RIVER FISH AND FISHING. 375 



the flood-gates, &c., which impede the progress of other fish; 

 sometimes the English millers put straw ropes for this 

 purpose, up which the young eels swarm in myriads. While 

 ascending the larger rivers they may be seen in a double 

 column, one close to each bank, swimming with great 

 power and speed. These young eels are from half an inch 

 to an inch in length. The eel is a very voracious fish, 

 and will feed upon all kinds of garbage, and upon small 

 fish, frogs, rats, &c ; it may be said to be the great scav- 

 enger of our rivers. Eels feed chiefly by night, and they 

 lie chiefly by day in the deep pools of rivers, or under 

 stones or stumps of trees, or among the weeds or other 

 impediments to the current of water, which they seem in 

 all cases to dislike. 



THE LINE, REEL, AND HOOK. 



This, which is the essential part of all fishing-tackle, 

 consists of a reel-line, varying in length, strength, and 

 size, according to the nature of the fish which is sought 

 after; of a reel to wind this upon, also varying in accord- 

 ance with the line ; and of a smaller and finer foot-length 



