FISHES. 



The White Shark. 



The Loach has a body oblong, and of nearly the same breadth throughout, The head is small and somo- 

 what elongated, the eyes are in the back part of the head, the fin covering the gills has from four to six 

 rays, and the covers of the gills are closed beneath. 



The Pike, an exceedingly fierce, voracious fish, is now common in most English lakes and rivers, though 

 formerly very rare. It affords anglers much sport, and is caught by the method called '■ trolling.'^ A 

 gudgeon, roach, or minnow is so fixed to several hooks, that, on being drawn through the water, it spins 

 rapidly round, and attracts the notice of the Pike, who dashes at the bait, carries it to its hiding-place, and 

 swallows it. The angler then jerks the line and draws to land the fish bleeding, but ferocious to the last 

 The Pike varies in weight from two to twenty or thirty pounds. 



The Cod, when caught, are placed in a well-boat, through which the salt water passes freely, and thus 

 are brought to market living. Successful experiments have been made to preserve this fish in salt water 

 ponds, where it thrives well. Its fecundity is enormous, the roe of one fish having been ascertained to 

 contain nine millions of eggs. 



The Barbel is found in most European rivers. Its flesh is unpalatable, yet it is eagerly sought by 

 anglers, as the spirit and vigor displayed by it, when hooked, afford fine sport. It feeds chiefly on larvae 

 and mollusca, which inhabit the banks, and obtains them bv rooting in the sand with its snout. It often 

 reaches a great size, measuring three feet in length, and weighing from fifteen to eighteen pounds. They 

 are mainly captured with nets. 



Pike. 



lSar'ucl. 



t&W 



