J 20 SALMONID^. 



more rounded tliau the Common Trout. They have a firm 

 compactness of form from head to tail, which accounts for the 

 superior sprightliness of their movement ; the head and mouth 

 are very small, and the latter never black inside, like the 

 common or fresh- water Trout; the flesh is even redder, or 

 rather, we would say, more pink-coloured than the Salmon, to 

 which, by many, they are preferred as a delicacy, having, like 

 the Salmon, much of what is called curd, or fat between the 

 flakes. 



" A fish of a pound weight measures about eleven inches in 

 length. Their average size is considerably larger than the 

 fresh-water, or Brook Trout — having been taken in the waters 

 to which we refer — Waquoit Bay, upon Cape Cod, and Fire- 

 place, Long Island — of nearly five pounds' weight; such 

 instances, however, are rare, three pounds being considered 

 a very large fish. We do not remember ever seeing a poor 

 fish of this kind taken. They are invariably in good condition, 

 let the size be what it may," &c. &c. 



I have quoted this passage merely for the purpose of warn- 

 ing my readers, in a few words, that there is no such thing ; 

 and that the whole of the above refers merely to the Brook 

 Trout. 



All the varieties and species oi Salmonidce, with the exception 

 of some of the large lacustrine species, are migratory whenever 

 it is in their power to be so ; and run down to the sea, annually, 

 for the purpose of recruiting themselves after spawning, whence 

 they return, like the Salmon and Salmon Trout, in excellent 

 condition, perfect symmetry, and in the highest state of external 

 beauty. 



