SOUTHERN IiXLAND FISHES. 377 



large tributar)' falling into the Potomac near Leesburg, in which 

 I have fished ever since I was four years old, having been born 

 upon its banks. Notwithstanding the presence of great quanti- 

 ties of bass, the white chub, sunfish, stone-roller, etc., have never 

 been more abundant in that stream than now. Notwithstanding 

 what has been said and supposed, the bass fishing on the Poto- 

 mac has never been better, nor have the smaller varieties of fish 

 appreciably diminished in that river. In almost all the streams 

 tributary to the Ohio these fish exist, along with great abundance 

 of other sorts, and here they have existed ever since the discovery 

 of that country. It is, therefore, plain that as a general thing 

 these fish are incapable of exterminating other sorts in the open 

 waters of running streams." 



Moreover, small fish do not constitute the natural food of 

 the bass, capricious as they may be respecting their diet. They 

 subsist chiefly upon crustaceans, (crayfish, dobsons, and the like,) 

 devouring almost everything edible. In confined ponds where the 

 supply of food is restricted, and where there are very few rocks, 

 weeds, and other shelter affording protection to the small fry, 

 the case may be different, and probably is. The bass must sub- 

 sist, and when they have devoured everything eatable, they will 

 devour themselves. 



We have covered considerable ground in this volume in the 

 study of this fish, yet the half has not been said that might be. 

 While he continues to be the chief game fish of the south, no op- 

 portunity should be lost for investigating his habits, and enlight- 

 ening those who look to his active qualities for superlative sport.* 



Yellow Perch; ring perch ; red-finned perch. — Perca Jla7>escens. Cuv. 



This well-known fish is common to rivers and ponds in all parts 

 of the country, except in the extreme North and the Florida Penin- 

 sula. The back is more or less dusky, tinted with greenish-yellow, 

 sides golden yellow, and belly of a paler tint. Six or eight dusky 

 bars on the sides. The fins are of an orange color, and often of a 

 brilliant red. Dorsal fin double. It is a spring spawner, and is in 

 best season in July and August, when it is found near the surface, 

 and can be taken with a fly. Flies that will kill the black bass are 

 also suitable for the perch. Ordinarily it swims deep and is angled 



