The Natural History of the Salmon. 7 1 



from the salt water and still continue to grow and 

 propagate its species, is as yet uncertain. All the 

 experiments which have been recorded appear to 

 have failed (perhaps from want of thorough know- 

 ledge). Those that Mr. Upton put into the Loch 

 Lillymere in 1835 were certainly the young of 

 the Sea trout (5. trutta). 



In the early months of the year, beginning in 

 April, we see displayed at the fishmongers' shops a 

 great number of beautiful silvery fresh salmon, 

 many very large, varying from 1 5 lbs. to 50 lbs. and 

 even 60 lbs. weight, and sent chiefly from the Tay 

 and the Irish rivers, which go by the name of 

 spring salmon. 



What is a spring salmon "l has been a question 

 asked for many a year, and as yet never satis- 

 factorily answered. 



The Tweed Commissioners put the following 

 question. The answers are worth attentive perusal, 

 from the very curious ideas enunciated. 



Quest: 18. If, as has been surmised, Salmon leave 

 the sea and enter a river for no other purpose except 

 to spawn, explain how it comes that Salmon ascend 

 the Tweed in early spring and summer, and grilse 

 in May and June, seeing that they are never known 

 to spawn between November and December } 



Mr. Paxton. " Salmon seem to enter the river 

 frequently in pursuit of food, or to escape from their 



