26 BY SOOZ AND BY CROOK. 



selected some deep pool as a suitable abode, rests there 

 until quite ripe for spawning, then shifts up to the 

 spawning-beds just above. "While resting in the deep 

 pools many fall victims to the tinsel-bodied fly, which 

 has a peculiar fascination for them in this condition. 

 Now the habits of the she-fish differ from this, in that 

 they appear to run up later and retain their bright 

 colour, taking the fly freely during the first few days 

 they are in the fresh water. 



When they once commence to go off colour they 

 would seem to seek the spawning-bcds and show no 

 desire for the fly, nor do they rise or jump out of the 

 water so frequently as is the habit with the males in a 

 like condition. It is more rare to catch a *Ae-fish 

 discoloured and full of spawn, although they can be 

 seen easily enough lying adjacent to the redds. 



In the kelt stage the she- fish appears to remain in 

 the river much later than the male, and, to compensate 

 for her self-imposed privations previous to spawning, 

 devours the smelts in great numbers, following them 

 down to the sea, or rather dropping down before them, 

 and may be said to remain in the river until the smolts 

 have departed. 



Great numbers of smolts are thus destroyed before 

 they have a chance of reaching the sea; but the prolific 

 nature of the salmon renders this apparent waste a 

 matter of detail, and in all probability the kelt of both 

 sexes requires food to render him or her fit to face the 

 sea and their enemies contained therein. 



