CHAPTER VIII. 

 OP THE PERCH. 



THIS, like the last described, is a bold and voracious fish, and 

 with the pickerel and trout, has his place in the mimerous 

 ponds and lakes throughout our country. There are many 

 varieties, the most common of which may be described under 

 the general heads of Common, Yellow, White, and Black 

 Perch. 



The Common Perch (Perca Fluviatillis Smith.) " A 

 beautiful fish this, having an olive brown tinge, mingled with 

 a golden hue, together with dark bands transversely coursing 

 the sides. The first dorsal fin is somewhat larger than the 

 second, and marked posteriorly by a particular dark spot. 

 All the fins are tinged with a lively red, when first brought 

 out of the water ; the same color is also observed on the under 

 edge of the gill membrane." 



The Yellow Perch (Bodianus Flavescens Mitchill. j "A 

 beautiful fresh' water fish of a foot or more in length, and three 

 inches in depth. Head rather small, and tapering towards 

 the snout. Both jaws roughened with very small teeth. 



