FISHES AND FISHING. 45 



true, (?) is contrary to all known laws regulating 

 created beings. Instances are often occurring of ter- 

 restrial animals, when disturbed in parturition, eating 

 some of their young, but these are exceptions to the 

 general rule. 



The male salmon as well as the female, are driven 

 to seek the fresh water, not only for the purpose of 

 propagating the species, but in order to free them- 

 selves of the parasitical insects which annoy them, — 

 the Monoculus piscinus of Linnaeus ; but Dr. Fleming 

 does not entertain that opinion. How then are their 

 violent desires and exertions to get into fresh water 

 to be accounted for ? Do salmon pair before they 

 leave the sea ? Dr. Fleming admits that the Ler- 

 ncea Salmonce of Linnaeus infests the gills of salmon 

 very much, even to eating away a great portion of the 

 gills, if they stay too long in the fresh water. These 

 insects are vulgarly called maggots ; but, according 

 to Dr. Fleming, very improperly so, as they do not 

 change their state. Salt water removes them, and 

 cures the fish ; therefore, instinct, or some reasoning 

 faculty, induces them to return to the sea. 



The generation of fish, as well as of all animated 

 creation, if the subject be rightly considered, cannot 

 fail to excite wonder in every mind capable of reflec- 

 tion. Those who have been blessed with the advan- 

 tages of education, are better able to appreciate the 



