104 SALMONIA. [fourth bAY. 



exertion, and I should suppose expenditure of oily 

 matter. 



HAL. — There can be no doubt but the fish would 

 be in a more perfect state for the table from the nets ; 

 vet a fish in high season does not lose so much fat 

 during the short time he is on the hook, as to make 

 much difference ; and I am not sure, that the action 

 of crimping after does not give a better sort of 

 crispness to the fibre. This, however, may be fancy ; 

 we will discuss the matter again at table. See ! our 

 companion on the lake, the eagle, is coming down 

 the river, and has pounced upon a fish in the pool 

 near the sea. 



PHYS — I fear he will interfere with our sport : let 

 us request Ornither to shoot him. I wish to see him 

 nearer, and to preserve him as a specimen for the 

 Zoological Society. 



HAL. — O ! no. He will not spoil our sport ; and 

 I think it would be a pity to deprive this spot of one 

 of its poetical ornaments. Besides, the pool where he 

 is now fishing contains scarcely any thing but trout ; 

 it is too shallow for salmon, who run into the cruives. 



POIET. — I am of your opinion, and shall use my 

 eloquence to prevent Ornither from attempting the 

 life of so beautiful a bird ; so majestic in its form, so 

 well suited to the scenery, and so picturesque in all 

 its habits. 



