CHAPTER XXIII. 169 



creek; it is also found In the streams about Owen's lalte, and he who 

 observes it in its haunts must climb to lofty heights and enter some 

 of the most inaccessible regions of the b.erra Nevada range. So brill- 

 iant and scintallating is this little creature that to seems to have im- 

 bibed the nectar of yellow gold that has filtered down through the rocks 

 of ages. Its upper surface is a delicate olive; the sides blaze with golden 

 lights and hues, while the loteral line is vivid scarlet. The belly has a 

 broad scarlet band, the lower jaw is bright orange, and orange splashes 

 or spots are upon other portions, making it the very harlequin of the 

 tribe an example of what altitude, the high Sierras, and peculiarity of 

 environment will accomplish, as this living flash of gold is undoubtedly 

 a wanderer from the Kern river, and a variety of the trout of that 

 stream previously described. 



In Lake Tahoe is found the large trout known as the Tahoe trout, 

 silver trout, or Truckee trout — Salmo mykiss Henshawi; a radiant 

 creature usually caught at eight or ten pounds, but ranging up to twen- 

 ty-nine pounds, possibly more. The largest specimen ever seen, which 

 weighed twenty-nine younds, was presented to General Grant. The 

 Tahoe fishermen recognize two forms in its deep waters — the "pogy" 

 and "snipe," the latter the young, but the fishes are identical. They 

 spawn in the lake and affect the clear deep water of this attractive body 

 of water. The Tahoe trout is colored a dark green above, silvery 

 upon the sides; but in the salty waters of Pyramid lake it becomes a 

 lighter green, the sides having a flush of coppery red. On the lower 

 jaw there are spleshes of red, while the head bears pronouncd black 

 spots — an adornment which makes it a striking and resplendent crea- 

 ture. The specimens I have taken were from the artificial lakes about 

 San Francisco and were a disappointment, but I understand that the 

 fish in its native streams and in the big lake at Bear Valley, and its 

 tributaries, where it has been introduced, displays game qualities which 

 .give it high rank among sportsmen and anglers.* 



In the limited space of a chapter but a mere mention or enumeration 

 can be made of the principal animals wnich inhabit the Reserves. There 

 are many more which while not strictly game, render the great ranges 

 of California and its forests one of the most fascinating resorts for the 

 naturalists, layman or sportsman. 



♦Besides these native forms, the Reserves and lakes have been 

 enriched by the introduction of several kinds of trout, among which 

 are the Scotch trout, German brown trout. Eastern brook trout, and the 

 Mackinaw trout. 



