316 PRAIEIE AND FOREST. 



are observant of nature may daily witness the stronger 

 insect devouring the weaker, the more powerful animal the 

 lesser; or man, the greatest tyrant of all, whatever falls 

 within his reach, if worthy of the exertion, or suited to his 

 fastidious palate. 



On recommencing work in the afternoon, much to my 

 satisfaction the fish were on the move, and during the few 

 minutes that were necessary to arrange my tackle, over a 

 dozen succeeded in ascending the shoot. It is seldom that 

 the lover of nature can witness a more satisfactory and 

 pleasing exhibition than that of salmon passing up a leap. 

 Their efforts and perseverance are truly astonishing, and 

 frequently dozens of essays will be made before one is 

 successful. The manner of performing their ascent is a 

 proof of the immense velocity, strength of body, and 

 enormous power with which they are gifted ; from six to 

 eight feet can be accomplished by them, and I have heard 

 many persons assert more'. When once the fish gain the 

 summit over the edge of the upper bend, a few spasmodic, 

 rapid motions of the tail carry them forward, and they 

 disappear from view so suddenly as to leave the beholder 

 in doubt whether they have succeeded, or been carried down 

 in the surging fall. 



The flies continued exceedingly troublesome, particularly 

 a small species of sand-fly. So minute are they, that when 

 on your hand it is almost impossible to detect their exact 

 situation ; but however insignificant, their powers of torture 

 are intense, for immediately after they have punctured the 

 skin, a small water-blister rises, which smarts as acutely as 

 a burn from the application of nitric acid. 



