BROOK TROUT. 
95 
three trout of the respective weights of 111, 9^ and 6 pounds. In answer to an inquiry by Wm. 
C. Harris, publisher of the American Angler, regarding the largest fish, C. T. Richardson stated 
that he saw the trout weighed after nearly one pint of spawn had run out of her and the stated 
weight was absolutely correct. This record is almost entitled to enter the 12-pound class. As 
it is, however, it is the largest fish caught on a hook and line by an angler during the fishing season 
in the Rangeley Lakes. Its length was 27\ inches, depth inches, thickness 4 inches, girth 
20j inches. 
Of trout weighing from 10 pounds, inclusive, up to 11, there were 15, of which two of 10 
and lOi respectively, were taken on the spawning grounds in 1867; one of 10, also a spawner, 
taken in 1873; two of 10 each, also spawners, in 1878; one of 10| and one of lOA taken in Sep- 
tember, 1885, the latter caught by Mr. John Prentice near Brandy Point. Regarding it the 
editor of Forest and Stream stated that it was the third largest. One that weighed lOg pounds 
nine hours after it was caught was taken in June, 1886, by Dr. Charles Haddock, of Beverly, 
Mass. It was said to be a “clean cut perfectly symmetrical fish 28^ inches long and 16i inches 
girth.” This fish was again reported in Forest and Stream of July 27, 1895, with exactly the 
same data, as having been caught that year. In 1888 one of 10| pounds was taken in August, 
and another of IO 2 in May, 1890. One of IO 2 was taken in June, 1897; one of 10 in May, 
1898; one of 10 in May, 1903; one of lOft July 30, 1907, by Capt. S. Z. H. Slocum, U. S. A.; 
and one of 10 in May, 1908. 
Of fish ranging from 9 pounds upward but not including 10 pounds, there are records of 
about 30, of which the largest was 9|, caught in May, 1901. Two others almost as large. On 
each, were caught in September, 1897, and June, 1906, respectively. Nine of Oj pounds each 
are mentioned as having been caught October, 1877, for fish culture; October, 1878, for the 
same purpose; August, 1883; June, 1884; September, 1885; June, 1887; September, 1897; 
May, 1911; and July, 1910. Five of 9| each were taken, respectively, in October, 1873, for 
fish culture; September, 1884; September, 1885; April, 1896; and September, 1897. One 
stated to weigh over 9 pounds was recorded for May, 1890, taken on a fly at Upper Dam. One 
of 9g pounds was taken for fish culture in October, 1878, and one of the same weight caught 
September, 1892. Eleven or more of 9 pounds, each of which was taken at spawning time, 
have been recorded. 
Over sixty weighing 8 pounds and over and less than 9 are authentically recorded, of which 
not more than a dozen were fish-cultural records. 
Trout as a Game Fish. 
By many anglers, the trout has always been regarded as the paragon of game fishes. It is, 
however, due to an ensemble of attributes rather than to any particular quality. In ceitain 
points it is far surpassed by other fishes. The black bass in some w’ays requires more concen- 
