EEL. 95 



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 consider- 

 able age. 



The Eel has this extraordinary property, never 

 to be out of season; though it is best and fattest 

 during the summer months. As food it is, by the 

 general run of medical writers, rather condemned 

 than recommended ; it appears however 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 Cambridge 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 remarkably fond of; 



