CHAPTER XX. 



SALMONIDJ2. 



(Salmo solar.) 



ALTHOUGH at one time salmon were found abundant in 

 all the tributaries of the St. Lawrence, even in Lake On- 

 tario, now the fisherman on the Atlantic sea-board of Ameri- 

 ca, if he desires commensurate reward for the trouble and 

 expense he has been put to, that he may enjoy his favorite 

 pleasure, must visit some of the streams along the coast of 

 Labrador, unless he feel disposed to rent a fishery, which 

 will be found almost as expensive in Canada as in Norway, 

 Scotland, or Ireland. However, if you are able and willing 

 to pay for the enjoyment of your hobby, this advantage 

 is gained, that when the season terminates you are nearer 

 home and civilization; advantages that can not often be 

 over -appreciated if accidents or sickness have overtaken 

 yourself or companions. 



On the Pacific coast salmon are also most abundant in 

 all the streams that flow into it ' above the forty - second 

 degree of north latitude. In fact, a few years ago, the 

 Columbia and Fraser rivers abounded with this fish in such 

 numbers as often to pollute the air with the decomposition 

 of the countless thousands of dead that were washed up on 

 their margins. 



At the present date those of Fraser River are justly 

 famous. There are five species, and they make their way 

 up the river for one thousand miles. The silver salmon be- 

 gins to arrive in March or early in April, and lasts till the 

 end of June. Their weight is from four to twenty -five 



