OF THE 8ALM0NJBM. 43 



^vere the same as those originally confined, 

 was most unsatisfactory ; and we know 

 what contemptible tricks have been played ; 

 and that in two cases he examined, the 

 salmon and pure sewin died when not al- 

 lowed to go to sea, though the hybrids 

 between the sewin and trout survived, but 

 were all barren. The Tasmanian case, on 

 the other hand, was perfectly clear. There 

 could be no mistake about the species and 

 none that the fish which spawned were the 

 same as those secluded in May, 1866 ; and 

 those who have practical experience of the 

 delicate character of all operations in pisci- 

 culture will appreciate the care and atten- 

 tion which must have been bestowed on 

 these prisoners, rendering their lot so happy 

 that as soon as they became sexually mature 

 they set about the most critical and impor- 

 tant business of their lives, that of con- 

 tinuing their species. The commissioners 

 were right in regarding this as a hopeful 

 sign for the free fish in the river. If the 

 captives found their new .home so comfort- 

 able, the others, as far as food, temperature, 



