i 7 2 WILD LIFE OF SCOTLAND 



in balancing the obligation, and getting good out 

 of evil. 



Once upon a time, Loch Katrine was over- 

 stocked with small trout. Pike were introduced, 

 with the usual result of larger, if fewer fish. 

 This state of things continued for awhile, to the 

 unbounded delight of the native angler, who could 

 depend on a fish worth playing, and taking 

 home. But it was not equally satisfactory to the 

 less skilful tourist, who complained to the hotel - 

 keeper of the poverty of the water. And, some 

 scheme is now being anxiously waited for, which 

 will abate the so-called nuisance. Happily, pike, 

 once introduced, are not so easily got rid of. And, 

 on such a large expanse, sufficient will remain to 

 prevent a return to the old state of things. 



A similar lamentation in the interest of numbers 

 versus weight, is raised over the condition of Loch 

 Awe, since pike found their way in. 



The Loch Awe trout is said to be able to 

 keep its own loch in order ; arid no lake which 

 possesses this trout has any need of pike. It is 

 described as neither so large, nor so shy, as the 

 lake-trout; though it may reach 16, or 18 Ibs., 

 a respectable weight even for a ferox. It is 

 familiar to the Highlander as the ghiroo, prob- 



