THE FRESH WATERS 169 



partly because it is so wonderful in itself, but 

 partly also so that we may get some under- 

 standing of the methods by which naturalists 

 interpret for us some of Nature's stories, and 

 of the long and patient labour that is required 

 to determine the facts. 



THE STORY OF THE SALMON 



Let us now think for a little of another life- 

 story that is in some ways just the opposite of 

 the eels that of the King of Fishes, the 

 Salmon, which is so valuable as a food, and 

 which is also prized, because its courage and 

 strength make the catching of it good sport. 



Salmon ascend most of our larger rivers if 

 they are clean enough every year, but not in 

 swarms as the eels do; they continue to go up 

 throughout the spring and summer. Nor are 

 they all of one age and size like the eels. But 

 all of them are impelled by the desire to reach 

 a suitable breeding-place. They are in the 

 finest possible condition when they enter fresh 

 water fat, with firm, red flesh and silvery 

 skin for they have been feeding hard and 

 laying up stores of food-material and strength, 

 which have to last them till after the spawn- 



