MONSTROSITIES 



ONE'S curiosity is often excited by the capture of a deformed fish. 

 The causes of malformation are not well known, and are difficult to 



FIG. 252. i-lb. Deformed Trout, caught in Loch Clashfern, Sutherland. July 1904. 



account for. I show photographs of a few of those I have seen. 

 I am of opinion that many of these malformations are caused by 

 starvation. Lochs that are overstocked and in which the spawning- 

 ground becomes too prolific, and lochs in which the trout are in poor 

 condition and do not grow to more than 3 or 4 oz., contain many 

 deformed trout. 



In Loch Clashfern in Sutherlandshire I have captured three or 

 four monstrosities in one day. Many deformed trout may also be seen 

 coming from the hatcheries, having double heads, deformed heads, de- 

 fective fins, and short gills. These defects, of course, have an injurious 



269 



