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CHAPTER I. 



THIS little treatise contains a series of 

 observations extending over sixty years 

 connected with the history, habits, and 

 origin of the fresh- water eel. 



The eel has been my study all my life. 

 I commenced my observations at the age of 

 ten, and as opportunity occurred they were 

 continued over a period of sixty years. 

 But before I can convey any idea of the 

 facts involved, I must give a record of 

 incidents, times, and places. My father 

 rented a farm upon Lord Panmure's estate 

 in Forfarshire, close to the south-east corner 

 of his lordship's deer park. There was a 

 small rivulet that ran down through the 

 park, forming the northern boundary to my 



