odici s^«es-of game fish varies so greatly in. coloration and 

 the conditions of water and food acting upon the sensitive or- 

 • -'^^ Ul'Spk troiit with effect almost equal to that of light and 

 stBS^Upon thcTrhangeful chameleon. In streams flowing over gravelly 

 boj^tti and sand}' soil, and^'thrmjgh varied meadow-land and forest; or 

 where the foot-hills of the mountains give dash and sparkle to the rivulets 

 running down their slopes, the colors of the brook trout are brightest and 

 the form of the fish most beautiful. In sluggish waters, dark and 

 somber, shaded by heavy woodlands, the trout seem to belong to a differ- 

 ent variety, hence the confusion existing in local names and nomenclature. 

 An interesting and instructive exhibit might be made of genuine brook 

 trout, taken from twenty widely separated localities, entirely unlike in 

 character, and affording a family of fish apparently- representing a score 

 of species. 



The majority of anglers are familiar, through personal experience or 

 published description, with the carmine-dotted appearance of the brook 

 trout. A volume would scarcely be sufficient to reveal the variety of 

 colorings, characteristics and modes of capture. As well attempt to de- 

 scribe the shifting scenes of a kaleidoscope, or give a pen-picture of the 

 varying tints and texture of the rainbow. The best method of studying 

 the sprightly salmon of the fountain is not through merely reading the 

 printed line, but consists rather in casting the silken line ' with neatness 

 and despatch,' directly to his home. If the invitation is delicately sent 

 and properly delivered the response will be prompt, and after overcom- 

 ing the natural diffidence and reluctance of your new acquaintance, you 

 may have the supreme satisfaction of placing him at your right hand — 

 the position of honor — -at your dining table. 



The character of brook-trout fishing is as variable and fascinating as 

 the coloration and habits of the fish. Fly-fishing is of course the highest 

 and most enjoyable form of the art, though bait-fishing is by no means a 

 tame or dull recreation. In fishing with the fly there is perhaps more of 

 the picturesque, the artistic and scientific, but in bait-fishing a greater 

 amount of energy, pitience and perseverance may often be required. 

 One well-known authority, Thomas Tod Stoddart, even declares that 

 " worm-fishing for trout, when the waters are clear and low, the 

 skies bright and warm, requires essentially more address and experience, 

 as well as better knowledge ©f the habits and instincts of the fish, than 

 fly-fishing." Leaving this debatable question aside, there is sufficient 

 sport in either style of fishing to satisfy any except the most critical 

 angler. 



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