SEA-BASS AND OTHER FISHES. 303 



it has no adipose fin. It is a good fish to eat, Salmon or 

 not." 



Now the major had another strike from a large fish which 

 took a turn, and the line came in without the spoon. "That 

 was a small Shark. I saw him when he bit off your spoon," 

 said P. 



"Do they always do that?" 



"No, we sometimes save them that is, if the hook is so 

 fixed that they can't get hold with their teeth; but I have 

 no use for Sharks, and am glad to let them go except 

 when we go a Sharking, and then I take a big hook with a 

 chain, with a strong rope." 



When we reached the main river, P. stopped on the west 

 bank. "Perhaps you might pick up a Bass or two here, 

 judge." 



The tide was running out strongly, and we anchored about 

 fifty feet from the marsh, and cast toward it. The major 

 got the first fish a five-pound Bass; and I soon got hold of 

 a strong fish, which proved to be a five-pound Trout, which 

 I boated after a few minutes play. 



"Isn't that a beauty," said P., as he held it up admir- 

 ingly. Next, the major caught a three-pound Cat-fish a 

 nasty slimy creature. 



"Come, major," said I; "it's time to quit, if you are going 

 to catch Cat-fish and in the words of Father Isaac, 'We 

 have had a most pleasant day for fishing and talking, and 

 are returned home both weary and hungry, and now meat 

 and rest will be pleasant.'" 



THE SHEEP'S-HEAD. 



Sargas Ovis, CUVIER. Archosargus Probatocephalus, GILL; Diplodus Probato- 

 cephahts, GOODE. 



This popular fish is, it will be perceived, well equipped 

 with scientific names; all, however, significant of its sheep- 

 like profile and teeth. The name given by Cuvier, Sargus, 



