AND ANGLING SONGS. 113 



accuracy in the application of generic terms might have been 

 expected before the specific distinctions insisted on by the learned 

 Doctor were thrust into parade. The estuary-trout introduced 

 by him is like his ' lone trout of the Whitadder,' a myth all over ; 

 and as for the dentition of the fish presenting a correct and 

 trustworthy generic test, the most cursory examination of this 

 provision in the Salmones, will, I think, lead to its rejection 

 altogether in that capacity. I must say, that if the natural 

 history of the Salmonidce, as it stands, has really been built 

 up and fortified by such doubtful materials as those contributed 

 to it by Dr. Knox, the sooner it undergoes a complelte re- 

 organization the better. 



To these remarks I have been led by the conclusions generally 

 entertained in respect to the large trout of some of our Highland 

 lakes, as being individuals of a species quite distinct from the 

 fario. I have consorted them with Loch Awe, because it was to 

 the spotted rovers of this sheet of water that, as far as I can 

 discover, the term ferox was first applied. Nor would I have 

 felt tempted to quarrel with the specific character attributed 

 without due discrimination to those fish, had it not given oppor- 

 tunity to complicate the arrangement still further. When I 

 find, however, that it has led to this result, I think it high time 

 to express some doubt as to whether the large predatory trout 

 of many of our Highland lakes ought to be regarded in any 

 other light than as overgrown individuals belonging to one or 

 other of the endless varieties of the common fresh- water trout. 

 The numerous specimens which have come under my observa- 

 tion incline me to form this opinion. Of four individuals taken 

 in Loch Shin in 1850, two decidedly agreed in respect to build, 

 external markings, and conformation of head. These were ugly, 

 piratical-looking fish enough, having large and powerful jaws, 

 furnished with an ample supply of sharp teeth ; but I have seen 



H 



