48 SEA TROUT. 
from greater nse in the swift current ; their shape even 
seems to alter, and they are altogether unlovely by com- 
parison with their former selves. Are they, therefore, 
" like Cerberus, three gentlemen at once," and entitled 
to three distinct appellations, or are they simply our 
dearly loved old friends, the Sjpeclded Trout f 
The change in appearance of these hsh cannot be 
refuted by the suggestion that the ordinary brook trout 
ascend the rivers and mingle with those of the sea, be- 
cause the latter are to be caught in every stage, from the 
brilliancy of the fresh river fish to the dull colors of the 
oldest inhabitant. And it will be noticed that at the 
heads of the rivers a bright-colored fish is rarely met with, 
although they must be, wdth few exceptions, all sea trout. 
The best trout rivers of Canada are troublesome to reach, 
difficult to ascend, and seldom attempted by any but the 
salmon fisher. To the latter, the trout, attractive as he 
seems to us, is a trial and a nuisance. Abundant and vora- 
cious, he often rushes in advance of the lordly salmon, seizes 
the fly, and then discovering his mistake, by his struggles 
disturbs the pool, rufi^ies the fisherman's temper, and 
frightens the larger game from its equanimity. He is 
therefore little noticed by the frequenters of the head- 
waters, except to be denounced, and his delicate peculi- 
arities seldom considered and less esteemed. He is princi- 
pally sought in the tide water along the shores, or from 
boats in the open bays, but rarely followed to his summer 
home. The statements, therefore, of Canadian fishermen 
with regard to him must be cautiously received and care- 
fully weighed ; their experience may not have been suf- 
ciently extended. 
