CHAPTER XI 



EELS 



The life-history of the eel is shrouded in mystery. Even 

 specialists have not solved the problem, nor do they seem 

 much wiser than the eel-catchers of the Broadland. The 

 contradictory remarks, the legends, the different theories, 

 and mysterious habits that surround this fish would fill a 

 volume. Nor can I add anything to clear up the eel- 

 mystery. Indeed, every eel-student's theory or knowledge 

 only renders confusion worse confounded. Some declare 

 there are nine kinds of eels, others six kinds, others four 

 kinds, others only two kinds — which is the theory I am in- 

 clined to. Two eels seem to me to differ altogether in 

 habit and custom — the sharp-nosed or silver-bellied eel, and 

 the broad-nosed eel. But let me tell how many the Broads- 

 men distinguish of other kinds, which may be varieties, or 

 merely sexual or age differentiations. 

 Some Broadsmen describe — 



1. Stream eel, with a frog mouth, that runs in August and 

 September. 



2. Common swim eel, running to nine or ten pounds in 

 weight. They aver that neither of these eels can be taken 

 on a hook, and that both have a mark down the sides of 

 their bellies. They are said, too, to possess larger eyes 

 than any other eels, and to " fly " three times as quickly. 



3. Silver-bellied eel, which is said to be similar to a 

 stream eel, but never runs above five or six pounds, and 

 has smaller eyes than the stream eel, a silver bell}', and 

 black back. He will take a hook. 



4. Glut, with a big head, running to two feet in length, 



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