THE TROUT. 



73 



to a much greater age, an instance being known in England 

 where a trout remained in a well upwards of sixty years, be- 

 ing visited by the neighboring country as a remarkable curi- 

 osity. Another one, for 28 years was an inhabitant of a well 

 at Dumbarton Castle, Scotland. It had never increased in 

 size from the time it was placed there, when it weighed 

 about a pound, and became so tame that it would receive its 

 food from the hands of the soldiers. 



When in prime condition the trout is short and thick, 

 having a small head and broad tail ; the spots on the sides are 

 red tinged with purple, and the belly of a beautiful bright 

 silver color. 



This fish, from its extreme beauty, delicacy of flavor and 

 extraordinary activity as a game fish, has attracted the atten- 

 tion of all classes of people, from the boy with a pin-hook, to 

 those that have swayed the destiny of empire. The divine, 

 the philosopher, the poet, the artist, and the statesman, from 

 the earliest dates, have enjoyed many days of recreation in 

 his pursuit, sang songs to his praise, or written pages of in- 

 struction of their own experience in taking him from his na- 

 tive element. Under such circumstances, it would be super 

 fluous, at this late day, to attempt to give any new instruc- 

 tions to the young Angler, or the seeker after piscatorial in- 

 formation. And as the opinions and practice of well known 

 advisers will no doubt be preferred, they are here given, 

 with such comments as may be found necessary. 



There are three different methods pursued in the capture 

 of the trout : angling at the top, with a natural or artificial 

 fly, grasshopper, or other small insect ; at the middle, with a 

 minnow, shrimp, or similar small fish ; and at the bottom, 

 with a worm, or different kinds .of pastes. 



Of Fly Fishing. Of all the various modes adopted and 

 contrived by the ingenuity of man for pulling out the " cun- 



