P E R C A . 279 



striped basse of the ocean ; yet nothing would be 

 more difficult than to hold a water communication 

 with the sea. Even the herring, supposed to 

 require salt water at least some part of the year, is 

 a steady resident of this lake. 



Our remarks on the probable manner in which 

 eels are distributed over the country, will also ex- 

 plain the mystery of these Atlantic fishes being in 

 fresh water, equally developed, and obviously cli- 

 mated, because the species have not become 

 deteriorated, birds have doubtless been the 

 agents in transporting the spawn. 



Striped basse are a sea fish, but principally sub- 

 sist near the mouths of rivers, up which they 

 run as high as they can conveniently go. During 

 the approach of winter, instead of striking out into 

 the deep water of the open ocean, like most other 

 anadromous species, the basse finds a residence 

 in ponds, coves, rivers, and still arms of the sea, 

 where, undisturbed and comfortable it remains 

 till the following spring. The principal rivers in 

 the state of Maine, as the Penobscot, &c., are 

 the places where they are now taken in the great- 

 est abundance, and of the finest flavor and size. In 

 all the rivers too, of Massachusetts, they are also 

 found, at the inclement season of winter,, but 

 the fishery is not so productive as in Maine, 

 whence the best in the Boston market are annual- 

 ly brought. 



