82 THE SLY SILURUS. 



in the distance something greatly resembling the horns of 

 an elk, or a rein-deer, progressing rapidly on the surface 

 of the water. ' Row towards it,' exclaimed Lekander ; * the 

 deuce take me if I don't give the Sjo-troll a shot ; I am not 

 afraid of it. 5 It was with great difficulty, however, that 

 Modin could be prevailed upon once more to alter the course 

 of the boat, and to make for the apparition. But at length 

 the man's fears were partially allayed, and the chase 

 commenced in good earnest. When they had neared 

 the object sufficiently, Lekander, who was standing, gun 

 in hand, in the bow of the boat, fired, and fortunately 

 with deadly effect. On taking possession of the prize, 

 it was found to be a huge pike, to whose back the 

 skeleton of an eagle was attached. This fish, or rather 

 the bones of the bird, had been seen by numbers for several 

 years together, and universally went under the above desig- 

 nation of Sjo-troll." 



The Sly Silurus (Ma/, Sw. ; Silurus Glanis, Linn.), one 

 of the largest of fresh-water fishes, though not to my 

 knowledge found in the Wenern, is pretty common in 

 several of the lakes in the midland and more southern 

 parts of the Scandinavian peninsula. Formerly it existed 

 also in one or more of the Danish lakes, where it is sup- 

 posed to have been introduced by the monks, but where 

 it is now believed to be extinct. It is common in several 

 European countries, and though properly a fresh-water 

 fish, has been captured at times in brackish, if not in salt 

 water. 



Through the indefatigable exertions of Mr. George D. 

 Berney, of Morton, Norfolk, the silurus was last year 

 introduced into England, and consequently is now included 



