36 



The Salmon. 



gard to its generative functions or its after-growth, the 

 opinions concerning both being so very conflicting. It 

 may suffice, therefore, to make a few general remarks as 

 to the best manner of capturing it, accompanied by a few 

 practical observations as we proceed. 



Although Salmon are partial to a cold climate, they are 

 seldom to be found in quantities in rivers which are liable 

 to be completely impeded by the severity of frost. Their 

 time of spawning differs in different rivers. At New- 

 castle-upon-Tyne these fish are in season at Christmas ; 

 but in the Welsh rivers they do not run till June. 



After they have been for a few days in the fresh water, 

 they are, for the most part, in high season, and a well- 

 grown fish, at this time, is a valuable prize. 



In order to convey some idea of the growth of the 

 fish, after its descent as a grilse smolt, I extract the fol- 

 lowing from Mr. Scroope's " Days of Salmon- Fishing." 

 The experiments were made on the Shin in Scotland, and 

 furnished to that gentleman. 



In rivers which Salmon frequent, immense numbers 

 of smelts or smoults are to be found in Spring. It is 



