CHAPTER VII 



Observations of the Salmon ; with Directions how to Fish for him. 



ISC. The salmon is accounted the king of fresh- 

 water fish ; and is ever bred in rivers relating to 

 the sea, yet so high or far from it as admits of no 

 tincture of salt or brackishness. He is said to breed, 

 or cast his spawn, in most rivers, in the month of 

 August : some say that then they dig a hole or 

 grave in a safe place in the gravel, and there place 

 their eggs or spawn (after the melter has done his natural office), and 

 then hide it most cunningly, and cover it over with gravel and stones, 

 and then leave it to their Creator's protection, who, by a gentle heat 

 which He infuses into that cold element, makes it brood and beget 

 life in the spawn, and to become samlets early in the spring next 

 following. 



The salmons having spent their appointed time, and done this 

 natural duty in the fresh waters, they then haste to the sea before 



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