THE PIKE {Esox lucius). 



The wary Luce, midst wrack and rushes bid, 



The scourge and terror of the scaly brood. — AusONius, 



Although there is but one species of pike (i.e. Esox Indus) 

 found in the waters of Great Britain, and recognised in those 

 of Europe, the rivers and lakes of North America produce a 

 great many varieties, all possessing more or less distinct charac- 

 teristics.' Into the details of these it is not necessary to enter ; 

 but the following is a list of the principal species which, accord- 

 ing to American writers, appear to have been clearly demon- 

 strated to be distinct : — The Mascalonge {Esox estor) and the 

 northern Pickerel {Esox lucioides), both inhabitants of the great 

 lakes ; the common Pickerel {Esox reticulatus), indigenous to 

 all the ponds and streams of the northern and midland States ; 

 the Long Island Pickerel {Esox fasciatus), probably confined to 

 that locality ; the white Pickerel {Esox vittatus), the black 

 Pickerel {Esox niger), and Esox phaleratus, all three inhabiting 

 the Pennsylvanian and Western waters. 



Of the species above enumerated the first two are the types, 

 all the others following, more or less closely, the same formation 

 as to comparative length of snout, formation of the lower jaw, 

 dental system, gill-covers, &c. 



As regards the European pike, it seems probable that there 

 may be varieties yet to be discovered, as Dr. Genzik assures 

 me that he has found some specimens which had teeth like the 

 fangs of the viper — capable of being erected or depressed at 

 pleasure, — a circumstance all the more remarkable as the jaws 

 also of the fish are furnished with extra bones to increase the 



B 2 



