THE COMMON HOG-FJSH AND ROBIN. 355 



spised for rod-exercise. They bite at clam, crab, and pieces 

 of mullet. 



THE COMMON HOG-FISH 



Of the coast ranges from Maryland to the West India Isl- 

 ands ; is a large fish, weighing from a few pounds up to ten 

 or fifteen pounds, and is very unlike his namesake in appear- 

 ance. He has a large head, and a capacious mouth with 

 which he demolishes crabs, mullet, and other small fish. In 

 form it somewhat resembles a black basse. The color is dark 

 on the back, fading into a pure white on the belly, with band- 

 ed cross-bars of a reddish-brown color, similar to a perch. 



The scales are as large as those of a shad, and as difficult 

 to remove as those of a blackfish. Is considered a fine table- 

 fish at the South, when stuffed and baked or broiled. In 

 good condition is quite fat and needs but little butter in its 

 cooking. He is generally angled for with hand-lines and 

 stout tackle. Use heavy Virginia or large blackfish hooks, 

 with crab or clam for bait. 



THE ROBIN, OR CHUB ROBIN, 



Is a fish taken at the South, nearly a duplicate of the same 

 f}sh of the North. The belly below the lateral line is quite 

 red and of a similar shade to the robin redbreast, from which 

 feathered songster it is supposed its name originated. The 

 back is dark, fading into yellow, as in the sunfish, and the 

 fins are of a reddish tint. 



The robin flourishes in many of the Southern ponds, lakes, 

 and small rivers, and is taken from a pound to two pounds in 

 weight, and growing much larger in the lakes. Makes fine 

 sport for ladies and children, and is not neglected by the 



