180 



They bite freely at the worm, are very partial to a large 

 bait, being veiy greedy ; but prefer quieter waters than 

 any other of the trout species. This suits them well to 

 the locks 5 however, they are to be found in all the great 

 rivers, though chiefly al-ove the cruives, or other impedi- 

 ments j whence I conclude, they do not relish brackish' 

 water. 



Black trouts do not take the minnow well : they are 

 to be caught by roving with a worm, and with the fly, 

 from the end of May to the end of November : while the 

 snow is on the mountains they retire to the deep waters, 

 and are very rarely to be seen. 



During the summer, they take flies of rather a bright 

 appearance - t but as the year approaches to a close, they 

 prefer such as seem mealy, heavy, and deeper coloured. 



As this fish generally runs from two to six pounds, and. 

 has a large mouth, your hook should be No. 4, or 5 ; 

 your gut very select, and single for about eight or nine 

 feet Your line very long ; for they sometimes lay at a 

 great depth, and will not rise near the surface so readily 

 as the other sorts of trout, when a worm is offered. 



You will require two large shots, and a neat swivel, 

 letting your bait sink very low, in the lochs especially ; 

 for in some the depth of water is immense. Loch Ncss t 

 which abounds with Hack trouts, is said to be unfa- 

 thomable. 



The flesh of Hack treats is remarkably fine, not very 

 led, but more of a strong cream colour. When in sea- 

 son, they are rich and firm j nor do they fall off either in 

 flesh, or in flavour, so early as others of the same species. 

 Frora their being caught with full roes both in July and in 

 October, it is probable they spawn twice during the season., 



Some-, 



