10 THE FRESH-WATER TROUT. 



mentioned very cursorily the effect upon a Teviot trout 

 when shifted to Tweed ; but in respect to such a case, 

 the transference is far from being violent. Besides 

 the relation that exists betwixt the two rivers, as the 

 tributary and its recipient, there are other accom- 

 modating circumstances which prevent the occurrence 

 of any great change in the size, appearance, and flavour 

 of the trout. For instance, the action and qualities, 

 nay, in some measure, the feeding capacities of Teviot 

 become diffused on its junction through Tweed; then 

 there is the similarity of climate ; the fact, also, that 

 both rivers abound in trout of a similar size, all of 

 which circumstances operate as I have stated. 



In order, therefore, better to illustrate my position, I 

 shall assume the transference to be one of more violent 

 character. I shall take the produce of a small stream, 

 say, up to the number of four or five dozen trout. The 

 breed or variety inhabiting this stream, I shall suppose 

 seldom attain the length of nine inches, or weigh more 

 than half-a-pound ; as food, they are of inferior quality; 

 in point of shape, they offer nothing attractive. These 

 individuals I transfer to a pond, or lake, hitherto devoid 

 of fish, and occupying a space of several acres. Its 

 soil or bottom I shall suppose to be composed of marl, 

 or some such feeding substance. It is provided with 

 ample shelter, and every requisite that can encourage 

 the growth of trout. Well, what will be the effect of 

 this change upon the character of the fish in question ? 

 It will not alter the setting or arrangement of their 

 stars or distinguishing marks ; but it will, and that most 

 materially, improve, in a short space of time, their size, 

 shape, and edible qualities. A single season itself 

 would, in all probability, suffice to fatten them up to 

 thrice the weight which it was possible for these trout to 



