ACADIAN FISH AND FISHING. 21^ 



parts bright yellow; and, lastly, in the case of young 

 fish, with vertical bands of dusky black. The spots 

 arc very bright and distinct when in high condition or 

 spawning ; faint, diffused, and running into dapples 

 when in poor condition. In the f<irmer case all the 

 hues are most vivid, and heightened l)y profuse nacre. 

 In the other the spots are very pale yellowish-white, 

 running on the back into vermicular lines. The iris in 

 all is dark brown. I have seen the rose or red-coloured 

 ones at all times of the year. The young of the first 

 year are greenish horn colour, with br<jwn vertical stripes 

 and bright scarlet fins and tail, already showing the 

 typical marks and spots, and also the vermilion specs. 

 Fin rays D. l.S, P. 113, V. 8, A. 10 ; gill rays 12. Scales 

 very small; the doi*sal has two rudimentary rays, ten or 

 eleven long ones, varying in different fish. Typical 

 marks — axillary plate nearly obsolete, free end of maxil- 

 lary sharp, bars in young, vermilion specs, both young 

 and adult lower fins red with white and black edge." 



To the above description I would add that the imme- 

 rous yellow spots which prevail in every specimen of 

 S. Fontinalis vary from bright golden to pale prinu'ose, 

 that the colour of the specs inclines more to carmine 

 than vermilion, and that in bright, well-conditioned fish, 

 the latter are surrouuded by circlets of pale and purest 

 azure. 



It will thus be seen that the American brook trout is 

 one of the most beautiful of fresh-water fishes. Just taken 

 from his element and laid on the moist moss by the edge 

 of the forest stream, a more captivating form can scarcely 

 be imagined. His sides appear as if studded with gems. 

 The brilliant brown eye and bronzy gill-covers reflect 



