274 OTHER FISH AND GAME 



been very abundant, but it is likely that it only spawns in Decem- 

 ber or January. It is found in October and November, however, 

 upon the spawning-beds of the brook-trout or in their immediate 

 vicinity, and hence perhaps the report that it frequents them to de- 

 vour the spawn. Whether the tongue of slander has been raised 

 against it in this respect, or whether there be truth in the grave 

 charges so brought against this handsome fish, the question of its 

 spawn-eating qualities ought to be definitely settled before it is in- 

 troduced into waters already inhabited by fontinalis. There is 

 at least this in its favor, that it is found at Rimouski in lakes 

 that contain vast quantities of brook-trout, so that it is altogether 

 likely that it is the victim of misrepresentation." 



Unfortunately, it is impossible at present writing to 

 declare positively that these Rimouski fish are quite 

 identical with the Marston variety, as I had assumed 

 that they were from an external examination of the 

 specimens sent me. Professor Garman, to whom I for- 

 warded thenij while admitting the close relationship, 

 found some distinctions, the value of which, for want 

 of specimens of both sexes, he is so far unable to ap- 

 preciate. These differences may prove to be unim- 

 portant, or they may lead the Eimouski fish to be re- 

 garded as a new variety. "Whether they be Marstonii 

 or otherwise, it is positive that Mr. Marston's name- 

 sake is an occupant of Lac des lies, and probably also 

 of other waters in the Canadian environment of the 

 ouananiche. So far, I have not heard of it being taken 

 with the fly in Northern waters, as in Lac a Cassette, 

 but this may be owing to the fact that it has not been 

 tempted with surface lures at the proper season. 

 Much has yet to be learned of the denizens of the 

 waters in the Lake St. John region, and it will not 

 surprise thoughtful men to learn at any time of the dis- 



