THE TROUT. 41 



In the second place, we find that large trout are seldom 

 caught in rivers which abound with this fish. A fish of 

 unusual size is one in perhaps ten thousand ; and the num- 

 ber of intermediate grades is very small indeed. 



And, in the last place, from a careful personal observa- 

 tion of bright clear rivers in dry hot seasons, you will 

 perceive that the trout are all about the same size ; and 

 should you detect any rare instances of difference among 

 them in point of bulk, you will, perhaps, be inclined to 

 agree with us, that the very diversity is strikingly con- 

 firmatory of the slow and almost imperceptible growth of 

 these interesting fish. 



Trout congregate together, and keep up a regular system 

 of discipline and order among their tribes. This is easily 

 discernible in clear bright streams, during fine sunny 

 weather. You will sometimes see a dozen or a dozen and 

 a half of trout all arranged, according to their sizes, in 

 exact order. The largest of the troop take the lead; and 

 the others fall behind, two and two, or three and three; 

 the smaller fellows being always stationed at the bottom 

 of the line. We have seen fish remain in this position 

 for many hours without moving a single inch. If a little 

 food be dropped in among the number the largest always 

 claims, and is invariably allowed the privilege of first 

 taking possession. 



All trout have their holds, or haunts, or places of re- 

 treat. These are commonly some large stone, or trunk of 

 a tree, or old timbers about mills, or overhanging rock. 

 Each fish has his regular track or portion of water to 

 range about in, and seldom trespasses on the liberties of 

 his neighbours. If one of these divisions become vacant, 

 it is soon filled up by a new occupant. 



Trout will remain for many weeks in precisely the same 



