GEN. ANGUILLA. SHARP-NOSED EEL. 259 



winter months, on account of the higher tempera- 

 ture there obtained, resulting from the mixture of 

 two fluids of different densities, the salt and fresh 

 water. The brackish water in such situations is 

 about two degrees wanner than that of the river or 

 sea. Here they commonly bury themselves in 

 sludge, and the spawn becomes matured. 



The mode of generation in Eels was long a mat- 

 ter of doubt, and the most absurd notions have been 

 entertained as to the mode in which it is effected. 

 Not long since they were believed to be viviparous ; 

 but the careful investigations of Mr. Yarrell, con- 

 tinued for many months in succession, scarcely leave 

 room for doubt that they are oviparous, producing 

 their young like other true osseous fishes. 



They are often kept in ponds, and become com- 

 paratively tame;* but they are so voracious as to 

 destroy all other kinds of fish in such situations 

 (except some of the larger kinds which they are 

 unable to overcome), and when in want of food, 

 devour each other. In rivers they are very de- 

 structive to the spawn of other fishes ; they likewise 

 feed on worms, larva? of insects, carcasses, and even 

 occasionally vegetable substances. Their tenacity 

 of life is well known ; and the facility they have, 

 owing to the suppleness and sliminess of their body, 

 in gliding between opposing objects or slipping from 

 the hand, has passed into a proverb. They are 



* An interesting account of some tame Eels, by Mr. Trevel- 

 yan, will be found in the Edinburgh New Philosophical Jour- 

 nal for April 1841, p. 439. 



