72 MARVELS OF FISH LIFE 
swimming round them. This in itself indicates that the 
fish feels strange, for such abstinence must be quite 
contrary to the usual habits of a fish that is seldom 
caught in the sea without being found to contain 
numerous herrings, haddocks and other pelagic fish. 
In this disinclination to feed I think we have the 
explanation, firstly, why salmon do not take natural 
food in fresh water, and, secondly, why they will seize 
a fly or other lure. 
Judging from their feeding habits in the sea, the 
natural food of salmon in fresh water should be young 
trout and parr. But trout and parr, assisted by the 
concealing methods already referred to, are incon- 
spicuous in the water. Now, the salmon, on account oi 
his disinclination to feed, is not on the look-out for food, 
and his attention is consequently not arrested by these 
inconspicuous fish, and he leaves them alone. But when 
a fly, which is conspicuous, is presented to him, he 
notices the gaudy production, and his attention once 
arrested, force of habit overcomes his disinclination to 
feed, and the salmon makes a dash for the fly. 
The pink-coloured prawn, which kills so well in clear 
water, acts in a similar manner. 
I have heard it stated, that the fact that the salmon 
will take a worm is a proof that they feed in fresh water, 
but we must remember in what form the worm is offered 
to him. The poacher ties several together in a bunch, 
or threads them on a large hook. The salmon cannot 
fail to notice the wriggling of the unwholesome mass, 
