ON RAPID STREAMS. ^O 



by him in his attempt at capture will be washed 

 into the jaws of his neighbour only a very short 

 distance, perhaps a few inches below he a smaller 

 fish not daring or presuming to occupy the best 

 place in the pool or eddy, but humbly and sub- 

 missively contenting himself with a spot lower in 

 locality and less propitious in feeding, pleased to 

 partake of the chance insect his superior has 

 allowed to pass, voluntarily or not, and never ven- 

 turing beyond the precincts permitted him by his 

 elders, well knowing that any infringement on 

 their rights of property . would be followed by 

 instantaneous punishment amounting in all pro- 

 bability even to death itself. 



Thus may we see that the trout in their society 

 maintain their own rights; and since the law 

 ruling them is one solely of force, and amongst 

 them power holds the place of justice with men, 

 we shall find the largest and strongest fish secur- 

 ing to themselves the best feeding ground, and 

 the most convenient retreats for security against 

 foes not of their own kind a wise provision of 

 nature, since of course their requirements are in 

 proportion to their size. These strongholds and 

 favourite spots of trout are retained by them for 

 a long time, as they seem fond of old haunts and 

 do not readily forsake them. very, seldom, I be- 

 lieve, excepting in particular migrating times. I 

 have known a trout of peculiar appearance re- 

 main behind a certain stone for several months, 

 his identity I could be sure of, and at different 

 times I have made him show out, till at last I have 



