PLATE LIL 
The Linnsean specific character of the Perea fluviatilis being taken 
exclusively from the number of rays in the second dorsal fin, is liable 
to objection, because the amount of these rays is not always precisely 
sixteen, as that author states them. Bloch mentions this, and observes, 
for instance, that in the specimen he describes there were only fourteen 
rays in the second dorsal fin. The specific character of this fish he 
considers, perhaps with an equal degree of impropriety, may be de- 
fined from the number of rays in the anal fin, which he says amount 
to eleven. These being as liable to vary in point of number, as the 
rays in the dorsal fin, a much more constant criterion rray be 
observed by attending to the dark transverse bands, which descend 
from the back across the sides, and point towards the abdomen ; 
the Perch, though liable to variations in colour like all other fishes, 
being never found entirely destitute of these bands. Beside these, it 
may not be amiss to speak of the pectoral, ventral, and anal fin, toge- 
ther with the tail, which are always observed to be of a bright red 
colour. 
The Perch remains in those rivers, lakes, and other clear waters, 
whirJi it inhabits, all the year: affording delicious food, and excellent 
sport to those fond of tlie amusement of angling. The manners of 
this Fish are whimsically described by old Walton, In the Complete 
Angler he tells us, “ The Perch is a very good, and a very bold biting 
fish ; he is one of the fishes of prey, that, like the pike and trout, 
carries his teeth in his mouth, which is very large ; and he dare to kill 
and devour several c ther kinds of fish ; he has a hooked or hog back, 
which is armed with sharp and stiff bristles, and all his skin armed or 
covered 6ver with thick, dry, hard scales, and hath, which feW‘ otliO' 
fishes have, two jins on his back ; he is so bold, that he will invade one 
of his own kind, which the pike will not do so willingly, and you may 
therefore easily believe him to be a bold biter.” From this writer vve 
