THE THREE-SPOTTED WRASSE. 



223 



that in Boston this fish is called Gunner, and by no other name, while in Lynn Salem, and 

 Nahant, adjoinmg towns, it is universally known as Nipi)er and Chogsett, the latter the 

 aboriginal term. It is sometimes called Perch or Sea Perch. 



From the first settlement of the country this fish has been esteemed, and parties have been 

 accustomed to visit the shore yearly to enjoy a day's nippering, and feast on fried Nippers and 

 haddock chowder. The Nipper is taken by hook from the rocks, and affords much sport, as 

 it is very "ganiey." 



Like many other fishes, this is better and larger as the water is colder ; therefore, in Port- 

 land harbor the Nipper is much larger and proves an excellent food-fish. 



The Tautog (Taidoga on if is) is of this family. It much resembles the Gunner, but is 

 quite black. In New England it is called Black-fish by some. Its range is from Maine to 

 South Carolina. No ocean fish is more "gamey" than this. With small live-crab bait it 

 affords sharp sport with the rod. This fish abounds in the vicinity of Long Island. But a few 

 years since it was not known north of Cape Cod, but is now quite abundant. 



Dr. Smith, in his "Fishes of Massachusetts," an early work, says : "Within the recollec- 

 tion of a gentleman now living (1833), the Tautog was unknown in Boston harbor." Its weight 

 reaches twelve pounds, though it averages but about half that. The blossoming of the dog- 

 wood {Cornusflorida) early in April, or the chestnut-trees, is understood to denote the time of 

 baiting Black-fish : 



" 'WTien chestnut leaves are big as thumb-nail, 

 Then bite Black-fish without fail ; 

 But when chestnut leaves are long as a span, 

 Then, catch Black-fish if you can ! " 



This is an old verse recorded in Mitchell' s interesting book. 

 This fish is related to the Wrasse of Europe. 



xv^^'^^'t*^>-^^^\x^v 



THREE-SPOTTED WRASSE.-iafrrus tiiiiujuuUitxis. 



Seveeal other species of the same genus are kno-wTi, such as the Green Streaked- 

 Wrasse, or Green-fisii {Labrus donovani), a rather rare but very beautifully colored fish, 

 almost wholly green and slightly streaked. Some naturalists think that this is only the young 

 of the preceding species. The most curiously decorated species is, however, the Three- 

 spotted Wrasse {Lahrus trimaeulatus) . This fish is decorated with a rich ruddy orange 



