MISCELLANEOUS FRESH-WATER FISH 71 



to increase rather than diminish, but little propaga- 

 tion is now required. The naturally fertilized eggs 

 are very remarkable, as, when deposited, they remain 

 in a long strip, having vertical folds like those of an 

 accordion, and can be compressed in a similar way. 

 The strip rapidly becomes longer and frequently 

 reaches a length of from 2 to 6 feet, a size many 

 times longer than the fish that deposited it. The 

 spawning season is in March and April, but the perch 

 are not protected by law at any time. 



Another fish, that is always a favorite in its 

 home waters, is the white perch, which, by the way, 

 is not at all related to the yellow perch. Properly a 

 salt-water fish, they are usually found in brackish 

 or fresh waters, about the time the shad ascend the 

 rivers to spawn. They are taken only in rivers that 

 flow into the sea, and are found from South Carolina 

 to Nova Scotia. They lurk about clay or muddy 

 bottoms early in the season, but a little later are 

 found near weeds or rocks and old stone and wooden 

 piers. The date of their departure to the sea is un- 

 known. While not a large fish, their quality is good, 

 as is that of the yellow variety, and they make just 

 as fine a pan fish. In shape this perch is very similar 

 to the black bass ; its color is a silvery white without 

 any noteworthy markings. It is shorter and wider 

 than the yellow perch, weighing practically the same 



