148 WHITE-FISH. 



and shellfish, or on aquatic plants, and is usually taken 

 in nets. The general opinion is that it will take no bait, 

 natural or artificial; but it might be tempted by the 

 artificial fly, or perhaps the cr ay -fish. It is the finest 

 fresh-water fish of America upon the table, having no 

 rival that approaches it in excellence except the Otsego 

 bass. But being extremely delicate, it should be eaten 

 immediately on leaving the water, and is never in condi- 

 tion in the cities. If it has been frozen, as is always the 

 case in Winter, the Attihawmeg is utterly worthless. It 

 is unsurpassable split and broiled, very similar in appear- 

 ance and flavor, only much superior to the shad. It is 

 not properly a game fish, whatever may be thought of its 

 delicacy of taste and appearance, but a description of it 

 is necessary to complete the series and to distinguish it 

 from certain others. 



