EEL. 97 



silk, first laying the end of the line nearly half-way 

 down the needle, the line will then hang from about 

 the middle, leaving the smaller end bare. To bait 

 the needle, enter the thick end of it into a well- 

 scoured lob-worm near the tail, and carry it up to 

 the head, so that the point of the needle may come 

 out at the middle of the worm ; then put the point 

 of the needle into the end of the quill, and take the 

 rod in one hand and the line in the other, when 

 you may guide the bait into any of the well- 

 known haunts of the Eel, viz. under large stones, 

 into the holes of banks which lie beneath the 

 surface, or in the decayed walls of mills or other 

 buildings that stand in the water. When there is a 

 bite, or run, you will feel a slight tug at the line, 

 which should be held rather loose, you must then 

 quietly withdraw the rod, and allow the Eel two 

 minutes to gorge the bait; and then, by a sharp 

 twitch, fix the needle across its throat ; do not pull, 

 but hold the line tight, and the Eel will soon make 

 ita appearance. A hook, No. 4 or 5, is frequently 

 used in lieu of a needle. 



NIGHT LINES FOR EELS. 

 A large quantity of Eels may be taken in the 

 following manner : procure a length of strong 



