CHAPTEE IV. 



THE PERCH. 



THE perch (Perca fluviatilis) has been placed by both Cuvier and 

 Yarrell at the head of the first genus, perca, as shown in the ichthyo- 

 logical chart given in a former chapter, and I therefore commence with 

 it in this part of the work devoted to a consideration of the various 

 fishes of our waters. I am aware that Mr. Pennell, contrary to 

 the general practice of writers on fish and fishing, has also begun in the 

 same way, but I apprehend that no charge of imitation or plagiarism 

 can be brought against me because of that fact. The classification of 

 fishes before given, for which Mr. Pennell is not responsible, places the 

 perch family first, and I therefore thus proceed to consider its members, 

 taking each of the other fishes in their order of succession. 



Ichthyologically the perch may be thus described : Gill rays seven ; 

 two back fins distinct, separated; rays of the first all epinous, those 

 of the second flexible ; length of head as compared to body as 2 to 7 ; 

 teeth small, uniform in size, curved backwards, situated on both jaws, 

 vomer and bones of palate ; fore gill cover notched below, serrated on 

 posterior ; edge gill covers bony, ending in a flattened point ; scales rough, 

 hard, and not easily detached. Colours (when in good condition) : 

 Upper part of body greenish brown, fading into a yellow white below ; is 

 marked with dark transverse bands ; first back fin brown and spotted, 

 second back fin and pectoral fins pale brown ; ventral, anal, and tail 

 fins bright vermilion. Useful as this description is, it, however, does 

 not convey an image of the fish to the reader's mind like the following, 

 taken from an old writer : "The pearch is a fish that is hook-backt 

 sometimes like a hog, and armed with stiff gristles, and his sides with 

 dry thick scales." The hues of the perch vary very much from those 

 given, but in clear water, and, as stated, when in good condition, it IB 

 sufficiently well described above. 



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