PROPAGATION OF FISH. 237 
the larger he becomes the more he is able to seize and bear 
away from his brethren. Hence, in the same hatching, 
I have seen trout at one year of age, the largest of which 
was six inches long and the smallest less than three. In 
two years, with good feeding and a variety of food, such 
as is always to be fonnd in a newly-made pond, they will 
grow to weigh three-quarters of a pound. In overstocked 
streams, like our country brooks, where there is little on 
which to feed, trout never attain any considerable size ; 
the greater number will not exceed a few ounces, and a 
pound fish is looked upon with awe. 
The migratory trout that go to the sea in Winter grow 
much faster than those that remain in the fresh water, 
and will frequently gain a pound in one season. With 
this explanation, these difi:erences of opinion are perfectly 
reconcilable, one observer having drawn his conclusions 
from individuals luxuriating on the fat of the land, or 
rather water, and another drawing his from some poor, 
half starved sj)ecimens. Range of water is indispensable 
to the attainment of great size ; there is no species but is 
puny in confined limits — a result that follows naturally 
from tlie first statement ; in large streams and lakes 
there is greater variety and abundance of food ; but they 
Avill increase rapidly if well fed, no matter how restricted 
their dwelling-place. Frequently a trout kept in a 
spring will attain several pounds in weight in conse- 
quence of being well served by the children of the house- 
hold. A gourmand will find his advantage in having 
them stall-fed, if possible, before being killed for the table. 
Three-year old trout spawn, and it is said that small 
trout have smaller eggs than those of greater size and 
