136 Introduction of Salmon from the 



assist in bringing to a successful issue an object so desirable 

 as the introduction of Salmon or Trout, or both, into this 

 part of the world. He farther added, that he would see 

 the Duke of Sutherland on the subject, and that he could 

 confidently reckon upon the Duke's co-operation. 



Before entering into an examination of the mode suggested 

 as the most promising for transporting the Salmon from its 

 native streams to the rivers of this country, it may be well 

 to consider, somewhat in detail, the habits and manner of 

 breeding of the fish, as upon the degree of care and attention 

 paid to these points, in carrying out the experiment, must 

 mainly depend the amount of success with which it is 

 attended. 



The breeding and growth of the Salmon, long the subject 

 of very close observation and experiment, liave given rise to 

 much curious and eager discussion. Of the various opinions 

 held, the principal diflerence appears to be in the age at 

 which it was believed the fish went down to the sea for the 

 first time, and, consequently, as to the rapidity of growth 

 during the first year of its existence. 



The generally received opinion has been, that spawn, 

 deposited in September or October, was not hatched until 

 the following spring ; and that when hatched, the young fish, 

 in the course of a month or two, became Smolts, and went 

 down to the sea that same year. 



Mr. Young states that, after numerous and very carefully 

 conducted experiments, he has arrived at a different conclu- 

 sion ; and the views which he takes, and the history he 

 gives of the fish, agree, I think, with those of most persons 

 who have lately paid attention to the subject. 



According to Mr. Young, Salmon ascend the rivers in 

 Scotland, and commence spawning operations about Sep- 

 tember : from the middle of November to the middle of 

 December is the principal spawning season, after which 



