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SUMMER 



trout and salmon in Britain is in a very fluid state, without 

 the clear distinctions which Nature has by this time imposed 

 on most groups of creatures. 



Trout differ from the so-called coarse fish by spawning in 

 the winter, and reaching the height of health in early sum- 

 mer, when coarse fish spawn. At this time they are far better 

 able than in winter to stand the rush of the lively streams 

 which they haunt, and may often be seen cruising on the 

 gravel where in winter or early spring we may look for them 



A HAMPSHIRE TROUT STREAM 



in vain. After the excitement of spawning time, when in 

 shallow chalk streams we can see the male fish chasing each 

 other off their ' redds ' or nesting-places in the gravel, they 

 lie half-torpid in their shelters, of which every stream holds 

 many. Roots, rocks, and holes in the bank give them the 

 protection from the current which they always require when 

 resting, and especially during their lethargic period in winter. 

 They feed little until spring begins to produce a supply of 

 flies, and grow dark and wasted. A course of flies is said 

 to fatten them more quickly than any other element in their 

 mixed diet, and by the time that they have gorged on the 

 March browns and duns and Mayflies of spring and early 



