THE BLACK-FISH. 
179 
not originally known in Massachusetts bay ; but within a few 
years he has been carried beyond Cape Cod, and has multi- 
plied bo abundantly that the Boston market has now a full 
supply, without the necessity of importing from Newport and 
Providence. Black-fish, however, does not confine himself 
to rough bottoms; for he is also caught in the southern bays 
of Long Island, and on the banks of the ocean oft Sandy 
Hook. He is considered, by the New-Yorkers, as a very 
fine fish for the table. He grows to the weight of ten or 
twelve pounds, and even more; but it is a fish of a good size, 
that equals two or three. 
“He may be kept for a long time in ponds or cars; and 
fed, and even fatted there. When the cold of winter be- 
numbs him he refuses to eat any more, and a membrane is 
observed to form over the vent, and close it. He begins to 
regain appetite with the return of warmth in the aping. The 
blossoming of the dogwood, (cornus florida,) early m April, 
is understood to denote the time of baiting black-fish. As 
soon as these flowers unfold, the fishermen proceed with 
their hooks and lines to the favorite places. If there is no 
dogwood, a judgment is derived from the vegetation ot the 
chestnut tree (castunea vesca). The season ol bailing is 
reckoned very favorable until the increasing warmth ol the 
season brings food enough to fill their stomachs, and they 
thereupon afford less pastime to the sportsman and less profit 
to the professor. The people express this sentiment in these 
coarse rhymes: 
“‘When chestnut leuves ore ns big as thumb nail, 
Then bito black-fish without fail ; 
liut when chestnut leaves are as long as a span, 
Then catch black-fish if you can.’ ” 
“The common bait for block-fish is the soft clam, or pisser, 
(mya.) The soldier crab, or tiddler, (ocypouu,) will fire- 
