towards some of our estuaries, in October. Besides, in the Fowey, as mentioned by Mr. Couch, a second run of fish, males and females (with roe), occurs in the Plym and Avon, in the end of January and February. Before the bank of mud and sand, which occupied a large area of the Erme's mouth, was washed away, it was a scene of much animation to watch the capture of Salmons, in the autumnal months, in a pool called the "Salmon Pool," just above this tract; great numbers, occupying for a few days prior to their ascent the brackish water of the estuary, were here speared, and devoted to the table. This practice of spearing is illegal. The adult fish having spawned, from the end of November to February, (the period varying in different rivers, and in different individuals,) at, or towards the sources of rivers, descend in the end of winter and the earlier spring months, and are then wholly unfit for food; they pass to deep sea water, and are soon again in season, entering the mouths of rivers, in July, August, and September; some in June, or even in May, in company with, or just in the rear of young fish of that year. The season of fishing commences, in most rivers, on the arrival of the fish at the river mouths, and they continue to be excellent food on to October, and in one or two rivers, the Fowey for example, even to November, when the roe is small; but, after this has attained towards its perfect size, the flesh becomes soft and watery. The presence of insects on their bodies, called "Sea Lice" is an indication of the excellence of their condition, and indeed, they are thought to be best as food, when taken prior to entering fresh water. In dry seasons (as occurred in that of 1841,) they continue longer in the estuaries, aware, through some instinct, of the want of sufficient fresh water to enable them to ascend to their breeding places. Experienced fishermen observe that Salmon will ascend rivers mostly during rainy weather, when the water is thick, while on the contrary, Peal prefer to migrate upwards during fine weather, with clear water. This seems to indicate a decided difference of food in the two species. The ova of Salmons sometimes amount to 20,000, yet, with us, both this species and Peals, have of late years, become greatly reduced in numbers. It is related, that Salmons were, a century ago, so plentiful, that a law was enforced, forbidding masters to give this diet to their apprentices above three times a week. Old indentures recite this. But, though this story is stated to have reference to our counties, and especially to Exeter, it is thought to be common also to Salmon countries, generally in England. About three weeks are occupied in the descent of Salmon Fry, in most rivers, and they linger many days in the brackish water; great numbers are taken during their seaward movements, not only by the fly, but by farmers and millers who intercept them by baskets laid in the streams at convenient spots; by the end of July, these young are about a pound in weight, and have much of the appearance of Peals.* Not only do Salmon Peals ascend our rivers earlier than the Salmons, they also spawn earlier, and in the Dart,—perhaps in all our rivers,—the fry, (termed "White Fish,") descend in January, February, and March, being then larger than * Vary from 7 oz. to 1 lb. and ; the average weight, 10 oz. In 1842 they were unusually large, (Mr. W. Bentall, Correspondent.) G * Salmon fry. The old fish descend, probably, about the same time; on January 23rd, 1843, I obtained one from the Tamar; it was highly impoverished, a mere remnant of the roe discoverable, the flesh white, and nearly tasteless. The Parr (Salmo Salmulus) known to our fishermen by the name of the "Hipper," has been taken on the Avon, and the Plym in the month of September, † and is recognised under the same title on the Yealm and the Dart. * From a quarter to a half-pound, (Rev. W. F. Cornish, Correspondent.) Two and half, three ounces, four ounces, rarely half-a-pound, (Mr. W. Bentall, Correspondent.) + Mr. J. White, Plymouth, Correspondent. |