THE SALMON FISHEB. 37 



mooted question why salmon run up the rivers in 

 the spring, and whether they eat while there. With 

 this key before us the way to a satisfactory solution 

 becomes easy. 



The subjoined article, which is apparently written 

 by Mr. Mackay from the standpoint of a professional 

 angler rather than that of a scientist pure and sim- 

 ple, specifies no less than seven different baits which 

 the salmon take eagerly at times while in the rivers, 

 to wit: natural minnows, small "burn" or brook 

 trout, prawns, worms, phantoms, Devons and spoons. 

 The Devons and phantoms are artificial imitations of 

 the natural minnow. This list of seven baits, to 

 which, of course, the never failing artificial fly must 

 be added, shows that salmon are at least promiscu- 

 ous feeders. The next fact to determine is, how 

 much they eat. We think we shall be able to show 

 that they are as voracious as they are omniverous. 

 Some of these baits, it will be observed, take best in 

 spring, others in midsummer, and still others in au- 

 tumn; some take best when the water is clear, and 

 others when it is roiled and discolored; some when 

 the water is thin and low, and others on the surge 



