328 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [6J 



From the Helga I crossed the Eeykiakvisl aud traveled across tbe 

 moor to Bruarfos, whence I followed the course of the Lax^ along its 

 left bauk as far as Tvera, every now and then i)aying visits to the river 

 till near midnight. The numerous warm springs contributed their share 

 to give to the river the appearance of steaming, although along this 

 entire course it is broad and flows slowly. 



The following day (July 2G) I examined a portion of the Lax4 above 

 Tverti. The river here is generally low, and there are several islands 

 covered with shrubs. A few trout, weighing 3 or 4 pounds, are caught 

 along the river; and in the deeper places mountain-trout are taken. 

 There was a great abundance of slimy algae, conferva, &c. In winter 

 the river is filled with ice, and the water during that season is very 

 high, coming clear up to the edge of the lava bank, filling every fissure 

 and crevice. When the water falls again a number of fish are found 

 in the space between the water and the edge. As there is considerable 

 fall along the entire distance, and as consequently the bottom contains 

 but little sand and gravel, it does not seem probable that the salmon 

 will find many suitable spawning places, which, moreover, would be 

 exposed to many dangers on account of the ice and the rising of the 

 water. 



It is also probable that the temperature of the water in winter, even 

 if ice forms here and there, will be so high that hatching will occur 

 sooner than it should. At the same time it should not be forgotten 

 that the high temperature of the water, while accelerating the hatching- 

 process, will also promote the development of the numerous small ani- 

 mals which form the food of the young fish. To judge from the various 

 specimens of larves, small crustaceans, and snails, the lower grades of 

 animal life are well represented, although of course the variety is not 

 so great as in streams flowing through fertile meadows. The land 

 through which the Iceland streams flow is generally sterile, aud this 

 circumstance is sufficient to explain the fact that there is no great 

 variety of species, and that the number of individuals is limited. Ice- 

 land forms no exception to the old rule : that it is not enough if there 

 is a sufficient quantity of water ; the water must contain enough ani- 

 mal and vegetable life, without which fish cannot exist. 



The Myvatn Lake has, from time immemorial, had the reputation of 

 being Iceland's principal trout-lake, and the farmers living on its shores 

 have always been known as expert fishermen. I cannot say that Lake 

 Myvatn, as regards fish and fisheries, came up to my expectations. I 

 remained on its shores five days (from July 27 to August 1), and de- 

 voted all my time to an examination of the natural conditions of this 

 lake. As to its natural character, it may be divided iii two parts, which 

 may be termed the southern and the northern, although it should be 

 stated that as regards the fisheries the eastern portion is the most im- 

 portant. The varying depth of water seems to determine the fish-life 

 in this lake. Tbe northern, and to some extent also the western, partis 



