80 THE HAMPSHIRE SNIG. 



is probably the " Frog-moutlied eel" of the Severn, so 

 called by the fishermen from the width of the mouth. 

 It exists in many of the waters which produce the sharp - 

 nosed eel, and is much thicker in the body in proportion 

 to its length. 



The Snig Eel (Anguilla mediorostris) is another species 

 which occurs chiefly in the Avon, in Hampshire, where 

 this eel, rather remarkable for its yellow colour, is con- 

 sidered distinct from the common sorts. There are 

 some differences in its external formation and habits, as 

 well as in the size and character of the bones. The 

 Hampshire snig differs from the others in roving and 

 feeding during the day-time, the other species being 

 nocturnal. It is considered excellent as food, but does 

 not attain a large size, seldom exceeding more than half 

 a pound in weight. 



The fishermen make a certain difference in the mode 

 of placing their eel-pots when they are desirous of catch- 

 ing " snigs," finding by long experience that the snigs 

 get into those pots the mouths of which are set in the 

 opposite direction, in reference to the stream, to those 

 in which the common eels are taken. In the compara- 

 tive breadths of the nose, the snig holds an intermediate 

 position between the sharp and broad-nosed eels, rather 

 more resembling the former. It has a slight but 

 elongated depression, extending from the anterior edge 

 of the upper jaw to the uj)per and back part of the head. 



Eels are sometimes found of a lovely golden colour ; 

 and I have also seen two specimens of albino eels, the 

 skins being nearly white. 



Various methods are resorted to to intercept eels while 

 they are on their autumnal migrations. The apparatus 

 used on, the Thames, called an eel-buck (of which a 

 figure is here given), consists of a number of wicker- 



