334 THE REASON WHY": 



" Lure 



From his dark haunt, beneath the tan tried roots 

 Of pendant trees, the monarch of the brook." THOMSON. 



and the influence which the constant operation of the water is likely 

 to have upon the fish that inhabit it ; when we reflect also on the 

 great variety of food afforded by different rivers, we shall be able 

 to assign very probable reasons for the variations both in size and 

 colour which are found to occur. 



1069. Lord Howe remarks, that " There are two considerable streams which take 

 their rise at no great distance from each other, the Whiteadder and the Blackadder, 

 the latter tributary to the former. The Whiteadder from head to foot flowing along 

 a very rocky and gravelly bed, while the Blackadder (Blackwater) rises in the deep 

 mosses near Wedderlea, and the Dorrington laws (high hills), and flows for about 

 half its course through a rich and highly cultivated district. The trout of White- 

 adder (Whitewater) are a beautiful silvery fish, but good for nothing ; those of the 

 other dark, almost black, with bright orange fins, and their flesh excellent. Nothing 

 can be more various than the appearance of the trout of these two rivers ; and 

 surely nothing can be more easier at once to see the cause of this difference." 



1070. Why do young pike frequently appear in ponds where 

 there were none before ? 



Because the spawn of the pike is covered with a sticky 

 viscous fluid ; this adheres to the plumage of water-birds, and 

 is by them borne into new waters, causing the unexpected and 

 somewhat unaccountable appearance of pike in new waters. 



1071. Why do smaller fish at certain seasons appear to be 

 familiar with the pike, while at others they avoid his 

 presence ? 



Because the pike, which is remarkable for its voracity, never- 

 theless undergoes periods of abstinence. During the summer 

 months their digestive functions are somewhat torpid, and in warm 

 sunny weather they lie basking in a sleepy state for hours together. 

 The smaller fish appear to be aware when this abstinent state 

 of their foe is on him ; they are then less alarmed at his presence, 

 and may be seen swimming round him with indifference.* 



Bluine's "Rural Sports." 



