SALT-WATER PISH AND- FISHING. 299 



" The Crevalle* or Oavalli makes its appearance in the waters 

 near Charleston in the month of April or May, and remains 

 during the summer or late in October, and even longer if the 

 summer is warm. It feeds on various kinds of molluscous 

 as well as crustaceous animals, and takes the hook greedily 

 when baited with clams, shrimp, &c, &c." 



This fish sometimes grows to the length of twenty inches, 

 though fifteen is as long as the average. 



THE DRUMFISH. 



Pogonias ehromis : Cutier. 



The prominent characteristics of this "big fish" are the 

 number of cirri under the chin, and a black spot near the 

 base of the pectoral fin. It attains an immense size, fre- 

 quently a length of four feet, and a weight of seventy pounds. 

 It is sometimes taken in the surf at our Atlantic bath- 

 ing places, the fisher casting his line in a coil, beyond the 

 breakers, and drawing it in. "When a Drum is hooked, there 

 is a stubborn contest, the fisherman gathering in or giving 

 line as the occasion demands, and it is only after an exciting 

 and tiresome combat that the fish is subdued and brought to 

 the beach. 



THE FLOUNDER. 



The Flounder can hardly be called a sporting fish ; still, 

 when other sport cannot be had, it affords some pastime to 

 one who angles with a stiff tip. Its "flesh is close, firm, and 

 of excellent flavor. The large ones are best when broiled. 



