346 COMMON PERCH. Class IV. 



tioned by Oppian, Pliny, and Athenceus* is a 

 sea-fish probably of the Labrus or Sparus kind, 

 being enumerated by them among some conge- 

 nerous species. Our perch was much esteemed 

 by the Romans : 



Nee te delicias mensarum Perca, silebo 



Amnigenos inter pisces dignande marinis. Ausonius. 



It is not less admired at present as a firm and 

 delicate fish ; and the Dutch are particularly 

 fond of it when made into a dish called Water 

 Souchy. 



It is gregarious, and loves deep holes and 

 gentle streams : is a most voracious fish, and 

 bites eagerly : if the angler meets with a shoal of 

 perch, he is sure of taking every one. It is 

 a common notion that the pike will not attack 

 this fish, being fearful of the spiny fins which 

 the perch erects on the approach of the former. 

 This may be true in respect to large fish ; but it 

 is well known the small ones are the most tempt- 

 ing bait that can be laid for the pike. 



The perch is very tenacious of life : we have 

 known them carried near sixty miles in dry 

 straw, and yet survive the journey. They sel- 



* Oppian Halicut. i. 124. Plinii Lib. ix. c. lG. Atlienxcus 

 Lib. y'n. p. 319. 



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