SOUTHERN INLAND FISHES. 



WHEN we attempt to distribute our fishes geographically, 

 we cannot justly include Virginia and Maryland within 

 Ihe limit of Southern States, because so many of their fishes are com- 

 mon to those of more northern waters. Indeed it is difficult to de- 

 fine boundary lines anywhere, as large numbers of the ichthyc fauna 

 of one region overlap or blend with those of the region next con- 

 tiguous. In the Southern States, strictly speaking, that is, in the 

 country lying south of a certain line of latitude (say thirty-eight 

 degrees) very few of the inland fishes afford superlative sport to 

 the angler. The waters are warm, sluggish, and muddy through- 

 out three-fourths of the entire area, and not adapted to the finer 

 grades of fish ; those that are found in them belonging principally 

 to the families of PercidtE (Perch), Cyprinida (suckers, chubs, 

 etc.), and Silurida (catfish). The mountain trout, (Salmo fon- 

 tinalis) is, however, found in the mountain streams of their ex- 

 treme northern boundary, where altitude compensates for latitude, 

 and supplies all the conditions and requisites of their natural habitat 

 in colder climes. In treating our subject, however, we shall de- 

 signate all those edible fishes which take the hook that are founi 

 anywhere within the area of what are geographically known as the 

 Southern States, including both Virginia and Maryland. 



From the characteristics and habitat of the fishes enumerated, 

 as well as because of the warmth and muddy condition of a large 

 proportion of the southern waters, especially in the extreme south, 

 it will be readily perceived why the gentlemen of the south are not 

 anglers. With the exception of the black bass, or trout, there is 

 really no fish beyond tide-water that offers any inducement what- 

 ever. The range of the " trout " fortunately is large, and there are 

 many clear waters where he thrives. Gentlemen are beginning to 

 learn that a new source of enjoyment is offered by his capture, and 

 are really becoming interested in the subject. Practice at home, 



