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THE CALICO BASS. 



The Calico Bass (Pomoxys sparoides) 

 is so called because of the mottled and 

 variegated coloring of the body and fins. 

 It is also called the Strawberry Bass, the 

 Grass Bass, the Bitter Head, the Lamp- 

 lighter and the Barfish. 



It is abundant in all the lakes and 

 ponds of the region of the Great Lakes 

 and the upper Mississippi river, where it 

 shows a preference for quiet, cool and 

 clear water and grass covered bottoms. 



The Calico Bass is closely related to 

 the Crappie (Pomoxys annularis) of the 

 lower Mississippi valley. It is, however, 

 seldom seen where the Crappie is abun- 

 dant, as the latter prefers muddy sloughs 

 and bayous and is not found as far north 

 as the former. 



The body of the Calico Bass is elonga- 

 ted, is much compressed and of a bright, 

 silvery olive-green color. The sides and 

 fins are mottled with a darker green or 



brownish-green, the blotches being gath- 

 ered into irregular bunches. The verti- 

 cal fins also have markings in the form 

 of a network surrounding paler spots. 

 The mouth is large and oblique. The 

 usual length of the adult is about twelve 

 inches. 



The Calico Bass obtains its food large- 

 ly from the lower forms of animal life, 

 such as crustaceans, worms and insects. 



It is said that "from the fact that it 

 thrives well in slow-moving waters, it de- 

 serves the favorable consideration of 

 owners of large mill ponds, where there 

 is a steady flow of water, as it requires 

 very little care, except the first planting 

 of it in waters suitable to its nature. It 

 is not averse to an occasional minnow, 

 but is not regarded as peculiarly aggres- 

 sive, though provided by nature with an 

 armature that enables it to defend itself 

 aeainst all comers." 



" Forthwith the sounds and seas, each creek and bay 

 With fry innumerable swarm, and shoals 

 Of fish, that with their fins and shining scales 

 Glide under the green wave, in sculls that oft 

 Bank the mid sea: part single, or with mate, 

 Graze, the seaweed their pasture, and through groves 

 Of coral stray, or, sporting with quick glance, 

 Show to the sun their waved coats, dropt with gold." 



— Milton, " Paradise Lost." 



