222 SALMONIA. 



from the same original type : it is only neces- 

 sary to compare them, when hatched toge- 

 ther under a hen, to be convinced of the 

 principle of the hereditary transmission of 

 habits, — the wild young ones instantly fly 

 from man, the tame ones are indifferent to 

 his presence. 



Poiet. — No one can be less disposed than 

 I am to limit the powers of living nature, or 

 to doubt the capabilities of organized struc- 

 tures; but it does appear to me quite a 

 dream, to suppose that a fish, pricked by 

 the hook of the artificial fly, should transmit 

 a dread of it to its offspring, though he 

 does not even long retain the memory of it 

 himself. 



Hal. — There are instances quite as ex- 

 traordinary — but I will not dwell upon them, 

 as I am not quite sure of the fact which we 

 are discussing; I have made a guess only, 

 and we must observe more minutely to esta- 

 blish it ; it may be even as you suppose — a 

 mere dream. 



Poiet. — I shall go and look at the fall : 

 I am really satiated with sport; this is the 



