66 WILD SPORTS OF THE WEST. 



period of spawning, the fish neglects feeding. In this 

 peculiar habit the salmon, however, is not singular, 

 for animals of the Phocae tribe, in breeding-time exercise 

 a similar abstinence. On opening a salmon, at any 

 season, no food will be discovered, and the contents 

 of the stomach will be confined to a small quantity of 

 yellowish fluid and tape- worms, which are generated 

 there. Sir Humphry Davy believes that occasionally 

 food may be found. I have seen thousands opened 

 preparatory to being salted, and I never observed 

 anything but this fluid and tape-worms. Another 

 circumstance may be stated as a curious proof of health, 

 as well as of the period of time the salmon has been 

 resident in a river. When the fish leaves the sea, and 

 of course is in its best condition, insects (the Lernaea? 

 Salmoneae of Linnaeus) will be perceived firmly adhering 

 to the skin. Immediately on entering the fresh water, 

 these insects begin to detach themselves from the salmon, 

 and after a short time they gradually drop off and 

 disappear. 



