126 THE EEL. 



pounds. Its skin is remarkably tough and strong, 

 and should be removed before cooking the fish, 



It has a general distribution in the northern, 

 eastern, and southern States. I have seen a few 

 taken in the tributaries of the Ohio river, though 

 I believe them to be of a different species from 

 the former. One was caught last year in the 

 Cuyahoga river, which had undoubtedly found its 

 way from Lake Ontario by the Welland Canal, 

 and it will not be surprising if in the course of 

 time they should become quite plenty in the 

 upper lakes and their tributaries. In the months 

 of August and September I am told they are very 

 abundant at the Niagara Falls, crawling over the 

 wet stones in the spray of the falling water, 

 where they can be easily taken in great numbers. 



They are very tenacious of life, and will live 

 several hours out of water, and can be trans- 

 ported great distances, by placing them in wet 

 grass ; this mode would probably be the best 

 way of transporting them alive. 



I am not informed as to their time or habits 

 in spawning. They are very prolific however, and 

 are well suited for culture, thriving well either 

 in still or running water. 



It readily bites the common angle worm, which 

 is perhaps the best bait for capturing it, and 

 may be taken either in the night or day time. 



