158 



by placing the open hand upon it with the fingers dis- 

 tended and moving it up and down. This keeps the 

 eggs in motion while it does not bruise or crush them. 



The species of which we shall now treat include 

 the black bass, Oswego bass, strawberry bass, rock bass, 

 white bass, pike perch, striped bass, yellow perch, pick- 

 erel, muscalonge, carp, catfish and goldfish. The eggs 

 of the white perch, pike perch, carp and goldfish stick 

 fast to. whatever they touch on emission, and must be 

 kept in motion for an hour to remove this tendency. 

 Those of the fresh water bass, yellow perch, pickerel 

 and muscallonge are surrounded with a glutinous matter 

 coming out like long semi-transparent ribbons which 

 may be attached from point to point like a spider's web 

 A change of water is needed for these, but not so strong 

 a current as for the eggs of trout and salmon. The 

 eggs of the striped bass are free from the sticky or glu- 

 tinous matter, but are about as adhesive as whitefish 

 eggs and need agitation for nearly an hour. 



THE BLACK BASS. This is among the finest sporting 

 as well as food fish in America. It abounds in the clear 

 waters of the Western and Northern lakes ; bites 

 fiercely at fly or tro wiling spoon, makes a vigorous fight 

 for life, liberty and happiness, showing a perfect willing- 

 ness " to fight it out on that line if it takes all summer," 

 and at last when subdued and brought to the table does 

 honor to the cook who prepares it, and pleasure to the 

 palate that enjoys it. It is unknown in European coun- 

 tries, and exists solely with us, where its vigor, enterprise, 

 restlessness, and independence, its 'athletic but not alto- 

 gether comely appearance make it rather representative 

 in its character. It is self-reliant, and when placed iu 

 new waters not merely makes itself at home, but appro- 

 priates the locality, explores its furthest recesses and 



