THE HABITS ATXD HAUNTS OF FISH. 27 



running waters; still, there is little doubt that this fish 

 would thrive in many waters in which it is at present un- 

 known. Grayling are, to a certain extent, gregarious, 

 generally frequenting the stills, even when surface feed- 

 ing. It is owing to this fact that they are given to rise 

 nearer the rodster than the trout, ascending often from 

 the 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 discolored, 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 Sal- 

 monidce, 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 vigor from October to Jan- 

 uary. When in perfect condition they are almost black 

 upon the back, which contrasts prettily with the silver- 

 gray and pure white of the bosom. The pectoral fin, 

 which is immensely large in this variety of Salmonidce, 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: 



"Grayling are found in "I have proved that 

 the North Sea, Cattegat, grayling will not bear even 

 and Baltic." Nilsson. a brackish water without 



dying. " Davy. 



