PERSEVERANCE OF SALMON. 305 



ere I reached him he dropped his prey, which I secured, 

 and he departed hurriedly for parts unknown. The victim 

 I picked up, and found lifeless, was a tine specimen of the 

 merganser,* about half grown, and, from the wing-feathers 

 not becoming fully developed till a later period of life, un- 

 able to fly. The poor duck's skull was crushed into a jelly, 

 so that its early deprivation of life must have caused only 

 a momentary pain. The assasssin was the scarce and in- 

 digenous fisher, only known in northern latitudes, and much 

 valued for its fur. The little episode was in keeping with 

 what all who are observant of nature may daily witness 

 the stronger insect devouring the weaker, the more power- 

 ful animal the lesser; or man, the greatest tyrant of all, 

 whatever falls within his reach, if worthy of the exertion, or 

 suited to his fastidious palate. 



On recommencing work in the afternoon, much to my 

 satisfaction, the fish were on the move, and during the few 

 minutes that were necessary to arrange my tackle over a 

 dozen succeeded in ascending the shoot. . It is seldom that 

 the lover of nature can witness a more satisfactory and 

 pleasing exhibition than that of salmon passing up a leap. 

 Their efforts and perseverance are truly astonishing, and 

 frequently dozens of essays will be macfe before one is suc- 

 cessful. The manner of performing their ascent is a proof 

 of the immense velocity, strength of body, and enormous 

 power with which they are gifted ; from six to eight feet 

 can be accomplished by them, and I have heard many per- 

 sons assert more. When once the fish gain the summit 

 over the edge of the upper bend, a few spasmodic, rapid 

 motions of the tail carry them forward, and they disappear 

 so suddenly as to leave the beholder in doubt whether they 

 have succeeded, or been carried down the fall. 



* In America erroneously called shell-drake. 



