THE PIKE FAMILY. 181 



There has always appeared to me something peculiarly 

 attractive in the Pike — its size, its reckless courage^ and 

 the dash and elan with which it "takes the death." Its 

 very ferocity has an interest ; and I confess to a feeling 

 almost of affection for the gallant and fearless antagonist 

 ■with whom I have had so many encounters. 



The Pike, of which we have only one recognized species 

 in this country and on the Continent, is common to most 

 of the rivers and lakes of Europe and North America* 

 and the more northern parts of Asia, and, according to the 



* Althougli there is but one species of the Pike (i. e. Esox hichts) 

 found in the waters of Great Britain and recognized in those of Eu- 

 rope, the rivers and lakes of North America produce a great many 

 varieties, all possessing more or less distinct characteristics. Into the 

 details of these it is not necessary to enter ; but the following is a list 

 of the principal species which appear to have been clearly demon- 

 strated to be distinct : — The JIascalonge {Esox estor) and the North- 

 em Pickerel {Esox lucimdes), both inhabitants of the great lakes ; the 

 common Pickerel (Esox reticulatus'), indigenous to aU the ponds and 

 streams of the Northern and Midland States ; the Long-Island Pickerel 

 (Esox fasciatus), probably confined to that locality ; the '\\"hite Pickerel 

 (Esox mttaitis), the Black Pickerel {Esox niger), and Esox phaleratits, 

 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 com- 

 parative 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. Geuzik informs me that he has 

 found some specimens which had teeth like the fangs of a viper — 

 capable of being erected or depressed at pleasure, — a circumstance the 

 more remarkable as the jaws also of the fish are furnished with extra 

 bones to increase the size of its gape, very similar to the corresponding 

 bones in the Viper-conformation. 



