SPA IVMNG SALMON, ^^c. 83 



is more fattening in some rivers than in others. 

 Trout, for instance, are larger and in better trim in 

 rivers rLinnin<j throuo-h chalk and limestone than in 

 those whose beds are of a different geological 

 formation. In some rivers they never weigh more 

 than half a pound, but if they are taken thence and 

 put into a stew and fed, they grow quickly, and 

 attain a remarkable size. In the sea, as on land, it 

 is natural to suppose that there are plenty of poor 

 as well as rich feeding-grounds. Salmon thrive and 

 grow fat in rich sea pastures, just as cattle thrive 

 and grow fat on rich land. Poorly-fed salmon never 

 appear shapely and strong, and although the quality 

 of their flesh is not so much affected, the fish rarely 

 attain better proportions than a badly mended kelt. 

 Though we may fairly assume that salmon of each 

 river have their own particular feeding-grounds in 

 the sea, yet it is not possible to verify this supposi- 

 tion, as their ocean haunts have never been actually 

 discovered. Soon after the spent fish reach the 

 sea, they are, in every sense of the word, too deep 



G 2 



