108 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SALMON. 



of the time of their capture, etc., we are obliged 

 to reject them. It is clear, however, from what 

 we have stated, that at the end of four or five 

 months from the time of their capture by the rod 

 as spawned fish, a number return from the sea to 

 the river as clean fish, having increased 7 Ibs. 

 in weight. 



DO SALMON FALL OFF IN CONDITION ON ENTERING 

 THE FEESH WATER? 



That all fish of the salmon kind that are migra- 

 tory get into worse condition after being some 

 time in fresh water, no one can doubt who is at 

 all acquainted with the habits of the fish; but it is 

 not so much the change of water and food as the 

 state that the fish is in at the time when it seeks 

 the fresh water. We have already shown on the 

 evidence of Mr Ffennell, and from our own ex- 

 perience, that the winter or closetime running 

 fish are in prime condition for the table, if not 

 for the market, after being many months in the 

 fresh water. The fact is, the good edible condi- 

 tion of the fish depends entirely upon the state of 

 the development, and size of the milt or roe in 

 the fish. "When fish are kept from entering the 

 river by a want of a fresh in the water to enable 



