THE SACRAMENTO SALMOX. 



211 



parasitic worms are frequently found in the abdominal cavity. Both 

 sexes lose from 30 to -±0 per cent, of their weight.* 



Such is the condition of the salmon at the time of death. It is 

 not the spawning itself that produces this effect, but the continuation 

 of the spawning efforts after all ova have been extruded and fertilized. 

 Usually there is considerable vitality in both sexes at the time of the 

 complete extrusion and fertilization of the ova, and they have enough 

 energy left, in many cases, to carry them back to the ocean. But they 

 exhibit no inclination to go. Instead, they continue on the spawning 

 beds, persevering in their efforts to spawn and fertilize more eggs. 

 When one fish of a pair dies, the other seeks or is sought by a new mate. 

 Probably the female never notices the death of the male, as there are 

 nearly always several males fighting around each 'nest.' If there 

 happens to be no salmon in the vicinity when one of a pair dies, the 



The Tail of a Spawned-out Female. 



survivor continues his or her efforts alone, futile though they are. 



This extreme devotion to a purpose is almost without parallel. 

 There is no instinct whatever to return to salt water. It is even 

 doubtful whether they would revive if taken back. The dog salmon and 

 bump-back salmon spawn in small streams that empty directly into 

 the ocean, and they are found dying and dead in brackish water. The 

 fact that all salmon, of the genus Oncorhynchus, die immediately after 

 spawning once cannot be questioned. 



* The description here given of the spawning salmon should not prejudice- 

 any one against the fish as found in the markets, either fresh or canned. Such 

 are taken either in salt water or within a few days after leaving it, and are 

 in prime condition. Indeed, they must necessarily be, in order to make the 

 long journey up the river and live several months without food. Chemical 

 analyses have shown that the Sacramento salmon is the most nutritious of 

 fishes. 



