44 SEA TROUT. 



vater, especially the harbors and bays of the ocean, and 

 the fish will not live there, but withdraw to cooler 

 regions. A remarkable case of this kind fell under the 

 writer's observation at Masapequa Pond, which is uni- 

 versally admitted to be the best preserve on Long Island. 

 It is rather small, and quite shallow except in the chan- 

 nel, and being entirely unsheltered, is liable to become 

 heated in hot weather. The spring had been remark- 

 ably mild, and in the middle of May, after a number of 

 days that reminded one of June, I visited Masapequa, 

 and, although the weather was favorable and a lively 

 ripple darkened the water, only two trout were killed 

 in the entire morning. I was much discouraged and 

 surprised, until happening to get my flies caught, I put 

 my hand into the water and found it milk-warm. The 

 explanation was simple, and I at once told the proprietor, 

 who had been more astounded than myself, that the fish 

 had run out of the pond into the brook ; and there, sure 

 enough, we shortly discovered them lying in the deep 

 pools in shoals. 



If they cannot retire to cool, fresh, aerated water, they 

 will perish, as happened one dry, warm season in a pond 

 at Oyster Bay, which, although well filled with trout, 

 had no extensive head-waters. The fish crowded round 

 the flume, hardly disturbed by being touched with a 

 stick, remaining motionless, and evidently suffering. 

 They died and were picked up by scores. 



If sea trout do not ascend the fresh streams, where do 

 they spawn ? From the habits of all the salmon tribe, 

 \ve know they must have a current of pure and cool 

 water to vivify the eggs, and they certainly cannot find 



