130 LAKES AND RIVERS. 



and the bones of the cheeks are serrated or spinous ; 

 the jaws and throat are studded with teeth. Perca 

 fluviatilis is as well known as most fresh-water fishes, 

 and is considered good for the table. This fish is 

 tenacious of life, and will live for a considerable time 

 out of water. A perch weighing 2 Ib. is considered 

 a large fish, though they are taken sometimes of 

 greater size. The perch is extremely prolific ; accord- 

 ing to Mr. Yarrell 280,000 ova to the half-pound 

 weight have been found in a perch. Its bright colours 

 make it one of our most beautiful river fish. Couch 

 says the Serranus cabrilla, which used to be thought 

 of as exclusively a Mediterranean fish, is found in the 

 rivers of the West of England. It has a habit when 

 dying of keeping its fins erect, and its mouth operi y 

 from which it has obtained the name of the gasper. 

 The Pope (Perca fluviatilis minor) is about 4 or 5 



THE POPE. 



inches long. It inhabits canals in the neighbourhood 

 of London and elsewhere. 



As exemplifying the power which this fish has of 

 sustaining life for many hours when out of the water, it 

 may be stated that perch on the Continent of Europe 



