THE THREE-SPOTTED WRASSE. 
223 
that in Boston this fish is called Cunner, and by no other name, while in Lynn, Salem, and 
Nahant, adjoining towns, it is universally known as Nipper and Chogsett, the latter the 
aboriginal term. It is sometimes called Perch or Sea Perch. 
From the first settlement of the country this fish has been esteemed, and parties have been 
accustomed to visit the shore yearly to enjoy a day’s nippering, and feast on fried Nippers and 
haddock chowder. The Nipper is taken by hook from the rocks, and affords much sport, as 
it is very “gamey.” 
Like many other fishes, this is better and larger as the water is colder ; therefore, in Port- 
land harbor the Nipper is much larger and proves an excellent food-fish. 
The Tatjtog ( Tautoga onitis) is of this family. It much resembles the Cunner, but is 
quite black. In New England it is called Black-fish by some. Its range is from Maine to 
South Carolina. No ocean fish is more “gamey” than this. With small live-crab bait it 
affords sharp sport with the rod. This fish abounds in the vicinity of Loug Island. But a few 
years since it was not known north of Cape Cod, but is now quite abundant. 
Dr. Smith, in his “Fishes of Massachusetts,” an early work, says : “Within the recollec- 
tion of a gentleman now living (1833), the Tautog was unknown in Boston harbor.” Its weight 
reaches twelve pounds, though it averages but about half that. The blossoming of the dog- 
wood (Cornus florida) early in April, or the chestnut-trees, is understood to denote the time of 
baiting Black-fish : 
“ When chestnut leaves are big as thumb-nail. 
Then bite Black -fish without fail ; 
But when chestnut leaves are long as a span, 
Then, catch Black-fish if you can ! ” 
This is an old verse recorded in Mitchell’ s interesting book. 
This fish is related to the Wrasse of Europe. 
Several other species of the same genus are known, such as the G-reeh Streaked- 
Wrasse, or Creek-fish (. Lobrus donovani), a rather rare but very beautifully colored fish, 
almost wholly green and slightly streaked. Some naturalists think that this is only the young 
of the preceding species. The most curiously decorated species is, however, the Three- 
spotted Wrasse ( Labrus trwicwvdatus ) . This fisn is decorated with a rich ruddy orange 
