GRAYLING. 155 



inferior to the trout ; but it is not universally 

 beloved, and many men regard it as a " poor 

 relation," with most of the less amiable qualities of 

 the tribe somewhat pronounced. Pushing it 

 certainly often is, hungry always, and, from obser- 

 vation of its demeanour on trout-owned shallows, I 

 know that it is meek under affront, yet persistent 

 in attendance expellas vel furca, tamen usque 

 recur ret. 



It is amusing to see how a trout will drive a 

 grayling away from his vicinity, and how after a 

 little the grayling will sidle up again with an 

 innocent air of not having been there before. The 

 grayling is also a prolific breeder, and it is a 

 common complaint that, introduced to a trout 

 stream, it increases so rapidly that the original 

 inhabitants get crowded out of both home and cup- 

 board. It is further alleged that the grayling eats- 

 trout ova, bullies the grown fish, and generally 

 plays the mischief with a fishery. I mention alt 

 this because the novice is pretty certain to be asked 

 his opinion on the grayling question before he is 

 very old in angling. In time, of course, he will be 

 able to judge for himself on these matters ; mean- 

 while, my opinion, for what it is worth, is that there 

 is just so much truth in the accusations as encourages 

 the angler. The best way to prevent grayling from 



