Chap. I. r^^ A PPAR ATUS. 129 



This would indeed be the mod methodical IVay^ 

 were I to write as a Philofopher \ but as an 

 Angler^ I think it more natural to begin with 

 thole Fifh which are in the higheft Efteem^ 

 either for Sport or the ^ahle ; leaving the o- 

 ther Biftin^ion to be made by the Engraver^ 

 in the Plate here inferted. 



The Salmon has the Honour of being called 

 the King of frefh Water Fifh, and is ever bred 

 in Rivers that communicate immediately with 

 the Sea ; yet fo far from it as beyond all Tinc- 

 ture of Salt or Brackifhnefs. He cads his Spawn 

 in mod Rivers in the Month o^ Augiift^ or the 

 'Bt^mumg o^ September. Some affirm, that 

 they then dig a Hole or Grave in a fate Place 

 in the Gravel, and there place their Eggs or 

 Spawn, after the Melter has done his natural 

 Office, and then hide it with the utmod Cau- 

 tion, and cover it over vvith Gravel and Stones* 

 In this Manner they leave it to the Sun's ge- 

 nial Protedtion, who by a gentle Heat, which 

 he infufes into that cold Element, impregnates 

 it with Life, and produces Samlets early in 

 the following Spring. 



The Salmons having daid their appointed 

 Time, and done this natural Duty in the freili 

 Waters, hade to the Sea before Winter, both 

 the Meltersand the Spawners : But if they are 

 dopped by Floodgates or Weirs, or lod in the 

 fredi Waters, thofe fo left behind by Degrees 

 grow fick, lean, unfeafonable, and kipper. 

 The Meaning of this Word is, that they have 

 a honey Gridle grow out of their lower Chaps, 

 G 5 reiem- 



