THE FRESH WATERS 169 
partly because it is so wonderful in itself, but 
partly also so that we may get some under- 
standing of the methods by which naturalists 
interpret for us some of Nature’s stories, and 
of the long and patient labour that is required 
to determine the facts. 
THE STORY OF THE SALMON 
Let us now think for a little of another life- 
story that is in some ways just the opposite of 
the eels—that of the King of Fishes, the 
Salmon, which is so valuable as a food, and 
which is also prized, because its courage and 
strength make the catching of it good sport. 
Salmon ascend most of our larger rivers—if 
they are clean enough—every year, but not in 
swarms as the eels do; they continue to go up 
throughout the spring and summer. Nor are 
they all of one age and size like the eels. But 
all of them are impelled by the desire to reach 
a suitable breeding-place. ‘They are in the 
finest possible condition when they enter fresh 
water—fat, with firm, red flesh and silvery 
skin—for they have been feeding hard and 
laying up stores of food-material and strength, 
which have to last them till after the spawn- 
