LONE LOCH WEE 75 



been expected after the keeper's unfavourable verdict. 

 There were, we noticed, two distinct varieties of trout 

 in the loch. Nine of those landed were quite silvery 

 in appearance, more beautiful than sea trout, and 

 displayed the greatest agility when hooked ; while 

 the other three were larger, all weighing over a pound 

 and a quarter, and of a golden colour, covered with 

 big purple spots. But these latter fish, although 

 exceedingly wild and strong, did not manifest the 

 extraordinary activity which had marked their silvery 

 brothers under similar circumstances. 



I have never been able to ascertain the true 

 history of the trout in Loch Wee, but I should think, 

 probably, that the golden variety were the original 

 inhabitants of the loch, while the smaller silvery 

 ones had been introduced later. Since that first 

 year, I have observed that the silvery fish are no 

 longer to be seen, but that all the trout caught 

 now are of a beautiful, pale, creamy colour, neither 

 golden nor silvery, as though the two species had 

 interbred. There is no doubt the feeding in the loch 

 must be firstrate, since many large trout are there, 

 and all in most perfect condition, although it is 

 the exception for them to make an appearance in 

 the angler's basket. 



