SPAWNING GROUNDS. 47 



CHAPTER II. 



SPAWNING GROUNDS, 



In rivers, say of 300 miles long, not more than 

 half the distance may be suitable for the deposit of 

 spawn, yet the fish spread their operations with won- 

 derful uniformity over every eligible position in large 

 streams, as well as over every stream that may be ac- 

 cessible to them ; the smaller fish resort to the upper- 

 most and smallest streams, whilst the larger ones 

 select the deeper portions, but they get into the 

 smallest and most elevated streams in which they can 

 swim and find shelter. The small streams are found, 

 in area, to be the MOST productive even those not 

 exceeding from three to six feet in width, with pure 

 water and gravel beds. Many of these in the sum- 

 mer seasons are not more than a few inches deep, 

 with occasional pools, and in many places are over- 

 hung by brushwood, or banks of earth and stones., 

 under which the young fish escape readily from sight, 

 and into which larger fish do not go, as there is not 

 sufficient water to cover them. Here the young fish, 

 being beyond the reach of their more formidable ene- 

 mies, who devour them when they can, remain in 

 safety till they are about three inches Jong. A they 

 increase in size, they follow the stream into deeper 

 pools, and thence migrate to the sea, I know one 

 stream divided into two tributaries of not more than 

 from three to six feet in width, with springs at the 

 head of it. This is a favourite resort for spawning 

 fish ; they will swim into this small stream with their 

 backs frequently above the water, and where a boy 



