148 AVHITE-FISH. 



and shellfish, or on aquatic plants, and is usually taken 

 in nets. The general opinion is that it will take no bait, 

 natural or artificial; but it might be tempted by the 

 artificial fly, or perhaps the cray-fish. It is the finest 

 fresh-water fish of America upon the table, having no 

 rival that approaches it in excellence except the Otsego 

 bass. But being extremely delicate, it should be eaten 

 immediately on leaving the water, and is never in condi- 

 tion in the cities. If it has been frozen, as is always the 

 case in Winter, the Attihawmeg is utterly worthless. It 

 is unsurpassable split and broiled, very similar in appear- 

 ance and fiavor, only much superior to the shad. It is 

 not properly a game fish, whatever may be thought of its 

 delicacy of taste and appearance, but a description of it 

 is necessary to complete the series and to distinguish it 

 from certain others. 



To take it, however, as the Indians do in the Sault Ste. 

 Marie, with long-handled scoop-nets, amid the roar and 

 rush of the seething waters is no mean sport, and re- 

 quires a readiness of hand, sharpness of eye, and steadi- 

 ness of foot possessed by few men. Its artificial culture 

 has been made a matter of special concern in the States 

 bordering on the great lakes. 



