48 



THE STEIPED BASS. 



This iisli is knowni the entire length of the sea- 

 board of the United States, and is ahnost as popular 

 as tlie salmon. There are many reasons for this ; he 

 is game in the highest sense of the word, fighting 

 with the most determined obstinacy as long as his 

 strength will permit, frequents alike the ocean tide- 

 way or river, taking generally with avidity the 

 greatest varieties of natural and artificial baits, and 

 ultimately being fit food for the most fastidious 

 epicure. By naturalists he is placed among the 

 perch, and has been named Perka Lahrax, an indig- 

 nity which he is in no way deserving, for he is built 

 on the beautiful lines of the salmon, possibly with a 

 little more depth and beam, and his coloring has a 

 nearer approach to that of the lordly Salnio salai\ save 

 tbat horizontally along his sides are placed several 

 lines (generally seven) from the gills to the tail, and 

 from Avhich he doubtless derives his familiar name. 

 Early in April, if the weather be favorable, ihii? fish 



