GROWTH AND SIZE. 17 



occasionally met with, are not to be held as hostile to 

 my prior statement, that the river-trout is of shy, cun- 

 ning, and capricious habits; that it is a fish wary and 

 vigilant, possessed of much natural discernment and 

 strong instincts. They only show how circumstances 

 will render these defensive qualities of little or no avail, 

 and how, on certain occasions, its very instincts endanger 

 their possessor. 



I am not possessed of any authentic information, 

 with regard to the greatest size attainable by the fario, 

 or what is erroneously termed the parr- trout. The 

 largest individuals are undoubtedly to be found in our 

 lochs, where they batten most securely and luxuriously. 

 There is one fact, however, to be urged in respect to 

 the size of the trout, namely, that it depends entirely 

 upon the quantum and quality of food yielded to it, 

 whether from channel or surface, and not upon the 

 age of the fish. The range of water also is a matter 

 to be taken into consideration in connection with its 

 growth ; for let a single trout be planted in a spring 

 well, and tamed to such a degree as to take its food 

 from one supplying it regularly and abundantly, still 

 it will not increase much, if at all, in weight ; and this 

 is owing solely to the circumstance of its being con- 

 fined, and not at liberty to choose its aliment according 

 to the caprice of the moment : whereas in localities 

 where the food varies with the seasons, and where there 

 is choice at all times, and room for exercising it with- 

 out challenge or interruption, trout will grow rapidly, 

 and to a great size. 



In all lochs characterised by good feeding-ground 

 and abundance of shelter, trout have a tendency to 

 acquire large dimensions. This tendency, however, is 

 frequently counteracted by the breeding accommoda- 



