THE SALMON-TROUT 253 



trout, in Wales as the sewin, in the greater part of Scotland as 

 the sea-trout, but in the Tweed as the whitling ; and the bull- 

 trout {Salmo eriox) as the fish known under that name all over 

 Scotland except in the Tweed, where it is called the sea-trout.* 



There is one constant difference between the two fish, even 

 when caught in the same river, to which Frank Buckland is 

 the only writer who has given due prominence — namely, the 

 quality of the flesh. That of the salmon-trout is superb, not 

 so rich as that of the salmon, but delicate in flavour ; whereas 

 that of the bull-trout, though pink in colour, is always dry 

 and insipid. 



In appearance the salmon-trout is more elegant than the bull- 

 trout, not inferior to the salmon in symmetry, as may be seen 

 in Fig. 2, on Plate X., which is the portrait of a salmon-trout 

 weighing 18 lb., taken by the net in the Tay in June, 1902. 



In many respects salmon-trout are similar in their habits to 

 salmon and bull-trout ; at least, so far as has been ascertained, 

 for the proceedings of the salmon-trout at sea, and 

 the extent of their range therein, are still wrapped in 

 a good deal of mystery. In seeking the fresh water they show 

 less seasonal variation than salmon. No doubt clean-run 

 salmon-trout may be found occasionally in rivers with spring 

 salmon, but these are only chance wanderers ; the movement 

 of the main body is nearly simultaneous on all parts of the 

 British and Irish coast. It is very well marked by the appearance 

 of shoals of large fish in the estuaries about the middle of 

 May, few being less than 2 J lb. in weight, many reaching 5 lb. 

 or 6 lb., with exceptional individuals far in excess of that. 

 Water permitting, they will ascend the rivers early in June, but 

 in small rivers they often have to hang about the tidal pools 

 for weeks waiting for a flood. At such times, if netting is 

 permitted in the river, their numbers are sorely reduced, and 



* Dr. Giinther objects to the use of the term " bull-trout " as not being 

 "attributable to definite species," but it is at least as much so as "sea- 

 trout," which he does not hesitate to use. 



