198 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
disposed not only in the jaws, but in the roof of the 
mouth and upon the tongue. 
61. The jaws have on each side an additional 
bone, like the jaw of a viper, which renders them 
capable of greater distention when the prey is swal- 
lowed. The body is long, the back broad, and the 
belly white. The colour of the back is greenish, 
spotted with yellow. 
62. The Pike has been poetically styled the wolf 
of fishes, and the tyrant of the watery plain ; and, in 
fact, in proportion to his strength, he is the most ac- 
tive and voracious of the fresh water fish. 
63. He will attack every fish less than himself, 
and is sometimes choked in attempting to swallow 
those which are too large for him. It is immaterial 
to what species they belong, for all are indiscrimi- 
nately pursued and devoured ; so that every fish 
owes its safety to its size, its celerity, or its courage. 
64. The Pike or Pickerel of our fresh water 
streams and ponds are seldom found to weigh more 
than two or three pounds. These afford the angler 
good sport, being bold biters. They are baited gen- 
erally with small fish, and the hook is drawn with a 
jerking motion on the surface of the water. 
THE PERCH. 
65. The Perch seldom grows to any great size, 
What is said df the Pike's voracity ? 
