20 SIZE OF TROUT. 



proof if such were wanting of the physical 

 peculiarity of fish, the growth of which, under 

 favourable circumstances, has no limit, and is of 

 marvellous rapidity. Not only so, but perhaps 

 they throw some light upon the formation of 

 species and varieties, by showing the probability 

 of the Great Lake Trout, which sometimes 

 reaches thirty or forty pounds, being traceable to 

 an equally humble ancestry increased in size, 

 and altered in conformation by peculiar circum- 

 stances, and stamped at last with permanent cha- 

 racteristics, transmitted through successive gene- 

 rations. 



But we must leave these extraordinary speci- 

 mens, a further consideration of which would not 

 only be foreign to our object, but be likely to 

 convey to our inexperienced pupils a far too 

 exalted idea of the kind of game they are likely 

 to capture. Ordinary river trout seldom exceed 

 two pounds, and a fish of half that size will be 

 considered large when it is stated that the general 

 weight is not above six or eight ounces. It may, 

 perhaps, be laid down as a general law, that open 

 and shallow streams, flowing over a poor soil, or 

 having their origin in poor land, or peat, produce 

 small and insipid trout ; while deeper streams, in 

 a rich soil, and shaded at intervals with marginal 



