INTRODUCTION. 9 



Several male trout liacl j^i'oceeded up the 

 stream, and commenced prej)aring the beds in 

 which the eggs were to be deposited. This was 

 done by removing all the sediment and sand 

 from certain gravelly locations. These beds 

 were about one foot in diameter, consisting of 

 coarse and fine pebbles, the spaces or inter- 

 stices between which were to be the future 

 depository for the eggs. This peculiar con- 

 struction of their beds, or nests, is highly es- 

 sential to their preservation, as it protects them 

 from being vrashed away by freshets, also from 

 being devoured by small fish which are always 

 prowling about seeking them for food. 



The male trout at this time was verv beau- 

 tiful, being decked out in the most gaudy colors 

 imaginable, and his actions showed clearly enough 

 that he was quite vain of his j)ersonal appear- 

 ance, 



In the course of five days, the females made 

 their appearance. They were not near so gaudy 

 in their dress, but had a most staid and ma- 

 tronly look. 



The next step was choosing their mates. 

 After the usual amount of flattering attentions 

 to the females, with which they seemed highly 

 delighted, and some battles among the males, 

 this important matter was ap2:)arently settled to 



