200 SALMONIA. 



their increase ; and below, it is joined by 

 other streams, and becomes too abundant in 

 coarse fish. 



PoiET. — I cannot understand why the 

 grayling should be so scarce a fish in Eng- 

 land. It is abundant in many districts on 

 the Continent ; but in this island it is found, 

 I believe, only in a few rivers, and does not 

 exist, I think, either in Ireland or Scotland. 

 Yet, being an Alpine fish, and naturally fond 

 of cool water, it might have been expected 

 among the Highlands. 



Hal. — I formerly used to account for 

 this, by supposing it an imported fish, and not 

 indigenous ; but, in some of my continental 

 excursions, I have seen it living only under 

 such peculiar circumstances, that I doubt the 

 correctness of this my early opinion. 



PoiET. — Which was, I conclude, that it 

 was introduced by the monks, in the time 

 when Enofland was under the See of Rome. 



o 



As a favourite fish of St. Ambrose it was 

 worth cultivating, as well as for its own sake ; 

 and I think you have done wrong to relin- 

 quish this idea ; for as far as my recollection 

 serves me, the rivers that contain it are near 



