24 HISTORY OF THE SALMON. 



fish in an imperfect stage of its growth), are often 

 taken of superior size to that of the salmon itself, 

 and with generative functions maturely developed, 

 as if a distinct species. In the Axe and other 

 western streams, salmon, perfectly matured, are, 

 to our knowledge, often taken under three or four 

 pounds, while peal have been known (though 

 rarely) to weigh as much as eleven pounds ; and 

 such, of course, is the case in other rivers. This, 

 however, is accounted for by supposing the peal to 

 have remained in the sea during their first visit, 

 from some cause or other, for a longer time than 

 was passed there by the smaller salmon during both 

 their visits put together. Speaking of the Axe 

 reminds us of what may perhaps be a remarkable 

 circumstance connected with this fish a circum- 

 stance which, although, perhaps, capable of satis- 

 factory explanation in harmony with Mr. Shaw's 

 opinions, seems at first sight to prove a difference 

 of species between the salmon and what is locally 

 denominated the peal a difference religiously be- 

 lieved in by the local fishermen. We refer to the 

 fact that in the little river Char, at Charmouth, a 

 salmon is not known to have been ever taken, 

 while peal, on the other hand, are abundant or 

 rather were, for, thanks to the industry of the 

 poachers and the shameful neglect of those who 



