of Salmon are thus destroyed, especially in the secluded mountain streams; detection is difficult, and conviction easily evaded. The depredations of poachers are largely connected with the demoralization of private distilling. The men are up all night attending to the still. The watch maintained against the revenue officers enables them to ascertain also when the rivers are unguarded. The firebrand is snatched from the still-fire, the easily-hidden gaff or spear drawn from its corner, and in a few minutes the poacher has exchanged one species of lawless industry for another equally illicit.
Mr. Lloyd describes a simple but effective mode of taking Salmon at Deje, in Sweden, where this fish is very abundant. By rocks or artificial embankments, a portion of the river is divided into several small channels. On each of these two sluices are constructed, one at each end, capable of being opened or closed at pleasure. The fish having once entered these traps, are prevented from returning, and the water being allowed to run off, they are taken out, even by hand, without the least difficulty. Five hundred, and even eight hundred Salmon are thus taken in a single day; though at the same locality, notwithstanding their abundance, they invariably refuse a bait.[1]
Many years ago, great quantities of Salmon were taken in the Thames; but that species of sport has been annihilated, in all probability by the influx of poisonous ingredients which flow in from gas-works and other numerous modern innovations, introduced during the last fifteen years.
Among the enemies of the Salmon is the Eagle,
- ↑ Field Sports, &c. i. 302.
