The Eel 



it will prey upon. They are among the 

 most powerful and rapid of swimmers, and 

 on light tackle give good accounts of their 

 strength. Eels have been known to grow to 

 a length of four feet, but the average is 

 about two feet. They breed in salt water ; 

 both adults and the young ascend the 

 streams from the sea sometimes a distance 

 of five hundred miles. The young have 

 been seen in countless millions making their 

 way up to fresh water. It is known that, 

 while on their way, if the large ones meet 

 obstructions in streams, they will leave 

 the water and travel through wet grass at 

 night, or over moist rocks, until they 

 arrive at some water that is suited to their 

 mode of living. They delight to lie, buried 

 in the mud or sand, with only their heads 

 out, waiting and ready to pounce on any- 

 thing edible that comes within their reach. 

 They are also often found in the long grass 

 of shallow-running clear streams. In such 

 conditions they are not only more agree- 

 able to eat, but more difficult to catch. 



19 



