THE MCSKELLtJNGE, MUSCALINGA, OR LAKE F1KE. 305 



first five are applied closely to the base of the sixth ; anal 

 similar in shape, with its first four rays similarly applied to the 

 fifth ; pectorals small ; ventral on the middle of the body, and 

 small ; caudal large, lamellated with rounded lobes. 



Color. Deep greenish brown ; darker on the back ; pale ou 

 the sides, with numerous rounded, distinct, pale yellow 01 

 greyish spots on the sides. These spots vary in size from two 

 to three-tenths of an inch in diameter ; they become occasion- 

 ally confluent. Each scale has a bright quadrate spot, which 

 reflects brilliant metallic tints of various colors. Length one to 

 three feet. 



Like the smaller denominations of his tribe his propensities 

 are shark-like ; he feeds, fattens on, and makes prey of every- 

 thing that comes in his way ; he is in no respect an epicurean, 

 but seems ready to dine, breakfast, or lunch, whenever invited 

 out. A slice of pork, a bundle of worms, the entrails of a 

 fowl, a frog, the part of a fish, or a whole one, he is not 

 particular, if his capacious jaws can be extended wide enough. 

 A piece of beef, an artificial tin squid, or a spoon bait, is suf- 

 ficient to tempt him to bite. You may fish for him as for a 

 smaller pike, only be sure that your tackle is strong in propor- 

 tion to the size of your game. In the larger lakes a good size 

 cod line is not too large, nor the largest cod hook too small to 

 attach a bait of sufficient size to suit his extended jaw and fill 

 his capacious maw. In smaller lakes your tackle should be 

 proportionally light. His successful capture requires the 

 utmost vigilance, and sometimes the most extreme exertion of 

 the physical power of the angler. With a stiff breeze upon a 

 large lake, with the waves running high, one can readily imagine 

 himself fishing upon the ocean, and as far as the exercise and 

 excitement is concerned, be really as much benefited. He is 

 considered one of the best fish for the table that inhabits the 

 western water-. 



