114 COMMON TROUT. 



in some of the rivers, as the Caldew and Eden, the southern form occurs, whilst the northern 

 one is found in the river Liddel. "However, the latter extends as far southwards as Shropshire, 

 where both forms are met with. Both are subject to the same amount of variation ; but the 

 northern form appears to remain within smaller dimensions. The coincidence of the difference 

 in the number of vertebrae with the geographical distribution appears to be remarkable enough 

 to distinguish the two forms ; but whether they be regarded as species or varieties is a matter 

 of minor importance." — (P. 59.) 



The S. fario gaimardi is thus described by Glinther : — "Sides with numerous round or 

 X-shaped markings ; the upper surface and sides of the head, the dorsal, adipose and caudal 

 fins generally with crowded round black spots ; dorsal, anal, and ventral with a black and 

 white outer edge." This form is the one generally met with in Iceland, Scandinavia, North 

 Britain, Ireland, and Scotland. The Trout of the Clyde is said to form a very well-marked 

 variety, being distinguished by a short body, very short snout, broad maxillary, strong vomerine 

 teeth, small anal fin, and numerous fine X-shaped markings on the body; the spots on the 

 dorsal fin are small, ovate, and numerous. 



S. fario ausonii has the "body, head, and dorsal fin with numerous red and black spots; 

 a part of the latter have generally a light edge ; the black spots are either round or more 

 irregular in shape, composed of X-shaped marks. The anterior margin of the dorsal and anal, 

 and the outer one of the ventrals generally yellowish. This form inhabits the numerous fresh 

 waters of Central Europe, Sweden, and England, and the rivers of the Maritime Alps." 



In Shropshire we certainly meet with both these forms, as well as forms intermediate 

 between them ; the margins of the fins being sometimes white and sometimes yellowish. 



Trout are inhabitants of fresh water, brackish water, and salt water ; as Dr. Giinther says, 

 "the water has a marked influence on the colours. Trout with intense ocellated spots are 

 generally found in clear rapid rivers and in small open alpine streams ; in the large lakes with 

 pebbly bottom the fish are bright silver}^ and the ocellated spots are mixed with or replaced 

 by X-shaped black spots. The brackish or salt water has the effect of giving them a bright 

 silvery coat, without or with comparatively few spots, none of which are ocellated. Now some 

 of the species, like S. fario, inhabit all the different waters indicated, even brackish water, and 

 therefore we find an immense variation of colour in one and the same species." 



There seems to be no doubt that the Common Brown Trout, though normallv a non- 

 migratory species, is frequently migratory in its habits, and descends to the sea, where the 

 ordinary brown spots and trout colouration are exchanged for X-spots and a silvery hue. 

 This leads me to notice a Trout, which I think is merely a variety of the 5. fai^io, the Slob 

 Trout, or Tidal Trout, occurring in some localities. I have not had an opportunity of ex- 

 amining these Slob Trout, and have only seen specimens of heads. Mr. Haynes, of Patrick 

 Street, Cork, who knows them well, has sent me a short account of them, which I shall here 

 transcribe. 



"With regard to the habits of the 'Tidal' or 'Slob' Trout, of which numbers are to be 

 had on the estuary of the Lee and Bandon rivers, I have for very many years been in habit 

 of killing lots of them, and during that time I have never seen, or heard of one being taken 

 above where the tide ebbs and flows. The best, and indeed almost the only time they are 

 to be killed, is from the month of January to that of May; they will not rise readily to the 

 fly, and are very seldom killed except at night ; and then they are taken in good numbers. 

 The best baits known for these fish is the Eel-fry or Elvers, as they are more generally called, 

 also live shrimps, and best of all slob-worms commonly called 'rag-worm;' the best places 

 to fish for the Slob Trout are off the bridges in the city of Cork, just under the gaslights, 

 where they can be seen rising at the elvers, which always run on the surface of the water in 

 great numbers, all night long, during the months of January, February, March, and April. 

 When you catch one of these Trout, you could squeeze a handful of these young Eels out 



