24 THE SPORTING FISH 



CHANGE OF PARR INTO SMOLTS, AND FIRST 

 MIGRATION TO THE SEA. 



In somewhat more than twelve months from 

 the time of hatching that is, between the middle 

 of April and the early part of June about half of 

 the last year's Parr begin to assume the silver 

 coating of scales preparatory to making their first 

 trip to the sea as Smolts. These silvery scales, 

 which form the distinctive mark of the Smolt as 

 distinguished from the Parr, are never put on ex- 

 cept when the fish is about to migrate ; and with- 

 out them it will not migrate at all, and cannot exist 

 in salt water, as has been proved by experiment. 

 The change commences by the tail, pectoral, and 

 back-fins acquiring a dusky margin, the whole 

 body of the fish at the same time exhibiting 

 symptoms of a silvery exterior, with increased 

 elegance of form. 



When confined in ponds, the habits also of the 

 transforming fish undergo a marked alteration. 

 As Parr they show no disposition to congregate, 

 each occupying its own place, and any intruder 

 upon a post already tenanted being instantly and 

 forcibly expelled ; but as soon as the whole brood 

 have completed their travelling costume an ope- 

 ration usually lasting two or three weeks they 

 collect in a shoal, and show their desire to escape 

 by scouring over the ponds, leaping and sporting, 

 and generally displaying a greatly increased 



