BROOK OR SPECKLED TROUT. 83 



very short period of time, they must become 

 extinct, unless measures are taken for their re- 

 production. 



This charming fish is equally the delight of 

 the sportsman, and the epicure. It stands un- 

 rivaled as a game fish, and for the table is 

 thought to have no superior, particularly when 

 in its highest condition, which is just before the 

 spawning season. 



They are found in their highest perfection in 

 the tributaries of Lake Superior, and its outlet 

 particularly at the Saut Ste. Marie, In these 

 immense rapids are taken the finest trout that 

 are found in the American waters. Very large 

 trout are taken in Lake Superior, near the 

 mouths of trout streams, where the shores are 

 rock}^, and among its numerous islands, particu- 

 larly Isle Roy ale. 



The body of this fish is covered with small 

 scales, hardly observable to the naked eye in 

 small specimens; the upper part of the body 

 and head are most beautifully mottled like tor- 

 toise shell, the colors being greenish brown w^th. 

 yellow; colors more brilliant on the sides with 

 the addition of very bright vermillion spots, in 

 irregular rows, above and below the lateral line. 

 A portion of the belly and sides, being tinted 



with carmine, the pectoral and ventral fins or- 



6 



