28 SALMON IN THE TYNE. 



and mixed water, and the steamers simply wash the mud 

 farther down stream, out of the way of the clear water in 

 which trout and salmon breed : steam navigation so far, 

 therefore, is rather an advantage than a hindrance to the 

 work. And as to the gas-works, every particle of residue 

 derived from the distillation of coal is a source of profit : 

 the ammoniacal liquor is sold to make carbonate and mu- 

 riate of ammonia, the sulphate of lime for manure, the tar 

 for various useful outdoor purposes ; and consequently 

 very little refuse passes to the rivers or streams. Again, I 

 will make a comparison of the Thames with the Tyne : no 

 salmon are now caught in the Thames, but though the 

 Tyne has many alkali works on its shores from Newcastle 

 downwards, and alkali is death to every species offish, 

 yet it abounds with salmon. How is it that, with these 

 destructive manufactories on its banks, and in despite of 

 the swarms of steam-boats and tugs ever passing up and 

 down that river, it is still a good fishery ? Why, simply 

 because salmon and all other fish migrating from water to 

 water never stop on their way, but push forward, and that 

 at a fast rate, till their intended journey, for which Nature 

 has prepared them, is completed : for, as I have said, sal- 

 mon being very swift, soon pass through the water which 

 is offensive, and then run for the pure springs fit for 

 spawning. 



As birds of migratory habits, previous to the time of 



