

ITS CHARACTERISTICS. 5 



distinguish the fish of one river from those of another. 

 I make this observation, not merely upon my own 

 judgment/ although I have exercised it oftener than 

 once, as regards the produce of all of the streams in 

 question; but I do so on the authority of others, and 

 there are many such, who can attest as to the truth 

 of what I have stated. In Kelso itself, there is scarcely 

 an inhabitant but what can at once, by the exercise 

 of his palate and organs of taste alone, distinguish 

 betwixt a Tweed, a Teviot, and an Eden trout, or the 

 produce of the main river and its two tributaries that 

 flow in the vicinity of the town. Externally, the legi- 

 timate breed of each is unmistakeably marked, (there 

 occur, I allow, mixed varieties or crosses, frequenting 

 in common all the three waters, and the presence of 

 which may be accounted for in various ways) ; but, 

 more than this, the very colour and consistence of the 

 flesh when cooked, the flavour and richness it exhibits, 

 are all severally unlike. The true Eden trout, for 

 instance, is a deeply-shaped fish, small-headed, and of 

 dark complexion on the exterior. The stars or beads 

 are by no means numerous, but they are large and 

 distinctly formed; those on either flank being of a 

 deep crimson or purple hue, and encircled with a 

 whitish ring or halo. Its flesh, when in season, on 

 being cooked, is of a fine pink colour; the flakes 

 interlay ered with rich curd. At the table, it is highly 

 esteemed for its firmness and general excellence. 



The Teviot trout, externally, is a more beautiful fish 

 than that of the Eden. The back is finely curved, and 

 the head small. It wants depth, but possesses con- 

 siderable breadth of form. The spots, which are large, 

 stand well out, and engage the eye. They are gene- 

 rally of a purple colour, inclining to crimson. A fine 



