PIKE, MUSKELLUNGE AND PICKEREL. 



79 



in the water like a spear thrown ; and Pickerel is regarded as another 

 form of the same word.* Jack, says the same authority is '' perhaps from 

 Jaculum, because like a Javelin, either in shape or motion." The Frencli 

 "Brochet," is of similar origin, and has reference to the resemblance of 

 tlie fish to a spit or long needle, and "Lance" and " Lanceron," refer 

 to its mode of motion. 



In England, in the early days, when transportation was slow, and those 

 who lived in castle and monasteries had the carp, and the bream, and the 

 pike grown in their own fish-ponds for a sole dependence, Esox hiciiis 

 were more highly esteemed than at present, and this one species was hon- 

 ored with many names. 



The fish, we learn from Halliwell's " Dictionary of Archaic Words," 

 was "first a Jack, then a Pickerel, thirdly a Pike, and last of all a Luce." 

 This statement agrees with the prevailing idea that in England, 

 " Pickerel " is used as a diminutive of Pike. Whether or not this was the 

 usage in the fourteenth century seems a little doubtful, when we read 

 what Chancer wrote : 



" Bet is," quote he, " a pike than a pickerel, 

 And bet than old beef in the tender veal."f 



I am assured by good authority, that Jack, rather than Pickerel, is at 

 present the customary name in Britain for young Pike. 



The word Pickerel is employed in America, to designate any small 

 species of Pike, and since this name seems to have been almost abundant 

 in England, this usage may perhaps be allowed to pass unchallenged. 

 Confusion sometimes has arisen from the fact that in the West, the "Pike 

 perch," StizostediuDi , is also by many called "pickerel." (See American 

 Angler, Feb. 25, 1882.) 



Concerning the name Muskellunge, there have been many controversies. 

 In a recent issue of "Forest and Stream," Mr. Fred Mather has given 

 a very thorough history of the name in its various versions. 



The predacious nature of the Pike is proverbial. It eats nearly all other 

 kinds of fishes, sparing not even its own species, and also devours frogs, 

 mice, rats, and even young ducks. Although it is voracious in its attacks 

 upon its prey, it remains generally in quiet and seems to prefer (|uiet and 

 slow-flowing waters rather than swift streams. 



* Skinner. 



f Marchant's Tale, verse 9273. 



