THE FEEDING OF SALMON 121 



But in order to increase the scientific value of the 

 demonstration a thorough microscopic investigation 

 into the physiological conditions of the muscles 

 and their contained fats was undertaken by Mr. 

 Mahalanobis. In the highly charged condition of 

 the estuary fish the fat cells were found not only 

 between the muscle fibres, but within the fibres 

 themselves. In the upper water fish the gradual 

 disappearance of the fat was most clearly established, 

 thus supporting in every way the deductions drawn 

 from the wider chemical study. 



From these investigations it appears, therefore, 

 that the feeding which the salmon does in the sea is 

 much more than enough to enable the fish to grow 

 and develop in the manner usual with animals of a 

 steady feeding habit. The feeding is so excessive 

 that the health and energy of the fish is more than 

 supplied, and as a result the excess of nutriment is 

 stored in the tissues. Reference here has alone been 

 made to the muscular system, but it has to be under- 

 stood that the abdominal organs and their connecting 

 membranes are likewise loaded with fat under ordi- 

 nary conditions. After the cessation of feeding and 

 the entrance of fresh water this source of nourish- 

 ment is drawn upon for the supply of the reproductive 

 organs and for the supply of energy necessary to 

 the fish in ascending rivers and performing the 

 reproductive functions. 



That this supply for energy is ample will be 

 readily understood by the fisherman who has had the 

 keen joy of testing from the end of his rod the sort 

 of fight which a well-nourished salmon can put up. 



