173 



same manner as muskets are slung by soldiers, the other 

 end of the cord being tied to the butt of the hook. 



But to say the most of it, I do not think a gaff 'is indis- 

 pensable ; while it is, on the other hand, a dangerous 

 companion. 



Of the Salmon-Trout. 



This fish, though somewhat singular in its form and 

 appearance, is nevertheless often mistaken by anglers for 

 young salmon j but it is not so flat in proportion as a sal- 

 mon ; indeed, it in some respects is more like a mackerel, 

 and is, besides, more bright in its marks. 



The scales under the lateral line exhibit a pink tint, 

 which gives them a peculiar and beautiful lustre. Besides, 

 it is more variegated about the head and gills than the 

 salmon, being marked with rich specks of red and black j 

 in some more inclining to clay colour, and deep brown ; 

 but such are generally going out of season. 



Salmon- trouts rarely exceed five pounds in weight, 

 and their average may be taken at about two. I have 

 heard of some being taken that weighed eight pounds, 

 but such must be very uncommon : perhaps, as above- 

 stated, there was some mistake. 



These fishes frequent the same parts of rivers with the 

 salmon - t but they are far more keen after the fly, being 

 very sportive and ravenous. They spawn in die autumn, 

 about Michaelmas, and immediately after run down to 

 the sea ; disappearing, in general, from the time of the 

 first frosts until the cherry begins to blossom, when they 

 return in shoals into some waters. 



Like the salmon, they run high up the rivers, and 



sometimes work their way over shallow flats, with inex. 



i 3 presbible 



