54 FISHING WITH THE FLY. 



past finding out." Hence scientists, naturalists, anglers 

 and guides differ widely and materially in regard to its 

 proper name, its species, and its habits. Scarcely any 

 two writers upon the subject have agreed in all these 

 points. Sea-trout (Salmo Trutta) abound in northern 

 Europe. As stated by Foster in his "Scientific An- 

 gler," in "nearly every beck and burn, loch and river 

 of Scotland and Ireland ; and are readily taken with a 

 fly." These sea- trout have been mentioned and de- 

 scribed by many eminent writers Sir Humphry Davy, 

 Yarrel, Foster, and others. The description given of 

 this fish, the number of rays in its fins, its coloring 

 and markings, and lastly the absence of all red or ver- 

 milion spots render it absolutely certain that they are 

 not in species identical with the sea trout of the Domin- 

 ion of Canada. 



As is shown by Thaddeus Norris, in his admirable 

 work, " The American Angler's Book," conclusively I 

 think, the supposed identity of the two kinds of 

 sea-trout mentioned have led many writers astray 

 when speaking of the sea-trout found in American 

 waters. 



Norris has applied to the latter fish the name Salmo 

 Canadensis, given, I believe, by Col. Hamilton Smith, 

 in 1834. Whether icthyologists can find a better or 

 more appropriate one matters not. It is desirable that 

 there be a name to distinguish this fish from all others, 

 and this one, if generally adopted, will serve all neces- 

 sary purposes. 



