172 proceedings: anthropological society 



also found to be widespread. The fish was generally considered as a 

 being of good omen, benevolent and beneficient toward man, and by 

 reason of its own great fertility it was a symbol of increase and abun- 

 dance. Various regions had their favorite species of fish which were 

 endowed with supernatural qualities. Thus among the classical na- 

 tions the dolphin was termed the "saviour fish" (piscis salvator). 

 In the Far East (China and Japan) the carp was the fish of good omen, 

 while among the ancient Irish the salmon was the "fish of wisdom," 

 the mere sight of which brought healing. 



Dr. Swanton introduced the discussion of the paper by calling at- 

 tention to the fact that migrations of Indians were influenced largely 

 by the food supply. Thus many tribes of Indians followed the rivers 

 and streams because of the presence of fish. Dr. Michelson men- 

 tioned the legend of a miraculous fish among the Delaware Indians, 

 and also noted a similarity between the ancient beliefs concerning the 

 fish and those held by the North American Indians. Mr. E. T. Wil- 

 liams spoke on the use of the fish in Japan and China, the latter country 

 considering it martial in character because of its fearlessness in pro- 

 ceeding against the current of a stream, and also because of its scales, 

 which suggest a coat of mail. 



Frances Densmore, Secretary. 



