EEL. 



33 



is a handsome fish, both in shape and colour; the back is 

 dark, the sides are of a golden hue, and the belly is white. 



They are sometimes covered with red spots, and varie- 

 gated with blue and yellow. They differ in colour, 

 however, in different waters. They may be taken at 

 any time, from March to October. They eat well, 

 if dressed after the manner of white-bait. 



SECT. XVI. THE EEL. 

 Anguilla vulgar is. 



THIS forms a singular family in the order of bony fishes. 

 In appearance, it is wholly unlike those already de- 

 scribed. It is lengthened in form like a serpent, and 

 has a thick and soft skin, with the scales almost in- 

 visible, and but few bones. The ventral fins are never 

 found in it. The body, being moistened all over with 

 a mucous liquor, is very slippery, and difficult to retain 

 in the grasp. 



