150 



THE SUN-FISH. 



with the perch. They vary in size, shape, and color, in dif- 

 ferent parts of the country, and are taken readily with perch 

 tackle. Their general size is from three to eight inches in 

 length, except a species found in the Ohio, Kentucky, and 

 other western rivers, where they are frequently taken twelve 

 inches long. 



Angling for sun-fish, when found in ponds, with small 

 perch, is a favorite amusement of lady Anglers, who often 

 make the best part of pic-nic fishing parties, and, as Walton 

 says, " angle for men and fish at fish, at the same time." De- 

 termined old bachelors should be as wary in making up such 

 parties, as they would be in taking a trout, or they will be 

 caught in their own net ; and when beguiled by one of the 

 fair sex, he might break out into a stream of rhyme like the 

 following, by Dr. Donne : 



" Come live with me, and be my love, 

 And we will some new pleasures prove, 

 Of golden sands and chrystal brooks, 

 With silken lines and silver hooks. 



" Let coarse, bold hands, from slimy nest, 

 The bedded fish in banks outwrest; 

 Let curious traitors sleave silk flies, 

 To witch poor wandering fishes' eyes : 



" For thee, thou need'st no such deceit, 

 For thou thyself art thine own bait ; 

 That fish that is not catch'd thereby, 

 Is wiser far, alas, than L" 



