THE FEEDING OF SALMON 115 



food is taken freely through the summer, but when 

 the first frosts of autumn set in feeding becomes 

 intermittent. In December many days will pass 

 without any food being taken, and in January and 

 February the amount of food consumed is very slight. 

 If open weather comes with spring the small parr 

 will recommence feeding, but frosts or unsteady con- 

 ditions will still check them. By the month of April 

 the little fish are feeding steadily and vigorously, 

 and simultaneously their growth becomes more rapid. 

 All through summer this steady feeding goes on, 

 and it is a beautiful sight to see the shoals of active 

 little fish flashing to the surface as the food is thrown 

 in. Their appetites are those of lusty youngsters, 

 and food never seems amiss at any time. 



In July, if the temperature of the water rises to 

 about 70° F., they become less keen, and if a spell 

 of hot weather continues feeding will cease. In 

 thundery weather they will not rise from the bottom 

 of the pond. 



With the advent of winter a distinct lessening of 

 the desire for food again manifests itself, although 

 during this second winter entire cessation of feeding 

 for several days does not seem ^ to occur so fre- 

 quently as amongst the fry. 



By the month of March the fish are two years old, 

 and feeding is again freely maintained. As the 

 silvery dress is assumed the smolts become very keen 

 and active, and feed at any time. Under natural 

 conditions they should now descend towards the 



sea. 



Even when a plentiful supply of food is obtainable, 



