224 BY HOOK AND BY CROOK. 



that the object was the head and shoulders of a large 

 salmon of about 20 lb. weight, which was heading up 

 stream at an easy pace, propelled by a force evidently 

 not supplied by his tail. 



The head and back of the fish were heavily blotched 

 with marks of disease, which enabled us to recognize 

 him as one we had seen upon previous occasions lying 

 close to the bank at this spot. 



The fish seemed absolutely powerless and held his 

 mouth wide open, which gave him an expression of abject 

 terror and helplessness which we shall not soon forget. 



In this position he slowly pursued his way up stream 

 for about 20 yards and then disappeared beneath the 

 surface without a struggle. 



We remained on the look-out for five minutes or 

 more, when he reappeared in a similar manner about 

 40 yards higher up, and so continued until he arrived 

 at the neck of the stream just outside the strong water, 

 then for the last time disappeared. 



Beyond all doubt an otter had seized him from behind 

 while lying under the bank, and had taken him in easy 

 stages up stream in the slack water, so that he might 

 utilize the stream to swing the fish across the river to 

 his stronghold on the opposite bank, upon which we 

 were standing. 



We saw nothing further, which, however, was not 

 remarkable, as of course the prey would be dragged into 

 the den through the entrance under water. 



Otters were known to inhabit the bank on our side. 



