84 



GRAYLING SALMON. 



cast : the dorsal fin, which is deeper and t)roader 

 than in the rest of the genus, is of a pale violet- 

 colour, crossed by several dusky bars : the adipose 

 fin is very small^ and the tail forked. The largest 

 English Grayling recorded by Mr. Pennant was 

 taken at Ludlow, and measured above half a yard 

 in length ; its weight being four pounds eight 

 ounces : the general size of the British specimens 

 being far short of this measure. 



The Grayling, says Mr. Pennant, is a voracious 

 fish, rising freely to the fly, and will very eagerly 

 take a bait : it is a very swift swimmer, disappear- 

 ing like the transient passage of a shadow, from 

 whence perhaps is derived its ancient name of 

 Umbra. It is said to be a fish of very quick 

 growth, feeding on water insects, the smaller kind 

 of testacea, and the roe of other fishes, as well as 

 on the smaller fishes themselves : its stomach is so 

 strong as to feel almost cartilaginous. It spawns in 

 April and May, the full-grown ova being nearly of 

 the size of peas. The Grayling is much esteemed for 

 the delicacy of its flesh, which is white, firm, and of 

 a fme flavour, and is considered as in the highest 

 season in the depth of winter. 



