78 ART OF ANGLING. 



three feet, but it is sometimes said, though very 

 rarely, to attain to the length of six feet, and 

 to the weight of twenty pounds. It is a fish of 

 slow growth, and is supposed to live to a very 

 considerable age. 



The Eel has this extraordinary property, never 

 to be out of season ; though it is best and fat- 

 test during the summer months. As a food it is, 

 by the general run of medical writers, rather 

 condemned than recommended ; it appears how- 

 ever to be highly nutritious, and is probably 

 only injurious when taken to excess. 



Eating of Eels is hurtful to the throat. 

 So say physicians of no common note. 



Eels, and perhaps Pike, are not found in any 

 part of England in such numbers and variety, 

 as in the marshy parts of the counties of Cam- 

 bridge and Lincoln. Of two rivers of the latter 

 it is said, in an old proverb, 



Ankham Eel and Witham Pike, 

 In all England are none like. 



When angling for Eels, any common rod will 

 answer the purpose, the line must be strong, 

 having about a yard of gut for the bottom, the 

 hook to be No. 5 or 6, using a large quill float ; 

 bait with either red worms, brandlings, maggots 

 or wasp-grubs, the last of which they are re- 

 markably fond of; permit the shot to lie on the 

 ground, which you will know to be the case if 



