164 



they do breed, have very little spawn, compared with 

 those of greater age. 



Thus much is necessary to be understood, by way of 

 checking that very sanguine idea which many anglers en- 

 tertain regarding the abundance, and the size, of the sal- 

 mon in Scotland. 



The simple truth appears to be, that the generality of 

 the. waters in that quarter are desperately poached by those 

 who rent them, and who are, almost to a man, jealous 

 of a line being thrown within their bounds. 



What with crmves and nets, salmon are becoming very 

 scarce, and will be still more so, if the proprietors are not 

 more attentive to keep the fishermen from encroaching 

 on the legal measurements both of mesh and ofrail!!! 



Many assert, that salmon will return regularly every 

 season to that water in which they were spawned : this 

 may be true, but I cannot imagine by what means the* 

 supposed fact was ascertained. A few partial instances 

 tvould serve but as a weak ground for a general rule. 



Jn the early parts of the season, the salmon are to be 

 &und generally in the deep strong waters, though they 

 will at times lay upon the scours, or shallow swift parts 

 of streams, to prey upon mimows, and other small 

 fishes. 



During the summer, the salmon basks near the bot- 

 tom in places exposed to the sun, on gravelly or sandy 

 places, but in more gentle and shallower water than in 

 the spring time. About the middle of June, the males 

 acquire a horny excrescence under their chins, which 

 seems to be intended by nature as an instrument where ^ 

 with to form an excavation in the sand, or gravel, for 



