52 Sir W. Jardine on the Common Trout. 



During the excursion, several very distinctly marked varieties of 

 trout were met with, which we shall notice in succession ; and it tnav 

 be observed, that although a certain change of variation occurred 

 in each, yet an arrangement of the markings and colours always 

 prevailed, by which they could be pointed out from each other. 

 There was a corresponding (slight, but apparently constant) va- 

 riation, of the form of the stomach and some other of the inter- 

 nal organs, and there was a similar difference in the form of the 

 scales. A variation of habit was also perceived, with a different 

 manner of swimming and of action, similar to what may be noticed 

 in the flight of two closely allied species of birds, from which 

 a practised eye would make them out before either the colours or 

 shape could be distinguished. 



The^r.s^ variety is from Loch Craigie, on the southern bor- 

 ders of Sutherlandshire. The country immediately surrounding 

 it, is composed of black and white granite, the bottom of the 

 loch of large boulders of granite gravel, or fine sand, and, except 

 at the edge of one or two small bays, no indication of moss ap- 

 peared. The colour of the water was clear sienna-brown, and 

 more limpid than that of any of the lochs in the same district. 

 The fish found here were upon an average about one pound in 

 weight, but one or two instances of trout from five to six 

 pounds being taken were mentioned, and a single specimen 

 weighing two and a half pounds was taken by the party. The 

 form approached very near to the generally accepted idea of 

 symmetry in a trout, — remarkable for the small size of the head, 

 the arched back, and great perpendicular depth. The colours 

 of this fish were of the highest brilliancy, the upper parts of a 

 rich brown, the lower half and belly of a deep golden orange, 

 the spotting numerous but ill defined, and often assuming a cru- 

 ciform shape. At this period (beginning of June) the fish were 

 in the height of perfection or season, the flesh high-coloured, — 

 when hooked remarkably active and powerful. 



In the immediate neighbourhood of Loch Craigie, there are 

 three or four other lochs abounding with trout. The edges and 

 bottoms of these lochs are, however, weedy and mossy, the water 

 very dark coloured. The trout of these has all the appearances 

 in general form and distribution of spots, but want entirely the 

 beautiful brilliant tints, and high season of the others, but are 



