10 The Trout. 



even demands a description, though a few words regard- 

 ing it may not be out of place. 



The form of the Trout is long in proportion to its breadth. 

 It has a round head, and sharp teeth on the tongue and 

 jaws. It is thickly studded with black spots, relieved 

 along the back by a dark olive colour, which gradually 

 mingles with the rich yellow, or bright silver, of the 

 sides and belly. When in perfect season, which is just 

 after the May-fly has gone off, these colours produce a 

 finer effect than is to be met with in any other fresh- water 

 fish. Its perfection of vision is truly astonishing, and is 

 the source of great difficulty to the Fly-fisher. It appears, 

 too, that, like the cat, Trout can see in the dark, for they 

 can observe and take the smallest flies even during the 

 darkest night. Their eyes are so placed in the front of 

 the head that they can see not only in front, but also on 

 each side and considerably backward. This is a beautiful 

 adaptation of Providence, as well to enable them to gain 

 their food from everything that floats down the water, as 

 for their security. Fish have no eyelids, because, it is 

 thought, that it is necessary for them to see even while 

 they sleep, which I am inclined to think is undoubtedly 

 the case. That they see, too, at great -distances under 

 water is well established, and hence the difficulty of ap- 

 proaching them. 



The female is distinguished from the male by having a 

 smaller head and deeper body, and is preferred for the 

 table. A great variety in shape and colour is observable 

 among Trout, taken even from the same hold. Some 

 persons imagine that there are three distinct kinds ; viz. 

 the Red, the Yellow, and the White Trout, the former of 

 which stands highest in estimation. Every stream where 

 Trout are found possesses a breed peculiar to itself. 

 With regard to the marks found upon those taken in the 

 rivers above alluded to more especially, I have noticed 



