6o FISH : THEIR HABITS AND HAUNTS. 



until the middle of October with the hook ; 

 after that date, in the ponds, with nets and 

 spears. 



Common Shad. 

 This excellent species is brought to Bos- 

 ton market from the mouths of the neigh- 

 boring rivers in considerable quantities in 

 the spring of the year, and meets with a 

 ready sale. Shad and alewives go up the 

 rivers during the month of May. Their 

 usual weight is from one to four pounds. 



The Perch. 

 The perch is second only to the pike in 

 boldness and voracity. He is gregarious, is 

 an inhabitant of almost all the rivers, lakes, 

 and ponds of the United States and Europe ; 

 he is the delight of the young angler, as 

 he bites at all times very freely at nearly 

 all kinds of bait offered him, and is to be 

 caught with the most humble kinds of 

 tackle. As he swims in shoals, twenty or 



