1 66 Handbook of Nature -Study 



a larger stream. The nest is shaped by the tail of the fish, the larger 

 stones being carried away in the mouth. To make the precious eggs 

 secure they are covered with gravel. 



There have been strict laws enacted by almost all of our states with 

 a view to protecting the brook trout and preserving it in our streams 

 The open season in New York is from the 15th of April to the ist of Sep- 

 tember, and it is illegal to take from a stream a fish that is less than five 

 inches in length. It is the duty of every decent citizen to abide by these 

 laws and to see to it that his neighbors observe them. The teacher cannot 

 emphasize enough upon the child the moral value of being law-abiding. 

 There should be in every school in the Union children's clubs which should 

 have for their purpose civic honesty and the enforcement of laws which 

 affect the city, village or township. 



Almost any stream with suitable water may be stocked with trout from 

 the national or the state hatcheries, but what is the use of this expense if 

 the game laws are not observed and these fish are caught before they reach 

 maturity, as is so often the case? 



References — American Food and Game Fishes. Jordan & Everman; 

 Guide to American Fishes, Jordan. 



LESSON XL 

 The Brook Trout 



Leading thougJit — The brook trout have been exterminated in our 

 streams largely because the game laws have not been observed. The 

 trout is the most cunning and beautiful of our common fishes and the most 

 valuable for food. If properly guarded, every pure mountain stream in 

 our country, could be well stocked with the brook trout. 



Method — A trout may be kept in an aquarium of flowing water in- 

 definitely and should be fed upon liver and hard clams chopped. If there 

 is no aquarium with running water, the trout may be kept in an ordinary 

 jar long enough for this lesson. The object of this lesson should be not 

 only the study of the habits of the fish, but also a lesson in its preserva- 

 tion. 



Observations — i. In what streams are the brook trout found? 

 Must the water be warm or cold? Can tlie trout live in impure water? 

 Can it live in salt water? 



2. Do the trout swim about in schools or do they live solitary? 

 Where do they like to hide? 



3. With what kind of bait is trout caught? Why does it afford 

 such excellent sport for fly-fishing? Can you tell what the food of the 

 trout is .'' 



4. What is the color of the trout above? What colors along its 

 sides? What markings make the fish so beautiful? What is its color 

 below ? Has the trout scales ? Do you see the lateral line ? 



5. What is the general shape of the brook trout? Describe the 

 shape, position and color of the dorsal fin. Describe the little fin behind 

 the dorsal. Why is it unlike the other fins? What is the shape of the 

 tail fin? Is it rounded, square or crescent-shaped across the end? What 

 is the position and size of the anal fin compared with the dorsal? What 

 colors on the ventral fins and where are they placed in relation to the 



