III. 

 GRAYLING. 



AT the present time the Grayling is receiving 

 more attention than perhaps any other of our 

 fresh-water fishes. It is, moreover, in the transi- 

 tion stage, and is about to take rank as one of 

 the "game" fishes of Britain. Then a whole 

 volume by an eminent specialist has been devoted 

 to the setting forth of its merits ; and soon it is 

 hoped that the grayling will occupy the status 

 which salmon, trout, and char do now. 



The grayling is one of the non-migratory 

 Salmonidae, and although abundant in certain 

 streams, its distribution as compared with trout 

 is extremely local. To get a good notion of 

 the beauty of the fish, it should be examined 

 in early November. Then it is in its prime, 

 and a typical specimen will show a small head, 

 lozenge-shaped eye, thick shoulders, and a gradual 

 taper to the caudal fin. In colour the fish is dark 

 velvety on the back ; sides having rich bloom, 

 shot with purplish copper; belly silver- white. 



