THE PEKCH. 



543 



possible to catch a Perch, and even the shy and gently-nibbling roach 

 is an easier prey. 



The Perch is truly a voracious fish, feeding upon all kinds of aquatic 

 worms, insects, and fishes, preferring the latter diet as it becomes older 

 and larger. The smaller fish, such as minnows, young roach, dace. 



The Yellow-barred Perch [Perca fluvescens) . 



and gudgeons, are terribly persecuted by the Perch, and a bait formed 

 of either of these fishes, or a good imitation of them, will generally 

 allure the finest Perches to the hook. Although generally inhabiting 

 mid or deep water, it will sometimes come to the surface to snap up a 

 casual fly that has fallen into the water, and on several occasions has 

 been captured by anglers when fishing with a fly for trout. 



Crappie, Sac-a-Lai or Chinkapin Perch {Pomoxis hexacanthus). 



Practical fishermen say that the Perch is almost the only fish which 

 the pike does not venture to attack, and that if a pike makes one of 

 its rushing onslaughts on a Perch, the intended prey boldly faces the 

 enemy, erects the dorsal fin with its array of formidable spines, and 



