

THE WELL-MENDED KELT 169 



opinion that it was a Namsen fish. Its weight was 

 44J pounds, and it was caught on an extremely large 

 Wilkinson. 



The appearance of the grilse is similar to that of the 

 salmon when fresh run, the back and upper part of the 

 head being dull bluish black, running into a bright 

 silvery hue on its belly and sides, the dorsal and 

 adipose fins and the tail being all dark. As kelts 

 the older fish grow more discoloured than do the 

 younger ones, and form a disgusting comparison with 

 their own fresh-run condition. Kelts are known as 

 foul fish, and are unfit for food. While in this state 

 they are very voracious, and kill quantities of river 

 fish. In appearance they are a dull and dirty-looking 

 red. They seem at first to be exhausted and spent 

 after spawning operations, but often recover a con- 

 siderable amount of condition before reaching the 

 sea, in which case they are known as " well-mended 

 kelts." 



