RIVER GARDENS; 
The colouring of a healthy and well-marked Perch 
is very striking. The hack and upper parts are of 
a rich olive-brown, variegated by several broad 
bands of a dark purplish hue. These upper tones 
pass into rich golden tints, which grow gradually 
paler till they become nearly white underneath. 
The ventral, anal, and caudal fins are bright ver¬ 
milion, the others, different shades of brown, the 
dorsal one being marked with a few black spots. 
Specimens of the Perch are occasionally found 
nearly white, in ponds impregnated with the par¬ 
ticles from particular soils; and they retain this 
colour even when removed to other waters. A 
white Perch would form a splendid addition to the 
Aquarium, but such a prize is but rarely to be 
met with. It should be observed here that fish 
placed along with the Perch should be of nearly or 
quite his own size, as he is terribly piscivorous. 
I stated, in reference to the Perch, that it was 
desirable to know something of his character and 
antecedents before introducing him into the Aqua¬ 
rium. The same remark applies in like manner to 
the other fish recommended for that purpose, as the 
more we know respecting their habits, qualities, 
history, etc., the more we shall find them sur¬ 
rounded with pleasing and instructive associations, 
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