USA > Pennsylvania > A geography of Pennsylvania : containing an account of the history, geographical features, soil, climate, geology, botany, zoology, population, education, government, finances, productions, trade, railroads, canals &c. of the state : with a separate description of each county, and questions for the convenience of teachers : to which is appended, a travellers' guide, or table of distances on the principal rail road, canal and stage routes in the state > Part 9
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ASCLEPIADA.
Milk-weed, Swallow wort, Asclepias, many species ; woods and fields ; June, July. Pleurisy root, Asclepias tuberosa, not milky ; fl. orange colour; fields and fences ; July. GENTIANACEE.
Soapwort gentian, Gentiana saponaria ; low wet places ; Sept .- root tonic.
Fringed gentian, G. crinita ; fl. handsome ; blue ; hilly open woods ; Sept. Centaury, Sabbatia angularis ; old fields; July : bitter and tonic.
CONVOLVULACEE.
Bindweed, Convolvulus, twining vine ; dry sandy soils ; June, July ; several species. Dodder, Cuscuta americana, small yellow vine ; parasitic ; moist low grounds ; Aug. *Flax vine, Cuscuta europea ?- parasitic on flax ; June.
BORAGINACEAE.
Lung-wort, Pulmonaria virginica; sandy low grounds ; April, May.
Hound's tongue, Cynoglossum virginicum ; rich woodlands; May, June.
* C. officinale ; road sides, about buildings, &c. May.
Forget-me-not, Myosotis palustris ; fl. small, blue ; ditches and wet grounds ; May, Aug. LABIAT.E. The Mint tribe.
*Spear mint Mentha viridis ; moist grounds and along streams ; July, Aug.
*Pepper mint, M. piperita ; stem purple ; wet places ; Aug.
Horse mint, Monarda, several species ; borders of woods and thickets ; July, Aug. Wild basil, Pycnanthemum, several species ; woods and thickets ; July, Aug.
Horse balm, Collinsonia canadensis ; rich shady woods ; July, Aug.
Dittany, Cunila mariana ; dry hilly woods ; diaphoretic.
Pennyroyal, Hedcoma pulegioides ; old fields, dry soils ; Aug : diaphoretic.
Self-heal, Prunella vulgaris ; woods, road sides, &c.
Scull cap, Scutellaria ; several species ; woods, thickets & low grounds ; June, Aug. *Catnep, Nepeta cataria ; fence rows, and cultivated lots ; July, Aug.
*Ground ivy, N. glechoma ; about fences and shady places ; May, June.
*Dead nettle, Lamium amplexicaule ; cultivated lots , April, May. Hedge nettle, Stachys, several species ; moist grounds : July, Aug. Blue curls, Trichostema dichotoma ; old fields, Aug.
Germander, Wood sage, Teucrium canadense ; moist shady grounds ; July. SCROPHULARIACE.E.
Fig-wort, Scrophularia marilandica ; woods and fences ; July.
*Toad flax, Ranstead weed ; Linaria vulgaris ( Antirrhinum) pastures and fences ; June. Monkey flower, Mimulus, two species ; meadows and wet places ; Aug.
Snake-head, Chelone glabra ; swamps and streams : Aug.
Yellow fox-glove, Gerardia flava; woods; July; G. purpurea ; swamps ; Aug : other species.
Speedwell, Veronica ; several species ; generally in moist grounds ; May, June.
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BOTANY.
OROBANCHEÆE.
Squaw-root, Cancer-root; Orobanche, two species ; May, June.
Beech-drops, Epiphegus americanus ; under beech trees. Sept. Astringent. VERBENACEAE.
Vervain, Verbena, several species ; road sides, low grounds, &c. July, Aug. Lopseed, Phryma leptostachya ; borders of woods ; July.
PRIMULACEAE.
Loose-strife, Lysimachia, several species ; borders of woods and low grounds ; June, July. PLANTAGINEÆE.
Plantain, Plantago, several species ; fields, &c. June-Sept.
*Ripple, Buck-horn, P. lanceolata ; clover and pasture fields. PHYTOLACCEA.
Poke-weed, Phytolacca decandra; rich soils, borders of woods, &c. June, Sept. POLYGONACEAE.
Knot-weed, Polygonum; many species ; road sides, moist grounds, &c. June, Sept. *Buckwheat, P. fagopyrum, cultivated fields ; Aug, Sept.
Wild buckwheat vine, P. scandens, moist thickets : P. convolvulus ; fields, &c., July. Dock, Rumex ; several species ; cultivated grounds and moist places ; June, July. Sheep sorrel, R. acetosella ; dry sandy soils, fields and road sides ; May. LAURACEAE.
Spice wood, Laurus benzoin ; shrub ; moist grounds ; April : aromatic stimulant. ARISTOLOCHIA.
Virginia snake root, Aristolochia serpentaria ; woods ; June : root aromatic.
Wild ginger, Colt's foot, Asarum canadense ; woods ; May : root strongly aromatic. THYMELACEAE.
Leather-wood, Dirca palustris ; swampy woods ; shrub : bark very tough. EUPHORBIACEA.
Spurge, Euphorbia, several species ; milky ; fields and road sides ; July. URTICACEA.
Nettle, Urtica. several species; False nettle, Boehmeria cylindrica ; July. Hop vine, Humulus lupulus ; gardens and wild in thickets ; July, Aug. SAURURACEÆE.
Lizard-tail, Saururus cornuus ; swamps and streams; July. AMENTACEÆE : mostly trees.
Hazel-nut, Corylus americana ; thickets and fence rows ; April.
Alder, Alnus serrulata ; swamps and streams ; April.
Sweet fern, Comptonia asplenifolia ; shrubby ; dry hills and woods; April. IRIDACEE.
Blue flag, Iris, two or three species ; wet grounds ; June.
Blue-eyed grass, Sisyrinchium, two species ; woods and meadows ; May, June. ORCHIDEA.
Orchis, Orchis spectabilis ; rich woodlands ; May.
Habenaria, Habenaria ; several species : moist low grounds ; June, July.
Tway-blade, Liparis lilifolia (Malaxis ;) moist woods ; June.
Coral root, Corallorhiza, several species ; woodlands ; May, Aug.
Rattlesnake-plantain, Goodyera pubescens ; leaves white veined ; woods ; July. Lady's tresses, Spiranthes, (Neottia) meadows and moist open woods; July, Aug. Moccasin flower, Cypripcdium ; two or three species ; woods and thickets ; May, June. The genera Arethusa, Pogonia, Calopogon, Triphora, g.c. also belong to this order : grow-
ing mostly in swamps and moist thickets ; not very common; flowers curious and beautiful. . MELANTIIACEÆ.
Black flower, Melanthium virginicum; wet meadows : July.
Indian poke, White hellebore, Veratrum viride ; swamps and thickets ; May.
Blazing star, Helonias, two or three species ; meadows and wet grounds ; May, June. TRILLIACEÆE.
Three leaved nightshade, Trillium, several species ; moist shady woods ; May. Indian cucumber, Gyromia virginica (Medeola ;) shady moist grounds ; June. LILIACEAE.
Wild lily, Lilium, several species ; meadows and borders of woods, June, July. Dog-tooth violet, Erythronium americanum ; moist low grounds ; April.
Solomon's seal, Convallaria, several species, woods and moist grounds ; May June. Bell-wort, Uvularia, two species ; woods and meadow banks ; May. Star grass, Aletris farinosa ; open woods and borders of thickets ; July. Garlic, Allium, several species ; pastures, woods and meadows ; June, July. ALISMACEA.
Arrow-head, Sagittaria ; species and varieties ; ditches and wet grounds ; July, Aug. Water plantain, Alisma plantago ; rivulets and wet places ; July. JUNCEE.
Rush, Juncus, various species ; wet low grounds ; June, July. SMILACEE.
Green brier, Smilax, several species, moist thickets, &c. May, June.
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GEOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
AROIDEA.
Indian turnep, Arum triphyllum ; moist shady places ; May ; medicinal. Green dragon, A. dracontium ; alluvial grounds; May, June.
Skunk cabbage, Symplocarpus fætida ; low wet places ; Feb., March ; medicinal. Golden club, Orontium aquaticum ; in ponds and streams ; May.
Calamus, Acorus calamus ; swampy meadows ; May, June ; Aromatic.
TYPHACEE.
Cat-tail, Typha, two species ; about ponds and wet places ; June.
Bur-reed, Sparganium, one or two species ; ponds and streams, July.
FLUVIALES.
Pond-weed, Potamogeton ; several species ; in water of ponds and slow streams, July. CYPERACEE. The Sedge tribe.
This order includes Cyperus, Scirpus, Eriophorum and other genera of coarse rough swamp grasses. The genus Carex, Sedge Grass, of which we have a great number of species, also belong to it.
GRAMINEE. The Grass tribe.
In this order are included the grasses proper and the cereal grains, such as wheat, rye, oats, barley, &c. Many of these, however, are not native plants, but have been introduced by agriculturists and have become naturalized. A few only of the more common kinds will be enumerated.
*Crab-grass, Digitaria, two species ; cultivated grounds ; July.
*Fox-tail grass, Setaria (Pennisctum;) stubble fields, &c. July ; sometimes called crab- grass.
Poverty-grass, Aristida, dry sterile fields ; Aug.
*Herd-grass, Red-top, Agrostis ; pastures and meadows ; July.
*Timothy, Phleum pratense ; fields and meadows ; July.
*Sweet scented Vernal-grass, Anthoxanthum odoratum ; meadows, &c. June.
*Soft-grass, Feather-grass, Holcus lanatus ; light coloured, downy ; meadows ; June, July. *Oats, Avena ; cultivated ; July.
Oat-grass, Danthonia spicata ; dry banks, borders of woods, &c. June.
«Cheat, or chess, Bromus secalinus ; cultivated grounds among wheat and rye ; June.
Respecting the last named species, Dr. Darlington, an eminent botanist of Chester county in this State, makes the following observation. " This well known troublesome grass isa natu- ralized foreigner, and obstinately accompanies our crops of wheat and rye. Frequently when the wheat has been injured by the winter, or other cause, the Bromus is very abundant ; and many farmers are so little acquainted with the laws of nature,-and therefore prone to absurd mistakes,-that they imagine the wheat has been transformed into Bromus or Cheat. This vulgar error also prevails among the peasantry of Europe : but in the old world, they think the wheat is transmuted into Lolium temulentum, or Darnel,-quite a distinct grass from Bromus,-and which is yet rare in the United States .? '
Spear-grass, Green-grass, Poa pratensis ; meadows, fields, &c. May, June.
Blue-grass, Poa compressa ; fields and pastures ; June. (Several other species of Poa.)
*Orchard-grass, Dactylis glomerata ; fields, meadows, &c. May, June.
*Dog's-tail-grass, Eleusine indica ; lanes, foot paths, &c. July, Aug.
*Rye, Secale cercale ; cultivated fields ; June. Diseased black seeds used in medicine. Wild-rye, Elymus, several species ; banks of streams, &c. July.
*Wheat, Triticum sativum ; cultivated fields ; June.
*Barley, Hordeum, two species ; fields ; May, June.
Wood-grass, Andropogon, several species ; old fields and sterile soils ; Aug. Sept. White grass, Rice grass, Leersia, two species ; borders of swamps and ditches ; Aug. Water Oats, Wild-rice, Reed, Zizania aquatica ; streams and swamps. Aug. Indian corn, Zea mays ; cultivated ; July, Aug.
EQUISETACEE.
Scouring rush, Equisetum hyemale ; swamps and moist grounds ; June.
Horse tail, Equisetum arvense ; low grounds ; April. (other species.) FILICES. The Fern tribe.
Polypody, Polypodium, several species ; moist rocky woods ; July.
Shield fern, Aspidium, several species ; moist woods and thickets ; July.
Spleen fern, Asplenium, various species ; shady rocky woods ; July.
Brake, or Bracken, Pteris, two species ; woods and thickets ; June, July. Maiden hair, Adiantum pedatum; shady rocky woods ; July.
Flowering fern, Osmunda, three species ; moist low grounds ; July.
Adders-tongue, Ophioglossum vulgatum ; moist low grounds and thickets ; June. Rattle-snake fern, Botrychium virginicum ; woods and rocky hills ; May, June. Botrychium fumarioides ; moist grounds, woods, &c. July, Aug.
LYCOPODIACEAE.
Club moss, Lycopodium, several species ; woods and thickets ; July.
75
BOTANY.
What is said of the utility of the oak tree ? For what purposes are its wood and bark useful ? Which kind of oak is most esteemed, and why ? What is said of the post oak ?- Swamp white oak ?- Swamp chesnut oak ? Rock chesnut oak ?- Laurel oak ? Where does the scrub oak grow abundantly ? For what is Spanish oak valuable ? What is said of black oak, and of its bark ? Describe the scarlet oak and tell how it may be dis- tinguished from the Spanish and the red oak. Mention the principal cha- racters of the red oak. Where does the pin oak grow, and what is said of it ? Give a description of the black walnut, and the qualities of its wood. For what is the white walnut tree useful ? What are the properties of hick- ory wood, and for what purpose valuable ?- Mention the different kinds of hickory ? How may we distinguish the red and white maple ? What is said of the wood and bark of the maple ? What varieties of sugar maple have we, and where do they grow ? What ornamental wood is obtained from the sugar maple ? Describe the process of obtaining sap and making sugar from the maple. What other kinds of maple are mentioned, and where do they grow ? What is said of the small magnolia ?- Of the cu- cumber tree ? Of the papaw ? Describe the poplar or tulip tree, and the uses of its wood and bark ? In what places does the sweet gum tree grow ? What is said of the button wood or sycamore ?- Of the catalpa ?- Of the crab apple ?- Of the may cherry and its fruit ? Mention three kinds of birch, and the characters of each ? Where does the locust tree grow most abundantly, and what is said of its wood ? How does the sweet or honey locust differ from the other ? What is said of the wood and bark of the sassafras ?- Of the wild cherry ? Where does the persimmon grow, and what is said of it? Mention the different species of aspen tree ? What can you tell about the chesnut tree, and the uses of its wood ? Where is the chincapin found ? What kinds of beech grow in Pennsylvania, and what are their qualities ? What is said of the horn-beam and iron-wood trees ? How many species of sour gum have we, and for what is the wood used ? What can you tell about the red mulberry ? How many kinds of ash are mentioned and what are the qualities of the wood ? What kinds of elm, and their distinctive characters ?- Of the linden tree ? How can we distinguish the pitch pine, the scrub pine, and the yellow pine ? What are the properties of their wood ? Where does the white pine grow most abundantly ? What is said of its height and size ? What are the qualities of its wood and for what purposes used ? Where does the double spruce grow, and what is said of it ? In what place is the hemlock spruce found, and what are the properties of its wood ? For what is the bark used ? What is said of the tamarack ? Describe the red cedar and the quality and uses of its wood ? What ornamental shade trees are men- tioned as not natives of Pennsylvania ?
8. ZOOLOGY.
IN Pennsylvania, from its geographical position, we are pre- sented with many of the northern and southern forms of the American Fauna or varieties of animal life, though the predomi- nant character may be said to be northern. The brief limits to which this portion of our work must necessarily be confined, will prevent us from giving more than a mere sketch of the Zoology of the State, and oblige us to omit the mention of such animals as cannot be recognized without a description. The reader who may desire more complete information on this subject is referred to the works of Godman, Harlan, Wilson, Say, and other writers on American Natural History.
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GEOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
We commence with the class MAMMALIA, or those animals which nourish their young with milk. Of those which feed upon insects, besides several species of the Bat, we have of the true Insectivora, the Common Mole (Scalops canadensis) and the Star- nosed Mole ( Condylura cristata,) both of which raise ridges of earth, by running burrows just beneath the surface. The mole of Eu- rope belongs to the genus Talpa. We have also several species of Sorex, which are considerably smaller than the moles. Sorex brevicaudis, but for its lengthened nose, short tail and inconspicu- ous ears and eyes, might be mistaken for the domestic mouse. It inhabits the banks of rivulets, forming galleries in the grass like those of field mice, that it may hunt its insect prey in greater se- curity.
The Bear (Ursus americanus) and the Wild Cat (Lynx rufa) are not uncommon in the mountainous and wilder parts of the State. The Panther, painter or catamount, (Felis concolor,) though seldom seen near the settled parts of the country, still finds a secure re- treat in the dark and gloomy recesses of our most unfrequented forests. The Wolf (Lupus occidentalis?) has now become rare in Pennsylvania, though not many years since so common as to be very destructive to sheep in the new settlements. The Otter (Lu- tra canadensis) is also rare. The Red and Gray Fox (Vulpes ful- ous and V. virginianus) with the Raccoon (Procyon lotor) are quite common, and are more abundant in the neighbourhood of settlements than in the deep forests of the uninhabited parts of the State. The Pine Marten (Mustela martes) is found in the central and northern counties; its fur is fine and the skin is an important article of commerce: it is said that one hundred thousand are an- nually collected by the Hudson's Bay Fur Company. The Mink (Mustela vison ) and the Weasel (Putorius vulgaris) are common in many parts of the State, and are very destructive to the poultry of the farmers. The Skunk (Mephitis americana) and the Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) are very common.
Of the order RODENTIA (having a pair of cutting teeth in the front of each jaw) the Beaver, ( Castor fiber,) though very rare, is yet sometimes found in the central counties. The Musk-rat, (Fi- ber zibethicus,) the Meadow mouse (Arvicola pennsylvanica) and several other species are abundant. The Jumping mouse (Gerbil- lus canadensis) is occasionally seen; and the Ground hog (Arcto- mys monax) is common, making its burrows in the sides of hills, and frequently in clover fields. The Porcupine (Hystrix dorsata) occurs in the northern and western parts of the State. Various species of Squirrel are common, particularly the Gray, (Sciurus cinereus,) the Red, (S. hudsonius,) the Ground, ( Tamias striatus,) and the Flying Squirrel, (Pteromys volucella.) The Hare (Lepus americanus) is found in the northern mountainous districts, and the Rabbit (Lepus sylvatica) is every where abundant. Of the deer family we have but two species, the Common Deer, ( Cervus virginianus,) and the Elk ( Cervus canadensis.) The latter animal should not be confounded with the Moose (Alces americanus) which is called elk by English authors. In fact, many of the American
77
ZOOLOGY.
quadrupeds are of a distinct species, even when they bear the same name with those of the eastern continent.
The BIRDS of Pennsylvania are so numerous in species that we must content ourselves with a mere glance at them. Among the birds of prey the following are not uncommon: Bald Eagle, (Hali- ætus leucocephalus,) Fish-hawk, (Pandion carolinensis,) Redtailed- hawk, (Buteo borealis,) Hen-hawk, (Butætes lagopus,) Duck-hawk, (Falco peregrinus,) Sparrow-hawk, (Cerchneis sparverius,) Great horned-owl, (Strix virginiana,) and the two smaller species, Red- owl, (Scops asio,) and Mottled-owl (Scops nævia.)
The Whipperwill (Antrostomus vociferus) is local in its distri- bution ; never appearing in certain districts but a few miles distant from its usual haunts. It is sometimes confounded with a more common bird, the Night-hawk, ( Chordeiles virginianus,) which wants the bristly feathers about the mouth of the former, and has each wing marked with a conspicuous white spot. The comb upon the claw of the middle toe is also remarkable. The Barn- swallow, (Hirundo rufa,) the Chimney-swallow, ( Chetura pelas- gia,) and the Bank-swallow (Cotyle riparia) are found wherever there are suitable places for their nests.
The familiar Blue-bird, (Sialia sialis,) the waxen winged Cedar- bird (Bombycilla carolinensis,) the stately Meadow lark, (Sturnella ludoviciana,) with his yellow waistcoat and black cravat ; the bril- liant Gold-finch or Hanging bird, (Icterus baltimore,) which sus- pends its nest from the branch of a tree, and a host besides, give variety to forest and field by their beauty of colour, playful habits or cheerful song. Among these may be heard the sharp cry of the King-bird, (Tyrannus intrepidus,) as he makes a sally from his rude nest to attack the passing King-fisher, (Ceryle alcyon,) the welcome note of the Wood pewee, (Tyrannula virens,) the queru- lous voice of the Jay, ( Cyanocorax cristatus,) as he passes through the foliage to avoid observation. To this varied concert of sounds is added the rapid tapping noise made by the wedge-shaped bill of the Red-headed Woodpecker, (Melanerpes erythrocephalus,) or the Flicker, (Colaptes auratus,) upon the decayed trunks and limbs of trees, breaking the monotonous sound of the rustling foliage or the murmuring rivulet, and adding to the gratification of the admirer of the works of nature, who is alone able to appreciate the charms which so many varieties of the feathered tribe add to our forest scenery.
Of scansorial birds we have two species of American cuckoo, (raincrow, indian hen,) a considerable number of the Picus or woodpecker tribe, as the Log-cock or Wood-cock, (Dryotomus pileatus,) which is rarely found east of Harrisburg; and two varieties of Sapsucker (Picus villosus and P. pubescens).
The families of the Thrushes, Finches, and Flycatchers pre- sent us with most of their species: the Wild Turkey is still to be found in Pennsylvania; while the Partridge ( Ortyx virginiana) and the Pheasant (Bonasia umbellus) are quite common in various districts. In New England the partridge of Pennsylvania is called quail, and our pheasant is called partridge. 7*
.
78
GEOGRAPHY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Most of the water birds inhabiting the United States and British possessions in North America are found within the limits of this State. Those peculiar to the bays, and even some sea birds, pass for a considerable distance up the Delaware and Susquehanna rivers. Pennsylvania is favourably situated for the reception of many migratory species, as the Wild-goose, (Anser canadensis,) both on their passage northward and southward, including many which do not breed within its limits.
REPTILES. We have but one species of Land-tortoise ( Cistuda carolina). Of those which inhabit the water, the Snapper, ( Che- lydra serpentina) is the most remarkable, and is highly prized as an article of food. Several species of Terrapins are found in our waters; Emys geographica, a large one, occurs both in the eastern and western parts of the State; Emys punctata, marked with small yellow spots; and Emys picta having the margin of the shell marked with red. These two small species are frequently found in company, in ponds and streams, reposing upon projecting logs and stones.
It appears that we have but one species of Rattlesnake ( Crotalus durissus) in Pennsylvania; the varieties of colour, &c., belonging to the difference of sex and age. This is the only poisonous snake except the Copper-head (Trigonocephalus contortrix) of which we have any evidence; the genus Heterodon, commonly called blow- ing or hissing Viper, being harmless. Of the genus Coluber there are several species, among which may be mentioned the Garter- snake ( Coluber sirtalis,) the Ribbon snake, (C. saurita,) much like the former, House snake, (C. eximius,) Green snake, (C. vernalis,) and Water snake ( C. sipedon.)
Among the Lizards proper, the Scincus fasciatus is a beautiful animal with a blue tail and marked with five yellow stripes: the Tropidolepis undulatus is remarkable for the roughness of its scales. It is brown, with irregular cross bands of black. Both these species are about eight inches long, extremely active, and climb with great facility.
The largest of our frogs is the Bull-frog, (Rana pipiens,) which is frequently eaten, and is said to be a great delicacy to the epicure. Besides this one, the most common species are the Shad frog, (Rana halecina,) green, with dark spots margined with yellow: Rana palustris, brown, with rows of square dark brown spots: Rana sylvatica, pale reddish brown; and Hyla versicolor, tree frog. The common Toad is properly named Bufo americanus, being different from the " common toad" of Europe.
Of the land Salamanders we will mention Salamandra symme- trica, reddish brown, with a row of scarlet spots upon each side; S. erythronotus, of a small size, found in the woods under stones and logs; and S. longicauda, yellow, spotted with black, tail as long as the body. Somewhat like the first, but of a greenish colour, and inhabiting the water, is the S. dorsalis. But the most remarkable animals of this family are the Water puppy, young alligator, (Necturus lateralis,) of the Ohio, Lake Erie, &c. two feet in length; and the Hellbender (Menopoma alleganiensis) not quite
79
ZOOLOGY.
so large, with the mouth more rounded in front and without gills. It inhabits the west branch of the Susquehanna, and is said to occur in the Ohio.
The FISHES of Pennsylvania are numerous, including some sea fishes which enter the eastern waters, as the Shad (Alosa sapidis- sima,) Herring, ( Clupea vernalis,) Bill-fish, (Belone truncata, ) Rock- fish, (Labrax lineatus,) and others. Touching Lake Erie on the north-west, we possess twenty or thirty species peculiar to the great lakes, of which, as among the most interesting, we will mention the White-fish, ( Coregonus albus,) of which large quan- tities are caught and salted for sale. There are two or three other species belonging to the same genus. The great lake Trout (Sal- mo amethystus) sometimes attains a very large size. The different species of Perch and Bass (Cichla) are much prized; but the fish here called bass is different from the sheep's head bass, which is Sciana oscula. Several species of Cat-fish (Pimelodus) and Sucker (Catostomus) are not uncommon in the lake.
Species of the two last mentioned genera are found in the west- ern part of the State, in the Ohio and its tributaries. The large perch, called white salmon, is caught at Pittsburg in the spring. Rock-perch (Perca chrysops) is rare. The Bubbler (Amblodon grunniens) is a large and singular fish, which feeds upon the soft parts of the Unio or mussel, the hard shells of which it is able to crush with its teeth situated in the throat. Several species of false herring (Hyodon) occur here. On both sides of the Alleghenies, the clear mountain streams contain various species of trout. The genus Catostomus has many species in the east and west, known by the common names of Buffalo-fish, Mullet, Carp, &c.
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