42 DAYS AND NIGHTS OF SALMON FISHING 



following, by which time they had assumed the size 

 and all the distinctive marks of the genuine Salmon. 

 The following table shows when each was taken, and 

 its weight at that time, and its increased weight 

 when recaptured. In addition to the fact which it 

 establishes of the identity of the Gilse with the 

 Salmon, it shows also how rapid the growth of the 

 Gilse is in his process of becoming a Salmon : 



The above disparity of growth is easily accounted 

 for, since it is not probable that these fish, which 

 were caught and returned to the river in February, 

 went down to the sea before March, if, indeed, so 

 early : of course they would not increase in growth 

 in fresh water, though they would mend somewhat 

 in weight after their weak spawning state. Setting 

 these, therefore, aside, it appears that the growth 

 of the last four fish averaged two pounds each 

 per month when they were at sea ; and if they 

 remained in the river after the 4th of March, 

 as it is reasonable to suppose they did, then 

 their growth must have been proportionally 

 greater. 



For the scientific and successful experiments of 

 Mr. Shaw, the Keith medal was awarded to him for 



