148 WHITE-FISH. 
and shellfish, or on aquatic plants, and is usually taken 
in nets. The general opinion is that it will take no bait, 
natural or artificial; but it might be tempted by the 
artificial fly, or perhaps the cray-fish. It is the finest 
fresh-water fish of America upon the table, having no 
rival that approaches it in excellence except the Otsego 
bass. But being extremely delicate, it should be eaten 
immediately on leaving the water, and is never in condi- 
tion in the cities. If it has been frozen, as is always the 
case in Winter, the Attihawmeg is utterly worthless. It 
is unsurpassable split and broiled, very similar in appear- 
ance and fiavor, only much superior to the shad. It is 
not properly a game fish, whatever may be thought of its 
delicacy of taste and appearance, but a description of it 
is necessary to complete the series and to distinguish it 
from certain others. 
