BROOK TROUT 



the food-bag, or more properly the umbilical sac, 

 which is attached to their bellies, sustaining life for 

 thirty to forty days. It is estimated that not more than 

 five per cent, of the young trout hatched in native 

 waters escape from their enemies and attain maturity; 

 by fish-culture methods, to which we are indebted for 

 the perpetuation of the trout, a percentage of eighty to 

 ninety per cent, is ordinarily reached. 



In studying the trout physiologically, we find that its 

 senses are not more acutely developed than those of the 

 other so-called game fishes, in fact, not as much so as 

 those of the small-mouthed black bass, a fish as quickly 

 alarmed or as " skittish " as the trout, but with more 

 varied and intelligent resources for escape from the 

 hook. There is no question, however, as to the high 

 development of the senses of sight, taste, and hearing in 

 the trout. He is always on the alert for food or ene- 

 mies, with his head up-stream, poising in silence and 

 beauty of form, and, at times, as motionless, seemingly 

 ossified, as a brook-pickerel, which 6f all fishes is the 

 most statuesque in repose, and one of the swiftest in 

 action. Every angler is aware of the danger of having 

 the shadow of his body, his uplifted rod, or that of his 

 line thrown across a quiet pool; instant alarm and 

 speeding to his home lair, like a thread of fire, is the 

 result. We have seen a trout shy and dart downward 

 at the shadow of a butterfly fluttering over the water, 

 and a low-skimming swallow will send this brook 

 beauty of ours frantically up and down, or crosswise 



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