CHAPTER L 

 ORDER OF PIKES 



IIAPLOMI 



After the Order of Spiny-Finned Fishes, with its great 

 •^ ^ array of genera and species, it is a rehef to reach an 

 Order which contains but one Family, and only five species. 

 The so-called Yellow "Pike" is not a member of this aristo- 

 cratic and exclusive Family; for, as already' stated, it is only 

 a pike-pcrc/;. 



Look at any member of the Pike Family, and tell me 

 whether it does not make you think of a pirate. Observe 

 that yawning sepulchre of a mouth, that evil eye and low, 

 flat forehead — all indicating a character replete with cunning 

 and ferocity. Note the total absence of a dignified and 

 respectable //'or^f dorsal fin, which nearlj^ every fish of proper 

 moral character possesses and displays with pride. 



Like scaly assassins, the pikes and pickerels lie in wait 

 for their prey; and whenever one rushes like a green streak 

 from under the lily-pads, and bolts a trolling spoon in one 

 great, ill-mannered gulp, the angler feels a savage delight 

 in thinking that it serves him right. These fishes are the 

 most voracious creatures that inhabit our inland waters. 

 Their ambition is to devour every living creature that comes 

 in sight, and they prey upon all other fishes, frogs and am- 



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