THE PIKE 



no less striking in the future. No estimate can of 

 course be formed respecting the toll exacted in 

 respect of the young Salmonidse when the river 

 was re-stocked, but it is not improbable that the 

 presence of the coarse fish saved the life of many a 

 juvenile Fario. At the age when small fish are 

 usually introduced, considerable mortality might have 

 been traceable to the pike's depredations. Being 

 strange to their surroundings, they are likely to have 

 attracted the notice of these most inquisitive fish, in 

 which case the fate of many would have been sealed 

 from the first. Thousands of pounds have, alas ! 

 in some rivers been wasted in making these costly 

 presents to pike, notwithstanding the care which may 

 be taken to release the young fish in the most suitable 

 places. 



Although it may be conceded that coarse fish 

 fall an easier prey than the trout, a pike of 5 Ib. or 6 Ib. 

 ranging over a considerable extent of water in the 

 long run doubtless destroys quite as many trout as 

 coarse fish. The disadvantages of keeping dace, chub, 

 and other coarse fish in trout water are principally 

 these : they compete with trout and grayling for 

 food, they are a disturbing element in the water, and 

 an intolerable nuisance to the angler .when the trout 

 are rising freely. 



