THE FEEDING OF SALMON 121 
But in order to increase the scientific value of the 
demonstration a thorough microscopic investigation 
into the physiological conditions of the muscles 
and their contained fats was undertaken by Mr. 
Mahalanobis. In the highly charged condition of 
the estuary fish the fat cells were found not only 
between the muscle fibres, but within the fibres 
themselves. In the upper water fish the gradual 
disappearance of the fat was most clearly established, 
thus supporting in every way the deductions drawn 
from the wider chemical study. 
From these investigations it appears, therefore, 
that the feeding which the salmon does in the sea is 
much more than enough to enable the fish to grow 
and develop in the manner usual with animals of a 
steady feeding habit. The feeding is so excessive 
that the health and energy of the fish is more than 
supplied, and as a result the excess of nutriment is 
stored in the tissues. Reference here has alone been 
made to the muscular system, but it has to be under- 
stood that the abdominal organs and their connecting 
membranes are likewise loaded with fat under ordi- 
nary conditions. After the cessation of feeding and 
the entrance of fresh water this source of nourish- 
ment is drawn upon for the supply of the reproductive 
organs and for the supply of energy necessary to 
the fish in ascending rivers and performing the 
reproductive functions. 
That this supply for energy is ample will be 
readily understood by the fisherman who has had the 
keen joy of testing from the end of his rod the sort 
of fight which a well-nourished salmon can put up. 
