SEA-NEEDLE, 289 



changes to grey, and the yellow spots assume a palish 

 hue. 



These fishes are common inmost of the European lakes, 

 rivers, and artificial pieces of water, but the finest are 

 found in Lapland. In that country they are taken in 

 great abundance; and, when dried, form an article of 

 commerce. 



According to common report, pike were first introduced 

 into England about the year 15&7. They were then so 

 rare, that a single fish was sold for double the price of a 

 house-lamb. All writers who treat of this fish describe 

 it as the most active and voracious among the inhabitants 

 of fresh waters ; and indeed the depredations which it 

 commits on smaller fish are immense. It will even devour 

 rats and aquatic fowls, and contend with the otter. A fa- 

 mished pike once seized a mule by the nose while drink- 

 ing, and was not disengaged till the animal flung it on 

 shore. 



The longevity of the pike is no less remarkable than 

 its voracity. A pike was taken at Hailbrun, in Suabia, in 

 1497, with a brazen ring affixed to it, on which were en- 

 graved these words : " 1 am the fish that was first of all put 

 into this lake ; by the hands of the Governor of the Uni- 

 verse, Frederic II. the 5th of October, 1230." It must, 

 therefore, have lived two hundred and sixty-seven years, 

 besides its age when it was put into that piece of water. 



THE SEA-NEEDLE, OR GAR-PIKE. 



This fish arrives in shoals on the British coasts about 

 the beginning of summer ; preceding the mackerel, which 

 it resembles in taste. It sometimes grows to the length 

 of three feet and upwards. The jaws are long, slender, 

 and sharp-pointed ; and the under extends considerably 

 farther than the upper. The body is slender, the belly is 

 quite flat, and the lateral lines are rough. 



When this fish remains in the water, its colours are ex- 

 ( tremely beautiful ; the back is of a fine green, beneath 



n 



