BROOK TROUT. 
77 
Anatomically, the trout differs from all other charrs in possessing no teeth on the basi- 
* branchials * or bones at the “root of the tongue.” Its chief distinctive characteristics are, 
however, its generally less slender form and particularly its coloration. These, however, have 
not proved infallible, for even by distinguished authorities other species of charrs have been 
mistaken for the Common Trout. A color mark, however, that is constant in freshwater indi- 
viduals of this species is the “worm-shaped” markings or rivulations on the back, which no 
other known species possesses. Among themselves, also, the trout differ greatly in shape and 
color; not only those from different waters but often those of the same body of water or different 
localities in the same lake or stream. The breeding season also changes the coloration and 
often, to some extent, the form. Such differences have on occasions caused the fish to be 
regarded as distinct species and they have been described as such. For instance, Salmo nigres- 
cens of Rafinesque was described from a dark-colored individual and the name Salmo erythro- 
gaster was, by DeKay, applied to a red-bellied breeding male of the present species. 
The ichthyologist is not alone in making such errors, however. Often trout of different 
waters or even of the same waters have been regarded by the inhabitants as distinct species, 
although only local names of their own coining and not Latin expressions were applied. 
In Square Lake, of Aroostook County, Maine, a deep, oval, short and chunky fish, very 
different from the common run of trout of the region, is locally known as Snowshoe Trout, from 
its fancied resemblance in outline to a snowshoe. 
In the Rangeley Lakes region all of the foregoing differences of form obtain among the 
trout as well as differences of color and they have been suspected to be, if not actually regarded 
as, distinct species by those most familiar with them. If the scientist has been deceived by 
these things, who shall blame the layman? 
In Forest and Stream, April, 1883, Mr. J. G. Rich, of Bethel, Maine, a man of many years’ 
acquaintance with the trout of Rangeley Lakes, contributed an article on “The Trout of Range- 
ley Lake.” In this article he seems to be inclined to believe that there are more than one species 
in those waters. The following is extracted from that article: “The vermilion and yellow spots 
are said to be universal on all Salvelinus fontinalis, but other distinctive marks prevail among 
them, especially in Rangeley waters. So that one is often puzzled and half inclined to believe 
there are more than one species of trout in our lakes; indeed the only general distinction is the 
red spots.” And he says the question arises whether or no the location of the feeding ground 
influences the color and shape as scientists state. He was inclined to disbelieve it as he could 
not understand why the same species of fish in the same waters, in the same conditions and 
environment, should present such marked differences in “organization and habits.” He then 
' A few teeth have been found on those bones usually but erroneously called “ hyoid ” in some Labrador and New England 
“trout,” perhaps through mistake supposed to be this species, and they are occasionally absent from individuals of the 
other forms. 
