72 MARVELS OF FISH LIFE 



swimming round them. This in itself indicates that the 

 fish feels strange, for such abstinence must be quite 

 contrary to the usual habits of a fish that is seldom 

 caught in the sea without being found to contain 

 numerous herrings, haddocks and other pelagic fish. 



In this disinclination to feed I think we have the 

 explanation, firstly, why salmon do not take natural 

 food in fresh water, and, secondly, why they will seize 

 a fly or other lure. 



Judging from their feeding habits in the sea, the 

 natural food of salmon in fresh water should be young 

 trout and parr. But trout and parr, assisted by the 

 concealing methods already referred to, are incon- 

 spicuous in the water. Now, the salmon, on account of 

 his disinclination to feed, is not on the look-out for food, 

 and his attention is consequently not arrested by these 

 inconspicuous fish, and he leaves them alone. But when 

 a fly, which is conspicuous, is presented to him, he 

 notices the gaudy production, and his attention once 

 arrested, force of habit overcomes his disinclination to 

 feed, and the salmon makes a dash for the fly. 



The pink-coloured prawn, which kills so well in clear 

 water, acts in a similar manner. 



I have heard it stated, that the fact that the salmon 

 will take a worm is a proof that they feed in fresh water, 

 but we must remember in what form the worm is offered 

 to him. The poacher ties several together in a bunch, 

 or threads them on a large hook. The salmon cannot 

 fail to notice the wriggling of the unwholesome mass, 



