166 



fresh spot, and, in many places, disappear sud- 

 denly ; as though die least brackislmess in the water sum- 

 moned them to the ocean. 



The time of their return into the rivers is extremely 

 uncertain ; for many are seen., during favourable winters, 

 to run up so early as January j indeed, some have been 

 taken in that month full of spawn. The generality may 

 be expected in May, perhaps a little earlier. 



It should seem, that salmon are not invited by cir- 

 cumstances in any degree respecting warmth or flavour 

 in the fresh waters, to quit the sea ; but that they retire, 

 in all probability, from hosts of thu: natural enemies, 

 which would devour their young, and perhaps the spawn 

 itself, \vere the means left for them to do so. 



After so ample an explanation, I trust die learner can- 

 not feel himself at a loss in regard to the situations wherein 

 he is likely, at various seasons, to find salmon (indeed 

 they do not study concealment so much as other fishes in 

 general). He will also have informed himself as to their 

 probable seasons, for that docs not appear to be yet a 

 settled point. 



In some waters, salmon are taken all the year round 

 in good condition. These anomalies, and deviation* from 

 the ordinary course, are not to be the angler's guide; 

 though he should take ever)' advantage they may ailbrd. 



The tackle proper for so/wow-fishing is of the heavy 

 class. If the fly is used, a rod of about 18 feet long will 

 be requisite j this should not be so pliant us fly -rods in ge- 

 neral, but well made, and widiout the smallest blemish,, 

 especially towards the tip. 



The wire loop at the end ought to be very thick, and 

 every diing suitable to die struggle a very vigorous fish, 



weighing 



