208 WILD LIFE OF SCOTLAND 



These spores attach themselves to the salmon ; 

 send processes down into the skin, and out in 

 all directions, until, to the eye, they present a very 

 perceptible patch, which, under the lens, resolves 

 itself into a dense network, or matting. From 

 this mass arise certain upright filaments, which 

 thicken out at the end into a club-like swelling, 

 where spores are produced, and ripened, and shed 

 for the benefit of other kelts. A much larger 

 proportion of males than females are attacked, 

 especially, in the early part of the season. 



No case is known of a new run salmon bringing 

 this disease into the river with him, nor of any 

 marine fish suffering from it. The fungus seems 

 to belong to the fresh water ; and, the obvious cure 

 is to get the kelt into salt water as soon as pos- 

 sible. But, that is much easier said than done. 

 The afflicted fish is too weak, and spiritless to 

 attempt the journey ; even if the frequent low state 

 of the stream were not a sufficient obstacle. At 

 one of the hatcheries, bay salt is used, but a good 

 deal would be needed for a river, not to speak of 

 the objections that might be raised by other fishes. 

 The matter will have to be left in the hands 

 of Nature. Such comparatively narrow, and over- 

 crowded streams as the Tweed, are not unlikely to 



