164 SALMON. 



of interested notice, in consequence of having been from a distant 

 date regarded as an esteemed dish for the table, as well as an 

 important article of trade; and these united circumstances have 

 caused the Salmon to be the subject of a large amount of, it 

 must be allowed, very unsatisfactory, if not contradictory, official 

 inquiry and legislation. 



It is additionally remarkable concerning the most valuable of 

 this family of fishes, the Salmon itself, that the portion of its 

 history which is passed in the more immediate neighbourhood 

 of man has been far from the least obscure; and that too, 

 although it has been the subject of much research and experiment. 

 This state of uncertainty, however, especially as regards the 

 distinction of species and the variety observed in their habits 

 in different places, may in some measure be explained by the 

 fact, that at the time when Salmon have been engaged in 

 depositing their spawn, or soon afterwards, the same or a closely 

 neighbouring spot has been chosen by individuals of a different, 

 although kindred species; or that otherwise by the operation of 

 violent floods, the eggs of more than one species have been 

 mingled together; and in consequence of this the spawn of 

 different kinds have become the subject of the same training. 

 It is certain also from observation that in the early stages of 

 their growth the marks of distinction between the species are 

 so obscure, that the most attentive observers have found them- 

 selves at a loss in endeavouring to lay down such as they could 

 depend on for separating them; and the difficulty is increased, 

 that as each one advances in growth its form and colour are 

 in continual change. 



It was in consequence of these combined causes of uncertainty 

 that when large numbers of the young fishes were caught in 

 the river, and marked without discrimination, and afterwards 

 set at liberty, that the confusion was made still greater, by 

 taking them again as the Salmon, Sea-Trout, Bull-Trout, and 

 even the Common Trout; of all of which no doubt is felt that 

 they are distinct species. To keep clear of such mistakes as 

 these, recourse has been had by later enquirers to more undoubted 

 methods of research ; the beginning of which has been to procure 

 the impregnated roc immediately on its being shed, or even to 

 press it from the body of the living fish, and then to pour 

 upon it the vivifying fluid of the male; after which it has been 



