170 FISHES. 



tills order as has been done in several oilier in- 

 stances of a similar nature. 



He has two dorsal fins ; the first is spinous and 

 . formed ot^ eight rays; second over the anal; tail 

 furcated considerable distance from anal fin ; 

 head leathery ; skin blackish and tough ; under 

 lip juts out a little beyond the upper; mouth re- 

 markably wide ; belly carmated ; blackish color 

 in body, tail, head, and fins ; belly ligliter on 

 both sides ; teeth in both jaws ; the outer circle 

 of the eye golden colour. 



This fish inhabits almost all the western and 

 northern waters. He is called black on account 

 of his colour; — Oswego, because he was first par- 

 ticularly noticed at that place ; and basse is a 

 Dutch word corresponding with perch. He is a 

 non-descript, and as I think his good qualities 

 entitle liini to a distinguished name, I have thought 

 proper to call him Perca Frankliniaj in honor of 

 Dr. Franklin. 



This fish appears the latter end of June, and 

 stays till the cold weather in October and No- 

 vember. He is caught with the hook, and in 

 trolling bites with avidity at a red rag. He 

 is armed with strong teeth, and is predaceous. 

 He Is considered very large if he weighs six 

 pounds, but in Lake George he has been known 

 to reach seven and a half pounds. He makes bis 



