THE FEEDING OF SALMON 115 
food is taken freely through the summer, but when 
the first frosts of autumn set in feeding becomes 
intermittent. In December many days will pass 
without any food being taken, and in January and 
February the amount of food consumed is very slight. 
If open weather comes with spring the small parr 
will recommence feeding, but frosts or unsteady con- 
ditions will still check them. By the month of April 
the little fish are feeding steadily and vigorously, 
and simultaneously their growth becomes more rapid. 
All through summer this steady feeding goes on, 
and it is a beautiful sight to see the shoals of active 
little fish flashing to the surface as the food is thrown 
in. Their appetites are those of lusty youngsters, 
and food never seems amiss at any time. 
In July, if the temperature of the water rises to 
about 70° F., they become less keen, and if a spell 
of hot weather continues feeding will cease. In 
thundery weather they will not rise from the bottom 
of the pond. 
With the advent of winter a distinct lessening of 
the desire for food again manifests itself, although 
during this second winter entire cessation of feeding 
for several days does not seem to occur so fre- 
quently as amongst the fry. 
By the month of March the fish are two years old, 
and feeding is again freely maintained. As the 
silvery dress is assumed the smolts become very keen 
and active, and feed at any time. Under natural 
conditions they should now descend towards the 
sea. 
Even when a plentiful supply of food is obtainable, 
