GYMNOTUS, OR ELECTRIC EEL. 



603 



powers is evidently spontaneous, and exhausts the nervous 

 energy. Like voluntary muscular effort, it needs repose, and 

 the creatures require an abundance of nourishment and rest 

 .before a fresh accumulation of electricity is produced. 



INDIAN MODE OF CATCHING ELECTKIC EELS. 



In the dry season they form deep circular Jioles for them- 

 selves in the mud of water-courses, and marshes which remain 

 filled with moisture, and they are thus able to support exist- 

 ence in their usual localities, while alligators and turtles have 



