ON THE TROUT. 6 



greenish yellow, studded with red spots ; the 

 black spots gradually vanishing. Lower down 

 the yellow tint approaches a salmon colour, and 

 the belly is nearly white, without any spots. 



The whole surface of the fish, when in con- 

 dition, presents a beautiful gradation of tints : 

 but the complexion varies greatly in different 

 waters, and also in all waters at different periods 

 of the year. It is principally modified by his 

 state of health. 



Sir H. Davy says : " The colouring matter is 

 not in the scales, but in the surface of the skin 

 immediately beneath them, and is probably a 

 secretion easily affected by the health of the 

 animal." (Salmonia, p. 40.) 



After spawning time, (i.e.) the month of Sep- 

 tember or October, both the male and female 

 lose their more beautiful tints, become thinner, 

 and are considered quite out of season ; and 

 towards the end of the winter, and even in 

 March, some parasites, like leeches, about an 

 inch long, green and semi-transparent, are found 

 adhering to them. When in this sad state the 

 flesh, if cooked, cuts soft, and looks white, and 

 very different from the rich salmon colour which 

 always indicates good condition and quality. 

 Every true disciple of Izaak Walton who may 

 take such a thin black looking Trout will return 

 the lanky trophy to its native element. 



B 2 



