Page:British Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fresh-water Fishes.djvu/79

SALMON from the first-mentioned by having blunter teeth, a more pronounced fringe at the edge of the suctorial disc, and more continuous dorsal fins. In other respects it resembles its congener, and it may be mentioned in conclusion that, after the all-important time of spawning is at an end, Lampreys, as with Eels, emaciate and die.

Salmon.—Salmo salar (Fig. 31). Has obtained its generic name of Salmo from the root of another Latin word meaning = to leap, in reference to its well-known habit of leaping falls, or weirs, when ascending rivers to spawn. During the years that it is passing through various stages, and according also to the processes it undergoes, the Salmon is known by several different names, and it will be as well to give a list of these in the order in which they are conferred:—

 An Alevin. The Fry, or young fish, when first hatched. A Parr. When a few months old. From the old English parren, to enclose, in reference to the marks on the sides resembhng the bars of a fence. A Smolt. When it first visits the sea. Derived from an old English word, meaning shining, in reference to the dress. A Grilse, or Peal. When it first returns from the sea.  63