FOREST, LAKE, AND RIVER 



Lake St. John is in question, the Indians stating 

 that the Saguenay River retains its original character, 

 and the geological formation proving it as well. It 

 must be accepted as a fact, therefore, that these 

 fish remain in fresh water from choice, not neces- 

 sity. That they are to some extent anadromous, 

 is readily proven from the fact that they have been 

 taken in the salt water of the Saguenay River near 

 its confluence with the St. Lawrence. 



A close comparison of the ouananiche with the 

 salmon of the sea shows but minor differences 

 other than a slight variation in body colorings, tex- 

 ture of the flesh, and rotundity. The ouananiche 

 is rarely as plump and fat as is a fresh run salmon. 

 True, the various fins and tail are larger, but general 

 color, spots, markings, jaw, and flakiness of the 

 flesh, as well as habits and fighting qualities, are in 

 most respects alike. The flesh does not possess 

 the layers of fat and oil held by a fresh run sal- 

 mon, hence it is preferred by many for the table. 

 A distinct variation in food would explain that. 

 While the salmon will average from fifteen to 

 thirty-five pounds in weight, and is frequently 

 taken heavier, the ouananiche will average from 

 two and one-half to five pounds, with eight or 

 eight and one-half pounds extreme. They have, 

 therefore, degenerated in size only. Why they 



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