A line of players, the longer the better, hold hands and one end of the line, which thus becomes almost a circle, runs and drags the rest of the line after it through the arch made by the uplifted arms of the first couple of the other end of the line—a process nearly enough resembling threading a needle. There are subsequent evolutions by which each couple becomes in succession the eye of the needle.
C.
Salmon Fishery in the Thames (Vol. iv., p. 87.).
—Those of your readers who know that I am connected with Billingsgate market would look to me for the reply to R. J. R.'s Query. I must therefore inform them that only thirty or forty years back salmon were taken in rather large quantities in the Thames; but since the introduction of steam-boats and the increase of traffic, the fish have gradually, I might say suddenly, disappeared, for during the last twenty years very few salmon indeed have been taken: those that found their way to market have realised high prices; not that Thames salmon was ever esteemed for its flavour, but only for its extreme rarity of late years.
The hindrance to salmon taking the Thames is the steam-boat and other traffic, which, agitating the water, frightens them (they being a very timid fish), and stirs up the mud, which chokes them; for there is no doubt that ever after a salmon enters a river, it lives by suction. It is possible that one or two salmon a season even make up our river now, for becoming frightened, and rushing on having back and head nearly out of water, and the tide with them, they would get a long way in a night, and possible reach clear water above bridge with life, but in a very weak state. I believe that, under the most favourable circumstances, salmon would not again frequent the Thames in any large quantities, it being too southern; and there is no doubt but that the fish have been fast decreasing of late years, for some of the best rivers in the north are now without salmon.
BLOWEN.
Billingsgate.
Entomological Query (Vol. iv., p. 101.).
—The insect which J. E. found on the Linaria minor is probably either the Euphitecia Linariata or E. Pulchellata. The former species is known to feed on Toad flax, and there is little doubt that the latter does also. If J. E. found any of the caterpillars he may identify them by referring to Westwood's British Moths, vol ii. p. 59., where the caterpillar of Euphitecia Linariata is engraved and described as "yellow or greenish, with dark chesnut spots on the back and sides."
B. P. D. E.