282 GAME FISH OF NORTH AMERICA. 



ishes like the aborigines before civilization and settlements. It 

 is worthy of much attention therefore ; and during the past two 

 years its habits have been diligently studied by naturalists and fish 

 propagators, until they have become pretty well known. [See 

 Southern and Western Fishes.] 



SuNFisH ; Pond-fish ; Pumpkin-seed ; Kiver ; Sunny ; Roach ; Bream — Pomotis 

 vulgaris. — De Kay. 



This beautiful fish is common in all the waters of the north. 

 Its range extends to Georgia. In color it is a greenish brown on 

 the back, greenish yellow on the sides. On the posterior prolon- 

 gation of the opercle is a black spot, terminating behind in bright 

 scarlet. It is found in still waters in company with perch, swims 

 low, and takes bait with such persistence as to be an annoyance 

 to the angler when better fish are sought. He will also take the 

 fly, or any moving thing. It is an excellent pan fish when it at- 

 tains the size of a pound, as it occasionally does. It should be 

 fished for with light tackle and very small hooks. 



SILURID^. 



The Catfish or Cat Family comprises a dozen or more varieties, 

 most of which are not worth mentioning in their relations to the 

 angler. 



The Great Lake Catfish {Pz'moledus nigricans) grows to a great 

 weight, often reaching eighty pounds. Its general color is olive 

 brown. It is not generally esteemed as food, although it is much 

 eaten, and by some persons well recommended. Like most of its 

 congeners, it prefers the mud. 



The Common Cat {Pimoledus catiis), the Bullhead, Horn Pout, 

 Bull Pout, or Minister, has a wide range, and too great a notoriety 

 for his worth. Its color is dusky. Is caught from first of April, 

 throughout the summer, with most any kind of meat or worm bait, 

 in ponds or lakes where the bottom is muddy. Many people eat 

 them and like them. 



The Channel Catfish is the best of his tribe, and is generally 

 found in clear pure streams in the Middle and Southern States. 

 He is of a clean greyish blue color, and makes some sport on the 



