CHAPTER L 



ORDER OF PIKES 

 HAPLOMI 



AFTER the Order of Spiny-Finned Fishes, with its great 

 •*• *- array of genera and species, it is a relief to reach an 

 Order which contains but one Family, and only five species. 

 The so-called Yellow "Pike" is not a member of this aristo- 

 cratic and exclusive Family; for, as already stated, it is only 

 a pike-perch. 



Look at any member of the Pike Family, and tell me 

 whether it does not make you think of a pirate. Observe 

 that yawning sepulchre of a mouth, that evil eye and low, 

 flat forehead — all indicating a character replete with cunning 

 and ferocity. Xote the total absence of a dignified and 

 respectable front dorsal Jin, which nearly every fish of proper 

 moral character possesses and displays with pride. 



Like scaly assassins, the pikes and pickerels lie in wait 

 for their prey; and whenever one rushes like a green streak 

 from under the lily-pads, and bolts a trolling spoon in one 

 great, ill-mannered gulp, the angler feels a savage delight 

 in thinking that it serves him right. These fishes are the 

 most voracious creatures that inhabit our inland waters. 

 Their ambition is to devour every living creature that comes 

 in sight, and they prey upon all other fishes, frogs and am- 



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