SOME BRITISH FRESH-WATER FISHES 225 



Controversies, I suppose, there will always be as to 

 its development, its habits, its food, its journeys to 

 the sea, and its recollection of its own native river. 

 Of one thing, however, there can be no question, 

 i.e., its singular beauty when fresh from the sea. 

 Its outline and proportions, and its colour when 



"clean run " and in good condition, are superb. As 

 the season advances the silver brightness gives 

 place to hues that rival the cock-pheasant's 

 lustrous plumage. 



An amusing story of this fish is told of Sir 

 Samuel Montagu, M.P., whose peculiar hobby was 

 bi-metallism. He once sent Sir William Vernon 



'5 



