AND HOW TO CATCH THEM. 67 



observer of their distinct identity. The conger is, as 

 a general rule, a night feeder, and is taken in great 

 numbers by both bolters and hand lines. They 

 should be of the deep-sea kind, and very strong. A 

 heavy sinker, and hook, " conger pattern," fastened 

 on snooding, made up of loose strands of strong line 

 laid together without twisting, and served from end 

 to end with soft brass or copper wire, as for hake 

 fishing, cuttle fish, pilchard, or sand launce bait, may 

 be used, and a dark, cloudy night chosen for the 

 sport, when lines for other fish may be laid out to 

 advantage. A few heavy blows across the back of the 

 neck, or abdomen, are generally required to disable 

 the conger when taken, as he possesses a very power- 

 ful pair of jaws, and well understands their use. 



Fresh- Water Eels, 



FAM., Murcenidce, 



Are so frequently met with in brackish and even 

 salt water, at the mouths of rivers emptying them- 

 selves into the sea, that they are, I think, fairly 

 entitled to our notice and consideration. Few fish 

 are more rich and palatable, and from their abundance 

 in many of our large rivers and deep reed-fringed 

 canals, so aptly described by poor Tom Hood, as the 

 " Ely Places,' r they are justly popular at the poor 

 man's table, furnishing many a palatable stew, and 

 crisp brown fry ; and ancient records go far to show 



F2 



