232 



MALACOPTERYGII. — SALM0NIDJ5. 



are permanent residents in fresh waters. The 

 flesh of all is unrivalled among fishes for excel- 

 lence and flavour, and is in the best condition just 

 before spawning ; after that operation has been 

 performed, it is poor, watery, and insipid. The 

 migratory species display indomitable energy and 

 perseverance in overcoming the various barriers 

 that oppose their ascent, leaping over rocks and up 

 cascades of astonishing height. It has been as- 

 certained that individual fishes return year after 

 year to their native stream, almost invariably. 

 The noblest species is our well-known Salmon, 



{Salmo salar, Linn.), of which magnificent speci- 

 mens crowd every fishmonger's table throughout 

 the summer season. It attains a great size and 



