806 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OP FISH AND FISHERIES. 



gression to that point is about 100 miles a month. Dr. Suckley, in the 

 Pacific Eailroad Reports, estimates that the Salnio scoulen ascends the 

 river at the rate of 100 miles a week. This variety, however, is a fall 

 salmon and in great haste to deposit its spawn, which undoubtedly ac- 

 counts for the difference of speed in the two instances. The spring (or 

 summer) salmon are a week going from the Cascades to the Dalles. 

 They are only a day or two getting through the Dalles, for they are seen 

 above the Dalles a day or two after their first appearance at the mouth 

 of the Dalles. 



Question. If anadromous,what is the length of their stay in fresh water, 

 and when do they return to the sea? 



Answer. This question cannot be determined uutil it is known whether 

 the fall runs of salmon are distinct from the Salmo quinnat. All of this 

 latter variety return to the sea (or die) in August and September, as 

 none are found in the river after that time having the characteristics of 

 the spring run of the Salmo quinnat. It may be added here that vast 

 shoals of the young of some salmon descend the Columbia in summer, 

 passing the lower fisheries in June and July, and also that full-grown 

 salmon of some variety are caught in considerable quantities, nearly ex- 

 hausted, on the back of the drift-nets of the Lower Columbia in July and 

 August. 



Question. Do the different sexes or ages vary in this respect ? 



Answer. They do not. 



Question. Do these fish come on to the breeding grounds before they 

 are mature; or do you find the one or two year old fish with the oldest? 



Answer. Fish of all sizes and ages above a year old are found together, 

 on the breeding-grounds, except the salmon parrs recently hatched. 



Question. What are the favorite localities of these fish ? Say whether 

 in still water or currents ; shallow or deej) water ; on the sand ; in grass; 

 about rocks, &c. 



Answer. These salmon are found anywhere in the river in deep water, 

 in shallow water, over sand, gravel, and rocks ; everywhere except in 

 lagoons or sloughs, aside from the river, where the water stagnates. 



Question. What depth of water is preferred by these fish ? 



Answer. No depth in particular. 



Question. What the favorite temperature and general character of 

 water I 



Answer. The temoeratures of the Lower Columbia are given below. 



