58 THE angler's guide. 



Remarks on Perch, 8^c. 



The Perch in shape is thick and broad, very high at 

 the upper end of the back, and as they grow larger 

 they generally become much hog-backed 3 they have a 

 fine eye, small head, and a very large mouth, teeth in 

 their jaws, and also in their throat ; the tail and belly 

 fins are of a bright orange or vermillion colour. The 

 large dorsal fin is very strong and spinous, which it 

 erects when alarmed, especially if a Jack or Pike 

 approaches him, who generally retire if they find the 

 Perch on his guard, and of a formidable size, though 

 somewhat reluctant or leisurely. The back and upper 

 part of the sides of Perch are of a dark green colour, 

 some parts darker in waves or thick irregular stripes 

 towards the belly, which is a yellowish white. The 

 back and sides of Perch are covered so thick with 

 small scales as to form as strong a covering almost 

 as a coat of mail 3 they spawn in March. Perch are 

 gregarious, and, contrary to the nature of fresh-water 

 Fish that swim in shoals, will sometimes attack and 

 devour their own species 3 they are slow of growth, 

 and seldom exceed three or four pounds in weight : 

 but Pennant writes^ that an extraordinary large one 

 was taken out of the Serpentine River, in Hyde 

 Park, a few years since, which weighed nine pounds. 



