THE SUN-FISHES AND THEIR ALLIES. 



69 



many names. In Lake Erie, and in (Jhio generally, it is the " Straw- 

 terry Bass," " Strawberry Perch " or " Grass Bass.' ' The names " Bitter 

 Head" and "Lamplighter" are also ascribed to it by Mr. Klippart, and 

 "Bank Lick Bass" by Dr. Kirtland, and it is also called "Bar-fish," 

 "Razor Back," "Chinquapin Perch," "Silver Bass" and "Big Fin 

 Bass." In Lake Michigan the name "Bar-fish" is in general use, 

 giving place in Illinois to the name " Calico Bass." The latter is among 

 the most appropriate of these designations, having allusion to its varie- 

 gated color. In the South, like Ambloplitcs rupesh-is, it becomes a 

 ' ' GoErele-eve " or " Goggle-eyed Perch. ' ' The Strawberry Bass is found in 

 abundance in all the lakes and ponds of the Great Lake region and the 

 Upper Mississippi. It is also diffused throughout the Mississippi A^alley, 

 and appears in the streams of the Carolinas and Georgia east of the 

 mountains. Its preference is for quiet, clear waters, with a bottom covered 

 with grass ; and in the muddy sloughs and bayous, where the Crappie is 

 abundant, it is rarely seen. It is an excellent pan-fish, reaching some- 

 times a weight of two or three pounds, although usually weighing not 

 more than a pound. It is, like its relatives, gamey; but it is not so vora- 

 cious as most of them. The following notes on its habits and value are 

 from the pen of Prof. Kirtland : 





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V X'^^,_ 



THE STRAWBERRY B.vSS. 



"The Grass Bass has not hitherto been deemed worthy of considera- 

 tion by fish culturists; yet, from a long and intimate acquaintance with 



