SECTION IV. 



Of THE GRAYLING AND INFERIOR SALMONUME. 



The Grayling. 



The Charr. 



The Gwyniad and Vendace. 



The Smelt. 



The Atherine. 



The Grayling. 



The grayling is easily distinguishable from any of the species of 

 salmonidae already noticed, by the larger size and texture of the 

 scales, which bear a close resemblance to those of the dace and 

 other cyprinidse ; but the two peculiar dorsal fins, mark plainly 

 that it belongs to the salmon tribe. The true dorsal fin is parti- 

 cularly remarkable, as well as elegant in its form, being equal to 

 half the height of the body, and beautifully marked and spotted 

 with streaks and spots of dusky brown. In younger specimens the 

 general colour is silvery, but as the fish increases in size it acquires 

 more of a golden tinge, varying in colour when viewed in different 

 lights, and growing more dusky as it advances in age : a 

 dark colour in a grayling, according to Cotton, being the best 

 proof of his high condition, in which he is seldom found except 

 very early or late in the season ; being, as Cfttton very truly states, 

 a winter fish ; but such an one as would deceive any but such as 

 know him very well indeed, for his flesh, even in his very] worst 

 season, is so firm, and will so easily calver, that in plaSTtruLtlThe 



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