FISHES OF THE DISTRICT 163 



The two main factors which account for the 

 differences just mentioned are in the nature of the 

 rivers and lakes in which the fish are found, and 

 in the food supply. A good illustration is fur- 

 nished by the Mint and Sprint, the two tributaries 

 of the Kent. These are each about ten miles in 

 length, rise near to each other, and flow down almost 

 parallel valleys. The trout in the Mint are short, 

 well-fed, silvery fish, whilst those in the Sprint are 

 dark golden colour, with big heads, and rarely get 

 into really good condition. The first-named stream 

 has a bright gravelly bottom ; the latter rises at a 

 considerable altitude, and has black, rocky pools 

 over the greater part of its course. 



Why the trout of Red Tarn should be de- 

 formed, owing to an enlargement of the shoulders, 

 or why the Small Water fish have a plenitude 

 of bright vermilion spots, I am at a loss to 

 explain. These, however, are well-defined local 

 peculiarities. 



The late G. F. Braithwaite remarks upon a 

 fish of 4 or 5 ozs. in weight which makes its 

 appearance in the lower parts of the Kent in 

 March and April. He describes it as a pretty 

 fish, in appearance like a fully grown smolt, 

 with brilliant red spots, dead fin fringed with 

 crimson, the bright scales coming off with slight 

 handling. 



I know this handsome little fellow, and have 

 occasionally caught him. I am convinced that he 

 is nothing more than a small trout masquerading 

 as a salmon. He lives in brackish water ; his 

 brilliant suit being the result of the better and 

 more abundant food which he obtains in that 

 portion of the river where the tidal influence ex- 



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