THE GRAYLING 127 



In our waters this species exceptionally attains a 

 weight of 4 or 5 lbs., but is said to grow to more 

 than twice this size in northern Scandinavia ; the 

 example figured (PL XVIII) is a foot long. 



All our Grayling rivers hold Trout, but not every 

 Trout stream is suitable for Grayling, which prefer 

 clear rapid streams, with alternating pools and 

 shallows and a bottom of clay, gravel, or sand. In 

 the summer-time they may often be seen in con- 

 siderable numbers lying on the shallows, but the 

 larger fish are said to frequent the deeper water. 

 Their diet includes shrimps, little molluscs, insect 

 larvae, etc., and they often feed at the surface on 

 flies. 



The breeding-season is from March to May, when 

 the fish swim in pairs to gravelly shallows, where 

 they are said to scoop out a hollow for the eggs 

 with the caudal fin, and to cover them over after 

 impregnation in much the same way as the Salmon ; 

 the eggs hatch in about a fortnight. 



The Grayling is a good sporting fish, of beautiful 

 appearance, and as food even better than Trout, the 

 flesh being white, firm, and of delicate flavour ; it is 

 at its best in the autumn, when the Trout are out of 

 season. 



