SALMON-LIFE 259 



save the builder and his men, least of all the fish. 

 In many instances half the expenditure would 

 have sufficed to build a proper pass, if a little 

 more skill and forethought had been employed. 

 It has truly been said that, of all our senses, 

 common-sense is the most to be valued. 



Salmon, bull-trout, and sea-trout, no matter by 

 what names they may be called, are migratory 

 fish. They belong rather to the fresh-water 

 than to the sea ; but it is to the latter they 

 resort annually, to feed and recuperate their con- 

 dition, which has been weakened by spawning. 

 Fish which have never spawned at all also take 

 this yearly trip to sea. When the process of 

 recovery is complete they endeavour to return to 

 the rivers which gave them birth, for the purpose 

 of spawning. A very few weeks of sea-life and 

 marine food suffice to renew their strength and 

 condition. It is roughly estimated that a salmon, 

 after it has spawned, is only half the weight 

 which it would have scaled before that operation. 

 When a fish has spawned it is termed a 'kelt.' 

 The majority of kelts drop down the rivers during 

 the month of April, and yet return in August or 

 September, frequently before that period, with 

 their original weight very considerably increased. 

 This will serve to give the reader some idea of 

 the nutritious qualities of the food which these 

 fish consume while at sea. It has been stated, 



