228 



I found that No. 8 was the best size in bottom-fishing'; 

 though I believe some authors advise No. 5 : perhaps I 

 may err, but I confess myself partial to small tackle ii* 

 general, being completely satisfied of its superiority. 



I found the graylings always among the trouts, and 

 generally caught about the same number of each. They 

 bit admirably when the sky was overcast with approach- 

 ing rain j but \vLen the wind was norther, or to the 

 north, of east, I seldom had one at my hook, whether 

 bottom or fly. They are extremely fond of the latter, 

 and are perpetually rising after it. I found all hours 

 much alike ; and that they were far bolder, as well as 

 more simple, than the trout. 



The meat of the grayling is very fine j equal, in my 

 opinion, to any fish 1 ever tasted. They would not take 

 my trolling-baits 3 and I was informed, that although 

 they chace the mi nnows, it is only in sport, as they are 

 said never to touch one : of this, however, I have my 

 doubts. 



The grayling spawns in May : I found several in that 

 month, as also in the end of April, remarkably big with 

 roe, which gave them an extraordinary appearance (as it 

 does, indeed, to all fishes that are at all flat-sided) ; the 

 more so, as they have but little increase of depth from- 

 their noses to their vents, which lay nearly in a right 

 line. 



From this fish disappearing when the frosts set in, that 

 is, the generality of them, I am disposed to believe they 

 visit the sea during the coldest months ; at least, that 

 they go to the mouths of rivers, and recruit by means of 

 the brackish waters. Of this I am the more convinced, 

 Because, with the exception of the Humber and Trent, 



which 



