THE GRAYLING, AND BAIT-FISHING FOR. 395 



others of the herring-shaped species, or coregont, and especially 

 in the matter of the size of the scales which are large and chub- 

 like, whilst the scales of the trout are exceedingly small, and in 

 the charrs even minute. The basis of the colouring in the 

 scales of the grayling is rather silver than gold, and when in the 

 height of condition that is, in October or November and just 

 taken from the water, he is certainly one of the most beautiful 

 fish that swims. At this time the back is of a deep purple 

 or claret colour, with small dark irregular spots on the sides ; 

 the stomach is brilliantly white, with a fringe or lacing of gold ; 

 and the tail, pectoral, and ventral fins are of a rich purplish 

 tint. The dorsal fin is very large almost disproportionately 

 so and is covered with scarlet spots and wavy lines upon a 

 ground of reddish brown. The little ' velvety ' back fin near 

 the tail is also dark brown or purple, and the whole body is 

 shot with violet, copper, and blue reflections when seen in 

 different lights. 



Properly to appreciate this colouring, the fish should be 

 laid horizontally upon the hand to be looked at, in which 

 position its varied tinting is seen to the greatest advantage. 



The specific name, thymallus, or ' thymy,' is derived from a 

 peculiar smell which is said to be possessed by the grayling, but 

 which, I must say, appears to me to resemble rather the odour 

 of cucumber than that of thyme. Its familiar name ' grayling,' 

 is probably a modification of ' gray-lines,' having reference to 

 the longitudinal dusky-blue bars with which its body is marked. 



The grayling is essentially a local fish, and, as compared 

 with the trout, may be even said to be rare, only certain soils 

 being apparently suitable to its development or, perhaps 

 favourable to the production of the insect-food on which it in 

 a great measure subsists. It thrives best in rivers the bottoms 

 of which are composed principally of sandy gravel or loam. 

 Rocky or stony bottoms are very inimical to its breeding ; and 

 this is probably the reason why, though flourishing in many 

 Continental waters, none exist, so far as I am aware, in those 

 of Ireland or Scotland. Indeed, even in England, a dozen 



