18 SIZE OF TROUT* 



undoubtedly synonymous, and apply to a well- 

 known and recognised species of the migratory 

 salmonida, but one entirely distinct from salmo 

 fario, the common trout, which, unlike the sea 

 or salmon trout, never changes its abode from 

 the fresh water. 



The size of river trout, which, in a general sense, 

 is characteristic of neither species nor variety, 

 varies considerably in different localities and 

 under different circumstances. In brooks the 

 trout of the largest size are seldom above six 

 ounces, while in rivers favourable to their growth, 

 and protected from poachers, they often reach as 

 many pounds. The Thames, among other streams, 

 often produces gigantic specimens as large as 

 twelve and fourteen pounds ; and in many of the 

 rivers of Hampshire, Wilts, and Dorset, they are 

 often taken of five or six pounds. Occasionally 

 the capture of some veritable monster becomes 

 the subject of record, as, for instance, a specimen 

 taken in 1824 in the river Clist, near Topsham, 

 Devon, by a Mr. Hall of that town, which mea- 

 sured thirty-four inches in length and twenty in 

 girth, and weighed more than twenty-three pounds. 

 We have seen an engraving of this portly indi- 

 vidual, which, if faithfully represented, must have 

 been a splendid specimen. Many other Brobdig- 



