136 THE WONDERFUL TROUT 



But when, as is usually the case, the cold 

 seasons are accompanied by dark skies and 

 a high flooded state of water, it must also 

 appear evident that even the larval food- 

 supply cannot be obtained in sufficient bulk 

 to keep up the condition or size or average 

 of the trout, and deterioration of the stream 

 must ensue. Fortunately Nature does not 

 usually provide such seasons in rapid suc- 

 cession. If she did, we fear the deterioration 

 would assume quite alarming proportions. 



MEASUREMENTS AND WEIGHTS OF 

 TROUT IN 1898. 



We did not take measures and weights 

 earlier in the season than the dates given 

 below, but, as we have said, the average con- 

 dition was more nearly approached in April 

 than in May on the lower reaches of the 

 river, and condition decidedly deteriorated 

 as May advanced. Higher up the river in 

 the more rapid water, where more thorough 

 oxygenation had taken place, trout were not 

 in such poor condition, nor does it appear 

 that they lost whatever condition they had 

 attained to. 



