EELS AND LAMPEliNES. 249 



111 the first approach of Avarm weatlicr in tlio 

 early siaring, thero then ascends, or seems to 

 ascend, iho river Avon and the Stour, a vast num- 

 ber of eels called snigs. The traps, pots, or wires 

 placed in the river for the capture of these snigs, 

 which are then in the most delicious condition, 

 are set with their mouths, or entrances, down 

 the stream, as these fish invariably ascend, and 

 continue to do so throughout the summer, up to 

 the first flood in autumn, when the great descent 

 of eels, changed in condition, and not good to 

 eat, ])efore alluded to, commences. 



The condition of the ascending and descending 

 eels is very remarkable. Those that are descend- 

 ing are much more slimy to the touch, and hard, 

 and so rich when dressed for table, that it is 

 almost impossible to eat them ; the ascending 

 snigs, or eels, on the contrary, are most excellent, 

 and so mild and sweet in flavour that they make 

 the best white soup. The hue of the descending 

 and ascending fish is also different, as the belly 

 of the descending fish is of the most white and 

 silvery character, while that of the ascending 

 snig is tinted with shades of the brightest gold. 

 Locally speaking, the snigs which are caught are 



