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ON THE SPECIES OF THE COMMON SALMON, THE 

 SEA-TROUT, AND THE SALMON-PEAL ; AN ENQUIRY 

 WHETHER THEY ARE ONE, OR THREE DISTINCT 

 SPECIES. 



This is a most important and vital branch of the 

 general subject, and the question should be put at 

 rest, because if the sea-trout and the salmon-peal 

 are allowed by the legislature to be taken, under 

 an idea that they constitute a distinct species, 

 while they are in fact the same species, then an 

 immensity of mischief is committed ; but if the 

 three form but one species, then the two latter 

 are unsizeable fish, and are prohibited by law, un- 

 less by the local act before-mentioned, from being 

 taken. There is also a great diversity of opinion 

 among mankind, some strenuously contending 

 that they are three, and others as stoutly main- 

 taining that they are but one species. I confess 

 myself to be of the latter opinion, but I will en- 

 deavour to investigate the question dispassionately, 

 and without prejudice. When the evidence of 

 facts circumstantial and positive shall be placed be- 

 fore the public, they will judge and determine whe- 

 ther these fish are of the same or different species. 

 I will first state the affirmative evidence, that 

 they are the same fish \ and then produce what is 



