PREFACE. 



It is universally admitted, that the history of Salmon and the 

 true nature of the Salmon Fishery — the causes of its decline, 

 and the means of its improvement — are yet but very imper- 

 fectly understood. That we have much to learn relative to 

 the natural history of this fish, as well as of all other fishes, 

 whose movements are in an element where they cannot be 

 traced, is most true ; and this wiU probably continue to be the 

 case for a long period of time, unless some friendly Mermaid, 

 or other inhabitant of the deep, shall kindly supply us with 

 information upon points which seem at present utterly beyond 

 human power to ascertain or elucidate. Yet there are many 

 foAits, with reference to Salmon, which we do know, and which 

 may at least enable us to form a pretty correct opinion of the 

 nature of the Fishery. Indeed, aU the knowledge relative to 

 the habits of the fish that is useful, or which seems necessary 

 for the benefit of the Fishery, Providence has placed within 

 our reach : it is only those parts of its history which it would 

 merely gratify our curiosity to learn, that are still hidden in 

 darkness ; and even these, as well as other operations of Na- 

 ture with which we are yet unacquainted, may, possibly, like 

 the power of steam, be in time developed — each new discovery 

 exciting fresh wonder, and all showing the immensity of the 

 Power and of the Intelligence by which the whole was created. 



