382 LOCALITIES OF THE PERCH. 



PEUCH FISHING. 



In every pond and river of America is this fish found, and 

 none of the smaller and less vigorous biters are greater favourites 

 with the angler. 



There is, in my opinion, but one distinct species of the Yellow 

 Perch in America, although there are several strongly marked, 

 but I think casual varieties. In the salt-water bays, however, 

 and the estuaries of tide rivers, there are two small and distinct 

 species of the Bass, the little "White Bass [Labrax Pallidus), and 

 the Ruddy Bass [Labrax Rufus), both of which are constantly 

 confounded with the Perch, to which they bear a strong resem- 

 blance, being members of one and the same familj^, and are 

 called by the New York fishermen Sea Perch, White Perch, and 

 Salt-water Perch. 



These brave and hardy little fish run from a few ounces up 

 to a quarter, and occasionally half a pound weight, which may 

 be considered their maximum. They swim in large shoals, near 

 the surface of the water, and are a most delicious fish. The 

 Yellow Perch is found occasionally in company with them, 

 although he rather affects fresher water, and I have thought 

 that when taken in tide-streams he wears a greener garb than 

 his ordinary dress. 



