Class IV. COMMON SALMON. 387 



the end of July, which is at Berwick termed 

 the height of Gilse time, the name given to the 

 fish at that age ; the end of July, or beginning 

 of August they lessen in number, but increase 

 in size, some being six, seven, eight, or nine 

 pounds in weight ; this appears to be a surpris- 

 ing quick growth, yet we have received from a Quick 



. . . Growth. 



gentleman at Harrington, an instance still more 

 so; a kipper salmon weighing seven pounds 

 three quarters, taken on the 7th of February, 

 being marked with a scissars, on the back-fiiij 

 and tail, and turned into the river, was again 

 taken on the 17th of March following, and then 

 was found to weigh seventeen pounds and a half. 

 All fishermen agree, that they never find any 

 food in the stomach of this fish. It is likely Food 

 they may neglect their food entirely during the 

 time of spawning, as sea lions and sea hears are 

 known to do for months together during their 

 breeding season ; and it may be observed, that 

 like those animals, the salmon return to the 

 sea lank and lean, and come from the salt wa- 

 ter in good condition. It is evident that at 

 times their food is both fish and worms, for the 

 angler uses both with good success ; as well as 

 a large, gaudy, artificial fly, which probably the 

 fish mistakes for a gay libellula or dragon flv. 



Q. c Q 



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