134 FISHING GOSSIP. 



composition of water, and demonstrate in the next 

 number of the Journal of Chemical Science that it is 

 composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and sunbeams. The 

 latter, indeed, in the present instance, appear to be 

 the predominant element in the combination. My 

 " wrinkle " to the tyro would be on the mode of 

 propelling Dingey when searching for eels. This is 

 performed in one of two ways. When a second per- 

 son is employed for this purpose, he sits with his face 

 instead of his back to the spearsman ; and of course 

 reverses the usual way of using the oars he pushes 

 the " fins " of the little bark from, instead of drawing 

 them towards him. The arrangement, of course, 

 secures a more perfect view of, and a better under- 

 standing with, the spearsman in front. If the latter, 

 on the contrary, works alone, the spear itself is used 

 as the sole " motive-power." By touching the water 

 alternately with the heel and point, the operator 

 gives sufficient impulse to Dingey, while looking 

 up the game. An expert may thus give any direc- 

 tion and speed to the craft that the sport requires. 

 Showmen, I believe, are invariably allowed the privi- 

 lege of " drawing the strings," when it best suits 

 their object and convenience ; I have now the pleasing 

 duty to sing out-from the paddle-box, not exactly an 

 enemy's ship ahead, but an eel of the " right sort," 

 which I hope to take safely into port as a prize. In 

 size it might bear comparison perhaps with one of 



