THE GRAYLING, AND BAIT-FISHING FOR. 429 
others of the herring-shaped species, or coregond, and especially 
in the matter of the size of the scales which are large and chub- 
like, whilst the scales of the trout are exceedingly small, and in 
the charrs even minute. The basis of the colouring in the 
scales of the grayling is rather silver than gold, and when in the 
height of condition—that is, in October or November—and just 
taken from the water, he is certainly one of the most beautiful 
fish that swims. At this time the back is of a deep purple 
or claret colour, with small dark irregular spots on the sides ; 
the stomach is brilliantly white, with a fringe or lacing of gold ; 
and the tail, pectoral, and ventral fins are of a rich purplish 
tint. The dorsal fin is very large—almost disproportionately 
so—and is covered with scarlet spots and wavy lines upon a 
ground of reddish brown. The little ‘velvety’ back fin near 
the tail is also dark brown or purple, and the whole body is 
shot with violet, copper, and blue reflections when seen in 
different lights. 
Properly to appreciate this colouring, the fish should be 
laid horizontally upon the hand to be looked at, in which 
position its varied tinting is seen to the greatest advantage. 
The specific name, ¢hymallus, or ‘thymy,’ is derived from a 
peculiar smell which is said to be possessed by the grayling, but 
which, I must say, appears to me to resemble rather the odour 
ef cucumber than that of thyme. Its familiar name ‘ grayling,’ 
is probably a modification of ‘ gray-lines,’ having reference to 
the longitudinal dusky-blue bars with which its body is marked. 
The grayling is essentially a local fish, and, as compared 
with the trout, may be even said to be rare, only certain soils 
being apparently suitable to its development—or, perhaps 
favourable to the production of the insect-food on which it in 
a great measure subsists. It thrives best in rivers the bottoms 
of which are composed principally of sandy gravel or loam. 
Rocky or stony bottoms are very inimical to its breeding ; and 
this is probably the reason why, though flourishing in many 
Continental waters, none exist, so far as I am aware, in those 
of Ireland or Scotland. Indeed, even in England, a dozen 
