2-:l:6 FACT AGAINST FICTION, 



CHAPTER X. 



EELS AND LAMPEPtNES. — THE MYSTERY OF FISHES. 



Generative History of the Eel — Appearance as they Ascend and 

 Descend the Pavers — Pond-Bred Eels — Traps for Eels — Baits — 

 Lampernes — How to Catch them — Shoals of Lampernes — 

 Caught by the Piats — Used as Manure — A Table Delicacy — 

 Bait for Pike — Lampernes full of Spawn when Ascending from 

 the Sea — They Breed at an Early Age — The Lamprey — Use to 

 which the Lamprey puts his Wide Mouth — The Old Angler at 

 Cranford. 



Having read some time ago, in Belcjravia (see page 

 158, vol. vi.), a very well-written and interesting 

 accomit of the ^^ whitebait," from the pen of Mr. 

 J. G. Bertram, perhaps it will not be deemed amiss 

 to offer to the reader some practical observations 

 on that mysterious inhabitant of the waters, the 

 eel. 



To begin Avitli the generative history of this, 

 at present, little understood creature, it certainly 

 is not thoroughly ascertained whence, where, or 

 how the generative process is acliievcd. Wliethcr 



