530 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



petent observers. The perch of Lake Ponchartrain is very 

 likely the spec-ies now known in many portions of the western 

 states as the fresh-water drum, Aplodinotus grun- 

 n i e n s . 



The average length of the white perch is about 9 inches and 

 its weight ^ pound or less, but numerous specimens measuring 

 14 inches and weighing 2 pounds or more have been taken, 

 specially in New England waters. 



At the time of Dr Mitchill's writing the species was a favorite 

 in New York markets, and it is now one of the best known' 

 species though probably not ranking among the choicest kinds. 



Thaddeus Norris was one of the most earnest supporters of 

 the white perch, and has published interesting observations con- 

 cerning its habits. Comparatively little, however, is known 

 about its life. It is an associate of the striped bass, and, 

 according to Dr Abbott, resembles this species in its feeding^ 

 habits. It differs from the striped bass in its tendency to seek 

 warm waters. 



The white perch is a lover of brackish water, and may be 

 found in tidal creeks in vast numbers associated with mummi- 

 chogs, silversides and eels, feeding upon shrimp and minnows. 

 Spawning takes place in May and June. According to Profes- 

 sor John A. Ryder, the egg of the white perch is very adhesive, 

 and on this account is troublesome to hatch artificially. In 

 the experiments made by him the eggs were taken upon cotton 

 yarn, which was drawn up through a funnel into which the eggs 

 and milt had been squeezed from the spawning fish. The cord, 

 covered with the adhering eggs, was then wrapped upon a 

 wooden reel and sent under cover of damp cloths to the central 

 station, where they arrived in fine condition, almost every egg 

 being impregnated. This system was devised and carried out 

 under the superintendence of Col. M. McDonald. After reach- 

 ing the central station the cotton cord with the adhering eggs 

 was cut into lengths of 10 or 12 inches and suspended in the 

 glass hatching jars. The development was soon interfered with 

 by the growth of fungus. When the wooden reel with the ad- 



