FOREST, LAKE, AND RIVER 



sturdy resistance to capture and keen intelligence 

 in resources of escape. 



The habits of trout have elicited much discussion, 

 and no fixed rule can be laid down in explanation 

 of their idiosyncratic moods and traits. One 

 angler finds them on the shallows, another in mid 

 water or in the boil of rapids, and again lying in 

 the deepest water of the pools. To-day they are 

 leaping and flashing in the air, apparently feeding 

 on midges ; to-morrow lying perdu under sheltering 

 banks or rocks, darting out upon their prey ; while 

 next day the most tempting lures cannot entice 

 them to feed. 



Often as the shadows are gathering over the 

 stream, they may be seen coming into the air with 

 the slow and measured leaps that a porpoise often 

 makes in his lazy but symmetrical, arch-like move- 

 ments. At such times they do not appear to feed, 

 and seem to be seeking the air for hygienic or 

 sportive reasons only. 



Another interesting peculiarity, and one that 

 has puzzled anglers and savants alike, is that of 

 change of coloration under varying conditions. 

 It is a recognized fact that trout in dark, deep 

 water assume the color of it, the red spots, how- 

 ever, becoming more brilliant. In moderately 

 shallow pools, their color becomes lighter, and 



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