164 
SALMON. 
of interested notice, in consequence of having been from a distant 
date regarded as an esteemed dish for the table, as well as an 
important article of trade j and these united circumstances have 
Daused the Salmon to be the subject of a large amount of, it 
must be allowed, very unsatisfactory, if not contradictory, official 
inquiry and legislation. 
It is additionally remarkable concerning the most valuable of 
this family of fishes, the Salmon itself, that the portion of its 
nistory which is passed in the more immediate neighboui'hood 
of man has been far from the least obscure; and that too, 
although it has been the subject of much research and experiment. 
This state of uncertainty, however, especially as regards the 
(l.istinction of species and the variety observed in their habits 
in different places, may in some measure be explained by the 
fact, that at the time when Salmon have been engaged in 
depositing their spawn, or soon afterwards, the same or a closely 
neighbouring spqt has been chosen by individuals of a different, 
although kindi'cd species; or that otherwise by the operation of 
violent floods, the eggs of more than one species have been 
mingled together; and in consequence of this the spawn of 
different kinds have become the subject of the same training. 
It is certain also from observation that in the early stages of 
their growth the marks of distinction between the species are 
so obscure, that the most attentive observers have found them- 
selves at a loss in endeavouring to lay down such as they could 
depend on for separating them; and the difficulty is increased, 
that as each one advances in growth its form and colour are 
in continual change. 
It was in consequence of these combined causes of uncertainty 
that when large numbers of the young fishes were caught in 
the river, and marked without discrimination, and afterwards 
set at liberty, that the confusion was made still greater, by 
taking them again as the Salmon, Sea-Trout, Bull-Trout, and 
even the Common Trout; of all of which no doubt is felt that 
they are distinct species. To keep clear of such mistakes as 
these, recourse has been had by later enquirers to more undoubted 
methods of research; the beginning of which has been to procure 
the impregnated roe immediately on its being shed, or even to 
press it from the body of the living fish, and then to pour 
upon it the vivifying fluid of the male; after which it has been 
