176 ESOCES. 



ground, (or rather water,) was bravely lost and 

 won, victory declared in favor of the goose, who 

 triumphantly landed with an uncommon large pike 

 in his train. 



After this, the gentleman was in the habit of 

 taking his basket and book, and reclining on the 

 bank, amused himself with reading, while he sent 

 his novel purveyor upon the lake to catch, or be 

 caught, as might happen. 



The goose, after a capture, apprised him by its 

 cries, and made straight for the bank, where he 

 stood ready to assist in securing it. In this curious 

 manner, he seldom failed of replenishing his bas- 

 ket and enjoying additional sport, with far less 

 trouble than required by the usual method. 



GEN. BELONE. 



Sea-Pike, — Esox Belone. This is known by 

 the name of spit-fish, and gar-fish, but in New 

 England, particularly, as the bill-fish, in allusion to 

 its long snout. 



Occasionally, sea-pike have been found on the 

 beaches two feet and a half in length. The un- 

 der jaw is the longest by about half an inch, and 

 both are bordered by a single row of sharp, nee- 

 dle-like teeth. On the back are two dorsal fins, 

 with a furcated tail ; the genera color is a bright 

 green, except the fins, which are tinged with a faint 



