THE SALMON-TROUT 253 
trout, in Wales as the sewin, in the greater part of Scotland as 
the sea-trout, but in the Tweed as the whitling ; and the bull- 
trout (Salmo eriox) as the fish known under that name all over 
Scotland except in the Tweed, where it is called the sea-trout.* 
There is one constant difference between the two fish, even 
when caught in the same river, to which Frank Buckland is 
the only writer who has given due prominence—namely, the 
quality of the flesh. That of the salmon-trout is superb, not 
so rich as that of the salmon, but delicate in flavour ; whereas 
that of the bull-trout, though pink in colour, is always dry 
and insipid. 
In appearance the salmon-trout is more elegant than the bull- 
trout, not inferior to the salmon in symmetry, as may be seen 
in Fig. 2, on Plate X., which is the portrait of a salmon-trout 
weighing 18 lb., taken by the net in the Tay in June, 1902. 
In many respects salmon-trout are similar in their habits to 
salmon and bull-trout ; at least, so far as has been ascertained, 
for the proceedings of the salmon-trout at sea, and 
the extent of their range therein, are still wrapped in 
a good deal of mystery. In seeking the fresh water they show 
less seasonal variation than salmon. No doubt clean-run 
salmon-trout may be found occasionally in rivers with spring 
salmon, but these are only chance wanderers ; the movement 
of the main body is nearly simultaneous on all parts of the 
British and Irish coast. It is very well marked by the appearance 
of shoals of large fish in the estuaries about the middle of 
May, few being less than 24 Ib. in weight, many reaching 5 lb. 
or 6 lb., with exceptional individuals far in excess of that. 
Water permitting, they will ascend the rivers early in June, but 
in small rivers they often have to hang about the tidal pools 
for weeks waiting for a flood. At such times, if netting is 
permitted in the river, their numbers are sorely reduced, and 
Habits, 
* Dr. Giinther objects to the use of the term “ bull-trout” as not being 
“attributable to definite species,” but it is at least as much so as “sea- 
trout,” which he does not hesitate to use. 
