152 
MALACOPTERYGII. 
the Basin some years previous to 1842.) Sells at from five to eight pence 
per pound. 
The largest specimen of which I have a note was taken at Wexford in 
1849, and obtained by Dr. Ball. It weighed 17^ lbs. 
From a basketful of salmon trout taken at Donaghadee and brought 
to Belfast market, on 28th March, 1835, I selected the smallest, which 
weighed \\ lb. (and cost 8 d. per lb.), for examination. 
Its length is 15^ inches; breadth 3^ inches; B. 10 at one side, 11 
rays at the other; D. 1 1 10 (the last double from base) ; P. 13; V. Ij9; 
A. 9 (the last double from base) ; C. 19. 
Colour. Head marked irregularly with blue and green ; back faintly 
marked with the same colours ; above and a short way beneath the lateral 
line are irregular black markings, which can hardly be called spots 
(some of these are similar to the markings on Donovan’s Sewen (pi. 91), 
but are more irregular ; it has about as many spots above lateral line, as 
this fig., but they are more irregularly disposed; it has not so many below 
lateral line as this figure, it differs from it in form) ; from a little above the 
lateral line, and thence to the belly, the scales are of the most brilliant 
silver ; on the upper portion they have that fine azurine tint which those 
of the Pollan of L. Neagh exhibits ; under parts of the purest white. 
D. fins very pale dusky green ; C. the same ; A. transparent white. Y. same, 
except at inner base, where they are tinged with iridescent green and 
blue, and above that with purplish red, which colours also prevail at 
inner base of pectoral fins; these fins are uniform, transparent white on 
under side, the upper side being partially dotted with black. 
Irides, silvery, with tinge of yellow, pupil black. 
Tail, slightly forked. 
Upper jaw, longer than under. 
Head, delicately formed, and sloping equally on upper and under side. 
In colour it approaches Donovan’s Sewen (pi. 91) more nearly than 
any other figure I have seen ; but in form, especially of the head, it totally 
differs from it. 
The only Lough Neagh Salmo to which this specimen bears any re- 
semblance is the sea trout, so called there; but the Lough Neagh speci- 
mens of this trout that I procured in September had no approximation to 
this Donaghadee fish, in regard to brilliancy of colour or deciduousness 
of scales. Is this a seasonal difference ? 
On showing this fish to Thomas Sinclaire, Esq., he recognised it as un- 
questionably the species of sea trout Avhich he used to catch in the 
Lagan, from August to December, but chiefly after the November floods. 
For many years he has not heard of it being taken in the Lagan. He 
has seen his father take it in Glenarm river in July. 
The Common Trout, Salmo Fario, Linn., 
Is common throughout the lakes and rivers of Ireland. 
July 19 th, 1838. — Stomachs of two taken in the Lagan, examined and 
found to be filled completely, chiefly with insect larvae of many kinds, 
some flies and Gammarus aquaticus. 
A friend informs me that he has known a small river in the North of 
Ireland fished by poachers for the extent of three miles, by means of a net 
formed of a couple of blankets fastened together. 
A few weeks ago there were a dozen trout caught at Wolf hill, by some 
lime being put where they were ; instantly, on their coming to the top of 
the water, they were captured and put into a tub of pure water, and con- 
