230 ESOCIDiE. 



splashing, hubbub, and confusion which occurs at such times, 

 is in itself suflBciently extraordinary, and seems to go far 

 toward proving that fish, except as regards feeling, are much 

 less shy than is commonly believed, and toward abolishing the 

 idea that they are driven out of their favourite rivers by craft 

 or steam-boats. 



If one species, however, can succeed in passing these nume- 

 rous obstacles, there is nothing to prevent another from doing 

 likewise ; and it is in no respect more difficult to believe that 

 the Northern Pickerel should so make his way to our southern 

 waters, than that the varieties of Bass above mentioned should 

 — as it is well established that they have done — establish 

 themselves as an indigenous fish in the same. 



From what I have personally seen, therefore, of the Common 

 Pickerel {Esox Reticulatus) , I am a good deal inclined to doubt 

 the tales I have heard of its great size ; and, until I shall be 

 satisfied, on personal examination, am unwilling to credit him 

 with a growth exceeding six or seven pounds. 



This fish, as will appear from examination of the cut, follows 

 the type of the Mascalonge, in the elongation of the snout, the 

 curvature of the lower jaw, and the smallness, though not 

 absolute deficiency of teeth in the fore part thereof. 



It is easily distinguished by its having its cheeks and gill- 

 covers completely cased in small scales, and by the brownish 

 lines on its flanks, occasionally intersecting each other, Kke the 

 meshes of a net, whence the name Reticulatus. 



In form, this Pike closely resembles the others of his family. 

 His body is quadrilateral, the back broader than the belly ; the 

 depth is to the entire length, including the caudal, as one to 



