THE FISHERIES. 89 



have arrived at is, that if success, with marked and 

 ample results, is to be attained at all, in propagating 

 bj artificial means, the migratory fishes, it will be 

 by seeking, in some degree, to extend our control 

 over them in the sea. This, to a certain hmited 

 extent, might, we conceive be done, by retaining 

 them even for a short period in salt-water lakes, 

 or in enclosures of sea-water, formed in the shal- 

 lows of sandy bays. In such shallows we see other 

 minute fishes, of various species, developing them- 

 selves in endless multitudes, and securely awaiting, 

 in those safe retreats, a more advanced stage of their 

 existence. 



Though the growth of the salmon-fry is so slow 

 and gradual in the river, its growth in the sea is as 

 remarkably rapid. A fry of two ounces' weight, 

 when it reaches the sea, becomes, in eight or ten 

 weeks, a grilse, or young salmon, of five or six 

 pounds. We conceive, then, that if means can be 

 devised to retain the young brood in salt-water en- 

 closures, for a portion of this period, even for a fort- 

 night, or for a week, a position would be arrived at, 

 a locus standi would be obtained, from which ex- 

 treme results, might, with some confidence, be cal- 

 culated. 



We shall — but merely for example — suppose a 

 locality, or localities. We take, for instance, in the 

 vicinity of Dubhn Bay, that portion of strand co- 

 vered with sea-water, which is enclosed by the hne 

 of the Dubhn and Droo-heda Railroad, and into 



