CHAPTER V 
THE SALMON FAMILY 
Tue members of the salmon family are elegant in shape, 
and they all possess a distinguishing feature by which 
they can be recognised. This feature is a modification 
of the second fin on the back, which has been so altered 
that it merely consists of a fold of skin containing fat, 
and is known as the adipose or fatty fin. On the plate 
facing p. 46 some members of the salmon family are 
shown, namely, the smelt, the rainbow trout and the 
brown trout, and this adipose fin is clearly seen in 
each case. 
In a group of fishes so large as the one under con- 
sideration, many species are naturally described. 
First and foremost are the salmons themselves, 
which include the salmon (Salmo salar) and the various 
trouts. Then there are the brilliantly coloured chars, 
found mainly in Switzerland, Ireland and Lake Winder- 
mere. The smelt isa member of the salmon family; and 
further, a small smelt found on the coast and in the 
rivers of New Zealand is the only salmon inhabiting 
waters out of the northern hemispheres, except for those 
which have been recently imported by man. 
The graylings, which give excellent sport, are well 
known in this country and in Canada; and last, but not 
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