BEFORE THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. 151 



the sea, and which return to the sea without attempt- 

 ing a further migration ; the next year they are fit 

 for propagation. The salmon fifteen or eighteen 

 months old are called in Scotland gilse ; gilse differ 

 in size, probably from their different ages ; those 

 spawned first under common circumstances, being 



NOTES. 



shut, it might have aided this inquiry. Since, however, I 

 have read the evidence of the witnesses before the Com- 

 mittee, I adopt their opinions, that the close time should 

 commence on the tenth of September, and not be delayed 

 a day beyond it ; that the sessions should be stripped of 

 this power ; and that, as all the witnesses agree, that there 

 should be the same close time for all the rivers in England 

 and Scotland, the legislature should cut short the discus- 

 sion and fix the time at once. There is no pretence for 

 saying that different rivers are in season at different times 

 of the year ; it is contrary to every principle of nature. It 

 may just as well be pretended that partridges breed in 

 Kent and in Cornwall at two different seasons. 



It is likewise said by Sir H. and by all the witnesses, 

 and, indeed, it is the generally received opinion, that the 

 eggs of the salmon require to be deposited in beds covered 

 with running water. That such is the common habit of 

 the fish is quite certain ; how far it is absolutely requisite 

 is another matter ; we can only conclude, that " what is, 

 is right;" that as it is so, it is necessary it should be so, 

 though the cause is hidden from us. Every sort of bird build s 

 a nest so distinguished in its character from that of another, 

 that the nest of every species may be so decidedly known, as 

 to establish a rule and a law of nature admitting of no ex- 

 ception : for instance, the thrush lines his nest with mud or 



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