142 SALMONIDES. 



states, which has not the common trout, as it is 

 called, by every body, and yet, on examination, 

 the external characteristics are as different as pos- 

 sible ; but the difference consists in the arrange- 

 ment of spots and color, rather than in the organ- 

 ization of the branchiae or disposition of the fins. If 

 we go to the lakes, still farther to the north, they 

 also have the common trout, which, compared with 

 the river trout, are codfish by the side of minnows. 

 This difference in complexion and size, is brought 

 about in the opinion of the learned author just quo- 

 ted, by the quality and quantity of food, the wa- 

 ter, &ic. ; these developments, whatever they 

 may be, " are transmitted to the offspring, and 

 produce varieties which retain their characters as 

 long as they are exposed to the same circumstan- 

 ces, and only slowly lose them." 



FRESH WATER TROUT. 



Plenty of good food gives a silvery color and 

 round form to fish, and the offspring retains these 

 characters. Feeding much on larvae, and on shell- 

 fish, thickens the stomach, and gives a brighter 



