EPISODES 515 



man is the best fisher. This species is most abundant 

 round the borders of the stagnant lakes, bayous, or ponds 

 of the Southern Districts ; and I have seen them caught 

 even in the streets of the suburbs of New Orleans, after a 

 heavy shower. They become a great pest by perforating 

 embankments of all sorts, and many are the maledictions 

 that are uttered against them, both by millers and planters, 

 nay, even by the overseers of the levees along the banks 

 of the Mississippi. But they are curious creatures, formed 

 no doubt for useful purposes, and as such they are worthy 

 of your notice. 



THE AMERICAN SUN PERCH 



Few of our smaller fresh-water fishes excel, either in 

 beauty or in delicacy and flavor, the species which I have 

 chosen as the subject of this article, and few afford more 

 pleasure to young fishers. Although it occurs in all our 

 streams, whether rapid or gentle, small or large, in the 

 mill-dam overshadowed by tall forest trees, or in the open 

 lake margined with reeds, you must never expect to find 

 it in impure waters. Let the place be deep or shallow, 

 broad or narrow, the water must be clear enough to allow 

 the sun's rays to fall unimpaired on the rich coat of mail 

 that covers the body of the Sunfish. Look at him as he 

 poises himself under the lee of the protecting rock beneath 

 our feet! See how steadily he maintains his position, 

 and yet how many rapid motions of his fins are necessary 

 to preserve it ! Now another is by his side glowing with 

 equal beauty, and poising itself by equally easy and grace- 



the Ibis retires a single step, and patiently waits the result. The Cray-fish, 

 incommoded by the load of earth, instantly sets to work anew, and at last 

 reaches the entrance of its burrow ; but the moment it comes in sight the 

 Ibis seizes it with his bill. (The White Ibis, Ibis Alba, Plate CCXXIL, 

 Ornith. Biog., vol. iii., p. 176J. 



