GENERAL FEATURES 67 



tion of a photograph of Mr. Ramsbottom's fish (Fig. 24), but unfortu- 

 nately no scales of the fish were taken for examination. 



As it may be necessary from time to time to refer to points of law 

 in relation to my subject it seems appropriate here to remind the reader, 

 while we are at any rate considering distinctions, that, according to 

 Scottish statutory law, no distinction exists between a salmon and a 

 sea-trout, as the definition given in the Acts of the former expressly 

 includes the latter.^ Hence every statutory prohibition or provision 

 which affects the salmon and its young applies with equal force in 

 Scotland to the sea-trout and its young, a fact which it is very necessary 

 that the angler should know. I understand that the law of England 

 is substantially to the same effect. The law which applies to trout and 

 trout fishing depends upon an entirely different set of statutes and legal 

 principles. 



The life-history of the sea-trout, to which it is time now to turn, will 

 perhaps be brought most clearly into focus for the reader if the 

 description proceeds ab ovo. This will give an opportunity of 

 discussing in proper sequence the various stages of development in 

 the growth of the fish and the various important questions connected 

 with each. 



1. " ' Salmon ' shall mean and include salmon, grilse, sea-trout, bull trout, .smelts, parr, and 

 other migratory fish of the salmon kind." Salmon Fisheries (Scotland) Act, 1862, 2.5 and 26 Vict, 

 c. 97, Sec. II." 



