300 SALMON FISHING IX CANADA. 



gorgeousness of the skins of many fishes is a point of attraction 

 between the genders, keeping up the gregariousness of the dif- 

 ferent fanlilies amidst the vast aqueous spaces they traverse. 

 However this may be, the painted skin of the fish, considered 

 merely as ornamental, harmonises with the rich fur of the quad- 

 ruped, the brilliant plumage of the bird, the umbrageous foliage 

 and blossoming glory of the tree ; and, above all, the exquisite 

 adornment of the flower. All should be viewed as boons from the 

 great Source of measureless beneficence. We can conceive that 

 a dull monotonous uniformity of shape, and sombre, melancholy 

 colours, might have characterised the animal and vegetable 

 kingdoms ; but it has pleased the Deity to fill the heavens and 

 the earth, and even the waters under the earth, with beauty, and 

 to confer on his rational creature, man, the capacity to comprehend 

 and enjoy it. 



Conspicuous amongst the finny tribes, as well for the quality of 

 the delicious flesh, as for great elegance of colouring and symme- 

 try of form, are the Salmonioz or Salmon family : but principally, 

 according to my conception, is the Salmo Salar or common 

 salmon, which has been appropriately placed by Cuvier, at their 

 head. In fact, we can scarcely conceive anything more perfect 

 than the tout ensemble of this noble fish. He is moulded in 

 accordance with our notions of great muscular strength, com- 

 bined with remarkable lightness of outline : and every quality of 

 the animal corresponds with his appearance. His tunic of rich 

 silver tissue is in the chastest taste ; his movements in his own 

 element are peculiarly easy and graceful : he is fastidious in his 

 food, as a fish of such high blood ought to be ; but he can on 

 emergency bear hunger well, and even total abstinence for a long 

 period without injury. His spirit is ardent, adventurous, and 

 persevering, and his speed is great. 



It has been my fortune to be conversant with the habits of the 

 salmon from early youth, in a river in the north of Ireland, on the 



