83 



THE CALICO BASS. 



The Calico Bass (Pomoxys sparoides) brownish-green, the blotches being gath- 



is so called because of the mottled and ered into irregular bunches. The verti- 



variegated coloring of the body and fins, cal fins also have markings in the form 



It is also called the Strawberry Bass, the of a network surrounding paler spots. 



Grass Bass, the Bitter Head, the Lamp- The mouth is large and oblique. The 



lighter and the Barfish. usual length of the adult is about twelve 



It is abundant in all the lakes and inches. 



ponds of the region of the Great Lakes The Calico Bass obtains its food large- 



and the upper Mississippi river, where it ly from the lower forms of animal life, 



shows a preference for quiet, cool and such as crustaceans, worms and insects, 



clear water and grass covered bottoms. It is said that "from the fact that it 



The Calico Bass is closely related to thrives well in slow-moving waters, it de- 



the Crappie (Pomoxys annularis) of the serves the favorable consideration of 



lower Mississippi valley. It is, however, owners of large mill ponds, where there 



seldom seen where the Crappie is abun- is a steady flow of water, as it requires 



dant, as the latter prefers muddy sloughs very little care, except the first planting 



and bayous and is not found as far north of it in waters suitable to its nature. It 



as the former. is not averse to an occasional minnow, 



The body of the Calico Bass is elonga- but is not regarded as peculiarly aggres- 



ted, is much compressed and of a bright, sive, though provided by nature with an 



silvery olive-green color. The sides and armature that enables it to defend itself 



fins are mottled with a darker green or against 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.' 



