How to obtain it 275 



the same tendency be found, in individuals, amongst fishes ? We 

 know now that trout of thefario type will become anadromous in 

 their habits, and we know that it is not only possible to retain 

 sea-going varieties in fresh water, but that they will also breed 

 there. The typical colouring of the sea-going kinds is of a silvery 

 hue, with more or less of a steel blue or greenish cast, but when 

 these fish enter the fresh water their colours soon lose their 

 brilliancy, and in course of time the fish will assume, pro tem. y 

 something more of a fresh-water appearance. This is notably so 

 in the case of Salnw trutta.. 



I have trout (fario) in the same pond that they have occupied 

 for years, some of which are silvery, some yellow, some brown, 

 and some steel blue, and yet all these fish retain their original 

 characteristics, notwithstanding the fact of their being in the same 

 water, and having the same surroundings and the same food. 

 One thing I have noticed, and that is that after heavy rain the 

 water assumes a darker tint, and the fish become darker too, but 

 they do not lose their original colours, and when the water 

 becomes lighter again the fish become lighter also, but their 

 general characters are not altered. A yellow trout remains a 

 yellow trout, and silvery fish remain silvery, and well-known 

 individuals have remained so for years. But as regards their 

 offspring there may be, and probably is, a slight difference in 

 colour or in general appearance, and, as this is perpetuated, a 

 very interesting question arises as to how long it takes to establish 

 a distinct variety or race of trout by natural means. 



We know what can be done in artificial culture by careful 

 selection, in the crossing of two good races. The result is a good 

 breed or race of fish, combining the colours of the parents. On 

 the contrary, if we cross two badly-developed fish, or even go on 

 breeding " in and in " from the same stock, we are sure to develop 

 inferior races. 



It will be apparent at once that there is no end to the 

 varieties of trout which may eventually be produced, and probably 

 ere long the ingenuity of some fish culturists will be exercised to 

 introduce new forms to the fancier, very much as animals, fowls, 

 pigeons, etc., have been similarly treated. 



There is one remarkable feature regarding colour that is 



