea,    The 

.Mjiiirohus    

,.     ■'  rrinitui 

Myrtle    ' 


Warbler    ZZZ'.'..'.'...     73 

N. 


Nashvill.'   WRrbler 
Nelson's  Spnrrow   .. 
N'ettion    


71 

62 
16 

It; 


ciirolinensia  ,,, 

.Nighth«nk    /,!; 

N'orthorn    Phalarope    '.'.'.'...'.'.'.'......  26 

Ifavpii    j^. 

"     ,      Shrike   .;;;;  gf, 

Numoniiis    ,jj 

borealig    33 

hudsonicns    3] 

-.   ^,  "   ,       l^ncirostrin    31 

Mithntoh.  Red-breasted  79 

..     .  "           White-breasted    ..  ro 

Nuthatehes.   The   70 

N'l-ttallornia     ..                  L" 

horenlis    ^.f; 

.Vvptanassa    00 

II             .  I         ■  ■  •  ■  ^' » 

violarea    oq 

^y.'r  -v :;:::::::;  !? 

nypten    

Vyrtirorjix    


n.   niTrius 


47 
23 
23 


Oidemia 


19 
19 


americana    

doglandi    jtj 

'.'     .  Perspicillata    if) 

Olbiorchilus    „ 

II  ».        ,.  'I 

hiemahs   77 

Ohre-backed    Thrush    ...  g] 

"      sided  Flycatcher  ss 

O'or    "    ■  2) 

"     buccinator    .........]].  21 

"    colnmbianus    gl 

Orange-crowned   Warbler    71 

Oriole,  Baltimore  ....  eo 

^"      Orchard    2n 

Orioles,  The .■.';;;;;; 57 

Osprey,    American    A 

Otocoris    Tc 

tt         1       i  .     00 

„      "'P^stns se 

a.   praticola  ko 

Oven    bird    ........■."..'  74 


W 


a; 


UhI, 


PAOIE. 

.    4;i 


8 

54 
'VI 


Oh  Is 


Oxyerhiis 


Atiieriittn    Itiirii 

Barred    

C'inei'fus    

(ireat   (iri'v   

"       Uiirni'd 

Hawk       

l.i'nK-tarfd    Amerirjiii    ..  i\ 

MhtmIi    T; 

ItichunNon's 

.S:iu.u|ii.f    . 

Screech     . , 
Short -eared    . 
The 


45 
I.'. 
45 
47 
47 


Tociferui 


45 
46 
46 
44 
43 
32 
32 


P. 


I'agophil 


I'alti 

I'ulil.lin.l, 

Pandion 


alba 


10 


*vnrbier '. Z'.. . :.::::': 74 

23 


h. 


Pniidioninm 
Parasitic    Ja'cer 

P.irida>    ... 

Pa  Ti  ridce 


:; 43 

cnrolinensis    43 

'■'.'■     43 


spruce 
Partridges.  Th 
Parnia 
Pn  nis 


10 
78 
35 
36 
34 


Warblor    '■ -Z]'. ..'.'.'.'.'.'.'.     71 


'I       atricnpillus     7J, 

hudsonictis    7() 

Passer  domesticus  an 

Pnssencer    Piceon    ....    o- 

Passerculiis    ..  -„ 

II  f>2 

Passcrella    ... 


Passe  res 
Passorina 


ilio 


nivalis 


savanna    fio 

65 

'•"    65 

64 

61 
61 
31 


Pavonoella 

i>     u'j      P"gna» ..;  3} 

Peabody    ^' 

Pectoral  Sandpiper oa 

PHirrcetes    ...!.! ^ 

'           phasianellus    oe 

I'elpcanidic   VV 

Pelecanus 14 

."        Prythrorhynchos    ........'."  14 

Pelican.  American  White  .  14 

Pelicans.    The    ...                         ,: 

p'-'idna  ■■■■■:::::::::;:::::;:  ^ 

fl.    snkhalinn    00 


mikm 

m  i 


I  (Ml 


I.VDKX. 


fAOK. 

I'urdiviuu'    34 

l'«ritor«u»    50 

caiiiidi'niiii   Ui 

Potrel,   Blac'k-ciipiM'd    1^ 

P«tr«b,  Th«   la 

Petrochelidoa    U' 

lunifroM   67 

Puwei',  WimkI  fi£ 

Phaliteruc'iirucidw    13 

Phalarrocorax    13 

"             c«rb<)   13 

"            diluphai    13 

Phalaro,    ,    Northern  20 

Hod    86 

Wilion'i    at) 

Phal»ropodidn>    26 

PhaUropus  ST. 

lobatua   20 

Phaiianidir    .'JC 

Phoatiuit.t    .'JO 

Philadflphia   Vireo  70 

Philohela    27 

"          minor    •-'7 

Phn.be   .'« 

Pioi    4« 

Picidrp   4« 

Piroidos    49 

"         arctims    49 

"        amoriranui  60 

Pird-hillpd    fircho    8 

Pippon   Hank    ..  42 

"       PnnsfTiuiT  37 

Pieeonn.   The    37 

Pilpiitod  WondiK'rkpr    SO 

Pinp    Fimli    61 

"      Oro«b«ak    60 

"       Hiikin    61 

"      Warbler    74 

Pinioola    60 

"        e.    lencuru    60 

Pinnated   Grouse   35 

Pintail    16 

I'ipilo  crythropthalmus   06 

Pipit,    American    76 

Pipits,  The  70 

Piransa     66 

"         crvthromelai   60 

"         rubra    66 

Plegadis 21 

•'       iiutumnalis    21 

Plover.     Black-bellied    32 

Golden    32 

"         Killdeer    32 

Pipinjt    a3 

"         Rinp    .^'^ 

"        Semi-palmated   33 


••AOI. 

I'loVKt,    Snowy    33 

Upland    31 

Pliivera,   The   32 

Piidicipidie    * 

PiMJilymbu*    8 

"           podicpiM    ri 

Polioptila    80 

'.          rterulea    80 

Poiyborua  43 

"        choriway   i'l 

Pomarine   Jn->»pr   10 

P<i'c«'t«»    82 

"         Kramini'Ui    «2 

PorRBHA    24 

"        OAroIina    24 

"        jiimaiocnaiit   2/5 

"         noTeboracenm    25 

Prairie    Chlrken    ."W 

Hen    .IS 

Horn.>d  Urk  86 

Warbler    74 

Pri>relllnriidii>    12 

Progne  67 

"       siibis   67 

Pri)tonotarin    71 

'"             ritrea    71 

Prrithonotary   Warbler    71 

PtarmiRBn.  Willow   .IB 

Puffin    9 

Purple  Finrh  60 

"       Gallinnle    2« 

"       Martin    67 

"       Sandpiper    2H 

Pvpopodes    . .        .  7 

Q 

Quail   31 

Querquedula    U; 

"              discon    16 

QuiscaluR    .W 

"         q.   aeneoi   W 

R. 

Kail   niaok    SR 

"     Carolina    24 

"     Kint:    21 

"     Vircinia    24 

"     Yellow    2."! 

Rails,    The    23.24 

Rallus    24 

"      elepans    21 

"       Tirtdnianuii  21 

Raptores    .18 

Raven.    Northern    56 


INDKS. 


101 


Ka».r-l)illc>l   Auk  ^ 

UprurTir«)«tr«    ■''I 

"              unuTtcBnii     iW 

ll»'<'urTiri«tridu'  2" 

Kp.l-biMkfa    SmulpiiMT    21' 

Kixl-bfllivil  W«odiM-<k»'i   61 

Rod-hreantptl  Nuthatch    "" 

l<«<d-eyfd  Vir«H>  ^ 

RKdhnad   Duck    {j 

Ht><l-hnad<>d    WimmIim  i  kt-r    '1 

»«Ml-leKK*'d    Black    Diuk  !« 

Red  Phalarope   W 

RiK)|>flll.  Common  •" 

"        Greater    61 

"        rirflcnUnd    «1 

"        Hoary    81 

"      Hoih«iir»  61 

Ri'iUhnnk    ^ 

Rpd-thoiildprpd  Hawk  4f 

Rpdntart,    Ami-riran    "6 

R*d-tailed  Hawk   40 

"     throated  Ijoon   ° 

'     win(Cpd    Blackbird    f* 

RrenluH   

"       calendula    

"       latrapa    

Rirhardson'i    Owl    

Ritm-hillMl    r.iill    

"     nocked  Ducl^   1*^ 

"     Plorer    •\« 

Riparia ^^ 

"         ripari*    

Rissa    

"     tridartyU   

River   Pucks.    The    

Robin.  American   

Roue-breasted  Orosbeak   ^J> 

Rnugh-winued   S« allow    •>** 

Ruby-orowned    Kinglet    80 

""    throated   Humming   bird    '>3 

Ruddy  Duck   W 

Ruff    '" 

Rustv   Blackbird  59 

"  ■    Grackle    59 

S. 

Sanderlint:   29 

Sandhill  Crane  24 

Sandpiper.     Baird's    '-'9 

•'             Bartramian     31 

"              Buff-breasted    31 

'•             Least    29 

"             Pectoral    28 

Purple    28 

"             Red-backed    29 


Siii.i  piper, 


79 
80 
79 
4.') 
1' 


10 
10 

15 
81 


Scuii-palniated    '-") 

Solitary    ** 

Hputtvd    M 

Stilt    28 

NVhite-rumpvd   2» 


The 


46 
S4 

54 


Sumlpipen, 

Map»uck«r    

Suvunna  Sparrow 
Saw -whet  Owl    .... 

Suyurint    

"         phii'i  • 

Saxicolu 

wnaiithe     854 

.■scarlet    Tanjjter    Wi 

Screech    Owl    46 

Scoliipucidu'    2G 

Scoter.  American 19 

••       Blwk        19 

••      Surf    19 

Wbite-winijed    19 

Scotiaptex    46 

"         nebuloaa    46 

Seiurus    74 

"       aurocanillluB    74 

motaciila 74 

"       noveborucensis    74 

Semi-nalmated  PloTer  3^1 

SetoprwiJa    "6 

•'          ruticilla    70 

Shurp-ahinm.Hl   Hawk   40 

tailed  Finch,  Acadian  <i!i 

Grouse    36 

Shore  birds,  The   "-0 

Shore    Lark    -jC 

Short-billed   Marsh    Wren    78 

"       eared  Owl    44 

Shoveller  Duck   16 

Shrike.    Migrant    69 

"       Northern    •i9 

Shrikes.   The   68 

Sialia    sialis    82 

Siskin.    Pine    61 

Sitta 79 

"     canadensis    <9 

"     carolinensis    79 

Sittidw   79 

Snipes.    The    2fi 

Snipe.    Wilson's    27 

Snow   bird    61 

Snow.  Bunting  61 

"       Goose.   Greater    19 

Snowy  Heron  2.1 

"    ■  Owl    47 

"       Plover   3.1 

Solitarv   Sandpiper  30 

"           Vireo    70 


102 


INDEX. 


PAOK. 

Somateria    j^g 

"  dresseri     19 

spectabilia    I'j 

Song  birds  55 

Sparrows    54 

Sparrow    Chipping    ''.'''     64 

■'         Clay-colored    64 

"         Field 84 

;■    Fox ::::::::;:;::  ^ 

drassliopper    62 

"  Henslow's    62 

"  House     60 

"         Lark    63 

"         Leconte'a    C2 

"         Lincoln's    64 

"         Nelson's    62 

"         Savanna     62 

SonK    64 

Swamp    60 

Tree    64 

!^««per    62 

White-crowned    63 

_      "  "       throated    ['.  63 

Sparrows,   The   59 

Spatula    16 

"         clypeata 16 

Sphyrapicns    varius     50 

Spinus   61 

."       pinus  [[[  61 

Spira.  americana  66 

Spixolla    64 

"       r:?nticola    64 

"       pallida    64 

"      pusilla    64 

"      sorialis    64 

Spotted    Sandpiper   31    | 

Spruce  Partridge  3o 

Squatarola    32 

"  squatarola    32 

Steganopodes    13 

Steganopus    2C' 

"  tricolor    2fl 

Stelgidopteryx    68 

"  serripcnnis  68 

Stercorariidip   10 

Stercorarius   10 

"  parasiticus   10 

"  pomarinus    10 

Sterna   12 

"       antillarum     12 

"       caspia    12 

"       fosteri    12 

"      hirundo    12 

"      8.    acufluvidiv   12   , 

Sterntinnp    12    1 

Stint    29    i 


I'ACK. 

Striges    43 

Strigidie   4.j 

**"•«    '..'.'.'.'.'..''.'.  43 

"       pratiiicolu    4;} 

Sturnella  53 

"           magna  '.'-'.'.''.'.'.'.  58 

m.    neglocta    59 

Sula    13 

"     bassana    13 

Sulidir   13 

Summer  Tanager  66 

Surf   Scoter    19 

Surnia  47 

u.    caparoch    4" 

Swainson's    Hawk    41 

Swallow,   Bank   67 

"         Barn    67 

"     Cliff .;;.::;  e? 

"        Rough-winged  68 

"         tailed  Kite    39 

;;         Tree    67 

white-breasted    67 

Swallows.  The    66 

Swamp    Sparrow    65 

Swan   Trumpeter   21 

"       Whistling 21 

Swans,    The    14.  2I 

Swifts    5i[  .52 

Swift.    Chimney    '  p^ 

Svmphemia    30 

"            semipalmata     !V) 

Syrnium    4.5; 

"         varium    4.'; 

T. 

Tanaeer.    Scarlet   66 

"           Summer    66 

Tanaeers.    The    66 

T.Tnaeridrr    66 

Teal,    Blue-winged    16 

"      Green-winged    16 

Telmatodytes   78 

"            palustris    78 

Tennessee  Warbler 71 

Tern.    Black    12 

Cahofs    '...[['  12 

"      Caspian     12 

"       Comon    12 

"       Forster's    ..  12 

"       Least    12 

Terns.    The    12 

Tetraonidfp  .34 

Thrasher,    Brown    77 

The    76 

Thrush.  Brown   77 

"         Oolden-crown'^d    71 


jV'-: 


IXKKX. 


ln:i 


a! 

% 


I'AOE. 

Thrush,    Gruy-cheeked    81 

Hermit    81 

Olive-backed    81 

Water   .  74 

•'         Wilson's    HI) 

Wood    Sii 

Thryomanes    "i" 

■'            bcwickii    '' 

Thryothorus 77 

ludovicianus    7" 

Tits,   The    78.  79 

Totanus    30 

flavipes    30 

"         mclanuleucus  'iO 

Totlipalmati'  Swimmers  13 

Towhee    65 

Toxostonui    77 

"          rufum   77 

Traill's    Flycatcher    So 

Tree    Sparrow    64 

'•     Swallow    67 

TrinRa   S,^ 

"      canutus    28 

Trochilid.T    SS 

Trochilus    53 

"           colubris    53 

Troclodytes    77 

"            acdon   77 

Troglodytidic    76 

Trumpeter   Swan    21 

Tryngites    31 

"         suhruficollis    31 

Tnrdidio    80 

Turkevs,  The  36 

Turkey,    Vulture   38 

"        Wild    36 

Turnstone    33 

Turnstones.    The    33 

Tympanuchus    3-) 

"            americanus    35 

Tyrannidic    54 

Tyrannus    54 

"           tyrannus    54 

Tyrant  Flycatchers  54 

U. 

I'pland   Plover   31 

Uria 0 

"      Inmvia  0 

V. 

Vesper    Sparrow    62 

Vireo    63 

"       Blue-he.nded     70 


V.Mii:. 

Vireo,  Huvitrons   70 

"       gilvus    70 

"       Movelioriicensis    7H 

"       olivaceus    6!' 

■       Philadelphia    70 

■'       philadi-lphicus    7!) 

"       Red-eyed  6i 

"       solitarins    70 

"       solitary    70 

"       warblinc   70 

"       white-eyed    70 

"       yellow-throated    70 

Virginia  Rail  2) 

Vulture  Turkey  38 

Viiltures,  American  38 

W. 

Wnrbler.    Rav-hreasted    73 

Black   and   White    71 

"           Blackhurnian    7-1 

"           Blackpoll    73 

Black-throated  Blue   72 

"           Black-throated   Green    73 

"           Canadian    76 

Cape    May     72 

"          CVrulean    73 

Chestnut-sided    73 

"           Connecticut    7" 

•'           Oolden-winged    71 

"           Hooded    7.'> 

"           Kentucky 7-" 

"           Kirtlflnd's    74 

"           Magnolia    73 

"          Maryland   75 

"           Mourning    75 

Mvrtle    73 

Nashville    71 

"           Orange-crowned    71 

Palm    74 

Parula    71 

Pine    74 

"           Prairie    74 

"           Prothonotary    71 

"           Tennessee   .". 71 

"           Wilson's    75 

Yellow    72 

"           Vellow-rumped    73 

Warblers.    The    70 

Warbling  Vireo  70 

Water   Thrush    74 

"           "           Louisiana    7' 

Wavey     13 

Waxwing.    Bohemian    68 

Cedar    68 

Waxwing.    The    68 


B 


KM 


IXDKX. 


PACK. 

U'hoatoar   82 

Whip-poor  Will  52 

Whistlor  Durk    18 

Whistlinc    Swan    21 

White-broasted   Xuthatdi   79 

"           "           Swallow    67 

"       rrownprl    Sparrow    63 

"       pyed    Vireo    70 

"       fronted    Goose    20 

"       Oyrfaloon    42 

"       Pelican    14 

"       rumped   Sandpiper    28 

•'       throated    Sparrow    dS 

"       wintied  Crossbill    60 

_"             "         Scoter    19 

Whooping  Crane   24 

Wild  Turkev    36 

wiiict ; :,.;::  30 

Willow    Ptarmigan    35 

Wilsonia    70 

"         canadensis    76 

"         mitrata     75 

^   "        pusilla     75 

Wilson's    Phaiarope    26 

"          Snipe   27 

"          Thrush    80 

"           Warbler    75 

Winter    Wren    77 

Woodcock    27 

Wood    Duck    17 

Woodpecker,    Am.   three-toed   50 

"            Arctic    49 

"             Downy    49 

"             Golden-winged    51 

"             Hairy    49 

"             "ileated    50 

"             Red-bellied    51 

"            Red-headed    51 

Yellow-bellied    50 

Woodpeckers.    The    48 


P.\OE. 

Wood  Pewce   55 

"       Thrush    80 

"       Warblers    70 

Wren,  Bewick's  77 

"       Carolina   77 

"       House    77 

■'       Long-billed    Marsh    78 

"       Short-billed   Marsh   78 

"       Winter    77 

Wrens.   The   76.  77 


Xanthocephalus    58 

"  xanthocephalus    58 


Vcllow-licilitHl   Woodpecker 50 

"         Flycatcher    48 

"       billed    Cuckoo   48 

"       breasted    Chat    75 

crowned    Night    Heron    23 

"       headed  Blackbird  58 

legs   30 

"            ■■        Greali  r    Jo 

Kail    25 

throated  Vireo   70 

Warbler    72 

Z. 

Zamelodia    65 

liiiloviciana    65 

Zenaidura    37 

"             macroura    .'17 

Zonotrichia     63 

"             albicollis    63 

"             leucophrys    6:1 


Tt-:^: 


INDKX. 


105 


3.1 

80 
70 

77 
77 
77 
78 
78 
77 


58 
58 


48 
48 
7o 
23 
W 
3IJ 

ao 

25 
70 
72 


SECTION  IV. 
MAMMALS. 


A. 


Alces    29 

"     amoriranus    29 

American  Beaver  24 

Otter     .30 

I'anthor  .32 

Ileindeer   29 

Arrtomys    24 

"         niorwix    24 


Rats, 
Bat. 


B. 


Thf    27 

Brown     27 

Dtiskv    27 

"      Ho.iry     28 

Little    Brown    27 

"      Red    28 

"      Silver    Black    27 

Bears,  The  29 

Bear.    Black    29 

29 

29 

24 

29 


Brown 

"       Cinnamon    . 
Beaver.     .Vmerican 

Black     Bear    

"       Sfpiirrel 

Blarina     26 

"         brcvicanda     26 

Brewer's    Mole    26 

Brown    Bat    27 

"       Little    27 

"       Bear     2'f 

"       Rat    21 


Canada     F.ynx    32 

Canida'    .31 

Canis    31 

"       nubilus    31 

Caribou,    Woodland    29 

Carnivora    29 

Castoridfp    24 

Castor 24 

"       canadensis   24 

Cats.    The    32 


Cat,    Wild    

I'.VCK. 

Ccrvida>    

•'8 

Cervus    

28 

"       can.'idensis    

28 

Chipmunk    

24 

24 

Chiroptera    

.)- 

Cinnamon    Bear    

29 

Common   Flvin^    Squirrel 

25 

"         Hotise    Mouse    

*'         Haccof)n    

24 

20 

Skunk    

Cnndvlnni    

.30 

"           cristnta 

06 

Cottiin-tail    

19 

Couear    

.32 

D. 


Di'j'r    Mouse    •>.! 

•'       Red    28 

The    28 

"       Vircinia    28 

Dipodidie     21 

DoL's.    The    31 

T)uskv  Bat    27 


V. 


Kik    28 

"     True    29 

Krethizon    20 

'"         dursalis   20 

Krethizontidre    20 

Ermine    31 

Fnt.'imias    21 

"         quadrivittatus     24 

Evotomys    '. 23 

"         gapperi    23 


Kelid.-e   .32 

Felis    .32 

"     concolor   .32 

Fen-  29 

Fib«'r    zibethicus    21 


KXi 


INDK.X. 


T   '    t:-.';  i  f 


PAOK. 

Fip](l   Vole   '.'•-' 

I'isher    30 

Klrsh    eaters    2!' 

l-'Ivirifi  Si|iiirrcl.  Cointiioi I'A 

Northern    2.- 

Fox   :ii 

"     Red   3! 

G 

(Hires    1!' 

(Jlossary    (Sec.    It     IOC 

(Jnaners.    The    10 

Cray    Rahhit    V> 

"       Squirrel     -•" 

r.rnnndho..'    21 

(Ironnd    Sijiiirro'    "' 

Oulo    30 

hwn<    ."^n 

H. 

Hairv-tniled    ^folo     2fi 

Hares.    The    10 

Hare,   Varvinc   20 

"       White    10 

"        Wood    10 

Hoary    Bat    28 

House  Mon«e  24 

I. 

Tnsort.   oflters.    The    25 

Tnseetivora   2' 

J 

Jumping    Mouse    21 

L 

Lasionyct^ris    27 

"             noctiTagar<<    27 

Lasiuru^  -^ 

"        borealis    28 

"        cinereua    28 

Lemmini;   Mouse    21 

LeporidiP    19 

Lepus   10 

"       american 20 

ti     •"■.lliinis    10 

Little    Brown    Bat    27 

Lutra    30 

"       canadensis   30 

Lutreok    30 

visnii     30 


I'AGi: 

Lynx    32 

''     canadensis    82 

■■    ('iiHii.lii   ,  .'t; 

"     rufus   32 

M. 

Mammalia 19 

Mammals.    The    19 

"          The   hoofed    28 

Marten.     Pine    30 

Masked   Shrew    26 

Mephitis   30 

Mephitica  30 

Mice,    The    21 

Microtus    21 

"         pinetorum    21 

"         pennsvlvanicus    22 

Mink    30 

Mule     HrevviT^    26 

"       Hairy-tailed    L() 

■'       Shrow    26 

Star-nosed    26 

Moles,  The   26 

Moose   20 

Mountain  Chiprntink -0 

Mouse.    Deer    23 

"       House    2t 

''       .Tnmpinc    21 

"       Lemming    21 

"       Meadow     22 

"       Pine    21 

"      White-footed    23 

MuridiP    21 

Mus    24 

"     decumanus    24 

"     mnscnlus    24 

Afuskrat    21 

Mustela    30 

"         americana    30 

"         pennantii    30 

Mustelida;   29 

Myotis   27 

"       luv-ifugus    27 

"       subulatus    27 

N. 

N'orthern  FIving  Squirrel  25 

Norway   Rat    24 

0. 

Odopoilus    28 

"           americanus    28 

Otter.   American   30 


:m)K\. 


In7 


PACK. 
P. 

I'anther,  Antprican   32 

Parascalops    26 

brewpri    26 

Pt'kan    ;jO 

Poromysrus    2.'< 

"         leucopus   -JM 

Phonaromys    .  '2'A 

"          latimAnus  23 

Pino  Martin    30 

"       Mouse    21 

Porrupine.   Canada    20 

Prooyon    29 

"         lotor   29 

ProoyomidiB    29 

Putorins    31 

''        oidnoni    31 

■'         novolxiracpnsis    31 

R. 

Rabbit.  Gray  19 

Rarpoon,    Common     29 

Rangifer  29 

■'          c'lriliiu! 20 

Rat.    Brown    24 

"        >ti";k  21 

"       \ornay    24 

Rpfl-linckpd    VoIp    23 

Rp;l    Rat    »8 

"       Dppr    08 

Fox    .31 

"       Squirrel    25 

Rpindppr.    Ameripan    29 

Podents   If) 

S. 

Sabk>    \ 30 

SoiurcintiTiis   2.") 

"           sabrinus    2.') 

"          yolans    2.5 

Soiurus   25 

"        parolinpnsis    2-') 

"        hndsonicus  2.') 

f^rinrid.T    2>1 

Shrew,   Masked   -Jfi 

"       MoIp  26 

"         S,.otv    9f, 

Shrews.    The    2.5 

Silver  black  Bat    27 

Skunk.   Common    .30 

Small   Brown  Weasel    31 

Sooty    Shrew   26 


.Sori'x  

flllill'lls    

pcl'soliiltlls    

Soririda;    

Squirrel,    Black    

Klyiii!;  (Vnimion   

Ni>rthern 

"  Gray    

"  (iround    

Red    

S<niirrp|s,   The    

Star-nosed    Mole    

>itl>llt    

Sy  na  ptoiiiys    

"  cooperi     


Talpidw    

Tamiaa    

"         striatU8 

Timber   Wolf   

Trill.    Elk    


AG  I 

2»; 


2.5 
24 
2.5 
24 
2ti 
31 
21 
21 


26 
24 
21 
31 
29 


I'nuulata 
Trsidse  .. 
Ursus    .... 


2H 

29 

-20 

americanus    20 


Ve.spprtilio    27 

"  fuscus    27 

Vespertilionida'    27 

Virginia    Deer    2H 

Volf,     Field     ■J2 

"       Red-baeked    22 

X'lilpcs  pcniisylvjinicus  31 

w. 

Wapiti    -28 

Weasel,    small    brown    31 

Weasels.    The    29 

White-footed    Mouse     23 

Wild    Cat    32 

Wolf   31 

Wilverene    .30 

Woodchuck  21 

Woodland    Caribou    29 


/apus    21 

"       hudsonius   21