Class IV. COMMON SALMON. 387 



the end of July, which is at Bei^wick termed 

 the height of Gilse time, the name given to the 

 fish at that age ; the end of July, or beginning 

 of August they lessen in number, but increase 

 in size, some being six, seven, eight, or nine 

 pounds in weight ; this appears to be a surpris- 

 ing quick growth, yet we have received from a Quick 



i .„ . . .„ Growth. 



gentleman at Ivamngton, an instance still more 

 so ; a kipper salmon weighing seven pounds 

 three quarters, taken on the 7th of February, 

 being marked with a scissars, on the back-fin, 

 and tail, and turned into the river, was again 

 taken on the 1 7th of March following, and then 

 was found to weigh seventeen pounds and a half. 

 All fishermen agree, that they never find any 

 food in the stomach of this fish. It is likely Food 



. , i • /• 1 • i -i • i UNCERTAIN. 



they may neglect their food entirely during the 

 time of spawning, as sea lions and sea bears are 

 known to do for months together during their 

 breeding season ; and it may be observed, that 

 like those animals, the salmon return to the 

 sea lank and lean, and come from the salt wa- 

 ter in good condition. It is evident that at 

 times their food is both fish and worms, for the 

 angler uses both with good success ; as well as 

 a large, gaudy, artificial fly, which probably the 

 fish mistakes for a gay llbellula or dragon fly. 



2 c 2 



