USA > New York > A geographical history of the state of New York: embracing its history, government, physical features, climate, geology, mineralogy, botany, zoology, education, internal improvements, &c., with a separate map of each county > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41
The most important vegetable productions of the state are un- doubtedly the forest trees, of which we can boast numerous species. The cone bearers (Coniferae), which are nearly all evergreen trees, are well represented in our Flora. We have no less than nine species of Pines. Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida) forms nearly all the woodland of Long Island, and covers a great extent of barren country, west of Albany ; it is serviceable for little else than fuel and making charcoal. White, or Weymouth pine (P. strobus) is met with in most parts of
36
STATE OF NEW YORK.
the state, but chiefly on the head waters of the Hudson, Delaware, Allegany, and rivers entering into Lake Ontario: indeed nearly all the western counties were once covered with dense forests of this noble tree, nor can we wonder that it is rapidly disappearing beneath the axe, when 65,000 acres must be annually cleared, to meet the demand for lumber, 650,000,000 feet of which are obtained from New York alone. Hemlock Spruce (P. Canadensis) affords an inferior kind of timber, lasting well if protected from the weather ; but in exposed situations it warps, splits and soon decays. The bark is extensively employed in tanning, and although inferior to oak, it makes very good leather. Balm of Gilead, or Balsam Fir (P. Bal- samea), is not found lower than the Catskill mountains ; but is abund- ant in the northern counties, especially among the Essex mountains. The turpentine, sold under the name of Canada Balsam, is ob- tained by opening the blisters which form beneath the bark. Black Spruce (P. nigra) is employed principally for the yards and lighter spars of vessels, for which purpose it is admirably fitted by its light- ness and strength. White Spruce (P. alba) is a small tree found in swamps, and on the sides of the northern mountains, rarely south of Catskill. The Indians split the small tough roots into fibres for sewing their bark canoes. Tamarack (P. Pendula) differs from all other pines, in its leaves, which fall at the approach of winter.
Belonging to the same natural family ( Conifere) are the Red Cedar (Juniperus Virginiana), noted for its great durability ; White cedar (Cupressus Thuyoides) constituting the cedar swamps of Long Island; Arbor Vitæ (Thuya occidentalis), conspicuous along the banks of the Hudson for its cone like growth ; although it is sometimes found in swampy places, and then is known by the name of White cedar. We have also the Yew ( Taxus Canadensis), which is very different from the yew tree of Europe, though identical in Botanical character-with us it is a shrub of humble growth, trailing over rocks, and found in woods, beneath the shelter of taller evergreens.
The Oaks are almost, if not quite, equal in value to the Pines, and much more numerous, as regards species. White Oak ( Quercus alba) is always considered one of our most valuable timber trees. The wood is of great strength and durability, and is used when these qualities are required, as in ship building and heavy frame work for machinery. When sawed into plank, the wheelwright, the wagon- maker, and indeed, almost every mechanic, uses it more or less in his labor. Black Oak (Q. tinctoria) furnishes Quercitron bark, an article of export, and used in dyeing ; Scarlet Oak (Q. coccinea), and Black Chestnut Oak (Q. montana), are much prized by the tanner. Other species are Willow Oak (Q. phellos), with narrow leaves ; Chinquapin (Q. prinos), a dwarf species bearing edible acorns ; Swamp White Oak (Q. bicolor) ; Mossy Cup Oak (Q. olivaformis); Pin Oak (Q. palustris) and Black Jack (Q. nigra); the last is indi- genous to Long Island only.
The White Elm ( Ulmus Americana) is a most graceful species, and when growing in moist rich soil one of the largest of our forest trees. The Slippery Elm (U. fulva), a smaller tree, growing on higher ground, is well known for the mucilaginous properties of its inner bark. Thomas' Elm (U. racemosa), so named from the per-
37
BOTANY.
son who first described it, is rather frequent on river banks in the middle and western parts of the state.
Of the Ash (Fraxinus), we have only three species, the White, Black and Grey. White Ash (F. Americana) has elastic, tough wood, and is used in the manufacture of carriages, agricultural im- plements, &c. From its splitting freely, it is much employed by the cooper for hoops.
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharinum) is a large and handsome tree, well known as furnishing the maple sugar which is obtained, by boiling down the sap, procured from the trees, during the months of February and March-Birdseye and Curled Maple are accidental varieties in the wood of this species. Red Maple (A. rubrum), White or Silver leaved Maple (A. dasycarpum), Mountain Maple, or Moose wood (A. Spicatum and A. Pennsylvanicum), are the only other species.
The Walnut tribe are valuable, both for food and timber. Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), and Butternut (J. cinerea), occur in most parts of the state. Shell bark Hickory ( Carya alba) bears the com- mon white walnut, so pleasant to crack by the winter fireside. The bark of this tree separates in long flat scales, with loose, detached ends, giving the trunk a ragged appearance; Moker-nut (C. tomentosa), Pig-nut (C. porcina) and Bitter-nut (C. amara) are the only remain- ing New York species.
The Beech (Fagus) and Chestnut ( Castanea) are both noble grow- ing trees. The wood of the Beech is heavy and compact, but not durable. Chestnut, on the contrary, though light and open grained, bears exposure, for a great length of time, without decay. The Amer- ican Chestnut is considered a variety of the European, differing only in its smaller and sweeter nuts.
The Canoe Birch is the Betula papyracea. From the bark of this species, which readily peels off in long thin sheets, and slips of cedar, the Indians manufacture their canoes. The wood of the Black Birch (Betula lenta), is considerably used in cabinet making. The Dwarf Birch (Betula nana) is an Alpine shrub, found only on the high mountains of Essex county. The Sycamore ( Platanus), the Poplars, and the Willows, are of little value, except as shade trees. Not so the Locust ( Robinia pseudo-acacia), a tree of rapid growth and grace- ful form. Its wood is exceedingly hard and nearly indestructible, and is mostly used for trenails, and gate posts, and in ship-building. It is not a native of the state, but is cultivated for sale, and as an ornamental tree.
The Tulip tree (Liriodendron Tulipifera) is the pride of our northern forests for its majestic growth, symmetrical form, and hand- some foliage. It not unfrequently rises to the height of seventy feet without a branch, and is covered in May or June with innumerable tulip shaped flowers. The Magnolia (Magnolia glauca) is found only in the swamps of Long Island, and there but sparingly. Its flowers exhale a heavy, but not unpleasant, perfume. One other spe- cies, the Cucumber tree (M. acuminata), is not uncommon in the western parts of the state, and is thus named from the appearance of the seed cone.
Of vast importance, as furnishing directly or indirectly the food of man and animals, are the grasses; and no class of plants is so widely
3
38
STATE OF NEW YORK.
distributed as this. They form the principal portion of the herbage of the earth, giving to the hills and plains their lovely green.
Though our Flora contains many native species, only a small num- ber are of value, our meadow grasses being, with few exceptions, of foreign origin. The principal of these are, Timothy ( Phleum pra- tense), making the best of hay ; Sweet Vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), which, when half withered, gives out a pleasant odor of vanilla; Meadow grass (Poa pratensis), Blue grass (P. compressa) and Rough grass (P. trivialis), most of which have spread over all our pasture grounds. Wheat ( Triticum), Rye ( Secale) and Oats (Avena), are extensively cultivated in all parts of the state. Zizania aquatica, or wild rice, a favorite food of the Indians, and affording sustenance to myriads of wild fowl, is a native of the northern coun- ties.
The Wild Oat and Chess (Bromus), into which our farmers wrongly believe that wheat and rye degenerate, are common. Phrag- mites, the largest grass of the northern states, looking at a distance like broom corn, grows by the river side, and borders of swamps and ponds.
Some grasses are peculiar to the sands ; their matted roots, form- ing a thick sod, prevent the loose soil from being carried away, by the water or wind. Many others, by their annual decay, aid in fertili- zing the soil, that would otherwise be arid and unproductive.
Ferns and Fernlike plants occupy a wide extent of territory. Most common of all is the Brake (Pteris), under cover of which the sportsman is sure to find the rabbit, or the partridge. Maiden Hair (Adiantum), a delicate fern, with dark brown polished stems, is not uncommon. The Walking Fern (Asplenium rhizophyllum) is re- markable for striking root from the extremities of the fronds. The Climbing Fern (Lygodium) is the only species of the tribe, with a twining stem, found in so high a latitude. The tall Osmunda (O. cin- namomea) grows in large bunches, in damp woods and low grounds ; sometimes attaining the height of a man.
Club Moss (Lycopodium), a creeping evergreen, is in great request at Christmas time, to form festoons and wreaths.
The Scouring Rush (Equisetum) is used for polishing wood and metals.
In the report of the recent Geological and Botanical survey, ordered by the legislature, the whole number of species of flowering plants, in the state, is said to be about 1450. Of these, 1200 are herbaceous, and 150 may be regarded as ornamental. Of woody plants there are 250 species, including about 80 that attain to the stature of trees. Of plants that are reputed medicinal, we have (native and natural- ized) 160 species. The naturalized plants exceed 160 species.
We must here leave this short notice of New York plants, though we have, by no means, exhausted the materials, nor even touched upon many, that are most frequently met with, in a morning walk. Those who would pursue the study must seek their information in two large volumes, written by Dr. Torrey, which form the Botanical part of the Natural History of New York.
39
ZOOLOGY.
III. ZOOLOGY.
Class I. Mammalia.
By mammalia are meant, all those animals having warm blood, a double heart, that is, one with two auricles and two ventricles, and bringing forth their young alive and suckling them. Being, with a few exceptions, four footed animals, they are frequently called quad- rupeds. Naturalists have divided these into a number of distinct orders, of which only five are found in this state.
These are 1st, Marsupiata, or pouched animals. One species, only, belonging to this order, is found in the state, viz. the opossum.
2d, Carnivora, or flesh eaters. Of these we have five species of bats; the mole and shrew mole; six species of shrews; the black bear; the raccoon ; wolverine; skunk ; fisher ; weasel, or black cat, called also Pennant's martin ; the pine martin, or American sable ; the small and the brown weasel ; the New York ermine, or ermine weasel ; the mink, or minx otter ; the common otter ; the dog, about thirty varieties, five of which are native; the common wolf, two va- rieties, the grey, and the black ; the panther ; the northern, or Cana- da lynx ; the wild cat, or bay lynx ; the seal ; the hooded seal; and perhaps, the walrus.
3d, Rodentia, or gnawers. Among these are the grey fox ; the red, striped, and flying squirrel ; the woodchuck, or Maryland marmot ; the deer mouse, or Labrador rat; the beaver; the mus- quash, or muskrat ; the porcupine; the Norway, or brown rat; two species of black rat; the common mouse; the jumping mouse ; six species of meadow mice ; the grey rabbit ; and the northern, or prairie hare.
4th, Ungulata : animals whose toes are covered with a horny case, or hoof. Of these, we have the hog ; the horse ; the ass ; the ox ; the goat, the sheep ; the American or fallow deer; the moose ; the stag, and the reindeer.
5th, Cetacea, or the whale tribe. The only species of this or - der, known to exist in the waters of the state, are, the right whale ; the sperm whale; the beaked whale, or rorqual; the broad nosed whale ; the social whale, or black whale-fish, called also the howling whale, and bottle head ; the common porpoise ; the grampus, or thrasher, also called the blackfish whale; and the sea porpoise.
Fossil Mammalia. Of these, but three species, it is believed, have been found, viz, 1st the fossil elephant, of which but a single tooth has been discovered.
2d, The American elephant, of which several teeth have been found in Monroe county.
3d, The mastodon, frequently, but improperly, called mammoth. Remains of this animal, and indeed skeletons nearly entire have been discovered in some 15 or 20 localities in the state, in Orange, Ulster, Monroe, Suffolk, Livingston, Chautauque, Albany, Cattaraugus, Gen- esee, and Niagara counties,
Class II. Aves-Birds.
Six orders of birds are found in the state, viz. 1st, Accipitres, birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, vultures, and owls.
2d, Passeres, birds of passage. These include most of those
40
STATE OF NEW YORK.
birds with which we are familiar, and whose departure for a more southern clime in autumn, renders winter more cheerless, as their return in spring, makes the approaching summer more joyous and delightful.
-3d, Gallina, the cock tribe, including not only our domesticated fowls, but the wild turkey, grouse, prairie hen, &c.
4th, Grallæ, waders. This includes all those long legged birds which obtain their subsistence on the borders of streams ; the plover, crane, heron, poke, &c.
5th, Lobipedes, lobefooted birds ; the coot, dipper, &c.
6th, Natatores, swimmers. This includes loons, gulls, gannets, wild ducks and geese, &c.
The following catalogue embraces all the birds, of these different orders, known to exist in the state.
Order I. ACCIPITRES.
Family 4. Alcedinide. King fisher tribe. Spotted
Spotted Canada Warbler,
[Birds of prey, ]
Belted king fisher.
Blue grey
Blackburnian
Bay breasted
Turkey buzzard.
Family 2. Falconidæ. Falcon tribe.
Golden eagle.
Brown or bald eagle,
American fish hawk,
Varied creeping Warbler,
Pine
Red shouldered
Mocking
Cape May
Broad winged
Marsh
Kentucky,
Swallow tailed hawk,
Duck
Pigeon
American sparrow
Slate colored
Black cap
American redstart, Small green crested fly
catcher,
Yellow bellied fly catcher,
Wood pewee,
Phebe bird,
Olive sided kingbird,
Great crested Family 13. Vireonid &.
Greenlet tribe.
Brown thrush,
Yellow throated greenlet,
Solitary
White eyed
Warbling
Red eyed
Olive backed
Yellow breasted chat. Family 14. Laniid@. Shrikes.
Wilson's Family 10. Motacillida. Titlark tribe. American titlark,
Northern butcherbird. Family 15. Corvida. Crow tribe.
Family 1.
Caprimulgide.
Whippoorwill tribe.
Whippoorwill,
Night hawk. Family 2 Hirundin@. Swallow tribe.
Yellow throat,
Mourning Warbler,
Chimney swallow, Purple martin,
Worm eating
=
White bellied swallow,
Bank .:
Blue winged,
Rusty
Barn
Tennessee
Golden
oriole,
Nashville
Orchard
Orange crowned,
Red winged "
Myrtle bird,
Red poll
Cow bunting,
.
White breasted nuthatch,
Red bellied
Summer yellow bird,
Rough legged buzzard, Red tailed
House Wren,
Chestnut sided
Wood
Hemlock
·
Family 12. Muscicapide. Fly catchers.
Cooper's
Carolina
American goshawk,
Marsh harrier, Family 3. Strigide.
Owl tribe.
Great horned owl,
Snowy Hawk
Blue bird. Family 9. Merulide. Thrush tribe. Common mocking bird,
Little screech
Great grey,
Long eared
Cat bird,
Short eared
Barred
Acadian
American barn
Order II. PASSERES. [Birds of passage.]
New York water thrush,
S Oven bird, or
Blue
jay,
Canada Magpie,
Common crow,
Raven,
Fish crow, Family 16. Quiscalida. Oriole tribe.
Common crow blackbird,
66
Golden
Meadow lark.
Cliff
Family 3. Ampelide. Fruit eaters.
Black throated waxwing, Cedar bird.
Family 5. Trochilide. Humming bird tribe.
Family 1. Vulturide. Vulture tribe.
Red throated humming bird. Black poll
Family 6. Certhide. Wren tribe.
Prairie
Blue, yellow backed
Black throated, blue,
Brown creeper,
Black throated green
Hooded
Green, black capped "
Short, billed " Family 7. Paride. Tomtit tribe.
Blue grey gnat-catcher,
Crested
tit,
Family 8. Sylviade. Blue bird tribe.
Golden crested kinglet, Ruby crowned
American Robin,
Wood
thrush,
Hermit
¿ Golden crowned wagtail. Family 11. Sylvicolide. Warblers.
Whistling =
Winter
41
ZOOLOGY.
Boblink, or Ricebird. Family 17. Fringillida. Finches.
Blue Grosbeak, Rose breasted grosbeak, Snowbird, Fox colored sparrow, Song S Bay winged, ¿ or grassbird,
White throated "
White crowned "
Black throated bunting,
Yellow winged
Varied Field
Chippingbird,
Tree
bunting,
Savannah
Blue striped "
Seaside finch,
Quail hend,
Swamp Finch,
S Yellowbird or ¿ American gold finch,
Pine finch,
Lesser redpole,
Mealy
Crested purple finch, Cardinal Grosbeak, S Chewink or
¿ Ground robin,
Indigo bird,
Red Black winged red bird,
Lapland snow
White
Horned lark,
Pine bull finch,
American crossbill,
White winged " Family 18. Picida. [ Borers. ] Woodpecker tribe. Crested woodpecker
Red headed -
Hairy
Downy
Yellow billed
Red
Arctic
Banded
Sanderling,
Cayenne,
Black
Marsh
Arctic
Sandwich
Roseate
Silvery
Winter gull, Great black backed gull,
Common American Laughing
Bonaparte's
Fork tailed
S Three toed
or
Family 1. Phasianida. Pheasant tribe.
Wild Turkey. Introduced and domesti- cated.
Peacock, Guinea fowl,
Common cock. Family 2. Tetraonida. Grouse tribe,
American quail, Common partridge, Ruffed grouse,
§ Pinnated grouse,
? or Heath hen, prairie hen, Red Phalarope, Spruce grouse.
Order IV. GRALLE. [ Waders.]
Family 1. Charadrida. Plovers.
American ring plover,
Piping
Wilson's
Kill deer .€
Golden
Whistling
Turnstone
-
American oyster catcher. Family 2. Gruide. Crane tribe.
American crane,
Great blue heron,
Great white
§ White crested "
For White poke,
Blue heron,
Lousiana "
Green
Small bittern,
American
Black crowned night heron, Yellow
Family 3. Tantalida. Stork tribe.
White ibis, Glossy
Family 4. Scolopacida, Curlew tribe.
Long billed curlew,
Jack
Small Esquimaux “
Long legged sandpiper,
Semi palmated
Purple
Buff breasted
Curlew
Black breasted
Schinz's
Pectoral
Red breasted
Black Skimmer,
Wilson's
Common tern,
§ Golden winged " ¿ or High hole.
Family 19. Cuculide. Cuckoo tribe.
Yellow billed cuckoo, Black 66
Family 20. Columbida Pigeon tribe.
Wild Pigeon,
Carolina turtle dove.
Order III. GALLINE.
S Dowitchee or ¿ Red breasted snipe, Common American snipe, American wood cock. Family 5. Rallide. Rail tribe.
Salt water meadow hen, Fresh ..
Mud hen,
New York rail, Sora
Florida Gallinule,
Family 6. Recurvirostridæ.Canvass back duck, Avoset tribe. Red head
Broad bill
Creek
Bastard
-
Order V. LOBIPEDES. [Lobe footed birds ]
Family 1. Podicipide. Coot or Dipper tribe.
American coot,
Horned grebe or dipper,
Crested grebe,
Red necked ··
Dipper or pied dobchick.
Order VI. NATATORES. [Swimmers.]
Family 1, Alcide. Puffin tribe.
Black Guillemot,
Foolish
or Murre,
Sea Dove,
Arctic Puffin,
Razor bill, Family 2. Colymbida.
Loon tribe.
Great loon or diver, Red throated loon Family 3. Procellaridæ. Petreis. § Large shearwater, or ¿ Puttin, Little
S Wilson's Petrel, or
¿ Mother Carey's chicken,
Fork tailed Petrel. Family 4. Pelicanida. Pelican tribe.
Cormorant,
Double crested cormorant,
Brown Pelican,
American Gannet. Family 5. Laride. Gull tribe.
Spotted sand lark, "
Grey
Yellow leg,
S Solitary Tatler
¿ or Jack snipe, Varied Tatler,
Willet or stone curlew,
Marlin, Ring tailed marlin,
& Killiwake,
Arctic hawk gull,
Pomarine Family 6. Anatida. Goose and Duck tribes.
Buff breasted shelldrake, Red 66
Hooded
Lawyer, American Avoset.
Family 7. Phalaropodida.
S Hyperborean lobefoot, or ¿ Sea goose. Wilson's Holopode.
42
STATE OF NEW YORK.
Pied
duck,
S Broad billed coot, or
Black duck,
Ruddy
¿ Butter bill,
S American widgeon, or
Old wife
White winged coot,
Bald pate,
Buffle headed
Wood duck,
European widgeon,
Whistler,
Blue winged teal,
Wild goose,
Harlequin
Green
White fronted goose,
Eider
Pintailed duck,
Brant,
King
Shoveller, or spoonbill,
American swan.
Surf duck or coot,
Grey duck, or Gadwall,
Class III. Reptiles.
There are but three orders of reptiles found in the state, viz.
1st, Chelonia. The turtle tribe. Among the animals belonging to this order are the green turtle, which, though a native of warm climates, occasionally makes its appearance in the waters of New York bay, and Long Island sound ; the leather turtle, a gigantic spe- cies ; the soft shell turtle found in the Mohawk, and in the lakes ; the snapping turtle; the salt water terrapin, or mud turtle ; the smooth terrapin, which resembles the preceding in its appearance and habits ; the painted tortoise ; the spotted tortoise or speckled tur- tle ; the wood or fresh water terrapin ; the red bellied terrapin ; Muhlenburg's tortoise ; the geographic, and the pseudo-geographic tortoise, both distinguished by the geometric lines upon their shells; the mud tortoise, found only in the southern counties; the musk tor- toise, also called mud turtle, and mud terrapin ; the common box, or checkered, tortoise, also called box turtle ; and Blanding's box tor- toise.
2d, Sauria. The lizard tribe. There are but two species of this tribe, known to exist in this state, viz. the blue tailed skink or liz- ard, called also the striped lizard, found in the southern counties; and the brown swift, frequenting the woods, in every part of the state.
3d, Ophidia. The serpent tribe. Most of these are harmless, only two species being venomous.
Of the harmless species, we have the common black snake, from three to six feet long ; the pilot black snake, or racer, found in the Highlands and Fishkill mountains ; the chain snake, also called racer ; the milk or chicken snake, also called house snake, checkered adder, &c .; the striped snake ; the ring snake, black and red, small ; the grass or green snake ; the brown water snake, or water adder-this snake has its tail tipped with horn, and is frequently regarded with dread, but without cause ; the striped water, green water, or water garter snake; the yellow bellied snake ; the small brown snake : the ribbon snake; the red snake, very small, and found under stones and logs ; the hog nosed snake, called also deaf adder, spreading adder, &c
The two venomous species are, the copper head, called also red ad- der, dumb rattlesnake, red viper, &c. ; and the northern rattlesnake. The popular belief that the latter add a new rattle every year is erro- neous. Instances have been known where there were forty-four of these fibulæ or rattles on the tail of a single snake, and that not of a very large size. They are found abundantly, in the rocky and unset- tled portions of the state. The deer and the hog destroy them rap- idly-the latter eating them.
43
ZOOLOGY.
Class IV. Amphibia.
Animals living both on the land, and in the water. There are but four families of amphibia, in the state.
1st, Ranidæ. 'The frog tribe. The following are all the species of this family in the state: The common bull frog; the large northern bull frog, found in lakes George and Champlain, and their tributaries ; the spring frog, the kind most usually eaten ; the marsh or pickerel frog, used for bait, and called also, from its spots, tiger, and leopard frog ; the shad frog, which makes its appearance in the early spring; the wood frog, a very nimble animal ; the hermit spadefoot, a singular animal, between a frog and a toad; the common American toad, a harmless and useful animal ; Pickering's hylodes, a very small toad ; the peeper or cricket frog, called in Savannah, the Savannah cricket; the northern, or common tree toad ; and the squirrel tree toad.
2d, Salamandrida. The salamander tribe. These are usually, though incorrectly, called lizards. Among them are the yellow bel- lied salamander ; the violet colored, the red backed, the painted, the salmon colored, the blotched, the long tailed, the granulated, the striped back, the red, the scarlet, and the blue spotted salamander.
3d, Sirenidæ. The triton tribe. Of these we have the tiger tri- ton, with a tongue like a fish ; the common spotted ; the dusky, and the grey triton.
4th, Amphiumide. The proteus tribe. The banded proteus, or great water lizard, a very singular animal, having the body of a liz- ard, and the gills of a fish ; and the Alleghany hell-bender, another curious amphibious animal, very voracious, and from 12 to 24 inches in length, are the only species of this family in New York.
Class V. Fishes.
The fishes, belonging to the state, are very numerous.
Fishes are divided into two sub-classes, BONY and CARTILAGIN- OUS. The first sub-class has six orders, viz.
1st, Pectinibranchi, having gills arranged regularly, like the teeth of a comb. This order embraces many of our common fish, both in fresh and salt water. Those best known are the perch, bass, bullhead, sheepshead, porgee, pilot fish, mullet, black fish or tau- taug, cunner, sucker, mackerel, &c. &c. In all the fishes belonging to this order the rays of the fin are bony. The same arrangement of the gills occurs in the three succeeding orders.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.