The body of the Calico Bass is elongated, is much compressed and of a bright, silvery olive-green color. The sides and fins are mottled with a darker green or brownish-green, the blotches being gathered into irregular bunches. The vertical fins also have markings in the form of a network surrounding paler spots. The mouth is large and oblique. The usual length of the adult is about twelve inches. The Calico Bass obtains its food largely from the lower forms of animal life, such as crustaceans, worms and insects. It is said that "from the fact that it thrives well in slow-moving waters, it deserves the favorable consideration of owners of large mill ponds, where there is a steady flow of water, as it requires very little care, except the first planting of it in waters suitable to its nature. It is not averse to an occasional minnow, but is not regarded as peculiarly aggressive, though provided by nature with an armature that enables it to defend itself against all comers." * * * * * "Forthwith the sounds and seas, each creek and bay With fry innumerable swarm, and shoals Of fish, that with their fins and shining scales Glide under the green wave, in sculls that oft Bank the mid sea: part single, or with mate, Graze, the seaweed their pasture, and through groves Of coral stray, or, sporting with quick glance, Show to the sun their waved coats, dropt with gold." --Milton, "Paradise Lost." THE GROWTH AND VARIATION OF FISH. How can you tell the age of a fish? This question is often asked and just so often is the answer unsatisfactory.