30 Tue FAuNA oF GLENCAIRN. III. THE FIsHEs. 
covered with leaf mould, which was dug down, after having lain 
on the surface for a week or two. When planting out I gave each 
plant some sand to give the tender rootlets a chance. When 
ready I gradually earthed them up, giving them occasionally a 
little kainit and superphosphates. | When I raised them on the 
5th October, if I had a shaw showing any disease, I discarded the 
lot, but I had only four shaws showing any. 
THE FauNA OF GLENCAIRN. III. Tue FisHes. By Dr J. W. 
Martin, Newbridge. 
1.—TuHE PIKE oR Jack (LZsox luctus). 
The curse of many of our fine trout lochs and streams. It is 
more numerous than most rod fishers desire, but of late years it 
has not been seen in any quantity in the river Cairn to my know- 
ledge, although still numerous in Loch Urr in the confines of the 
parish. It seems there to have almost exterminated the trout, and 
takes toll of young mallard, black-headed gulls, and any other 
chicks that come within reach of its terrible jaws. From a rod 
fisher’s point of view it is almost worthless, giving little sport, as 
it is necessary to use very strong tackle to resist the sharp teeth 
and consequently is more easily brought to net. Their flesh is 
also coarse and dry, and is only palatable when disguised by the 
skill of some culinary artist. It is extremely retentive of life, and 
instances have been recorded of its survival after hours out of the 
water. Stories of its voracity are numerous. Some years ago 
several were caught in this district weighing from 5 to 10 Ibs., all 
by night lines. The Pike lives in a hole principally, and there 
watches for its prey, which is very multifarious. Its colour is 
olive brown on the back, lighter hue on the sides varied with green 
and yellow, while the abdomen is silvery white. 
2.—THE PeERcH (Ferca fluviatilis). 
Unless it be in Loch Urr or private ponds, I do not think 
there are any in the Cairn or its tributaries. 
3.—Trovut (Salmo fario). 
The Trout is still fairly plentiful in most of the burns and 
streams of the parish and district, but not nearly so numerous or 
well-grown as it seems to have been fifty years ago. Odd fish, 
