] 88 ANGLING. 



dusky blackish blue, and the sides silvery, marked 

 with a few obscure dark spots, principally about 

 the region of the pectorals. Some examples are 

 without spots, and present a fine silvery aspect, 

 from which character the name of whitling has no 

 doubt been derived. The lateral bands or blotches 

 are no longer visible the opercular spot is almost 

 obliterated the pectorals become dusky, or, in 

 many specimens, assume a warmer and more glow- 

 ing tint, from whence has doubtless been derived 

 the frequent appellation of orange-fin, by which 

 certain sea-trout are known in several rivers. The 

 tail still continues deeply forked. The silvery 

 lustre of these comparatively young fish soon, 

 however, becomes tarnished in the river waters 

 the spots appear more obvious, and the ventral and 

 anal fins assume a dusky aspect. Whether they 

 breed at this time or not, is a doubtful and dis- 

 puted point. Many practical fishermen believe 

 they do, but our own observations confirm those of 

 Dr. Parnell as to the insufficiency of roe in fishes 

 of the size in question. They, however, descend 

 again to the sea in January and February with " a 

 lean and hungry look," and their flesh both pale 

 and tasteless. Having recruited themselves in 

 the sea, and regained their symmetry and silvery 

 lustre, they revisit us again in June, and enter the 

 mouths of rivers with an average length of eighteen 



age of twelve or fourteen months. Whether those which come up 

 from the sea in July and August, are the same individuals which had 

 gone down to it for the first time in May preceding, is a point cer- 

 tainly of great importance to ascertain, but which has hitherto been 

 always rather inferred than demonstrated. 



