181 



Some, however, are occasionally taken big with roe 

 during the whole of the interval between those months, 

 which we may, perhaps, correctly pronounce to be their 

 regular periods for gestation. 



Of the Common Trout. 



Of tills admirable fish there are many varieties ; each., 

 however, so trifling, that in describing one, I shall de- 

 viate but little from those anomalies with which every 

 tiling in nature is more or less diversified. 



The common trout is a very handsome fish, having a 

 well-formed body, not unlike that of a salmon, though 

 rather stouter in proportion to its length : its head, how- 

 ever, is short, and not so pointed} its eye more bright 

 and expressive -, its tail not so- much forked > and its fins 

 more lightly tinged, they being of a yellowish red cast, 

 towards their edges especially. 



This fish abounds with beautiful red and black spots, 

 which ornament the body in general., as well as the gills, 

 while it is in season 5 and which appear more faint and 

 distinct as it approaches to its spawning time, during 

 which it is scarcely eatable. 



Trouts continue a long time sickly after spawning, and 

 retire to the deep water j where they remain for a long 

 time in a state of languor approaching to torpidity. 



They usually spawn in all October and November; 

 though some are earlier, but none, I believe later. When 

 first impregnated, they are peculiarly high in colour, and 

 present a rich glowing tint on their sides -, in some pink, 

 in others straw coloured. At such times they are excel- 

 lent for the table. 



Trouts are fond o sharp waters, especially such as ran 



among 



