SALMONID^E. 93 



examined by the superficial observer, they would pass for different fish. 

 These three varieties are known as the Truite de Grew, Truite des 

 Battures, and Truite du Large ; or, Trout of the muddy bottom, Trout 

 of the rocky shores, and Trout of the open waters ; the first being a 

 dull mud-colored fish, the second bright and handsomely mottled, and 

 the last bluish and silvery, and resembling more a clean -run Salmor. 

 than a Lake Trout. 



This is so fairly a case in point, that I cannot resist quoting it here, 

 as it is perfectly evident that there is no real distinction whatever ; and 

 if this be so of one variety or species, there is no reason for doubting 

 that like causes will produce like effects, in the congenerous species. 

 Again, it is not only possible, but in the highest degree probable, that 

 the different- chemical substances which are held in solution by the 

 waters of various streams and lakes, may not be without their influence- 

 on the coloring of their inhabitants. I think I have myself observed, 

 both on this continent and in Europe, that the Trout in streams flow- 

 ing from lime-stone formations are more lustrous, and more strongh 

 spotted than those of duller and less lively waters. 



That the fish of streams rushing rapidly over pebbly beds, are supe- 

 rior in all respects, both of appearance and quality, to those of ponds 

 or semi-stagnant brooks, is confessedly notorious ; but this may arise 

 not so much from any particular components of the waters themselves, 

 as from the fact that rapidly-moving and falling water is more highly 

 aerated, the atmosphere being more freely intermingled with it, and 

 therefore more conducive to the health and condition of all that in- 

 habit it. 



Independently of DeKay's Salmo Erythrogaster, I find mention 

 made in the " American Angler's Guide," of the Silver Trout, the 

 Common Trout, the Common Trout of Massachusetts, the Black Trout, 

 the Sea Trout, and the Hucho Trout, although to none of these except 

 the last, is any scientific name attached. 



I beg, however, to assure my readers, that there are no such distinc- 

 tions existing in nature. The Silver Trout, which is stated to be found 

 in almost all of our clear, swift-running northern streams, and to weigh 

 from one to fifteen pounds, is in no respect a different fish from the 

 common Trout of Long Island; nor doss that fish differ in any. the 



