CHAPTER III. 



THE YEAR IN NORWAY. 



In order to obtain a sharply defined point in the yearly 

 existence of the salmon, we will fix upon September 15 

 (the commencement of the ordinary close-time) as the 

 date of our departure. 



The summer is well-nigh past, the nights are drawing 

 in, the annual snow upon the mountain and hill summits 

 has supplied food for the rivers, or partly remains with 

 the glacier ice to defy the rays of the feeble autumn sun. 



Thus the rivers are mostly dependent upon springs for 

 supply, and, in consequence, are at about their lowest 

 level until the advent of frost. 



The pools are now stocked with fish deep in colour 

 and far advanced towards spawning condition, those in 

 the upper stretches having selected favourite sites ere 

 this, while later arrivals have gradually appropriated the 

 lower berths, all awaiting a fitting time and season. The 

 spawning operations now commence, and will continue 



