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162 FISHES AND FISHING. 



commonly so violent, that few are willing to suffer it 

 a second time. 



A similar kind of fish was said to be found in the 

 environs of the city of Para, on the southern shore of 

 the Amazons. The torporific eel is eaten by the 

 natives. These appear to be the most early accounts 

 we have of this genus of fish. 



In the " Catalogue of Apodal Fish of the British Mu- 

 seum," pp. 141-2, there is an account of this genus of 

 eel. It is therein stated, that its powers are so great, 

 that it can slay both men and horses. The organ of this 

 wondrous power is in the fin-like substance along the 

 under part of the tail ; that its powers are exhausted 

 by use, but its energies are renovated by repose, and 

 nourishing food. It is further stated, that two were 

 brought to London in 1842, neither of them weighing 

 more than one pound ; and in 1848, one had attained 

 the weight of 40lbs., and the other of 501bs. 



A very interesting account is given in '' Humboldt's 

 Travels ;" — " The gymnotus is found in abundance in 

 the confluents of the Oroonoko. It was difficult, how- 

 ever, to procure the fish, as the Indians dread the 

 siiock which they are liable to receive in taking it. 

 The Indians believe that the gymnoti may be touched 

 with impunity by a man chewing tobacco, but their 

 faith in this precaution is not practical. The Indians 

 drove above tliiity wild liorses and mules into a stag- 



