GRAYLING SPAWNING AND GROWTH. 23 



deepest part of the river to seize a passing insect. 

 Although, when top food is plentiful, these fish rise 

 boldly and continuously, they, especially when the 

 water is slightly discoloured, are very partial to the 

 larvae of water-flies, wasps, maggots, cabbage grubs, 

 etc., as they are also to any imitation of these. 



Grayling grow rapidly in comparison with other 

 salmonidcz, the young attaining several inches in size 

 in a very few months. They spawn usually in April 

 and May. By October or November, the fry are 

 little larger than a minnow,* and are then termed 

 " pink" grayling. The summer following they average 

 four to the pound, and are then known as "shote" 

 fish. About two years from the time of hatching 

 they attain about half a pound, by which time the 

 ova is matured, but not before. The half-pound fish 

 takes the name of grayling. The fish is in the very 

 zenith of health and vigour from October to January. 

 When in perfect condition they are almost black upon 

 the back, which contrasts prettily with the silver- 

 grey and pure white of the bosom. The dorsal fin, 

 which is immensely large in this variety of salmonidcz, 

 is faintly tipped with a ruddy hue. In reference to 

 the habits of the grayling much diversity exists in 

 current literature bearing upon this subject, as the 

 following brief quotations will show : 



*Sir Humphrey Davy affirmed that the ova of a fish hatched in April 

 attains the weight of half a pound, or even 10 oz., by the following 

 October. This we cannot endorse. Since the days of this eminent 

 modern philosopher infinitely greater facilities for observation have 

 been afforded by the artificial hatching and rearing of fish, pisciculture 

 having afforded reliable testimony as to the times of growth and sexual 

 development 



