150 



THE S UN-FIS H. 



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 aud 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 V* 



