170 TROUT WATERS

Having ascertained what is causing
the trout to be sluggish, a remedy may
very often be found, and in nine cases out
of ten the best remedy is to increase the
stock of trout. Once again we may learn
from the agriculturist. Grazing land
which is not sufficiently stocked gets
out of hand, and if overstocked will
not maintain cattle or sheep at a normal
standard of excellence. The same prin-
ciple applies to a trout lake : only, as the
conditions are more difficult to ascertain
and control, a ceaseless watch must be
kept. If the signs are neglected and no
steps taken till very apparent results
indicate the necessity for action in any
direction, the labour will be much greater,
and the time occupied in restoring the
water to its former condition much longer
than if the first signs had been accepted
as a warning.
