46 BRITISH SPORTING FISH. 



Sandstill fishery in the mouth of the Tweed, which 

 was 37 inches in length, 22 in girth, and which 

 weighed 24^ Ibs. 



Such a size is, however, of course entirely ex- 

 ceptional, and a fish of a more normal weight gives 

 a better idea of the ordinary run of Sea-Trout as 

 met with constantly in our lakes and rivers. The 

 specimen selected for the illustration was a female 

 Spey fish, weighing tjlbs. 



Principal Characteristics of the Sea- Trout. Length of head 

 compared to body only, as i to 4 ; depth of body compared to 

 whole length of fish also as i to 4. Teeth small and numerous, 

 in five rows on upper surface of mouth, those on the vomer, or 

 centre bone in roof of mouth, generally extending some dis- 

 tance along it, the points turning outwards alternately to either 

 side ; one row on each side of under jaw, and 3 or 4 strong, 

 sharp, and curved teeth on each side of tongue. Shape of tail- 

 fin, and relative position of fins, see p. 31. Lateral line very 

 nearly straight. Scales adhering closely, in form rather a longer 

 oval than those of the Salmon. Colour when in season : upper 

 part of head and body bluish black, lighter on sides, which are 

 marked (principally above the lateral line) with numerous spots 

 somewhat resembling in form the letter X. Lower parts of 

 sides and belly, cheeks, and gill-covers silvery white ; back-fins 

 and tail nearly same colour as back; pectoral fins small, and 

 bluish white; anal fin and ventral fins white. Vertebrae 58. 



Fin-rays: D. 12 : P. 13 : V. 9 : A. 10 : C. 19. 



