39 



CHAPTER IX. 



HABITS OF TROUT. 



A KNOWLEDGE of the habits of trout is very essential, 

 and this knowledge can only be acquired by careful 

 observation. The largest fish are generally to be 

 found where they can obtain the best supply of food 

 such points as just below sharp bends of the stream, 

 behind large stones or other obstructions, at the 

 head or tail of deep pools, and on the margin of 

 swift currents, or under overhanging banks; and, if 

 you take a good fish at any particular spot, you will 

 probably find, a day or two afterwards, that the next 

 best fish in that locality has taken the place of the 

 one you captured. It has often occurred to me that 

 there are several reasons why brook trout do not 

 thrive in the lower part of rivers communicating 

 with the sea. One thing is, to my mind, very cer- 

 tain they do not feel at home in salt, or even 

 brackish, water, and do not seek it of their own 

 accord. Having lived many years within sight of a 

 point where a fresh water stream flows into salt 

 water, I have had perhaps exceptional opportunities 

 of observing them, and forming an opinion on the sub- 

 ject ; and, although I have lately seen an apparently 

 well-supported contrary opinion strongly expressed, 

 I am not yet convinced, thinking that probably 

 some error may have crept in as to the kind of fish, 



