MUR.ENA. Murcena Helena. 



but the reason of this distension seems rather obscure. In 1827, thousands of Congers 

 were seen lying dead on the shore, at Eastbourne, during a severe frost ; and in January, 

 1855, a similar circumstance occurred on several of our coasts. 



The colour of the Conger is pale brown above and greyish white below. It often 

 attains to a very great size, measuring ten feet in length and weighing more than a 

 hundred pounds. 



THE beautifully mottled MTJR^ENA is tolerably common in the Mediterranean, but 

 is so scarce towards the British coast that it can hardly be considered as one of the true 

 English fishes. 



In former days the Mursena was held in great distinction by epicures ; and the 

 wealthy were accustomed to preserve them iri ponds built for that special purpose. 

 In these ponds the MuraenEe were fattened, and several of the aristocrats laboured 

 under the imputation of feeding them with an occasional slave, whenever an ill-fated 

 domestic had the misfortune to offend them. The flesh is very white in colour, and 

 of a peculiar and very delicate flavour. This fish can live either in salt or fresh water, 

 but appears to prefer the sea. 



The colour is golden yellow in front and purple towards the tail ; and the whole body 

 is covered with bands, irregular rings, and spots of deep and pale gold, purple, and 

 brown. The dorsal fin begins a little behind the head and runs to the tail, where it 

 is united with the anal fin. Both these fins are, however, low and fleshy, and not at all 

 conspicuous. The length of this fish is extremely variable ; one specimen captured off 

 the British shores measured four feet four inches in length. 



The ELECTEIC EEL is even more remarkable for its capability of delivering powerful 

 electric shocks than the torpedo, but as it is never found in the British seas it is not 

 so well known as that fish. 



The Electric Eel is a native of Southern America, and inhabits the rivers of that warm 

 and verdant country. The organs which enable it to produce such wonderful effects ara 

 double, and lie along the body, the one upon the other. 



