MALACOPTERYGII. — SALMONIDtE 
are permanent residents in fresh waters. The 
flesh of all is unrivalled among fishes for excel- 
lence and flavour, and is in the best condition just 
before spawning; after that operation has been 
performed, it is poor, watery, and insipid. The 
migratory species display indomitable energy and 
perseverance in overcoming the various barriers 
that oppose their ascent, leaping over rocks and up 
cascades of astonishing height. It has been as- 
certained that individual fishes return year after 
year to their native stream, almost invariably. 
The noblest species is our well-known Salmon, 
SALMON. 
{Salmo salar^ Linn.), of which magnificent speci- 
mens crowd every fishmonger’s table throughout 
the summer season. It attains a great size and 
