198 ON THE GROWTH OF 
Young Salmon and Sewin weighing from about 
half a pound to a pound ascend the river Conway 
during the month of August in much greater numbers 
than at any other period of the year; and as many of 
them are infested with the marine parasite Lepeoph- 
theirus Strémii, in various stages of growth, there can 
be no doubt that they have very recently quitted the 
salt water. These fish, which from oft-repeated exa- 
minations of numerous individuals are found to have 
the tail forked in a greater or less degree, and uniformly 
to have lost some teeth from the posterior part of the 
vomer, though its anterior part is still amply provided 
with them, I feel thoroughly convinced are identical 
with Smolts of both species which descended the same 
river in the preceding spring, having then the full 
complement of teeth on the vomer; for Salmon and 
Sewin of smaller dimensions do not at any time come 
up the Conway from the sea, as may be ascertained by 
actual inspection in calm bright weather, when the 
water is low and clear and the shoals of fish can be 
distinctly seen ; and if further proof be required, it is 
abundantly supplied by the conclusive evidence ob- 
tained from the large number of specimens taken 
annually. It is true that I have occasionally procured 
Salmon and Sewin in the months of March and April 
which have weighed six ounces only; but they have 
always been males which had milted or females which 
had deposited their ova and were out of condition, or 
what in Scotland are denominated kelts. 
