78 SALMONID^. 



that " this is not conclusive evidence of the non-existence of a 

 distinct small fish, to which the name of Parr ought to be 

 exclusively applied ; it rather shows the want of power among 

 general observers to distinguish between the young of closely- 

 allied species, three or four of which are indiscriminately 

 called Parrs/' 



This is certainly true logic. 



The fact that all the young of all the Salmonidee are what 

 have been called Parrs, is no proof that all Parrs are young 

 and immature fish. 



This matter, though, as it now stands, cleared of all the 

 absurd theories concerning cross-breeding between Salmon, Sea 

 Trout, Grayling, and Common Trout, being set aside, is of easy 

 proof. 



It only rests to show the male and female Parrs full of ova, 

 ready for spawning, and the question is settled. 



In connection with this, it is fair to state, that Dr. Heysham, 

 of Carlisle, in England, who is said to have devoted particular 

 attention to this fish, which is there called Brandhng or Samlet, 

 observes that " The old Samlets begin to deposit their spawn in 

 December, and continue spawning the whole of that month, and 

 perhaps some part of January. As this season of the year is not 

 favourable for angling, few or no observations are made during 

 these months. As soon as they have spawned they retire, like 

 the Salmon, to the sea, where they remain till the autumn, when 

 they again return to the rivers." 



After a number of farther observations concerning the young 

 fry of the supposed Parr, their sizes, seasons, &c., he concludes 

 by these words— "In short, we see Samlets of various sizes — we 



