THE SUN-FISHES AND THEIR ALLIES. 



69 



many names. In Lake Erie, and in Ohio generall)', it is the " Straw- 

 berry 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," " Chin(|uapin 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 Amhloplitcs rupesh-is, it becomes a 

 " Goggle-eye " 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 Valley, 

 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 : 



]M^^^^'' 



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V,fc;,i. 



TUE STUAWBKRRY BASS. 



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

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



