219 
WHITXiING. 
Salmo albus, 
ft (( 
BLUE POLL. 
HEELING. PHINOCK. BLUE COCKS? 
Fleming; Br. Animals, p. 180. 
Jaedine; Edinburgli New Phil. Journal, 1835. 
Much difference of opinion has existed as regards this fish, 
as of so many others of this tribe; for while some eminent 
writers have viewed it as only an early or intermediate stage of 
some other species of this family, and of the Salmon in particular, 
other observers of no less authority have expressed their belief 
that however the name may be applied there is a distinct species 
to which it should pre-eminently belong. The mistakes which 
have been caused by these contradictions have sometimes led to 
the error of applying the habits of some of these fishes to the 
natural history of others, and a further result not unfreq^uently 
has been, that unjust and oppressive legislation has been brought 
into action. Tlris has especially been the case as regards the 
fish now under consideration, as well as also that which we have 
already described under the name of Peal; but although in the 
earlier stages of their existence these fishes are not readily 
distinguished from others of the Salmon tribe, nor any of the 
migratory species from each other, yet when they have reached 
maturity there are characters to be discerned by which with 
little difficulty they may be definitely known; and measured by 
these we have no hesitation in expressing the persuasion that 
the Blue Poll, or Phinock, is distinct from every other. 
Willoughby has remarked, page 192, that sometimes under 
the influence of a strong north-east wind there comes from the 
north to our rivers an unrecognised kind of Salmon, called by 
fishermen the Blue Cap, from a broad patch of blue on its 
head; and he further says that the sight of a single one of 
