THE INFANCY OF FISHES 235 



Severn, a generation ago at any rate, prodigious num- 

 bers were thus wastefuUy disposed of. 



These little creatures make their ascent with a perti- 

 nacity that is amazing. Not even locks bar their pro- 

 gress, for they wriggle their way up out of the water and 

 travel round to the river on the other side in the wet 

 grass ; and by a similar overland route they will make 

 their way even to distant, isolated ponds, there to remain 

 till the call of the sea drags them forth again to return 

 no more. 



