318 SALMON FISHING IN CANADA. 



Trout are classed by Ichthyologists amongst the salmon family, 

 and denominated the Salmo Fario ; of which there are perhaps a 

 thousand varieties. A large proportion of these are found in 

 Lower Canada ; but the Canadian trout is much inferior in firm- 

 ness and flavour to the same fish in Europe. Besides, it is often 

 brought into market in very indifferent condition, and before it 

 has had time to recover from the debilitating effects of the long 

 winter ; for when the ice disappears, all the fresh-water fish here 

 are in a state of great leanness and weakness from want of food. 

 Trout in this country are in the best order about the end of July, 

 when they have had time to fatten on the numerous insects with 

 which the waters abound in the summer, and before the season of 

 pairing injures the flavour of their flesh. The Canadian trout 

 are far less particular as to their food than their brethren in the 

 old world. They are moreover sluggish in their movements, 

 make slight resistance when hooked by the angler, and afford 

 but little amusement. 



But there is an exception to this. A large, lively, and beau- 

 tiful salmon trout, called by Griffiths in his u Animal Kingdom " 

 the Salmo Canadensis, is to be found in the lower branches of 

 the St. Lawrence, on the north shore. This is unquestionably 

 the most splendid trout I have ever seen, and is besides a fish of 

 firm, pink flesh, and the finest flavour. It is voracious, strong 

 and active, leaping out of the water like a salmon, and affording 

 the fisher excellent sport. The dolphin's vaunted skin .(and 

 I have seen and caught many) is far inferior to the superb 

 colours of this fine trout ; and the clustering aud brilliant spots 

 of red, yellow, blue, and gold on its rich coat, almost defy the 

 pencil to represent them adequately. In the Malbay river, 

 ninety miles below Quebec, I have frequently caught from two 

 to three dozen of these literally glorious trout in a forenoon 

 many four and five pounds weight, but averaging about three. 

 Last year I caught one enormous individual of the same kind, 



