THE IDE. 57 



deeps, where they have passed the winter, the ide displays 

 much intelligence as well as strength, arid well knows how 

 to avoid the devices contrived hy the fisherman for his 

 destruction. 



Like the salmon, he will leap over stones, trees, and 

 lesser falls; and when the water is so low as to bar his 

 farther progress, he will throw himself on his side, and in 

 this position force himself forward. When he meets with 

 such impediments, he usually remains stationary for a 

 time, as if to consult within himself as to the best 

 course to be pursued. In the meanwhile he is joined by 

 several of his comrades, and when one of the number 

 has taken courage, and made a start, the rest on the 

 instant follow in his wake. In this manner the fish work 

 their way up the stream, until a suitable spot for their 

 purpose is reached. 



The first shoal for on these occasions they are con- 

 gregated in vast numbers that starts for the spawning- 

 ground consists wholly of males. Some few days 

 subsequently, though commonly not until the weather 

 is rnild and clear, the females join company, when the 

 lek commences. During its continuance the fish are 

 packed closely together, and lash the surface with their 

 tails, whence arises a peculiar kind of noise. This, how- 

 ever, is not continuous, but quick and short, and is renewed 

 at intervals. 



The lek usually lasts for three consecutive days and nights ; 

 that is, unless a cold north wind, rain, or storm occurs, in 

 which case matters are postponed until the weather becomes 

 more propitious. In the month of April, Bloch found in an 

 individual of three pounds weight sixty-seven thousand six 



