THE PERCH 



47 



which abounds in Eastern Europe, and is found as far west 

 as Schleswig-Holstein. It is said to be a desirable fish for 

 The Zander, naturalisation in British waters, but, although its 

 Pike-perch ^^^^ ^^ °^ ^ ^ig^ quality, and it is a good sport- 

 {Lucio perca). j,-jg f^g}^^ ^^^Q utmost discretion should be observed 

 in distributing it ; for it unites the omnivorous voracity and 

 size of the pike with the defensive armature of the common 

 perch. Such a formidable creature might work irremediable 

 havoc if it became established in waters tenanted by other 

 game fish. 



The zander is remarkable from the degree in v/hich 

 external conditions and common habit have prevailed to 

 modify its appearance to that of the pike, a fish-creature 

 belonging to a family far lower in the scale of bony fishes. 

 Retaining the spiny dorsal fin of the perch, its body has 

 become elongated, and the skin closely assimilated in colour 

 and markings to the dappled livery of the pike. The zander 

 has its close counterpart in the New World in the American 

 pike-perch, which has been taken weighing upwards of 40 lb. 



And now, having obtained a general, if somewhat super- 

 ficial, view of the ramifications of the great family of perches, 

 ^ ^ it is time to devote attention to consideration of the 



Outward . _ _ 



appearance chief of the clan in the British Isles. In appear- 



of the Perch. , , . , 



ance, courage, and esculent properties, the common 

 perch is not unworthy of its exalted rank, besides which it 

 attains a very respectable size. In truth, this fish, when in 

 good condition — say from the beginning of July to the end 

 of January — is an exceedingly comely creature, well deserving 

 Pope's encomium — 



The bright-eyed perch with fins of Tyrian dye. 



If it has not the lustre and symmetry of a new-run salmon, 

 nor the jewelled sparkle and iridescent hues of the best type 

 of brook-trout in its prime, it possesses an aspect of vigour 

 which is very prepossessing. We all know what a difference 



