THE HABITS OF THE SALMON. 47 



conditions be favourable ; but even when they are 

 caught above those stations, the marketable price does 

 not compensate the casual netsmen for their labours. 

 Were it asked, "Why is it that we are so con- 

 cerned with the pace at which salmon travel?" the 

 answer would be, that it is necessary we should 

 have accurate information on this point, in order 

 that we may legislate accordingly, so as to give them 

 plenty of time to pass the highest netting station 

 during the weekly close time. Where nets are 

 not worked above the tideway, the present weekly 

 close time requires no alteration ; but where netting 

 is carried on in fresh water, it is almost impossible, 

 except now and then in summer, for the fish to 

 reach the upper waters. The upper proprietors who 

 breed the fish, have much to complain of, for they 

 catch only a certain number of worthless salmon when 

 the nets are taken off, their chances being generally 

 deferred to the end of the season. It is obvious 

 that these proprietors should have a chance of 

 getting a fair share of fish in good condition, 



