The Eel 29 



VIII. 



THE EEL. 

 (Called ANGUILLA by the Romans.} 



PLATE xi. 5. 



||ELS are divided into four kinds, viz. the Silver, 

 a greenish Eel called a Grey, a blackish Eel, 

 with a broad flat head, and, lastly, an Eel 

 with reddish fins. The Silver Eel has a dark 

 brown back and white belly, with a small and sharpish 

 head. The Green Eel has a broad, flat head, and is much 

 flatter in body towards the tail than the other, its back be- 

 ing of a green colour, and belly of a whitish green. The 

 Black Eel has a larger head than the two former, a black 

 back, and yellow belly. Its flesh is reckoned unwhole- 

 some, particularly when the fish is taken out of mud or 

 standing waters. 



Eels are best in season in May, June, and July. Angle 

 for them on the ground with strong tackle, using well- 

 scoured lob-worms, minnows, loaches, bull-heads, &c. 

 when the water is high and thick. They take best in the 

 night. Strike as soon as you find a bite, for they are 

 greedy feeders. They are chiefly taken with night-lines, 

 ledger-lines, &c. 



