192 BASS. 



been named to nie that reached twenty-nine pounds. I m5''self 

 measured an example that was in length two feet nine inches, 

 but its weight was not in proportion to its length. The head 

 and body are compressed, and the latter not so deep as in the 

 generality of this family of Perch-like fishes; but muscular 

 and strong; covered firmly with scales, as is also the first 

 gill-cover. Jaws and palate furnished with numerous small 

 teeth; the tongue as if cut short at its extremity. Anterior 

 gill-cover serrated, but on the lower border this sometimes 

 becomes obscure. The hindmost gill-cover having two blunt 

 spines, and another at the origin of the lateral line. Eyes of 

 moderate size. Lateral line slightly descending, and then 

 straight. Dorsal fins two, in a depression on the back; the 

 first with strong spinous rays, of which the first, and sometimes 

 also the second, are short. Anal fin slightly behind the second 

 dorsal. Tail concave. Colour a bluish grey on the back, lighter 

 on the sides, white below. First dorsal nine, second dorsal 

 thirteen, pectoral sixteen, ventral six, anal fourteen, caudal 

 seventeen, the first ray spinous. 



