THE TROUT. 
73 
to a much greater age, an instance being known in England 
where a trout remained in a well upwards of sixty years, be- 
ing visited by the neighboring country as a remarkable curi- 
osity. Another one, for 28 years was an inhabitant of a well 
at Dumbarton Castle, Scotland. It had never increased in 
size from the time it was placed there, when it weighed 
about a pound, and became bo tame that it would receive its 
food from the hands of the soldiers. 
When in prime condition the trout is short and thick, 
having a small head and broad tail ; the spots on the sides are 
red tinged with purple, and the belly of a beautiful bright 
silver color. 
This fish, from its extreme beauty, delicacy of flavor and 
extraordinary activity as a game fish, has attracted the atten- 
tion of all classes of people, from the boy with a pin-hook, to 
those that have swayed the destiny of empire. The divine, 
the philosopher, the poet, the artist, and the statesman, from 
the earliest dates, have enjoyed many days of recreation in 
his pursuit, sang songs to his praise, or written pages of in- 
struction of their own experience in taking him from his na- 
tive element. Under such circumstances, it would be super- 
fluous, at this late day, to attempt to give any new instruc- 
tions to the young Angler, or the seeker after piscatorial in- 
formation. And as the opinions and practice of well known 
advisers will no doubt be preferred, they are here given, 
with 6uch comments as may be found necessary. 
There are three different methods pursued in the capture 
of the trout : — angling at the top, with a natural or artificial 
fly, grasshopper, or other small insect ; at tho middle, with a 
minnow, shrimp, or similar small fish ; and at the bottom, 
with a worm, or different kinds of pastes. 
Of Fly Fishing. Of all the various modes adopted and 
contrived by the ingenuity of man for pulling out the “ cun- 
