SALMON. 519 



such fishes : the double refractions of the glass and water repre- 

 sent them, when moving, in a shifting and changeable variety of 

 dimensions, shades, and colours ; while the two mediums, assisted 

 by the convex shape of the vessel, magnify and distort them vastly; 

 not to mention that the introduction of another element and its 

 inhabitants into our parlours, engages the fancy in a very agreea- 

 ble manner. 



[Naturalist's Miscel. Gregory. 



SECTION XI. 



Salmon. 

 Salmo salan. Link. 



The salmon, so highly esteemed for the delicacy of its flavour, 

 and so important an article in a commercial view, is chiefly an 

 inhabitant of the northern regions, where it occurs at different 

 periods both in salt and fresh waters ; quitting the sea at certain 

 seasons to deposit its spawn in the gravelly beds of rivers, at a 

 great distance from their mouths. In order to arrive at the spots 

 proper for this purpose there are scarce any obstacles which the 

 fish will not surmount. They will ascend rivers* for hundreds of 

 miles ; force themselves against the most rapid streams, and spring 

 with amazing agility over cataracts of several feet in height. 

 They are taken, according to Mr. Pennant, in the Rhine as high 

 as Basil : they gain the sources of the Lapland rivers, in spite of 

 their torrent-like currents : they surpass the perpendicular falls of 

 Leixlipt, Kennerth + , and Pont- Aberglastyn||. At the latter of 

 these places, Mr. Pennant assures us that he has himself witnessed 

 the efforts of the salmon, and seen scores of fish, some of which 

 succeeded, while others miscarried in the attempt during the time 

 of his observation. It may be added, that the salmon, like the 

 swallow, is said to return each season to the self-same spot to de- 

 posit its spawn. This has been ascertained by the experiments of 

 Monsr. de la Lande, who fastening a small ring of copper to the 

 tails of some individuals, and then setting them at liberty, found 



* Brit. Zoology. + Near Dublin. 



J On the Tivy in S. Wales. J! Amid Snowdown hills. 



2l4 



