SALMON AHD SEA TROUT FISHING. 225 



dae much difference exists, the ordinary method followed 

 by naturalists in determining species proving inadequate. 

 So innumerable are the variations, that the sub-generic 

 group (Salmones) are for the most part named after the 

 water they inhabit, as Galway sea trout, Tay salmon, 

 Shannon salmon, etc., etc. The differences between these 

 consist both in size, form, and color; and are due to the 

 following among other causes: First, the varying prop- 

 erties of the water in different localities; second, the 

 complications implied by interbreeding an extremely 

 fertile source of difficulty, producing, as it does, endless 

 changes in detail amongst the Salmonoids; and thirdly, 

 the varieties dependent upon age and sexual develop- 

 ment. 



Salmon proper attain much greater weight and dimen- 

 sions than the sewin, sea, or white types, and when in 

 condition are also distinguished by outward form and 

 color, in both of which we deem them unequalled by any 

 other order, family, or species of fish. The sea and bull 

 trout the former shorter and broader than salmon 

 proper* are distinctively marked by a quantity of black 

 spots, which, when the fish is cooked, become more vivid. 

 There is also a marked absence of that beautiful fiery 

 bronze natural to the well-conditioned salmon; and last- 

 ly, we may state that, if not distinguishable from the 

 genuine species in its outward aspect, its inferior edible 

 qualities should render it easily discernible. In the north 

 the sea trout -is equally abundant with the salmon, and 

 large quantities find their way to the southern towns, 

 where they are retailed by the fish dealers, whose bois- 



* Sea and bull trout, so called in the text, do not vary sufficiently in 

 structure to be assigned to different species. The term " bull trout " is 

 often indiscriminately given by English authors to the sea salmon, sea 

 trout, and the Welsh trout or " sewin." A slight difference ii: coloration 

 and form gives rise to a confusion of local names in England as well as 

 with us. 



