OF THE SALMON. 35 



the fisher, we cannot help reflecting on the absurd 

 laws that prevent their increase to almost incredible 

 numbers. At one hundred and thirteen days, the fish 

 have increased ; the head appears large in proportion 

 to the body ; the movements and turnings are more 

 frequent and lively, and sometimes they appear as if 

 they would not be much longer confined within their 

 cell ; but we find that they must yet be confined a 

 little longer, for at one hundred and twenty-three days 

 the fish are not yet at liberty, although they appear 

 larger and more restless, and their turnings very often. 

 We now evidently see that the bounds of the shell are 

 too little for them, and from their movements it is 

 plainly seen they are dissatisfied with the confine- 

 ment, for now we have plenty of time to examine and 

 see them at every turn almost breaking and burst- 

 ing the shell. Although at one hundred and thirty- 

 three days we see they have not got their liberty, 

 but the fish are very restless and seeming as if they 

 could not endure their imprisonment much longer, 

 the conical bag being red towards the belly, but 

 of a pale colour towards the outside, the fish still 

 restless, turning often and quickly, and at every turn 

 appearing to break from their confinement, the shell 

 now being distended and thin. The time has now 

 arrived when a change from bondage to liberty is 

 eagerly looked for, and the observer continues anxious 

 to look on. The myriads of young fish are continually 

 moving from one side to another, and the whole bed 

 seems in a state of convulsion. Such is their state 

 now, that night only can force the observer to change 

 his position ; and from an anxiety to see the actual 

 movement at development, he leaves the ponds with 

 deep regret ; but with quick and anxious steps returns 

 next morning by dawn of day, fearing that the long- 

 expected sight had been lost, but glad to find the beds 

 D 2 



