EIVER GARDENS ; 



The colouring of a healthy and well-marked Perch 

 is very striking. The back and upper parts are of 

 a rich olive-brown, variegated by several broad 

 bands of a dark purplish hue. These upper tones 

 pass into rich golden tints, which grow gradually 

 paler till they become nearly white underneath. 

 The ventral, anal, and caudal fins are bright ver- 

 milion, the others, different shades of brown, the 

 dorsal one being marked with a few black spots. 



Specimens of the Perch are occasionally found 

 nearly white, in ponds impregnated with the par- 

 ticles from particular soils; and they retain this 

 colour even when removed to other waters. A 

 white Perch would form a splendid addition to the 

 Aquarium, but such a prize is but rarely to be 

 met with. It should be observed here that fish 

 placed along with the Perch should be of nearly or 

 quite his own size, as he is terribly piscivorous. 



I stated, in reference to the Perch, that it was 

 desirable to know something of his character and 

 antecedents before introducing him into the Aqua- 

 rium. The same remark applies in like manner to 

 the other fish recommended for that purpose, as the 

 more we know respecting their habits, qualities, 

 history, etc., the more we shall find them sur- 

 rounded with pleasing and instructive associations, 



