86 FISHING IN AMEEICAN WATEES. 



The crescent-shaped bands on each side are sometimes quite 

 black on the back, and lighten gradually to a dark gray tint 

 near the belly. The color of the fish is neutral-tinted on the 

 back, which lightens gradually to the lateral line, below which 

 it is like white chene silk. The spiked dorsal fin is followed 

 by a second of soft rays. The upper ray of the pectoral fin 

 is spiked. Its eyes are large, and almost beani with intelli- 

 gence. The cheeks are often tinged with a pinky glow ; and 

 when first raised from the water, and lying exhausted and mo- 

 tionless in the landing-net, it is one of the most beautiful and 

 happy-looking objects ever raised above the sparkling wave. 



HOOKS AND SINKERS FOR SHEEPSHEAD. 



