513 AUDUBON 



rarely at a depth of less than four or five feet. These beds 

 are round, and have an elevated margin formed of the 

 sand removed from their centre, which is scooped out 

 for two or three inches. The fish, although it generally 

 remains for some days over its treasure, is by no means so 

 careful of it as the little " Sunny," but starts off at the least 

 appearance of danger. I have more than once taken con- 

 siderable pleasure in floating over their beds, when the 

 water was sufficiently clear to admit of my seeing both the 

 fish and its place of deposit; but I observed that if the sun 

 was shining, the very sight of the boat's shadow drove the 

 Perches away. I am of opinion that most of them return 

 to the sea about the beginning of November ; but of this 

 I am not certain. 



The usual length of this fish, which on the Ohio is called 

 the White Perch, and in the state of New York the Growler, 

 is from fifteen to twenty inches. I have, however, seen 

 some considerably larger. The weight varies from a pound 

 and a half to four, and even six pounds. For the first six 

 weeks of their arrival in fresh-water streams they are in 

 season; the flesh is then white and firm, and affords 

 excellent eating; but during the heats of summer they 

 become poor, and are seldom very good. Now and then, 

 in the latter days of September, I have eaten some that 

 tasted as well as in spring. One of the most remarkable 

 habits of this fish is that from which it has received the 

 name of Growler. When poised in the water, close to the 

 bottom of the boat, it emits a rough croaking noise, some- 

 what resembling a groan. Whenever this sound is heard 

 under a boat, if the least disturbance is made by knocking 

 on the gunwale or bottom, it at once ceases ; but is renewed 

 when everything is quiet. It is seldom heard, however, 

 unless in fine, calm weather. 



The White Perch bites at the hook with considerable 

 care, and very frequently takes oft" the bait without being 

 caught. Indeed, it requires a good deal of dexterity to 



